The reface CS is set to OMNI MODE ON... you can turn this off by sending a CHANNEL MODE MESSAGE cc124 value 0
This will turn the OMNI MODE to OFF and set the Receive Channel to 1.

You can change the MIDI Receive Channel with the following MIDI Parameter Change message:

F0 43 10 7F 1C 03 00 00 01 dd F7

where "dd" is the DATA BYTE 00-0F (01-16), and 10 (ALL)

Will this setting persist after power-off? I'm using a setup without a computer.

You said you are using a hardware sequencer... simply place the events in the sequence.

I do not believe it will persist, as it is the default to set to OMNI ON. If you require to switch it, you do so on the occasion you need to switch it. Although I am not 100% sure, but as soon as I can I will double check.

I did some more experiments with the reface CS and MIDI.

Connecting MIDI can be handled in two ways with the reface instruments... Using standard 5-pin MIDI cables via the included MIDI breakout cable, or via USB.

You would use USB to connect to a "host" device (computer, iPad/iPhone, etc)
You would use the 5-pin MIDI when connecting to a controller keyboard, for example.

Both can be happening simultaneously.

By default, the reface CS is in OMNI ON mode. This means it is set to play any and all incoming MIDI channel. This is not a problem when playing tracks from a DAW like Cubase using the USB port, because each device can be transmitted to discreetly - on its own port.

However, if you are transmitting to the reface CS via a standard 5-pin cable setup, (like when using a full size controller) the OMNI ON will cause the instrument to attempt to play all incoming channels. This can be problematic if you want the reface CS to play just one MIDI channel (a single Part)... In this case, it is recommended that you send a CHANNEL MODE message cc124 OMNI OFF. This will set the reface CS so it can be addressed on a single MIDI channel. This action will set the MIDI channel as receive channel 1.
If you wish to use a different MIDI channel (other than 1) then you can use the Parameter Change message (I provided above) to set the Receive Channel as you require.

Sorry for any previous confusion.
We'll post a MIDI Guide for reface instruments.
The reface DX (with its screen and storage capability) can be set from the [FUNCTION] screens.

The reface store the "midi receive channel" setting, or do i have to send it every time i power on my CS?

Saverio wrote:

The reface store the "midi receive channel" setting, or do i have to send it every time i power on my CS?

Hi Saverio, it depends on your application - how are you setting up to use the reface CS? You have to give us some details. There is a narrow use case when you need to set the MIDI RECEIVE CHANNEL... please give us some details of how you are using your reface CS.

Bad Mister wrote:

Saverio wrote:

The reface store the "midi receive channel" setting, or do i have to send it every time i power on my CS?

Hi Saverio, it depends on your application - how are you setting up to use the reface CS? You have to give us some details. There is a narrow use case when you need to set the MIDI RECEIVE CHANNEL... please give us some details of how you are using your reface CS.

I'm going to buy the new novation circuit. I need to use his internal step sequencer to drive my reface CS.
Novation circuit offers 3 separate channels for step sequencing:
channel 1: synth 1
channel 2: synth 2
channel 10: 4-part drum machine

Since on omni mode CS would play all three parts, i need to narrow the reface receive channel to the one i need (in this case, channel 1 or channel 2)

In a situation where you are connecting to the reface CS via the MIDI breakout cable (standard 5-pin MIDI cables) and you are using a sequencer, you will need to send an OMNI MODE OFF message to the reface CS.

OMNI Mode Off is cc124. Sorry we don't know about your sequencer device or whether it can send standard Control Change/Channel Mode messages, but you will need to send cc124 to the reface CS. This will simultaneously set the reface CS to OMNI Mode Off, and set the Receive Channel to 1.

This will need to be sent each time you power on the reface CS.

sad to head that 🙁
any chance for a future firmware update that allows permanent disable of the omni mode (and midi channel selection)? (in the same way the new pitch bend range, etc can be modified)

Always a chance. Certainly, it is a narrow use case, but understandable. Only a hardware sequencer connected via standard MIDI cables would need OMNI Mode Off. Since I cannot think of another Yamaha product that defaults OMNI Mode On, there must be a reason ... At any rate, we are keenly aware of exactly the scenario you describe, so we'll have to wait and see what engineering has to say.

When I say "narrow use case", what I'm referring to is that when connecting to software based sequencers most times the reface would be connected via the USB port. The HOST device would determine what MIDI channel gets transmitted to the reface. Because the Host can typically handle multiple USB devices simultaneously and can address each independently, so the OMNI MODE ON is not going to be an issue.

The MIDI breakout connection, I'm thinking, was provided for connecting an external keyboard controller if you want to play it from a full sized set of keys. So USB for external sequencers and storage, and standard MIDI for keyboard controllers... I'd say that covers the majority (but not all) of use case setups. It is the 'external hardware sequencer via standard MIDI cables' scenario where setting an individual MIDI channel becomes critical.

I'm not sure if there was a specific reason to default the units toward OMNI MODE ON (we'll find out and let you know). Thanks for the question.

yes, that's exactly what i need: drive the reface with an external hardware.
considering the lightweight of the reface, is perfect for live sets, and i need it driven by the novation circuit (wich act as hardware sequencer)

did this get resolved? i cannot send cc124 with ableton. what software did you use to send cc124...this issue is driving me mad. i want to use an mpc to send midi to the reface, but can't send cc124...any ideas?

Please see your other post

I'm really struggling with this issue too, and as this thread started two years ago, I was hoping it might have gotten simpler since.

I've just bought a Reface CS and haven't been able to turn OMNI off in order to change the MIDI channel.

I see I have to create a SysEx message (something I'm massively ignorant about). I phoned Yamaha and was told I could do it via Ableton but have since read that this isn't an option. I don't have any other DAWs.

I've read the MIDI primer on the Yamaha website and am none the wiser.

What's the best way to get this sorted out?