MX49/MX61 and your Computer

Getting started: What do I need to download and from where?

http://download.yamaha.com

Enter your country
Type in your MODEL NAME: MX49 or MX61
When the SEARCH RESULTS appear verify the model number: MX49 or MX61
A list of the currently available items will appear.

Find the appropriate Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver version for your computer operating system. The Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver will handle both MIDI and Audio communication between your computer and the MX.

Download the YC-3B (VST Instrument). You will find the Activation Code for this free synth among your included MX documentation. To activate your software license, install the application while the computer is connected to the Internet.

Download the REMOTE TOOLS for your computer operating system. These will install the “Remote Editor” and the “Yamaha MX49/MX61 Extensions”.

MX49/MX61 Remote Editor is software which lets you edit/create Control Templates for the MX49/MX61 Music Synthesizer.
MX49/MX61 Extension is a software component that enables you to use the MX49/MX61 along with Cubase series* (*series 5 or later). The MX49/MX61 Remote Tools Installer installs these two software components.

Download the free Prologue (VST Instrument). You will find the Activation Code for this free synth among your included MX documentation. To activate your software license, install the application while the computer is connected to the Internet.

Some of the PDF Manual’s are provided on the CD-ROM that comes in the box with your MX, but you may want to transfer these to a folder on your computer as backups. Make sure you download the MX49/61 Data List, the MX49/61 Owner’s Manual, and the MX49/61 Reference Manual.

Very Important:
Download the Content Data: MX49/61 Voice List for Cubase. This .XML file will add functionality to your Cubase experience. Allowing you to select Voices using the Track Inspector within the Project.

What to install first?
If you are new to the world of computer-based operations with Music Production, take your time and be prepared to read the appropriate INSTALLATION GUIDE. Make sure you follow instructions and notes concerning your particular operating system. They do not all work the same way for installation. Even if you are a veteran computer user, we highly recommend the following procedure:
• Read the INSTALLATION GUIDE in full (they are short). Making note of the items that refer specifically to your particular computer TYPE and Operating System.
• Then on the second read through execute the install step-by-step.

The advantage of having read through the instructions will become apparent. You will know what to expect before you get to the step. Those who have problems wind up skipping a step because they did not know what to expect. For example, if you are installing something requires INTERNET connection, you will want to establish this before you get to this step. Because skipping it would mean you will be unsuccessful.

eLICENSER and MySteinberg:
A word on Cubase AI installation: There are several things we find that get missed by some (who may not have read all the included installation documentation)… but once you install Cubase AI from the included DVD-ROM, you need to:
1) Ensure that your eLicenser software is up-to-date
2) Setup a MySteinberg Account.
3) Register your Cubase AI via your MySteinberg Account

Each of these is a separate thing. The Steinberg account, allows Steinberg to know who you are and they will keep track of each product you license or purchase (this can be very handy if your computer crashes or you buy a new computer and need to authorize your software on the new computer). There is no downside to having a MySteinberg Account. If Cubase is your very first Steinberg product, you will need to create a new account. If you have previously owned a Steinberg product (hardware or software) you can add this Cubase AI to your list of products. Write down your account information (log in info) and keep it in a safe place.

Once you have a MySteinberg Account, registering Cubase AI is a separate process. When Cubase is installed you will also install what is called an “eLicenser” program. The eLicenser is what will require the ACTIVATION CODE – it is this activation code that allows YOU to use Cubase AI. Initially you can use it for a trial period… do not let the trial period expire without ACTIVATING your copy. Activating it (by entering the code) will allow you to use it for an unlimited time and will let you qualify for any discounts when upgrading to a full version of Cubase.

For a step-by-step video on this process, please visit:

http://www.steinberg.net/en/landing_pages/cai6_activation_registration.html

Activating your free VST INSTRUMENTS
Authorizing your two VST Instruments can also be handled at this point. These provide you with a Tone Wheel organ emulation (YC-3B) and a versatile virtual analog synth (Prologue). You will find Remote Control Templates for these two soft synths provided with the MX REMOTE TOOLS.

Before you launch Cubase, install the Yamaha Steinberg USB driver. It comes in a zipped download that includes the driver and the “Yamaha Steinberg USB driver Installation Guide”. Please read through it, then, on the second read through, execute the installation.

What is this Driver?

The Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver enables communication between a USB device (which is compatible with the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver) and your computer. The DRIVER is what “teaches” the computer what to do with the information coming from your MX – without it you will not be able to use the MX’s MIDI and AUDIO information. It is a special driver that handles not only MIDI communication but also is an ASIO (Audio Streaming Input/Output) driver. ASIO is a computer protocol (invented by Steinberg, by the way) - which is a standard communication protocol for computers and external hardware devices.

Don’t let the name of the driver throw you, Yamaha and Steinberg developed this driver for specific Yamaha and Steinberg hardware products, if you are using a DAW not by Steinberg, this does not preclude you using the driver. And recognize that this is an unusual driver in that it has two components – both MIDI communication and AUDIO communication. These are handled and configured separately – they can be used separately. Installing the REMOTE TOOLS should make the setting for you automatically – and then you can use the following pages as a troubleshooting checklist.

Once configured you will be happy to know that your setting will persist – means they will remain and be there the next time you use the software. So in general the initial setup is something you will not have to do every time. You can lock it in and make Cubase work FOR YOU.

Links:
MX49/MX61 Macintosh Computer
MX49/MX61 Windows Computer