The DKC55RCD is the controller used in full-function and PRO Mark III Disklaviers. It records performances, plays music from internal storage, floppy disks, or CDs, and supports Yamaha’s Smart PianoSoft and SmartKey features.
At a Glance
- Generation
- Mark III full-function / PRO controller
- Associated Models
-
Mark III full-function/PRO modelsDU1ADGH1BADGC1ADC1ADC2ADC3ADC5ADC6ADC7ADC3A PRODC5A PRODC6A PRODC7A PRODS4A PRODS6A PRODCFIIISAPRODGT2ADGT7A
- Uses
-
Internal Storage2DD floppy2HD floppyCD
- Recording
-
E-SEQSMF0
- Plays
-
E-SEQSMF0SMF1Audio/MIDI CDAudio CD
- PianoSoft Types
-
SoloPlusAudioSmart PianoSoftSmartKey
- Upgrade Options
-
MIDI/app playbackBluetooth MIDIAnalog/audio accompanimentPianoStream AnalogYamaha controller upgradesDKC-850Media/storage replacementNalbantov
- Bluetooth MIDI Apps
Things to Know
This is a full-function Mark III system, not a playback-only model. It supports recording as well as CD-based features such as Smart PianoSoft and SmartKey.
If a MIDI file advances the measure counter but the piano stays silent, reset only Setup (FUNC. → Reset → Setup). Do not select Memory Disk or Factory Initialization; those options can erase internally stored songs.
Mark III PRO pianos store XP performance data inside SMF0 files, with 0–1023 key/hammer resolution and 0–255 pedal resolution. Standard and non-PRO hosts do not gain this precision merely by sharing the DKC55RCD controller family.
Intermittent shutdown can be caused by a broken latch in the STANDBY/ON switch. The switch can be replaced without replacing the whole controller.
Missing CD audio with an advancing track counter can originate in the controller electronics. In one confirmed repair, replacing CTRL board WJ089800 restored the audio.
A DKC-850 can replace this controller, but the installation requires the correct model-specific harness—not an ordinary VGA cable. My DKC-850 conversion-cable guide explains the original Yamaha cable and the replacement adapters made by Richie Hayes. On a PRO piano, the replacement operates in STANDARD mode and does not preserve PRO/XP recording.
If a computer reports an original Yamaha Disklavier floppy as unformatted, do not format it. My Disklavier floppy-recovery guide explains why this happens, and my tested USB floppy-drive guide identifies hardware that can read 720 KB/2DD disks.
Nalbantov replacements are model-specific. Purchase the Nalbantov configured for this model; do not assume that a generic Gotek—or a Nalbantov configured for another controller—will fit.
