How to Connect Disklavier to Alexa using MusicCast

Kevin Busse May 22, 2024
24 People Read
Alexa

How do you connect Disklavier Pianos to Alexa?*

*This requires the use of the WXA-50 or WXC-50 between Alexa and the piano.

These two products are MusicCast products made by Yamaha.

The WXA-50 can support added speaker connections whereas the WXC-50 cannot.

3 necessary steps to connect the Disklavier to Alexa include Physical Wire Connections, MusicCast Controller App Settings, and Disklavier App Settings.

Yamaha MusicCast bridges the gap between Yamaha Disklavier and Alexa.

  1. Plugging in the Hardware Connections

Connect the Disklavier and WXA-50 or WXC-50 to the same Wi-Fi network.

  1. WXA-50 Connection

Connect from the OUTPUT on the Disklavier to the AUX input on the WXA-50.

*Additional speakers may be connected to and driven by the WXA-50*

*You may also use the Disklavier Piano's mounted speakers to play sound from the WXA-50*

  1. WXC-50 Connection

Connect from the OMNI OUT on the Disklavier to the AUX input on the WXC-50.

*Added speakers may not be connected to the WXC-50*

  1. MusicCast Controller App Settings

Connect all MusicCast devices (WXA-50 or WXC-50)

  • Add "New Device" in Settings, then follow instructions in the MusicCast App.


  1. WXA-50 Settings in the MusicCast App

    1. WXA-50 Settings:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select room]

        1. Set the Room Name to "Piano Room"

        2. Set the Room Photo to the available Piano Room Photo.

    2. Disklavier Settings in MusicCast App:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select room] "Piano Room"

      3. [Add App Shortcuts]

      4. [Select input where Disklavier output is connected] "Aux"

        1. Select Disklavier IP Address. This should automatically be detected and shown. However, if it is not, enter it manually.

        2. Set Audio to "OUTPUT" (Default).

        3. Set Primary to ON (Default).

        4. Press "Save"

    3. Edit Source for WXA-50 in MusicCast App:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select a room] "Piano Room"

      3. [Edit Sources]

      4. [Select input where Disklavier output is connected] "AUX"

        1. Change input name to "Disklavier - Backing."

        2. Change input icon to the Disklavier icon.

        3. Move Disklavier source tab to the top of the list.

    4. Input trim in MusicCast App:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select a Room] "Piano Room"

      3. [Advanced Settings]

      4. [Input Setting]

        1. Set the input trim to a maximum of 6.0 dB for "AUX" (Where the Disklavier output is connected)

  2. WXC-50 Connection

    1. WXC-50 Settings:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select a room] "WXC-50"

        1. Set the Room Name to "Piano To MusicCast."

        2. Set the Room Photo to the Piano To MusicCast room photo

    2. Disklavier Settings in MusicCast App:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select a room] "Piano To MusicCast"

      3. [Add App Shortcuts]

      4. [Select input where Disklavier OMNI OUT is connected] "AUX"

      5. [Disklavier]

        1. Select the Disklavier IP Address. This should automatically be detected and shown. However, if it is not, enter it manually.

        2. Set Audio to "OMNI OUT."

        3. Set Primary to OFF.

        4. Pair Device (Done automatically)

        5. Press "Save"

    3. Edit Source for WXC-50 in MusicCast App:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select Room] "Piano To MusicCast"

      3. [Edit Sources]

        1. Change input name to "Disklavier - Digital."

        2. Change input icon to Disklavier icon.

        3. Move Disklavier tab/source to the top of the list.

    4. Input trim in MusicCast App:

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Select room] "Piano To MusicCast"

      3. [Advanced Settings]

      4. [Input Setting]

        1. Set input trim to 6.0 dB for "AUX" (where Disklavier OMNI OUT is connected)

  1. Disklavier Enspire Controller App Settings

    1. Hardware check: "Auto OFF MODE" is set to Off/disable on the rear side of the Switchbox (hardware switch). Otherwise, once the Disklavier is turned off, it cannot be turned on from the app.

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Connection]

      3. [Audio I/O]

        1. Check that OMNI OUT is set ["OUTPUT + PianoTG"]

        2. (optional) [Link OMNI OUT vol to Main vol]

When this is set to "On," the main volume control of the Piano controls ALL volume settings (OUTPUT + OMNI OUT) together.

  1. Volume Setting

    1. The Piano sound output level is lower compared to AV products. Adjust all balance controls as needed to set the best volume balance between the piano and the speakers.

    2. Balance settings are shown as a volume icon in the Now Playing bar.

  2. Static IP

    1. Set the Disklavier to static IP. If the Disklavier's IP is changed. MusicCast will not be able to control the instrument. Although the DHCP IP setting normally changes when the router is turned off / on, the IP may sometimes change, even without a power off / on cycle.

      1. [Settings]

      2. [Network]

      3. [Wired / Wireless Network]

        1. Change "Use DHCP" from DHCP to Manual. Press Submit.

        2. (Optional) If your router has a static IP feature, this will work as well.

Operation of the Disklavier with MusicCast App

Now that you’ve been able to connect, here is how to use it:

Perform the below steps in chronological order.

  1. MusicCast Controller App

    1. Select room: "Piano To MusicCast"

    2. Select input: "Digital"

      1. Disklavier Controller will show what is "Now Playing"

    3. Jump to the Disklavier Controller App by pressing "Disklavier" icon.

  2. Play sound in other rooms for your multi-room audio system through the Disklavier App by:

    1. Pressing the Link icon/button.

    2. Select the desired room(s).

    3. Select Multiple-rooms for playback

Yamaha: How to Use MusicCast with Alexa

Yamaha Disklavier Enspire Piano with MusicCast and Alexa Control Demo at CEDIA 2017

Yamaha Technician: Resource Articles

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  2. How to Upgrade E3 / DKC-800 Piano Unit to DKC-850

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  4. How to Login: Yamaha Disklavier Radio on E3 / DKC-850 Pianos

  5. How to Setup Disklavier TV with a Yamaha Enspire in 3 Phases

  6. How to Download Yamaha Keyboard Software and Firmware Update

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  12. Blinking & Flashing Lights Error Guide: Yamaha Enspire

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