How do I Use the Yamaha DGX-505 USB Port?
The Yamaha DGX-505 is an 81-key digital keyboard with an extensive sound library and touch-sensitive keys. In addition to playing music through the speakers, you can connect the DGX-505 to your personal computer or laptop through the USB port. While connected, you can use your DGX-505 to play virtual instruments included with your favorite digital music software, and you can also transfer songs from your computer to the keyboard.
Instructions
1. Insert the DGX-505 installation CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive. When the installer window appears on your screen, follow the on-screen instructions to install the USB drivers. Note that Yamaha's DGX-505 USB connectivity is compatible only with Windows operating systems, and not with Mac.
2. Connect your DGX-505 to your computer. Using a standard USB cable, plug one end into the USB port on the back of your DGX-505, and plug the opposing end into any available USB port on your PC or laptop. To locate the USB ports, notice the USB symbol drawn on the cable, which resembles a three-pointed trident, and locate the same symbol above each corresponding port.
3. Open your "My Computer" folder in the upper left corner of your desktop and locate the "DGX-505" drive. To add song files to your keyboard, drag the files directly onto this drive. The DGX-505 accepts any digital song files in the MIDI, or ".mid" format. See Resources for a list of general websites where you can download MIDI song files.
4. Open an audio editing program with built-in MIDI (digital music) functions. Examples include Pro-Tools, FL Studio, Cubase, Reason and Cakewalk. You can use your keyboard to "control" the digital instruments included with this type of software, which means you can play the sounds of any selected instrument using the keyboard. Just open the software, select any blank MIDI track, choose an instrument from the list and begin playing your DGX-505. To locate your MIDI tracks, look in the left column of the window, where the titles of your tracks (or recording spaces) appear in a list. MIDI tracks contain names like "MIDI Track 1," "Software Track 1" or "Instrument Track 1." If you do not own digital audio software, you can download a free program with MIDI functions (see Resources).
