Owner`s manual

Getting Started

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Setting Up

Breath Controller

If you will be using the VL1-m with a keyboard, a breath controller is an essential

expressive tool — both for realistic expression with wind-instrument voices and unprec-

edented expressive control with string voices. Plug an optional Yamaha BC2 or BC1

Breath Controller into the front-panel breath controller jack. If the controlling MIDI

keyboard has a breath controller jack, it might be more convenient to plug the breath

contoller in there rather than directly into the VL1-m. The Breath Controller is ideal for

controlling parameters that would normally be affected by a wind player’s breath: dynam-

ics, timbre, pitch, and others.

Once you’ve set up your system and begin playing, refer to “Breath Controller

Calibration” on page 28 for instructions on calibrating your Breath Controller for opti-

mum control precision and ease.

NOTES ■ If you will be using a MIDI Wind Controller such as the Yamaha WX11

with the VL1-m, the appropriate breath-control data will be transmitted from the

wind controller to the VL1-m via the MIDI interface, and no other breath

controller will be necessary.

■ For more information on Breath Controller setup and operation, see the

instructions packed with the supplied BC2 Breath Controller.

MIDI Connections

The VL1-m can be used with virtually any type of MIDI controller: keyboard, wind

controller, sequencer, computer-based MIDI software, etc. To ensure reliable error-free

transfer of MIDI data always use high-quality MIDI cables obtained from your Yamaha

dealer or music equipment store. Also avoid MIDI cables that are longer than about 15

meters, since cables longer than this can pick up noise which can cause data errors.

The VL1-m MIDI transmit channel, receive channel, local on/off, and device

number parameters are available in the utility mode “MIDI Setting” page described on

page 154 of the Feature Reference manual. Make sure these parameters are set to match

the corresponding settings of the MIDI controller used with the VL1-m.

● The VL1-m transmits and receives the following MIDI data:

Note The played note(s) and velocity value.

Control Change Modulation wheel, breath controller, foot controller, footswitch, and

other controller data.

Aftertouch Keyboard aftertouch pressure.

Pitch Bend Pitch bend wheel position.

Program Change Voice numbers from 1 to 128.

Bulk Voice and system data transmitted in the form of “bulk dumps”.