Yamaha Mo 8 Manual

							Creating a Song
101Owner’s Manual
Quick Guide Creating a Song on the MO
You can load the file (extension: M7A) saved as “All” by selecting one of the following file types. 
Move the cursor to the file (extension: M7A) which was saved as “All” on previous page. 
When Type is set to “All,” go to step 5. 
When Type is set to something other than “All,” follow the instructions below then go to step 5. 
●When Type is set to “Voice” or “Performance”: 
You can select and load a specified Voice or Performance in the file (extension: M7A) to this instrument.
●When Type is set to “Song” or “Pattern”: 
You can select and load a specified Song or Pattern in the file (extension: M7A) to this instrument.
Loading data to this synthesizer automatically erases and replaces any existing data in the User memory. Make sure to save any important data to a 
USB storage device before performing any Load operations.
After the data has been loaded, a “Completed” message appears and operation returns to the original display.
While the data is being saved/loaded, make sure to follow these precautions:
• Do not remove or eject the media from the USB storage device.
• Do not unplug or disconnect the USB storage device.
• Do not turn off the power of the instrument or the relevant devices.
3Select a file type to be loaded. 
AllAll data in a file that is saved to the USB storage device as an “All” type can be loaded and restored to this instrument. 
VoiceA specified Voice in a file can be individually selected and loaded to this instrument.
PerformanceA specified Performance in a file can be individually selected and loaded to this instrument.
SongA specified Song in a file can be individually selected and loaded to this instrument.
PatternA specified Pattern in a file can be individually selected and loaded to this instrument.
4Select a file ( ) to be loaded. 
5Press the [ENTER] button to execute the Load operation.
ENTER
EXECUTE
Move the cursor to the file (extension: 
M7A) which was saved as “All” on 
previous page. All Voices or Performances in the selected 
file are listed. Move the cursor to the 
desired Voice or Performance to be loaded. 
Select the destination Voice number 
or Performance number. Select the desired Voice 
or Performance. 
ENTER
EXECUTE
Move the cursor to the file (extension: 
M7A) which was saved as “All” on 
previous page. All Songs or Patterns in the selected file are 
listed. Move the cursor to the desired Song 
or Pattern to be loaded. 
Select the destination Song number 
or Pattern number. Select the desired 
Song or Pattern. 
CAUTION
CAUTION 
						

							Quick Guide Creating a Song on the MO
Creating a Song
102Owner’s Manual
Setting a specific file to load automatically when the power is turned on
The MO is very easy to use and you can create Voices, Performances, Patterns and Songs very quickly on it. However, there may 
be times that creating and editing of data may be spread out over several sessions. In such a case, you may find it convenient to 
have the instrument automatically load the appropriate files for you when you turn it on, so you can easily resume your editing 
session.
nThe Auto Load parameter is set to on when this synthesizer is shipped from the factory.
nThe file type which can be loaded automatically is “All.” 
1Change the names of the files you wish to have 
load automatically when the power is turned on 
as described below, and save them together in a 
single folder or in the root directory.
2Enter the Utility mode and call up the Auto Load 
display ([UTILITY] ➞ [F1] GENERAL ➞ [SF4] 
OTHER).
3Set “Auto Load” to on, and press the [SF5] GET 
button.
 
4Select the folder saved in step 1.
If the device is inserted the multiple medias, select the Slot 
number. If the device is divided the multiple partitions, 
select the Partition number.
5Press the [STORE] button to store the settings 
as the system setting of Utility mode.
nIf the Auto Load files cannot be found (for example, a USB 
storage device is not installed properly or a USB storage 
device containing no Auto Load files is installed, etc.) when 
turning the power on even with the Auto Load parameter set to 
on, the Demo Song/Pattern data n the internal ROM will be 
loaded automatically.
TIP
Save the data after editing.The saved files are loaded automatically 
when you turn the power on next time.  Turn the power off
SaveAuto Load USB Storage device USB Storage device
File typeFile name
All AUTOLOAD.M7A 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Connections
103Owner’s Manual
Connections
Connecting to External Audio Equipment
Since the MO has no built-in speakers, you’ll need an external audio system or a set of stereo headphones to properly 
monitor it. Alternatively, you could use a pair of headphones.
There are several methods of connecting to external audio equipment, as described in the following illustrations.
Audio Output
■ Analog Output
For optimum, accurate reproduction of the instrument’s rich sounds, effects and full stereo image, use a pair of powered 
speakers. Connect the powered speakers to the OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks on the rear panel.
nWhen using just one powered speaker, connect it to the OUTPUT L/MONO jack on the rear panel.
■ Digital Output
The sound output through the OUTPUT jacks by analog can also be output by digital through the DIGITAL OUTPUT jack. 
Using this digital output jack, you can record the keyboard performance or Song/Pattern playback of this synthesizer to 
external media (e.g., an MD recorder) with exceptionally high-quality sound.
Connecting the MO to external devices
MO
OUTPUT L/MONO OUTPUT R
PHONES
Powered speaker (Left)Powered speaker (Right)
Headphones
DAT
DIGITAL 
INPUTDIGITAL OUTPUT
MO
Recording
DAT or CD recorder Coaxial cable 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Connections
104Owner’s Manual
Connecting External MIDI Instruments
Using a standard MIDI cable (optional), you can connect an external MIDI device, and control it from the MO. Likewise, you 
can use an external MIDI device (such as a keyboard or sequencer) to control the sounds on the MO. This section 
introduces several different applications of MIDI.
nEither of the interfaces—MIDI or USB—can be used for MIDI data transmission/reception. However, they cannot be used at the same time. Select 
which connector is used for MIDI data transfer in the Utility mode with the following operation. [UTILITY] → [F5] MIDI → [SF4] OTHER → MIDI IN/OUT 
(page 210)
■ Controlling from an external MIDI keyboard
Use an external keyboard to remotely select and play Voices of the MO.
■ Controlling an external MIDI keyboard from this synthesizer
This connection lets you sound an external MIDI tone generator (synthesizer, tone generator module, etc.) by playing the 
MO or playing back the Song/Pattern of the MO. Use this connection when you wish to sound the other instrument as well as 
the MO.
Use an external MIDI Transmit Channel and Receive Channel
Make sure match the MIDI Transmit Channel of the external MIDI instrument with the MIDI Receive Channel of the MO. 
For details on setting the MIDI Transmit Channel of the external MIDI instrument, refer to the Owner’s Manual of the MIDI 
instrument. For details on setting the MIDI Receive Channel of the MO, check the following points.
• In the Voice mode/Performance mode (using the MO as a single timbre tone generator)
Check the MIDI Basic Receive Channel with the following operation. 
If necessary, change this parameter to the same number as the MIDI Transmit Channel of the external MIDI instrument.
• In the Song mode/Pattern mode (using the MO as a multi-timbral tone generator)
Check the MIDI Receive Channel for each part of the Song/Pattern with the following operation.
Change the settings of the desired parts to match the MIDI Transmit Channel settings on the external MIDI instrument. Please note that 
all the parts whose MIDI Receive Channel are same as MIDI Transmit Channel of the external MIDI instrument are sounded by your 
keyboard performance.
nThe functions of the internal tone generator differ depending on whether the Voice/Performance mode (single timbre, keyboard playback) or 
the Song/Pattern mode (multi-timbral, sequencer playback) is selected. For details, see page 134.
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
MO
External MIDI keyboard or synthesizer, 
such as the S/SY/EX series
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF1] CH ➞ BasicRcvCh
[SONG] or [PATTERN] ➞ [MIXING] ➞ [EDIT] ➞ Part selection ➞ [F1] VOICE ➞ [SF2] MODE ➞ ReceiveCh
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
MO
External MIDI keyboard or synthesizer, 
such as the S/SY/EX series 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Connections
105Owner’s Manual
■ Recording and playback using an external MIDI sequencer
In this connection example, song data on the external MIDI sequencer plays the sounds of the tone generator on the MO. 
The external song data can also be recorded to Song/Pattern tracks on the MO.
In this case, make sure that the MO is set to the Song mode or Pattern mode. If the instrument is set to the Voice mode or to 
a Performance mode setting in which multi-channel MIDI messages are not recognized, the external sequence data 
(containing multi-channel data) will not play back properly on the MO. In addition, you may have to make certain MIDI 
synchronization settings (see below).
Splitting the sound between the MO and an external tone generator by MIDI channel (Part 1)
Using the connection example shown above, you can play both instruments and have them separately sound different parts—for 
example, having your keyboard performance sound the external instrument while the Song/Pattern plays the sounds of the MO. 
Check the following points.
■ In the Voice mode/Performance mode
You can check the MIDI Transmit Channel at the right corner of the [F1] PLAY display in the Voice Play mode/Performance Play mode. 
If necessary, you can change the MIDI Transmit Channel by turning the [TRACK SELECT] button on and entering the desired value 
with the Number buttons.
When you wish to sound only the external tone generator, set Master Volume to “0” or set Local Control to “off” with the following 
operation.
For details on how to set the MIDI Receive Channel of the external MIDI instrument, refer to the Owner’s Manual of that MIDI 
instrument.
■ In the Song mode/Pattern mode
You can check the MIDI Transmit Channel for each track of the current Song/Pattern with the following operation. Change this setting 
as necessary.
Alternately, you can set the output destination (Internal or external MIDI tone generator) for each track from the following display.
In this case, you’ll need to set the external MIDI tone generator to multi-timbral operation and set the MIDI Receive Channel for each 
part. For details, refer to the owner’s manual of the external MIDI tone generator.
Alternately, you can have your keyboard performance split and assigned to different MIDI channels by using the Zone settings in the 
Master mode. (See page 125.)
nThe functions of the internal tone generator differ depending on whether the Voice/Performance mode (single timbre, keyboard playback) or the 
Song/Pattern mode (multi-timbral, sequencer playback) is selected. For details, see page 134.
Synchronizing with an external MIDI instrument (Master and Slave)
The Songs and Patterns of this instrument can be synchronized to the playback of an external MIDI sequencer, To do this, one device 
must be set to internal clock operation and the other (as well as all other devices to be controlled) to external clock. The device set to 
internal clock serves as a reference for all connected devices, and is referred to as the “master” instrument. The connected devices 
set to external clock are referred to as “slaves.”
When recording playback data of the external MIDI sequencer to a Song/Pattern of the MO in the above connection example, make 
sure to set the MIDI synchronization parameter to the use of external clock in the Utility mode with the following operation.
TIP
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF2] SWITCH ➞ LocalCtrl
[SONG] or [PATTERN] ➞ [F3] TRACK ➞ [SF1] CHANNEL
[[SONG] or [PATTERN] ➞ [F3] TRACK ➞ [SF2] OUTSW
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
MO
Sounding the MO tone generator from 
a MIDI sequencer, such as the QX/QY 
series, RM1x, RS7000
[UTILITY] → [F5] MIDI → [SF3] SYNC → MIDI Sync = MIDI 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Connections
106Owner’s Manual
■ Controlling another MIDI instrument via MIDI THRU
If you have more synthesizers and tone generators than MIDI ports, you can use the MIDI THRU jack to connect and control 
additional devices. Here, the playback data of a MIDI sequencer is used to play the sounds of another MIDI instrument 
(connected to the MIDI THRU connector) as well as the MO. The MIDI THRU connector simply redirects any received MIDI 
data (via MIDI IN) to connected instrument.
In this case, make sure that the MO is set to the Song mode or Pattern mode. If the instrument is set to the Voice mode or to 
a Performance mode setting in which multi-channel MIDI messages are not recognized, the external sequence data 
(containing multi-channel data) will not play back properly on the MO. In addition, you may have to make certain MIDI 
synchronization settings (see below). Likewise, make sure to set the MIDI tone generator (connected to the MIDI THRU 
connector) to the multi-timbral mode.
In addition, you need to set the MIDI synchronization related parameters of the MO to enable external clock from the 
following display.
■ Connecting to an MTR (Multi Track Recorder)
Since this synthesizer can receive the MTC (MIDI Time Code) and can transmit the MMC (MIDI Machine Control), you can 
produce music by synchronizing to a MTC- or MMC-compatible multi-track.
You can use two types of MTR control (illustrated below) by setting the MIDI Sync to MTC in the Utility mode, with the 
following operation.
nMTC and MMC are available only in the Song mode.
●Synchronizing the MO to the MTC signal from an external MTR
After receiving the MTC signal transmitted from the MTR (when MTR playback is started), the selected Song of the MO will 
start, once the MTC Start Offset time elapses (set from the display [UTILITY] → [F5] MIDI → [SF3] SYNC → MTC StartOffset 
in the Utility mode).
nMTC (MIDI Time Code) allows simultaneous synchronization of multiple audio devices via standard MIDI cables. It includes data corresponding to 
hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. The MO does not transmit MTC. An instrument such as the Yamaha AW2400 is necessary as an MTC master.
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF3] SYNC ➞ MIDI Sync = MIDI
Splitting the sound between the MO and an external tone generator by MIDI channel (Part 2)
In this connection example shown above, you can split the sequence playback between the MO and another instrument connected to 
MIDI THRU and have them sound different parts.
For example, on the MO assign the Song/Pattern parts to MIDI Receive Channels 1 through 9 with the following operation, and set the 
rest of the parts (not to be sounded) to off.
On the connected MIDI tone generator, assign the parts to be sounded to MIDI Receive Channels 10 through 16, and set the rest of 
the parts (not to be sounded) to off.
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF3] SYNC ➞ MIDI Sync = MTC
MIDI OUT
MIDI THRU MIDI IN
MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI IN
C
MO
MIDI tone generator
MIDI synthesizerMIDI sequencer such as 
the QY/QX series, 
RM1x, RS7000
TIP
[SONG] or [PATTERN] ➞ [MIXING] ➞ [EDIT] ➞ Part selection ➞ [F1] VOICE ➞ [SF2] MODE ➞ ReceiveCh
MIDI INMTC OUT
MO
MIDI cable
AW2400, etc. 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Connections
107Owner’s Manual
●Controlling an MTR by using MMC transmitted from the MO
You can control the start/stop and fast forward/rewind of the MMC-compatible MTR from the SEQ TRANSPORT buttons on 
the front panel of the MO, outputting MMC messages via MIDI.
nMMC (MIDI Machine Control) allows remote control of multitrack recorders, MIDI sequencers, etc. A MMC-compatible multitrack recorder, for example, 
will automatically respond to start, stop, fast forward, and rewind operations performed on the controlling sequencer, thus keeping playback of the 
sequencer and multitrack recorder aligned.
Connecting to a Computer
Connecting this instrument to a computer via MIDI opens up a whole world of musical possibilities—such as using 
sequencer software to record and play back compositions with the MO sounds or using the Voice Editor/Multi Part Editor 
software (page 112) to create and edit your own custom Voices/Mixing settings (Multis).
In order to use the instrument with a computer via a USB connection, you will need to install an appropriate USB-MIDI driver 
(page 110).
Using a USB TO HOST connector
MIDI messages can be transferred between the sequencer software and MO using the USB cable. However, audio data 
cannot be transmitted or received via USB on the MO.
When using a USB connection, make sure to set the following parameter to “USB.”
nUSB cables have different connectors on each end: the A type and the B type. When connecting this synthesizer to the computer, connect the A type 
to your computer and the B type to the USB TO HOST connector. When connecting this synthesizer to the computer, connect the A type to your 
computer and the B type to the USB TO HOST connector.
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF4] OTHER ➞ MIDI IN/OUT = USB
MIDI channels and MIDI ports
MIDI data is assigned to one of sixteen channels, and this instrument is capable of simultaneously playing sixteen 
separate parts via these channels. While a single MIDI cable is equipped to handle data over up to sixteen channels 
simultaneously, a USB connection is capable of handling far more—thanks to the use of MIDI ports. Each MIDI port can 
handle sixteen channels, and the USB connection allows up to eight ports, letting you use up to 128 channels (8 ports 
x 16 channels) on your computer.
nThe tone generator block in this instrument can recognize and use only one port.
nWhen using a USB connection, make sure to match the MIDI transmit port and the MIDI receive port as well as the MIDI transmit channel and the 
MIDI receive channel.
LOCATE
REC
12
SEQ  TRANSPORT
MO
MIDI IN MIDI OUTMIDI OUT MIDI IN
MIDI cable
AW2400, etc.
USB TO HOST
MO
USB cable
Computer with a USB interface 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Connections
108Owner’s Manual
Using a MIDI cable
nUse an appropriate MIDI interface for your computer. If you are using a computer that has a USB port, make sure to connect the computer and the MO 
by USB. 
 Thru Port Setting
MIDI ports can be used to divide playback among multiple synthesizers, as well as expand the MIDI channel capacity 
beyond sixteen.
In the example below, a separate synthesizer connected to the MO is played by MIDI data via port 5, as set in the 
ThruPort parameter with the following operation.
Precautions when using the USB TO HOST connector
When connecting the computer to the USB TO HOST connector, make sure to observe the following points.
Failing to do so risks freezing the computer and corrupting or even losing the data. If the computer or the instrument freezes, turn the 
power to the instrument off or restart the computer.
•Before connecting the computer to the USB TO HOST connector, exit from any power-saving mode (such as suspended, sleep, standby) of the 
computer.
•Before turning on the power to the instrument, connect the computer to the USB TO HOST connector.
•Execute the following before turning the power to the instrument on/off or plugging/unplugging the USB cable to/from the USB TO HOST 
connector.
-Quit any open applications (such as Voice Editor, Multi Part Editor, and sequencer software).
-Make sure that data is not being transmitted from the instrument. (Data is transmitted only by playing notes on the keyboard or playing back 
a Song.) 
•While a USB device is connected to the instrument, you should wait for six seconds or more between these operations: (1) when turning the 
power of the instrument off then on again, or (2) when alternately connecting/disconnecting the USB cable.
TIP
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF4] OTHER ➞ ThruPort = 5
MIDI OUT USB TO HOST MIDI INOnly MIDI data over port 5 
will be transmitted through 
the MO to this tone 
generator.MIDI cable USB cable
Outputting the MIDI data 
via multiple ports
Only MIDI data over port 1 is recognized. For details on the relationship between 
the MIDI port and the tone generator block, see page 135.
CAUTION
MO
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
MIDI cable
Computer MIDI interface
Serial port (modem or 
printer port) or USB port 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Connections
109Owner’s Manual
Local On/Off—when Connected to a Computer
When connecting this synthesizer to a computer, the keyboard performance data is generally sent to the computer, and then returned 
from the computer to play the tone generator block. If the Local Control in the Utility mode is set to “on,” a “double” sound may result, 
since the tone generator is receiving performance data from both the keyboard directly and the computer. Use the setting suggestions 
below as a guideline; specific instructions may differ depending on your computer and the software used.
• When MIDI “Echo” (MIDI Thru) is set to “on” the software/computer: 
nWhen transmitting or receiving System Exclusive data (such as with the Bulk Dump function), use the setting example below, making sure that 
MIDI “Echo” (MIDI through) on the computer software is set to “off.”
• When MIDI “Echo” (MIDI Thru) is set to “off” the software/computer: 
nAlthough not indicated in the illustration above, the MO actually receives and responds to MIDI data from the computer application (sequencer), 
regardless of the Local Control setting on the MO.
*MIDI “Echo” is a function on sequencers that takes any data received via the MIDI IN and “echoes” it (or sends it as is) through the MIDI OUT. In some 
software, this function is also called “MIDI Thru.”
nFor details about MIDI Echo, refer to the owner’s manual of your particular software. 
Quick Setup
The MO is capable of handling many different music applications—such as live performance, connection to a 
computer for recording, etc. However, depending on the particular situation, you may have to change the MIDI 
synchronize setting or the Local On/Off setting above manually.
To help with this, the MO features a convenient Quick Setup function that lets you instantly change important settings 
for four different typical situations. For details about the Quick Setup function, see page 208.
MOIN OUT USB TO HOST
OUT
IN
Computer (SQ01, etc.)
MIDI Echo (MIDI thru) = on
Tone generator 
blockKeyboard
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF2] SWITCH ➞ 
LocalCtrl = off
OUT
IN
USB TO HOSTMO
Computer (SQ01, etc.)
MIDI Echo (MIDI thru) = off
Tone generator 
blockKeyboard
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF2] SWITCH ➞ 
LocalCtrl = on
TIP 
						

							Quick Guide Connecting the MO to external devices
Using as a Multi-timbral Tone Generator for your DAW/sequencer
110Owner’s Manual
Using as a Multi-timbral Tone Generator for your 
DAW/sequencer
The MO can serve as a high-quality, 16-part, multi-timbral tone generator for playing back song data from your DAW (digital 
audio workstation) or sequencer software. By assigning each track in a MIDI song file to a different MIDI channel, you can 
have each track in the song independently play back a different Voice on the MO.
Setting up for using a computer
nIn the example explanations below, the MO is connected to 
computer via USB. You can also use MIDI cables to connect the 
instrument to a computer.
http://www.global.yamaha.com/download/usb_midi/
OS: Windows XP Professional/Home Edition, 
Mac OS X 10.2 – 10.4.2
*This information above applies to version 2.1.5 (for Windows XP) 
and version 1.0.4 (for Mac OS X). Keep in mind that the software 
is often updated and the system requirements are subject to 
change. You can check the latest version information of each 
program and its system requirements at the website above.
For information about how to install, refer to the installation 
guide included in the downloaded file.
For details, see page 107.
Never attempt to turn off the power while an “Executing...” or “Please 
keep power on” message is shown. Turning the power off in this state 
may cause the system to freeze and prevent normal startup the next 
time the power is turned on, as well as resulting in the loss of all user 
data.
Using the sounds of the MO for song 
playback from a sequencer
Set the MIDI port and MIDI channel setting of each track in 
the sequencer song file as desired.
MIDI Port settings
When you are using the internal tone generator of the MO, set the 
MIDI port of each track of the sequencer to “1.” 
MIDI channel settings
Match the MIDI transmit channels of the sequencer with the 
receive channels of the Song/Pattern Parts. The receive channels 
of the Song/Pattern can be set in the [F1] VOICE display in the 
Song/Pattern Mixing Edit mode.
nMIDI ports 1 – 8 of USB are shown as “YAMAHA USB IN/OUT 0-1” 
– “YAMAHA USB IN/OUT 0-8” in Windows, and as “YAMAHA MO 
Port 1” – “YAMAHA MO Port 8” on the Macintosh.
Set the Voices to be assigned to each Mixing setting, as 
well as the Receive Channels and Effects for the desired 
song. For details about the Mixing settings, see page 93.
1Download the latest USB-MIDI driver from the 
website at the following URL:
2Install the USB-MIDI driver to the computer.
3Connect the MO to the computer by the USB 
cable.
4Set the following parameter to “USB.”
[UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF4] OTHER ➞ MIDI IN/OUT
5Press the [STORE] button to store the settings 
as the system settings of the Utility mode.
CAUTION
1Follow the instructions described in “Setting 
up for using a computer” (at left).
2
Start up the sequencer software on the 
computer, and then open a new song file in 
the sequencer.
3Press the [SONG] or [PATTERN] button to 
enter the Song mode or Pattern mode.
4Select a Song or Pattern.
VOICEPERFORMMASTER
SONG PATTERN
MIXING