YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 (01) PDF Document

Your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 can be powered either by batteries or an optional power adapter.

Using Batteries:

1. Install six 1.5V SUM-1, “D” size, R-20, or equivalent alkaline batteries (sold separately) into the battery compartment on the instrument’s bottom panel.

2. Open the battery compartment cover.

3. Insert the six batteries, carefully following the polarity markings inside the compartment.

4. Replace the compartment cover, making sure it locks firmly in place.

Caution:

– When batteries run down, replace them with a complete set of six new batteries. Never mix old and new batteries.

– To prevent damage from battery leakage, remove the batteries if the instrument will not be used for an extended period.

Using the Power Adapter:

1. Plug the DC output cable from the PA-4 or PA-40 Power Adapter into the DC IN (9-12V) jack on the rear panel of the YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500.

2. Plug the PA-4 or PA-40 into a convenient wall AC power socket.

Use ONLY the optional Yamaha PA-4 or PA-40 Power Adapter to power your instrument from the AC mains.

To set up the music stand on your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500, insert the two pegs protruding from the bottom edge of the music stand into the two holes located at the top of the control panel.

To ensure years of playing pleasure from your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500, follow these simple rules:

1. Avoid placing the instrument in areas with excessive humidity or heat, such as near heaters or in a car exposed to direct sunlight.

2. Avoid locations where the instrument might be exposed to excessive dust or moisture.

3. Make connections between the PortaTone and any other device only when both pieces of equipment are turned OFF.

4. Unplug the PortaTone from the AC power outlet when it is not in use.

5. Do not subject the instrument to strong physical shocks, and avoid placing heavy objects on it.

6. Use a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth for cleaning. Never use chemicals like benzine or thinner.

7. The PortaTone contains digital circuitry and may cause interference if placed too close to radio or television receivers. If this happens, move the instrument further away from the affected equipment.

The rear panel of the YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 features several connectors for various purposes:

DC IN (9-12V) Jack: This is where you plug in the DC output cord from the supplied Yamaha PA-4 or PA-40 Power Adapter to power the instrument from an AC mains supply.

HEADPHONES Jack: A standard pair of stereo headphones can be plugged in here for private practice or late-night playing. The internal speaker system is automatically shut off when headphones are plugged in.

AUX OUT L/L + R and R Jacks: These jacks deliver the output of the PSR-3500 to external equipment like a keyboard amplifier, stereo sound system, mixing console, or tape recorder. When plugs are in both jacks, the left-channel sound is delivered via the L/L + R jack and the right-channel via the R jack. If only the L/L+R jack is used, the left and right channel sound is mixed and delivered through that jack. This is ideal for connecting to a mono sound system (e.g., a keyboard amplifier).

EXP. PEDAL Jack: An optional Yamaha EP-1 Expression Pedal can be connected here for foot expression (swell) control.

SUSTAIN Jack: An optional Yamaha FC-5 footswitch can be connected for foot sustain control. It functions like a piano’s damper pedal: press for sustain, release for normal sound.

MIDI IN and OUT Connectors: The MIDI IN connector receives MIDI data from an external device to control the PSR-3500. The MIDI OUT connector transmits MIDI data generated by the PSR-3500, such as note data from playing the keyboard.

The YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 is programmed with a demonstration sequence that plays automatically. Follow these steps to listen:

1. Switch ON: Slide the POWER switch to the ON position. The VOICE and ACCOMPANIMENT STYLE displays will light up.

2. Set an Initial Volume Level: Slide the MASTER VOLUME control to a position about three-quarters of the way to the “MAX” setting. You can adjust this for the most comfortable level once playback begins.

3. Press the DEMONSTRATION Button: The demonstration music will begin playing as soon as you press the DEMONSTRATION button.

The demonstration will play continuously, providing samples of different voices and accompaniment styles. To stop the demonstration, press the DEMONSTRATION button a second time.

The YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 offers two methods for selecting any of its 100 orchestra voices. Before starting, ensure the ORCHESTRA voice part indicator (to the right of the VOICE display) is lit. If another indicator is lit, use the VOICE SELECT PART SELECT button to select the ORCHESTRA part.

Method 1: Using Number Buttons

Choose one of the 100 voices (numbered “00” through “99”) shown on the VOICE LIST, then enter its number using the numbered VOICE SELECT buttons. For example, to select XYLOPHONE (number 12), first press “1” and then “2.” The number “12” will be displayed on the VOICE display.

Method 2: Using +/- Buttons

Use the + and – buttons in the VOICE SELECT group to increment or decrement the current voice number. Press the + button briefly to select the next higher voice number, or the – button for the next lower one. Hold either button down to scroll continuously, and release it when the desired voice number is reached.

Once selected, the voice can be played on the keyboard. The PSR-3500 has “8-note polyphony,” meaning up to 8 notes can be played simultaneously using the selected ORCHESTRA voice (when other functions are not in use).

You can adjust several volume levels on your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 to achieve the perfect balance:

MASTER VOLUME: Adjust this control while playing to set the desired overall volume level for the entire instrument.

Other Volume Controls: The RHYTHM, BASS, CHORD, ORCHESTRA, and SOLO volume controls allow you to adjust the volume of the corresponding parts in relation to each other. For example, the ORCHESTRA VOLUME control adjusts the volume of the selected ORCHESTRA voice.

The TRANSPOSE function on the YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 allows you to shift the pitch of the entire keyboard up or down in semitone intervals, up to a maximum of six semitones. This makes it easier to play in difficult key signatures or match the pitch to a singer or another instrument.

1. Use the TRANSPOSE ▲ and ▼ buttons for transposition. Press ▲ to increase the pitch or ▼ to lower it.

2. The selected degree of transposition will be shown on the ACCOMPANIMENT STYLE display while a button is pressed and for about 3 seconds after release.

3. The range is from -06 (down 6 semitones) to +06 (up 6 semitones). A value of 00 is the normal keyboard pitch.

4. To recall the normal transpose value (00) at any time, press both the TRANSPOSE ▲ and ▼ buttons simultaneously. The value is automatically set to 00 when the power is turned ON.

The pitch control on the YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 allows you to tune the instrument over a ±50-cent range (one hundred “cents” equals one semitone). This is useful for matching the tuning of other instruments or recorded music.

1. Press the PITCH ▲ button to tune up, or the PITCH ▼ button to tune down.

2. The selected degree of tuning will appear on the ACCOMPANIMENT STYLE display while a PITCH button is pressed and for about 3 seconds after release.

3. The range is from -16 (down approx. 50 cents) to +16 (up approx. 50 cents). A value of 0 is the “normal” pitch value, where the A3 key produces “concert pitch” (440 Hertz).

4. To recall the normal pitch value (0) at any time, press both the PITCH ▲ and ▼ buttons simultaneously. The pitch is automatically set to 0 whenever the power is turned ON.

The YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 allows you to select a SOLO voice, which is monophonic (only one note can be played at a time) and ideal for melody lines. You can play it alone, with an ORCHESTRA voice, or in a split keyboard configuration.

Selecting a SOLO Voice:

1. Use the VOICE SELECT PART SELECT button to select the SOLO voice (the SOLO indicator will light).

2. The number of the current SOLO voice will be displayed. Choose the desired voice from the VOICE LIST using the number or +/- buttons.

Orchestration and Combining Voices:

Using the ORCHESTRATION buttons, you can combine voices in several ways:

ORCHESTRA Voice Only: When only the ORCHESTRA button indicator is lit, only the selected ORCHESTRA voice will sound across the entire keyboard.

SOLO Voice Only: When only the SOLO button indicator is lit, only the selected SOLO voice will sound across the entire keyboard.

ORCHESTRA and SOLO Voices Simultaneously: If both the SOLO and ORCHESTRA button indicators are on, both voices can be played simultaneously across the keyboard. The SOLO voice will sound with the highest note played.

Split Keyboard (ORCHESTRA on Lower, SOLO on Upper): Press the TO LOWER button (its indicator will light). The ORCHESTRA voice is assigned to the lower keyboard and the SOLO voice to the upper keyboard. The “split point” separates the two sections. It is automatically set at F#2/G2 when powered on. To change the split point, press any of the AUTO BASS CHORD buttons while holding either the G#2 key (for G#2/A2 split) or the F#2 key (for F#2/G2 split).

Adjusting SOLO Voice Volume:

The volume of the SOLO voice can be adjusted in relation to the ORCHESTRA voice using the SOLO VOLUME control.

The YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 includes several effects and controllers to enhance your performance.

Sustain Effect:

Offers two levels: SUSTAIN 1 and SUSTAIN 2. Press the desired button once to turn the effect on (notes will decay gradually). Press it a second time to turn it off. SUSTAIN 2 produces a longer effect than SUSTAIN 1. This effect can also be controlled with an optional FC-5 footswitch. SUSTAIN effects cannot be applied to accompaniment or rhythm.

Ensemble Effect:

Produces a “thick” multi-instrument sound. Press the ENSEMBLE button once to turn it ON and a second time to turn it OFF. This effect cannot be applied to accompaniment or rhythm.

Duet Effect:

This effect only functions with AUTO BASS CHORD (FINGERED or SINGLE FINGER). It automatically adds harmony notes to the notes you play. Press the DUET button once to turn it ON and a second time to turn it OFF.

Dual Voice Feature:

This allows you to select and play two different voices simultaneously. Press the DUAL VOICE button to activate it. The last two voices you selected will be combined. For example, selecting PIANO 1 then HARP will combine them. Pressing DUAL VOICE again turns it off. When active, the number of notes that can be played simultaneously is reduced by half.

Pitch Bend Controller:

The PITCH BEND roller (lower left of the keyboard) allows you to manually “bend” the pitch of the voice. Rotating it away from you raises the pitch; toward you lowers it. It returns to the center when released. The total range is ±200 cents (one semitone).

Roll Bar Controller:

Located below the keyboard, the ROLL BAR has two functions, selected by the ROLL BAR buttons:

– MODULATION: Controls vibrato depth. Roll the bar away from you for greater depth.

– MASTER EXPRESSION: Controls overall volume. Roll the bar away from you for higher volume.

The Rhythm Accompaniment feature on your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 provides a rhythmic backing for your playing.

1. Selecting an Accompaniment Style:

You can select one of the 100 styles by either entering its number using the ACCOMPANIMENT STYLE SELECT buttons or by using the + and – buttons to scroll through the list. Each style also has a variation, which can be selected by pressing the ACCOMP. VARIATION button (when its LED is lit, the variation plays).

2. Setting the Tempo:

Press the TEMPO ▲ button to increase the speed or the TEMPO ▼ button to decrease it. The tempo (in beats per minute) is shown on the display. The range is 40 to 280 bpm. To return to the style’s default tempo, press both TEMPO buttons at the same time.

3. Starting the Accompaniment:

– Press the START button to begin the selected accompaniment immediately.

– Press the SYNCHRO START button to have the accompaniment begin as soon as you play the first note on the keyboard. The leftmost dot on the display will flash at the selected tempo.

4. Starting with an Introduction:

To start with a 1-measure intro, press one of the INTRO./FILL IN (1, 2, or 3) buttons before pressing START or SYNCHRO START. For a 2-measure intro, press the INTRO./ENDING button.

5. Adding Fill-ins:

While the accompaniment is playing, press any of the INTRO./FILL IN buttons to add a rhythmic variation (fill-in). The fill-in lasts until the end of the current measure.

6. Stopping the Accompaniment:

– Press the STOP button to stop the accompaniment immediately.

– Press the INTRO./ENDING button to stop the accompaniment with a two-measure ending pattern.

7. Adjusting the Volume:

Use the RHYTHM VOLUME control to adjust the volume of the accompaniment rhythm relative to the other parts.

The YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 provides an automated bass and chordal backing system with different modes.

SINGLE FINGER Accompaniment:

This mode lets you produce accompaniment by pressing a minimum number of keys on the lower section of the keyboard.

1. Press the AUTO BASS CHORD SINGLE FINGER button (its indicator will light).

2. Select an Accompaniment Style.

3. Start the accompaniment (e.g., using SYNCHRO START).

4. Press a key on the lower keyboard to begin the automatic chord and bass. The key you press determines the root of the chord.

– To play a major chord, press only the root key (e.g., C for C major).

– To play a minor chord, press the root key and the first black key to its left.

– To play a seventh chord, press the root key and the next white key to its left.

– To play a minor-seventh chord, press the root key and both the next white and black keys to its left.

FINGERED Accompaniment:

This mode is for users who already know how to play chords, allowing you to supply your own chord fingerings for the accompaniment.

1. Press the AUTO BASS CHORD FINGERED button (its indicator will light).

2. Select an Accompaniment Style.

3. Start the accompaniment.

4. Play any chord that the PSR-3500 can recognize in the lower section of the keyboard. The accompaniment will automatically begin. To change chords, release all keys before playing a new one.

MANUAL BASS Mode:

This mode provides a monophonic bass voice on the lower keyboard and a polyphonic ORCHESTRA voice on the upper keyboard.

1. Press the AUTO BASS CHORD MANUAL BASS button.

2. Select the desired upper ORCHESTRA and/or SOLO voice.

3. Use the VOICE SELECT PART SELECT button to select BASS, then choose the desired bass voice from the VOICE LIST.

4. Play the bass voice on the lower section and the ORCHESTRA/SOLO voice on the upper section. Use the BASS VOLUME control to adjust the bass sound.

SOLO STYLEPLAY Feature:

This feature automatically adds harmony notes and effects to a melody you play on the upper keyboard, based on the selected accompaniment style.

1. Press the SOLO STYLEPLAY button (its LED will light). The AUTO BASS CHORD SINGLE FINGER mode is automatically selected.

2. The SYNCHRO START mode is automatically selected. Play the required chords on the lower keyboard while playing a single-note melody line on the upper keyboard.

3. To stop, use the STOP or INTRO./ENDING button and press the SOLO STYLEPLAY button again to turn it off.

The six percussion pads on the YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 let you play percussion sounds and effects. Each pad can be assigned one of 40 percussion instruments or 16 sound effects.

Playing the Pads:

You can create two different custom assignment “sets” using the PAD CUSTOM buttons (1 and 2). Press the desired CUSTOM button (its indicator will light) to select a set. The sets are initially programmed as follows:

Programming Your Own CUSTOM Pad Sets:

1. Activate Program Mode: Press the PAD PROGRAM button (its indicator will light), then press the CUSTOM button for the set (1 or 2) you wish to program.

2. Program the Pads: While in program mode, you can play any of the 40 percussion instruments and 16 sound effects on the keyboard. To assign a sound, press and hold the desired instrument/effect key, then press the percussion pad you wish to assign it to. Repeat for all 6 pads.

3. Finish Programming: Press a different CUSTOM button to program another set, or press the PROGRAM button again to finish (its indicator will go out).

SYNCHRO BREAK Function:

This function lets you create your own fill-ins using the pads. When the SYNCHRO BREAK button is pressed and its LED is lit, playing a pad will cause the accompaniment rhythm to stop until the end of that measure, allowing you to create a custom fill-in.

The CUSTOM DRUMMER feature allows you to create three original rhythm patterns.

Creating an Original Rhythm Pattern:

1. Select a Suitable Rhythm: Start by selecting a preset accompaniment style that is close to the rhythm you want to create (e.g., select a WALTZ style to program in 3/4 time).

2. Engage Program Mode: Press the CUSTOM DRUMMER PROGRAM button (its LED will light). The selected rhythm will begin playing a repeating 2-measure pattern.

3. Set the Tempo: Adjust the tempo to a comfortable speed for programming, usually a relatively slow tempo.

4. Begin Programming: Add new notes by playing the keys corresponding to the PSR-3500’s percussion instruments and sound effects. To create a totally new rhythm, press the CUSTOM DRUMMER CLEAR button before programming. This cancels all instruments, leaving only a closed hi-hat metronome sound.

5. Cancel an Instrument (Optional): To remove a single instrument, hold the CANCEL key (highest key on the keyboard) and press the key for the instrument you want to remove.

6. Add Accents (Optional): To accent a beat, press the ACCENT key (second from highest) at the appropriate time. All instruments on that beat will be accented.

7. Assign the Pattern: When complete, assign your pattern to one of the CUSTOM DRUMMER CUSTOM buttons (1, 2, or 3) by pressing the appropriate button.

8. Stop Programming: Press the PROGRAM button again when you are finished.

Playing Back Your Custom Rhythm Pattern:

To play your created pattern, press the corresponding CUSTOM DRUMMER CUSTOM (1, 2, or 3) button to select it, then press the START button. Press STOP to end playback.

The MUSIC PROGRAMMER on the YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 allows you to record and play back your keyboard performance, with or without auto accompaniment.

Recording Accompaniment and Performance Simultaneously:

1. Select the desired Accompaniment Style and Auto Bass Chord Mode (SINGLE FINGER or FINGERED).

2. Press both the ORCHESTRA and ACCOMPANIMENT RECORD buttons to enter “record ready” mode. Both LEDs will light, and the metronome will sound.

3. Set up all necessary parameters (voice, effects, volume, tempo).

4. Recording will begin as soon as you play a note or chord (SYNCHRO START). Alternatively, you can press the START button for an immediate start.

5. While recording, you can change accompaniment styles, voices, tempo, etc., and these changes will be recorded.

6. To stop recording, press either the STOP button or the INTRO./ENDING button.

Recording Parts Separately:

1. To record the accompaniment part first, press only the ACCOMPANIMENT RECORD button to enter record ready mode.

2. Follow steps 4-6 from the simultaneous recording instructions above.

3. To record the orchestra part next, press the ACCOMPANIMENT PLAY button (its LED will flash). This sets the accompaniment track for playback.

4. Press the ORCHESTRA RECORD button to enter record ready mode for the orchestra part.

5. Recording of the orchestra part will begin as soon as you play a note.

6. Recording will stop automatically when the accompaniment part finishes playing.

Playback:

1. To play back both parts, press both the ORCHESTRA and ACCOMPANIMENT PLAY buttons (their indicators will flash).

2. Press the START button or a key on the keyboard to begin playback.

3. During playback, you can adjust volume and tempo.

4. To stop playback, press the STOP or INTRO./ENDING button.

The REGISTRATION MEMORY feature on your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 can memorize two complete control-panel setups for instant recall.

Memory Store (Saving a Setup):

1. Set Up the Controls: Make all the desired control settings on the panel. The following settings are memorized:

– ORCHESTRA/SOLO/RHYTHM/CHORD/BASS VOLUME

– AUTO BASS CHORD MODE

– ACCOMPANIMENT VARIATION & STYLE SELECT

– SOLO STYLEPLAY ON/OFF

– CUSTOM 1/2/3

– TEMPO

– SOLO/ORCHESTRA/TO LOWER ON/OFF

– SOLO/ORCHESTRA/BASS VOICE SELECT

– SUSTAIN 1/2

– ENSEMBLE/DUET/DUAL VOICE ON/OFF

– DUAL VOICE SELECT

– SOUND EFFECTS ON/OFF

– HOLD ON/OFF

– PERCUSSION PAD CUSTOM 1/2

– SYNCHRO BREAK

– ROLL BAR MODE

– PART SELECT

– SPLIT POINT

2. Store in Memory: Press and hold the MEMORY button, then press one of the REGISTRATION buttons (1 or 2). Any data previously in that memory slot will be erased and replaced.

Recall (Loading a Setup):

Simply press the desired REGISTRATION button (1 or 2) at any time to recall the memorized settings.

You can configure various MIDI settings on your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500. All procedures require holding down the MIDI button while pressing other specified buttons.

Remote Control/Standard Voice Mode Selection:

– Press VOICE SELECT “0” while holding MIDI to alternate between modes. Remote Control mode is for when the PSR-3500 is controlling another device. Standard Voice mode is for when the PSR-3500 is being used as a tone generator (e.g., controlled by a sequencer).

MIDI Channel Selection:

– To set the transmit channel, press VOICE SELECT “1” while holding MIDI, then press one of the lowest 17 keyboard keys corresponding to the desired channel.

– To set the receive channel, press VOICE SELECT “2” while holding MIDI, then press the appropriate key.

Split Transmit Mode ON/OFF:

– This mode transmits lower and upper keyboard notes on different MIDI channels. To select, press VOICE SELECT “3” while holding MIDI. Then, while still holding MIDI, press the “+” button for ON or the “-” button for OFF.

Program/Control Change Cancel ON/OFF:

– This cancels the transmission and reception of program/control change data. To select, press VOICE SELECT “4” while holding MIDI, then use the “+” (ON) or “-” (OFF) buttons.

External/Internal Clock Selection:

– This determines if rhythm timing is controlled internally or by an external MIDI clock. To select, press VOICE SELECT “5” while holding MIDI, then use “+” for EXT or “-” for INT.

Local Control ON/OFF:

– This disconnects the keyboard from the internal tone generator. To select, press VOICE SELECT “6” while holding MIDI, then use “+” for ON or “-” for OFF.

Panel/Memory Data Transmit:

– To transmit current panel settings, press VOICE SELECT “7” while holding MIDI.

– To transmit internal memory data, press VOICE SELECT “8” while holding MIDI.

Rhythm Receive Channel Selection:

– To select the MIDI channel for receiving rhythm data, press VOICE SELECT “9” while holding MIDI, then press one of the lowest 16 keys for the desired channel.

If your YAMAHA PORTATONE PSR-3500 isn’t working as expected, check these points before assuming it’s faulty.

Problem 1: A “pop” sound when power is turned ON or OFF.

Cause: This is normal and not a cause for alarm.

Problem 2: No sound.

Cause: Are the MASTER VOLUME control and individual volume levels turned up? Is a pair of headphones plugged into the HEADPHONE jack? Is the MIDI LOCAL ON/OFF mode set to OFF?

Problem 3: Rhythm won’t start or no rhythm sound.

Cause: Is the RHYTHM volume turned up? Did you press the START button? The PSR-3500 might be in SYNCHRO START mode, requiring you to play a note to start it.

Problem 4: No lower keyboard sound.

Cause: Is the BASS and/or CHORD volume turned up? Are you playing in the lower keyboard (Auto Bass Chord keys) section?

Problem 5: Auto Bass Chord accompaniment won’t function.

Cause: Have you selected the SINGLE FINGER or FINGERED mode? The accompaniment won’t work if FINGERED mode is selected but you are using SINGLE FINGER type fingering.

Problem 6: Accompaniment key changes while playing.

Cause: You may have accidentally pressed a key in the Auto Bass Chord key range.

Problem 7: Auto Bass Chord accompaniment chords don’t seem to change properly.

Cause: Are you releasing all Auto Bass Chord keys before playing the next chord? Are you playing chords that the PSR-3500 can recognize?

Problem 8: SOLO STYLEPLAY function won’t turn on.

Cause: This function cannot be turned on when the MUSIC PROGRAMMER is recording or playing.

Problem 9: Music Programmer data disappears from memory.

Cause: The data is only backed up for approximately one week if the power is not turned ON.

Problem 10: Control panel LEDs light only dimly; operation errors occur.

Cause: Your batteries are probably flat and need replacement.