
Owner’s Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland PDX-8.
201a
Before using the PDX-8, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT
NOTES” (p. 2; p. 3). 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, this owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on
hand as a convenient reference.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!
• BEFORE playing the pad, you must tension the head. See Page 4.
• Trigger type and trigger parameters in the sound module must be adjusted.
See Page 5.
• Adjust the Rim Sensitivity in the sound module. See page 5.
fig.Cover.e
Contents of the Package
❑ PDX-8 (pad unit)
❑ Connection Cable
❑ Tuning Key
■ Owner’s Manual (this manual)
202
Names of Components
Hoop
Rim Rubber
Stand Fixing Screw
Output Jack
Holder
Copyright © 2006 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in
any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Tuning Bolt
Head Sensor
Head
Shell
Rim Sensor
04126934 06-07-3N
*04126934 -03 *

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.
.................................................................................................
002b
• Do not open or perform any internal modifications on the unit. (The only exception would be
where this manual provides specific instructions which should be followed in order to put
in place user-installable options; see p. 7.)
.................................................................................................
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” page.
.................................................................................................
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.
.................................................................................................
005
• This unit should be used only with a stand
(MDS series) that is recommended by Roland
(p. 7).
.................................................................................................
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.
006
• When using the unit with a stand (MDS series)
recommended by Roland, the stand must be
carefully placed so it is level and sure to
remain stable. If not using a stand, you still
need to make sure that any location you
choose for placing the unit provides a level
surface that will properly support the unit, and
keep it from wobbling.
.................................................................................................
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.
.................................................................................................
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!)
.................................................................................................
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.
.................................................................................................
2

118a
• Should you remove screws, keep them in a
safe place out of children’s reach, so there is no
chance of them being swallowed accidentally.
.................................................................................................
add
• Do NOT place your fingers inside the shell, as
you may hurt yourself or cause damage to the
PDX-8. Or when changing the head, do NOT
touch any of the internal parts. Also, do not
insert your fingers into the hole of the
mounting bracket.
fig.Stand.j
fig.Stand.j
Head Sensor
Rim Sensor
Head Sensor
IMPORTANT NOTES
291a
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE
UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and
observe the following:
Placement
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.
356
• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to
remain on the unit for long periods of time. Such
objects can discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the
finish.
Maintenance
401a
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry
cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with
water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft,
dry cloth.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
deformation.
Additional Precautions
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.
556
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the
unit’s volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to
use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned
about those around you (especially when it is late at
night).
558d
• This instrument is designed to minimize the extraneous sounds produced when it’s played. However,
since sound vibrations can be transmitted through
floors and walls to a greater degree than expected, take
care not to allow these sounds to become a nuisance to
neighbors, especially when performing at night and
when using headphones.
add
• Due to the nature of the materials used in the sensor,
changes in room temperature may affect the sensitivity of the sensor.
3