Yamaha P85 Instruction Manual

							ENGLISH
DEUTSCH
FRANÇAIS
ESPAÑOL
ES
FR
DE
EN
Owner’s Manual
Bedienungsanleitung Mode d’emploi
Manual de instrucciones 
						

							SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). DO 
NOT connect this product to any power supply or adapter other than one 
described in the manual, on the name plate, or specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha.
WARNING: Do not place this product in a position where anyone could 
walk on, trip over, or roll anything over power or connecting cords of any 
kind. The use of an extension cord is not recommended! If you must use 
an extension cord, the minimum wire size for a 25’ cord (or less) is 18 
AWG. NOTE: The smaller the AWG number, the larger the current han-
dling capacity. For longer extension cords, consult a local electrician.
This product should be used only with the components supplied or; a 
cart, rack, or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is 
used, please observe all safety markings and instructions that accom-
pany the accessory product.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the 
time of printing. However, Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify 
any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update existing 
units.
This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and head-
phones or speaker/s, may be capable of producing sound levels that 
could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods 
of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you 
experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an 
audiologist. 
IMPORTANT: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before 
damage occurs.
Some Yamaha products may have benches and / or accessory mounting 
fixtures that are either supplied with the product or as optional accesso-
ries. Some of these items are designed to be dealer assembled or 
installed. Please make sure that benches are stable and any optional fix-
tures (where applicable) are well secured BEFORE using.
Benches supplied by Yamaha are designed for seating only. No other 
uses are recommended.
NOTICE: Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a 
function or effect works (when the unit is operating as designed) are not 
covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owners 
responsibility. Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer 
before requesting service.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Yamaha strives to produce products that are both user safe and environ-
mentally friendly. We sincerely believe that our products and the produc-
tion methods used to produce them, meet these goals. In keeping with 
both the letter and the spirit of the law, we want you to be aware of the 
following:Battery Notice: 
This product MAY contain a small non-rechargeable battery which (if 
applicable) is soldered in place. The average life span of this type of bat-
tery is approximately five years. When replacement becomes necessary, 
contact a qualified service representative to perform the replacement.
This product may also use “household” type batteries. Some of these 
may be rechargeable. Make sure that the battery being charged is a 
rechargeable type and that the charger is intended for the battery being 
charged.
When installing batteries, do not mix batteries with new, or with batteries 
of a different type. Batteries MUST be installed correctly. Mismatches or 
incorrect installation may result in overheating and battery case rupture.
Warning: 
Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any battery. Keep all batter-
ies away from children. Dispose of used batteries promptly and as regu-
lated by the laws in your area. Note: Check with any retailer of 
household type batteries in your area for battery disposal information.
Disposal Notice: 
Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or for some reason 
its useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe all local, 
state, and federal regulations that relate to the disposal of products that 
contain lead, batteries, plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist 
you, please contact Yamaha directly.
NAME PLATE LOCATION: The name plate is located on the bottom of the product. The model num-
ber, serial number, power requirements, etc., are located on this plate. 
You should record the model number, serial number, and the date of pur-
chase in the spaces provided below and retain this manual as a perma-
nent record of your purchase.
Model
Serial No.
Purchase Date
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL92-BP  (bottom) 
						

							IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
Connecting the Plug and Cord
IMPORTANT.  The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accor-
dance with the following code:
BLUE    :  NEUTRAL
BROWN :  LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus 
may not correspond with the coloured makings identifying the ter-
minals in your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the ter-
minal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the 
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Making sure that neither core is connected to the earth terminal 
of the three pin plug.
•This applies only to products distributed by Yamaha-Kemble 
Music (U.K.) Ltd.(2 wires)
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions con-
tained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not 
expressly approved by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by 
the FCC, to use the product.
2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/
or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s 
supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation 
instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void your FCC 
authorization to use this product in the USA.
3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply with the 
requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for Class “B” digital 
devices. Compliance with these requirements provides a reason-
able level of assurance that your use of this product in a residential 
environment will not result in harmful interference with other elec-
tronic devices. This equipment generates/uses radio frequencies 
and, if not installed and used according to the instructions found in 
the users manual, may cause interference harmful to the operation 
of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If 
this product is found to be the source of interference, which can be 
determined by turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please try to elimi-
nate the problem by using one of the following measures:
Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by 
the interference. 
Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or 
fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s.
In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the 
antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the 
lead-in to co-axial type cable.
If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, 
please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of 
product. If you can not locate the appropriate retailer, please contact 
Yamaha Corporation of America, Electronic Service Division, 6600 
Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA90620
The above statements apply ONLY to those products distributed by 
Yamaha Corporation of America or its subsidiaries.
FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.)
* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA.(class B)
OBSERVERA!Apparaten kopplas inte ur växelströmskällan (nätet) så länge som den 
ar ansluten till vägguttaget, även om själva apparaten har stängts av.
ADVARSEL: Netspæendingen til dette apparat er IKKE afbrudt, 
sålæenge netledningen siddr i en stikkontakt, som er t endt — også 
selvom der or slukket på apparatets afbryder.
VAROITUS: Laitteen toisiopiiriin kytketty käyttökytkin ei irroita koko 
laitetta verkosta.
(standby)
1 
						

							P-85 Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
4
PRECAUTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
* Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
 WARNING
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical 
shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Only use the voltage specified as correct for the instrument. The required voltage 
is printed on the name plate of the instrument.
•Use the specified adaptor (PA-5D, PA-150 or an equivalent recommended by 
Yamaha) only. Using the wrong adaptor can result in damage to the instrument 
or overheating.
•Check the electric plug periodically and remove any dirt or dust which may have 
accumulated on it.
•Do not place the AC adaptor cord near heat sources such as heaters or radiators, 
and do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the cord, place heavy objects 
on it, or place it in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll 
anything over it.
•Do not open the instrument or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or 
modify them in any way. The instrument contains no user-serviceable parts. If it 
should appear to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have it 
inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.•Do not expose the instrument to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet 
conditions, or place containers on it containing liquids which might spill into 
any openings. If any liquid such as water seeps into the instrument, turn off the 
power immediately and unplug the power cord from the AC outlet. Then have the 
instrument inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
•Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet hands.
•Do not put burning items, such as candles, on the unit. 
A burning item may fall over and cause a fire.
•If the AC adaptor cord or plug becomes frayed or damaged, or if there is a 
sudden loss of sound during use of the instrument, or if any unusual smells or 
smoke should appear to be caused by it,  immediately turn off the power switch, 
disconnect the adaptor plug from the outlet, and have the instrument inspected 
by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
 CAUTION
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage 
to the instrument or other property. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
•When removing the electric plug from the instrument or an outlet, always hold 
the plug itself and not the cord.
•Unplug the AC power adaptor when not using the instrument, or during 
electrical storms.
•Do not connect the instrument to an electrical outlet using a multiple-connector. 
Doing so can result in lower sound quality, or possibly cause overheating in the 
outlet.
•Do not expose the instrument to excessive dust or vibrations, or extreme cold or 
heat (such as in direct sunlight, near a heater, or in a car during the day) to 
prevent the possibility of panel disfiguration or damage to the internal 
components.
•Do not use the instrument in the vicinity of a TV, radio, stereo equipment, mobile 
phone, or other electric devices. Otherwise, the instrument, TV, or radio may 
generate noise.•Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally 
fall over.
•Before moving the instrument, remove all connected adaptor and other cables.
•When setting up the product, make sure that the AC outlet you are using is easily 
accessible. If some trouble or malfunction occurs, immediately turn off the 
power switch and disconnect the plug from the outlet. Even when the power 
switch is turned off, electricity is still flowing to the product at the minimum 
level. When you are not using the product for a long time, make sure to unplug 
the power cord from the wall AC outlet.
•Use only the stand specified for the instrument. When attaching the stand or 
rack, use the provided screws only. Failure to do so could cause damage to the 
internal components or result in the instrument falling over.
Power supply/AC power adaptor
Do not open
Water warning
Fire warning
If you notice any abnormality
Power supply/AC power adaptor
Location
(3)-11  1/22 
						

							P-85 Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
5
•Before connecting the instrument to other electronic components, turn off the 
power for all components. Before turning the power on or off for all components, 
set all volume levels to minimum. Also, be sure to set the volumes of all 
components at their minimum levels and gradually raise the volume controls 
while playing the instrument to set the desired listening level.
•When cleaning the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use paint thinners, 
solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-impregnated wiping cloths.•Do not insert a finger or hand in any gaps on the instrument. 
•Never insert or drop paper, metallic, or other objects into the gaps on the panel 
or keyboard. If this happens, turn off the power immediately and unplug the 
power cord from the AC outlet. Then have the instrument inspected by qualified 
Yamaha service personnel. 
•Do not place vinyl, plastic or rubber objects on the instrument, since this might 
discolor the panel or keyboard.
•Do not rest your weight on, or place heavy objects on the instrument, and do not 
use excessive force on the buttons, switches or connectors.
•Do not use the instrument/device or headphones for a long period of time at a 
high or uncomfortable volume level, since this can cause permanent hearing 
loss. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult a 
physician.
Saving and backing up your data
•Some data will be saved to internal memory of the instrument. The data is 
maintained even when the power is turned off. 
Saved data may be lost due to malfunction or incorrect operation. Save 
important data to a computer (page 27).
Always turn the power off when the instrument is not in use.
Even when the power switch is in the “STANDBY” position, electricity is still flowing to the instrument at the minimum level. When you are not using the instrument for a long 
time, make sure you unplug the AC power adaptor from the wall AC outlet.
Connections
Maintenance
Handling caution
Saving data
Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications to the instrument, or data that is lost or destroyed.
(3)-11  2/23 
						

							P-85 Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
6
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha P-85/P-85S! 
We recommend that you read this manual carefully 
so that you can fully take advantage of the advanced and 
convenient functions of the P-85/P-85S.
We also recommend that you keep this manual in a safe and 
handy place for future reference.
Main Features 
Graded Hammer Standard Keyboard
Thanks to our experience as the world’s leading manufacturer of acoustic pianos, we’ve developed a keyboard with 
action that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Just as on a traditional acoustic piano, the keys of the lower 
notes have a heavier touch, while the higher ones are more responsive to lighter playing. The keyboard’s sensitivity can 
even be adjusted to match your playing style. This Graded Hammer technology also enables the P-85 to provide 
authentic touch in a lightweight instrument.
AWM Stereo Sampling
The Yamaha P-85 offers unmatched sonic realism and natural grand-piano type playability as well as Yamaha’s original 
“AWM Stereo Sampling” tone-generation technology for rich, musical voices.
In particular, the Grand Piano 1 and 2 voices feature samples painstakingly recorded from a full concert grand piano, 
while the Electric Piano 1 and 2 voice features multiple samples for different velocities (Dynamic Sampling); in other 
words, it uses different samples depending on the strength of your playing.
4 
						

							P-85 Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
7
About this Owner’s Manual 
The documentation for this instrument includes: Owner’s Manual (this document), Quick Operation Guide, and Data 
List.
Owner’s Manual
● Introduction (page 6):
Please read this section first.
● Reference (page 14):
This section explains how to make detailed settings for the instrument’s various functions.
● Appendix (page 34):
This section features a variety of essential, detailed information on the instrument.
Quick Operation Guide
This explains the button/key assignments of the instrument and how to use them.
Data List
The Data List contains MIDI related information. The Data List is available for downloading from the Yamaha Manual 
Library.
Yamaha Manual Library
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/
*The illustrations as shown in this owner’s manual are for instructional purposes only, and may appear somewhat different from 
those on your instrument.
*Copying of the commercially available musical data including but not limited to MIDI data and/or audio data is strictly prohibited 
except for your personal use.
*For the sake of simplicity, both models P-85 and P-85S are hereafter referred to in this Owner’s Manual as P-85.
•The company names and product names in this Owner’s Manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective 
companies.
Accessories
•Owner’s Manual
This manual contains complete instructions for operating your instrument.
•Quick Operation Guide
•Music Rest
•Pedal (FC5)
•AC Power Adaptor (PA-5D, PA-150 or an equivalent*)
* May not be included depending on your particular area. Please check with your Yamaha dealer.
This product incorporates and bundles computer programs and contents in which Yamaha owns copyrights or with respect to 
which it has license to use others’ copyrights. Such copyrighted materials include, without limitation, all computer software, style 
files, MIDI files, WAVE data, musical scores and sound recordings. Any unauthorized use of such programs and contents outside of 
personal use is not permitted under relevant laws. Any violation of copyright has legal consequences. DON’T MAKE, DISTRIBUTE 
OR USE ILLEGAL COPIES.
5 
						

							P-85 Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
8
Ta ble of Contents
Introduction
Main Features............................................................................................... 6
About this Owner’s Manual ......................................................................... 7
Accessories ................................................................................................... 7
Application Index ......................................................................................... 9
Panel Controls and Terminals .................................................................... 10
Before Using ............................................................................................... 11
Turning the Power On ................................................................................................ 11
Setting the Volume ...................................................................................................... 11
Using the Pedal ............................................................................................................ 12
Using Headphones ...................................................................................................... 13
Music Rest .................................................................................................................... 13
Reference
Listening to the Demo Songs .................................................................... 14
Listening to the Piano Preset Songs .......................................................... 15
Using the Metronome................................................................................ 16
Selecting & Playing Voices ......................................................................... 18
Selecting Voices ........................................................................................................... 18
Combining Voices (Dual) ........................................................................................... 19
Adding Variations to the Sound – Reverb ................................................................. 20
Transposition ............................................................................................................... 21
Fine tuning of the Pitch............................................................................................... 21
Touch Sensitivity ......................................................................................................... 22
Recording Your Performance .................................................................... 23
Recording a performance ............................................................................................ 23
Play back the recorded performance .......................................................................... 24
Changing the Initial Settings (Data recorded at the beginning of a song) ............... 25
Connecting MIDI Instruments ................................................................... 26
Connecting MIDI [IN] [OUT] terminals .................................................................. 26
MIDI Capabilities ........................................................................................................ 26
Connecting a Personal Computer .............................................................................. 27
Transferring Data between the Computer and the Instrument................................ 27
MIDI Functions ........................................................................................... 28
MIDI Transmit/Receive Channel Selection ............................................................... 28
Local Control ON/OFF ............................................................................................... 28
Program Change ON/OFF .......................................................................................... 29
Control Change ON/OFF ........................................................................................... 30
Troubleshooting......................................................................................... 31
Optional Equipment................................................................................... 31
Index........................................................................................................... 32
Appendix
Preset Song List.......................................................................................... 34
Specifications ............................................................................................. 35
6 
						

							P-85 Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
9
Application Index
Use this index to find reference pages that may be helpful for your particular application and situation.
Listening
Listening to demo songs with different voices..................................................................... Listening to the Demo Songs on page 14
Listening to piano preset songs ..................................................................................Listening to the Piano Preset Songs on page 15
Playing
Using the sustain pedal ............................................................................................................................... Using the Pedal on page 12
Changing the key of the P-85 to facilitate playing in difficult/unfamiliar key signatures .......................... Transposition on page 21
Fine tuning the pitch of the entire instrument when you play the instrument along with other instruments or CD music
.........................................................................................................................................................Fine tuning of the Pitch on page 21
Selecting a touch sensitivity type............................................................................................................. Touch Sensitivity on page 22
Using a built-in metronome ............................................................................................................ Using the Metronome on page 16
Changing voices
Viewing the list of voices ............................................................................................................................Selecting Voices on page 18
Simulating a concert hall .................................................................................. Adding Variations to the Sound – Reverb on page 20
Combining two voices ............................................................................................................... Combining Voices (Dual) on page 19
Recording
Recording your performance................................................................................................ Recording Your Performance on page 23
Connecting the P-85 to other devices
What is MIDI? .................................................................................................................................................. About MIDI on page 26
Connecting a computer ................................................................................................ Connecting a Personal Computer on page 27
7 
						

							Panel Controls and Terminals
P-85 Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
10
Panel Controls and Terminals
1[STANDBY/ON] switch ................ page 11
For turning the power on or off.
2[MASTER VOLUME] slider ........... page 11
For adjusting the volume level of the entire sound.
3[DEMO/SONG] button .........pages 14, 15
For playing the demo songs and the piano preset 
songs.
4SELECT [QQ Q Q] [WW W W]/TEMPO [gg g g] [hh h h] buttons
..............................................pages 14, 15
While playing a voice demo or piano preset song, 
pressing these buttons lets you select the next or pre-
vious song. These buttons can also be used to change 
the song tempo.
5[METRONOME] button................ page 16
For using the metronome.
6[REC] button ................................ page 23
For recording your keyboard performance.
7[PLAY] button .............................. page 24
For playing back the recorded performance.
8VOICE buttons ............................. page 18
For selecting voices from 10 internal sounds includ-
ing Grand Piano 1 and 2. You can also combine two 
voices and use them together.
9[PEDAL UNIT] jack........................ page 12
For connecting an optional pedal unit (LP-5).
)[DC IN 12V] jack........................... page 11
For connecting the power adaptor.
!MIDI [IN] [OUT] terminals ........... page 26
For connecting external MIDI devices, allowing the 
use of various MIDI functions.
@[SUSTAIN] jack ............................. page 12
For connecting an included pedal (FC5), optional 
FC3 foot pedal or FC4 foot switch.
#[PHONES] jack.............................. page 13
For connecting a set of standard stereo headphones, 
allowing private practice.
9) ! @
# 12345
8 67Shows the 
jacks and ter-
minals as 
seen when 
viewed from 
the rear of the 
instrument.Shows the 
jacks and ter-
minals as 
seen when 
viewed from 
the rear of the 
instrument.
8