---
title: Yamaha C1
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Portable
origins:
- Japan
years:
- '1987'
cpus:
- Intel 80286
params:
  name: C1
  image: /media/museum/photos/yamaha_c1_system_s1.jpg
  company: /companies/yamaha
  company_name: Yamaha
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: C1
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Yamaha
  - label: TYPE
    value: Portable
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: Japan
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1987'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: None
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: 88 keys with numeric keypad and arrow keys
  - label: CPU
    value: Intel 80286
  - label: SPEED
    value: switchable clock 10/8 MHz
  - label: RAM
    value: 640 Kbytes main, 512 Kbytes extension
  - label: ROM
    value: 64 Kbytes
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 40 or 80 columns x 25 lines
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: CGA, 640 x 400
  - label: COLORS
    value: Monochrome blueish LCD display
  - label: SOUND
    value: Buzzer
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: 394(W) x 382(D) x 82(H) mm / 8.2 kg (18 lb 2 oz)
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: Time Code In, Time Code Out (both via RCA ports), 2 x serial ports, Expansion Card Slot, 8 x MIDI OUT ports, 2 x MIDI IN ports, 1 x MIDI THRU port, Digital RGB out port, CGA or Monochrome (Hercules compatible) mode
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: 3.5'' Floppy disc drive (1.44 MB) + 20 MB hard disk
  - label: OS
    value: MS-DOS 3.3
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Built-in power supply
  - label: PRICE
    value: Unknown
  tabs:
  - photos
  - docs
  forum_thread: 1144
  photos:
  - title: LARGE VIEW
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/yamaha_c1_system_s2.jpg
  - title: C1 BAG & ORIGINAL DISKETTES
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/yamaha_c1_bag_s1.jpg
  docs:
  - title: USER'S MANUAL
    url: http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/index.php
    cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/yamaha_c1_usersmanual_s1.jpg
    text: |-
      [**USER'S MANUAL**](http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/index.php)written by Yamaha

       compiled/archived by Yamaha\
       type of document : PDF\
       source : [Yamaha C1](http://www.yamaha.co.jp)
  oc_id: 1176
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230306003717/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1176
    date: '2023-03-06'
---

The Yamaha C1 was released in 1987 and is basically a 80286 processor based PC with 8 built in MIDI ports for use in applications where there are many MIDI instruments to address.

By 1987 some machines which were capable of responding on multiple MIDI channels were appearing, and some earlier machines could only function in "omni" mode which meant that they needed a whole 16 channel port to themselves or they would play every time a note intended for another instrument was sent.

Since MIDI information is fairly 'slow' in respect to what even a about 10Mhz computer can handle 8 output ports with buffers wasn't a difficult thing to pull off for even an old 286 apparently.

Various DOS applications were included, among them the Voyetra Sequencer which was set up to run all 8 ports.

---

**Contributors** : Bob Weigel (picture, info), Gareth Qually (info, specs)

**Javier Z.** reports:\
Yamaha C1 Music Computer was used by Kraftwerk in "Electric Cafe".

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>