Thank you! As much as I love the reface series, some of the functions are strange and the instructions are difficult to find. I keep hearing rumors that they’ve discontinued the line but I’m holding out that they haven’t because I actually would love to have a DX! Anyway. Thanks again!
I see we have similar tastes in Refaces :) I do want the Reface CP, but they're still a bit pricey considering other options available. The CS tho, I used to own a Yamaha AN1X and missed it ever since I sold it. The CS is an incredible replacement for that keyboard, plus smaller and batteries! :) Sounds great too.
Thanks! I have the CP as well as the CS here, and it's just lovely. Solid as a rock, sounds stunning, and the included effects are legitimately excellent. It's a bit frustrating that you have to do the weird hack thing to get an acoustic piano, but at least it's there and it too sounds really nice. I tried a DX in a local music store and I really liked the sound, but those strange touch sliders were really difficult to come to grips with. I spent quite a while really playing around with it because I was very tempted to grab that DX but, yeah, I just couldn't get behind the touch strip thing. I also tried the YC in the same store and while the build quality was as good as the other reface models, I just have no interest at all in organ sounds. Regardless, the CS and the CP are never leaving my possession and if the CS had the ability to use more than one effect at a time, as well as a reverb, I would class it as perfect. For me, as it stands right now, I would class the CP as the nicest of all of them. It's just a perfect mix of sound and features, design and build quality. But anyway. Thanks again!
Thank you! Yeah, they are seriously great synthesizers. I have the CP as well which is really nice. I've been very tempted by the DX, but I've tried those touch strip things and found them a little bit awkward but if I ever see one at a good price I'm going to nab one of them. Either way though. Thanks again!
@@thedigitallost yep! Big time. I have my reface cs rocking on midi channel 4 as we speak and my sequencer is doing all the work 😂. I had a love-hate relationship with this thing for the longest time because I couldn’t get it off of Omni but now, it has become everything I need it to be. Thanks again
Thanks for making this. Downloaded the firmware installer for my YC, it shows up on my computer, but pushing the START on the installer program is doing absolutely nothing. Anyone else experience this? Running Windows 10 64 bit.
Hello, and thanks for the feedback! Not sure why your update wouldn’t be working, and this sounds like a dumb thing, but in my experience just trying different USB cables solves 99% of problems. I used the one that came with my novation circuit which was a pretty big chunky looking thing. Again, I know it sounds a bit daft but often a different USB cable can fix a lot of these problems. Other than that I’m not sure what’s going on. Hopefully someone else is reading this and can chime in! I’d like to know how it all works out.
Hi, Great video ! Does anybody used M-Audio MK3 61 keys to control the Yamaha Reface CP ? For some reasons I cannot do that, following all the steps from this video.
Thank you, and glad I could help! In theory, following these steps should work for any midi controller, assuming it’s a five pin din midi cable. I have used a couple of different midi controllers for the CS and CP using these steps without issue. But I’ve never use the midi controller that you mentioned so I couldn’t really specify what might be going on there or how that midi controller works. But if anyone else reading has any hints go ahead here!
Thanks! And yes, I have the cp, cs and dx and all of them receive usb midi via a daw. Though I don’t remember offhand, but you may have to get drivers from Yamaha website.
Thanks for clear instructions. Is there a good way to let the reface CP receive only the midi clock, so that delays are synced with for example my loopstation?
Thank you! But uts receiving all midi notes from my sequencer, not just the ones assigned to its channel. Any idea how to disable omni mode? I cant find it anywhere.
Hello. It’s hard to say, but it sounds like you’re not running the V 1.30 version firmware. Everything in this video is based around running that most recent firmware. If you know you have the most recent firmware (there should be a link in the description, or just find it on Yamaha website) the directions in this video should cover how to select individual midi channels. Good luck.
Thanks for the video. I can't access the advanced settings. When I follow what you're doing ( holding done the keys and power on ) the LEDS don't stay on. I have no idea what to try next. Thanks in advance
Really don't know how to make reface and MainStage work. I want to send midi data from reface to my software to hear it through it (Mainstage) but I don't know how to do it. I see no input although keys are mapped.
Hi I just want to know if the reface series can be used to control a synthesizer, as a midi keyboard/controller? That is, play the physical keys of the reface, but hear the sound of the connected synth (not the sound of the reface piano). I am new to using MIDI and am confused by “channels” and midi sending and receiving etc.. I know you can connect the reface piano to a computer daw, but don’t know if it works to control physical devices like other synths pianos which have a midi in/out. Thank you!
Absolutely you can do this! The part of this video when I talk about the midi transmit channel is referring to that. Assuming you have your reface connected correctly with a midi cable to the synth that you want to control, you just have to make sure that the midi channels match. So, if the synth that you want to control is set to midi channel 1, then the reface would need to be transmitting on media channel 1. If the synth that you want to control is set to midi channel 2, then the reface needs to transmit on midi channel 2. And so on. You can just turn down the volume on your reface so you don’t hear that while you’re using it as a controller. It’s not the most convenient controller, but it absolutely works and the midi transmit channel section of this video should help get you set up with your midi channels. I know it can seem confusing, just try not to overthink it! I used to overthink all this stuff all the time but then it just clicked. Keep at it! If you have any questions, go ahead. I’m happy to try and help. Cheers.
I made the firmware update and wish I didn't. I sometimes use the CP to control other synths meaning I need OMNI mode back. I have an outboard midi filter so I can select which synth to control with that. Since the firmware update I have to do this whole ridiculous process just to select which synth I want to control. How can I turn OMNI mode back on? Any links to the OLD firmware. Serious bummer ATM
Thanks so much!! Now I also know I CAN set midi channels on the Reface. I want to do a setup of the CP and the yc and also a Novation mininova, which all should be connected via a midi through Box so they´re playable by a masterkeyboard with bigger keys. No Computer. The central Station is a Tascam Model 12. Do you think that´ll work? Even with the possibility to switch between the three between or even in songs?
How can i make the Faders work as midi faders for another synth? Some of them are strangely already working without doing anything (Filter, Res, Attack and Release). But id like to add LFO, Volume, Decay and the effect section of my synth to the other unused ones.
Hello. The cs can definitely send midi from the sliders/faders. It’s probably something you’d have to change in the synth/vst that you’re trying to control though. If you are trying to control a software synth, that should be fairly easy as most of those will have some sort of midi learn function. If you’re trying to control a hardware synth, that might be a bit more difficult. By default the reface CS will transmit certain CC values from its sliders. These values will have to align with whatever values the receiving instrument is expecting, if that makes any sense. Have you ever read a synthesizer manual and in the back, usually, there is a bunch of information about midi cc values? That’s the kind of thing I’m referring to. I have tried this with the CS and software synths and it worked fine, but I’ve never tried it with hardware synths. If you get it working, let us know here! Good luck. Cheers.
Hello there! Glad you liked the video. Thank you for the feedback. So, this is actually a pretty interesting question and hopefully somebody else knows because I’d like to know as well. I got my CP quite a long time ago, and I never updated it myself for fear of losing the hidden piano. I don’t know if there’s a way to check what firmware is installed and I would assume I got my CP before the 1.3 update. So yeah, I’d be really interested to know if anyone else has done this.
Hello! I want to use a controller to expand the range of my CP Reface but so far have not been able to get any controller to produce a sound on the Reface. any tips? Have updated the firmware and set the send and receive to all channels.
I’m going to assume that you are using a pretty standard five pin din midi cable and not usb midi? If so, double and triple check that you have the correct and matching channels on your CP and controller. All good and matching? Great! Well, now make sure that your midi cable is plugged into the input part of the breakout cable on the CP. Might seem like an obvious thing but it’s something that’s easy to miss. Also, are you using the original breakout Midi cable? If not, did you get a legit replacement from Yamaha? I only ask because I have heard that it is a proprietary cable, and whilst you can find ones that look the same, apparently they tend to not work. You might need the legit Yamaha one. I’m still using the ones that came with my original CP and CS, but that’s something to look at as well. Midi is usually pretty simple. So long as everything matches and is plugged in correctly then it should work. I would double and triple check your channels, that everything is plugged into the input an output correctly, and make sure you were using the proper Yamaha midi breakout cable. If it still doesn’t work, maybe you have a bad cable somewhere! Again, midi is really, really simple. If everything is set up properly and it’s not working then it has to be a physical problem with a cable or input/output jack somewhere. Good luck and let me know if it works out or if you have any further problems. I’m happy to help. Cheers.
This was so helpful, but I’m having a problem that I cannot figure out. I’m trying to control 2 reface models with a master controller and I can only get the first in the chain to work! Any suggestions?
I don't think Yamaha refaces have a Soft Thru function, so they can't be MIDI chained. Each reface must be driven from a dedicated MIDI Out or a dedicated MIDI Thru output. If your master controller only has one MIDI Out, then you should connect a MIDI Thru Box (preferably with an external power supply) to it.
Thank you for nice tips! By the way, I am considering to buy this(reface CS), but I want to use it totally as a midi keyboard. Is it as easy as those general midi keyboards? like I just need to connect via usb cable and immediately I can use it as a midi keyboard in my DAW(ableton). Or, do I need to set it up(like the way in this video) everytime before I use it as a midi keyboard?
It can be used as a midi keyboard, but it’s a bit difficult. I mean, I’ve done it, and the keyboard itself is really nice. But you can’t really assign any of the faders to do much. Not easily anyway. You wouldn’t have to set it up every time though. Once you’ve set the midi channels they’re pretty much locked in but it would be frustrating if you wanted to change the midi channels regularly. Then you really would have to go through this long, convoluted process. But yeah, totally doable! But there are probably just better options out there.
@@ggodle0728 Fair enough! Yeah, I would grab a CS because it’s an awesome sounding, really well-built and really well priced synthesizer. Just not a great dedicated midi controller. Good luck!
A start would be to make sure you’re on the current firmware. Directions on the Yamaha website and should be linked here in the description. Outside of that, not sure! Good luck.
Great video, thank you!
Glad I could help!
Thank you *so much* for this super clear and useful tutorial, which gave me info I very much needed and struggled to find in the manual.
Thank you, and no problem!
Really appreciate your work. Helpful and detailed info!
Thank you! Glad I could help.
A solid bit of advice. Thanks. Love the CP!
Thank you! As much as I love the reface series, some of the functions are strange and the instructions are difficult to find. I keep hearing rumors that they’ve discontinued the line but I’m holding out that they haven’t because I actually would love to have a DX! Anyway. Thanks again!
I see we have similar tastes in Refaces :) I do want the Reface CP, but they're still a bit pricey considering other options available. The CS tho, I used to own a Yamaha AN1X and missed it ever since I sold it. The CS is an incredible replacement for that keyboard, plus smaller and batteries! :) Sounds great too.
Thanks! I have the CP as well as the CS here, and it's just lovely. Solid as a rock, sounds stunning, and the included effects are legitimately excellent. It's a bit frustrating that you have to do the weird hack thing to get an acoustic piano, but at least it's there and it too sounds really nice.
I tried a DX in a local music store and I really liked the sound, but those strange touch sliders were really difficult to come to grips with. I spent quite a while really playing around with it because I was very tempted to grab that DX but, yeah, I just couldn't get behind the touch strip thing. I also tried the YC in the same store and while the build quality was as good as the other reface models, I just have no interest at all in organ sounds.
Regardless, the CS and the CP are never leaving my possession and if the CS had the ability to use more than one effect at a time, as well as a reverb, I would class it as perfect. For me, as it stands right now, I would class the CP as the nicest of all of them. It's just a perfect mix of sound and features, design and build quality.
But anyway. Thanks again!
Thank you man, appreciate it
Thank you!!! Worked like a charm.
Thank you for the feedback! Glad I could help.
Thx for sharing :-) Cya mate!
No worries! It's a pretty dry video, but hopefully it helps some people out!
Thanks, works great! I play a CP & YC with a Yamaha MOXF and an Arturia MiniFreak.
Good to hear! Cheers.
Helpful, subbed. I love the Reface series.
Thank you! Yeah, they are seriously great synthesizers. I have the CP as well which is really nice. I've been very tempted by the DX, but I've tried those touch strip things and found them a little bit awkward but if I ever see one at a good price I'm going to nab one of them. Either way though. Thanks again!
Why in the ever loving hell is this NOT in the print manual that came with it?!
Thank you!!
Glad I could help! Cheers.
These functions were not implemented with the original firmware.
Google "Yamaha reface v1.30 Supplementary Manual"
usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/0/960060/v130_Manual_en.pdf
Thank for this! Exactly what I needed...
Thank you for the feedback! Glad I could help.
thank you
No problem!
thank you!!!!!
Happy to help!
Very very helpful😮 thanks
Thank you! Glad I could help.
Finally! Thank you!
Glad I could help!
@@thedigitallost yep! Big time. I have my reface cs rocking on midi channel 4 as we speak and my sequencer is doing all the work 😂. I had a love-hate relationship with this thing for the longest time because I couldn’t get it off of Omni but now, it has become everything I need it to be. Thanks again
worked great! thanks man!
No problem! Glad I could help.
Thank you!
No problem!
Thanks 😊 !
No problem!
Thanks for making this. Downloaded the firmware installer for my YC, it shows up on my computer, but pushing the START on the installer program is doing absolutely nothing. Anyone else experience this? Running Windows 10 64 bit.
Hello, and thanks for the feedback!
Not sure why your update wouldn’t be working, and this sounds like a dumb thing, but in my experience just trying different USB cables solves 99% of problems. I used the one that came with my novation circuit which was a pretty big chunky looking thing. Again, I know it sounds a bit daft but often a different USB cable can fix a lot of these problems. Other than that I’m not sure what’s going on.
Hopefully someone else is reading this and can chime in! I’d like to know how it all works out.
Hi,
Great video !
Does anybody used M-Audio MK3 61 keys to control the Yamaha Reface CP ? For some reasons I cannot do that, following all the steps from this video.
Thank you, and glad I could help!
In theory, following these steps should work for any midi controller, assuming it’s a five pin din midi cable. I have used a couple of different midi controllers for the CS and CP using these steps without issue. But I’ve never use the midi controller that you mentioned so I couldn’t really specify what might be going on there or how that midi controller works.
But if anyone else reading has any hints go ahead here!
This is great. Thank you. Can the CP receive midi from a DAW via usb?
Thanks! And yes, I have the cp, cs and dx and all of them receive usb midi via a daw. Though I don’t remember offhand, but you may have to get drivers from Yamaha website.
Thanks for clear instructions.
Is there a good way to let the reface CP receive only the midi clock, so that delays are synced with for example my loopstation?
Thank you! But uts receiving all midi notes from my sequencer, not just the ones assigned to its channel. Any idea how to disable omni mode? I cant find it anywhere.
Hello. It’s hard to say, but it sounds like you’re not running the V 1.30 version firmware. Everything in this video is based around running that most recent firmware. If you know you have the most recent firmware (there should be a link in the description, or just find it on Yamaha website) the directions in this video should cover how to select individual midi channels. Good luck.
Thanks for the video. I can't access the advanced settings. When I follow what you're doing ( holding done the keys and power on ) the LEDS don't stay on. I have no idea what to try next. Thanks in advance
Definitely on the current firmware?
Really don't know how to make reface and MainStage work. I want to send midi data from reface to my software to hear it through it (Mainstage) but I don't know how to do it. I see no input although keys are mapped.
hmm for some reason i couldnt get into midi channel mode. i press those three keys and turn it on but only one osc color shows
Hello there. Do you know if you’re running the latest firmware?
@@thedigitallost sometimes it helps to watch the entire video🤣🤣 sorry
All good!
Hi I just want to know if the reface series can be used to control a synthesizer, as a midi keyboard/controller? That is, play the physical keys of the reface, but hear the sound of the connected synth (not the sound of the reface piano). I am new to using MIDI and am confused by “channels” and midi sending and receiving etc.. I know you can connect the reface piano to a computer daw, but don’t know if it works to control physical devices like other synths pianos which have a midi in/out. Thank you!
Absolutely you can do this! The part of this video when I talk about the midi transmit channel is referring to that.
Assuming you have your reface connected correctly with a midi cable to the synth that you want to control, you just have to make sure that the midi channels match.
So, if the synth that you want to control is set to midi channel 1, then the reface would need to be transmitting on media channel 1.
If the synth that you want to control is set to midi channel 2, then the reface needs to transmit on midi channel 2. And so on.
You can just turn down the volume on your reface so you don’t hear that while you’re using it as a controller.
It’s not the most convenient controller, but it absolutely works and the midi transmit channel section of this video should help get you set up with your midi channels.
I know it can seem confusing, just try not to overthink it! I used to overthink all this stuff all the time but then it just clicked. Keep at it! If you have any questions, go ahead. I’m happy to try and help. Cheers.
I made the firmware update and wish I didn't. I sometimes use the CP to control other synths meaning I need OMNI mode back. I have an outboard midi filter so I can select which synth to control with that. Since the firmware update I have to do this whole ridiculous process just to select which synth I want to control. How can I turn OMNI mode back on? Any links to the OLD firmware. Serious bummer ATM
Thanks so much!! Now I also know I CAN set midi channels on the Reface. I want to do a setup of the CP and the yc and also a Novation mininova, which all should be connected via a midi through Box so they´re playable by a masterkeyboard with bigger keys. No Computer. The central Station is a Tascam Model 12. Do you think that´ll work? Even with the possibility to switch between the three between or even in songs?
How can i make the Faders work as midi faders for another synth? Some of them are strangely already working without doing anything (Filter, Res, Attack and Release). But id like to add LFO, Volume, Decay and the effect section of my synth to the other unused ones.
Hello. The cs can definitely send midi from the sliders/faders. It’s probably something you’d have to change in the synth/vst that you’re trying to control though.
If you are trying to control a software synth, that should be fairly easy as most of those will have some sort of midi learn function.
If you’re trying to control a hardware synth, that might be a bit more difficult. By default the reface CS will transmit certain CC values from its sliders. These values will have to align with whatever values the receiving instrument is expecting, if that makes any sense. Have you ever read a synthesizer manual and in the back, usually, there is a bunch of information about midi cc values? That’s the kind of thing I’m referring to.
I have tried this with the CS and software synths and it worked fine, but I’ve never tried it with hardware synths. If you get it working, let us know here! Good luck. Cheers.
How can I get the CS to send the clock it's receiving only to the lfo speed
PLEAAASE HELP!!!
Hello. The CS cannot send a receiving clock to the LFO speed. Cheers.
@@thedigitallost what would suggest for a cheap way to get a good synced lfo on a cheap synth
Anybody know how to disable send of internal midi clock?
Thanks for the vid.
Does anyone know if you upgrade the CP to version 1.3 of the firmware,
do you lose the hidden acoustic piano "feature" ?
Hello there! Glad you liked the video. Thank you for the feedback.
So, this is actually a pretty interesting question and hopefully somebody else knows because I’d like to know as well.
I got my CP quite a long time ago, and I never updated it myself for fear of losing the hidden piano. I don’t know if there’s a way to check what firmware is installed and I would assume I got my CP before the 1.3 update. So yeah, I’d be really interested to know if anyone else has done this.
I can confirm that the hidden piano is still there after updating to firmware 1.3 👍
@@ChromaticFarmer7 Great to know! Thanks!
@@ChromaticFarmer7 Thankyou so much
Hello! I want to use a controller to expand the range of my CP Reface but so far have not been able to get any controller to produce a sound on the Reface. any tips?
Have updated the firmware and set the send and receive to all channels.
I’m going to assume that you are using a pretty standard five pin din midi cable and not usb midi? If so, double and triple check that you have the correct and matching channels on your CP and controller.
All good and matching? Great! Well, now make sure that your midi cable is plugged into the input part of the breakout cable on the CP. Might seem like an obvious thing but it’s something that’s easy to miss.
Also, are you using the original breakout Midi cable? If not, did you get a legit replacement from Yamaha? I only ask because I have heard that it is a proprietary cable, and whilst you can find ones that look the same, apparently they tend to not work. You might need the legit Yamaha one. I’m still using the ones that came with my original CP and CS, but that’s something to look at as well.
Midi is usually pretty simple. So long as everything matches and is plugged in correctly then it should work. I would double and triple check your channels, that everything is plugged into the input an output correctly, and make sure you were using the proper Yamaha midi breakout cable. If it still doesn’t work, maybe you have a bad cable somewhere!
Again, midi is really, really simple. If everything is set up properly and it’s not working then it has to be a physical problem with a cable or input/output jack somewhere.
Good luck and let me know if it works out or if you have any further problems. I’m happy to help. Cheers.
This was so helpful, but I’m having a problem that I cannot figure out. I’m trying to control 2 reface models with a master controller and I can only get the first in the chain to work! Any suggestions?
I don't think Yamaha refaces have a Soft Thru function, so they can't be MIDI chained. Each reface must be driven from a dedicated MIDI Out or a dedicated MIDI Thru output.
If your master controller only has one MIDI Out, then you should connect a MIDI Thru Box (preferably with an external power supply) to it.
I had to update 😅
Thank you for nice tips! By the way, I am considering to buy this(reface CS), but I want to use it totally as a midi keyboard. Is it as easy as those general midi keyboards? like I just need to connect via usb cable and immediately I can use it as a midi keyboard in my DAW(ableton). Or, do I need to set it up(like the way in this video) everytime before I use it as a midi keyboard?
It can be used as a midi keyboard, but it’s a bit difficult. I mean, I’ve done it, and the keyboard itself is really nice. But you can’t really assign any of the faders to do much. Not easily anyway. You wouldn’t have to set it up every time though. Once you’ve set the midi channels they’re pretty much locked in but it would be frustrating if you wanted to change the midi channels regularly. Then you really would have to go through this long, convoluted process.
But yeah, totally doable! But there are probably just better options out there.
@@thedigitallost Thank you so much! Maybe I need to look for another option:(
@@ggodle0728 Fair enough! Yeah, I would grab a CS because it’s an awesome sounding, really well-built and really well priced synthesizer. Just not a great dedicated midi controller. Good luck!
@@thedigitallost check out ctrlr. you can save presets through vst
It has not worked for me on the cp. any ideas?
A start would be to make sure you’re on the current firmware. Directions on the Yamaha website and should be linked here in the description.
Outside of that, not sure! Good luck.
Dude you forgot to say how to turn rcv or transmit on/off
no local off. boo!
damn why cant there be a quick vid on send and recieve on these keyboard why are you talking so much?
It’s an overly involved process. Calm down.