Roland RK-300 User Manual

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING - When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

WARNING:
IMPORTANT:

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying

the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the

letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.

The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.

THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
GREEN-AND-YELLOW: EARTH, BLUE: NEUTRAL, BROWN: LIVE

For the U.K.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS,” “USING THE
UNIT SAFELY” (p. 14), and “Important Notes” (p. 17).
These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in
order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, owner’s
manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient
reference.

Copyright © 2008 ROLAND CORPORATION

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form

without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

Look at All You Can Do with the VIMA

The VIMA is a new concept of keyboard that allows even musically inexperienced people to
connect a LCD television, video camera, portable audio player, or other devices, and enjoy
music and video.

Enjoy Full-Fledged Piano Playing

“Progressive Hammer Action II” (PHAII) keyboard delivers the
playing touch characteristic of a piano, letting you enjoy full­fledged piano performance with a playing feel like that of a
grand piano.

You can also...

Use “Piano Designer” to Customize Your Piano Sound p. 48

This feature simulates the sound and expressive power of the grand piano, including aspects such as the
sympathetic resonance of the piano strings, the way in which the sound is affected by the opened or closed
position of the piano lid, and the subtle sounds that occur when the damper pedal is pressed to release the
strings. You can create your own personalized piano sound by adjusting these factors to your taste.

Enjoy Performing with a Variety of Sounds p. 44, p. 61, p. 64

In addition to piano sounds, a variety of carefully selected sounds for manual playing is also built-in. There
are also dedicated sounds specifically for use with the “Layer” function (which lets you combine sounds), or
with the “Split” function, which lets you play different sounds in the left and right hands.

Enjoy Performing along With a Song p. 93

You can play along with internal songs, or songs from USB memory, CD-ROM, or a music CD.
You can also silence the melody part and play the melody yourself, or reduce the volume of the melody and

use it as a guide for your own performance.

Use “ANIME” to Add Movement to Video p. 128

“ANIME” is a special effect that displays graphics or text on the screen in synchronization with your
keyboard playing or the song playback; the graphics or text will move around the screen and gradually
disappear.

This can be a way of enhancing the visual impact when you’re performing along with a song or along with
a slide show or DVD video.

4

Look at All You Can Do with the VIMA

Apply Dedicated Vocal Effects to Enhance Your Singing

You can connect two microphones and perform a duet with
someone else. You can also add automatic harmony simply by
singing along with a song, add standard effects such as echo,
or use the “Transformer” effect to convert your voice into
someone else’s voice.

You can also...

Enjoy Singing Together p. 101

A television connected to the RK-300 can display lyrics or musical notation, allowing you to enjoy full­fledged karaoke at home. You can adjust the speed (tempo) of the song for comfortable singing, and
transpose the key of the song to fit the pitch of the singer.

Enjoy Karaoke with Music CDs p. 110

You can minimize the vocal sounds of a commercially available music CD, and use it for karaoke enjoyment.

Sing Backed by a Slide Show p. 114

You can watch a slide show on your television while enjoying karaoke with the song that’s playing.
Expand your karaoke repertoire by using VIMA TUNES (CD-ROMs produced for VIMA) that contain lyrics and

image data.

Import Songs from a Music CD p. 82
Convert Your Own Performances Into Audio Files p. 146

The RK-300 is able to play back audio files.
Songs from a music CD can also be imported into the RK-300 as audio files.
You can overdub your own performances while you play back the imported audio file.
Your recorded performance can be saved as an audio file, and then played back on your portable audio

player.

5

Look at All You Can Do with the VIMA

Connect a Guitar or Electronic Drums, and Enjoy Ensemble Performance

You can connect a guitar to the MIC 1/GTR jack, apply
dedicated guitar effects, and enjoy performing.

You could also connect electronic drums, and enjoy
performing in a band that combines vocals, keyboard,
guitar, and drums.

You can also...

Turn Your Ensemble Into a Music CD p. 154

While playing back a song, you can view music notation on your television, and enjoy ensemble
performance with vocal, guitar, keyboard, or drums.

You can copy your ensemble performances to CD as audio recordings, and then finalize the disc to
complete your music CD.

Enjoy Video Along with Music

You can enjoy performing or listening to music while watching video on the large screen of a television
connected to the RK-300.

Enjoy DVD Video p. 124

You can enjoy video from a DVD or a video-capable portable audio player. Switching video to match the
character of the song you’re performing is as easy as pressing a button.

Enjoy a Slide Show Using Your Own Photos p. 120

In addition to enjoying a slide show by playing back a song that includes image data, you can also enjoy a
slide show with photos of your vacation or family.

Enjoy the Music Visually With the Piano Roll Screen p. 130

The on-screen keyboard can automatically move according to the notes while a song plays, or you can
watch a visual representation of the pitch and duration of the notes. This means that you can enjoy music
not just with your ears, but also with your eyes.

6

Introduction

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the VIMA (RK-300). To ensure that you
obtain the maximum enjoyment and take full advantage of the VIMA’s functionality, please
read this owner’s manual carefully.

Conventions in this Manual

In order to explain the operations as clearly as possible, this manual uses the following
conventions.

• Text enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicates the name of a button or a knob, such as the
[ECHO] button, [VOLUME] knob.

• Text enclosed in angle brackets < > indicates text that appears in the screen, such as
<Menu>.

• For ease of reading, some of the screen illustrations use color that differs from the actual
screen of the RK-300. Please be aware that these may differ from the appearance of the
actual screen.

• When the manual instructs you to “touch” something, it means that you should touch
that location in the touch panel screen.

• Lines that begin with or an asterisk * are cautionary statements that you must be
sure to read.

• The numbers of pages that you can turn to for additional, related information are given
like this: (p. **).

• This document uses screen shots for explanatory purposes. Please be aware that the
settings in these explanatory screen shots may not match the actual factory settings
(Tone names, etc.).

7

Contents

Look at All You Can Do with the VIMA 4

Introduction 7

Conventions in this Manual ................................................................................................................................7

USING THE UNIT SAFELY 14

Important Notes 17

Names of Things and What They Do 20

Front Panel ..............................................................................................................................................................20

Rear Panel................................................................................................................................................................23

Main Screen ............................................................................................................................................................24

Getting Ready 26

Placing the RK-300 on a Stand.........................................................................................................................26

If Using the KSC-48 Stand .......................................................................................................................................26

If Using the KS-G8 Stand .........................................................................................................................................27

Getting Ready to Play..........................................................................................................................................28

Connecting the Power Cords (Main Unit/Stand)............................................................................................28

Connecting the Speaker Cable .............................................................................................................................28

Connecting the Piano Pedal ..................................................................................................................................29

Connecting the DP-10..............................................................................................................................................29

Attaching a CD Drive ................................................................................................................................................30

Attaching the Music Rest ........................................................................................................................................32

Connecting User Memory.......................................................................................................................................32

Turning the Power On/Off......................................................................................................................................33

Adjusting the Volume ..............................................................................................................................................34

Formatting the User Memory................................................................................................................................34

Locking the USER MEMORY Connector Cover ................................................................................................35

Installing Batteries in the Remote........................................................................................................................35

Copying Songs from the Included CD to “Favorites”....................................................................................36

Connecting External Memory ...............................................................................................................................36

Adjusting the Brightness of the Screen........................................................................................................37

Listening Through Headphones .....................................................................................................................38

Attaching the Headphone Hook..........................................................................................................................38

Connecting an External Display or a Television.........................................................................................39

Connecting a Television..........................................................................................................................................39

Connecting an External Display ...........................................................................................................................39

Selecting the Video Output Destination...........................................................................................................40

Switching Off Your Television or External Display.........................................................................................40

Using the RK-300’s Display

to Check the Image Shown on the External Display (Video Monitor) ...............................................41

Experiencing the RK-300 Demo.......................................................................................................................42

8

Contents

Performing 44

Playing the Piano ..................................................................................................................................................44

Selecting a Sound......................................................................................................................................................44

Changing the Brightness of the Sound (Brilliance) .......................................................................................45

Adding Reverberation (Reverb)............................................................................................................................46

Adding Liveliness to the Sound (Dynamics) ....................................................................................................47

Creating Your Own Piano Sound (Piano Designer)..................................................................................48

Adjusting Resonance when the Damper Pedal is Depressed (Damper Resonance).........................50

Adjusting the Sound Heard at String Release

When the Damper Pedal is Depressed (Damper Noise)..............................................................................50

Adjusting the Sympathetic Vibrations of an Acoustic Piano’s Duplex Scale (Duplex Scale)..........50

Producing the Resonance of the Strings when the Keys Are Played (String Resonance) ...............51

Playing Sounds When the Keys Are Released (Key Off Resonance) ........................................................51

Tuning to Other Instruments’ Pitches (Master Tuning) ...............................................................................51

Changing the Tuning (Temperament)...............................................................................................................52

Setting the Tuning Curve (Stretch Tuning) ......................................................................................................52

Adjusting the Keyboard Touch (Key Touch) ....................................................................................................53

Changing the Timing of Sounds According

to the Force Used to Press the Keys (Hammer Response) ..........................................................................53

Adjusting the Sound of Hammers Striking Strings (Hammer Noise)......................................................54

Opening or Closing the Lid to Change the Resonance (Lid)......................................................................54

Playing Various Sounds ......................................................................................................................................55

Playing Sound Effects or Percussion Instruments from the Keyboard...................................................55

Performing with Your Favorite Sounds (User Tones) ...................................................................................57

Dividing the Keyboard for Two-person Performance (Twin Piano) ........................................................60

Layering Two Sounds (Layer Performance)......................................................................................................61

Playing Different Tones with the Left and Right Hands (Split Performance).......................................64

Using the D Beam Controller for Additional Enjoyment .............................................................................67

Playing Back Songs 69

Songs You Can Listen to on the RK-300 .......................................................................................................69

Listening to Internal Songs ...............................................................................................................................70

Listening to Songs from CD ..............................................................................................................................72

Listening to Songs from USB Memory ..........................................................................................................76

Deleting a Song from USB Memory ...............................................................................................................79

Registering a Song in “Favorites” (Copy)......................................................................................................80

Copying Songs from Internal Memory/ USB Memory/ CD-ROM to “Favorites”..................................80

Copying Songs from a Music CD to “Favorites”..............................................................................................82

Listening to Songs Copied in “Favorites”.....................................................................................................85

Deleting a Song from “Favorites”....................................................................................................................87

Changing the Tempo (Playback Speed) of a Song ...................................................................................88

Playing Back at a Fixed Tempo (Tempo Mute)................................................................................................89

Using the Remote .................................................................................................................................................90

Using the Remote......................................................................................................................................................90

Button Functions .......................................................................................................................................................91

9

Contents

Playing Along with a Song 93

Performing while You Watch a Notation (DIGISCORE) ...........................................................................93

Performing with Sounds that Match the Song (Recommended Tones) ..........................................95

Sounding a Count to Keep Your Timing Accurate....................................................................................96

Adjusting the Volume Balance Between the Song and Keyboard .....................................................98

Silencing a Song’s Melody and Playing it Yourself (Mute).....................................................................99

Decreasing the Melody Volume of a Song (Guide) ...............................................................................100

Singing Along with the VIMA 101

Connecting a Microphone.............................................................................................................................. 101

Adjusting the Volume of the Microphone................................................................................................102

Viewing Lyrics .....................................................................................................................................................103

Applying an Effect to Your Voice (Vocal Effect) ......................................................................................104

Adding Harmony to Match the Song ..............................................................................................................104

Modifying Your Voice (Transformer)................................................................................................................ 105

Using the Control Pedal to Turn an Effect On/Off....................................................................................... 106

Adding Echo to Vocals (ECHO)...................................................................................................................... 108

Changing the Song to a Key that’s Comfortable for Singing (KEY CONTROL) ............................109

Enjoying Karaoke with a Music CD (CENTER CANCEL)......................................................................... 110

Muting the Melody of an Internal Song or Music Files for a Sing-along (Mute) .........................111

Decreasing the Melody Volume of a Song (Guide) ...............................................................................112

Enjoying Music and Video 113

Playing Photos Automatically (Slide Show) .............................................................................................114

Enjoying a Slide Show Along with Internal Songs or VIMA TUNES ...................................................... 114

Selecting the Type of Photo Used for the Slide Show (Picture Category).......................................... 115

Watching a Slide Show with Digital Camera Photos ................................................................................. 120

Watching a Slide Show with Photos Saved on USB Memory.................................................................. 122

Zooming or Panning the Image (Zoom/Pan) ............................................................................................... 123

Performing with a Background Image from a DVD Player .................................................................124

Enjoying Powerful Sound and Big-screen Playback

from Your Portable Audio/Video Player.................................................................................................... 126

Having the Image Change According to Your Performance (ANIME)............................................ 128

Using the D Beam Controller to Vary the ANIME Effect............................................................................ 129

10

Watching the Notes while a Song Plays (Piano Roll).............................................................................130

Contents

Enjoying Ensemble Performance 132

Perform with a Connected Guitar................................................................................................................132

Basic Operation........................................................................................................................................................ 132

Using a Guitar-type Effect.................................................................................................................................... 133

Applying Chorus/Reverb...................................................................................................................................... 134

Performing with Electronic Drums Connected.......................................................................................135

Enjoying Ensemble Performance with a Song........................................................................................ 135

Performing while Viewing Chord Indications .............................................................................................. 135

Silencing or Reducing the Volume of a Specific Part (Part Mute) ......................................................... 136

Performing with the Metronome................................................................................................................. 137

Recording and Saving 139

SMF Recording....................................................................................................................................................140

Recording Your Keyboard Performance......................................................................................................... 140

Recording a Performance You Played Along with a Song....................................................................... 142

Saving a Recorded Performance to “Favorites”........................................................................................... 144

Audio Recording ................................................................................................................................................146

Recording the Sound of Your Keyboard Performance or Ensemble.................................................... 146

Layering Your Performance onto the Playback ........................................................................................... 149

Copying Songs from “Favorites” to USB memory..................................................................................152

Creating a Music CD 154

Storing Your Sound Settings (User Program) 157

Storing a “User Program”................................................................................................................................ 158

Selecting a “User Program” ............................................................................................................................160

Saving “User Programs” to USB Memory ..................................................................................................161

Loading a File from USB Memory.................................................................................................................164

Copying a File Between User Memory and External Memory........................................................... 166

Deleting a Saved File ........................................................................................................................................168

Using a Pedal to Switch the “User Program”............................................................................................170

Settings 171

Controller Settings ............................................................................................................................................171

Adjusting the Sensitivity of the D Beam Controller (D Beam Sensitivity) .......................................... 171

Assigning Functions to Pedals (Left Pedal/Center Pedal)........................................................................ 171

Assigning Functions to Control Pedal (Control Pedal).............................................................................. 172

Using a Pedal to Switch the “User Program”................................................................................................. 172

Player Settings ....................................................................................................................................................173

Continuous Playback (Play Mode).................................................................................................................... 173

Changing the Melody Channel (Melody Channel) .....................................................................................173

Playing Back at a Fixed Tempo (Tempo Mute)............................................................................................. 173

11

Contents

Adjusting the Volume of the Audio Signal (Audio Play Level)............................................................... 174

Adjusting the Audio Recording Level (Audio Recording Gain).............................................................. 174

Video Settings..................................................................................................................................................... 174

Using the Keyboard to Switch the Display (Piano Roll Split) .................................................................. 175

Specifying the Television Format (Video Type) ...........................................................................................175

Selecting the Aspect Ratio of the Video Output (Video Output Aspect Ratio) ................................176

Selecting the Video Output Destination (Output Select)......................................................................... 176

Selecting the Screen That’s Shown When the Video Output is Off (Blank Screen)......................... 176

Notation Settings...............................................................................................................................................177

Selecting the Part for which Notation will be Shown (Part).................................................................... 177

Specifying the Timing with which Notation Display is to Begin (Start Position)............................. 177

Selecting the Part Displayed in the Right-hand Notation (Upper) .......................................................177

Selecting the Part Displayed in the Left-hand Notation (Lower) .......................................................... 177

Displaying Note Names in the Score (Pitches)............................................................................................. 177

Classic Type Piano Roll Screen Settings.....................................................................................................178

Specifying the Color of the Piano (Cabinet).................................................................................................. 178

Specifying the State of the Door of the Player Piano (Door)................................................................... 178

Displaying Bar Lines and Measure Numbers (Measure Display)............................................................ 178

Specifying How Notes are Shown (Gradation)............................................................................................. 179

Specifying the Logo of the Piano (Logo)........................................................................................................ 179

Modern Type Piano Roll Screen Settings ..................................................................................................179

Specifying the Direction in which the Piano Roll Screen Moves (Viewpoint)................................... 180

Selecting the Background Image (Background).......................................................................................... 180

Selecting the Foreground Image (Frame)...................................................................................................... 180

Specifying How Notes are Shown (Gradation)............................................................................................. 180

Slide Show Settings........................................................................................................................................... 181

Selecting the Type of Slide Show (Type)........................................................................................................ 181

Selecting the Interval at which Images will Change (Interval) ............................................................... 181

Synchronizing the Slide Show and Song (Sync).......................................................................................... 181

Selecting the Type of Photo Used for the Slide Show (Picture Category).......................................... 181

Vocal Settings...................................................................................................................................................... 182

Switching the Type of Vocal Effect (Effect).................................................................................................... 182

Adjusting the Volume of the Harmony (Harmony Level)......................................................................... 182

Adding a Backing Chorus to the Harmony (Backing Choir) ....................................................................182

Adjusting the Volume of the Backing Choir (Backing Choir Level) ...................................................... 182

Selecting the Type of Mic Echo (Echo Type) ................................................................................................. 182

Adjusting the Mic Echo (Echo)........................................................................................................................... 182

System Settings.................................................................................................................................................. 183

Specifying What the Key Control Buttons will Affect (Key Control) .....................................................183

Changing the Language Displayed in the Screen (Language)............................................................... 183

Adjusting the Brightness of the Display (Display Brightness) ................................................................183

Changing the Way in Which the Sound is Heard (Twin Piano Mode).................................................. 183

Changing the Velocity When the Key Touch is Set to “Fixed” (Fix Velocity) .....................................184

Changing the Display Order of the Sound List (Tone Name Order)..................................................... 184

Remote Control Settings.................................................................................................................................184

Disabling the Remote Control Unit (Remote Control) ..............................................................................185

Assigning Functions to the Remote’s Buttons (FUNC 1, FUNC2) ..........................................................185

CD and AUDIO/VIDEO PORT Settings......................................................................................................... 185

Setting the Type of CD to be Played Back (CD/Audio Type)................................................................... 186

Synchronizing the Timing of the Piano and Accompaniment (CD/Audio Sync)............................. 186

12

Contents

Specifying the Type of Signal at the AUDIO/VIDEO PORT (Audio Port Mode)................................. 186

Synchronizing the Timing of the Signals

from the Piano and the AUDIO/VIDEO PORT (Audio Port Sync)............................................................ 186

MIDI Settings .......................................................................................................................................................187

Changing the MIDI Transmit Channel (Tx Channel)................................................................................... 187

Disconnecting the Internal Sound Generator and Keyboard (Local Control) .................................. 187

USB Settings.........................................................................................................................................................188

Changing the USB Driver Settings (USB Driver)........................................................................................... 189

Changing the Communication Settings for User Memory (User Memory Mode)........................... 189

Changing the Communication Settings for External Memory (Ext. Memory Mode) ..................... 189

Changing the Communication Settings for External Drive (Ext. Drive Mode) ................................. 189

Other Settings..................................................................................................................................................... 190

Preparing a CD-R Disc for Playback on Another CD Player (Finalize)................................................... 190

Calibrating the Touch Screen (Touch Screen).............................................................................................. 191

Initializing External Memory (Format External Memory) ......................................................................... 192

Initializing User Memory (Format User Memory)........................................................................................ 193

Restoring the Factory-Set Condition (Factory Reset) ................................................................................ 194

Locking the Panel at the Current Settings (Panel Lock)............................................................................ 195

Connecting Other Equipment 196

Connecting Audio Equipment...................................................................................................................... 196

Playing the RK-300 through Connected Speakers...................................................................................... 196

Playing the Sound of an Audio Device through the RK-300................................................................... 197

Connecting MIDI Equipment.........................................................................................................................198

Using a MIDI Sequencer to Play the RK-300.................................................................................................. 198

Playing a MIDI Sound Module from the RK-300 ..........................................................................................198

Connecting Your Computer...........................................................................................................................199

Using the V-LINK Function .............................................................................................................................200

Appendices 201

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................................201

Error Messages....................................................................................................................................................209

Tone List................................................................................................................................................................ 210

Internal Song List ...............................................................................................................................................215

Music Files That the RK-300 Can Use ..........................................................................................................216

MIDI Implementation Chart........................................................................................................................... 217

Specifications ......................................................................................................................................................218

Index....................................................................................................................................................................... 222

13

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

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.

Safety grounding connection

001-50

Connect mains plug of this model to a mains socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection.

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

Do not disassemble or modify

002a

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

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

Do not repair or replace parts

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.

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

Never install the unit in any of the following locations

004

• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating
duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are

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

• Exposed to steam or smoke; or are

• Subject to salt exposure; or are

• Humid; or are

• Exposed to rain; or are

• Dusty or sandy; or are

• Subject to high levels of vibration and shakiness.

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

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.

Use only a stand that is recommended

005

This unit should be used only with a stand that is
recommended by Roland.

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

Do not place in an unstable location

006

When using the unit with a stand 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.

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

Connect the power cord to an outlet of the correct
voltage

008a

The unit should be connected to a power supply only
of the type described in the operating instructions, or
as marked on the rear side of unit.

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

Use only the included power cord

008e

You must use only the power cord included with the
device. Do not use the included power cord with any
other device.

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

Do not bend the power cord or place heavy objects on
it

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!

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

14

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Avoid extended use at high volume

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.

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

Do not insert foreign objects

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.

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

Turn off the power if an abnormality or malfunction
occurs

012a

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

• 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.

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

Do not allow children to use without supervision

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.

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

Do not drop or subject to strong impact

014

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

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

Do not share an outlet with an unreasonable number
of other devices

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.

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

Do not use overseas

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” page.

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

Do not recharge, heat, or disassemble the batteries
Do not incinerate or submerge in water

019

Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken
apart, or thrown into fire or water.

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

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

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.

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

Do not place containers of water on the device

026

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

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

Never expose battery to excessive heat

027

Never expose battery to excessive heat such as
sunshine, fire or the like.

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

Place in a well ventilated location

101a

The unit should be located so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper venti­lation.

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

Use only the specified stands

101c

This (RK-300) for use only with Roland stand KSC-48
or KS-G8. Use with other stands is capable of
resulting in instability causing possible injury.

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

You should always perform a safety check each time
you use the stand

101f

Please be sure to read and adhere to the cautionary
notices contained in the instructions that came with
this product.
Please note that, depending on the manner in which
keyboard performances are carried out, you may
encounter situations where the keyboard falls off the
stand or the stand topples over, even though you
have followed all of the instructions and advice
contained within the product’s manual. For this
reason, you should always perform a safety check
each time you use the stand.

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

15

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Grasp the plug when connecting or disconnecting the
power cord

102b

Always grasp only the plug on the power-supply cord
when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or
this unit.

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

Periodically wipe the dust off the power cord plug

103a

At regular intervals, you should unplug the power
plug 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.

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

Manage cables for safety

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.

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

Do not stand or place heavy objects on this device

106

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

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

Do not connect or disconnect the power cord with wet
hands

107b

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

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

Cautions when moving this unit

108d: Selection

If you need to move the instrument, take note of the
precautions listed below. At least two persons are
required to safely lift and move the unit. It should be
handled carefully, all the while keeping it level. Make
sure to have a firm grip, to protect yourself from
injury and the instrument from damage.

1

• Check to make sure the knob bolts securing the
unit to the stand have not become loose. Fasten
them again securely whenever you notice any
loosening.

2

• Disconnect the power cord.

3

• Disconnect all cords coming from external devices.

6

• Remove the music stand.

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

Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet before
cleaning

109a

Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and
unplug the power cord from the outlet.

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

If there is a possibility of lightning strike, disconnect
the power cord from the AC outlet

110a

Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in
your area, pull the plug on the power cord out of the
outlet.

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

Cautions when using batteries

111: Selection

If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and
cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety,
please read and observe the following precautions
(p. 35).

1

• Carefully follow the installation instructions for
batteries, and make sure you observe the correct
polarity.

2

• Avoid using new batteries together with used
ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of
batteries.

3

• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to
remain unused for an extended period of time.

5

• If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or
paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge
from the battery compartment. Then install new
batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make
sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto
your hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so
that none of the discharge gets near your eyes.
Immediately rinse the affected area with running
water if any of the discharge has entered the eyes.

6

• Never keep batteries together with metallic
objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins,
etc.

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

Caution when dispose batteries

112

Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance
with whatever regulations for their safe disposal that
may be observed in the region in which you live.

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

Keep small items out of the reach of children

118c

To prevent small items such as the following from
being swallowed accidentally, keep them out of the
reach of children.

• Included items

• Lock for the USER MEMORY connector cover

• Screws for installing the CD drive on the CD tray

• CD tray attachment screws

• Screws for installing the CD drive to the bottom
of the unit

• Removed parts

• Screws for locking the USER MEMORY
connector cover

• Music rest attachment screws

• Screws for installing the jack cover

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

16

Important Notes

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.

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.

308

• When you turn off the power, the screen and indicators of this
device will go dark, but this does not mean that the main
power supply is completely disconnected. If you need to
completely shut off the power supply, turn off the power
switch of this device and then unplug it from the AC outlet.
Connect this device to an AC outlet that is as close and acces­sible as possible.

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.

354b

• 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. Also, do not
allow lighting devices that normally are used while their light
source is very close to the unit (such as a piano light), or
powerful spotlights to shine upon the same area of the unit
for extended periods of time. 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.

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.

358

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

359

• Do not paste stickers, decals, or the like to this instrument.
Peeling such matter off the instrument may damage the
exterior finish.

360

• Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on
which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar
the surface.
You can place a piece of felt or cloth under the rubber feet to
prevent this from happening. If you do so, please make sure
that the unit will not slip or move accidentally.

Maintenance

401b

• To clean the unit, use a dry, soft cloth; or one that is slightly
dampened. Try to wipe the entire surface using an equal
amount of strength, moving the cloth along with the grain of
the wood. Rubbing too hard in the same area can damage the
finish.

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 on a USB memory, 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.

Additional Precautions

551

• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be
irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper
operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of
loosing important data, we recommend that you periodically
save a backup copy of important data you have stored in the
unit’s memory on a USB memory.

552

• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of
data that was stored on a USB 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.

555

• A small amount of noise may be heard from the display during
normal operation.

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.

557

• A small amount of heat will radiate from the unit during
normal operation.

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).

17

Important Notes

559a

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

560

• Do not apply undue force to the music stand while it is in use.

561

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

562

• 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.

566b

• The sensitivity of the D Beam controller will change
depending on the amount of light in the vicinity of the unit. If
it does not function as you expect, adjust the sensitivity as
appropriate for the brightness of your location.

Add

• In order to provide the highest possible image quality, the
VIMA uses a TFT liquid crystal display. Due to the nature of a
TFT liquid crystal display, the screen may contain pixels that
fail to light or that remain constantly lit, but please be aware
that this is not a malfunction or defect.

Before Using USB Memory

USB Memory Handling

704

• When connecting USB memory, firmly insert it all the way in.

Add

• When connecting USB memory, position it horizontally with
the external memory connector and insert it without using
excessive force. The external memory connector may be
damaged if you use excessive force when inserting USB
memory.

Add

• Do not insert anything other than USB memory (e.g., wire,
coins, other types of device) into the external memory
connector. Doing so will damage the external memory
connector.

Add

• Do not apply excessive force to the connected USB memory.

705

• Do not touch the pins of the USB memory port, or allow them
to become dirty.

708

• USB memory is made using high-precision electronic compo­nents, so please observe the following points when handling
it.

• To prevent damage from static electrical charges,
discharge any static electricity that might be present in
your body before handling USB memory.

• Do not touch the terminals with your fingers or any metal
object.

• Do not bend or drop USB memory, or subject it to strong
impact.

• Do not leave USB memory in direct sunlight or in locations
such as a closed-up automobile. (Storage temperature: 0–
50 degrees C).

• Do not allow USB memory to become wet.

• Do not disassemble or modify USB memory.

Add

• If you will not be using USB memory for an extended period of
time, close the USB memory cover.

Before Using the CD Drive

CD Drive Handling

• Water droplets may form inside the CD drive if you move it to
a location of radically different humidity. Using the drive in
this condition will cause malfunctions, so please allow several
hours for the condensation to disappear before you use the
drive.

• Remove the disc from the disc tray before you turn the power
on or off.

• Do not insert anything (wire, coins, other types of media) into
the disc tray other than discs bearing the “COMPACT disc
DIGITAL AUDIO” logo. Doing so will cause the CD drive to
malfunction.

• Do not subject the CD drive to vibration or shock while it is in
use, or move it while its power is on.

• The pickup is designed to be dust-proof. Do not use pickup
cleaner or similar products, since this may cause malfunctions.

CD (CD-ROM) Handling

• When handling the discs, please observe the following.

• Do not touch the recording surface of the disc.

• Do not use in dusty areas.

• Do not leave the disc in direct sunlight or an enclosed
vehicle. (Storage temperature: 10–50 degrees C)

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.

• Keep CDs in their case when not in use.

• Do not leave a CD in the CD drive for an extended period of
time.

• Bending a CD may make it unreadable and cause malfunc­tions.

• To hold a CD, insert a finger into the center hole
and grasp it between the hole and the outer
edge. Do not allow fingerprints or scratches to
mar the recording surface of the CD.

• Do not drop CDs or stack them.

• Do not place heavy objects on a CD or subject them to strong
impact.

• Do not affix adhesive labels to the label side of a CD. The CD
may be scratched if you use it with an adhesive label affixed.

• When writing a title on the label side of a CD, use a soft-tipped
writing instrument such as a felt-tipped pen.

• Read the cautions printed on the CD jacket before using a CD.

18

Important Notes

CD Cleaning

• If dust or dirt adheres to a CD, lightly wipe it off
with a soft cloth. Always wipe from the center
toward the outer edge of the disc. Do not wipe
in a concentric circular direction.

• Do not use record cleaner, record spray, or
solvents such as benzene to clean a CD.

Cautions when Using a CD

• CDs that contain both music tracks and data will not play
correctly.

• For playback of commercially available CDs, this device
supports playback only for discs bearing the “COMPACT disc
DIGITAL AUDIO” logo, which indicates the official CD standard.
We cannot guarantee that this device will correctly play discs
that do not comply with the CD standard, such as music discs
that use copy-protection technology.

• The RK-300 is unable to play back music discs that use copy­protection technology.

• For details on music discs that use copy-protection
technology, please contact the distributor of the disc.

• You cannot save songs on a CD or delete a song from a CD,
nor can you format a CD.

About the License Agreement

• The RK-300’s CD-writing functionality, and its backing-up
functionality are designed to allow you to reproduce material
to which you have copyright, or material which the copyright
owner has granted you permission to copy.
Accordingly, reproduction of Music CD or other copyrighted
material without permission of the copyright owner avoiding
technical prohibiting features of second generation and later
copying like SCMS or others constitutes copyright
infringement and may incur penalties even in case such repro­duction is for your own personal use and enjoyment (private
use). Consult a copyright specialist or special publications for
more detailed information on obtaining such permission from
copyright holders.

Copyright

851

• Recording, duplication, distribution, sale, lease, performance,
or broadcast of copyrighted material (musical works, visual
works, broadcasts, live performances, etc.) belonging to a
third party in part or in whole without the permission of the
copyright owner is forbidden by law.

852

• This product can be used to record or duplicate audio or visual
material without being limited by certain technological copy­protection measures. This is due to the fact that this product is
intended to be used for the purpose of producing original
music or video material, and is therefore designed so that
material that does not infringe copyrights belonging to others
(for example, your own original works) can be recorded or
duplicated freely.

853

• Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a
copyright held by a third party. We assume no responsibility
whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party
copyrights arising through your use of this unit.

203

* GS ( ) is a registered trademark of Roland

Corporation.

Add

* XG lite ( ) is a registered trademark of Yamaha

Corporation.

204

* Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation.

206j

* Windows® is known officially as: “Microsoft® Windows®

operating system.“

207

* Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of

Apple Inc.

209

* Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc.

* This product uses certain software of the “Independent

JPEG Group.”

220

* All product names mentioned in this document are

trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.

238

* MPEG Layer-3 audio compression technology is licensed

from Fraunhofer IIS Corporation and THOMSON
Multimedia Corporation.

19

Names of Things and What They Do

5

Front Panel

1

22

1

[Power ON] Switch

This turns the power on/off (p. 33).

2

[BALANCE] Knob

This adjusts the volume balance between the song and
your keyboard performance (p. 98).

When you’re playing along with a song, you can use this
knob to turn down the volume of the song.

3

[VOLUME] Knob

This adjusts the overall volume of the RK-300 (p. 34).

If headphones are connected, this adjusts the volume of
the headphones (p. 38).

2

3

4

5 7

6

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

VOCAL

Here you can apply harmony (p. 104) or effects such as
echo (p. 108) to the sound of the microphone.

If a guitar is connected, you can also use effects that are
designed specifically for guitar (p. 133).

[INPUT] Button

If you’ve connected a microphone to the MIC 1/GTR jack,
this button’s illumination needs to be off. If you’ve
connected a guitar, this button should be lit.

[EFFECTS] Button

Press this if you want to apply an effect to the input from
the MIC 1/GTR jack. You’ll be able to use a vocal effect if
you’re using a microphone, or a guitar effect if you’re using
a guitar.

4

D BEAM

By moving your hand above the D Beam controller you can
modify the sounds you’re playing on the keyboard (p. 67),
or produce sound effects such as applause (p. 68).

Press the [PITCH], [FILTER], or [VOLUME] button to choose
what will be controlled by the D Beam.

[MIC 1] Knob

This adjusts the volume of the microphone/guitar that’s
connected to the MIC 1/GTR jack.

[ECHO] Button

This turns the echo on/off.

[MIC 2] Knob

This adjusts the volume of the microphone connected to
the MIC 2 jack.

20

1112131415

15

16

19

20

Names of Things and What They Do

Video Function Select Buttons

Use these buttons to switch the image that is shown on the
RK-300’s display and on an external display/television
connected to the RK-300.

[DVD] Button

This button switches to the image from the DVD player
connected to the DVD INPUT jack (p. 124).

[AUDIO/VIDEO PORT] Button

This button switches to the image from the device
connected to the Roland AUDIO/VIDEO PORT jacks (p. 130).

17 18

6

TEMPO

This adjusts the tempo (playback speed) of the song (p. 88).

The tempo (playback speed) will decrease each time you
press the [SLOW] button, and increase each time you press
the [FAST] button.

7

KEY CONTROL

Here you can change the key of the song and of your
performance on the keyboard (p. 109).

Each time you press the [ ] button the key will shift
downward by a semitone, and each time you press the

[ ] button the key will shift upward by a semitone.

You can use this to shift the key of a song for easier singing,
or to transpose the keyboard without changing your
fingering.

8

[ZOOM/PAN] Button

21

23 24

[DIGISCORE] Button

This button switches to the musical score display (p. 93).

[PIANO ROLL] Button

This button switches to the piano roll screen (p. 130).

[SLIDE SHOW] Button

This button switches to the slide show screen (p. 114).

[LYRICS] Button

Press this button to view lyrics (p. 103).

[V-LINK] Button

This button turns the V-Link function on/off (p. 200).

[VIDEO MONITOR] Button

This button allows you to view the image being sent to the
connected external display/television on the RK-300’s own
display (p. 41).

[EXIT] Button

Press this button once to return to the previous screen. By
pressing this button a number of times you can return to
the main screen (p. 24).

SONG

[DELETE] Button

Use this button to delete a song (p. 79, p. 87).

This button lets you zoom/pan the image of the slide show
(p. 123).

9

[ANIME] Button

This button lets you change the image in time with your
performance (p. 128).

10

Display

This shows images, and various settings of the RK-300. You
can make settings by touching the screen.

[COPY/SAVE] Button

Use this button to copy (p. 80) or save (p. 144) a song.

21

Names of Things and What They Do

212223

24

2

3

1

22

16

PLAYER

These buttons let you play back the RK-300’s internal
songs, songs you’ve copied to “favorites,” songs from CD or
USB memory, or your own performances that you’ve
recorded (p. 140).

When a list of songs is shown in the screen, use the [PREV]
or [NEXT] buttons to select the song that you want to play.

17

INSTRUMENT Buttons

Use these buttons to select the instrumental sound that
you’ll play from the keyboard (p. 44).

18

MELODY

4

5 7

[MUTE/CENTER CANCEL] Button

This button lets you silence the melody or vocal of a song
(p. 99, p. 110).

[GUIDE] Button

This button lets you decrease the volume of the song’s
melody or vocal, so that you can use it as a guide (p. 100, p.

112).

6

15

16

17 18

19

20

21

23 24

EXT MEMORY Connector

You can also play songs from USB memory (p. 76) or copy
songs recorded on the RK-300 to USB memory (p. 152).

You can connect USB memory or a digital camera here, and
view a slide show of the images or photos that it contains
(p. 120, p. 122).

Phones Jacks

Connect headphones to these jacks. The RK-300 allows you
to use two headphones simultaneously (p. 38).

Remote Sensor

When using the remote control to operate the RK-300,
point the remote control toward this sensor (p. 90).

MIC 1/GTR, MIC 2 Jacks

Connect microphones to these jacks. The RK-300 allows
you to use two microphones simultaneously, so that two
people can sing together (p. 101).

If you’re connecting a guitar, connect it to the MIC 1/GTR
jack (p. 132).

19

[DVD INPUT] Knob

This knob adjusts the volume of the input from the DVD
player (p. 124).

20

Roland [AUDIO/VIDEO PORT] Jacks/Knob

Here you can connect a video-capable portable audio
player or similar device, and show its image on an external
display or television, or play back music from it (p. 126).

22

Rear Panel

26

31

3233343536

37

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 34

Names of Things and What They Do

32 33

25

PIANO PEDAL Connector

Connect the Piano Pedal here (p. 29).

CONTROL PEDAL Jack

You can connect the included pedal (DP-10) here and use it
as a damper pedal, or you can assign a variety of other
functions for the pedal to control (p. 29, p. 106, p. 172).

You can connect a separately sold expression pedal (EV-5/

7) here, and use it to control the effect you apply to the
vocal.

27

DVD INPUT Jacks

Here you can connect a DVD player or other video device,
and show its image on an external display or television
connected to the RK-300, or play back music from it (p.

124).

* Use the front panel [DVD INPUT] knob to adjust the volume

of the device connected to the DVD INPUT jacks.

28

AUDIO OUTPUT L/R Jacks

Connect amplified speakers or a sound system here to play
the RK-300’s sounds from external speakers (p. 196).

35

36

37

MIDI IN/OUT Connectors

Connect these to external MIDI devices to send and receive
performance information (p. 198).

USB MIDI Connector

Connect this to your computer to send and receive
performance information (p. 199).

EXT DRIVE Connector

Connect a USB CD drive here (p. 30).

SPEAKER Connector

Connect the speaker cable from the dedicated stand to this
connector (p. 28).

USER MEMORY Connector

You can connect USB memory here, and use it as
“Favorites” memory (p. 80) for saving your recorded
performances or copying songs, or as “User” memory when
saving a “User Program” (p. 157).

AC IN

29

OUTPUT Jacks

Connect a television here to view images (p. 39).

30

ANALOG RGB OUT Connector

Connect an external display here to view images (p. 39).

Connect the included power cord here (p. 28).

AC OUT

Connect this to the AC inlet of the dedicated stand (p. 28).

23

Names of Things and What They Do

Main Screen

(Tempo, Time signature, Measure number, Song Name)

Location in which

songs are saved

(Song Location)

Twin Piano

button

Menu button

Song information

For an SMF format song

This shows the tempo, time signature, measure number,
and the name of the currently selected song.

For a music CD or an audio/MP3 format song

This shows the playback speed, current time, and the name
of the currently selected song.

Song information

Tone buttons

(Standard tone, Recommended Tone, User Tone)

Location in which songs are saved
(Song Location)

Here you can select the location in which songs are saved
(song location).

When you touch an icon in the screen, a list of the songs in
the selected location appears.

Key control
information

Scroll bar

Song list

Internal (Internal songs)

Key control information

This area shows the key control settings (p. 109, p. 183).

(Keyboard)

(Song)

(Keyboard and Song)

Changes the key of the
keyboard.

Changes the key of the
song.

Changes the key of both
the keyboard and song.

24

Favorites (User memory)

CD (Music CD)

CD-R

External memory (USB memory connected
to the EXT MEMORY connector)

Names of Things and What They Do

(Tempo, Time signature, Measure number, Song Name)

Location in which

songs are saved

(Song Location)

Twin Piano

button

Menu button

Song list

This shows a list of the songs in the currently selected
location. You can select a song by touching its name or by
using the [PREV] [NEXT] buttons.

Song information

Tone buttons

(Standard tone, Recommended Tone, User Tone)

Twin Piano button

This turns “Twin Piano” on.

The keyboard will be divided into left and right regions so
that two people can play the same range of pitches.

Key control
information

Scroll bar

Song list

Song contains lyrics

DIGISCORE screen contains chord
indications

Music CD or song in audio format

Song in MP3 format

DIGISCORE screen contains fingering
indications

Scroll bar

You can view the hidden songs by pressing to
move the scroll bar up/down.

You can also move the scroll bar by touching it in the
display.

Menu button

This displays the Menu screen.

In the Menu screen you can choose the setting that you
want to modify.

Tone buttons

This shows “Standard,” “Recommend,” and “User.”

By touching the tabs shown in the screen, you can switch
between the “Standard,” “Recommend,” and “User”
displays.

25

Getting Ready

Loosen

Loosen

Grasp

here

CAUTION

Do not grasp the jack panel cover when lifting the RK-300
keyboard unit.

fig.JackCoverCaution.eps

Jack panel cover

If you need to transport the RK-300 keyboard unit, remove
the jack panel cover, and hold the bottom of the unit when
lifting it.

fig.JackCoverRemove.eps

Placing the RK-300 on a Stand

If you place the RK-300 on a stand, you must use the special stand KSC-48 (sold separately) or KS-G8 (sold separately).
When placing the RK-300 on the KSC-48 or KS-G8, place it in the position shown below.

Using the RK-300 with any other stand may produce an unstable situation, possibly causing the instrument to fall or overturn, and
resulting in injury or damage.

For details on how to assemble the stand, refer to the owner's manual that accompanied the stand.

If Using the KSC-48 Stand

Stand Assembly

At first, assemble the entire stand in a temporary fashion,
without really tightening the screws. Then, after checking
the overall alignment of the boards (and gently shifting
certain parts where necessary), go around and tightly fasten
each of the screws.

Attach the side board (right) for the right sides to

1.

the speaker box.

Use screws to temporarily fasten these parts together.

2.

Attach the side board (left) for the left sides to the
speaker box.

Use screws to temporarily fasten these parts together.

After you’ve temporarily fastened the screws, place

3.

the stand upright, and securely tighten screws to
fasten the speaker box and side boards.

26

Installing the RK-300 on the KSC-48

Set the RK-300 on the KSC-48, then firmly attach

4.

the four knob bolts.

* When handling the RK-300, firmly grasp it. Be careful, so you

do not get your fingers pinched.

Please don’t
get your fingers
pinched

Getting Ready

If Using the KS-G8 Stand

Front (keyboard) side

(A)

(B)

(B)

Top View

Rear panel side

(A)

Place the RK-300 so that the rubber feet closest to its rear panel
are directly above the arms at locations (A) and also located at
both sides of the rubber feet of the arms.

Make sure that the screws located on the bottom of the RK-300
at locations (B) are not resting on the arm’s rubber foot.

27

Getting Ready

Loosen

Loosen

Jack panel cover

Getting Ready to Play

Connecting the Power Cords (Main Unit/Stand)

Make sure to use only the supplied power cords.

1.

Make sure that the [Power ON] switch is off
(upward position).

fig.powerOff_e.eps

Upward

position

OFF

2.

If you’re using the KSC-48 stand, designed to
accommodate the RK-300, use the dedicated power

cord to connect the RK-300’s AC OUT to the AC IN of
the stand.

fig.RKtoKSC_e.eps

Connecting the Speaker Cable

(If using the KSC-48 dedicated stand)

1.

As shown in the illustration, loosen the two screws
that fasten the jack panel cover on the bottom

panel of the RK-300.

2.

Remove the cover from the jack panel.

fig.JackCover.eps

3.

Connect the speaker cable that extends from the
stand to the SPEAKER connector on the RK-300’s

rear panel.

fig.SPcable.eps

AC OUT

Dedicated power cord

AC IN

Connect the included power cord to AC IN (AC inlet)

3.

on the RK-300’s rear panel.

fig.PowerCord_e.eps

AC IN

AC Outlet

Power cord

Affix the cable clamps (included with the stand) to the
locations shown in the illustration (recommended), and
use them to secure the power cord, piano pedal
connecting cables, etc.

fig.SetCordClamp.eps

To

4.

Connect the other end of the power cord to an AC
outlet.

28

Getting Ready

Soft Pedal

Damper Pedal

Sostenuto Pedal

Connecting the Piano Pedal

(If using the KSC-48 dedicated stand)

Connect the cable of the included piano pedal to the PIANO
PEDAL connector on the RK-300’s rear panel.

fig.SetPianoPedal.eps

About the pedals

The pedals perform the following operations. You’ll use
them mainly playing piano.

fig.PianoPedal.eps

Connecting the DP-10

Connect the pedal (DP-10) included with the RK-300 to the
CONTROL PEDAL jack on the rear panel.

fig.SetDP-10.eps

Set the pedal select switch to
“Continuous.”

* With the factory settings, the pedal connected to the

CONTROL PEDAL jack will function as a “damper pedal.”

Damper Pedal (right pedal)

While this pedal is held down, notes will be sustained for an
extended time even if you release your fingers from the
keyboard.

The length of sustain will change subtly depending on how
deeply you press the pedal.

On an acoustic piano, holding down the damper pedal will
cause the strings for notes other than the ones you actually
play to vibrate in sympathy with what you’ve played,
producing a rich resonance. The RK-300 simulates this
sympathetic vibration (damper resonance).

Sostenuto Pedal (center pedal)

The notes you are pressing when this pedal is depressed will
be sustained.

Soft Pedal (left pedal)

If you hold down this pedal, the notes will be softer in tone.
The softness of the tone can be varied subtly by the depth to

which you press the pedal.

You can assign other functions to the pedal connected to
the CONTROL PEDAL jack, and use your foot to control these
functions.

“Using the Control Pedal to Turn an Effect On/Off” (p. 106)

“Assigning Functions to Control Pedal (Control Pedal)” (p.

172)

29

Getting Ready

Screws (3 x 8 mm)

USB cable

To EXT DRIVE
connector

AC adaptor

Power cord

To AC outlet

Cord hook

Place the AC adaptor so the side with the indicator (see illustration)
faces upwards and the side with textual information faces
downwards.
The indicator will light when you plug the AC adaptor into an AC
outlet.

Attaching a CD Drive

(If using the KSC-48 dedicated stand)

1.

Turn the CD drive’s power “AUTO.”

0_fig.CDSW.eps

Use the screws (3 x 8 mm) to attach the holders to

2.

the CD drive.

0_fig.CDHolder.eps

Use a USB cable to connect the CD drive’s USB

4.

connector to the EXT DRIVE connector on the RK­300’s rear panel.

fig.CDD-USB.eps

As shown in the illustration, fasten the CD drive

3.

using the screws (4 x 16 mm) and the screw holes
located on the bottom of the RK-300.

0_fig.CDD.eps

Screws (4 x 16 mm)

Connect the AC adaptor included with the CD drive

5.

to the CD drive’s DC IN jack.

0_fig.CDD-Adap.eps

Connect the AC adaptor to an AC outlet.

6.

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.

30

• If you’re using the KSC-48 dedicated stand, you can also
use the included CD tray to place the CD drive on the
front panel.