Can YDP143 be used as midi controller?

[gavin hodge]

I am considering buying the Yamaha Reface CP.

I am trying to find out if I could use my Yamaha Arius YDP 143 digital piano as a midi controller so I could have the full size keys.

The YDP143 only has a USB port, no midi.
Could this be achieved with a usb midi hub?

[Saul]

Hi Gavin, welcome to the forums

The most common way to achieve what you want to do would be to connect the YDP143 and the reface to a computer and then use a DAW such as Cubase, Reaper, Studio One, etc as the host. That's a bit clunky though and probably not what you want?

Until relatively recently that would have been the only option. However, there are now several USB to MIDI host devices on the market that should, in theory, make the whole thing a lot easier.

Check out the following:

CAMOLA USB MIDI Host Box. This is the cheapest but note that it only works with USB 1.1 connections. I am not sure what the YDP143 uses but knowing Yamaha it could well be 1.1, best to check though.

Next is the Miditech USB MIDI Host, MIT-00155. I am not sure what version USB this uses so best to check with the manufacturer.

Finally, we have probably the best known and most expensive, the Kenton Midi USB Host.

I hope that helps a little?

[gavin hodge]

Hi Saul

That comprehensively answers all my questions, thanks!
I was hoping there was a way to do it without a computer.
Definitely going to go ahead and get one now, along with a USB to MIDI host.

Thanks again
Gavin

[Saul]

Can you let us know how you get on with it Gavin? It often helps others to hear of solutions and how well they worked.

The good thing is that it is at least now possible to connect a USB-only keyboard to a DIN-type MIDI-equipped keyboard without the need for a computer. Ok it costs a bit but I think it could be money well spent, especially as the trend is to drop the old DIN-type MIDI connections from newer keyboards.

[gavin hodge]

Hi Saul

I got my Yamaha Reface CP today.
I went for the Kenton USB-to-MIDI host as my digital piano has USB2.

Connected everything up and it all worked perfectly! Sounds fantastic. Happy days!

I would have done this ages ago if I’d known about USB-to MIDI hosts. I had assumed that without MIDI ports on the piano it would be impossible.

Thanks again for all your help.

[Saul]

Hi Gavin

That is great news

And thanks for the update as it lets others know there is a very good solution to connecting USB MIDI only keyboards to other gear

[parametric]

This Video explains this USB<>Midi quite well - also some on bluetooth . . . .




Chris