Recording a Backing Track using an Auto Accompaniment Style on a PSR540

The PSR540 is equipped with a 16 Track real-time sequencer. The sequencer data is stored directly to an IBM formatted 720KB (2DD) floppy disk, with a capacity of 65,000 notes, or a 1.44MB (HD) floppy disk, with a capacity of 130,000 notes. The recordings are saved on the floppy disk in Standard MIDI File Format 0.

The procedure below involves selecting one or more of the Auto Accompaniment Tracks and recording those Tracks while playing a chord progression that controls the key of the Auto Accompaniment. The final recording is an arrangement that can, for example, be used as a backing accompaniment to a solo part played on a keyboard, guitar or saxophone. The final recording can also serve as a base for adding individual parts at a later time. This is a practical technique for a beginner since it involves playing chords with the left hand and controlling Auto Accompaniment section changes as needed. Right hand playing is NOT necessary, although, the right hand can be used to control Auto Accompaniment section changes.

NOTE: Yamaha Style Disks (Auto Accompaniments) and XG MIDI files (Backup Tracks) are available for purchase online at www.yamahamusicsoft.com. To order by phone, call Music Dispatch at (800) 637-2852. Ask for the Software Catalog. Music Dispatch also has a selection of 'Fake Books' (books with music written for Auto Accompaniment keyboards that show simple melody notes and chord names in large print). Ask for the 'Electronic Keyboard and Organ' or/and the 'Fake Books' Catalog.
Setting the Auto Accompaniment Split Point:

1) Press and hold the [ACMP ON/OFF] button while pressing the [DIRECT ACCESS] button.

2) Adjust the Auto Accompaniment split point by pressing the [+] or [-] button to move the split point up or down the keyboard as desired.

3) Press the [EXIT] button.

Selecting an Auto Accompaniment Style:

1) Press the [STYLE] button.

2) Type in the number of the Auto Accompaniment Style on the numeric keypad.

3) Take note of the Tracks that contain Accompaniment data. This is necessary information when selecting the Accompaniment Tracks in the Recording Procedure.

NOTE: The Tracks that contain Accompaniment data are denoted by the 'Volume Bars' above the Tracks [9] - [16] located in the lower right corner of the LCD screen.

4) Press the [EXIT] button.

Recording the Accompaniment Parts:
TIP: The [BACK] button can usually be pressed at anytime to return to the previous step.

1) Press the [RECORD] button. The screen will display 'RecMenu=Song'.

2) Press the [NEXT] button. The screen will display '001 New Song'.

3) Press the [NEXT] button.

4) Press the [+] button. The screen will display 'RecMode=MultiRec'.

5) Press the [NEXT] button three times. The screen will display 'RecPart T01=R1'.

6) Press one of the Auto Accompaniment Track buttons, [9] - [16]. See the Track Assigments below:

PSR540 Track to Accompaniment Part Assignments
Track	Accompaniment Part Assignment
9	RhS, Sub Rhythm
10	Rhm, Main Rhythm
11	Bas, Bass
12	CH1, Chord 1
13	CH2, Chord 2
14	Pad
15	Ph1, Phrase 1
16	Ph2, Phrase 2

7) Press the [NEXT] button. The screen will display 'RecPart Txx=xxx'.

8) Press the [+] button to set the Track to record.

NOTE: Repeat steps 6 and 8 to enable other Accompaniment Parts to be recorded.

9) Press the [NEXT] button. The screen will display 'Rehearsal'.

10) Press the [NEXT] button.

11) Select one of the following options:


a) Recording with an Intro:


1] Press the [INTRO] button.
2] Play the keyboard.
3] Proceed to step 12.


b) Recording without an Intro:


1] Press either the [MAIN A] or [MAIN B] button.
2] Play the keyboard.
3] Proceed to step 12.

TIP: Press any of the 'Style Control' buttons, [INTRO], [MAIN A] or [MAIN B] during the Song to add fills and pattern changes as desired.


12) Press the [START/STOP] or [ENDING] button when finished.

TIP: Press the [ENDING] button twice to add a ritardando effect.

13) Select one of the following options:


a) Save the Recording:


1] Press the [+] button.
2] Press the [EXIT] button to finish.


b) Cancel the Save operation:


1] Press the [-] button.
2] Return to step 9 to re-record the Track(s) OR to finish recording press the [EXIT] button.

Reference: Owner's Manual, p.78-91