Yamaha Montage 8 Manual

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual41
Recording and Playback
Playing a Song
In this section, you’ll learn how to use convenient mute/solo 
functions while playing back a recorded song.
Song playback
1
Press the [3] (Play) button to start the Song.
NOTETo adjust the volume level of the Songs, use the [MASTER 
VOLUME] slider.
2Press the [+] (Stop) button to stop the Song.
Adjusting the volume of each Part
You can adjust the volume for each of eight Parts, using the 
panel sliders.
When one of Tracks 1 – 8 is currently selected, the eight 
sliders are used to adjust the volume for Parts 1 – 8. When 
one of Tracks 9 – 16 is selected, the sliders are used to 
adjust the volume for Parts 9 – 16. The track can be selected 
by turning the [PART CONTROL] button on and pressing the 
desired Number button among the Number A [9] – [16] 
buttons.
In addition to sliders, the Knobs 1 – 8 can be used to affect 
the Part setting of the Song playback in real time. For details, 
refer to the Reference Manual PDF document.
Recording your performance as 
audio
Your performances on the MONTAGE can be recorded as 
WAV format (44.1-kHz, 24-bit, stereo) audio files to a USB 
flash memory device. The recording level is fixed, and it is 
possible to record continuously for up to 74 minutes 
(assuming that the USB storage device has sufficient free 
memory).
NOTICE
The MONTAGE or the selected storage device should never 
be turned off during recording, playback, or while the 
recorded audio file is being saved. Turning off either device 
at that time may make it impossible to subsequently access 
the storage device.
1Connect a USB flash memory device to the 
[USB TO DEVICE] terminal of the MONTAGE.
2Touch the [Play/Rec] tab in the left of the 
Performance Play display.
The recording display appears.
3Touch the [Audio] tab in the left of the screen.
4Press the [*] (Record) button to setup the 
audio recording.
The Record Setup display appears.
Play position
Current play position in the entire audio data
Available recording time
Level meter
Trigger level
5Set the required trigger level ().
If you set the trigger level to “manual,” recording will 
begin whenever you press the [3] (Play) button. 
Alternatively, if you set a value between 1 and 127, 
recording will begin automatically whenever the 
playback volume exceeds that level. The level set here 
will be indicated by blue triangles in the level meter (). 
For best results, set this parameter as low as possible to 
capture the entire signal, but not so low as to record 
unwanted noise.
Stop Play
[PART CONTROL] button
Number A [9] – [16] buttons


  
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual42
Recording and Playback
6Press the [3] (Play) button.
If you have set the trigger level to “manual,” recording 
will begin immediately right after you press the [3] (Play) 
button. While the recording, the [*] (Record) button will 
light red and the [3] (Play) button will light green. If you 
have set a value between 1 and 127 as the trigger level, 
the recording will begin automatically whenever the 
playback volume exceeds that level.
7Play the keyboard.
If you set the trigger level to a value between 1 and 127, 
recording will begin automatically whenever the 
playback volume exceeds that level.
8When you have finished playing, press the 
[+] (Stop) button.
The recorded audio file will be saved on the selected 
device.
Playing an audio file
As described below, the MONTAGE can play audio files 
(.wav) from a USB flash memory device, regardless of 
whether they have been created by the instrument itself or 
come from another source.
1Connect a USB flash memory device to the 
[USB TO DEVICE] terminal of the MONTAGE.
2Touch the [Play/Rec] tab  [Audio] tab at the 
left side of the Performance display.
3Touch “Audio Name” and then select [Load] 
menu at the left side of the screen.
4Select the source USB flash memory device 
and folder.
5Select the desired file (.wav) on the USB flash 
memory device to execute the Load 
operation.
Audio name
Audio volume
Audio length
6Press the [3] (Play) button.
The audio file will begin playing.
7Move the cursor to “Audio Volume” (), and 
then adjust the playback volume by using the 
data dial.
8Press the [+] (Stop) button to stop playback.
NOTEKeep in mind that you can also play a selected Performance on 
the keyboard during audio playback.

  
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual43
The Master Keyboard function lets you assign up to eight separate Zones in each Performance for use as a master keyboard 
controller.
You can call up the settings for controlling an external MIDI device instantly anytime you need by combining with the Live Sets. 
Accordingly, you can change and control the connected external MIDI tone generator in sequence while performing live.
Making settings for use as a 
master keyboard—Zone
When you use the MONTAGE as a master keyboard, you can 
divide the keyboard into a maximum of eight independent 
areas (called “Zones”). Different MIDI channels and different 
functions of the Knobs and Control Sliders can be assigned 
to each Zone. This makes it possible to control several Parts 
of the internal multi-timbral tone generator simultaneously by 
a single keyboard, or control Performances of an external 
MIDI instrument over several different channels in addition to 
the internal Performances of this synthesizer itself—letting 
you use the MONTAGE to effectively do the work of several 
keyboards. You can set the parameters related to the eight 
Zones and store the settings.
First, set the MONTAGE as a master keyboard by activating 
the Zone settings.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display.
2Touch the [Settings] tab  [Advanced] tab at 
the left side of the screen.
3Touch [Zone Master] to turn it on.
4Press the [EXIT] button.
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.Next, make settings according to the Master Keyboard 
(Zone) for each Performance.
1Press the [PERFORMANCE] button to call up 
the Performance Play display.
2Move the cursor to the desired Part of the 
currently selected Performance and press the 
[EDIT] button to edit the Part.
3Touch the [Part Settings] tab  [Zone 
Settings] tab at the left side of the screen.
4Touch [Zone] to turn it on.
5Set the Zone related parameters such as MIDI 
transmit channel and Note Limit.
6Touch the [Zone Transmit] tab to set the 
transmit switches as desired.
After completing these settings, press the [STORE] button to 
store the Performances.
For details about Zone settings, see the Reference Manual 
PDF document.
Using as a Master Keyboard 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual44
Playing the keyboard along with 
the sound input from the A/D 
INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] jacks
You can have the A/D input sound—such as your voice 
through a microphone, a CD player, or a synthesizer—
assigned as an Audio Input Part. Various parameters such 
as volume, pan, and effects can be set to this Part and the 
sound is output together with the sound of your keyboard 
performance.
1Make sure to turn off the power of this 
instrument and set the A/D INPUT [GAIN] 
knob to the minimum.
2Connect the audio equipment or the 
microphone to the A/D INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] 
jack on the rear panel.
NOTEA standard dynamic microphone is recommended. (This 
instrument does not support phantom-powered condenser 
microphones.)
3Turn on the connected audio equipment, then 
turn on the MONTAGE.
4Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, and touch the [Settings] tab 
 
[Audio I/O] tab at the left side of the screen.
5Set the “Mic/Line” parameter according to the 
particular equipment connected to the A/D 
INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] jacks.
When connecting equipment of low output level such as 
a microphone, set this parameter to “Mic.” When 
connecting equipment of high output level (such as a 
synthesizer keyboard, CD player, portable music player), 
set this parameter to “Line.”
6Press the A/D INPUT [ON/OFF] button so that 
its lamp lights.
This setting enables audio signals to be input from the 
connected audio device.
7Adjust the input level by using the [GAIN] 
knob.
NOTEAdjust the input level with the [GAIN] knob so that the PEAK LED 
lights briefly only at the loudest input sounds. 
8Press the [PERFORMANCE] button, and then 
select the desired Performance.
Play the keyboard wile you sing into the microphone or 
play back the audio equipment.
Connecting a Microphone or Audio Equipment
A/D INPUT
[R ] A/D INPUT
[L /MONO]L
R
Stereo audio equipment (CD player, etc.)
A/D INPUT
[L/MONO]
Microphone 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual45
You can set various parameters in the Utility display. In particular, you can set the parameters that apply to the entire system of 
this instrument by touching the [Settings] tab. The changes you make in the Utility display are activated once you press the 
[EXIT] button to return to the original display. This section describes some useful functions related to the entire system settings.
Setting automatic power-on tasks
You can determine which display is automatically called up 
when power is turned on: the Live Set display or the 
Performance Play display.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[System] tab.
2In [Power on Mode], select “Live Set” (Live 
Set display) or “Perform” (Performance Play 
display) as the start-up display.
3Press the [EXIT] button. 
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Setting button lamp behavior
You can control the dimming of the button lamps.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[System] tab.
2Set “Half Glow” to “Off,” “1/4,” or “1/2.”
When “Off” is selected, the dimming function is turned 
off.
When “1/4” is selected, the brightness of the button in 
the dimly lit condition is reduced to 25% of the fully lit 
condition. This lighting level is suitable for dark 
surroundings, such as a stage.
When “1/2” is selected, the brightness of the button in 
the dimly lit condition is reduced to 50% of the fully lit 
condition. This lighting level is useful in bright 
surroundings (such as outdoors) when it is hard to 
distinguish whether the button is dimly lit or off.
3Press the [EXIT] button.
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Turning various functions on/off
You can set various functions by touching the [System] tab 
on the Utility display.
Turning animation on/off
You can turn the animation of screen transition on/off as 
follows.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[System] tab.
2Select “ON” or “OFF” in “Animation” to turn 
the animation on or off.
3Press the [EXIT] button. 
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Turning display blur effect on/off
When any display is selected, the display previously 
selected is blurred. You can turn the function on/off as 
follows.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[System] tab.
2Set “Blur” to “ON” or “OFF” to turn the blur 
effect on or off.
3Press the [EXIT] button.
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Making Global System Settings 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual46
Making Global System Settings
Turning the beep sound on/off
You can turn the beep sound (that confirms operations, 
menu/parameter selection, etc.) on/off as follows.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[System] tab.
2Set “Beep” to “ON” or “OFF” to turn the beep 
on or off.
3Press the [EXIT] button.
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Turning the flashing of the Super Knob 
on/off
In the default setting, the Super Knob flashes at the current 
beat. You can turn this flashing on/off as follows.
When the function is turned off, the Super Knob remains lit 
continuously.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[System] tab.
2Select “ON” or “OFF” in “Knob Flash” to turn 
the flashing on or off.
Touch panel calibration
Calibration of the touch panel may be necessary if the touch 
panel seems occasionally unresponsive of the response is 
erratic.
1Hold down the [UTILITY] button and press the 
PART [COMMON] button.
The Utility display appears, with the [Calibrate Touch 
Panel] selected.
2Press the [ENTER] button.
3A white square appears. Touch the square to 
calibrate the touch panel, and continue with 
subsequent white squares until the operation 
is finished.
NOTEAlternately, you can touch [UTILITY]  [Settings]  [System] to 
call up the System setting display and touch [Calibrate Touch 
Panel].
Changing the Master Tuning
You can adjust the tuning of the MONTAGE. This is useful 
when playing in an ensemble to match the pitch of other 
instruments which cannot be easily tuned (such as a piano).
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[Sound] tab.
2Select “Tune” and change the parameter by 
using the Data dial.
In this example, we'll change the value from “440 Hz” to 
“442 Hz.” Since the Tune parameter is actually adjusted 
in cents (1 cent = 1/100th of a semitone), the 
corresponding value in Hertz is shown at right. Turn the 
data dial to change the value to “+8.0.” Use a tuner for 
the more accurate tuning as necessary.
3Press the [EXIT] button.
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Tune 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual47
Making Global System Settings
Changing the Velocity Curve
These five curves determine how the actual velocity will be 
generated and transmitted according to the velocity 
(strength) with which you play notes on the keyboard. The 
graph shown in the display indicates the velocity response 
curve. (The horizontal line represents the received velocity 
values (strength of your playing), while the vertical line 
represents the actual velocity values transmitted to the 
internal/external tone generators.)
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display, then touch [Settings] tab 
 
[Sound] tab.
2Select “Velocity Curve” and change the curve 
setting as desired, from the pop-up menu at 
the left of the display.
3Press the [EXIT] button.
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Normal This linear “curve” produces one-to-one 
correspondence between the strength of your 
keyboard playing (velocity) and the actual sound 
change.
Soft This curve provides increased response, 
especially for lower velocities.
Hard This curve provides increased response, 
especially for higher velocities.
Wide This curve accentuates your playing strength by 
producing lower velocities in response to softer 
playing and louder velocities in response to 
harder playing. As such, you can use this setting 
to expand your dynamic range.
Fixed This setting produces the same amount of sound 
change (set in Fixed Velocity below), no matter 
what your playing strength.
Velocity Curve
When the parameter of the Velocity Curve is 
set to “Fixed”
The velocity of the note you play is fixed at the value set 
here.
Setting Local Control on/off
Local Control is usually set to on; however, in some cases 
(when using with a computer and sequencer program), 
you may want to turn it off so that the keyboard does not 
play the internal Parts, but the appropriate MIDI 
information is still transmitted via the MIDI OUT terminal 
when notes are played on the keyboard. Also, the input 
MIDI information is appropriately processed in this 
instrument.
1Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display and touch the [Settings] 
tab at the left side of the screen 
 
[MIDI I/O] tab.
 
2Set “Local Control” to either “ON” or 
“OFF.”
3Press the [EXIT] button.
This stores the setting and returns to the previous 
display.
Setting the Fixed Velocity value
Local Control 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual48
With a standard MIDI cable (available separately), you can connect an external MIDI instrument, and control it from the 
MONTAGE. Likewise, you can use an external MIDI device (such as a keyboard or sequencer) to control the sounds on the 
MONTAGE. Below are several different MIDI connection examples; use the one most similar to your intended setup.
NOTE 
Either of the built-in interfaces, the MIDI terminals, or the [USB TO HOST] terminal, can be used for MIDI data transmission/reception; however, 
they cannot be used at the same time. Select which terminal is to be used for MIDI data transfer by pressing the [UTILITY] button  [Settings] 
tab  [MIDI I/O] tab. As you work through the explanations in this chapter, set “MIDI IN/OUT” to “MIDI” since MIDI is used as the example 
connection here.
Controlling the MONTAGE from an 
external MIDI keyboard or 
synthesizer
Use an external keyboard or synthesizer to remotely select 
and play the Performances of the MONTAGE.
Controlling an external MIDI 
keyboard or synthesizer from the 
MONTAGE
This connection lets you sound an external MIDI tone 
generator (synthesizer, tone generator module, etc.) by 
playing the MONTAGE or playing back Songs from the MONTAGE. Use this connection when you wish to sound the 
other instrument as well as the MONTAGE.
Connecting External MIDI Instruments
MIDI Transmit and Receive Channels
Make sure to match the MIDI Transmit Channel of the 
external MIDI instrument with the MIDI Receive Channel of 
the MONTAGE. For details on setting the MIDI Transmit 
Channel of the external MIDI instrument, refer to the 
owner’s manual of that instrument. Each MIDI Receive 
Channel number of the MONTAGE corresponds to each 
Part number such as Channel 1 for Part 1, Channel 2 for 
Part 2, and so on.
MIDI [IN]
MIDI [OUT ] MONTAGE
External MIDI keyboard, synthesizer, etc.
Splitting the sound between the MONTAGE 
and an external tone generator by MIDI 
channel
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 plays the 
sounds of the MONTAGE. To use this feature, you must set 
the MONTAGE’s transmit channel and the external tone 
generator’s receive channel to the same channel number. 
Each MIDI transmit channel number of the MONTAGE 
corresponds to each Part number such as Channel 1 for 
Part 1 or Channel 2 for Part 2. However, you can choose 
the desired transmit channel by the following steps.
Press [UTILITY]  [Settings]  [Advanced], then set 
“Zone Master” to “ON.” For editing the Part, touch [Part 
Settings]  [Zone Settings] to call up the Zone setting 
display. Check the MIDI transmit channel in “Zone 
Transmit,” then change this parameter, if necessary. When 
you wish to sound only the external tone generator, set the 
master volume of the MONTAGE down or set “Local 
Control” to “off” with the following operation: [UTILITY]  
[Settings]  [MIDI I/O] to call up the MIDI setting display, 
then set “Local Control” to “off.” For information on how to 
set the MIDI Receive Channel of the external MIDI 
instrument, refer to the owner’s manual of that particular 
MIDI instrument.
MIDI [OUT]
MIDI [IN] MONTAGE
External MIDI tone generator such as MOTIF-RACK XS 
						

							MONTAGE Owner’s Manual49
By connecting the MONTAGE to your computer, you can use a DAW or sequence software on the computer to create your own 
original songs.
NOTE 
The acronym DAW (digital audio workstation) refers to music software for recording, editing and mixing audio and MIDI data. The main DAW 
applications are Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, and ProTools.
Connecting to a computer
A USB cable and the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver are 
necessary to connect the MONTAGE to the computer. Follow 
the instructions below. Note that both audio data and MIDI 
data can be transmitted through a USB cable.
1Download the latest Yamaha Steinberg USB 
Driver from our website.
After clicking the Download button, extract the 
compressed file.
http://download.yamaha.com/
NOTE
• Information on system requirements is also available at the 
above website.
• The Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver may be revised and 
updated without prior notice. Make sure to check and down-
load the latest version from the above site.
2Install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver to 
the computer.
For instructions on installing, refer to the online 
Installation Guide included in the downloaded file 
package. When connecting this instrument to a 
computer, connect the USB cable to the [USB TO HOST] 
terminal of this instrument and the USB terminal of the 
computer as shown below.
3Press the [UTILITY] button to call up the 
Utility display.
4Touch [Settings] tab  [MIDI I/O] tab at the 
left side of the display.
5Set “MIDI IN/OUT” to “USB.”
Make sure that the [USB TO HOST] terminal of this 
instrument is enabled.
6Set the input and output settings for audio 
data as desired to suit your personal 
preferences.
The change can be made from [UTILITY]  [Settings]  
[Audio I/O].
Using the Quick Setup function to change parameters 
related to audio and MIDI data, lets you instantly 
reconfigure the MONTAGE for different computer/
sequencer related applications by simply calling up 
specially programmed presets.
To do this, touch [Settings] tab  [Quick Setup] tab at 
the left side of the display to call up the Quick Setup 
display.
Touch [Store Current Settings] to store the desired 
setting in any of the 1 to 3 Quick Setups.
NOTE
For details on the parameters available for setting with the Quick 
Setup function, see the Reference Manual PDF document.
Using a Connected Computer
USB terminal
[USB TO HOST] terminal
USB cableRear panel
Quick Setups 1 to 3 
						

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Using a Connected Computer
Precautions when using the [USB TO HOST] 
terminal
When connecting the computer to the [USB TO HOST] 
terminal, make sure to observe the following points. Failing 
to do so risks freezing the computer and corrupting or 
losing the data.
If the computer or the instrument freezes, restart the 
application software or the computer OS, or turn the power 
to the instrument off then on again.
NOTICE
 Use an AB type USB cable.
 Before connecting the computer to the [USB TO HOST] 
terminal, exit from any power-saving mode of the com-
puter (such as suspend, sleep, standby).
 Before turning on the power to the instrument, connect 
the computer to the [USB TO HOST] terminal.
 Execute the following before turning the power to the 
instrument on/off or plugging/unplugging the USB cable 
to/from the [USB TO HOST] terminal.
- Quit any open application software on the computer.
- 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 the computer is connected to the instrument, you 
should wait for six seconds or more between these oper-
ations: (1) when turning the power of the instrument off 
then on again, or (2) when alternately connecting/dis-
connecting the USB cable.
MIDI channels and MIDI ports
MIDI data is assigned to one of sixteen channels, and this 
synthesizer is capable of simultaneously playing sixteen 
separate Parts, via the sixteen MIDI channels. However, 
the sixteen-channel limit can be overcome by using 
separate MIDI “ports,” each supporting sixteen 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. 
When connecting this instrument to a computer using a 
USB cable, the MIDI ports are defined as follows:
Por t 1
The tone generator block in this instrument can recognize 
and use only this port. When playing the MONTAGE as a 
tone generator from the external MIDI instrument or 
computer, you should set the MIDI Port to 1 on the 
connected MIDI device or computer.
Por t 3
This port is used as the MIDI Thru Port. The MIDI data 
received over Port 3 via the [USB TO HOST] terminal will 
be re-transmitted to an external MIDI device via the MIDI 
[OUT] terminal.
The MIDI data received over Port 3 via the MIDI [IN] 
terminal will be re-transmitted to an external device 
(computer, etc.) via the [USB TO HOST] terminal. When 
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. Make sure 
to set the MIDI port of the external device connected to this 
instrument according to the above information.
Audio channels
The audio signals of the MONTAGE can be output to the 
[USB TO HOST] terminal and the OUTPUT [L/MONO]/[R] 
jacks. 
When connecting to a computer, use the [USB TO HOST] 
terminal. In this case, up to 32 audio channels (16 stereo 
channels) are available when the sampling frequency is 
44.1 kHz, and up to eight audio channels (four stereo 
channels) are available when the sampling frequency is 
between 44.1 kHz and 192kHz. The output-to-channel 
assignments are made as follows: [EDIT]  [Part Settings] 
 “Part Output” in the [General] display.
The audio signals of the MONTAGE can be input from the 
[USB TO HOST] terminal and the A/D INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] 
jacks.
Up to six channels (three stereo channels) of audio can be 
input to the [USB TO HOST] terminal. Set the output level 
in the Mixing display or the Performance edit display. The 
signals are output to the OUTPUT [L/MONO]/[R] jack (two 
channels.) Also, up to two audio channels (one stereo 
channel) can be input to the A/D INPUT [L/MONO]/[R] 
jacks. The signal is sent to the A/D input part of the 
MONTAGE. For more details, see the Reference Manual 
PDF document.