Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
S
ShaunHH Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
Hi all,
I was looking at the documentation for my YDP-163, and see that it can respond to MIDI control.

Is there a way of using a program on the (windows) PC to change voices, reverb settings & turn the Keyboard on/off etc??

This would be handy as the keyboard doesn't remember some of it's settings on startup so I have to do a combination of keys to make it sound how I want.

Also, If I use MIDI to play the keyboard (say from a sequencer), I don't see how I access the internal voices in the piano.

So it always plays a midi file in the default voice, and echo preset is too much.

Hope the above makes sense, as you can tell I don't know my way around MIDI (and how to use it) too well... wink

Thanks,

ShaunHH


Last edited by ShaunHH; 10/30/18 07:25 AM.

ShaunHH

Yamaha Arias YDP-163 Piano, Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 mk2,
PC: i7-3770, 8GB Ram
Software: Band-in-a-Box Pro 2018(v508), Transcribe 8.6 , Reaper 5.7
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,824
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,824
Hi ShaunHH,

The Yamaha YDP-163 is a fine midi piano. Yamaha offers two pdf files about midi and connecting your keyboard to a computer and a YDP-163 specific midi reference manual +++ HERE +++ .

One pdf file, MIDI Basics, is a four page MIDI overview that will help you better understand the terminology people use when speaking about midi.

A second pdf file, Computer Related Operations, provides more specific information about how to connect your keyboard and computer together to pass both midi data and audio between the two.

The third pdf file, YDP163_143_EN_MR_A0, provides a listing of what midi commands the YDP-163 can and can not understand. You can send program changes (change instrument sounds) from the computer. However, you will have to first program the sound module to receive commands from the computer and ignore the keyboard (local control).

Look up forum user Mike Head. Mike is a big fan of midi and Yamaha keyboards. His signature has a link to his website which has a lot of information about using BiaB with a Yamaha midi keyboard.


Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
S
ShaunHH Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
Hi ShaunHH,
The Yamaha YDP-163 is a fine midi piano.

It sure is! Thanks for searching out the links for the documents - but I do already have these (and have read them through) so have got the necessary program change codes etc... but I'm not sure how implement them! :-)
I thought there might be a (windows) program that I could send the necessary commands to the YDP-163.

Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle

Look up forum user Mike Head. Mike is a big fan of midi and Yamaha keyboards.

Thanks, I'll send Mike a DM and see if he might help.


ShaunHH

Yamaha Arias YDP-163 Piano, Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 mk2,
PC: i7-3770, 8GB Ram
Software: Band-in-a-Box Pro 2018(v508), Transcribe 8.6 , Reaper 5.7
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Hey Jim/Shaun,

Can't you just send CC/Sysex messages via the BIAB MIDI Event List Editor? The Yamaha manual should have the list of instrument sounds by number and you can choose the instrument by MIDI command.

Shaun, check out Chapter 10 in the user manual for BIAB on MIDI. You can find it at your install location, C:\BB\Documentation\Band-in-a-Box 2018 Manual.pdf.




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
S
ShaunHH Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
Hi Steve,
Apologies for the late reply - many thanks for your advice.

Originally Posted By: sslechta


Can't you just send CC/Sysex messages via the BIAB MIDI Event List Editor? The Yamaha manual should have the list of instrument sounds by number and you can choose the instrument by MIDI command.

I sort of feel that BIAB is not the right thing to do this (unless it's possible to do some automatic way), but it might be good to try out - so that I can understand how the codes are issued...

Originally Posted By: sslechta

Shaun, check out Chapter 10 in the user manual for BIAB on MIDI. You can find it at your install location, C:\BB\Documentation\Band-in-a-Box 2018 Manual.pdf.


So, for example I've looked at the MIDI Manual and it has a table for the voices.
Here is an example for the Harpsichord voice:


voice Name: Harpsichord
MSB (0-127):10
LSB (0-127):0
Program Change:7


I'm assuming that MSB & LSB stand for Most/Least significant byte??

So how do I now issue a MIDI command to the YDP-163 that changes the voice without me doing so from the piano keyboard.
I did look at chapter 10 in the manual but I've still not grasped it... I must be missing something obvious I guess frown


ShaunHH

Yamaha Arias YDP-163 Piano, Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 mk2,
PC: i7-3770, 8GB Ram
Software: Band-in-a-Box Pro 2018(v508), Transcribe 8.6 , Reaper 5.7
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,675
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,675
To access the various sounds, you're going to have to create a patch map for your keyboard.

If you look in the user manual at around page 515, you'll find information about creating a patch map.

The easiest route may be to look to see if someone has already created a Cakewalk Patch Map for your keyboard, as BIAB has a utility to convert that .INS file to the BIAB .PAT (patch map) file format.

Or you can just enter the values yourself as described in the user manual either using the interface there or manually editing and existing patch map file to use as a basis for your keyboard patch map file.

Not really for the faint of heart, but definitely doable.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Hi Shaun
Sorry I must have missed this one. Thanks for your message.
There is no way of changing the default power on settings in the piano by sending midi to it from externally.
However you could load a registration of your favourite settings. saved in the keyboard previously, and load this at power up. Most things get saved to a regi if you tick all the boxes and is a snapshot of your keyboards current state
This may help .

As for the second part of your question.
You can make a midi file use your piano panel voices as selected when you press the buttons on the keyboard, by sending the correct Bank patch change MSB & LSB and Voice / Patch no. in the midi file for that track/channel.
EG.for a Yamaha CVP 405
MSB000 LSB000 voice 001 = XG/GM Piano

MSB000 LSB040 voice 001 = XG/ Piano-Strings

MSB000 LSB112 voice 001 = Keyboard Panel Piano voice.
This info can be found in your manual or data sheet downloadable from Yamaha.

To make life easier a Cakewalk .ins file will let you choose the voice by name and bank in the track view, and insert them for you in the midi file if using Cakewalk as your Daw

BIAB use .pat files these can be converted by BIAB from Cakewalk .ins file
Providing you install this in BIAB you can then choose these better voices, in the mixer tracks by, select midi instrument (patch) / select higher bank patch (from patch file)
This way if you have your keyboard selected as an external synth you can use the say panel keyboard voices to play your BIAB midi tracks through you keyboard.

The above assumes you have installed the midi driver for your keyboard on the pc and it shows up as a midi input and output device in BIAB or Cakewalk etc.

Late edit,
I notice that the YDP-163 only has 10 instrument voices, no xg etc. therefore you can’t use this as a GM external synth unless you only want the ten voices included so not suitable for the BIAB mid style parts


Hope this is not too daunting,
Have fun.
Mike






Last edited by Mike Head; 11/06/18 11:02 AM.

BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro
Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth
Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt

http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,211
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,211
Nevermind, just caught Mike Head's edit on not being GM compatible ..


Last edited by rharv; 11/06/18 03:04 PM.

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
S
ShaunHH Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
Hi All,

Many thanks for the help with the (very detailed) MIDI info. I'm going to have do a bit more background as it looks like I do need to get some more understanding with all the above, before having a second look.

Once again - many thanks for your help!


ShaunHH

Yamaha Arias YDP-163 Piano, Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 mk2,
PC: i7-3770, 8GB Ram
Software: Band-in-a-Box Pro 2018(v508), Transcribe 8.6 , Reaper 5.7
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!

It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!

We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!

Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:

Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!

Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,546
Posts780,792
Members39,686
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
flyboyeal, zedzded81, Aprada, songpilot space, mdbaharzaman
39,686 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 144
WaoBand 110
DC Ron 89
rsdean 87
Noel96 63
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5