System activation

Silencing of the acoustic sound is effected by a hammer shank stopper, controlled by a lever beneath the left side of the keyboard.

An electronic control unit, located next to the Silent lever, provides a power switch with pilot lamp, headphone jacks, and volume and reverb controls.

Individual optical fiber sensors are located at each key and hammer, to capture every subtle aspect of keystroke and expression with unparalleled precision.

The dual multi-point sensor system accurately registers key-release velocity in addition to keystroke force and timing, for reproduction of crisp staccato and flowing legato phrasing.

Real-time keystroke information is instantly transmitted to the tone generator.

Non-mechanical, optical operation leaves key touch and motion unaffected.

Optical key sensors

Optical hammer sensors

Continuous sensors for the sustain and shift pedals allow precise incremental control.

An on/off sensor registers the action of the sostenuto pedal.

Quick Escape™ action mechanism

Special internal action components compensate for the slightly abbreviated hammer stroke when the Silent system is engaged.

The Quick Escape mechanism automatically adjusts to the mode of play, ensuring optimal touch and response in both conventional and Silent play.

Tones are stereo sampled across the full acoustic range of the Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand, providing incomparable digital piano sound for Silent performance.

Using 30 megabytes of memory-far more than standard digital pianos-the tone generator even reproduces the harmonic resonance on other strings that results from incremental use of the sustain pedal.

Three selectable reverb modes with continuous depth control simulate chamber and hall acoustics, for an enhanced sense of spatial realism.

Continuous volume control allows the player to adjust headphone volume levels.

Adjustable pitch makes it possible to play along with MIDI or audio accompaniment.

Dual headphone jacks on the face of the control unit allow two people to play, or one to listen in-great for duets, teaching or private serenades.

MIDI In and MIDI Out terminals let you control other electronic music devices from the piano keyboard, or access the digital piano sound from external equipment like sequencers or computers.

AUX In and AUX Out terminals make it possible to play along with recorded music through the headphones, or amplify or record the piano's digital performance.