Question:
How can I convert one of my Kurzweil Song files into an audio CD?

(aka converting .SNG, or .MID files into .WAV, .AIF, .MP3 audio files)

Answer:

First, you need to remember that when you are recording a song in the Kurzweil, you are not recording audio, you are recording MIDI information.

It is important to understand that MIDI data is not audio and by itself makes no sound. All MIDI consists of is remote control performance data – a record of what keys you played, pedals you pressed, and so on. When the MIDI information is sent back to the instrument, it is the sound module part of the instrument that then creates the sound. So the short answer is there is no way to directly convert MIDI data into audio.

Therefore, in order to make an audio CD (or mp3), you are going to have to make a digital audio recording of the Kurzweil’s audio output while it is playing the song. This means recording into some type of external digital audio recorder.

One such example might be to record directly to a stand-alone CD Audio Recorder. Another possibility would be to use digital audio recording software and a good quality audio recording card for your computer. With either you would connect the Kurzweil to the audio inputs of your chosen recording device or audio interface, start playing the song on your Kurzweil, and record just as you would if you were recording to a traditional tape recorder. If recording to a dedicated CD Recorder, your job is basically done. If recording into a computer, once the audio is digitized (recorded), you can then use CD writing software to burn a CD with the audio files and /or create mp3’s.

Question:
I’m having problems playing some song files directly from disk (using DiskPlay) on my Mark 12/112/152. How can I resolve this?

Answer:

The Mark 12/112/152 can only play certain types of Songs from disk. Supported DiskPlay formats are: .MID Type 0, Yamaha Disk Orchestra* and PianoSoft*, and PianoDisc*.

*Important to note that even some of these 3rd party formats may not work properly either as over the years these formats themselves have changed. So overall, type 0 MIDI Files will be the best format to use.

Kurzweil .SNG and .MID Type 1 format files cannot be played directly from disk but must be loaded into the Mark 12.152 before they can be played.

Question:
How can I restore my Mark 12/Mark 112/Mark 152 to its factory defaults? (hard reset)

Answer:

Caution: Hard resetting will erase all user memory ! Need be, back up any custom data to disk before proceeding. (see manual for details)

There are two methods for performing a hard reset on a Mark 12/112/152:

• • MIDI/Prefs Menu Method:
    1. start with the power on
    2. press the MIDI/Prefs Button
    3. press the button under Reset in the display
    4. press the button under “Do it”

-OR-

• Boot Loader Method: (useful if your screen is blank and cannot perform the MIDI/Prefs menu method)
  1. start with the unit off (i.e., unplug it)
  2. hold down the KEY START, KEY STOP, and LAYER / VOLUME buttons
  3. turn the unit on; wait 2 seconds then release all the buttons.
     You are now in the Boot Block.
  4. press Next.
  5. select “HARD RESET”
  6. answer Yes to prompts that follow
  7. select Run Engine

The unit is now reset.

Question:
How can I convert one of my Kurzweil Song files into an audio CD?

(aka converting .SNG, or .MID files into .WAV, .AIF, .MP3 audio files)

Answer:

First, you need to remember that when you are recording a song in the Kurzweil, you are not recording audio, you are recording MIDI information.

It is important to understand that MIDI data is not audio and by itself makes no sound. All MIDI consists of is remote control performance data – a record of what keys you played, pedals you pressed, and so on. When the MIDI information is sent back to the instrument, it is the sound module part of the instrument that then creates the sound. So the short answer is there is no way to directly convert MIDI data into audio.

Therefore, in order to make an audio CD (or mp3), you are going to have to make a digital audio recording of the Kurzweil’s audio output while it is playing the song. This means recording into some type of external digital audio recorder.

One such example might be to record directly to a stand-alone CD Audio Recorder. Another possibility would be to use digital audio recording software and a good quality audio recording card for your computer. With either you would connect the Kurzweil to the audio inputs of your chosen recording device or audio interface, start playing the song on your Kurzweil, and record just as you would if you were recording to a traditional tape recorder. If recording to a dedicated CD Recorder, your job is basically done. If recording into a computer, once the audio is digitized (recorded), you can then use CD writing software to burn a CD with the audio files and /or create mp3’s.

Question:
I’m having problems playing some song files directly from disk (using DiskPlay) on my Mark 12/112/152. How can I resolve this?

Answer:

The Mark 12/112/152 can only play certain types of Songs from disk. Supported DiskPlay formats are: .MID Type 0, Yamaha Disk Orchestra* and PianoSoft*, and PianoDisc*.

*Important to note that even some of these 3rd party formats may not work properly either as over the years these formats themselves have changed. So overall, type 0 MIDI Files will be the best format to use.

Kurzweil .SNG and .MID Type 1 format files cannot be played directly from disk but must be loaded into the Mark 12.152 before they can be played.