Yamaha Keyboard Files
Which file types are available for Yamaha keyboards; and what is the function of these files.

Style Files

Styles are the main component for music reproduction in arranger keyboards.
Style files holds MIDI data and some non-MIDI data.
Style files had some years ago always sty file extension. Now a number of files extensions are used: pst (pianist); pcs (piano combo); sst (session); prs (pro); bcs (basic) and fps (free play).
Beside the built-in styles additional style files can be loaded into most models. But due to some changes in the style file format during the years, styles might need conversion for use in smaller/older models.

Registration Files

Registrations are saved snapshots of all active keyboard settings; e.g. style, instruments. This makes it possible to set up your keyboard pressing one button.
Unfortunately registrations are keyboard specific, which makes it difficult to move registrations from one keyboard to another. Registrations are saved to files with rgt or reg file extension.
For the Tyros models Yamaha has developed utilities for converting registrations from one model to another.
More software tools for manipulation and conversion of registrations are available.

Multipad Files

As an extra spice to your performances one of the built-in multipads can be added.
Besides this you can load additional multipads and get even more and new "spices".
Multipad files have a pad file extension; but the data inside the files are in MIDI format.
This makes it possible to create and edit multipads in MIDI sequencer software.
Multipad files can be transferred from one keyboard to another; and you can replace the multipad in a style with another and save this.

Voice Files

There are two different ways of changing the voices: Modifying the built-in voices or loading new voice samples.
The built-in voices can be modified, and may also work on other models. The new voice settings are saved to a file. File extensions are org; vce; liv; swv; clv; mgv; sar; ldr; and drm. Data format is MIDI.
When a built-in voice in the keyboard is loaded, the new settings are read and the voice is changed accordingly.
The latest high end arrangers, e.g. the Tyros models, will load 'real' new voices in the keyboard firmware.
These voices are in files with cvn; uvn or tvn file extensions; and these are not interchangeable between models.

Music Finder Files

The Music Finder gives an easy way to select the style; tempo; and intro style part for songs.
The Music Finder holds a database of song records, where this information is stored.
Each model has a preset Music Finder database. The records in this database can be modified or deleted; and new ones can be added.
Furthermore the database can be replaced with a new database file. The file extension is mfd.
Music Finder database are keyboard specific; but to some extent they can be used in other 'close' models. If not, software programs can be used edit the database on your PC.

Other Files

All Yamaha keyboards will read MIDI files - file extension mid.
MIDI files holds data - 'the music recipe' - to the sound generator; but no 'music'. This must not be confused with audio files - file extensions wav and mp3.
This later holds 'music' and is read only by high end arrangers.

Outdated files
Files with an ots extension are 'One Touch Setting' files for PSR 9000 only. Later models use OTS data integrated in the style file.
Files with a vic extension are PSR 9000 voice data files.
Files with an eff extension are PSR 9000 effect data files.

Useful links

Style Files: Style Reference - Style Editors - About Style Files
Registration Files: Registration Editors - About Registration Files
Multipad Files: Multipad Editors - About Multipad Files
Voice Files: About Voice Files
Music Finder Files: Music Finder Editors - About Music Finder Files
Other Files: PSR FAQ
Software, lessons, articles, resources, styles and files:
The Unofficial YAMAHA Keyboard Resource Site - PSR Tutorial - HP Music - Heidruns Musikerseiten - Tyros Mania
More resources: PSR FAQ - Resources - Discussion Fora - Synth Zone

Associated Sites: Yamaha Keyboard Models - Yamaha Keyboard Resource - Yamaha Keyboard Software - Yamaha Keyboard Style
Yamaha Keyboard Files
© 2011 by yamaha-keyboard-files.com