Wirelessly Networking Your Mac To An LS9 or M7

One of the most useful functions of the LS-9, aside from precise control of your audible environment, is its ability to be controlled wirelessly.  The process isn’t as difficult as you may think, but can, at times be a little confusing.  So light a candle, do some yoga, open a window, or whatever helps you achieve Zen-like tranquility and let’s get started

You’re going to need a few pieces of gear in addition to the console before we start, so here’s the list.

1)      Macbook running OS X

2)           Yamaha Studio Manager utility (here’s the link in case you don’t have it)

           www.yamahaproaudio.com/downloads/firm_soft/smv2/smv2mx.html

3)           You’ll also need to download the editor for the LS-9. This installs inside Studio Manager so it can be configured for multiple consoles. Here’s the link.

           www.yamahaproaudio.com/downloads/firm_soft/ls9/ls9_edt.html

4)           Yamaha Midi to Network driver, and its link.

           www.yamahaproaudio.com/downloads/firm_soft/network_driver/network_midi.html

5)      A wireless router (I prefer the Netgear N300 4 port unit)

6)           A CAT 5 (NON-Crossover) cable long enough to hook your router to your LS-9

7)           Pen and paper can come in handy.

Begin by powering up the console, then navigate to the set up window.  (Under the display access section, just left of the display press the setup button). You’ll need to page through to the misc setup tab, shown here.

Notice the IP Address field; you might want to write it down because you’ll be using it in just a bit when we setup the software. You may also end up needing to change this depending on your router accessibility.

The next step is to wire up the router and connect to it via your computer. In case you need a refresher course on networking, I’ve included these cool blue bubbles to help you.

You’re welcome.

While you’re in your router you may as well setup your SSID (that’s the name that shows up when you scan for wireless networks. Use something you can easily identify.) You don’t have to, but I like to password protect my networks also.

(Here’s a tip, you may find that it’s easier to change the IP of your console if you have a router that is difficult to setup or your connecting to a larger network.)

(Here’s another tip, If you need to change your Mac’s IP address you can do it from the Network section of your System Preferences.)

After you have your router addressed and rockin’, connect it your console using your CAT5 (NON-Crossover) cable and login to the wireless network created by the router. If you’re still having trouble creating a wireless network with a password, the manual for your specific router should be able help you with that.

If you haven’t already done so, now is also a good time to install the Yamaha software. I recommend starting with the Network to Midi Driver then the Studio Manager.

Remember to install the LS-9 editor along with Studio Manager.

Go ahead, I’ll wait.

Once you have installed the Network to Midi driver, you need to set it up. This allows the computer to communicate in Midi to the console.  It looks like this in your system preferences window… (bottom left)

You may be asking, “Joe, what the heck is MIDI?” MIDI is a digital language used to link machines together and let them communicate with each other. Most commonly found in professional keyboards and sound modules but not limited to NPC’s and sound samplers.

Now that you found the driver, we need to tell it where to find the LS-9. Click on “Advanced Settings” and tell it to search the range of IP addresses that your console is in.  Once it finds your console, click “Add to Device List”, use your pen and paper to write down the port number assigned to it, you will need this in a moment.  Here’s what you will be seeing on that screen…

This is also where you will setup the port configuration for multiple consoles. The next time you need to connect to a specific console, you will have already told your Mac where to find it.

Now that you’ve told your hardware how to talk, it’s time to get the software in on the conversation. Open up Studio Manager and click on the LS-9 icon (This is where the editor I told you about earlier comes into play.)  Once that loads you will see a virtual LS-9 on your screen.

Click on “File” at the top left of your SM2 Window and choose “Map Midi Ports” like this…

Make sure the ports you wrote down earlier are included in the above list.

Now click the “File” tab in the Mixer Window (inside the SM2 Window) and select “System Setup” which looks like this…

Match the input and output ports, to the ports assigned to the console you’re using, which you wrote on your pad of paper a moment ago, and that’s it. Leave the rest of the setting as they are and click “OK”.

Now the yellow “offline” indicator will turn green and read “online”, looking like this…

Now that you are controlling your console wirelessly, you can move freely about and tweak to your hearts content. Enjoy your newfound freedom denizen of the decibel.

Please Note: This process will also get you wireless control of an M7 console.

Article by:

Joe McLellan

Audio Technician/Engineer

J&S Audio Visual

Show Services

Originally from Florida Joe moved to Texas 2006 after graduating from Full Sail in Winter Park, FL. He formed an interest in a technical career at the age of 15 after taking up the bass guitar, and came on full time at J&S in 2007. Besides his duties designing, engineering, and running corporate events for J&S Audio Visual Show Services division, in his free time he records for local musicians and podcasters. He is also a music hoarder and frequents local record shops for the latest in obscure bands and music.