Roland DR-880 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS DR-880 Dr. Rhythm.

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:

• USING THE UNIT SAFELY (page 2–3)

• IMPORTANT NOTES (page 4–5)

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, the owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should
be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

■

Printing Conventions in This Manual

• Text or numerals enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicate buttons.

[EFFECT] EFFECT button

[PATTERN] PATTERN button

• Reference such as (p. **) indicate pages in this manual to which you can refer.

Copyright © 2004 BOSS CORPORATION

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

*G6017380-05*

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

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.

001

• Before using this unit, make sure to
read the instructions below, and the
Owner’s Manual.

..................................................................................................

002c

• Do not open (or modify in any way)
the unit or its AC adaptor.

..................................................................................................

003

• 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” sheet.

..................................................................................................

004

• Never use or store the unit in places
that are:

• 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

• Humid; or are

• Exposed to rain; or are

• Dusty; or are

• Subject to high levels of vibration.

..................................................................................................

007

• 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.

..................................................................................................

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 power­cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

008c

• Be sure to use only the AC adaptor
supplied with the unit. Also, make
sure the line voltage at the installation
matches the input voltage specified on
the AC adaptor’s body. Other AC
adaptors may use a different polarity,
or be designed for a different voltage,
so their use could result in damage,
malfunction, or electric shock.

.................................................................................................

009

• Do not excessively twist or bend the
power cord, nor place heavy objects
on it. Doing so can damage the cord,
producing severed elements and short
circuits. Damaged cords are fire and
shock hazards!

.................................................................................................

010

• This unit, either alone or in combi­nation with an amplifier and
headphones or speakers, may be
capable of producing sound levels that
could cause permanent hearing loss.
Do not operate for a long period of
time at a high volume level, or at a
level that is uncomfortable. If you
experience any hearing loss or ringing
in the ears, you should immediately stop
using the unit, and consult an audiologist.

.................................................................................................

011

• Do not allow any objects (e.g.,
flammable material, coins, pins); or
liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks,
etc.) to penetrate the unit.

.................................................................................................

2

012b

•

Immediately turn the power off,
remove the AC adaptor from the
outlet, and request servicing by your
retailer, the nearest Roland Service
Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the “Information”
sheet when:

• The AC adaptor, the power-supply cord,
or the plug has been damaged; or

• If smoke or unusual odor occurs

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

..................................................................................................

013

•

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.

..................................................................................................

014

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

..................................................................................................

015

• 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.

..................................................................................................

016

• 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” sheet.

..................................................................................................

023

• 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.

..................................................................................................

101b

• The unit and the AC adaptor should
be located so their location or position
does not interfere with their proper
ventilation.

..................................................................................................

102c

• Always grasp only the plug on the AC
adaptor cord when plugging into, or
unplugging from, an outlet or this
unit.

..................................................................................................

103b

• At regular intervals, you should
unplug the AC adaptor and clean it by
using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and
other accumulations away from its
prongs. Also, disconnect the power
plug from the power outlet whenever
the unit is to remain unused for an extended
period of time. Any accumulation of dust
between the power plug and the power outlet
can result in poor insulation and lead to fire.

..................................................................................................

104

• 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.

..................................................................................................

106

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

..................................................................................................

107c

• Never handle the AC adaptor or its
plugs with wet hands when plugging
into, or unplugging from, an outlet or
this unit.

..................................................................................................

108b

• Before moving the unit, disconnect the
AC adaptor and all cords coming from
external devices.

..................................................................................................

109b

• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the
power and unplug the AC adaptor
from the outlet.

..................................................................................................

110b

• Whenever you suspect the possibility
of lightning in your area, disconnect
the AC adaptor from the outlet.

..................................................................................................

3

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 connect this unit to same electrical
outlet that is being used by an electrical
appliance that is controlled by an inverter
(such as a refrigerator, washing machine,
microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that
contains a motor. Depending on the way in
which the electrical appliance is used, power
supply noise may cause this unit to
malfunction or may produce audible noise. If
it is not practical to use a separate electrical
outlet, connect a power supply noise filter
between this unit and the electrical outlet.

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.

352a

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

352b

• Noise may be produced if wireless communi­cations devices, such as cell phones, are
operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such
noise could occur when receiving or initiating
a call, or while conversing. Should you
experience such problems, you should
relocate such wireless devices so they are at a
greater distance from this unit, or switch
them off.

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.

355b

• 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.

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.

Repairs and Data

452

• Please be aware that all data contained in the
unit’s memory may be lost when the unit is
sent for repairs. Important data should
always be backed up in another MIDI device
(e.g., a sequencer), computer, or written down
on paper (when possible). During repairs, due
care is taken to avoid the loss of data.
However, in certain cases (such as when
circuitry related to memory itself is out of
order), we regret that it may not be possible to
restore the data, and Roland assumes no
liability concerning such loss of data.

4

IMPORTANT NOTES

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 in another MIDI device (e.g., a
sequencer) or computer.

552

• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore
the contents of data that was stored in the
unit’s memory 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,

561

• Use only the specified expression pedal (EV­5; sold separately). By connecting any other
expression pedals, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

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.

985

• The explanations in this manual include illus­trations that depict what should typically be
shown by the display. Note, however, that
your unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced
version of the system (e.g., includes newer
sounds), so what you actually see in the
display may not always match what appears
in the manual.

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

Handling CD-ROMs

801

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

it in the box (including padding) that it came
in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use
equivalent packaging materials.

....................................................................................................................................................................................

204

*

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

206e

*

The screen shots in this document are used in compliance with the guidelines of the Microsoft Corporation.

206j

*

Windows® is known officially as: “Microsoft® Windows® operating system.”

207

*

Apple and Macintosh are registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

209

*

Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

220

All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

*

231

*

OMS is a registered trademark of Opcode Systems, Inc.

232

* FreeMIDI is a trademark of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.

5

Contents

USING THE UNIT SAFELY ..................................................................... 2

IMPORTANT NOTES............................................................................... 4

Main features ........................................................................................ 11

Front and Rear Panels ......................................................................... 13

Front Panel................................................................................................................. 13

Rear Panel .................................................................................................................. 16

Before you begin playing..................................................................... 17

Making connections.................................................................................................. 17

Turning the power on/off ....................................................................................... 18

Adjusting the display contrast................................................................................ 20

Quick Start..........................................................21

Listening to the demo song................................................................. 22

Using the key pads to play sounds .................................................... 23

Playing Different Sounds (Switching Pad Banks)................................................ 23

Playing the patterns ............................................................................. 24

Selecting and playing patterns................................................................................ 24

Changing the tempo................................................................................................. 26

Changing the playback key..................................................................................... 27

Playing a Pattern Using a Different Sound (Switching Kits).............................. 28

Using the TSC function to modify the tone and ambience................................. 30

Playing your guitar/bass along with patterns.................................... 32

Using the special guitar/bass effects ..................................................................... 33

Chapter 1 An overview of the DR-880 .................35

DR-880 Application Guide (from pattern creation to playback) ....... 36

Patterns and Songs.............................................................................. 38

Patterns....................................................................................................................... 38

Songs...........................................................................................................................39

About kits................................................................................................................... 40

Pad bank..................................................................................................................... 41

About TSC (Total Sound Control).......................................................................... 42

Guitar/Bass section.............................................................................. 43

Guitar Effects............................................................................................................. 43

Signal flow (until the sound is output) ............................................... 44

Output jacks............................................................................................................... 45

Output settings.......................................................................................................... 45

Common operations and screen indications..................................... 46

Switching the Pad Bank ........................................................................................... 46

Moving the cursor..................................................................................................... 46

Moving between screens (Scrolling) ...................................................................... 46

6

Editing a value .......................................................................................................... 47

The Play screen.......................................................................................................... 47

Contents

Chapter 2

Playing a pattern................................................................................... 50

Changing the tempo................................................................................................. 50

Changing the playback key..................................................................................... 50

Switching the display............................................................................................... 51

Recording a pattern.............................................................................. 52

Realtime recording and Step recording................................................................. 52

Before you begin recording ..................................................................................... 52

<1> Selecting the user pattern you want to record.............................................. 52

<2> Making basic settings for the pattern............................................................. 53

<3-1> Using realtime recording.............................................................................. 54

<3-2> Step-recording................................................................................................ 55

<4> Recording a chord progression....................................................................... 58

<5> Recording a fill-in ............................................................................................. 60

Pattern editing (Pattern Edit)............................................................... 61

Copying a portion of a pattern (Copy Measure).................................................. 61

Inserting blank measures into a pattern (Insert Measure).................................. 62

Erasing a portion of a pattern (Erase) .................................................................... 63

Deleting unwanted measures (Delete Measure) .................................................. 64

Saving a pattern.................................................................................... 65

Naming a pattern (Pattern Name).......................................................................... 65

Writing your pattern ................................................................................................ 65

Copying/Erasing a pattern................................................................... 66

Copying a pattern ..................................................................................................... 66

Erasing a pattern ....................................................................................................... 66

Patterns (playing, recording, editing)

........49

Chapter 3 EZ Compose/Groove Modify ...............67

Using EZ Compose............................................................................... 68

Creating a pattern ..................................................................................................... 68

Adding a chord progression ................................................................................... 69

Adding a fill-in.......................................................................................................... 70

Using Groove Modify ........................................................................... 71

Applying volume changes (Velocity Modify) ...................................................... 71

Adding ghost notes .................................................................................................. 72

Creating a shuffle rhythm ....................................................................................... 73

7

7

Contents

Chapter 4 Song (record/edit/play) ......................75

Recording a song ................................................................................. 76

Before you begin recording ..................................................................................... 76

<1> Selecting the user song you want to record .................................................. 76

<2> Making basic settings for the song ................................................................. 76

<3> Step-recording your song ................................................................................ 77

Saving your song ................................................................................. 79

Naming your song (Song Name)............................................................................ 79

Writing your song..................................................................................................... 79

Copying/Clearing a song ..................................................................... 80

Copying a song ......................................................................................................... 80

Clearing (erasing) a song ......................................................................................... 80

Playing a song ...................................................................................... 81

Changing the tempo................................................................................................. 81

Changing the playback key..................................................................................... 82

Looping the playback in a specified region .......................................................... 82

Switching the display............................................................................................... 83

Chapter 5 Playing your guitar/bass ....................85

Using effects ......................................................................................... 86

Switching effect patches........................................................................................... 86

Editing an effect patch (Patch Edit)........................................................................ 86

Saving/Copying an Effect patch.......................................................... 88

Naming an effect patch............................................................................................ 88

Writing an effect patch............................................................................................. 88

Copying an effect patch ........................................................................................... 89

Using the Tuner/Expression pedal ..................................................... 90

Tuning your guitar/bass ......................................................................................... 90

Using an expression pedal as a volume pedal ..................................................... 91

Guitar effects parameter list................................................................ 92

GTR MULTI (Guitar multi) ..................................................................................... 92

BASS MULTI ............................................................................................................. 92

ACO (Acoustic) MULTI........................................................................................... 92

Description of the effects ......................................................................................... 93

Chapter 6 Editing the TSC settings........................99

TSC patch editing ............................................................................... 100

Edit procedure......................................................................................................... 100

Saving/Copying a TSC patch............................................................. 103

Naming a TSC patch............................................................................................... 103

Writing a TSC patch ............................................................................................... 103

Copying a TSC patch.............................................................................................. 104

8

Chapter 7 Creating an original kit (Kit Edit) .......105

Editing a kit ......................................................................................... 106

Selecting the kit you want to edit ......................................................................... 106

Editing the Drum part............................................................................................ 106

Editing the Bass part............................................................................................... 110

Saving/Copying a kit .......................................................................... 113

Naming a kit ............................................................................................................ 113

Writing a kit............................................................................................................. 113

Copying a kit ........................................................................................................... 114

Contents

Chapter 8

Convenient function/System settings

.......115

FAVORITE function ............................................................................ 116

Recalling the registered content ........................................................................... 116

Registering a favorite ............................................................................................. 117

Saving all current settings................................................................. 118

System settings .................................................................................. 119

Adjusting the output signal (Output Setting)..................................................... 119

Adjusting the sensitivity of the key pads (Pad Sens) ........................................ 120

Tuning the bass part............................................................................................... 120

Using foot switches................................................................................................. 121

Adding a count-in................................................................................................... 123

Using the same kit/TSC patch for playing all patterns and songs ................. 123

Specifying the pattern at power-on...................................................................... 124

Chapter 9 Using MIDI ........................................125

Playing the DR-880 from an external MIDI device/

Playing an external MIDI device from the DR-880 ........................... 126

Setting the MIDI channel....................................................................................... 126

Setting the Volume receive switch ....................................................................... 126

Synchronizing the DR-880

with a digital recorder or MIDI sequencer ........................................ 128

Sync Mode setting................................................................................................... 128

Recording an external MIDI device’s performance on the DR-880

Recording a performance from your MIDI keyboard or MIDI pads .............. 130

Recording a performance from your sequencer or rhythm machine.............. 130

Transmitting a DR-880 bulk dump/

Receiving a bulk dump back to the DR-880 ..................................... 131

Setting the Device ID.............................................................................................. 131

Transmitting DR-880 data (Bulk Dump) ............................................................. 131

........... 130

99

Contents

Chapter 10 Using USB .......................................133

Before you use USB ........................................................................... 134

Supported operating systems ............................................................................... 134

Notes on Using USB ............................................................................................... 134

Switching the USB function................................................................................... 134

Importing SMF data to create a pattern............................................ 135

Windows users........................................................................................................ 135

Macintosh users ...................................................................................................... 137

Backing up the DR-880’s data ........................................................... 138

Windows users........................................................................................................ 138

Macintosh users ...................................................................................................... 139

Reading backup data

back into the DR-880 from the computer (Recover)........................ 141

Windows users........................................................................................................ 141

Macintosh users ...................................................................................................... 142

Exchanging MIDI messages

with your computer (MIDI Communication) ..................................... 143

Driver installation and settings ............................................................................ 143

Switching the USB function................................................................................... 143

Appendices .......................................................145

Restoring the factory settings (Factory Reset) ............................... 146

Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 147

Message List ....................................................................................... 148

Parameter List..................................................................................... 149

Preset Data List .................................................................................. 151

MIDI Implementation Chart ................................................................ 160

Specifications ..................................................................................... 162

Index .................................................................................................... 163

10

Main features

■ High-quality sounds

● Cutting-edge, high-quality waves

The DR-880 makes it easy for you to play
rhythm patterns using drum and bass. It
contains 440 of the latest, high-quality drum and
percussion sounds, plus 40 different bass
sounds—and you can vary the velocity to create
expressive changes in volume or tone. A
complete range of expressive potential is now at
your fingertips, allowing you to create the most
realistic of sounds, with any amount of
dynamism or subtlety you desire.
In addition to 100 preset kits, you can create and
store 100 of your own original kits.

● Use insert effects for boldly creative
sound manipulation

The drum part provides three insert effects
processors (three-band EQ and compressor).
Since you can apply effects independently to the
kick, snare, and other instruments, you can use
the effects aggressively for creative purposes.
The bass part provides a compressor and COSM
amp, giving you the realistic sound of a bass
played through an amp.

COSM

(Composite Object Sound Modeling)

Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) is an
original sound modeling technology developed by
Roland, in which the many factors that make up
the original sound, such as the electrical circuitry,
structural characteristics, materials used, and
acoustics, are analyzed and then recombined to
reproduce that same sound.

● TSC (Total Sound Control) function

TSC is a function that adjusts the overall tonal
character and reverberation. A stereo three-band
equalizer and high-quality reverb let you create
anything from natural-sounding ambience to the
reverberation of a wide range of rooms and
halls.
TSC settings are stored as patches and can be
switched easily. In addition to twenty preset
patches, you can create and store twenty of your
own.

■ Rhythm Patterns and Songs

The DR-880 contains 500 preset rhythm patterns,
and also lets you create 500 of your own original
rhythm patterns. In addition to realtime
recording or step input, you can use the EZ
Compose functions or the Groove Modify
function to create original patterns easily.
You can connect multiple rhythm patterns to
create a “Song,” and save up to one hundred
such songs that you create.

● EZ Compose

The EZ Compose functions make it easy to
create high-quality original patterns with a great
rhythmic feel, without having to input notes one
by one. The three EZ COMPOSE buttons on the
panel let you use these functions in combination
with each other.

[PATTERN]

This function lets you create an original rhythm
pattern simply by choosing a phrase for each
component; hi-hat, kick and snare, percussion,
and bass.

[CHORD PROGRESSION]

This function lets you add a chord progression
to the bass part simply by choosing a chord
progression template. It’s an incredibly easy way
to create a repeating chord progression or to set
up a blues progression.

[FILL IN]

A rich variety of fill patterns are provided,
ranging from light fills to fills that occupy an
entire measure. Simply choose a fill pattern and
paste it into your rhythm pattern.

● Groove Modify function

This lets you easily add “ghost notes,” which are
otherwise difficult to add when inputting notes
one at a time. You can adjust Shuffle or Velocity
to give your rhythm pattern the perfect groove.

11

Main features

■ Guitar/bass input

The DR-880 provides a guitar/bass input jack
and built-in high-quality multi-effects, including
a COSM AMP effect. You can connect your
guitar/bass directly to the DR-880 and play
along with the rhythm patterns using sounds
that are just as realistic as if you were playing
through an actual amp.
The built-in multi-effects processing provides
algorithms for electric guitar, acoustic guitar,
and bass. Settings for each effect are stored as
“patches,” and you can choose from fifty preset
patches as well as store fifty more patches with
your own edited settings. There’s also a tuner
function that let’s you tune your guitar/bass
while it’s still connected.

■ Convenient functionality
and plenty of connectors

● Large backlit display

The large custom LCD shows chord progressions,
patterns, performance information, and editing
data in an easily understood fashion.

● FAVORITE function

Frequently used patterns, songs, or effect
patches can be registered to a button for
immediate recall. This lets you play the desired
pattern/song or switch guitar effects simply by
pressing a button. Since this function lets you
use four buttons x 20 banks, you can register a
total of 80 patterns, songs, or effect patches.

● Control via foot switch

You can connect up to four foot switches (sold
separately). Even while playing your guitar or
bass, you can use your feet to control the DR­880—ideal for jam sessions or on-stage
performances. When making the assignments to
the foot switches, you can choose from a wide
range of functions, including starting/stopping
playback, switching patterns, setting tap tempo,
or switching guitar effects.
You can also connect an expression pedal and
use it for pedal control of the volume, or as a
wah pedal.

● A wide range of output jacks

In addition to phone jacks, RCA phono jacks are
also provided for master output, making it easy
to connect the DR-880 to a wide range of
equipment including mixers, amps, and audio
equipment.
There’s also a coaxial-type digital output jack,
letting you record the DR-880’s output in digital
form directly to your digital recorder without
any loss in audio quality.
Two individual outputs are also provided. You
can use these to send only the output of a
connected guitar/bass to your amp, or to use an
external effects processor on a specific
instrumental sound.

● USB connector

When the DR-880 is connected to your computer
via the USB connector, you can load SMF data
and use it as rhythm patterns. The USB
connector can also be used as a MIDI interfacing.

● Synchronized playback with digital
recorders and MIDI sequencer

You can use MIDI to synchronize the DR-880
with digital recorders, such as those in the BR
series, or with your MIDI sequencer. The
playback from your external MIDI device can
also be recorded on the DR-880.

● Dynamics-capable key pads

The dynamics-capable key pads allow the
volume or tone to be altered depending on the
force used when tapping a pad. When recording
a pattern, variations in the force with which you
tap the pads can be recorded as the strength
(velocity) of the notes.

12

Front and Rear Panels

Front Panel

fig.001-010

11 2 3

7
6

8,9,

10

12,13,14,15,16

17,18,19

20,21,22
23

,24,

25

1. GUITAR/BASS INPUT Knob

Adjusts the level of the guitar or bass
connected to the GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack.

2. PART LEVEL

DRUM Knob

Adjusts the volume of the drum part.

BASS Knob

Adjusts the volume of the bass part.

3. MASTER VOLUME Knob

Adjusts the volume of the entire DR-880.

4. Display

Shows the current mode and settings.

5. VALUE Dial

Use this to edit the value of a setting.

11

4 5

30 3231

6. GUITAR/BASS INPUT

You will use these buttons for a guitar or bass
you’ve connected to the GUITAR/BASS
INPUT jack.

EFFECT Button

Use this button to change the guitar/bass
effect, turn it on/off, or edit the settings.

TUNER Button

Use this button to tune your guitar/bass.

7. OUTPUT SETTING Button

Use this button to adjust the output signal.

8. SONG/PATTERN Button

Switches between Song mode and Pattern
mode.

9. KIT Button

Use this button to switch kits.

26
27

28

29

13

Front and Rear Panels

fig.001-010

11 2 3

7
6

8,9,

10

12,13,14,15,16

17,18,19

20,21,22
23

,24,

25

10.

PAD Button

Use this button to switch pad banks.

11.

CURSOR Buttons

Use these buttons to move the cursor.

12.

SHIFT Button

Use this button to access alternate functions
of other buttons.

13.

DISPLAY Button

Use this button to switch the contents shown
in the Pattern or Song Play screen.

14.

EDIT Button

Use this button to edit settings.

15.

EXIT Button

Use this button to exit from an edit screen.

16.

ENTER Button

Use this button to finalize a selection or
confirm a value.

11

4 5

26
27

28

29

30 3231

17.

(Reset) Button

Returns you to the beginning of the song or
pattern.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

(Rewind) Button

Moves the playback location toward the
beginning of the song or pattern.

(Fast-Forward) Button

Moves the playback location forward in the
song or pattern.

(Stop) Button

Stops playback of the song or pattern.

(Play) Button

Starts playback of the song or pattern.

REC (Recording) Button

Press this button to record a pattern in real
time (p. 54).

LOOP Button

Switches loop playback (p. 82) on/off for the
song.

14

24.

KEY Button

Use this button to change the playback key of
a song or pattern.

25.

TEMPO (TAP) Button

Use this button to specify the playback tempo
of a song or pattern.
You can also set the tempo by tapping
(lightly striking) this button at regular
intervals (the Tap Tempo function).

26.

EZ COMPOSE

Press these buttons to use the EZ Compose
functions.

PATTERN Button

Use this button to easily create patterns.

CHORD PROGRESSION Button

Use this button to easily add chord
progressions.

FILL IN Button

Use this button to easily add fill-in patterns.

27.

GROOVE MODIFY Button

Press this button when you want to use the
Groove Modify function.

Front and Rear Panels

31.

PHONES (headphone) Jack

You can connect a set of headphones to this
jack.

32.

GUITAR/BASS INPUT Jack

You can connect your guitar or bass to this
jack.

28.

TSC (Total Sound Control) Button

Use this button to switch the TSC patch on/
off, or to edit the settings. (p. 30, p. 100)

29.

Key Pads

These pads play drum sounds and bass
sounds.

30.

FAVORITE

You can use these buttons to register eighty
(20 banks x 4) of your favorite pattern/song
numbers or guitar effect patch numbers.

1–4 Buttons

Press one of these buttons to recall the
pattern/song or guitar effect patch that is
registered to that button.

BANK Button

You can switch favorite banks by pressing
down this button and pressing a key pad.

15

Front and Rear Panels

Rear Panel

fig.001-020

10

11

1 2 3 5 7 64 8

1. AC IN (AC adaptor) Jack

Connect the included BRC-series AC adaptor
to this jack.

Never connect any AC adaptor other than the BRC­series; doing so will cause malfunctions.

2. POWER Switch

This is the power switch that turns the DR­880 on/off.

3. USB Connector

This connector lets you use a USB cable to
connect the DR-880 to your computer.

4. MIDI Connectors (IN/OUT)

These connectors receive (IN) and transmit
(OUT) MIDI data.
Use MIDI cables to connect them to your
MIDI sequencer or MIDI sound module.

5. DIGITAL OUT Connector

This is a coaxial-type connector that outputs
digital audio signals.
It outputs the same sound as the MASTER
OUT jacks.
Connect it to your digital recorder.

9

6. CTL 1, 2 Jack

You can connect foot switches (FS-6 or FS-5U;
sold separately) here and use them to control
various functions of the DR-880.

7. CTL 3, 4/EXP PEDAL Jack

You can connect foot switches (FS-6 or FS-5U;
sold separately) or an expression pedal
(Roland EV-5; sold separately) here and use
them to control various functions of the DR-

880.

8. INDIVIDUAL A, B Jacks

These jacks output only the sounds you
specify.

9. MASTER OUT Jacks R/L (MONO)

These are the audio signal output jacks. Both
phone jacks and RCA phono jacks are
provided.
If you’re using the phone jacks, connect your
equipment to the L (MONO) output if you’re
listening in monaural.

10.Cord Hook

Loop the cord from the supplied AC adaptor
around this hook. In the event that the cord
gets tugged on accidentally, this will prevent
the plug from coming out and causing the
power to fail, and will prevent excessive
strain from being placed on the AC adaptor
jack.

16

11.

Security Slot ( SECURITY LOCK)

http://www.kensington.com/

Before you begin playing

Making connections

The DR-880 does not contain an amp or speakers. In order to produce sound, you’ll need to
connect an amp or audio system, or stereo headphones.

Audio cables, MIDI cables, stereo headphones, and foot switches are not included. You can
purchase them separately from your dealer.

fig.002-010

Pad controller

etc.

Digital recorder etc.

Audio set

Monitor speakers

(Powered)

Computer

MIDI sequencer

etc.

AC adaptor

(BRC-series)

Stereo headphones

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.

Expression pedal

(Roland EV-5)

Foot switch (FS-6 etc.)

Mixer, Guitar amp, etc.

Guitar

or

Bass

17

Before you begin playing

* To prevent the inadvertent disruption of power to your unit (should the plug be pulled out

accidentally), and to avoid applying undue stress to the AC adaptor jack, anchor the power cord
using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration.

fig.002-020

1

Before you start making connections, check the following:

• Have you turned down the volume controls of the DR-880 and the connected amp or
other equipment?

• Have you turned off the power of the DR-880 and the connected amp or other
equipment?

2

Connect your amp or audio system (or headphones) as shown in the diagram.

We recommend that you use a stereo playback system in order to take full advantage of the
DR-880’s capabilities.

If you are using the DR-880 with a monaural playback system, connect it to the OUTPUT L
(MONO) jack.

Turning the power on/off

■ Turning the power on

Once the connections have been completed (p. 17), 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 on the power, check the following:

• Is the DR-880 correctly connected to your other equipment?

• Have you turned down the volume of the DR-880 and your connected amp or playback
system?

2

Turn on the POWER switch located on the DR-880’s rear panel.

fig.002-030

18

Before you begin playing

The following appears in the display, and the unit switches to performance mode.
The screen that appears at that point is called the “Pattern Play screen.”

fig.002-031d

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.

3

Turn on the power of your amp and other connected equipment.

4

Press [ ].

Playback will begin.

While listening to the playback, turn the MASTER VOLUME knob and PART LEVEL
(DRUM, BASS) knobs to adjust the DR-880’s volume.

fig.002-040

Adjust the volume appropriately on your connected amp or playback system.

5

Press [ ] to stop playback.

■ Turning the power off

1

Before you turn off the power, check the following:

• Have you turned down the volume of the DR-880 and your connected amp or playback
system?

2

Turn off the power of your amp or connected playback system.

3

Turn off the power of the DR-880.

19

Before you begin playing

Adjusting the display contrast

Depending on the location in which the DR-880 is placed, you may find the display difficult
to read. If so, adjust the contrast of the display as follows.

fig.002-050

2

1
4

2

1

Press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

fig.002-060d

3

20

2

Use [CURSOR] / to move the cursor to the “LCD” icon and press [ENTER].

The LCD contrast setting screen appears.

fig.002-070d

3

Use the [VALUE] dial to adjust the contrast (range: 1–16).

4

When you’ve made the setting, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear, and the contrast will be saved.

When the contrast has been saved, the message will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed. Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Quick Start

21

Listening to the demo song

Let’s start by listening to a demo song that shows off the
capabilities of the DR-880.

fig.003-010

2

4
4
3

1

Make sure that the Pattern Play screen (p. 19) is
displayed.

If it is not displayed, press [EXIT] a number of times until
the Pattern Play screen is displayed.

2

Hold down [SONG] and press [KIT].

The DR-880 will enter Demo mode, and playback will start.

fig.003-020d

All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use of this
material for purposes other
than private, personal
enjoyment is a violation of
applicable laws.

You can select Demo mode if
the Pattern Play screen or the
Song Play screen (p. 75) is
displayed.

DR-880 Demo Song

Copyright © 2004
BOSS Corporation

22

3

To stop the demo playback, press [ ].

When you press [ ], playback will start from where you
had stopped.
When the demo song plays to the end, it will continue
playing from the beginning.

* No data for the music that is played will be output from MIDI

OUT.

4

To exit Demo mode, press [SONG/PATTERN] or [EXIT].

Using the key pads to play sounds

Here’s how to use the key pads to play the DR-880’s built­in sounds.

fig.003-030

The key pads are velocity-

2

1

Strike the key pads.

The drum sound (instrument) assigned to each key pad
will play.

Playing Different Sounds (Switching Pad Banks)

sensitive; the volume or tone
will vary according to how
strongly you strike a pad.

1

Quick Start

You can have different instruments sound, even when the
same key pad is tapped, by switching the pad bank.

2

Press [PAD].

Press [PAD] to select among the DRUM 1–3 pad banks; the
currently selected pad bank is shown in the screen.

fig.003-031d

* After a short while, you will automatically return from the pad

bank setting screen to the previous screen.

You can press a key pad to play the instrument that’s
assigned to that pad.

For more details on the pad banks, refer to p. 41.

Pad banks are collections of
drum instrument sounds
that are assigned as a single
group to the twenty key
pads. There are three drum
banks, DRUM 1 to 3.

Hold down [SHIFT] and
press [PAD] to switch to the
bass pads. When you strike a
key pad, the bass tone will
sound at the pitch (note
name) printed at the upper
right of the key pad you
struck.

23

Playing the patterns

b

The DR-880 contains 500 preset patterns and 500 user
patterns.
Here’s how to play these patterns to hear how they sound.

Selecting and playing patterns

fig.003-040

2

1
3

4

1

Press [SONG/PATTERN] to make the “PATTERN”
indication appear.

fig.003-050d

Preset / User

Pattern mode Pattern name

A “pattern” is two to four
measures of rhythm
performance data designed to

e played back repeatedly.

Preset patterns can be edited
temporarily, but you can’t
overwrite your changes back
onto a preset pattern.

User patterns can be freely
edited and overwritten as
desired.

Chord
progression

Current

Current

Beat Position

key

(measure - beat)

tempo

2

Use the VALUE dial to select the pattern you want to
play.

Following preset patterns 001–500 you can also select from
user patterns 001–500.

Current chord
Next chord

24

Playing the patterns

* If you turn the VALUE dial while holding down [SHIFT], the

pattern number will change in steps of ten.

* You can hold down [SHIFT] and press [SONG/PATTERN] to

switch between preset (P) and user (U).

3

Press [ ].

The selected pattern will begin playing.

During playback, you can turn the VALUE dial to reserve
the pattern to be played next.
The name of the reserved pattern is highlighted.

When the current pattern finishes playing, the reserved
pattern will start playing.

* If you press [CURSOR] / during playback, you will

switch to the previous/next pattern, and it will start playing
immediately.
This is convenient when you want to listen to the patterns while
you’re selecting among them.

4

To stop playback, press [ ].

If you press [ ] once again, playback will resume from
where it was stopped.

If you press [ ] and then press [ ], playback will
start from the beginning of the pattern.

The DR-880’s patterns
contain a “drum part” and a
“bass part.” The drum part
plays drum and percussion
sounds, and the bass part
plays bass sounds.

Quick Start

For more on the Preset Patterns, refer to p. 156.

25

Playing the patterns

Changing the tempo

Here’s how to change the playback tempo of the pattern.

fig.003-060

1

1

Press [TEMPO (TAP)].

The tempo setting screen appears.

fig.003-080d

2

26

2

Use the VALUE dial to adjust the tempo.

The tempo can be adjusted within the range from 20
through 260.
You can also specify the tempo by pressing [TEMPO
(TAP)] at the desired interval. This function is called “tap
tempo.”
Press [TEMPO (TAP)] four or more times at intervals of the
desired tempo.
The tempo will be set to the interval at which you pressed
the button, and the current tempo will be displayed in the
tempo setting screen.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from the tempo

setting screen to the previous screen.

Changing the playback key

Here’s how to change the playback key (pitch) of a pattern.
This function is called “key shift.”

fig.003-090

1

1

Press [KEY].

The Key Shift Setting screen appears.

fig.003-100d

Playing the patterns

2

Quick Start

2

Use the VALUE dial to change the key.

Range: -12–+12
You can change the key in semitone steps over a range of
±1 octave.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from the key

shift setting screen to the previous screen.

27

Playing the patterns

b

Playing a Pattern Using a Different Sound (Switching Kits)

Even when using the same pattern, you can change the
mood (the performance and the way it is played) of the
pattern by altering the instruments from which the pattern
is made up.
Here, try playing the same pattern with various different
instrument, changing kits while the performance is in
progress.
The DR-880 features 100 Preset Kits along with 100
additional User Kits whose settings you can change.

fig.003-110

2

A “kit” is a collection of 60
drum instruments and one

ass tone that is selected as a

single set.

Preset kits can be edited
temporarily, but you can’t
overwrite your changes back
onto a preset kit.

User kits can be freely edited
and overwritten as desired.

3

4
1

1

Press [ ] to start the performance of the pattern.

2

Press [KIT].

The Kit Setting screen appears.

fig.003-111d

3

28

Kit number

Use the VALUE dial to select a kit.

Try switching among the kits and listening to the different
sounds.

Following preset kits P001–P100 you can also select from
user kits U001–U100.

* If you turn the VALUE dial while holding down [SHIFT], the kit

number will change in steps of ten.

* You can hold down [SHIFT] and press [kit] to switch between

preset (P) and user (U).

4

To stop playback, press [ ].

• For more details on the kits, refer to p. 40.

• For more on the Preset Kits, refer to p. 154.

• When you want to make changes to the kit settings, refer
to “Chapter 7 Creating an original kit (Kit Edit)” (p. 105).

Playing the patterns

Quick Start

29

Playing the patterns

Using the TSC function to modify the tone and ambience

Total Sound Control (abbreviated as TSC) is a function that
gives you overall control of the tone and ambience.
Settings for tone and ambience are stored in “TSC patches,”
letting you change the tone and ambience simply by
switching patches.
The DR-880 provides 20 preset TSC patches and 20 user
TSC patches.

fig.003-330

3

2

Preset patches can be edited
temporarily, but you can’t
overwrite your changes back
onto a preset patch.

User patches can be freely
edited and overwritten as
desired.

30

1

Press [ ] to start the performance of the pattern.

2

Press [TSC].

The TSC setting screen appears.

fig.003-340d

Patch number

3

Use the [VALUE] dial to select a TSC patch.

Try switching among the TSC patches and listening to the
different sounds.

Following preset patches P01–P20 you can also select from
user kits U01–U20.

* If you turn the VALUE dial while holding down [SHIFT], the

patch number will change in steps of ten.

* You can hold down [SHIFT] and press [TSC] to switch between

preset (P) and user (U).

* Each time you press [TSC], the TSC function will turn on

(button lit) or off (button unlit).

• For more details on the TSC, refer to p. 42.

• For more on the Preset patches, refer to p. 155.

• When you want to make changes to the TSC patch
settings, refer to “Chapter 6 Editing the TSC settings”
(p. 99).

Playing the patterns

Quick Start

31

Playing your guitar/bass along with patterns

Here’s how to connect your guitar/bass to the DR-880 and
play along with the patterns.

fig.003-150

4

2

1

1

Connect your guitar/bass to the GUITAR/BASS INPUT
jack. (p. 15)

2

Select a pattern (p. 24), and press [ ] to make the
pattern start playing.

3

Play your guitar/bass.

4

Use the GUITAR/BASS INPUT knob to adjust the
volume of your guitar/bass.

32

• You can use the DR-880’s Tuner function to tune your
guitar/bass. For details, refer to “Tuning your guitar/
bass” (p. 90).

• You can connect an expression pedal to the rear panel CTL
3, 4/EXP PEDAL jack, and use it to control the volume of
your guitar/bass. For details, refer to “Using an
expression pedal as a volume pedal” (p. 91)

Playing your guitar/bass along with patterns

Using the special guitar/bass effects

The DR-880 provides numerous effects created especially
for guitar/bass, and a wide variety of “effect patches”
(settings for these effects).
Here’s how to select an effect patch you like from the 50
preset patches and 50 user patches, and play your guitar/
bass using the effects.

fig.003-160

1

1

Press [EFFECT].

The Guitar Effects edit screen appears.

fig.04-050d

Patch number

Preset patches can be edited
temporarily, but you can’t
overwrite your changes back
onto a preset patch.

User patches can be freely
edited and overwritten as
desired.

2

Quick Start

2

Use the [VALUE] dial to select a patch.

Try switching among the effect patches and listening to the
different sounds.

Following preset patches P01–P50 you can select user
patches U01–U50.

33

Playing your guitar/bass along with patterns

* If you turn the VALUE dial while holding down [SHIFT], the

patch number will change in steps of ten.

* You can hold down [SHIFT] and press [EFFECT] to switch

between preset (P) and user (U).

* Each time you press [EFFECT], the effect will turn on (button lit)

or off (button unlit).

• For more details on the effect patches, refer to p. 43.

• For more on the Preset patches, refer to p. 155.

• When you want to make changes to the Effect patch
settings, refer to “Editing an effect patch (Patch Edit)”
(p. 86).

34

Chapter 1

An overview

of the DR-880

This chapter explains the overall structure of the DR-880, and
explains the basic operation.
By reading this chapter, you can gain an overall understanding of
the DR-880.

35

DR-880 Application Guide (from pattern creation to playback)

Create an original pattern,
and play along on your guitar/
bass

Create an original song, and
perform or record

EZ Compose (p. 68)

Creating patterns

Groove Modify (p. 71)
Realtime/Step Recording (p. 52)
SMF Import (p. 135)

Choosing your

sounds

Creating

a song

Using

guitar effects

Performance and recording

Kit selection and editing
TSC patch selection

and editing (p. 53, p. 100)

Creating a song (p. 76)
Editing a loop (p. 82)

Switching patches (p. 86)
Creating a user patch (p. 86)

Pattern playback (p. 50)
Song playback (p. 81)
Guitar/bass performance (p. 32)
Using foot switches (p. 121)

Using an expression pedal (p. 91)

Digital output (p. 119)
Synchronized playback (p. 128)
FAVORITE function (p. 116)

(p. 53, p. 106)

36

DR-880 Application Guide (from pattern creation to playback)

Creating patterns

By using the EZ Compose function you can create original patterns very easily. You can also add
chord progressions and fill-ins.
You can use the Groove Modify function to change the rhythmic feel when playing the patterns you
create.
Of course, you can also create patterns by realtime recording or step recording. You can also perform
pattern editing operations, and even edit individual note data.
You can also import SMF data from your computer via a USB connection and use it as a pattern.

Choosing your sounds

Select a Kit to choose the instrumental sounds you want to play. In addition, you can select a TSC
(Total Sound Control) patch to specify the overall sound and ambience. You can also specify the kit
and TSC patch used for each pattern.
You can edit kits and TSC patches, and save them as user kits and user patches.

Creating a song

You can create a song by placing your completed patterns in the desired playback order.
By making loop settings you can make a specific region of your song play repeatedly.

Chap. 1

Using guitar effects

You can use guitar effects while playing your guitar or bass.
In addition to using the preset patches, you can also create and store user patches.

Performance and recording

You can play back your completed patterns or songs, and play along on your guitar or bass connected
to the GUITAR/BASS INPUT. You can use a foot switch to control operations such as start/stop, or
use an expression pedal to control guitar volume or a pedal wah effect.
The playback sound from the DR-880 itself and from a connected guitar/bass is output as a digital
audio signal from DIGITAL OUT, letting you record it on a digital recorder.
The DR-880’s playback can be synchronized via MIDI with your MIDI sequencer or digital recorder.
In addition, you can register your favorite patterns, songs, or guitar effect patches in the FAVORITE
buttons for instant recall while you perform.

37

Patterns and Songs

Patterns

On the DR-880, 2–4 measures worth of rhythm performance data designed to be played back
repeatedly is called a “pattern.”
A pattern has the following structure.

fig.01-010

P500

Pattern name

P002

P001

Pattern name

Drum part

Bass part

Chord

progression

Fill in

Measure

Tempo Kit

1

1Measure

Am7

Am7

Tempo Kit

11

23 4

Am7

23 4

F Dm7 G

F Dm7 G

TSC

23 4

TSC

F Dm7 G

Preset pattern (P001–P500) User pattern (U001–U500)

U500

Pattern name

U002

U001

Pattern name

Drum part

Bass part

Chord

progression

Measure

Fill in

Measure

Tempo Kit

1

1

Am7

Am7

Tempo Kit

23 4

1

TSC

23 4

F Dm7 G

Am7

23 4

F Dm7 G

F Dm7 G

TSC

Drum part

This is the part that plays drum sounds such as
hi-hat and snare, and percussion sounds such as
cowbell and conga.

Bass part

This is the part that plays the bass sound (bass
tone).

Chord progression

This specifies the chord progression to be used
when playing the bass.

Fill-in

This setting adds a fill-in during performance.
You can choose a fill-in pattern from the fill
library (p. 60) so that a fill-in will play at the
specified location.

Tempo

This specifies the playback tempo of the pattern.

38

Kit

This specifies the kit (p. 40) used to play the
drum part.

TSC

This specifies the TSC patch (p. 42) that will be
used.

Pattern name

A name of up to fourteen characters can be
assigned to each pattern.

Patterns and Songs

■ Chord conversions

fig.01-011

Original performance data

(Arrange)

The DR-880 has an “Arrange” function.
This function converts the bass performance
data so that it matches the chords specified by
the chord progression.
This means that even if the bass pattern is the
same, differences in the chord progression or the
specified chords will change the bass
performance.

Arrange: On

A 7A m7

Rec. Key: C

performed with the original
performance data transposed

Songs

On the DR-880, a “song” consists of patterns placed in the desired playback order for an entire
composition.
A song has the following structure.

fig.01-020

U100

TSC

U002

U001

Song name

Step

Pattern

Song name

Tem po Kit

U001

1

U001

Tem po Kit

23 4

1

U002 U003 U004

U001

23 4

1

23 4

U002 U003 U004

TSC

U002 U003 U004

Chap. 1

A -- (N.C)

Song (U001–U100)

Pattern

Specify the patterns in the desired order of
playback.

Tempo

This specifies the playback tempo of the song.
Each pattern in the song also specifies a
playback tempo, but you can choose whether
playback will be according to the tempo
specified within each pattern or the tempo
specified for the entire song.

Kit

This specifies the kit (p. 40) used to play the
song. Each pattern in the song also specifies a
kit, but you can choose whether playback will
use the kit specified within each pattern or the
kit specified for the entire song.

TSC

This specifies the TSC patch (p. 42) used for the
song. Each pattern in the song also specifies a
TSC patch, but you can choose whether
playback will use the TSC patch specified within
each pattern or the TSC patch specified for the
entire song.

39

Patterns and Songs

About kits

The DR-880 contains 440 instruments (drum sounds) and 40 bass tones (bass sounds). From these,
collections of 60 instruments and one bass tone have been chosen and stored as “kits.”
An insert effect can also be specified for each kit.

fig.01-030

Instrument

001
002
003
004

438
439
440

Bass tone

001
002

040

DRUM 1

DRUM 1

DRUM 2

DRUM 2

DRUM 3

DRUM 3

BASS

BASS

• KICK

Insert Effect

• SNARE

• KICK

• SNARE

DRUM 1

1

P001

2
1
2

DRUM 2

20

1

20

2
1
2

DRUM 3

20

1

20

2
1

BASS

2

20

Insert Effect

• KICK

20

• SNARE

• OTHERS

• BASS

• OTHERS

• BASS

Preset kit

(P001–P100)

P100

1
2

P002

20

1
2

20

1
2

20

• OTHERS

• BASS

DRUM 1

DRUM 1

DRUM 2

DRUM 2

DRUM 3

DRUM 3

BASS

BASS

• KICK

Insert Effect

• SNARE

• KICK

• SNARE

DRUM 1

1

U001

2
1
2

DRUM 2

20

1

20

2
1
2

DRUM 3

20

1

20

2
1

BASS

2

20

Insert Effect

• KICK

20

• SNARE

• OTHERS

• BASS

User kit

(U001–U100)

1
2

U002

20

1
2

20

1
2

20

• OTHERS

• BASS

• OTHERS

• BASS

U100

● The DR-880 contains 100 preset kits, and 100
user kits that you are free to modify.

● Each pattern remembers the kit number that
was used when creating that pattern.
This means that when playing patterns, the
kit will also change when you switch kits.

40

Insert Effect

For each kit you can specify “insert effects” that
will be applied directly to the instruments and
bass tone.

Insert effects for instruments

Separate equalizer and compressor effects are
provided for kick, snare, and other instruments.
This lets you apply effects that are appropriate
for the character of the instrument.

Insert effects for bass tone

Compressor and bass amp simulator effects are
provided.

Patterns and Songs

Pad bank

The instruments (drum sounds) of a kit are organized into three groups with twenty instruments in
each group.
These groups are called “pad banks.”

fig.01-040

DRUM 1

DRUM 2

DRUM 3

BASS

Insert Effect

• KICK

• SNARE

Kit

U001

1
2

20

1
2

20

1
2

20

• OTHERS

• BASS

DRUM 1

16

11

6

1

DRUM 2

16

11

6

1

DRUM 3

16

11

6

1

BASS

17

18

19

20

12

13

14

15

7

8

9

10

2

3

4

5

17

18

19

20

12

13

14

15

7

8

9

10

2

3

4

5

17

18

19

20

12

13

14

15

7

8

9

10

2

3

4

5

BASS +1BASS -1

Chap. 1

Press [PAD] to select among the DRUM 1–3 pad
banks; the currently selected pad bank is shown
in the screen.
You can press a key pad to play the instrument
that’s assigned to that pad.

Hold down [SHIFT] and press [PAD] to switch
to the bass pads. When you strike a key pad, the
bass tone will sound at the pitch (note name)
printed at the upper right of the key pad you
struck.
By holding down [SHIFT] and pressing [PAD] to
select “BASS -1” you can play the sounds one
octave lower. By selecting “BASS +1” you can
play the sounds one octave higher.

About the maximum polyphony

The DR-880 has a maximum polyphony of
32 notes (voices). Some bass sounds use
two voices when you play one note, and if
you’re using this type of bass sound, the
maximum polyphony will be less than 32
notes.
For details on the number of voices used by
each instrument, refer to p. 153.

41

Patterns and Songs

About TSC (Total Sound Control)

Total Sound Control (abbreviated as TSC) is a feature that gives you overall control of the tonal
character and ambience.

TSC provides a “stereo three-band equalizer,” which adjusts the overall tone, and a “ambience/
reverb,” which adjusts the ambience of the overall sound.
Settings for these two effects are handled together by a “TSC patch.” By switching the TSC patch you
can easily obtain a variety of sounds, ranging from natural ambience to various types of room or hall
reverberation.

TSC has the following structure.

fig.01-050

User patch (U01–U20)

U20

U02

AMBIENCE /

U01

P20

AMBIENCE /

REVERB

AMBIENCE /

P02

REVERB

AMBIENCE /

P01

REVERB

AMBIENCE /

REVERB

AMBIENCE /

REVERB

REVERB

STEREO

STEREO

STEREO

EQ

STEREO

EQ

STEREO

EQ

STEREO

EQ

EQ

EQ

DRUM 1

DRUM 2

DRUM 3

BASS

Insert Effect

• KICK

• SNARE

Kit

U001

1
2

20

1
2

20

1
2

20

• OTHERS

• BASS

OUT L
OUT R

Rev. Send L
Rev. Send R

TSC

Preset patch (P01–P20)

● The DR-880 provides twenty preset TSC patches, and another twenty user TSC patches in which
you can store your edited settings.

● You can temporarily edit a preset patch, but can’t overwrite your changes onto the original preset
pattern. User patches can be freely edited and overwritten.

42

Guitar/Bass section

The DR-880 provides a guitar/bass input jack, letting you play your guitar/bass along with the
rhythm performance.
A dedicated effect can be applied to the guitar/bass input.

fig.01-060

Guitar Effects

User patch (U01–U50)

U50

Patch name

•

U02

Effect On/Off

•

U01

Effect type (Algorithm)

•

P50

Patch level

•

Setting for each effect

•

Patch name

•

P02

Effect On/Off

•

P01

Effect type (Algorithm)

•

Patch level

•

Patch name

•

Setting for each effect

•

Effect On/Off

•

Effect type (Algorithm)

•

Patch level

•

Settings for each effect

•

Preset patch (P01–P50)

Guitar effect

Pattern/Song

OUTPUT

SETTING

MASTER
OUT

INDIVIDUAL
OUT

Chap. 1

The DR-880 contains numerous effects created
especially for guitar/bass. The types of effect
used and the order in which they are connected
are specified by several “algorithms.”
Three algorithms are provided: Guitar Multi,
Bass Multi, and Acoustic Multi.

Guitar Multi

This is a multi-effect setup for electric guitar.

Bass Multi

This is a multi-effect setup for bass guitar.

Acoustic Multi

This is a multi-effect setup for acoustic guitar.

The order in which the FX are connected will change to
the appropriate position for the effect that is selected.

Each effect within the algorithm has various
parameters (analogous to the knobs of a compact
effect unit), which you can adjust to vary the
sound. A choice of algorithm and the parameter
settings for each effect are collectively stored as
an “effect patch.”
When you switch effect patches, the
combination of effects, their on/off status, and
the parameter values will all change at the same
time. This means you can change instantly to a
completely different sound.
Effect patches are organized as follows.

Preset patches 1–50

You can temporarily edit the settings of the
preset patches, but can’t write your changes into
memory.

User patches 1–50

These patches can be freely edited and
overwritten.

43

Signal flow (until the sound is output)

The following diagram shows the signal flow from the drum part, bass part, and the sound from the
GUITAR/BASS INPUT until it reaches the DR-880’s audio outputs.

fig.01-100

MASTER
OUT

DIGITAL
OUT

INDIVIDUAL
OUT

Kit

Guitar

effect

Rev. Send
Direct / Insert effect

Individual

OUTPUT
SETTING

TSC

Drum part

Key
pad

Bass part

Key
pad

Reverb Send Level

DIRECT

Insert effect

KICK

SNARE

OTHERS

INDIVIDUAL

Reverb Send Level

DIRECT

Insert effect

BASS

INDIVIDUAL

44

Signal flow (until the sound is output)

Output jacks

The DR-880 provides MASTER OUT, INDIVIDUAL A/B, and DIGITAL OUT output jacks.

MASTER OUT

These jacks output the sound from the drum part, the bass part, and GUITAR/BASS INPUT.

INDIVIDUAL A/B

You can choose to output only specific sounds from these jacks.

DIGITAL OUT

This jack outputs a digital audio signal that is identical to the output from MASTER OUT.

You can make output assign settings (Out Assign: p. 107–p. 111) for each instrument to specify
whether or not it will use the insert effects and whether it will be output from MASTER OUT or
INDIVIDUAL jacks.

Output settings

Output settings let you make final adjustments before the sound is sent from MASTER OUT.

● Use “Output Select” to optimize the output for the device that’s connected to MASTER OUT (e.g.,
amp or audio system).

● Adjust the level of the audio signal that is sent from DIGITAL OUT.

● Use the “2-band Equalizer” to make final adjustments to the sound before it is output.

● Adjust the volume of the ambience.

● Specify the output destination of the GUITAR/BASS INPUT, and specify the device that is

connected to the output destination.

Chap. 1

45

Common operations and screen indications

Switching the Pad Bank

Pad Bank

You can press [PAD] to select among the DRUM
1–3 pad banks; the current pad bank is shown in
the screen.

fig.01-110d

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the pad bank setting screen to the previous screen.

You can strike a key pad to play the instrument
assigned to that pad.

Bass Pad

By holding down [SHIFT] and pressing [PAD]
you can switch to the bass pads. When you
strike a key pad, the bass tone will sound at the
pitch (note name) printed at the upper right of
the key pad you struck.

fig.01-120d

Moving the cursor

The cursor is shown as reversed (highlighted)
text for an editable setting in the screen. When
selecting from several icons, the cursor is shown
as a frame around the icon.

fig.01-130d

Cursor

Cursor

If there are several editable items in the screen,
use the [CURSOR] buttons to move the cursor to
the item you want to edit.
If you continue holding down a [CURSOR]
button, the cursor will continue moving.

● Choose BASS -1 to play the bass tone one
octave lower.

● Choose BASS +1 to play the bass tone one
octave higher.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the bass pad setting screen to the previous screen.

46

Moving between screens (Scrolling)

Whenever you see a “ ” or “ ” symbol in
the left or right portion of the screen, it means
that additional information that could not fit in
the current screen can be found in that direction.

Press [CURSOR] to move to the next screen

to the left, or press [CURSOR] to move to the
next screen to the right.

fig.01-140d

Common operations and screen indications

When “ ” or “ ” symbols appear at the left
of the screen, it means that additional
parameters that could not fit in the current
screen can be found in the upward or downward
directions.

Use [CURSOR] / to scroll upward or
downward through the items.

fig.01-150d

Editing a value

You can turn the VALUE dial to edit the value at
the location of the cursor.
To change the value more rapidly, hold down
[SHIFT] while you turn the VALUE dial.

Example) Switching the patch number

VALUE dial:
P001 → P002 → P003 → P004 → P005 → ...

[SHIFT] + VALUE dial:
P001 → P011 → P021 → P031 → P041 → ...

fig.01-160d

The Play screen

You can change the contents that are shown in
the Pattern or Song Play screen (the basic screen
for playback).

Pattern Play screen

Press [DISPLAY] to select among the following
choices.

fig.02-040

Chord progression display (4 measures x 3 lines)

Chord progression display (2 measures x 3 lines)

Chord progression display (1 measure x 3 lines)

Pattern display

● For details on the contents of the display,
refer to p. 51.

Song Play screen

Press [DISPLAY] to select among the following
choices.

fig.03-171

Chord progression display (4 measures x 3 lines)

Chord progression display (2 measures x 3 lines)

Chap. 1

Chord progression display (1 measure x 3 lines)

Playback pattern display

● For details on the contents of the display,
refer to p. 83.

47

48

Chapter 2

Patterns

(playing, recording, editing)

Pattern mode is where you play, create, or edit patterns.
With the Play screen displayed and playback stopped, press
[SONG/PATTERN] so “PATTERN” appears in the display.

49

Playing a pattern

1. Use the VALUE dial to select the pattern

you want to play.

* If there is an edited pattern that has not been saved, the

message “Cancel edit?” will appear.
If you want to save the pattern, press [EXIT] and perform
the Write operation (p. 65). If you don’t want to save it,
press [ENTER].

Following preset patterns 001–500, you can
also select from user patterns 001–500.

* You can hold down [SHIFT] and press [SONG/

PATTERN] to switch between Preset (P) and User (U).

2. Press [ ].

The selected pattern will start playing.

❍ You can turn the VALUE dial during

playback to reserve the pattern that will be
played next. The name of the reserved
pattern is highlighted.
When the current pattern finishes playing,
the reserved pattern will start playing.

3. To stop playback, press [ ].

❍ When you press [ ] once again, playback

will resume from the point where it was
stopped.

❍ If you press [ ] before pressing [ ],

playback will start from the beginning of the
pattern.

Changing the tempo

2. Use the VALUE dial to adjust the tempo.

You can adjust the tempo within the 20–260
range.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the tempo setting screen to the previous screen.

■

Setting the tempo by tapping
a button (Tap Tempo)

You can also specify the tempo by tapping
[TEMPO (TAP)] at the desired interval.
This function is called “Tap Tempo.”

1. Press [TEMPO (TAP)] four times or more
at the desired tempo.

The tempo will be set to the interval at which
you pressed the button, and the current
tempo will be shown in the tempo setting
screen.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the tempo setting screen to the previous screen.

Changing the playback key

You can change the key in which a pattern plays
back. This is referred to as the “Key Shift”
function.

1. Press [KEY].

The key shift setting screen appears.

fig.02-030d

1. Press [TEMPO (TAP)].

The tempo setting screen appears.

fig.02-020d

50

2. Use the VALUE dial to change the key.

Range: -12–+12
You can change the key in semitone steps
over a range of ±1 octave.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the key shift setting screen to the previous screen.

Playing a pattern

Switching the display

You can switch the pattern play screen between
the “chord progression display” (4 measures x 3
lines/2 measures x 3 lines/1 measure x 3 lines)
and the “pattern display.”

1. Press [DISPLAY].

Press the button repeatedly to cycle through
the available choices for the display, as
follows:

fig.02-040

Chord progression display (4 measures x 3 lines)

Chord progression display (2 measures x 3 lines)

Chord progression display (1 measure x 3 lines)

Pattern display

■ Chord progression display

fig.02-050d

(1)(2)

(5)

(9)

(9) Chord progression

Shows the chord progression of the pattern.
The cursor will move as playback progresses,
indicating the currently playing measure.
Press [DISPLAY] to choose the desired type
of display for the chord progression area;
either “4 measures x 3 lines,” “2 measures x 3
lines,” or “1 measure x 3 lines.” When fewer
measures are displayed in a single screen,
you will be able to see the chord progression
in greater detail.

fig.02-060d

4 measures
x 3 lines

2 measures
x 3 lines

1 measure
x 3 lines

■ Pattern display

fig.02-070d

(1)(2) (6) (7)

Chap. 2

(5)

(3)(4) (6) (7) (8)

(1) Pattern mode

(2) Pattern number

(3) Current Tempo

(4) Current key

(5) Pattern name

An “*” displayed in front of the pattern name
indicates that the pattern has been edited.

(6) Time signature

(7) Measure – Beat

Indicates the current location.

(8) Current chord → Next chord

The current chord and next chord are shown
in greater detail.

(3)(4) (10)

(10) Step

A grid display shows ● symbols to indicate
the timing of the important instruments (hi­hat, snare, kick) and the timing at which bass
notes are played.
The display will change as playback
progresses.

51

Recording a pattern

Realtime recording and Step recording

Realtime recording

In this method, you strike the key pads while
listening to a metronome, and your performance
is recorded into the pattern exactly as you play
it. Even if the timing at which you strike the key
pads is not perfect, you can use the Quantize
function to correct your timing.

Step recording

In this method, you specify the timing (step) and
volume at which each instrument note will
sound, entering notes one by one. Even if you
don’t feel confident recording a pattern in real
time, step recording makes it easy to record a
pattern accurately.
You can also combine both realtime recording
and step recording to record a pattern.
For example, you can use step recording to edit a
portion of a realtime-recorded pattern, or use
step recording to create the basic portion of a
pattern and then use realtime recording to add
more sounds.

Before you begin recording

Here’s the procedure for recording a pattern.

fig.02-170

<1>

Select the user pattern you want to record

<2>

Make basic settings for the pattern

<3-1>

Realtime-record

the pattern

Recording a chord progression

<4>

<5> Recording a fill-in

Key Shift (pattern information: p. 53) and
Chord Progression (p. 58) settings are
disregarded when recording patterns.

<1>

Selecting the user pattern

<3-2>

Step-record

the pattern

you want to record

52

1. Access the pattern play screen.

2. Use the VALUE dial to select a user

pattern (001–500).

If desired, you can erase an already-recorded pattern
and use it. Refer to “Erasing a pattern” (p. 66).

Recording a pattern

<2> Making basic settings for the pattern

Here you will make basic settings for the
pattern, such as the time signature, the number
of measures, and the tempo.

* You can also change these settings after recording.

1. In the pattern play screen, press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

2. Move the cursor to the “PATTERN” icon

and press [ENTER].

The pattern edit menu screen appears.

fig.02-180d

3. Move the cursor to the “INFO” icon and

press [ENTER].

The pattern information screen appears.

fig.02-190d

4. Move the cursor to the parameter you

want to edit, and use the VALUE dial to
set the value.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Tempo

20–260 Tempo

Arrange

OFF, ON

OFF:

Use this setting if you want the recorded performance
data to be played without change. The Arrange func­tion will not operate.

ON:

The Arrange function will arrange the recorded perfor­mance data according to the chord progression.

Specifies whether the Arrange
function will operate for the bass
part

Key

-, C–B, Cm–Bm The key when playing the pattern

* The key display area in the left of the display shows the key

after key shift has been applied.

(Example)
If the Key = Am and the Key Shift = +2, this is shown
as “Bm.”

Rec.Key

C–B, Cm–Bm Key when recording the bass part

* When you specify the key used when recording, the bass

part will be arranged according to this setting.

Key Shift

-12–+12

Transposes the playback key in
semitone steps

Kit Number

P001–P100,
U001–U100

Number of the kit used to play this
pattern

TSC Switch

OFF, ON TSC on/off setting

TSC Number

P01–P20,
U01–U20

Number of the TSC patch used

Chap. 2

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Beat

2/4–8/4, 4/8–16/8

Time signature

Measures

1–999 Number of measures

* If you increase the number of measures after recording,

the corresponding number of blank measures will be
added at the end. If you decrease the number of measures,
the measures that have thus been eliminated will not be
played.

You must set Key and Rec Key correctly. If these
are not set correctly, playback may occur in the
wrong key in situations such as the following:

• When using a chord progression (p. 58) to

arrange the bass part

• When using EZ Compose to create a pattern

using Current data (p. 68), and add a chord
progression using either Current or USER
PATTERN data (p. 69) .

53

Recording a pattern

<3-1> Using realtime recording

1. Switch to a pad bank or the bass pads,

depending on the part you want to record.

To record the drum part

Press [PAD] to select a pad bank 1–3.

To record the bass part

Hold down [SHIFT] and press [PAD] to
select the bass pads.
Choose “BASS -1” if you want to record sounds
one octave lower, or choose “BASS +1” if you
want to record sounds one octave higher.

2. Press [REC].

[REC] will light, and the realtime recording
screen appears.
The metronome will also begin sounding.

fig.02-200d

The screen shows “Rec Standby...” to indicate
that you are in recording standby mode.

3.

Move the cursor to “Quantize,” and use the
VALUE dial to specify the quantization.

When used during realtime recording, the
Quantization function corrects any
inaccuracies in the timing at which you strike
the key pads, so that the strikes will be
recorded at precise intervals of the timing
unit you specify.

Range Range

- -

No
quantization

32nd note
triplets

32nd notes

16th note
triplets

16th notes

8th note
triplets

8th notes

quarter note
triplets

quarter notes

4. Move the cursor to “Rec. Velo” and use
the VALUE dial to specify the volume
(recording velocity) for the instrument or
bass tone you are going to record.

1–127:

The notes will be recorded with the velocity
you specify, regardless of the force with
which you actually struck the key pad.

SENS:

The notes will be recorded with the velocity
at which you strike the key pad.

5. Press [ ] to start recording.

[ ] starts blinking in time with the count.
The screen indication changes to “Recording...”

* If a pattern has already been recorded, the pattern will

begin playing.

6. In time with the metronome, strike the key
pads for the instrument or bass sound
you’re recording.

* If necessary, press [PAD] (or hold down [SHIFT] and

press [PAD]) to switch between the drum part and bass
part.

7. If you want to erase notes you recorded
by mistake, proceed as follows.

(For an instrument)

Hold down [SHIFT] and press the key pad
corresponding to the instrument you want to
delete.

(For the bass sound)

Hold down [SHIFT] and press any one of the
key pads.

The notes located during the time you
continue holding down [SHIFT] and the key
pad will be deleted.

8. Repeat steps 6–7 if necessary.

❍ If you want to rehearse your

performance, press [REC] once again.

[REC] starts blinking, indicating you’re in
rehearsal mode. The screen display will
change to “Rec Rehearsal...”

Strike the key pads in time with the
metronome to rehearse your performance.

54

Recording a pattern

* Nothing is recorded when you strike the key pads during

rehearsal.

When you’re finished rehearsing, press
[REC] so the button is lit.
The indication in the screen changes to
“Recording...” or “Rec Standby...”

9. When you’re finished recording, press

[].

10.If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

<3-2> Step-recording

1. Switch to a pad bank or the bass pads,

depending on the part you want to record.

To record the drum part

Press [PAD] to select a pad bank 1–3.

To record the bass part

Hold down [SHIFT] and press [PAD] to
select the bass pads.

Choose “BASS -1” if you want to record
sounds one octave lower, or choose “BASS
+1” if you want to record sounds one octave
higher.

2. Press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

3. Move the cursor to the “PATTERN” icon

and press [ENTER].

The pattern edit menu screen appears.

4. Move the cursor to the “STEP REC” icon

and press [ENTER].

The pattern step-record screen appears.

(Drum part)

fig.02-210d

(1) (4)(3)

Measure

(5)
(6)

(Bass part)

fig.02-220d

(1) (2) (4)(3)

Measure

(5)
(7)

(8) (9)

5. Move the cursor to each of the items
listed below, and use the VALUE dial to
set the value.

(1) DRUM (drum part), BASS (bass part)

This chooses what will be shown in the
pattern display area.

(Drum part)

ALL:

All instruments will be shown.

BANK1-PAD01–BANK3-PAD20:

Only the instruments of the selected bank or
pad number will be shown.

(Bass part)

ALL:

Note names and pitch bend data will be
shown.

NOTE:

Note names will be shown.

PITCH BEND:

Pitch bend data will be shown (p. 57).

Pattern
display
area

(9)

Pattern
display
area

Chap. 2

55

Recording a pattern

(2) OCT (Bass part)

This indicates the state of the bass pads.

NORM:

Normal state.

-1: The bass tone will be one octave lower.
+1: The bass tone will be one octave higher.

(3) Qtz

This specifies the note length into which each
measure will be divided. The number of grid
lines in each measure of the pattern display
will change according to the Quantize setting
you choose. Each grid line represents one
step.

Range

32nd notes

16th note triplets

16th notes

8th note triplets

8th notes

quarter note triplets

quarter notes

whole notes

(4) REC-VEL

This specifies the volume (velocity) of the
instruments/bass notes that you are going to
record.

1–127:

The notes will be recorded at the velocity
value you specify here, regardless of how
strongly you actually strike the key pads.

SENS:

The notes will be recorded with a velocity
corresponding to how strongly you strike the
key pads.

6. Use [ ][ ] to move the cursor
within the pattern display area to the step
that you want to record, and strike the
key pad for the instrument or bass note
you want to record.

When an instrument or bass note is recorded,
an “●” indication appears.
The velocity is also recorded at this time.
You will automatically advance by one step.

Button operations

[]

[]

[]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+ key pad

[SHIFT]+ [EXIT]

[ENTER]

[]

[DISPLAY]+
key pad

Moves the cursor to the begin­ning of the pattern.

Moves the cursor to the begin­ning of the preceding step.

Moves the cursor to the begin­ning of the next step.

Moves the cursor to where the
next instrument or bass note is
recorded.

Moves the cursor to where the
preceding instrument or bass
note is recorded.

Deletes the instrument corre­sponding to the key pad in the
current step. In case of bass
note, you can press any key
pad.

Deletes the instrument or bass
note recorded at the currently
selected position, and moves
the cursor to where the next in­strument or bass note is re­corded.

Plays the instrument or bass
note recorded at the currently
selected position.

Starts playback from the begin­ning of the currently selected

measure. Press [ ] to stop
playback.

Displays the instrument of that
key pad. you can check the
sound without recording.

(5) POSITION

This shows the currently selected recording
position in “measure:beat:clock” units. You can
move the cursor to this indication and use the
VALUE dial to specify the measure:beat:clock
position, and then strike a key pad to record
directly into the specified

position.

56

Recording a pattern

(6) PAD (Drum part)

This shows the pad bank, pad number, and
name of the instrument that is recorded at the
currently selected position.
By moving the cursor to this indication and
using the VALUE dial to change the pad
bank and pad number, you can replace the
recorded instrument with the instrument of
the pad bank and pad number you specify.

(7) NOTE (Bass part)

This shows the name of the note recorded at
the currently selected position.
By moving the cursor to this indication and
using the VALUE dial to change the name of
the note, you can replace the recorded note
with the note you specify.

(8) DUR (Bass part)

This shows the duration (length) of the note
recorded at the currently selected position, in
units of “beats - ticks.”
By moving the cursor to this indication and
using the VALUE dial to change the beats
and ticks, you can modify the duration of the
recorded bass note.

* Beats are divided into “ticks,” and there are 96 ticks in

one quarter note beat.

(9) VEL

This shows the velocity value of the
instrument or bass note recorded at the
currently selected position.
By moving the cursor to this indication and
turning the VALUE dial, you can modify the
velocity value that is recorded.

* You cannot record more than one instance of the same

instrument or bass note at the same position. If you
attempt to do so, the previous note will be overwritten by
the last-recorded note.

7. Repeat steps 5–6 if necessary.

* If necessary, you can press [PAD] (or hold down

[SHIFT] and press [PAD]) to switch between the drum
part and the bass part.

8. When you are finished recording, press

[EXIT].

9. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

■ Recording pitch bend data
in the bass part

You can record pitch bend data in the bass part.
This lets you simulate playing techniques such
as hammering-on or pulling-off.

1. Access the step-record screen for the
bass part (p. 55).

2. Move the cursor to “BASS” and use the
VALUE dial to switch to “P.BEND.”

fig.02-230d

(1)
(2)(

)

3

3. Move the cursor to “Qtz” and use the
VALUE dial to specify the quantization.

4. Specify the position at which you want to
record pitch bend data.

You can either use [ ][ ] to move
the cursor in the pattern display area to the
step that you want to record, or specify the
POSITION measure:beat:clock values to set
the recording position.

5. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [CURSOR]

or [CURSOR] to record pitch

bend data.

[SHIFT]+[CURSOR] :

The pitch bend amount is raised by a
semitone each time you press these keys.
(If Bend Range = 12)

[SHIFT]+[CURSOR] :

The pitch bend amount is lowered by a
semitone each time you press these keys.
(If Bend Range = 12)

An indication of “B” is shown in the pattern
display area where pitch bend data has been
recorded.

* If DISPLAY is set to “ALL,” the “●” indication takes

priority for steps at which both a bass note and pitch bend
data are recorded.

Chap. 2

57

Recording a pattern

(1) POSITION

This shows the currently selected recording
position in “measure:beat:clock” units. You
can move the cursor to this indication and
use the VALUE dial to specify the
measure:beat:clock position, and then strike
a key pad to record directly into the specified
position.

(2) RANGE

This shows the range of the pitch bend that is
recorded at the currently selected position.
By moving the cursor to this indication and
turning the VALUE dial, you can edit the
range of the recorded pitch bend.
Range: 0–12

* If you set RANGE to a setting other than 12, that value

will take effect from the bass note at the next recorded
location. This means that if you want to record pitch bend
data with a RANGE setting other than 12, you'll need to
record a RANGE setting of the desired value and a
VALUE setting of 0 at a point earlier than the bass note
where you want your setting to take effect.

* RANGE is initialized to 12 at the beginning of the

pattern.

(3) VALUE

This shows the value of the pitch bend that is
recorded at the currently selected position.
By moving the cursor to this indication and
turning the VALUE dial, you can edit the
value of the recorded pitch bend.
Range: -8192–8191

6. Repeat steps 4–5 if necessary.

7. When you are finished recording, press

[EXIT].

8. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

<4> Recording a chord progression

Here you can record a chord progression for the
bass part.

1. Select the pattern for which you want to
record a chord progression.

2. Press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

3. Move the cursor to the “PATTERN” icon
and press [ENTER].

The pattern edit menu screen appears.

4. Move the cursor to the “CHORD” icon
and press [ENTER].

The chord progression recording screen
appears.

fig.02-240d

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

5. Move the cursor to “Qtz” and use the
VALUE dial to specify the quantization.

The number of grids in each measure of the
pattern display area will change according to
the quantization you specify. Each square is
one step.

Range

32nd notes

16th note triplets

16th notes

8th notes triplets

8th notes

quarter note triplets

quarter notes

whole notes

58

Recording a pattern

6. Specify the position at which you want to

record a chord.

Use [ ][ ] to move the cursor to the
step at which you want to record, or use the
POSITION measure:beat:clock values to
specify the recording position.

Button operations

[]

[]

[]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+ key pad

[SHIFT]+ [EXIT]

[]

Moves the recording position
to the beginning of the pattern.

Moves the recording position
to the beginning of the preced­ing step.

Moves the recording position
to the beginning of the next
step.

Moves to the position at which
the next chord is recorded.

Moves to the position at which
the preceding chord is record­ed.

Deletes the chord recorded at
the currently setep.

Deletes the chord recorded at
the currently selected position,
and moves to the position at
which the next chord is record­ed.

Starts playback from the begin­ning of the currently selected

measure. Press [ ] to stop
playback.

* If you’ve turned Arrange

“ON” in Pattern Information
(p. 53), the arranger will run.
If a fill-in (p. 60) is recorded,
the fill-in will also be played.

7. Move the cursor to each of the following

items, and use the VALUE dial to specify
the chord that you want to input.

(1) ROOT

Specify the root note of the chord.
Range: - - -, C–B

* You can also use the key pads to specify this.

(2) TYPE

Specify the chord type.

Range:

- -

(N.C)

Maj 7 M7 m m7 M9

7(b5) 7(13) 7(b9) 7(#9) 6 6(9) m6

m6(9) 9 add9

m9 dim sus4 7sus4 aug aug7

madd9

mM9 mM7

m7(b5)

- - (N.C: non-chord type)

Choose this type if you don’t want the notes of
your performance to be converted into a chord.
For example, if you specify the Root as “C” and
the Chord Type as “- -,” your original
performance data will be played back without
change. If you specify the Root as something
other than “C,” for example as a “D” non-chord
type, your original performance data will be
played back transposed a whole step higher.

(3) ON-BASS

Specify an on-bass chord (a chord where the
bass note is something other than the root of
the chord). If you don’t want to specify an on­bass chord, set this to “- -.”
Range: - -, C–B

* If TYPE is set to “- -” (non-chord type), the on-bass chord

will be ignored even if you specify it.

(4) OCT. SHIFT

Specify the octave shift setting for the chord.

+1: The chord will be played an octave

higher.

0: Octave shift will not be applied.

(Normal)

-1: The chord will be played an octave

lower.
The results of the ROOT–OCT.SHIFT settings
are shown together in the lower right of the
screen.
Octave shift is shown as “▲” (+1) or “▼” (-1).

8. Repeat steps 6–7 if necessary.

9. When you’re finished recording, press

[EXIT].

10.If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

Chap. 2

59

Recording a pattern

<5> Recording a fill-in

You can choose from a variety of fill-ins and add
them to the currently selected pattern.

1. Select the pattern for which you want to

record a fill-in.

2. Press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

3. Move the cursor to the “PATTERN” icon

and press [ENTER].

The pattern edit menu screen appears.

4. Move the cursor to the “FILL” icon and

press [ENTER].

The fill-in record screen appears.

fig.02-250d

5. Move the cursor to “POSITION” and use

the VALUE dial to select the measure at
which you want to record a fill-in.

6. Move the cursor to “FILL IN” and use the

VALUE dial to select the number of the
fill-in that you want to record.

The name of the selected fill-in is displayed.
Range: s001–s050, L001–L050

fig.02-051d

Button operations

[]

[]

[]

[SHIFT]+ [EXIT]

[]

Moves the cursor to the begin­ning of the first measure.

Moves to the preceding mea­sure.

Moves to the next measure.

Deletes the fill-in from the cur­rently selected measure.

Starts playback from the begin­ning of the currently selected

measure. Press [ ] to stop
playback.

* If you’ve turned Arrange

“ON” in Pattern Information
(p. 53), the arranger will run.
If a fill-in is recorded, the fill-in
will also be played.

The measure display area shows the
currently selected measure and the number
of the fill-in that’s recorded at that measure.

7. Repeat steps 5–6 if necessary.

8. When you’re finished recorded, press

[EXIT].

9. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

* A fill-in that is longer than the meter can’t be placed in

the first measure and the next measure after fill-in. (E.g.,
a fill-in longer than two beats can’t be placed in the first
measure of a pattern in 2/4 meter.)

60

Pattern editing (Pattern Edit)

Copying a portion of a pattern (Copy Measure)

Here’s how to copy a portion of the currently
selected pattern (or another pattern) into the
currently selected pattern.
You can choose whether the original data will be
replaced by the copied data, or whether the
original data and the copied data will be
combined.

fig.02-400

● Copying to the same pattern

copy

1234567

12345678910

● Copying from a different pattern

1234567

12345678910

1. In the pattern edit menu screen, move the

cursor to the “EDIT” icon and press
[ENTER].

fig.02-410d

2. Move the cursor to the “COPY” icon and

press [ENTER].

The measure copy screen will appear.

1234

copy

fig.02-420d

Copy
source

3. Move the cursor to the relevant item, and

use the [VALUE] dial to specify the
desired value.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Src

CURRENT,
P001–P500,
U001–U500

If you want to copy from the currently selected pattern,
set this to “CURRENT.”

Copy-source pattern

Src Meas

1–n

* “n” is the number of measures in the copy source.

Starting measure of the copy source

Num of Meas

1–n

* “n” is the number of measures in the copy source.

Number of copy-source measures
to copy

Dest Meas

1–(n+1)

* “n” is the number of measures in the current pattern.

Starting measure of the copy desti­nation

Part

See below

ALL:

Drum part and bass part performance data, and chord
progressions

DRUM:

Drum part performance data

BASS:

Bass part performance data

DRUM & BASS:

Drum part and bass part performance data

CHORD:

Chord progressions

Type of performance data to be
copied

Inst

ALL, 1-01–3-20

If you’ve set Part to DRUM, specify
the instrument(s) to be copied.

Chap. 2

61

Pattern editing (Pattern Edit)

Parameter/

Range

(Ex.)

Pad number

Pad bank

Choose from the instruments in the currently selected
kit. If you choose ALL, the copy operation will apply to
all instruments of the currently selected kit.

* You can press a pad to specify the instrument.

Explanation

Instrument

Times

1–999 Number of times to copy the data

Copy Mode

REPLACE, MERGE

REPLACE:

The data at the specified copy destination will be
erased before the source data is copied.

MERGE:

The data at the specified copy destination will be pre­served, and combined with the copied source data.

* If the Part setting is “CHORD” this parameter will not

appear; the Copy operation is performed using only the
REPLACE method.

* If the Part setting is “ALL,” the Copy operation will

always be performed using REPLACE for the chord
progression.

* Copying with MERGE mode may result in large amounts

of overlapping data being recorded at the same location,
possibly producing unexpected results during playback.

Specify how the copy is to take place

4. To execute with the specified settings,

press [ENTER]. To cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now working...” will appear,
and the copy will be carried out.
When the copy is completed, the message
will disappear.

* If the time signature differs between the copy-source

pattern and the currently selected pattern (copy
destination), the data will be aligned to the time signature
of the currently selected pattern. This will change the
number of measures.

* If you attempt to perform a Copy operation that involves

more than 999 measures, the Copy operation will end
when the number of measures reaches 999.

* If the result of the copy operation has increased the

number of measures in the pattern, the Measures (p. 53)
indication in Patch Information will be updated
automatically.

5. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

Inserting blank measures into a pattern (Insert Measure)

Here’s how to insert blank measures into the
currently selected pattern.

fig.02-430

insert

1234567

12345678910

1.

In the Pattern Edit menu screen, move the
cursor to the “EDIT” icon and press [ENTER].

fig.02-410d

2. Move the cursor to the “INSERT” icon

and press [ENTER].

The Insert Measure screen will appear.

fig.02-440d

3. Move the cursor to each field and use the

VALUE dial to set the desired value.

Parameter/

Range

Dest Meas

1–(n+1)

* “n” is the number of measures in the current pattern.

Measure at which blank measures
are to be inserted

Num of Meas

1–(999-n)

Number of blank measures to be in­serted

Explanation

62

4.

To insert blank measures as you specified,
press [ENTER]. To cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now working...” will appear,
and the blank measures will be inserted.
When the operation has been completed, the
message will disappear.

* Since the insert operation will increase the number of

measures in the pattern, the Measures (p. 53) indication
in Patch Information will be updated automatically.

5. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

Erasing a portion of a pattern (Erase)

Here’s how you can erase performance data
from the specified portion of the currently
selected pattern.

fig.02-450

12345678910

12345678910

1.

In the pattern edit menu screen, move the
cursor to the “EDIT” icon and press [ENTER].

fig.02-410d

erase

Pattern editing (Pattern Edit)

3. Move the cursor to the relevant item and

use the VALUE dial to specify the desired
value.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Dest Meas

1–n

* “n” is the number of measures in the current pattern.

Measure at which you want to be­gin erasing data

Num of Meas

1–n Number of measures to erase

* “n” is the number of measures in the current pattern.

Part

See below

ALL:

Drum part and chord part performance data, and
chord progressions

DRUM:

Drum part performance data

BASS:

Bass part performance data

DRUM & BASS:

Drum part and bass part performance data

CHORD:

Chord progressions

Type of data to be erased from the
specified measures

Inst

ALL, 1-01–3-20

Choose from the instruments in the currently selected
kit.
If you select ALL, data for all instruments in the cur­rently selected kit will be erased.

* You can press a pad to specify the instrument.

If you’ve set Part to DRUM, specify
the instruments whose data will be
erased.

Chap. 2

2. Move the cursor to the “ERASE” icon and

press [ENTER].

The performance data Erase screen will appear.

fig.02-460d

4. To erase the data you’ve specified, press

[ENTER]. To cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now working...” will appear,
and the data will be erased.
When the erasure has been completed, the
message will disappear.

5. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

63

Pattern editing (Pattern Edit)

Deleting unwanted measures (Delete Measure)

Here’s how to delete unwanted measures from
the currently selected pattern. When the
measures have been deleted, the subsequent
measures will be moved forward to fill the gap.

fig.02-470

12345678910

delete

123

1. In the pattern edit menu screen, move the

cursor to the “EDIT” icon and press
[ENTER].

fig.02-410d

2. Move the cursor to the “DELETE” icon

and press [ENTER].

The Delete Measure screen will appear.

fig.02-480d

4567

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Dest Meas

1–n

* “n” is the number of measures in the current pattern.

Measure at which you want to be­gin deleting data

Num of Meas

1–n Number of measures to be deleted

* “n” is the number of measures in the current pattern.

4. To delete the measures you specified,

press [ENTER]. To cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now working...” will appear,
and the measures will be deleted.
When the measures have been deleted, the
message will disappear.

* The number of measures in the pattern will decrease

when you perform the Delete Measure procedure, and the
Measures (p. 53) indication in Pattern Information will
be updated automatically.

5. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

3. Move the cursor to the relevant item and

use the VALUE dial to set the desired
value.

64

Saving a pattern

If you want to keep a pattern you’ve created or
edited, you must carry out the “Write” operation
to write (store) the pattern into a user pattern
memory location.

If you re-select a pattern or turn off the power before
Writing, your edited pattern data will be lost.

Naming a pattern (Pattern Name)

You can assign a name (pattern name) of up to
fourteen characters to your pattern.

1. In the pattern edit menu screen, move the

cursor to the “NAME” icon and press
[ENTER].

The pattern name edit screen appears.

fig.02-260d

2. Move the cursor to the place where you

want to input a character, and use the
VALUE dial to choose a character.

Button operations

[CURSOR]
[CURSOR]

[CURSOR]

[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

3. When you’ve finished specifying the

name, press [EXIT].

4. Proceed with “Writing your pattern.”

Move the cursor.

Switch from lowercase to
uppercase characters.

Switch from uppercase to
lowercase characters.

Insert a space at the cursor
location.

Delete the character at the cur­sor location, and shift subse­quent characters to the left.

Writing your pattern

1. In the pattern edit menu screen, move the

cursor to the “WRITE” icon and press
[ENTER].

The pattern write screen appears.

fig.02-270d

2.

Use the VALUE dial to select the user pattern
into which you want to write your pattern.

3. Move the cursor to “NOTE DATA FIX” and

use the VALUE dial to turn it on/off.

NOTE DATA FIX

This specifies how the pattern will be saved
when you create a pattern with the Pattern
Information setting Arrange (p. 53) turned ON.

ON:

The pattern will be saved with the performance
data (bass) as it was converted by the Arrange
function. If you execute Write with this setting
ON, the Pattern Information setting Arrange
will automatically be turned OFF.

* If you save with NOTE DATA FIX turned on, and then

turn the pattern information Arrange setting on, the
pattern (to which Arrange has been applied) will once
again be processed by the Arrange function, possibly
producing unexpected results.

OFF:

The pattern will be saved without being
processed by the arranger.

4. To write your pattern, press [ENTER].

If you decide not to write it, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the pattern will be saved.
When the pattern has been saved, the
message will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Chap. 2

65

Copying/Erasing a pattern

Copying a pattern

1. In the pattern edit menu screen, move the

cursor to the “COPY” icon and press
[ENTER].

* If there is an edited pattern that has not been saved, the

message “Cancel edit?” will appear.
If you want to save the pattern, press [EXIT] and perform
the Write operation (p. 65). If you don’t want to save it,
press [ENTER].

The pattern copy screen appears.

fig.02-280d

Copy
source

Copy
destination

2. Move the cursor to the copy-source

pattern number, and use the VALUE dial
to select a pattern.

3. Move the cursor to the copy-destination

pattern number, and use the VALUE dial
to select a user pattern.

4. To execute the copy, press [ENTER].

If you decide to cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the copy will be carried out.
When the copy is completed, the message
will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Erasing a pattern

1. Select the pattern that you want to erase.

* It is not possible to erase the preset pattern.

2. Press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

3. Move the cursor to the “PATTERN” icon

and press [ENTER].

The pattern edit menu screen appears.

4. Move the cursor to the “CLEAR” icon and

press [ENTER].

The screen will ask “Clear pattern?”

fig.02-290d

5. If you are sure you want to clear (erase)

the pattern, press [ENTER]. If you decide
to cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the pattern will be erased.
When the erasure has been completed, the
message will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

66

Chapter 3

EZ Compose/

Groove Modify

What is EZ Compose?

“EZ Compose” is a group of functions that lets you create a
pattern simply by making a few settings in the screen—you don’t
have to input each individual note of the rhythm. You can also
add a chord progression and fill-ins.

What is Groove Modify?

“Groove Modify” functions lets you change the “groove”
(rhythmic feel) of the pattern playback.
Groove Modify includes the following three functions.

• Velocity Modify

• Ghost Note

• Shuffle

67

Using EZ Compose

You can use EZ Compose in Pattern mode,
but not in Song mode (p. 75).

Creating a pattern

EZ Compose lets you select a favorite pattern for
each group of sounds, and combine them to
create your new pattern.

EZ Compose creates patterns with a time signature of
4/4 or 3/4.
If the time signature of the currently selected pattern is
not one of these, it will be converted to 4/4 or 3/4.

1. Press EZ COMPOSE [PATTERN].

* If there is an edited pattern that has not been saved, the

message “Cancel edit?” will appear.
If you want to save the pattern, press [EXIT] and perform
the Write operation (p. 65). If you don’t want to save it,
press [ENTER].

The EZ Compose pattern setting screen
appears.

fig.02-080d

2. Move the cursor to the relevant item, then

use the VALUE dial to set the value.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

BEAT

4/4, 3/4 Time signature

MEAS

1–32 Number of measures

KIT

P001–P100,
U001–U100

Number of the kit to use

TYPE/No.: HH CYM

see below Preset patterns for hi-hat/cymbals

Type:

8BEAT, 16BEAT, SHUFFLE, 1/2SHUFFLE

TYPE/No.: KICK SNR

see below Preset patterns for kick/snare

Type:

8BEAT, 16BEAT, SHUFFLE, 1/2SHUFFLE

TYPE/No.: PERC

see below Preset patterns for percussion

Type:

ROCK POPS, CONGA BONGO, SLOW LATIN,
LATIN POPS

TYPE/No.: BASS

see below Preset patterns for bass

Type:

STEADY&SIMPL, ROCK BLUES, BALLAD,
FUNK SOUL

* If you want to use the currently selected pattern, choose

“Current” as the TYPE.

* Choose “------------” as the TYPE for patterns that you

don’t want to use (i.e., that you want to remain silent).

Press [ ] to play the pattern with the
current settings.

3. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

68

Using EZ Compose

Adding a chord progression

Here’s how to select a favorite chord progression
from various preset chord progressions, so that
the bass part will play according to the
progression you selected.

1. Press EZ COMPOSE [

* If there is an edited pattern that has not been saved, the

message “Cancel edit?” will appear.
If you want to save the pattern, press [EXIT] and perform
the Write operation (p. 65). If you don’t want to save it,
press [ENTER].

The EZ Compose chord progression setting
screen appears.

fig.02-090d

2. Move the cursor to the relevant item, then

use the VALUE dial to set the value.

CHORD PROGRESSION

].

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

KIT

P001–P100,
U001–U100

Number of the kit to use

TYPE/No.

see below

Type:

2MEAS Maj, 2MEAS Min, 4MEAS Maj, 4MEAS Min,
8MEAS Maj, 8MEAS Min, 16MEAS Maj, 16MEAS Min,
BLUES Maj, BLUES Min, USER PATTERN

* If you want to use chord progression of the currently

selected pattern, choose “Current” as the TYPE.

* If you choose “- - - - - - - - - - -,” the chord progression

setting will not be used.

* If you choose “USER PATTERN,” the chord progression

of the specified user pattern will be used.

* If you choose “Current” or “USER PATTERN,” the key

and the chord progression may not match if the Key (p.

53) of the specified pattern is not set correctly.

Type and number of the preset
chord progressions

KEY

C–B, Cm–Bm Key for playback

* The chord progression will be key-shifted according to the

KEY setting.

TIMES

1–32

* It is not possible to set MEAS beyond 32 measures.

Number of times to repeat the se­lected chord progression

Chap. 3

* MEAS (number of measures) is determined

automatically by the TYPE/No. and TIMES settings.
You cannot directly change the number of measures.

The screen shows the chord progression you
specified.

If you want, you can press [DISPLAY] to
change the amount of information about the
chord progression that is displayed at once;
the available choices are: “4 measures x 3
lines,” “2 measures x 3 lines,” or “1 measure
x 3 lines.”

Press [ ] to play the pattern with the
current settings.

3. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

69

Using EZ Compose

Adding a fill-in

You can choose from a variety of fill-ins and add
them to the currently selected pattern.

1. Press EZ COMPOSE [FILL IN].

* If there is an edited pattern that has not been saved, the

message “Cancel edit?” will appear.
If you want to save the pattern, press [EXIT] and perform
the Write operation (p. 65). If you don’t want to save it,
press [ENTER].

The EZ Compose fill-in setting screen
appears.

fig.02-100d

2. Move the cursor to the relevant item, then

use the VALUE dial to set the value.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

KIT

P001–P100,
U001–U100

Number of the kit to use

SMALL: INTERVAL

1–32MEAS

(Example)
If you set this to 4MEAS, a small fill-in will be added at
measure 4, measure 8, measure 12, ... etc.

* If the number of measures specified by INTERVAL is

greater than the number of measures in the pattern, the
fill-in will not be played.

Specify the number of measures af­ter which a Small (short) fill-in will
be added

SMALL: No.

- - -, s001–s050,
L001–L050

* If you choose “- - -” the Small fill-in will not be added.

Number of preset (Small fill-in) to
use

LARGE: INTERVAL

1–32MEAS

(Example)
If you set this to 16MEAS, a Large fill-in will be added
at measure 16, 32, 48, ... etc.

* If the number of measures specified by INTERVAL is

greater than the number of measures in the pattern, the
fill-in will not be played.

Specify the number of measures af­ter which a Large (long) fill-in will
be added

LARGE: No.

- - -, s001–s050,
L001–L050

* If you choose “- - -” the Large fill-in will not be added.

* If the Small fill-in and Large fill-in occur at the same

measure, the Large fill-in will take priority.

Number of preset (Large fill-in) to
use

70

Press [ ] to play the pattern with the
current settings.
Press [FILL IN], you can play only the
measures within which a fill-in occurs.
If the number of measures specified by
INTERVAL is greater than the number of
measures in the pattern, the measure at
which the fill-in occurs will not be played.

3. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

Using Groove Modify

You can use Groove Modify in Pattern
mode, but not in Song mode (p. 75).

Applying volume changes (Velocity Modify)

Here’s how you can add accents and expression
to the pattern to create realistic dynamics, just as
in an actual drum performance.

1. Select a pattern (p. 50).

2. Press [GROOVE].

The groove modify menu screen appears.

fig.02-110d

3. Move the cursor to the “VELOCITY

MODIFY” icon and press [ENTER].

The velocity modify setting screen appears.

fig.02-120d

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Depth

0–100

With a setting of 0, Velocity Modify will not be applied.

* In case of using only velocity balance, set the depth 0.

Depth with which Velocity Modify
is applied

■ Changing the volume
balance (Velocity Balance)

Here’s how to change the volume balance by
adjusting the volume (velocity) of each note in a
pattern independently for each sound group (hi­hat/cymbals, kick, snare, percussion, and bass).

5. Press [CURSOR] .

The Velocity Balance setting screen appears.

fig.02-121d

6. Move the cursor to each item, and use the
VALUE dial to set the value.

Chap. 3

4. Move the cursor to the relevant item, then

use the VALUE dial to set the value.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

On/Off

OFF, ON Turn Velocity Modify on/off

* You can also press [GROOVE] to turn this on/off.

Template

8FEEL 1–8,
16FEEL 1–12

Number of the template you want
to use

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

On/Off

OFF, ON Turn Velocity Modify on/off

* You can press [GROOVE] to turn this on/off.

HH/Cym

0–150%

Adjust the volume of the hi-hat/
cymbals

Kick

0–150% Adjust the volume of the kick

Snare

0–150% Adjust the volume of the snare

Perc

0–150%

Adjust the volume of the percus­sion

BASS

71

Using Groove Modify

Parameter/

Range

0–150% Adjust the volume of the bass

A setting of 0% will make the sound extremely faint.
With a setting of 100%, the velocity will be as specified
in the pattern.
Settings of 101% or higher will make the velocity higher
than specified in the pattern.

Explanation

7. To execute with the specified settings,

press [ENTER]. To cancel, press [EXIT].

8. If you want to save the pattern, proceed

to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

Adding ghost notes

By adding “ghost notes” to the pattern you can
create a realistic sense of groove, just as in an
actual drum performance.

1. Select a pattern (p. 50).

2. Press [GROOVE].

The groove modify menu screen appears.

fig.02-110d

3. Move the cursor to the “GHOST NOTE”
icon and press [ENTER].

The ghost note setting screen appears.

fig.02-140d

4. Move the cursor to the relevant item, then
use the VALUE dial to set the value.

72

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

On/Off

OFF, ON Turn Ghost Note on/off

* You can also press [GROOVE] to turn this on/off.

Template

see below

STRAIGHT 1–20:

These are appropriate for straight patterns.

SHUFFLE 1–20:

These are appropriate for shuffle patterns.

Number of the template that you
want to use

Depth

0–100 Volume of the ghost notes

5. To execute with the specified settings,
press [ENTER]. To cancel, press [EXIT].

6. If you want to save the pattern, proceed
to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

Using Groove Modify

Creating a shuffle rhythm

You can create a “shuffle” rhythm by shifting
the timing at which the backbeats of the pattern
are played.

1. Select a pattern (p. 50).

2. Press [GROOVE].

The groove modify menu screen appears.

fig.02-110d

3. Move the cursor to the “SHUFFLE” icon

and press [ENTER].

The shuffle setting screen appears.

fig.02-160d

4. Move the cursor to the relevant item, then

use the VALUE dial to set the value.

Parameter/

Range

On/Off

OFF, ON Turn Shuffle on/off

* You can also press [GROOVE] to turn this on/off.

Resolution

1/8, 1/16 Shuffle playback timing

1/8:

Shuffle will be generated in units of eighth notes.

1/16:

Shuffle will be generated in units of sixteenth notes.

Explanation

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Rate

50–100% Amount of backbeat shuffle

Specifies how far the backbeats will be distanced from
the downbeats.
With a setting of 50%, the backbeats will be located ex­actly midway between the timing of adjacent down­beats. With a setting of 100%, the backbeats will be
located at the same timing as the next downbeat.

50%

75%

90%

backbeat backbeat backbeat backbeat

Depth

0–100

With a setting of 100, the notes will be moved all the
way to the timing specified by Rate. Lowering the
Depth setting will decrease the amount of adjustment
that is applied; with a Depth of 0, the notes will not be
adjusted at all.

Amount by which the backbeats
will be adjusted relative to the val­ue determined by Rate

5. To execute with the specified settings,
press [ENTER]. To cancel, press [EXIT].

6. If you want to save the pattern, proceed
to “Saving a pattern” (p. 65).

Chap. 3

1/8

1/16

73

74

Chapter 4

Song

(record/edit/play)

You’ll use Song mode to record, edit, and play songs.

With the Play screen displayed and playback stopped, press
[SONG/PATTERN] so “SONG” appears in the display.

75

Recording a song

To record a song, you use “step recording” to
specify each pattern in the desired playback
order.

● You can record up to 100 songs.

● One song can contain up to 500 patterns,

and all songs can together contain a total
of 50,000 patterns.

Before you begin recording

Here’s the procedure for recording a song.

fig.03-020

<1>

Select the user song you want to record

Make basic settings for the song

<2>

<3> Step-record the song

<1> Selecting the user song you want to record

<2> Making basic settings for the song

Here’s how to make basic settings for the song.

* You can also change these settings after recording.

1. In the Song Play screen, press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

2. Move the cursor to the “SONG” icon and
press [ENTER].

The song edit menu screen appears.

fig.03-031d

3. Move the cursor to the “INFO” icon and
press [ENTER].

The song information screen appears.

fig.03-040d

1. Access the Song Play screen.

2. Use the VALUE dial to select a user song

(001–100).

You can also erase a song that’s been previously
recorded and use that location. Refer to “Clearing
(erasing) a song” (p. 80).

76

4. Move the cursor to the parameter you

want to edit, and use the VALUE dial to
edit the value.

Parameter / Val-

ue

Init.Tempo

OFF, 20–260 Tempo setting for the song

OFF:

The song will play at the tempo specified by each pat­tern.

20–260:

The tempo specified by each pattern will be ignored,
and the song will play at the tempo you specify here.

Explanation

Recording a song

Parameter / Val-

ue

Explanation

Key Shift

-12–+12

* The key indication at the left side of the display shows

the playback key resulting from the Key Shift setting.

(Example)
If Key (pattern) = Am and Key Shift = +, this is
displayed as “Bm.”

Transpose the playback key in
semitone steps

Loop Start

1–n

* ‘n’ will be the number of measures specified for the song.

The measure number from which
loop playback (p. 82) will start

Loop End

1–n

* ‘n’ will be the number of measures specified for the song.

The measure number at which loop
playback will end

Kit Select

SONG,
PATTERN

SONG:

The kit specified by each pattern will be ignored; the kit
you specify for Kit Number will be used throughout
the entire song.

PATTERN:

The kit specified by each pattern will be used.

Select the kit used to play the song

Kit Number

P001–P100,
U001–U100

The number of the kit used to play
this song

TSC Select

SONG,
PATTERN

SONG:

The TSC patch specified by each pattern will be ig­nored; the TSC patch you specify for TSC Number will
be used throughout the entire song.

PATTERN:

The TSC patch specified by each pattern will be used.

Select the TSC patch used when
playing this song

TSC Switch

OFF, ON TSC on/off setting

TSC Number

P01–P20,
U01–U20

The number of the TSC patch to use

5. When you’re finished editing, press

[EXIT].

<3> Step-recording your song

1. In the song edit menu screen, move the

cursor to the “STEP REC” icon and press
[ENTER].

The song step recording screen appears.

fig.03-050d

2. Use the VALUE dial to select the first
pattern you want to record in your song.

The screen shows the time signature (BEAT)
and number of measures (LENGTH) in the
selected pattern.

fig.03-060d

(1)

Recording
pattern

Step

Beat

3. Press [ ] to advance to the next
step, and use the VALUE dial to select the
next pattern you want to record in your
song.

* You can’t advance to the next step by skipping over an

unrecorded step.

(1) POSITION

This indicates the position within the song of
the first measure of the pattern you’ve
selected for the step currently targeted for
editing.
Press [ ] to return to step 1.
Press [ ] to return to the preceding step.
Hold down [SHIFT] and press [ ] to
advance to an unrecorded step.

Measure number

Chap. 4

77

Recording a song

4. Repeat step 3 as many times as

necessary.

• You can insert a pattern at an already­recorded step; refer to “Inserting a pattern in
the song.”

• You can delete an already-recorded pattern;
refer to “Deleting a pattern.”

* You can’t record, or insert or delete patterns while a song

is playing. In order to perform these operations, you must
first stop song playback.

5. When you’re finished recording, press

[EXIT].

6. To save the song, proceed as described

in “Saving your song” (p. 79).

■

Inserting a pattern in the song

Here’s how to insert a pattern into the middle of
the song.

fig.03-070

Pattern 5

Insert

Pattern 1

Pattern 2 Pattern 3 Pattern 4

Step 1 2 3 4

3. Use the VALUE dial to select the desired

pattern for the newly inserted step.

■ Deleting a pattern

Here’s how to delete an unwanted pattern from
the song. When you delete a pattern, subsequent
patterns will be moved forward.

fig.03-090

Erase

Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 3 Pattern 4 Pattern 5

Step 1 2 3 4 5

Pattern 1

Step 1 2 3 4

1. In the song step record screen, use

[ ][ ] to select the step from
which you want to delete a pattern.

2. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [ERASE]

([EXIT]).

The pattern recorded at the selected step will
be deleted.

Pattern 2 Pattern 4 Pattern 5

Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 5 Pattern 3 Pattern 4

Step 1 2 3 4 5

1. In the song step record screen, use

[ ][ ] to select the step at which
you want to insert a pattern

2. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [ENTER].

A new step will be inserted, and subsequent
steps will move backward by one step.
The inserted step will have the same pattern
as selected for the step you selected in step 1.

fig.03-080d

The same pattern
as selected

Inserted
step

78

Saving your song

If you want to save a song you recorded or

Writing your song

edited, you must “Write” it as a user song.

1. In the song edit menu screen, move the

If you re-select the song or turn off the power before
executing the Write procedure, your song data will be
lost.

fig.03-110d

Naming your song (Song Name)

You can give your song a name of up to fourteen
characters.

1. In the song edit screen, move the cursor

to the “NAME” icon and press [ENTER].

The song name edit screen appears.

fig.03-100d

2. Move the cursor to the location at which

you want to input a character, and use the
VALUE dial to select the desired
character.

2. Use the VALUE dial to select the user

3. To write your song into memory, press

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

cursor to the “WRITE” icon and press
[ENTER].

The song write screen appears.

Chap. 4

song number into which you want to write
your song.

[ENTER]. If you decide to cancel, press
[EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the song will be saved.
When the song have been saved, the message
will disappear.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Button operations

[CURSOR]
[CURSOR]

[CURSOR]

[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

Move the cursor.

Switch from lowercase to
uppercase characters.

Switch from uppercase to
lowercase characters.

Insert a space at the cursor
location.

Delete the character at the cur­sor location, and shift subse­quent characters to the left.

3. When you’ve finished inputting the name,

press [EXIT].

4. Then continue to “Writing your song.”

79

Copying/Clearing a song

Copying a song

1. In the song edit menu screen, move the

cursor to the “COPY” icon and press
[ENTER].

* If there is an edited song that has not been saved, the

message “Cancel edit?” will appear.
If you want to save the song, press [EXIT] and perform
the Write operation (p. 79). If you don’t want to save it,
press [ENTER].

The song copy screen appears.

fig.03-120d

Copy
source

Copy
destination

2. Move the cursor to the copy-source song

number, and use the VALUE dial to select
a song number.

3. Move the cursor to the copy-destination

song number, and use the VALUE dial to
select a user song as the copy
destination.

4. To copy the song, press [ENTER]. If you

decide to cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the copy will be carried out.
When the copy is completed, the message
will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Clearing (erasing) a song

1. Select the song that you want to clear.

2. Press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

3. Move the cursor to the “SONG” icon and

press [ENTER].

The song edit menu screen appears.

4. Move the cursor to the “CLEAR” icon and

press [ENTER].

The display will ask “CLEAR SONG?”

fig.03-130d

5. To clear the song, press [ENTER]. If you

decide to cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the song will be erased.
When the erasure has been completed, the
message will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

80

Playing a song

1. Access the song play screen.

2. Use the VALUE dial to select the song

you want to play.

* If there is an edited song that has not been saved, the

message “Cancel edit?” will appear.
If you want to save the song, press [EXIT] and perform
the Write operation (p. 79). If you don’t want to save it,
press [ENTER].

3. Press [ ].

The song you selected will start playing.

❍ You can turn the VALUE dial during

playback to reserve the song to be played
next. The name of the reserved song is
highlighted.
When the current song finishes playing, the
reserved song will start playing.

4. To stop playback, press [ ].

❍ If you press [ ] once again, playback will

resume from where you stopped.

❍ If you press [ ] and then [ ], playback

will start from the beginning of the song.

Changing the tempo

You can change the tempo during playback.
However, the way in which the tempo changes
will depend on the “Init. Tempo” (p. 76) setting
of the Song Information screen.

If Init.Tempo is OFF:

The pattern that is playing when you press
[TEMPO (TAP)] will change to the altered
tempo. When the next pattern is reached, it is
played at its predetermined tempo.

If Init.Tempo is something other than OFF:

The playback tempo of the song will change to
the tempo you specified.

1. Press [TEMPO (TAP)].

The tempo edit screen appears.

fig.03-140d

2. Use the VALUE dial to adjust the tempo.

You can adjust the tempo in a range of 20–

260.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the tempo setting screen to the previous screen.

■

Using Tap Tempo to set the tempo

You can specify the tempo by pressing [TEMPO
(TAP)] at the desired interval. This function is
called “Tap Tempo.”

1. Press [TEMPO (TAP)] four or more times

at the desired tempo.

The tempo will be set to the interval at which
you press the button, and the current tempo
is shown in the tempo edit screen.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the tempo setting screen to the previous screen.

Chap. 4

81

Playing a song

Changing the playback key

You can change the key (pitch) at which the song
plays. This function is called “Key Shift.”

1. Press [KEY].

The key shift edit screen appears.

fig.03-150d

2. Use the VALUE dial to change the key.

Range: -12–+12
You can change the key in semitone steps
over a range of ±1 octave.

* After a short while, you will automatically return from

the key shift setting screen to the previous screen.

Looping the playback in a specified region

You can make the playback loop (continue
repeating) in the region of measures you specify.

1. In the song play screen, press [EDIT].

The edit menu screen appears.

2. Move the cursor to the “SONG” icon and

press [ENTER].

The song edit menu screen appears.

fig.03-030d

fig.03-041d

4. Move the cursor to “Loop Start,” and use

the VALUE dial to specify the measure
number at which loop playback is to start.

5. Move the cursor to “Loop End,” and use

the VALUE dial to specify the measure
number at which loop playback is to end.

6. Press [EXIT] several times to return to the

song play screen.

7. Press [LOOP] to make the button light

(Loop on).

8. Press [ ].

The song will start playing, and will loop
over the specified region of measures.

9. To stop loop playback, press [LOOP] to

make the button go dark (Loop off).

10.To stop playback, press [ ].

11.If you want to save the loop playback

setting, carry out the “Writing your song”
(p. 79) procedure.

When you delete unwanted patterns from a song,
causing the number of measures in the song to become
less than the Loop End measure number you specified,
the Loop End setting will remain unchanged.
In this case, loop playback won’t occur even though
you’ve pressed [LOOP] and illuminated the button; you
will need to change the Loop End setting.

3. Move the cursor to the “INFO” icon and

press [ENTER].

The song information screen appears.

82

Playing a song

Switching the display

You can switch the song play screen between the
“chord progression display” (four measures x 3/
two measures x 3/one measure x 3) and the
“playback pattern display.”

1. Press [DISPLAY].

Press the button repeatedly to cycle through
the available choices for the display, as
follows:

fig.03-171

Chord progression display (4 measures x 3 lines)

Chord progression display (2 measures x 3 lines)

Chord progression display (1 measure x 3 lines)

Playback pattern display

■ Chord progression display

fig.03-180d

(1) (2)

(5)

(8) Current chord → Next chord

The current chord and next chord will be
displayed in greater detail.

(9) Chord progression

The cursor will move with the playback,
indicating the currently playing measure.
You can press [DISPLAY] to select the type of
chord progression display area that you
want, either “4 measures x 3 lines,” “2
measures x 3 lines,” or “1 measure x 3 lines.”
Viewing fewer measures at a time will let you
see the chord progression in greater detail.

fig.03-181d

4 measures
x 3 lines

2 measures
x 3 lines

1 measure
x 3 lines

Chap. 4

(3)(4) (6) (7) (8)

(1) Song mode

(2) Song number

(3) Current tempo

(4) Current key

(5) Song name

An “*” shown before the song name indicates
that the song has been edited.

(6) Time signature

(7) Measure – Beat

This indicates the current location.

(9)

■ Playback pattern display

fig.03-190d

(1) (2)

(5)

(7)

(10)

(11)

(3)(4) (6)

(10) Current pattern

This indicates the currently playing pattern
(number/name).

(11) Next pattern

This indicates the pattern (number/name)
that will play next.

83

84

Chapter 5

Playing your guitar/bass

Connecting your guitar/bass

Adjusting the volume of your guitar/bass

Use the GUITAR/BASS INPUT knob to adjust the volume.

The trademarks listed in this document are trademarks of their
respective owners, which are separate companies from BOSS. Those
companies are not affiliated with BOSS and have not licensed or
authorized BOSS’s DR-880. Their marks are used solely to identify the
equipment whose sound is simulated by BOSS’s DR-880.

85

Using effects

Switching effect patches

1. Press [EFFECT].

The guitar effects edit screen appears.

fig.04-050d

Patch number

2. Move the cursor to the effect patch

number, and use the VALUE dial to select
the desired effect patch number.

* You can hold down [SHIFT] and press [EFFECT] to

switch between Preset (P) and User (U).

“Effect Patch” (p. 155)

Editing an effect patch (Patch Edit)

1. In the guitar effects edit screen, move the

cursor to one of the items below and use
the VALUE dial to edit the value.

fig.04-060d

(5)
(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(1) Effect patch

Select the effect patch that you want to edit.

(2) Effect on/off

The guitar effects will be switched on/off
each time you press [EFFECT].

(3) EFFECT TYPE (Algorithm)

Select the algorithm you want to use.
Range:
GTR MULTI, BASS MULTI, ACO MULTI

(4) PATCH LEVEL

Specify the volume of the effect patch.
Range: 0–100

(5) Effect block diagram (algorithm)

You can move the cursor to each effect and
turn the VALUE dial to switch the effect on/
off. Effects that are turned off are shown with
dotted lines.
If you move the cursor to an effect and press
[ENTER], the parameter edit screen for the
selected effect will appear.

86

Press [CURSOR] to switch the screen.

Parameter edit screen

fig.04-070d

(6)

(7)

(6) Effect block diagram (algorithm)

Use [CURSOR] / to switch to the
parameter edit screen for the effect at the
cursor location.

(7) Parameters

Move the cursor to the parameter you want
to edit, and use the VALUE dial to change the
value.

You can use [CURSOR] / to scroll the
parameter display.

2. When you have made the setting, press

[EXIT] to return to the guitar effects edit
screen.

In order to indicate that the effect settings
have been temporarily changed, the patch
number will be displayed as “*TMP.” If you
re-select an effect patch, or turn off the DR­880 while “*TMP” is being displayed, all of
the patch settings will return to their
previous condition. As it may not be possible
to restore these settings, the appropriate care
should be taken.

3. If you want to keep the changes you

made, proceed as described in “Saving/
Copying an Effect patch” (p. 88).

* If you want to name the effect patch or edit the name,

proceed to “Naming an effect patch” (p. 88) before you
save.

Using effects

Chap. 5

87

Saving/Copying an Effect patch

If you want to save an effect patch you created
or edited, you must “Write” it as a user patch.

If you re-select an effect patch or turn off the power
before executing the Write procedure, your patch data
will be lost.

Naming an effect patch

You can assign a name (Patch Name) of up to
twelve characters to each user patch.

1. In the guitar effects edit screen, move the

cursor to “NAME” and press [ENTER].

The patch name edit screen appears.

fig.04-080d

2. Move the cursor to the location at which

you want to input a character, and use the
VALUE dial to select the desired
character.

Writing an effect patch

Here’s how to save an effect patch you edited.

1. In the guitar effects edit screen, move the

cursor to “WRITE” and press [ENTER].

The effect patch write screen appears.

fig.04-090d

2. Use the VALUE dial to select the write-

destination user patch.

3. To write the patch, press [ENTER]. If you

decide to cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the effect patch will be written.
When the effect patch have been written, the
message will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Button operations

[CURSOR]
[CURSOR]

[CURSOR]

[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

[SHIFT]+
[CURSOR]

Move the cursor.

Switch from lowercase to
uppercase characters.

Switch from uppercase to
lowercase characters.

Insert a space at the cursor
location.

Delete the character at the cur­sor location, and shift subse­quent characters to the left.

3. When you’ve finished entering the name,

press [EXIT].

4. Then continue to “Writing an effect

patch.”

88

Copying an effect patch

1. In the guitar effects edit screen, move the

cursor to “COPY” and press [ENTER].

The effect patch copy screen appears.

fig.04-100d

Copy
source

Copy
destination

2. Move the cursor to the copy-source patch

number, and use the VALUE dial to select
the patch number you want to copy from.

3. Move the cursor to the copy-destination

patch number, and use the VALUE dial to
select the patch number you want to copy
to.

4. To execute the copy, press [ENTER].

If you decide to cancel, press [EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the copy will be carried out.
When the copy is completed, the message
will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Saving/Copying an Effect patch

Chap. 5

89

Using the Tuner/Expression pedal

Tuning your guitar/bass

The DR-880 contains a chromatic tuner that you
can use to tune your guitar/bass connected to
the GUITAR/BASS INPUT jack.

1. Press [TUNER].

The tuner screen appears.

fig.04-030d

Tuning guide

2. Play a single note on the string you want

to tune.

The display shows the name of the note
closest to the pitch of the string you played.

* Cleanly play a single note on just the string you are

tuning.

3. Tune your instrument so that the correct

note is shown for the string you’re tuning.

(Typical tuning for each string)

7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st

Guitar B E A D G B E

Bass B E A D G

4. Watch the tuning guide, and tune your

instrument so that both left and right
indicators are lit.

fig.04-040d

When the pitch
is higher than
the Displayed
note

When the pitch
matches the
Displayed note

When the pitch
is lower than
the Displayed
note

5. Repeat steps 2–4 to tune the remaining

strings.

* If you’re tuning a guitar that has a vibrato arm, tuning

one string may cause other strings to drift. First tune the
strings approximately so that the correct note names are
displayed. Then continue tuning each string until they
are all correct.

6. When you have tuned all of strings, press

[EXIT].

90

Using the Tuner/Expression pedal

■ Changing the reference
pitch of the tuner

* The reference pitch of the tuner is shared with the DR-

880’s master tune setting (p. 120).

1. In the pattern or song play screen, press
[EDIT]

The edit menu screen appears.

2. Move the cursor to the “MASTER TUNE”
icon, and press [ENTER].

The master tune setting screen appears.

fig.07-070d

3. Use the VALUE dial to adjust the setting.

Range: 435 Hz–445 Hz

4. When you’ve made the setting, press
[EXIT].

The message “Now writing...” will appear,
and the currently settings will be saved.
When the currently settings have been saved,
the message will disappear.

* Do not turn off the power while the message is displayed.

Your data may be damaged if you do so.

Using an expression pedal as a volume pedal

When you connect an expression pedal (such as
the Roland EV-5; sold separately) to the rear
panel’s CTL 3, 4/EXP PEDAL jack, you will be
able to control the volume of your guitar/bass
that is connected to the GUITAR/BASS INPUT
jack using your feet.

fig.04-300

Chap. 5

● Use only the specified expression pedal (EV­5; sold separately). By connecting any other
expression pedals, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

● Both the Roland EV-5 have a minimum
volume setting of 0.

If you’ve selected an effect patch that uses pedal wah
(P-WAH: p. 94), the expression pedal will automatically
function as a wah pedal.

91

Guitar effects parameter list

GTR MULTI (Guitar multi)

fig.04-200

AMP NS FX DLY REV

Effect Page

GUITAR AMP/ACOUSTIC SIM

NOISE SUPPRESSOR

COMPRESSOR

A-WAH

P-WAH

FX

CHORUS

PHASER

FLANGER

TREMOLO

PAN

DELAY

REVERB

■ FX

Parameter/

Range

On/Off

OFF, ON Switches FX on/off

FX Select

COMPRESSOR,
A-WAH,
P-WAH,
CHORUS,
PHASER,
FLANGER,
TREMOLO,
PAN

Choose one effect to use

Explanation

p. 93

p. 93

p. 94

p. 94

p. 94

p. 94

p. 95

p. 95

p. 95

p. 95

p. 96

p. 96

BASS MULTI

fig.04-210

CMP AMP NS FX DLY

Effect Page

COMPRESSOR

BASS AMP SIM

NOISE SUPPRESSOR

T-WAH

P-WAH

CHORUS

FX

PHASER

FLANGER

TREMOLO

PAN

DELAY

■ FX

Parameter/

Range

On/Off

OFF, ON Switches FX on/off

FX Select

T-WAH,
P-WAH,
CHORUS,
PHASER,
FLANGER,
TREMOLO,
PAN

Choose one effect to use

Explanation

ACO (Acoustic) MULTI

fig.04-220

ACO EQ CHO REV

p. 96

p. 97

p. 93

p. 97

p. 94

p. 94

p. 95

p. 95

p. 95

p. 95

p. 96

92

Effect Page

ACOUSTIC PROCESSOR

EQUALIZER

CHORUS

REVERB

p. 98

p. 98

p. 94

p. 96

Guitar effects parameter list

Description of the effects

■

GUITAR AMP/ACOUSTIC SIM
(Guitar amp/Acoustic simulator)

COSM technology is used to simulate the
response of various guitar amps or the sound of
an acoustic guitar.

Parameter/

Range

On/Off

OFF, ON

Switches GUITAR AMP/ACOUS­TIC SIM on/off

Type

See below

JC-120 The sound of a Roland JC-120

WARM CLEAN A mellow, clean sound

CLEAN TWIN Models a Fender Twin Reverb

TWEED Models a Fender Bassman 4 x 10”

CRUNCH Crunch sound with a natural-

VO DRIVE Models the driven sound of a VOX

MATCH DRIVE Models the left input sound of a

BG LEAD Models the lead sound of a MESA/

SMOOTH Drv A smooth driven sound

MS1959 (I) Models input I of a Marshall 1959

MS HiGAIN Models the sound of a Marshall

POWER STACK The sound of an amp stack with an

R-FIER RED Models the RED channel of a

T-AMP Crnch Models AMP2 of a Hughes & Kett-

T-AMP LEAD Models AMP3 of a Hughes & Kett-

SLDN Models a Soldano SLO-100

LEAD STACK A high-gain lead sound

5150 DRIVE Models the lead channel of a

METAL STACK A drive sound good for metal

Single->AC Transforms the sound of a single-

Choose a guitar amp or acoustic
simulator

Combo

sounding distortion

AC-30TB

Matchless D/C-30

Boogie combo amp

with modified midrange boost

active tone circuit

MESA/Boogie DUAL Rectifier

ner Triamp

ner Triamp

Peavey EVH5150

coil pickup electric guitar into the
sound of an acoustic guitar

Explanation

Parameter/

Range

Humbckr->AC Transforms the sound of a hum-

bucking pickup electric guitar into
the sound of an acoustic guitar

Explanation

Gain

0–100 Amount of amp distortion

Bass

0–100 Low-range tone

Middle

0–100 Midrange tone

Treble

0–100 High-range tone

Presence

0–100 Ultra-high-range tone

Level

0–100 Volume of the entire preamp

* Be careful not to raise Level excessively.

■ NOISE SUPPRESSOR

This effect suppresses the noise and hum that
are picked up by a guitar pickup. Since it
reduces the noise in a way that matches the
envelope (the volume change over time) of the
guitar sound, it provides natural-sounding noise
suppression without significantly affecting the
guitar sound.

Parameter/

Range

On/Off

OFF, ON

Switches NOISE SUPPRESSOR on/
off

Threshold

0–100

Set this to a higher value if there is a lot of noise, or to a
lower value if there is not too much noise.

* If you set the Threshold to a high value, the sound may be

cut off when you play with the volume of your guitar
turned low.

Depth at which the noise suppres­sor is applied

Explanation

Chap. 5

93

Guitar effects parameter list

■ COMPRESSOR: GTR MULTI

This effect produces long sustain by making the
volume of the input signal more uniform. You can
also use this as a “limiter” to prevent distortion by
holding down just the peaks of the sound.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Sustain

0–100

Higher settings of this parameter will produce longer
sustain.

Adjusts the duration of time over
which low-level input signals will
be boosted to a steady volume

Level

0–100 Volume of the effect sound

■ A-WAH (Auto wah)

This effect automatically creates a wah effect by
sweeping a filter in a fixed pattern.

Parameter/

Range

Polarity

UP, DOWN

UP:

The filter will move toward a higher frequency.

DOWN:

The filter will move toward a lower frequency.

Specifies the direction that the filter
moves in response to the input

Sens

0–100

Specifies the sensitivity of the filter
movement

Freq

0–100 Center frequency of the wah effect

Peak

0–100

Higher values produce a stronger tone which empha­sizes the wah effect more. A setting of “50” produces
the typical wah sound.

Depth of the wah effect in the re­gion of the center frequency

Rate

0–100,

BPM –BPM

* If you set this to BPM, the effect will synchronize to the

tempo of the pattern. If this produces a cycle that is too
fast, the effect will synchronize to 1/2 or 1/4 of the actual
BPM.

Auto wah rate (speed)

Explanation

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Depth

0–100 Depth of the wah effect

Level

0–100 Volume of the effect sound

■ P-WAH (Pedal wah)

This effect produces the sound of a wah pedal.

* If an expression pedal (Roland EV-5; sold separately) is

connected to the rear panel CTL3, 4/EXP PEDAL jack,
the expression pedal will function as a wah pedal.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Level

0–100 Volume of the effect sound

■ CHORUS

This effect creates a beautifully rich and spacious
sound by adding a slightly pitch-modulated
sound to the sound of the guitar or bass.

Parameter/

Range

Rate

0–100,

BPM –BPM

* If you set this to BPM, the effect will synchronize to the

tempo of the pattern. If this produces a cycle that is too
fast, the effect will synchronize to 1/2 or 1/4 of the actual
BPM.

Effect modulation rate

Depth

0–100 Depth of the effect

E.Level

0–100 Volume of the chorus sound

Explanation

94

Guitar effects parameter list

■ PHASER

By adding a phase-shifted version of the guitar
sound, this effect creates a phase shifting effect
that gives a twisting, turning character to the
sound.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Rate

0–100,

BPM –BPM

* If you set this to BPM, the effect will synchronize to the

tempo of the pattern. If this produces a cycle that is too
fast, the effect will synchronize to 1/2 or 1/4 of the actual
BPM.

Speed of rotation

Depth

0–100 Depth of rotation

Manual

0–100

Center frequency at which the
phase shift effect is applied

Resonance

0–100 Intensity of the effect’s quirkiness

■ FLANGER

This produces a flanging effect that can produce
a swishing, jet-like modulation.

Parameter/

Range

Rate

0–100,

BPM –BPM

* If you set this to BPM, the effect will synchronize to the

tempo of the pattern. If this produces a cycle that is too
fast, the effect will synchronize to 1/2 or 1/4 of the actual
BPM.

Effect modulation rate

Depth

0–100 Depth of modulation

Manual

0–100

Center frequency at which the ef­fect is applied

Resonance

0–100 Strength of tonal character

Explanation

■ TREMOLO

This effect cyclically varies the volume.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

Rate

0–100,

BPM –BPM

* If you set this to BPM, the effect will synchronize to the

tempo of the pattern. If this produces a cycle that is too
fast, the effect will synchronize to 1/2 or 1/4 of the actual
BPM.

Effect modulation rate

Depth

0–100 Effect depth

■ PAN

This effect alternately varies the volume of the
left and right channels, producing the
impression that the sound is moving between
the left and right speakers when you listen in
stereo.

Parameter/

Range

Wave Shape

0–100 Adjusts the volume change

Rate

0–100,

BPM –BPM

* If you set this to BPM, the effect will synchronize to the

tempo of the pattern. If this produces a cycle that is too
fast, the effect will synchronize to 1/2 or 1/4 of the actual
BPM.

Rate of volume change

Depth

0–100 Depth of volume change

Explanation

Chap. 5

95

Guitar effects parameter list

■ DELAY

This adds a delayed version of the guitar/bass
sound, making the sound richer or creating a
distinctive echo-like effect.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

On/Off

OFF, ON Delay on/off

Time

0–1200ms,

BPM –BPM

* If you set this to BPM, the effect will synchronize to the

tempo of the pattern. If this produces a delay time that is
too long, the effect will synchronize to a multiple of two
times or four times the actual BPM.

Delay time

Feedback

0–100

The degree to which the delayed
sound will repeat

E.Level

0–120 Volume of the delay sound

■ REVERB

This effect adds reverberation to the sound.

Parameter/

Range

On/Off

OFF, ON Reverb on/off

Type

ROOM, HALL,
PLATE

ROOM:

This simulates the acoustical properties of a room, pro­ducing a warm reverberation.

HALL:

This simulates the acoustical properties of a concert
hall, producing a clear and spacious reverberation.

PLATE:

This simulates a plate reverb unit (a device using a vi­brating metal plate), producing a metallic reverbera­tion with an extended high-frequency range.

Reverb type

Time

0.1–10.0 sec Length of the reverberation

Tone

-50–+50 Tonal character of the reverberation

E.Level

0–100 Volume of the reverberation

Explanation

■ COMPRESSOR: BASS MULTI

This effect produces long sustain by making the
volume of the input signal more uniform. You
can also use this as a “limiter” to prevent
distortion by holding down just the peaks of the
sound. This effect also helps to make the sound
more consistent

Parameter/

Range

ON/OFF

OFF, ON Comp on/off

Threshold

0–100

Volume at which the compressor
begins to operate

Ratio

1:1.00, 1:1.12,
1:1.25, 1:1.40,
1:1.60, 1:1.80,
1:2.00, 1:2.50,
1:3.20, 1:4.00,
1:5.60, 1:8.00,
1:16.0, 1:INF

Compression ratio

Attack

0–100

Strength of the attack when you
pluck a string

Release

Time from when the signal falls be-

0–100

low the specified Threshold level
until when the compressor is no
longer applied

Level

0–100

Volume after the sound passes
through the compressor

Explanation

96

Guitar effects parameter list

■ BASS AMP SIM
(Bass amp simulator)

This uses COSM technology to simulate the
response of various bass amps.

Parameter Range

On/Off

OFF, ON Switches BassAmpSim on/off

Type

See below The type of bass amp

CONCERT 810 Models an Ampeg SVT

SESSION Models an SWR SM-400

BASS 360 Models an Acoustic 360

T.E. Models a Trace Elliot AH600SMX

B-MAN Models a Fender Bassman 100

FLIP TOP Models an Ampeg B-15

BASS CLEAN A clean sound

BASS CRUNCH Crunch sound with a natural-

sounding distortion

BASS HiGAIN High-gain sound

FLAT Flat response

Gain

0–100 Amount of amp distortion

Bass

0–100 Low-range tone

Middle

0–100 Midrange tone

Treble

0–100 High-range tone

Presence

0–100 Ultra-high-range tone

Level

0–100 Overall volume of the amp

■ T-WAH (Touch wah)

This effect controls a filter according to the
volume of the bass being input. It produces a
distinctive sound in which the filter follows your
playing.

Parameter/

Range

Polarity

Up, Down

Up:

The filter will move toward a higher frequency.

Down:

The filter will move toward a lower frequency.

Specifies the direction that the filter
moves in response to the input

Sens

0–100 Sensitivity of the filter movement

Freq

0–100 Center frequency of the wah effect

Peak

0–100

Setting this parameter to a low value will produce a
wah effect over a wide range around the center fre­quency. Setting this parameter to a high value will pro­duce a wah effect in a narrow range around the center
frequency. A setting of “50” produces the typical wah
sound.

Depth of the wah effect in the re­gion of the center frequency

Level

0–100 Volume of the effect sound

Explanation

Chap. 5

97

Guitar effects parameter list

■ ACOUSTIC PROCESSOR

This effect can be applied to the sterile-sounding
output from the pickup of an electro-acoustic
guitar, giving it a richer character typical of
sound recorded through a mic.

Parameter/

Range

Explanation

On/Off

OFF, ON

Switches ACOUSTIC PROCESSOR
on/off

Low

-50–0–+50

Adjusts the tone for the low fre­quency range.

High

-50–0–+50

Adjusts the tone for the high fre­quency range.

Level

0–100

Adjusts the volume of the acoustic
processor.

■ EQUALIZER

This is a three-band equalizer.

Parameter/

Range

On/Off

OFF, ON Switches EQUALIZER on/off

Low

-20–+20 dB Low-range tone

Mid

-20–+20 dB Midrange tone

High

-20–+20 dB High-range tone

Level

-20–+20 dB

Volume of the sound before pass­ing through the equalizer

Explanation

98

Chapter 6

Editing the TSC settings

You can edit the settings of the “stereo three-band equalizer” and
“ambience/reverb” provided by the TSC section, and store these
settings as one of twenty user patches.

99

TSC patch editing

Edit procedure

1. Press [TSC].

The TSC patch edit screen appears.

fig.05-010d

2. Move the cursor to the TSC patch
number, and select the TSC patch that
you want to edit.

* You can hold down [SHIFT] and press [TSC] to switch

between Preset (P) and User (U).

* Each time you press [TSC], TSC will turn on or off.

* You can turn each effect on/off by moving the cursor to

“EQ” or “AMP” and turning the VALUE dial. Effects
that are off are shown in dotted lines.
You can access the editing screen for each effect by
moving the cursor to “EQ” or “AMB” and pressing
[ENTER].

3. Use [CURSOR] / to access the
stereo EQ edit screen or the ambience/
reverb edit screen.

Stereo EQ edit screen

fig.05-020d

4. Move the cursor to the parameter you

want to edit, and use the VALUE dial to
edit the value.

5. When you have made the setting, press

[EXIT] to return to the TSC patch edit
screen.

In order to indicate that the TSC patch
settings have been temporarily changed, the
patch number will be displayed as “*TMP.”
If you re-select a TSC patch, or turn off the
DR-880 while “*TMP” is being displayed, all
of the patch settings will return to their
previous condition. As it may not be possible
to restore these settings, the appropriate care
should be taken.

6. If you want to keep the changes you

made, proceed to “Saving/Copying a TSC
patch“ (p. 103).

* If you want to name a TSC patch or modify its name

before saving, proceed as described in “Naming a TSC
patch” (p. 103) first.

Ambience/Reverb edit screen

fig.05-030d

100