It seems the "Split" section is intended for the left hand side only, and it seems the layer only works under the "Main" section on the right hand. Is this correct?

That is 100% correct. You can stop right there, you understand how the CP4 Stage works.

Split = Lower
Layer = combines with MAIN as Upper

Well, that is disappointing. I hope Yamaha can issue a firmware update that would allow the layer to be applied to the Lower part of the keyboard.

I can image a lot of people would want to use their right hand for solo parts like brass, synth, guitar etc. while keeping a piano with a pad layer in the middle and bass side.

To get around some CP4 layer/split limitations for certain Performances, some folks set it up as what you might call a MIDI "self-controller" ... i.e., turn local control off, establish zones, and cable CP4's MIDI OUT back to its MIDI IN, so that you're controlling the tone generators that way rather than by local control. I haven't tried it myself, but am aware of others doing it successfully. Of course, there are trade-offs, and the hassle factor, but it might be something to consider.

Heretical, but if it works, it works.

I see what you mean. I've only had mine a few days but it looks like you can only assign one sound to the left end of the keyboard when using split mode. I did find a decent workaround though. If you just use a split and a main voice (no layer) you can assign one of the pads to the split (for example "NeoCrystal) and trumpet to the main sound... sounds pretty good. The NeoCrystal pad has some of that elec piano/strings quality you might be looking for. I did have to edit the split sound and bring it up an octave. The trumpet could use a little reverb too. But it sounds good!

m wrote:

To get around some CP4 layer/split limitations for certain Performances, some folks set it up as what you might call a MIDI "self-controller" ... i.e., turn local control off, establish zones, and cable CP4's MIDI OUT back to its MIDI IN, so that you're controlling the tone generators that way rather than by local control. I haven't tried it myself, but am aware of others doing it successfully. Of course, there are trade-offs, and the hassle factor, but it might be something to consider.

Heretical, but if it works, it works.

How do you set up zones? Would you use the Master Keyboard mode in a performance? I am also very frustrated by Yamaha's choice here. It's great if you have to play a bass line, but not very practical for a lot of what I need (horns, or lead sound in upper right part of keyboard, piano with pad or strings in lower).

Paul wrote:

Well, that is disappointing. I hope Yamaha can issue a firmware update that would allow the layer to be applied to the Lower part of the keyboard.

I can image a lot of people would want to use their right hand for solo parts like brass, synth, guitar etc. while keeping a piano with a pad layer in the middle and bass side.

I totally agree! This limitation leaves me needing an additional keyboard to play brass, lead lines, etc. if I still want a piano with pad layer. Since I am right-handed, I am used to comping chords with my left hand and soloing with my right or playing brass stabs, etc. I hope that Yamaha can correct this.

Kevin wrote:

m wrote:

To get around some CP4 layer/split limitations for certain Performances, some folks set it up as what you might call a MIDI "self-controller" ... i.e., turn local control off, establish zones, and cable CP4's MIDI OUT back to its MIDI IN, so that you're controlling the tone generators that way rather than by local control. I haven't tried it myself, but am aware of others doing it successfully. Of course, there are trade-offs, and the hassle factor, but it might be something to consider.

Heretical, but if it works, it works.

How do you set up zones? Would you use the Master Keyboard mode in a performance?

See Reference Manual pp. 23-25 ... Yes, Master Keyboard and Zones, for the outbound function.

See Reference Manual p. 22 for receive function.

And pp. 42-43 re MIDI settings.