• In households with small children, an adult
should provide supervision until the child is
capable of following all the rules essential for the
safe operation of the unit.
• Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other
devices. Be especially careful when using
extension cords—the total power used by all
devices you have connected to the extension
cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rating
(watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive
loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat
up and eventually melt through.
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service
Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the “Information” page.
• Should you remove the screws, make sure to put
them in a safe place out of children’s reach, so
there is no chance of them being swallowed
accidentally.
Control the parameters assigned to each of the knobs
associated with the selected effect. Also use the knobs in
the following situations.
CTRL 1(Control 1) Knob
Use this to change the sample’s starting point and the
playback time of the sample.
14
15
16
17
18
23
25
26
4 Display
Displays sample and pattern BPM (tempo), settings
values, error messages, and other information. You can
also have the remaining time available for sampling
displayed.
5 EFFECTS Buttons
Select the effects you wish to use. A button is lit when its
effect is on; the light goes out when the effect is turned
off.
* It is not possible to apply two or more effects simultaneously.
CTRL 2 (Control 2) Knob
Use this when changing the BPM (tempo) of the pattern
or when changing the point when the sound of the
sample is to stop.
CTRL 3/MFX (Control 3/MFX) Knob
Use this when selecting the MFX type, or when changing
the sampling level or sampling volume.
3 PEAK Indicator
This indicator helps you to adjust the level when
sampling. For optimal sampling, adjust the level so that
this indicator lights occasionally.
6 START/END/LEVEL Button
Use this to change the point where the sample is to start
and end, and to adjust the level.
7 TIME/BPM Button
Use this to set the length of the playback time and the
BPM (tempo).
8 PATTERN SELECT Button
Press this when playing back or recording patterns.
When this button is lit, you can select patterns by
pressing the pads.
7
Panel Descriptions
9 LENGTH (Pattern Length) Button
Specifies the length of the pattern.
10
QUANTIZE Button
Corrects (quantizes) the timing of the pattern recordings
automatically.
TAP TEMPO Button
11
Tap this button a number of times to change the tempo
so it accords with the timing you used while tapping it.
12
CANCEL Button
By pressing this button you cancel sampling or erasing
samples in progress.
You can also stop playback of the pattern in progress.
REMAIN Button
13
When this button is pressed, the display will indicate the
remaining time available for sampling.
Additionally, by pressing pads while holding down this
button, you can select the samples for which you want to
add effects or change settings.
18
REVERSE Button
This switches the SP-303 to “Reverse Playback,” where
samples are played backwards.
Reverse Playback is in effect when the button is lit; when
not lit, normal Playback is in effect.
19
DEL (Delete) Button
Use this button to delete a sample or pattern. The button
lights up while the deletion is in progress.
REC (Recording) Button
20
Use this when starting and stopping sampling, and
when starting and stopping recording patterns.
21
RESAMPLE (Resampling) Button
Use this when creating new samples made by playing
back previous samples with effects added (resampling).
MARK Button
22
Use this button when you wish to sound only a portion
of a sampled sound. While this button is lit, only the
specified portion will sound.
14
LONG/LO-FI Button
Switches the sampling grade (high-quality/extended
time/Lo-Fi).
Extended time is selected when the button is lit, high-
quality when the button is not lit, and Lo-Fi when the
button is blinking.
15
STEREO Button
Specifies whether sampling will be mono or stereo.
When the button is lit, sampling is in stereo; when not lit,
sampling is mono.
GATE Button
16
This switches between “Gate Playback,” where samples
play only while the pad is held down, and “Trigger
Playback,” whereby the pad is pressed to toggle between
play and stop of the sample.
Gate Playback is in effect when the button is lit; when
not lit, Trigger Playback is in effect.
17
LOOP Button
This switches between “Loop Playback,” where samples
play repeatedly when the pad is pressed, and “One Shot
Playback,” in which the sample is played only one time.
Loop Playback is in effect when the button is lit; when
not lit, One Shot Playback is in effect.
BANK Buttons A/B/C/D
23
When the PATTERN SELECT button is not lit, these
switch sample banks; when PATTERN SELECT is lit, the
buttons switch pattern banks.
The SP-303’s internal Bank A or B is selected by pressing
A or B. Press C or D to select Bank C or D on the memory
card.
Pads (1–8)
24
When [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit, pressing a pad
plays the sample assigned to that pad. The pad is lit
while the sample plays.
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, pressing the pad plays
back and stops the playback of patterns.
HOLD Pad
25
If you hold down this pad while pressing another pad,
the sample will continue to play even after you release
the pad.
26
EXT SOURCE (External Source) Pad
By using this pad you can sound/silence the sound from
an external input without having to sample it, and can
apply effects to the sound.
8
Panel Descriptions
fig.P02
36
2728293031
27
AC Adaptor Jack
Connect the AC adapter to this connector.
* Be sure to use only the specified AC adaptor. Doing so may
damage the unit.
Power Switch
28
Turns the power on/off.
29
MIDI IN Connector
You can connect an external MIDI device (such as a
sequencer, keyboard, or rhythm machine), and use the
device to control the SP-303. Use MIDI cable (sold
separately) to make connections.
30
LINE OUT Jacks (L/R)
These audio outputs are RCA phono type jacks for
connection to an amp or mixer through which you wish
to play the sampled sounds.
fig.P03
32
32
PHONES (Headphones) Jack
A set of headphones can be connected here to hear the
same sound as the line outputs. The jack accepts stereo
1/4 inch phone plug.
33
MEMORY CARD Slot
A memory card (SmartMedia: optional) can be inserted
here. It is also possible to use card banks C/D to record
long samples that the internal memory could not
accommodate.
A card can be used to store (backup) the data from
internal memory.
34
MIC LEVEL Knob
Adjusts the volume of the mic sound.
MIC Jack
35
Connect a microphone.
333435
LINE IN Jacks (L/R)
31
RCA phono type audio input jacks for connecting a CD
player or other source device used for taking samples.
36
Security Slot ()
Web:www.kensington.com
9
IMPORTANT NOTES
291a
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following:
Power Supply
301
• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any
device that will generate line noise (such as an electric
motor or variable lighting system).
302
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long
hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a
cause for concern.
307
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions
and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
351
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
•
containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To
alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or
move it farther away from the source of interference.
352
• This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
354a
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
355
• To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet
area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture.
Maintenance
401a
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth
or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To
remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a
mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe
the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind,
to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.
Additional Precautions
551
• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be
irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the
improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against
the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that
you periodically save a backup copy of important data
you have stored in the unit’s memory on a Memory card
(SmartMedia).
552
• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of
data that was stored in the unit’s memory, and on a Memory
card (SmartMedia) once it has been lost. Roland Corporation
assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
553
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks
and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
554
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
556
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about
those around you (especially when it is late at night).
559a
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise,
you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.
562
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using
some other make of connection cable, please note the
following precautions.
Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables
•
that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit.
The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be
extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on
cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.
Before Using Cards
Using Memory Cards
• Never insert or remove a memory card while the power to
the SP-303 is on.
704
• Carefully insert the Memory card all the way in—until it is
firmly in place.
fig.00-01
The surface without
gold contacts
must face upward
705
• Never touch the terminals of the DATA card. Also, avoid
getting the terminals dirty.
Copyright
851
• Unauthorized recording, distribution, sale, lending, public
performance, broadcasting, or the like, in whole or in part,
of a work (musical composition, video, broadcast, public
performance, or the like) whose copyright is held by a
third party is prohibited by law.
853
• Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a
copyright held by a third party. Roland assumes no
responsibility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party copyrights arising through your use
of this unit.
10
QUICK START
AC Adaptor
(ACI or ACB series)
MIDI Sequencer etc.
CD/MD player
Stereo Headphones
Microphone
OUTPUT
MIDI OUT
MIDI cable
to an AC Outlet
Audio Set / Amplified Speaker etc.
LINE IN
Audio Cable
Making Connections
The SP-303 does not contain an amp or speaker. To hear
sound, either connect an amplifier and speakers or use
headphones. Refer to the following diagram and connect the
SP-303 to the other equipment.
fig.Q01
* Audio cables, MIDI cables, stereo headphones, and
microphones are not included. These may be purchased
separately from your dealer.
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other
devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power
on all devices before making any connections.
Quick Start
DJ system setup
fig.Q02
When sampling from a record, set the mixer fader to the
Turntable position (maximum).
The volume level during sampling is adjusted by the SP-
303’s REC level (p. 28, 30) and by the mixer’s effect send
level.
LINE
LINE
OUT
IN
CH 1:
LINE IN
SP-303Turntable
CH 2:
PHONO IN
EFFECT
SEND
Mixer settings
CH 1 Input: lineEffect: OFF
CH 2 Input: PHONOEffect: ON
* Settings may be different depending on the mixer. For details
refer to the owner’s manual for your mixer.
11
QUICK START
Turning On the Power
Once the connections have been completed (p. 11), turn on
power to your various devices in the order specified. By
turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
1.
Before you turn the power on, check the following
points.
• Are peripheral devices connected correctly?
• Are the volume levels on the SP-303 and any amp or
mixer that is connected turned down to the lowest
settings?
2.
Turn the SP-303’s power switch ON.
“303” appears on the display for a few seconds. The
will also blink.
fig.Q03
dots
Turning Off the Power
1.
Before you turn off the power, make sure that the
volumes of the SP-303 and the connected amp/mixer
are set to their minimum position.
2.
Turn off the power of the amp/mixer etc.
3.
Turn off the power switch of the SP-303.
Never turn off the power while the dots are blinking.
This may result in corruption of data in the SP-303’s
internal memory or on memory cards.
fig.Q04
Dots
3.
Turn on the power of your amp/mixer etc.
4.
Rotate the VOLUME knob to adjust the SP-303’s volume.
fig.Q05
5.
Also adjust the volume of the connected amp/mixer etc.
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval
(a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will
operate normally.
* If you turn on the power with a memory card already inserted,
the dots will blink until the memory card is detected. The unit
will not operate during this time.
Never turn off the power while the dots are blinking.
12
QUICK START
1
2
3
Listen to the Samples
When the SP-303 is shipped from the factory, 1–8 of bank A
already contain samples. Let’s listen to these samples.
● What is a sample?
A sample is a piece of sampled sound (a “waveform”)
together with various settings that determine how it can
be played during a performance, which has been
assigned to a pad.
● What Is a Sample Bank?
The samples that are assigned to each of the eight pads
are collectively referred to as a bank. The SP-303 has four
sample banks: A–D.
fig.Q06
* The SP-303 is able to sound up to eight pads simultaneously.
If you press additional pads in an attempt to play more, the
sound of the first-pressed pad will be turned off (pad dark) to
make way for the newly-pressed pad (last-note priority).
However depending on the settings, it may not be possible to
sound eight pads simultaneously. For more detailed
instructions, refer to “Number of Samples That Can Be Played
Simultaneously (Polyphony)” (p. 18).
* Once deleted, the samples assigned in the factory settings
cannot be recovered. If there is any data you wish to retain,
purchase a memory card (SmartMedia: 8 MB–64 MB)
separately, then save the pattern to the memory card. For
instructions on saving samples to memory cards, refer to
“Saving Samples to Memory Cards (Sample Save)” (p. 49).
Quick Start
1.
Confirm that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit.
If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, press it so that the button’s
light goes out.
2.
Press pad 1.
The pad will remain lit while the sample is playing.
3.
After verifying that you hear the sound, try pressing
pads 2–8 as well.
* If pressing a pad does not produce sound, make sure that
sample bank A is selected (BANK [A] is lit). If a different bank
is selected, press the BANK [A] button to switch to bank A.
* The volume does not change in response to playing dynamics.
Applying excessive force to a pad will cause malfunctions. For
more on how to adjust sample volume levels, refer to “Setting
the Sample Volume” (p. 38).
13
QUICK START
1
2
3,5
4
For explanations of the Pitch Shifter, Delay, Vinyl
Simulator, and Isolator effects, as well as instructions for
selecting effects used in MFX and the workings of these
effects, refer to “Chapter 2 Using the Effects” (p. 21).
Adding Effects to Samples
The SP-303 has 26 effects which can add special characters to
the sound.
Here’s how to try out these effects and hear what they can do.
Of the twenty-six effects, you can select five of them–