Yamaha Montage 8 Manual

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual11
Controls and Functions
Rear Panel 
* These jacks are also compatible with TS phone plugs; when used, the connection is unbalanced.
FC3,
FC4,
FC5 FC4,
FC5FC7
  


 Left side of Rear Panel
 Right side of Rear PanelThe illustration shows the MONTAGE8, but the information applies to all models.
USB flash memory device
Computer
External MIDI keyboardPowered speakerHeadphones
Playback equipment
Microphone AC outlet
Jack List (Pin Alignment)
Input and Output JacksPolaritiesBalanced/UnbalancedConfigurations
 ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT (BALANCED) [L], [R]*
 OUTPUT (BALANCED) [L/MONO], [R]*Tip: Hot (+)
Ring: Cold (-)
Sleeve: GroundBalanced TRS phone plug 

 [PHONES] Tip: L
Ring: R
Sleeve: Ground—
 A/D INPUT [L/MONO], [R] Tip: Signal
Sleeve: GroundUnbalanced TS phone plug Ring
Sleeve Tip
Sleeve Tip 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual12
Controls and Functions
 Left side of Rear Panel
[STANDBY/ON] switch
Press to set the power to On or Standby.
[AC IN] (AC Power Cord Socket)
Plug the AC power cord supplied with this instrument.
[USB TO DEVICE] terminal
Used to connect this instrument to a USB flash memory 
device. This lets you save data created on this instrument to 
an external USB flash memory device and load data from a 
USB flash memory device to the instrument. Save/Load 
operations can be performed: [UTILITY]   [Contents]  
[Store/Save] or [Load].
NOTE
• Only USB flash memory devices can be recognized by this  instrument. No other USB devices (such as a hard disk drive, CD-
ROM drive and USB hub) can be used.
• The instrument supports the USB 1.1 to 3.0 standard. However,  note that the transfer speed differs depending on the data type 
and the condition of this instrument.
[USB TO HOST] terminal
Used to connect this instrument to a computer via a USB 
cable, and allows you to transfer MIDI data and audio data 
between the devices. Unlike MIDI, USB can handle multiple 
ports via a single cable (page 50). For information about 
how the MONTAGE handles Ports, see page 50.
NOTE
Audio data sending capability for the instrument is a maximum 
32 channels (16 stereo channels) at a sampling frequency of 
44.1 KHz; or maximum 8 channels (4 stereo channels) for a 
sampling frequency of 44.1 KHz to 192 KHz. Audio data receiving 
capability is a maximum 6 channels (3 stereo channels).
 Right side of Rear Panel
MIDI [IN], [OUT], [THRU] terminal
MIDI [IN] is for receiving control or performance data from 
another MIDI device, such as an external sequencer, letting 
you control this instrument from the connected separate 
MIDI device. 
MIDI [OUT] is for transmitting all control, performance and 
playback data from this instrument to another MIDI device, 
such as an external sequencer.
MIDI [THRU] is simply for redirecting any received MIDI data 
(via MIDI [IN]) to connected devices, allowing convenient 
chaining of additional MIDI instruments.
FOOT SWITCH [ASSIGNABLE]/[SUSTAIN] 
jacks
For connection of an optional FC3/FC4/FC5 Footswitch to the 
[SUSTAIN] jack and a FC4/FC5 Footswitch to the 
[ASSIGNABLE] jack. When connected to the [SUSTAIN] 
jack, the Footswitch controls sustain. When connected to 
[ASSIGNABLE], it can control one of various assignable 
functions. NOTE
• The term “FC3” in this Owner’s Manual refers collectively to the 
FC3 and other footswitches compatible with the FC3, such as the 
FC3A.
• The term “FC4” in this Owner’s Manual refers collectively to the  FC4 and other footswitches compatible with the FC4 such as the 
FC4A.
FOOT CONTROLLER [1]/[2] jacks
For connection of an optional foot controller (FC7, etc.). This 
jack lets you continuously control one of various different 
assignable functions for Part edit—such as volume, tone, 
pitch, or other aspects of the sound (see the Reference 
Manual PDF document).
ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT (BALANCED) [L] and 
[R] jacks (TRS balanced output)
Line level audio signals are output from this instrument via 
these TRS balanced outputs. These outputs are 
independent of the main output (at the OUTPUT [L/MONO]/
[R] jacks below), and can be freely assigned to any of the 
Drum Part keys or the Parts. This lets you route specific Parts 
or sounds for processing with a favorite external effect unit. 
The Parts which can be assigned to these jacks are as 
follows:
• Drum Part key to which the drum/percussion instrument is  assigned
• Metronome (Click)
• Any Part of a Performance*
* Includes Audio Input Part
For details, see the Reference Manual PDF document.
OUTPUT (BALANCED) [L/MONO] and [R] 
jacks (TRS balanced output)
Line level audio signals are output via these TRS balanced 
outputs. For monophonic output, use only the [L/MONO] 
jack.

[PHONES] (Headphone) jack
This standard stereo phones jack is for connection to a set of 
stereo headphones. This jack outputs audio signals identical 
to those from the OUTPUT [L/MONO] and [R] jacks.
A/D INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] jacks
External audio signals can be input via these phone jacks 
(1/4" mono phone plug). Various devices such as a 
microphone, CD player or synthesizer can be connected to 
these jacks and their audio input signal can be sounded as 
the Audio Part.
In addition, you can use the special Vocoder feature by 
connecting a microphone to this [L/MONO] jack and 
inputting your Voice to the microphone.
You can also use the Envelope Follower and ABS (Audio 
Beat Sync) features. Envelope Follower is a function for 
detecting the volume envelope of the input signal waveform 
and modifying sounds dynamically.  
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual13
Controls and Functions
NOTE
• A guitar or bass having active pickups can be directly connected. 
However, when using passive pickups, connect the instrument via 
an effect device.
• The Vocoder/Envelope Follower can be controlled from all Part 
outputs, and not just the A/D INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] jack.
ABS (Audio Beat Sync) is a function for detecting the beat of 
the audio signal input from these jacks and synchronizing 
the beat with the Motion Sequencer or Arpeggio.
Use 1/4" mono phone plugs. For stereo signals (such as from 
audio equipment), use the [L/MONO]/[R] jacks. For mono 
signals (such as from a microphone or guitar), use only the 
[L/MONO] jack.
For details about the Envelope Follower and ABS features, 
see the Reference Manual PDF document. 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual14
Power Supply
Connect the supplied AC power cord in the following order. 
Make sure the [STANDBY/ON] switch on the instrument is set 
to the Standby position.
1Connect the supplied power cord to the AC IN 
on the instrument’s rear panel.
2Connect the other end of the power cord to 
an AC outlet.
NOTEFollow this procedure in reverse order when disconnecting the power 
cord.
WARNING
 Use only the AC power cord supplied with your instrument. 
The use of an inappropriate replacement can lead to 
overheating or electric shock.
 The power cord supplied with your instrument must not be 
used with other electrical equipment. Failure to observe this 
precaution can result in the equipment being damaged or 
cause a fire.
 Make sure your instrument the voltage requirement for the 
country or region in which it is being used. 
CAUTION
The instrument remains charged and draws a small amount of 
power even when the [STANDBY/ON] switch is set to the Standby 
position. If you intend not to use it for an extended period of 
time, therefore, make sure to unplug the power cord from the 
wall outlet.
Connecting Speakers or 
Headphones
Since the instrument has no built-in speakers, you will need 
to monitor the sound of the instrument by using external 
equipment. Connect a set of headphones, powered 
speakers, or other playback equipment as illustrated below. 
When making connections, be sure that your cables have 
the appropriate ratings.
Powering Up the System
Make sure the volume settings of the instrument and external 
devices such as powered speakers are turned to the 
minimum before turning the power on. When connecting the 
instrument to powered speakers, turn on the power switch of 
each device in the following order.
When turning the power on:
First, the instrument (the display will turn on and the buttons 
will light), then the connected powered speakers.
When turning the power off:
First, the connected powered speakers, then the instrument 
(the display will turn off and the buttons will turn off).
Keep in mind that the [STANDBY/ON] switch is located at the 
right side (from the view of the keyboard) of the AC IN socket 
on the rear panel of the instrument.
Setting Up
Rear panel
AC IN
Power cord (included)
Powered speaker 
(left)Powered speaker 
(right)
Headphones
OUTPUT L/MONO OUTPUT R
PHONES
AC IN[STANDBY/ON] 
switch 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual15
Setting Up
Auto Power Off function
To prevent unnecessary power consumption, this instrument 
features an Auto Power Off function that automatically turns 
the power off if the instrument is not operated for a specified 
period of time.
Auto Power Off Setting
The amount of time that elapses before the power is 
automatically turned off can be set.
Disabling Auto Power Off (simple method)
Turn the power on while holding down the lowest key on the 
keyboard. An “Auto power off disabled” message appears 
briefly and Auto Power Off is disabled. The setting is 
retained even if the power is turned off.
NOTICE
 Even when the power is turned off, electricity is still flowing to 
the instrument at the minimum level. To shut off the electricity 
completely, make sure you unplug the power cord from the 
wall AC outlet.
 Depending on the instrument status, the power may not turn 
off automatically, even after the elapse of the specified period 
of time. Always turn off the power manually when the 
instrument is not in use.
 When the instrument is not operated for a specified period of 
time while connected to an external device such as an 
amplifier, speaker or computer, make sure to follow the 
instructions in the Owner’s Manual to turn off the power to the 
instrument and the connected devices in the proper sequence, 
in order to protect the devices from damage. If you do not 
want the power to turn off automatically when a device is 
connected, disable Auto Power Off.
 The setting will revert to its default value if not backed up 
before the power is turned off.
 When Auto Power Off is set to “off,” the value will be retained 
even if the backup data saved on another device is loaded to 
the instrument. When Auto Power Off is set to something other 
than “off,” the value will be overwritten with loaded data.
NOTE
• The setting time is approximate.
• To turn the power on after Auto Power Off has been executed, 
press the [STANDBY/ON] switch.
• When the factory settings are restored, the setting time is changed 
to the default value (30 min.).
Adjusting the Master Volume 
output
Adjust the overall level of this instrument by using the 
[MASTER VOLUME] slider.
CAUTION
Do not listen with the headphones at high volume for long 
periods of time. Doing so may cause hearing loss.
Restoring the initial factory 
settings (Initialize All Data)
NOTICEWhen the Initialize All Data operation is executed, all the 
Performance, Song, and any system settings you created on the 
Utility display will be erased. Make sure you are not overwriting 
any important data. Be sure to save all important data to your 
USB flash memory device before executing this procedure 
(page 53).
1Press the [UTILITY] button or touch the 
UTILITY icon in the upper right of the screen 
to call up the Utility display.
2Touch the [Settings] tab in the left of the 
screen and then touch the [System] tab.
The entire system setting display appears.
3Touch [Initialize All Data] in the lower right of 
the screen.
The display prompts you for confirmation. To cancel this 
operation, touch the [Cancel No] in the screen or press 
the [DEC/NO] button on the panel.
4Touch [Yes] in the screen or press the [INC/
YES] button to execute the Initialize All Data 
operation.
Instructions:[UTILITY]  [Settings]  [System]  [Auto 
Power Off]
Setting Value (min.):off (disables Auto Power Off), 5, 10, 15, 30, 
60, 120
Default Setting (min.):30
Max.
Min. 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual16
The MONTAGE features a convenient touch panel display. You can operate various settings and select desired parameters by 
directly touching the screen. Furthermore, you can use the data dial and other buttons for display operations.
Display (touch panel) configuration
This section explains the navigation bar and the display 
selecting tabs which are common to all types of displays. For 
the purpose of illustration, the Live Set display which 
appears when the MONTAGE is turned on and the 
Performance Play display (Home) are used as examples.
NOTEYou can change the start-up display (the display that first appears 
when the power is turned on). For details about the setting, see 
page 45.
Live Set display 
HOME icon
Moves to the Performance Play display.
EXIT icon
Functions same as the [EXIT] button on the panel. Press 
this icon to exit from the current display and return to the 
previous level in the hierarchy.
INFORMATION area
Displays helpful information, including the currently 
selected display name.
EFFECT icon
Touch the icon to call up the Effect switch display. The 
icon turns off when any of the Effect blocks (Insertion, 
System or Master) is off.
QUICK SETUP icon
Displays the settings of Local Control ON/OFF and MIDI 
IN/OUT.
The keyboard-shaped icon lights up when Local Control 
is set to ON and turns off when Local Control is set to 
OFF.
When MIDI is set as the MIDI IN/OUT setting, a MIDI 
connector-shaped icon appears. When USB is set as the 
MIDI IN/OUT setting, a USB connector-shaped icon 
appears.Touch the desired icon to call up the corresponding 
quick setup display.
TEMPO SETTING icon
Displays the tempo of the currently selected 
Performance. Touch the icon to call up the Tempo setting 
display.
UTILITY icon
Touch the icon to call up the last opened display among 
the Utility displays.
Performance Play display 
LIVE SET icon
Touch the icon to call up the Live Set display.
Display selecting tabs
Touch the desired tab to call up the corresponding 
display.
Moving the cursor
Use these four buttons to navigate the display, moving the 
cursor around the various selectable items and parameters 
in the screen. When selected, the relevant item is highlighted 
(the cursor appears as a dark block with inverse characters). 
You can change the value of the item (parameter) at which 
the cursor is located by using the data dial, [INC/YES] and 
[DEC/NO] buttons.
Basic Operation and Displays

Navigation bar

 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual17
Basic Operation and Displays
Changing (editing) parameter values
Rotating the Data dial to the right (clockwise) increases the 
value, while rotating it to the left (counter-clockwise) 
decreases it.
Pressing the [INC/YES] button increases a parameter value 
by one step, and pressing [DEC/NO] button decreases it.
For parameters with large value ranges, you can increase 
the value by 10 by simultaneously holding down the [SHIFT] 
button and pressing the [INC/YES] button. To decrease by 
10, simultaneously hold down the [SHIFT] button and press 
the [DEC/NO] button.
Naming (inputting characters)
You can freely name the data you’ve created, such as 
Performances, Songs, and files saved to a USB storage 
device. Touch the Naming parameter or move the cursor to 
the Naming parameter and press the [ENTER] button to call 
up the input character display.
Deletes all characters.
Reverts to the default name.
Switches between uppercase and lowercase 
alphabetical characters.
Calls up the display for entering numbers, punctuation 
marks and miscellaneous characters.
Inserts a space (blank) at the cursor position. (You can 
also use the [INC/YES] button for the same operation.)
Moves the cursor position.
Deletes the previous character (backspace). (You can 
also use the [DEC/NO] button for the same operation.)
Completes the text input and closes the display.
Inputting using the keys on the 
keyboard and numeric keypad display
For some parameters, you can also enter the value directly, 
using the LCD display as a numeric keypad or using keys on 
the keyboard. Input via the keys can be activated when 
inputting parameters relating to note and velocity. Input via 
the numeric keypad display can be activated when inputting 
velocity-related parameters. Touch the desired parameter or 
move the cursor to the parameter and press the [ENTER] 
button to call up the display having the two input tabs 
(shown below).
Enables keyboard input.
You can play any note on the keyboard and the note or 
velocity are input.
Enables numeric keypad input.
You can input a number directly by using the numeric 
keypad. You can also use the data dial, the [INC/YES] 
button, and the [DEC/NO] button to increase and 
decrease the input number.
Numeric keypad display 
Erases all numbers.
Restores the value to the last setting.
Deletes the last digit of the number.
Completes the input operation and closes the numeric 
keypad display.
Increases number Decreases number
Increases number Decreases number









 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual18
The MONTAGE has 16 Parts and basic musical instrument 
sounds are assigned to each Part. A single set of these 
sounds is called a “Performance.” You can change sounds 
as desired by selecting the appropriate Performance.
There are three Part types as follows.
Normal Parts (AWM2)
Normal Parts (AWM2) are mainly pitched musical instrument 
type sounds (piano, organ, guitar, synthesizer, etc.) that can 
be played over the full range of the keyboard.
Normal Parts (FM-X)
Normal Parts (FM-X) are powerful FM Synthesis system 
sounds. This sound is played conventionally from the 
keyboard, with standard pitches sounding for each key.
Drum Parts
Drum Parts are mainly percussion/drum sounds that are 
assigned to individual notes.
Performances can also be divided into two groups as 
follows.
Single Part Performances
A Single Part Performance contains only one Part. Select this 
if you want to play a single instrument.
Multi Part Performances
A Multi Part Performance contains multiple Parts. Select this 
if you want to play sounds of multiple instruments by using 
layering and splitting functions.This instrument features Banks for memorizing 
Performances. There are basically four different types of 
Banks: Preset, User, Library, and GM. The contained 
Performances and features depend on the Bank as 
described below.
Preset Banks
The Preset Banks contain a full set of specially programmed 
Performances. Performances you’ve edited yourself cannot 
be saved in the Preset Banks.
User Banks
The User Banks contain the Performances you have edited 
and stored. The User Banks are initially empty.
NOTICEIf a Performance in a User Bank (User Performance) is 
overwritten or replaced, that User Performance will be lost. When 
you store an edited Performance, be careful not to overwrite any 
important User Performances.
Library Banks
The Library Banks contain the Performances you have 
added as Libraries. The Library Banks are initially empty. 
(A Library can be added by importing a library file.)
GM Bank
The GM Bank contains the Parts allocated according to the 
GM standard.
Each of these Banks include Performances organized 
according to the Performance type.
NOTE 
• For details about Performances, refer to “Basic Structure” in the 
Reference Manual PDF document.
• For lists of the Performances, refer to the separate Data List PDF.
Quick Guide — Selecting Performances
Multiple 
Performances
One Performance
Part 1 (Piano)
Part 2 (Guitar)
Part 3 (Bass)
Par t 4 (Dr um)
GM
GM (General MIDI) is a worldwide standard for Voice 
organization and MIDI functions of synthesizers and tone 
generators. It was designed primarily to ensure that any 
song data created with a specific GM device would sound 
virtually the same on any other GM device—no matter the 
manufacturer or the model. The GM bank on this 
synthesizer is designed to appropriately play back GM 
song data. However, keep in mind that the sound may not 
be exactly the same as played by the original tone 
generator. 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual19
Quick Guide — Selecting Performances
When you turn on your instrument for the first time, a Live Set 
of the Preset Banks will be displayed in the top display. The 
Live Set is a list in which Performances can be freely 
arranged. Up to 16 Performances can be arranged over a 
single page. You can play various Performances selected 
from the Preset Live Sets.
Selecting a Performance from the 
Live Set
1Press the [LIVE SET] button.
This calls up the Live Set display.
Page (Switched by pressing [V] [E] in the screen, 
the ELEMENT/OPERATOR [MUTE] button, or the 
[SOLO] button. Selected by pressing the Number A 
[5] – [8]/[13] – [16] buttons, the Number B [5] – [8] 
buttons, or the Number C [5] – [8] buttons.)
Preset Bank/User Bank (switched by pressing the 
[V] [E] in the screen, the PART [MUTE] button, or 
the [SOLO] button)
Performance list
Active Performance names
Slot name
Flag (see chart below)
NOTE
“Seamless Sound Switching” is a feature that lets you switch 
Performances smoothly without any notes being cut off. The SSS 
feature is available for all Preset Bank Performances in this 
instrument. However, SSS is available only for the Performance 
containing Parts 1 – 8, not for the Performance with using Parts 9 
– 16.
2Touch the desired Performance on the 
screen.
NOTE
• You can select a Performance by pressing the Number A [1] – 
[4] and [9] – [12] buttons, the Number B [1] – [4] buttons, or 
the Number C [1] – [4] buttons.
• To arrange the order of the Performances registered in the 
Live Set, see page 30.
3Play the keyboard.
Switching Performances
1Press the [PERFORMANCE] button.
The Performance Play display appears, and the current 
Performance name is shown.
2Move the cursor to the Performance name 
and select the desired Performance by using 
the data dial, the [INC/YES] button, or the 
[DEC/NO] button.
NOTE
• To quickly move forward through the Performance numbers in 
10-step jumps, simultaneously hold down the [SHIFT] button 
and press the [INC/YES] button.
• To decrease by 10, do the opposite; simultaneously hold 
down the [SHIFT] button and press the [DEC/NO] button.
3Play the keyboard.FlagDefinition
AWM2 Performance comprised only of AWM2 Parts
FM-X Performance comprised only of FM-X Parts
FM-X+AWM2 Performance comprised of both AWM2 and FM-
X Parts
MC Performance featuring Motion Control
SSS Performance featuring Seamless Sound 
Switching




Performance name 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual20
Quick Guide — Selecting Performances
Using the Category Search 
function
The Performances are conveniently divided into specific 
Categories, irrespective of their bank locations. The 
categories are divided based on the general instrument type 
or sound characteristics. The Category Search function 
gives you quick access to the sounds you want.
1Press the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button while 
the Performance Play display is shown. 
This calls up the Category Search display.
NOTE
You can open the Category Search display by selecting [Search] 
from the menu that is called up when the Performance name is 
touched.
Bank
Attribute
NOTE
Attributes are Performance properties and sorted according 
to tone generator types or parts of Performances.
Keyword search
Main categories
Sub categories
Performance list of the selected category
NOTE
The selected Performance is displayed in white, 
Performances with a single part are in green, and 
Performances with multi parts are in blue.
For changing the sorting order
For changing the Performance list page
2Touch and select the desired main category 
(
).
NOTE
• You can filter the Performance lists by touching [Bank] () 
and selecting the desired bank type from the list.
• You can also filter the Performance lists by touching [Attribute] 
() and selecting the desired attribute type from the list.
• You can also select the desired main category by using the 
Number A [1] – [16] buttons.
3Touch and select the desired sub category 
(
).
This calls up the Performance lists of the selected 
category ().
NOTE
You can also select the desired sub category by using the 
Number B [1] – [8] buttons.
4Touch the desired Performance.
NOTEYou can also select the desired Performance by using the 
Number C [1] – [8] buttons.
5Touch the HOME icon or EXIT icon to actually 
call up the selected Performance.
This closes the Category Search display.
NOTE
You can also use the [ENTER] button, the [EXIT] button, or the 
[PERFORMANCE] button to finalize the selection.
Below is a list of the Categories and their panel 
abbreviations.
6Play the keyboard.





AbbreviationCategory
Piano Piano
Keyboard Keyboard instruments (Harpsichord, Clav, 
etc.)
Organ Organ
Guitar Guitar
Bass Bass
Strings Strings
Brass Brass
Woodwind Woodwind instruments
Syn Lead Synth Lead
Pad/Choir Synth Pad
Syn Comp Synth Comp
Chromatic Perc Chromatic Percussion (Marimba, 
Glockenspiel, etc.)
Drum/Perc Drum/Percussion
Sound FX Sound Effect
Musical FX Musical Effect
Ethnic Ethnic
No Assign No Assign
Init Initialize