Software and Support for Classic Yamaha Synthesisers
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SY Manager MIDI Troubleshooter

At some time or another, you are likely to have problems getting SY Manager to "talk" to your synth.

Below are some suggestions for resolving the most asked MIDI questions:

The tips for handling MIDI related problems given below deal specifically with SY Manager and the SY77 or SY99, but the same principles apply if you hit MIDI trouble using any compatible synth or tone generator in the SYseries.

1: " I can’t get SY Manager to work with my MIDI setup - what's wrong ?"

Check that your MIDI devices are correctly installed:

"I can select MIDI devices when SY Manager starts but then get an error message:
SY Manager is getting no response from your synth.."

Assuming your SY is turned on and your MIDI devices are working OK, there are two possible reasons why SY Manager can’t communicate with your synth:

Possible Cause 1: MIDI cables incorrectly patched.

Check that the MIDI cable connected to the MIDI Output socket on your PC is connected to the MIDI In on your SYnth and vice versa. You just wouldn’t believe how easy it is to get these mixed up !

If you are using a Soundblaster or compatible card, then you will have a D-Socket connector lead which branches into two MIDI cables which are labelled OUT and IN. The same principle applies: connect the OUT cable to the IN socket on your synth and vica versa.

Possible Cause 2: Device Number set to OFF

SY Manager detects your SYnth by sending test messages on each of the 16 possible device channels (the channel number on which your SY will accept incoming sysex messages). If your SYnth’s device number is set to OFF detection will fail. The Device Number can only be switched “on” from the SYnth’s front panel.

To check this setting :

"I've tried all the above but still can't get SYM to work with my synth"

Most MIDI problems fall into one of the two categories above or are caused by faulty MIDI hardware setups.

If you are certain your hardware setup is OK and you still cannot complete SY Manager's initialisation procedure:

If either MIDI input or output messages are not showing then check your MIDI devices are correctly installed as described above.

If both MIDI input and output are working OK but you still can’t send or receive sysex messages, then the most likely cause is a problem with the software drivers for your MIDI device.

In particular some early drivers for USB and Firewire MIDI devices can corrupt sysex data and you may receive a shorter message than SY Manager expects. If this happens check you have the latest drivers for your device.

If you have diligently worked your way through this troubleshooter and STILL can't get SY Manager to work with your synth then contact  me - you've earned the support !

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