Roland A-49 User Manual

4 (1)
Roland A-49 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

For the following languages, a PDF version of the Owner’s Manual can be found on the CD-ROM.

Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español, Português, Nederlands

What is MIDI?

MIDI is an internationally recognized standard for exchanging performance information between electronic musical instruments and computers.

For example, in the illustration below, a MIDI signal meaning “the ‘C’ key on the MIDI keyboard was pressed” passes through the A-49 and is received by the computer’s software sound module, and then the software sound module plays the note “C.”

MIDI signal

Information

key was pressed”

is played

Software

“C” key is pressed

In this way, MIDI is used to send performance information to other instruments; for example “the ‘C’ key was pressed with a certain amount of force,”“the instrument was changed to a violin sound,”“the volume was raised/lowered,”“the pitch was raised/lowered,” etc. In other words, MIDI is the “language of musical instruments.”

MIDI signals are merely performance instructions, therefore a MIDI sound module, such as a software sound module, is required to produce sound.

All software sound modules and DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software support MIDI.

MEMO

DAW software is a term that refers to music production software, such as SONAR.

Note

Do not connect the A-49 to the computer until the driver has been installed (p. 13).

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:”USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 4). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s Manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

2

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

AboutWARNING and CAUTION Notices

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly.

* Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.

About the Symbols

The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.

The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden).The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled.

The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out.The specific thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING

WARNING

Do not disassemble or modify by yourself

Do not open or perform any internal modifications on the unit.

Do not repair or replace parts by yourself

Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

Do not use or store in the following types of locations

Subject to temperature extremes (e.g.,

direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are

• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are

• Exposed to steam or smoke; or are

Subject to salt exposure; or are

Humid; or are

Exposed to rain; or are

Dusty or sandy; or are

Subject to high levels of vibration and shakiness.

WARNING

Do not place in an unstable location

Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.

Don’t allow foreign objects or liquids to enter unit; never place containers with liquid on unit

Do not place containers containing liquid on this product. Never allow foreign objects (e.g., flammable objects, coins, wires) or liquids (e.g., water or juice) to enter this product. Doing so may cause short circuits, faulty operation, or other malfunctions.

Turn off the unit if an abnormality or malfunction occurs

Immediately disconnect the USB cable, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when:

Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the unit; or

If smoke or unusual odor occurs; or

The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet); or

The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.

3

IMPORTANT NOTES

WARNING

Adults must provide supervision in places where children are present

When using the unit in locations where children are present, be careful so no mishandling of the unit can take place. An adult should always be on hand to provide supervision and guidance.

Do not drop or subject to strong impact

Protect the unit from strong impact. (Do not drop it!)

Do not use a CD-ROM in an audio CD player or DVD player

DO NOT play a CD-ROM disc on a conventional audio CD player. The resulting sound may be of a level that could cause permanent hearing loss. Damage to speakers or other system components may result.

CAUTION

Manage cables for safety

Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children.

Avoid climbing on top of the unit, or placing heavy objects on it

Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.

Disconnect everything before moving the unit

Disconnect all cords coming from external devices before moving the unit.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Power Supply

To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always make sure to turn off the power on all your equipment before you make any connections.

Placement

This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.

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.

When moved from one location to another where the temperature and/or humidity is very different, water droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation has completely evaporated.

Do not allow objects to remain on top of the keyboard. This can be the cause of malfunction, such as keys ceasing to produce sound.

Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar the surface.

You can place a piece of felt or cloth under the rubber feet to prevent this from happening. If you do so, please make sure that the unit will not slip or move accidentally.

4

IMPORTANT NOTES

Do not put anything that contains water on this unit. Also, avoid the use of insecticides, perfumes, alcohol, nail polish, spray cans, etc., near the unit. Swiftly wipe away any liquid that spills on the unit using a dry, soft cloth.

Maintenance

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.

Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.

Repairs and Data

Please be aware that all data contained in this unit’s memory will be initialized when it is sent for repairs. Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data, nor any obligation to recover it.

Additional Precautions

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.

Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data, nor any obligation to recover it.

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.

When 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.

To avoid disturbing others nearby, try to keep the unit’s volume at reasonable levels.

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.

Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-5, EV-7; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

The usable range of D-BEAM controller will become extremely small when used under strong direct sunlight. Please be aware of this when using the D-BEAM controller outside.

Handling CDs / DVDs

Avoid touching or scratching the shiny underside (encoded surface) of the disc. Damaged or dirty CD/DVD discs may not be read properly. Keep your discs clean using a commercially available CD/ DVD cleaner.

Copyrights/Licences/Trademarks

Before you open the included CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, you must read the “license agreement.” Opening the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM will be taken to mean your acceptance of the license agreement.

MMP (Moore Microprocessor Portfolio) refers to a patent portfolio concerned with microprocessor architecture, which was developed by Technology Properties Limited (TPL). Roland has licensed this technology from the TPL Group.

Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.

Roland, SuperNATURAL are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Cakewalk is a registered trademark of Cakewalk, Inc. in the United States.

Sonar is a trademark of Cakewalk, Inc.

Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2012 ROLAND CORPORATION

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

5

Quick Page Reference Table

 

Switching the operating mode

p. 22

 

(PLAY/FUNCTION/SuperNATURAL/MIDI Visual Control)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setting the MIDI transmit channel (MIDI CHANNEL)

p. 26

 

 

 

 

Switching sounds ([S1][S2] knobs)

p. 26

 

 

 

 

Performing

 

Octave Shift, Transpose

p. 28

Performing

Pitch Bend, Modulation

p. 29

D-BEAM

p. 30

 

 

[C1][C2] knobs

p. 31

 

Hold, Expression

p. 32

 

Aftertouch

p. 33

 

 

 

 

Halting stuck notes

p. 33

 

Performing with a SuperNATURAL sound module

p. 24

 

 

 

 

Controlling MIDI Visual Control-compatible video equipment

p. 25

 

 

 

 

Changing the velocity curve (VELO CURVE)

p. 35

 

 

 

 

Specifying the keyboard velocity value (KEY VELO)

p. 36

 

 

 

 

Assigning functions to the knobs, buttons, and jacks

p. 37

 

 

 

Changing the A-49’s

Switching the function of the [C2] knob in SuperNATURAL mode (SN

p. 36

SETTING)

Settings

 

 

 

Changing the direction of value increases for the knobs, D-BEAM controller,

p. 40

 

 

buttons, and pedals (CTRL DIR)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selecting the dedicated driver or the generic driver

p. 40

 

 

 

 

Restoring the factory settings (FACT RESET)

p. 41

 

 

 

6

Contents

USING THE UNIT SAFELY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .3

IMPORTANT NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .4

Quick Page Reference Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .6

Contents of the Package. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .9

Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. 12

Driver Installation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Verify That You Can Hear Sound. . . . . . 19

Checking with a SONAR Soft

 

Synths (Windows). . . . . . . . .

19

Checking in GarageBand (Mac OS X). 20

MIDI Signal Flow . . . . . . . . .

. 21

About the Operating Modes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22

Switching the Operating Mode. . . . .

. 22

PLAY Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22

FUNCTION Mode. . . . . . . . . . . .

. 23

SuperNATURAL Mode. . . . . . . . . .

24

MIDI Visual Control Mode. . . . . . . .

. 25

Performing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26

Setting the MIDI Transmit Channel

 

(MIDI CHANNEL) . . . . . . . . . . . .

. 26

Switching Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . .

26

Shifting the Pitch of the Keyboard . . . .

28

Using the Lever to Modify the Sound . .

. 29

Using the D-BEAM to Modify the Sound. .

30

Using the Knobs to Modify the Sound. .

. 31

Using the Pedals to Modify the Sound . .

32

Using Aftertouch to Modify the Sound. .

33

Halting Stuck Notes (PANIC). . . . . . .

33

Changing the A-49 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Changing the Velocity Curve

(VELO CURVE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Specifying the Keyboard Velocity Value (KEY VELO). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Switching the Function of the [C2] Knob in SuperNATURAL Mode

(SN SETTING). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Assigning Functions to the Knobs,

Buttons, and Jacks. . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Assigning a Program Change Message (PRGM CHANGE). . . . . 37

Assigning Aftertouch. . . . . . . . 37

Assigning a Control Change

Number (CC#). . . . . . . . . . . 38

Changing the Direction of Value Increases for the Knobs, D-BEAM

Controller, and Pedals (CTRL DIR) . . . . . 40

Selecting the Dedicated Driver or the Generic Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Restoring the Factory Settings

(FACT RESET). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Troubleshooting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Problems When Installing the Driver. . . 42 Problems When Using the Unit . . . . . . 43

Changing Computer Settings to Avoid Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Driver Signing Options Setting (Windows XP). . . . . . . . . . . 46

Power Management Settings. . . . 46 Reinstalling the Driver. . . . . . . . . . 48 Deleting the Driver. . . . . . . . . 48 Lightening the MIDI Load (Windows) . . . 49

Main Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50

MIDI Implementation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

51

Index.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

52

7

How to read the procedural explanations

Press the [FUNCTION] button.

Press the key that has “PRGM

 

CHANGE” printed above it.

 

0–9

Press the keys that have “NUMERIC ENTRY” printed above them.

Press the key that has “ENTER” printed above it.

Using NUMERIC ENTRY to enter a value

0–9

Value 0–127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NUMERIC ENTRY keys pressed in

This value is

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

this order

entered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6, 4, ENTER

64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1, 2, 7, ENTER

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1, 2, 8, ENTER

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9, 3, 5, 7, ENTER

57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*If you specified a value that’s outside the acceptable range, the valid value that had been entered before you pressed ENTER will be used.

Explanation of the icons

 

Icon

Explanation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rotate a knob.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step on the pedal switch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raise or lower the expression pedal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

Contents of the Package

After you open the package, please check that all items are present. (If any accessories are missing, please contact the place of purchase.)

A-49

A-Series Keyboard CD-ROM

This contains the USB driver and PDF files of the owner’s manual.

Cakewalk SONAR LE DVD-ROM Windows

DAW software allows you to record or play audio data on a computer.

For details on using SONAR LE, user registration, and obtaining a registration code, refer to the installation guide (included on the DVD-ROM), or to the Help function of the software.

*Avoid touching or scratching the shiny underside (encoded surface) of a disc. Damaged or dirty discs may not be read properly. Use a commercially available CD-ROM/DVD-ROM cleaner to keep your disc clean.

*You need DAW software for Mac OS X.

Cakewalk SONAR LE installation guide Windows

This explains the installation and user registration process for the software included on the Cakewalk SONAR LE DVD-ROM. Unless you complete the user registration and obtain a

registration code as directed in this guide, you won’t be able to use the software for more than thirty days after installation.

USB cable

Use this cable to connect the A-49 to the USB connector of your computer.

*Please use only the included USB cable. If you require a replacement due to loss or damage, please contact the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

Owner’s Manual

This is the document you’re reading. Keep it at hand for reference when needed.

9

Panel Descriptions

Panel

D-BEAM (p. 30)

D-BEAM controller

Move your hand above this to apply various effects to the sound.

POWER indicator

This will light if the A-49 is connected to your computer via USB.

[FUNCTION] button

[S1][S2] buttons

You can switch sounds by pressing these buttons (p. 26).

[PITCH] button

If this is turned on, the D-BEAM controller will control the pitch.

[VOL] button

[ASSIGN] button

If this is turned

If this is turned on, the

on, the D-BEAM

D-BEAM controller will

controller will control

control the function you’ve

the volume.

assigned. (Factory setting:

 

aftertouch)

[C1][C2] knobs

Turn this knob to use the function you’ve assigned (p. 31).

[SuperNATURAL] button

If this is turned on, you’ll be able to control a connected SuperNATURAL sound module (p. 24).

[Pitch Bend/Modulation] lever

Use this lever to vary the pitch or to apply vibrato (p. 29).

10

Panel Descriptions

[TRANSPOSE] button, OCTAVE/TRANSPOSE indicator, [+][–] buttons

In PLAY mode (p. 22), you can press the [TRANSPOSE] button to switch the function of the OCTAVE/TRANSPOSE indicator and the [+] [–] buttons.

When the [TRANSPOSE] button is turned on, the transposition setting is enabled. When the [TRANSPOSE] button is turned off, the transposition setting is disabled.

Button

Function

OCTAVE/TRANSPOSE indicator

[+][–] buttons

Change the octave setting (p. 28)

Indicates the octave setting

 

 

 

[TRANSPOSE] +

Change the transpose setting(p. 28)

Indicates the transpose setting

[+][–] buttons

 

 

 

 

 

The OCTAVE/TRANSPOSE indicator and the setting it shows

-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0

1

2

3

4

5

Unlit

Lit

11

Panel Descriptions

Rear Panel

HOLD jack

You can connect a pedal switch (DP-2, DP-10; available separately) here and use it as a hold pedal (p. 32).

EXPRESSION jack

You can connect an expression pedal (EV-5, EV-7; available separately) here and use it to control various parameters and functions (p. 32).

*Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-5, EV-7; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

USB COMPUTER port

Use a USB cable to connect the A-49 to your computer.

*Install the driver in your computer before you make

MIDI OUT connector

You can connect this to the MIDI IN connector of another

MIDI device so that the A-49 can transmit MIDI messages to it.

*To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

12

Driver Installation

Windows

Mac OS X

Note

Do not connect the A-49 to the computer until you are directed to do so.

A “driver” is software that transfers data between the A-49 and application software running on your computer when your computer and the A-49 are connected.

1. Start up the computer without the A-49 connected..

cables other than those for a USB keyboard and/or USB mouse (if used).

Windows

computer with a user account that has administrator privileges.

Windows 8

Switch to the “Desktop.”

2.Exit all applications that are running..

3.Insert the included CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive..

4.Of the following, double-click the relevant file on the included CD-ROM to start the installer..

Operating System

File

 

 

Windows

[Setup] in the [WinDriver] folder

 

 

Mac OS X

[A-SeriesKeyboard_USBDriver] in the [MacDriver] folder

 

 

Refer to the Roland website for the latest USB drivers and information about compatibility with the latest operating system versions.

http://www.roland.com/

Windows

users page 14

Mac OS X

users page 16

13

Driver Installation

Windows

5.When a confirmation screen regarding user account control appears, click [Yes] or [Continue]..

6.When “The A-Series Keyboard Driver will be installed on your computer” appears, click [Next]..

7.Click [Next] again..

Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Vista

If a dialog box regarding Windows security appears, click [Install].

Windows XP

If the “Software Install” dialog box appears, click [Continue] to proceed with the installation.

If you cannot proceed, click [OK] to cancel the installation. Change the settings as described in “Driver Signing Options Setting (Windows XP)” (p. 46) and try installing again.

8.When “Ready to install the driver..” appears, connect the USB cable of the A-49 to the computer..

*Turn down the volume on any peripheral devices before connecting the USB cable.

*This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after turning the unit on is required before it will operate normally.

A-49

rear panel

It may take several minutes for the driver to be installed.

Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Vista

If other messages appear, follow the instructions on the screen. The driver will be installed automatically.

Windows XP

“Found new hardware” will appear in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Vista

Windows XP

14

Driver Installation

Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Vista

9.When “Installation has been completed..” appears, click [Close]..

Close the “A-Series Keyboard Driver Setup” dialog box.

If the “Change System Settings” dialog box appears, click [Yes] to restart Windows.

page 19

Windows XP

9.If a dialog box that asks whether you want to connect to Windows Update appears, select [No, not this time] and click [Next]..

10.Select [Install the software automatically (Recommended)] and click [Next]..

11.If the “Hardware Installation” dialog box appears, click [Continue Anyway] to proceed with installation..

12.When “Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard” appears, click [Finish]..

13.When “Installation has been completed..” appears, click [Close]..

Close the “A-Series Keyboard Driver Setup dialog box.

If the “System Settings Change” dialog box appears, click [Yes] to restart Windows.

page 19

15

Driver Installation

Mac OS X

If a dialog box requesting a password appears during installation, enter a computer administrator’s user name and password and click the [Install Software] button or [OK] button.

5.When “Welcome to the A-Series Keyboard Driver installer” appears, click [Continue]..

6.If the screen for selecting the installation destination appears, select the startup disk and click [Continue]..

7.When the installation type appears, click [Install] or [Upgrade]..

8.Click [Continue Installation] in the next screen..

9.When installation has finished, click [Restart] to restart the Mac..

It may take some time for the computer to restart.

10.After the Mac restarts, connect the USB cable of the A-49 to the Mac..

*Turn down the volume on any peripheral devices before connecting the USB cable.

*This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after turning the unit on is required before it will operate normally.

A-49

rear panel

11.Open the [Applications] folder and then the [Utilities] folder, and then doubleclick [Audio MIDI Setup]..

The “Audio MIDI Setup” dialog box will appear.

12.Open the MIDI device settings dialog box..

Operating System

Operation

 

 

Mac OS X v10..6 or later

Select [Show MIDI Window] in the [Window] menu.

(The “MIDI Studio” window will appear.)

 

 

 

Mac OS X v10..5 or earlier

Click the [MIDI Devices] tab.

 

 

16

Driver Installation

13.Confirm that [A-Series Keyboard] appears in the “MIDI Studio” window or the “Audio MIDI Settings” dialog box..

If [A-Series Keyboard] does not appear or if it is grayed out, it means that the A-49 is not being detected properly. Click [Rescan MIDI]. Also try disconnecting and reconnecting the A-49’s USB cable.

14.Click [Add Device] two time..

Two [New Device] items will appear.

15.Specify device names for the newly added [New Device]..

1.Click each newly added [New Device] to select it, and then click [Show Info]..

2.Enter the desired name in the [Device Name] field, and then click [Apply]..

Enter the following for each [New Device]..

New Device

Device Name

 

 

First

Keyboard

 

 

Second

MIDI OUT

 

 

14 15

13

16

17

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