The Ultimate Guide to Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor Full Version: Features, Benefits, Installation, and Usage
Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor Full Version: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are a proud owner of a Yamaha digital keyboard, you might be interested in expanding its sonic capabilities with custom voices. Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor is a free PC desktop application that enables you to create, edit, manage, and transfer expansion voices and packs for your keyboard. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to use Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor Full Version, including its features, benefits, installation, usage, tips, and tricks.
Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor Full Version
What is Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor?
A brief introduction to the software
Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor is a software that allows you to modify the parameters of the expansion voices, such as pitch, filter, envelope, effects, etc. You can also create new expansion voices by using samples or waveforms from your computer or from other sources. Expansion voices are additional sounds that can be installed on your keyboard, enhancing its sound library and giving you more options for your musical expression.
The main features and benefits of using it
Some of the main features and benefits of using Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor are:
You can create your own custom voices from scratch or by using existing ones as templates.
You can import samples or waveforms in various formats, such as wav, aif, sf2, etc.
You can edit the voice parameters in a graphical interface, with real-time auditioning and feedback.
You can save your voice data as yep files, which can be transferred to your keyboard or shared with others.
You can create and edit pack projects, which are collections of expansion voices that can be installed on your keyboard as expansion packs.
You can install and uninstall expansion packs on your keyboard easily, using a USB flash drive or a direct connection.
You can use quick installation or incremental installation methods, which allow you to install only the necessary data or update existing data without deleting them.
You can use the software as a plug-in for OPT (Open Plug-in Technology) or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) applications, such as Cubase or Logic Pro.
By using Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor, you can expand your keyboard's sound palette, customize your sounds according to your preferences and needs, and enjoy more creative possibilities for your music production.
How to install and launch Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor?
The system requirements and compatibility
Before installing Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor, you need to make sure that your computer meets the following system requirements:
Operating system: Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 (64-bit only)
CPU: Intel Core i series or better
Memory: 4 GB or more
Hard disk space: 500 MB or more
Display resolution - 1366 x 768 pixels or higher
Sound card: Compatible with ASIO or Windows WASAPI
Internet connection: Required for downloading and updating the software
You also need to check the compatibility of your keyboard model with Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. The software supports the following models:
PSR-SX900 / PSR-SX700 / PSR-SX600
PSR-S975 / PSR-S775 / PSR-S970 / PSR-S770 / PSR-S670
PSR-A3000 / PSR-A2000
Tyros5 / Tyros4
Genos
If your keyboard model is not listed above, you cannot use Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor with it.
The installation process and steps
To install Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor on your computer, you need to follow these steps:
Download the latest version of the software from the official Yamaha website. You can find it under the Downloads section of your keyboard model's page.
Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
When the installation is finished, you will see a shortcut icon for Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor on your desktop.
How to launch the application and connect it to your keyboard
To launch Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor and connect it to your keyboard, you need to follow these steps:
Turn on your keyboard and connect it to your computer using a USB cable or a wireless LAN adapter. Make sure that your keyboard is set to PC mode or USB storage mode, depending on your model.
Double-click on the shortcut icon for Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor on your desktop. The application will start and detect your keyboard automatically.
If you have more than one keyboard connected to your computer, you can select the one you want to use from the Device menu in the application.
If you want to use Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor as a plug-in for OPT or DAW applications, you need to launch those applications first and then load Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor as a plug-in from their menus.
How to use Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor?
How to create and edit expansion voices
To create and edit expansion voices with Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor, you need to follow these steps:
How to import samples or waveforms
You can import samples or waveforms from your computer or from other sources into Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. Samples are audio files that contain sound data, such as drum sounds, vocal phrases, etc. Waveforms are basic sound shapes that can be used to synthesize sounds, such as sine waves, sawtooth waves, etc. You can import samples or waveforms in various formats, such as wav, aif, sf2, etc.
To import samples or waveforms, you need to follow these steps:
Select File > Import > Sample or File > Import > Waveform from the menu bar in the application.
Browse and select the file that you want to import. You can also drag and drop the file into the application window.
The imported sample or waveform will appear in the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window. You can rename, delete, or organize it as you wish.
How to modify the voice parameters
You can modify the voice parameters of the expansion voices in Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. Voice parameters are settings that affect how the sound is produced and processed, such as pitch, filter, envelope, effects, etc. You can edit the voice parameters in a graphical interface, with real-time auditioning and feedback.
To modify the voice parameters, you need to follow these steps:
Select an expansion voice that you want to edit from the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window. You can also create a new expansion voice by selecting File > New > Voice from the menu bar.
The selected voice will appear in the Voice Edit panel on the right side of the application window. You can see and adjust various voice parameters in different tabs, such as Basic, Element, Filter, Amp, LFO, Effect, etc.
You can use the mouse wheel or drag the sliders to change the values of the voice parameters. You can also double-click on a parameter value and enter a numerical value directly.
You can audition the sound of the edited voice by clicking on the virtual keyboard at the bottom of the application window. You can also use your keyboard as a MIDI controller by connecting it to your computer and selecting the MIDI input option in the application.
You can save the changes you made to the voice by clicking on the Save button at the top of the application window. You can also save the voice data as a yep file by selecting File > Save As from the menu bar.
How to audition and save the voice data
You can audition and save the voice data of the expansion voices in Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. Voice data are files that contain the information of the expansion voices, such as samples, waveforms, parameters, etc. You can save the voice data as yep files, which can be transferred to your keyboard or shared with others.
To audition and save the voice data, you need to follow these steps:
Select an expansion voice that you want to audition or save from the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window.
You can audition the sound of the voice by clicking on the virtual keyboard at the bottom of the application window. You can also use your keyboard as a MIDI controller by connecting it to your computer and selecting the MIDI input option in the application.
You can save the voice data as a yep file by selecting File > Save As from the menu bar. You can also save all the voice data in a pack project by selecting File > Save All from the menu bar.
You can specify a name and a location for the yep file. You can also add some information about the voice, such as author, category, description, etc.
You can transfer the yep file to your keyboard or share it with others by using a USB flash drive or a direct connection.
How to manage and transfer expansion packs
To manage and transfer expansion packs with Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor, you need to follow these steps:
How to create and edit pack projects
You can create and edit pack projects with Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. Pack projects are collections of expansion voices that can be installed on your keyboard as expansion packs. Expansion packs are additional sound libraries that enhance your keyboard's sonic capabilities and give you more options for your musical expression.
To create and edit pack projects, you need to follow these steps:
Select File > New > Pack Project from the menu bar in the application. A new pack project will be created and appear in the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window.
You can rename, delete, or organize the pack project as you wish. You can also add some information about it, such as author, category, description, etc.
You can add expansion voices to the pack project by dragging and dropping them from your computer or from other sources into the Content Explorer panel. You can also remove or reorder them as you wish.
You can edit the parameters of each expansion voice in the pack project by selecting it and using the Voice Edit panel on the right side of the application window.
You can save the changes you made to the pack project by clicking on the Save button at the top of the application window. You can also save the pack project data as a ppi file by selecting File > Save As from the menu bar.
How to install and uninstall expansion packs
You can install and uninstall expansion packs on your keyboard with Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. Installing expansion packs means adding them to your keyboard's internal memory, where they can be accessed and used. Uninstalling expansion packs means removing them from your keyboard's internal memory, where they can be freed up for other uses.
To install and uninstall expansion packs, you need to follow these steps:
Select an expansion pack that you want to install or uninstall from the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window. You can also create a new expansion pack by selecting File > New > Pack Project from the menu bar.
Click on the Install button or the Uninstall button at the top of the application window. A dialog box will appear, asking you to confirm your action.
Select the destination device for the installation or uninstallation. You can choose between a USB flash drive or a direct connection to your keyboard.
If you choose a USB flash drive, you need to insert it into your computer and select it from the drop-down menu. The application will copy the necessary data to the USB flash drive.
If you choose a direct connection, you need to connect your keyboard to your computer using a USB cable or a wireless LAN adapter. The application will communicate with your keyboard and transfer the necessary data.
When the installation or uninstallation is completed, you will see a message on the screen. You can close the dialog box and continue using the application.
How to use quick installation and incremental installation
You can use quick installation and incremental installation methods with Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. Quick installation means installing only the necessary data for an expansion pack, without deleting any existing data on your keyboard. Incremental installation means updating an existing expansion pack with new or modified data, without deleting any existing data on your keyboard.
To use quick installation and incremental installation, you need to follow these steps:
Select an expansion pack that you want to install or update from the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window. You can also create a new expansion pack by selecting File > New > Pack Project from the menu bar.
Click on the Install button at the top of the application window. A dialog box will appear, asking you to confirm your action.
Select the destination device for the installation or update. You can choose between a USB flash drive or a direct connection to your keyboard.
If you choose a USB flash drive, you need to insert it into your computer and select it from the drop-down menu. The application will copy the necessary data to the USB flash drive.
If you choose a direct connection, you need to connect your keyboard to your computer using a USB cable or a wireless LAN adapter. The application will communicate with your keyboard and transfer the necessary data.
In either case, you need to select the installation method from the drop-down menu. You can choose between Full Installation, Quick Installation, or Incremental Installation.
Full Installation means installing all the data for an expansion pack, deleting any existing data on your keyboard that belong to the same pack ID.
Quick Installation means installing only the data that are different from the existing data on your keyboard, without deleting any existing data on your keyboard.
Incremental Installation means updating the existing data on your keyboard with the new or modified data from the expansion pack, without deleting any existing data on your keyboard.
When you select the installation method, you will see a summary of the data size and the available space on your keyboard. You can also see a list of the contents that will be installed or updated.
Click on the OK button to start the installation or update. When it is completed, you will see a message on the screen. You can close the dialog box and continue using the application.
Tips and tricks for using Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor
How to use the software as a plug-in for OPT or DAW
You can use Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor as a plug-in for OPT (Open Plug-in Technology) or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) applications, such as Cubase or Logic Pro. This allows you to use the software as a sound source or an effect processor for your music production. You can also edit the voice parameters and transfer the voice data directly from the plug-in interface.
To use Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor as a plug-in, you need to follow these steps:
Launch your OPT or DAW application and create a new project or open an existing one.
Add Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor as a plug-in to your project. You can find it under the VST Instruments or Audio Units categories, depending on your application and operating system.
Select an expansion voice that you want to use from the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the plug-in window. You can also create a new expansion voice by selecting File > New > Voice from the menu bar.
The selected voice will appear in the Voice Edit panel on the right side of the plug-in window. You can see and adjust various voice parameters in different tabs, such as Basic, Element, Filter, Amp, LFO, Effect, etc.
You can audition the sound of the voice by playing your MIDI keyboard or by using the virtual keyboard at the bottom of the plug-in window. You can also record and edit your performance in your OPT or DAW application.
You can save the voice data as a yep file by selecting File > Save As from the menu bar. You can also save all the voice data in a pack project by selecting File > Save All from the menu bar.
You can transfer the voice data to your keyboard by selecting File > Install from the menu bar. You can choose between a USB flash drive or a direct connection to your keyboard.
How to use SoundFont files as contents
You can use SoundFont files as contents for Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. SoundFont files are files that contain samples, waveforms, and parameters for various musical instruments and sounds. You can import SoundFont files in sf2 format into Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor and use them as sources for creating expansion voices.
To use SoundFont files as contents, you need to follow these steps:
Select File > Import > SoundFont from the menu bar in the application.
Browse and select the SoundFont file that you want to import. You can also drag and drop the file into the application window.
The imported SoundFont file will appear in the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window. You can rename, delete, or organize it as you wish.
You can expand the SoundFont file and see its contents, such as presets, instruments, and samples. You can select any of them and use them as sources for creating expansion voices.
You can edit the parameters of the selected content in the Voice Edit panel on the right side of the application window. You can also audition the sound of the content by clicking on the virtual keyboard at the bottom of the application window.
You can save the content data as a yep file by selecting File > Save As from the menu bar. You can also save all the content data in a pack project by selecting File > Save All from the menu bar.
You can transfer the content data to your keyboard by selecting File > Install from the menu bar. You can choose between a USB flash drive or a direct connection to your keyboard.
How to export selected content as a pack project file
You can export selected content as a pack project file with Yamaha Expansion Voice Editor. This allows you to create a pack project file from existing expansion voices, samples, waveforms, or SoundFont files. You can then use this pack project file to install or update an expansion pack on your keyboard or share it with others.
To export selected content as a pack project file, you need to follow these steps:
Select one or more contents that you want to export from the Content Explorer panel on the left side of the application window. You can use the Ctrl key or the Shift key to select multiple contents.
Select File > Export > Pack Project from the menu bar in the application.
Specify a name and a location for the pack project file. You can also add some information about it, such as author, category, description, etc.
Click on the OK button to start the export process. When it is completed, you will see a message on the screen. You can close the dialog box and continue using the application.
Conclusion and FAQs
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