User manual ROLAND A-33

[. . . ] · . . . use the word "button" for all keys on the front panel, and only use "key" when referring to the A-33's keyboard. · . . . say "sequencer" when referring to both hardware sequencers (like the Roland MC-80) and computers with sequencer software. · . . . talk about "MIDI instruments" to signify both isolated ("monotimbral") instruments and parts/timbres/voices/multi channels of a multitimbral module or synth. The contents of the illustrations appearing in this manual may differ slightly from what you see when you start using your instrument. [. . . ] All messages generated on the A-33 are therefore transmitted on the Lower channel. Alternately pressing [UPPER] and [LOWER] allows you to control different MIDI instruments as and when needed. Example: you could use the Lower section for controlling an organ sound of one module (or part), and the Upper section for playing a lead synthesizer part using a different MIDI instrument. (1) Press and hold the [SPLIT] button. (2) While still holding that button, press the key that should become the lowest note of the Upper section. (3) Release both the [SPLIT] button and the key you pressed. Note: This setting can be saved to a Patch. Note: To return to the default setting (C4), simultanesouly press [DOWN]/[UP]. Layer (Lower + Upper) Lower section + Upper section (two different MIDI channels) In Layer mode, the A-33 transmits on two MIDI channels simultaneously (assigned to Lower and Upper). Every action on the A-33 is thus translated into two MIDI message strings. Configuring the A-33 r A-33 Your A-33 comes with a great many MIDI parameters, or message types that can be transmitted so as to control your MIDI rig to your liking. Most of the following parameters can be set for the Upper and Lower sections independently ­ and most of them can be saved to a Patch memory (see p. 16). Note: The available EDIT parameters will be presented in the order they can be selected. See page 11 if all you want to do for the time is being is assign different MIDI channels to the Upper and/or Lower sections. Here is how to select the desired parameter: (1) Look at the legends above the [0]~[9] buttons to find out which EDIT button you need to press. Rather than reprogram the sound (if that is at all possible), you can simply select another curve on the A-33 so that your striking force is translated in a different way and thus more usable for the part you wish to play. Select L (light) if the section in question should send high velocity values even when you strike the keys with light-to-medium force. H (heavy), is the way to go if the external MIDI instrument is too loud/bright when you play normally. Select LL if all note messages of the section in question are to be transmitted with more or less the same velocity value. Extreme differences in dynamics (hitting very hard and very soft) will, however, allow you to trigger velocity switches if the receiving MIDI instrument supports that feature. This setting is thus not the same as "off" on other instruments ­ but it is very similar. [3] mod (Modulation) Note: Certain MIDI instruments may not respond in realtime to CC10 changes, because they only implement Pan changes at the beginning of a new note (Note-on message). [4] Uel (Velocity) It is also possible to select 0FF (by simultaneously pressing [DOWN]/[UP]), which means that the [DATAENTRY] slider performs no function at all. Note: See the manual of the MIDI instrument to be controlled for the CC numbers it supports for realtime control. Note: The CC assignment can be different for the Upper and Lower sections. This allows you, for example, to control the Pan setting (CC10) via the Upper section, and the Delay Send Level (CC94) via the Lower section. [1] hld (Hold) Upper, Lower This parameter allows you to specify (for Upper and Lower separately) whether the selected section should (0N) or should not (0ff) transmit Hold (CC64) messages. This is only relevant if you connect an optional DP-2, DP-6, or BOSS FS-5U to the A-33's HOLD SWITCH socket. 10 r A-33 [5] oct (Octave) Upper, Lower This parameter is especially useful in Split mode (see p. 8), when you wish to use your left hand for a chord backing whose register is close to the part you play with your right hand. Of course, you can also transpose (or "shift") the Upper part in octave steps, which may be useful in Layer mode. [. . . ] This value will be transmitted if clt is set to 0n. [9] syp (Sync Port) This parameter allow you to specify which MIDI OUT socket to use for the transmission of MIDI Start/ Stop ([START/STOP] button) and MIDI Clock messages. The possibilities are: -A-, -B-, and A-B. 15 Owner's Manual 6. Miscellaneous 6. 3 Working with Patches A "Patch" is a memory where you can store your own settings. Like on many Roland instruments, only 8 buttons ([1]~[8]) are used for specifying the Patch numbers (11~88), so that numbers like "30" or "59" are impossible. [. . . ]