Roland SL-20 User Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS SL-20 Audio Pattern Processor.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet).
These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good understanding of every
feature provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual
should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Main Features
●
Continuously cuts input audio sounds and create a wide variety of slice patterns.
●
Includes a “HARMONIC” slice pattern that produces melodies from the chords you play.
This feature provides you with a new way to express your musical ideas.
●
Includes a recording function. You can record up to forty seconds of the phrases you play,
then play these back with loop playback. This lets you enjoy performing solos backed by
your recorded phrases.
●
The SL-20 is equipped with a MIDI IN connector, allowing you to synchronize tempos with
external MIDI devices.
●
The unit provides six different types of stereo effects, including three-dimensional sound
field effects, which are available when the SL-20 is used in stereo output.
●
An expression pedal (optional) can be connected and used for hands-free control of the
direct level, effects level, and other parameters.
●
The TEMPO indicator provides a clear confirmation of the current tempo, even on dimly lit stages.
Copyright © 2008 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in
any form without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.
Contents
Main Features ..........................1
Panel Descriptions ....................3
Front Panel ..........................................3
Rear Panel........................................... 5
Installing Batteries....................6
Making the Connections ...........7
Mono Input Connection........................ 8
Stereo Input Connection ...................... 9
Operating the SL-20 ...............10
Basic Operation .................................10
Panel Operation................................. 11
Setting the Tempo.......................... 11
Switching the Slice Pattern ........... 11
Adjusting the Attack and Duty.... 11
Adjusting the Effect Level ............ 11
Adjusting the Direct Level............ 11
Switching the Output Mode......... 11
Switching the Pedal Mode............ 11
Using the TAP Pedal to Cue
the Slice Pattern ................................12
Setting the Tempo
with the TAP Pedal ............................12
Recording/Loop Playback..................13
Controlling Functions
with an Expression Pedal ..................15
Setting the Function of the
Expression Pedal ............................ 15
Setting the Tempo Response
When Slice Patterns Are Switched .... 16
Setting the Output Mode....................17
Synchronizing Performances
with External MIDI Devices................18
Setting the Retrigger Mode........... 19
Returning Settings to Their
Factory Defaults..................... 20
Troubleshooting..................... 21
Setting Memo ........................ 22
Main Specifications ................ 24
MEMO ................................... 25
Printing Conventions and icons in This Manual
Indicates information that you should be aware of when using the SL-20.
Indicates supplementary information about an operation.
Indicates information about a convenient operation.
, (p.**)
2
Indicates a reference page.
Panel Descriptions
Front Panel
BANK Knob
Turn to switch the
slice pattern variation.
EFFECT LEVEL Knob
Adjusts the volume of
the effect sound. The
volume of the effect
sound increases as the
knob is turned to the
right.
DIRECT LEVEL Knob
Adjusts the volume of
the direct sound when
the effect is on. The
volume of the direct
sound increases as the
knob is turned to the
right.
OUTPUT MODE Button
This switches the output mode.
* You can select the output mode only when connected for stereo output. MONO is selected when the
SL-20 is connected in monaural.
PATTERN Knob
Turn to switch the
slice pattern.
* The slice pattern is
composed of one
measure.
ATTACK Knob
Adjusts the volume of the slice pattern’s attack.
The volume of the attack is boosted as the knob is turned to the right.
TEMPO Indicator
This flashes in sync with the tempo.
The indicator flashes red on the slice pattern’s first
beat and green on the second, third, and fourth beats.
TEMPO Knob
This sets the tempo. Turn the knob to the
right to increase the tempo, and to the left
to slow the tempo down.
You can adjust the tempo more precisely
by turning the knob slowly.
* You cannot set the tempo with the SL-20
while MIDI clock is being received.
PEDAL MODE Button
This selects the behavior of the START/
STOP pedal when it’s pressed.
LATCH:
* When switching effects off, the effect
switches off at the time the pedal is released.
MOMENTARY
DUTY Knob
Adjusts the duration of the slice pattern
sound. The sound is played longer the
further the knob is turned to the right.
Pressing the START/STOP
pedal toggles the effect on/off.
: The effect is switched on only as
long as the START/STOP pedal
is held down. Releasing the
pedal switches off the effect.
OUTPUT MODE List
OUTPUT MODE
MONO The same signal is output from both the OUTPUT R/MONO jack and the L jack.
STEREO
FIXED
RANDOM
PING-PONG
AUTO
(3D Cross)
(3D Panner)
Output with fixed left and right positions.
The output randomly alternates between left, right, and center.
The output bounces between the left and right channels.
The location of the sound shifts smoothly between the left and right channels.
The location of the sound moves forward and back as well as left and right.
This produces a swirling, three-dimensional type of sound.
Function
3
Panel Descriptions
POWER Indicator
This indicator shows whether the power is on or off,
and also functions as a battery-check indicator.
* When the indicator starts to dim or fails to light, the
batteries are exhausted. When this occurs, install new
batteries. For instructions on replacing the batteries, refer
to “Installing Batteries” (p. 6).
* The power comes on when a plug is inserted into the
INPUT R/MONO jack, and goes off when it is
unplugged.
START/STOP Indicator
This lights up when the effect is on.
REC Indicator
This flashes when the SL-20
is in recording standby and
lights steadily during
recording.
PLAY Indicator
This lights up during loop
playback of phrases.
TAP Indicator
This lights up when the TAP pedal
is pressed.
START/STOP Pedal
This alternately switches the effect on or
off each time the pedal is pressed.
The slice pattern plays when the effect is
switched on.
Pressing and holding down the pedal for
at least two seconds switches the SL-20 to
recording standby. After recording, the
SL-20 switches to loop playback.
“Recording/Loop Playback” (p. 13)
* When switching effects off, the effect
switches off at the time the pedal is
released.
* When the effects are off, sound arriving at
the INPUT jack is output without change.
TAP Pedal
You can set the tempo by tapping it in
with this pedal.
You can jump back to the beginning of
the slice pattern measure by pressing the
TAP pedal while the TAP indicator is off.
When this is pressed during playback of
a slice pattern or phrase, the SL-20
returns the slice pattern or phrase to the
beginning and starts playback from there.
* You cannot set the tempo with the SL-
20 while MIDI clock is being received.
“Using the TAP Pedal to Cue the
Slice Pattern” (p. 12)
“Setting the Tempo with the TAP
Pedal” (p. 12)
“Recording/Loop Playback” (p. 13)
4
Rear Panel
Panel Descriptions
INPUT Jacks (INPUT R/MONO, L)
These input jacks are used for connecting
electric guitars, bass guitars, other
instruments, and effects processors.
If using monaural input, connect only to the
R/MONO jack.
“Making the Connections” (p. 7)
* The INPUT R/MONO jack also doubles as
the power switch. The power comes on when
a plug is inserted into the INPUT R/MONO
jack, and goes off when it is unplugged.
Unplug any connected plugs when the unit
is not in use.
MIDI IN Connector
This connector receives the MIDI clock from
a connected external MIDI device to
synchronize the devices’ tempos.
“Synchronizing Performances with
External MIDI Devices” (p. 18)
EXP Pedal Jack
Connect an optional expression pedal (such as the
Roland EV-5; optional) to this jack.
Once connected, the pedal can be used to control the
direct level and effect level in real time.
* Use only the specified expression pedal (such as the
Roland EV-5; optional). By connecting any other
expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or
damage to the unit.
“Controlling Functions with an Expression
Pedal” (p. 15)
DC IN (AC Adaptor) Jack
This jack is for connecting an AC
adaptor (BOSS PSA series;
optional).
Using an AC adaptor allows for
long performances without
worrying about the batteries
going dead.
* When you are using an AC
adaptor, be sure to use only the
specified type (PSA series;
optional). Using an adaptor
other than the specified type may
cause the unit to malfunction, or
cause damage to the unit.
OUTPUT Jacks (OUTPUT R/MONO, L)
Use these jacks to connect the SL-20 to a guitar amp,
a keyboard amp, or to an effects processor, mixer,
multitrack recorder, or other such device.
Connecting to both the R/MONO and L jacks
allows you to achieve a variety of stereo effects.
If using monaural output, connect only to the R/
MONO jack.
“OUTPUT MODE Button” (p. 3)
“Making the Connections” (p. 7)
“Setting the Output Mode” (p. 17)
5
Installing Batteries
Insert the batteries as shown below, being careful to orient the batteries correctly.
fig.010
• When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and
place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons
and knobs. Also, you should try to orient the unit so that no buttons or knobs get
damaged.
• When turning the unit upside-down, handle it with care to avoid dropping it, or
allowing it to fall or tip over.
• Make sure the “+” and “–” ends of the batteries are oriented correctly.
• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited,
however, since their primary purpose is to enable testing.
• When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator grows dim. If this happens, install
new batteries.
• When replacing the batteries, use six AA-type batteries.
• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different
types of batteries. Doing so may result in fluid leakage that can damage the unit.
• Battery life can vary depending on the battery type.
Continuous usage time under battery power is about 18 hours with alkaline batteries
and about 7 hours with carbon batteries. (This may vary according to usage
conditions.)
6
Making the Connections
• When using an AC adaptor, be sure to use only the specified type (PSA series;
optional). Using an adaptor other than the specified type may cause the unit to
malfunction, or cause damage to the unit.
• To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn
down the volume and turn off the power to all devices before making any connections.
• 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.
• Some connection cables contain resistors. When connection cables with resistors are
used, the sound level may be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on
cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.
• The INPUT R/MONO jack doubles as a power switch. Inserting a plug in the INPUT
R/MONO jack turns on the power; the power is switched off when the plug is
disconnected. Be sure to unplug the cable from this jack when the SL-20 is not in use.
• If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation
will continue should the line voltage be interrupted (such as from a power blackout or
power cord disconnection).
• Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in
the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp
When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp
• Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power.
Even with the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the
power is switched on, but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.
• When operating on battery power only, the POWER indicator will become dim when
battery power gets too low. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.
• This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after powerup is required before the unit will operate normally.
last
first
.
.
7
Making the Connections
Mono Input Connection
■
Guitar or Bass
fig.020
Guitar
(Bass)
Guitar Amp
(Bass Amp)
This works well when used in combination with distortion and modulation effects
processors.
■
Keyboard
fig.030
AC Adaptor
PSA series
(optional)
AC Adaptor
PSA series
(optional)
MTR MixerKeyboard
8
Stereo Input Connection
■
Guitar or Bass
fig.060
Effector
Guitar
(Bass)
■
Keyboard
fig.070
Making the Connections
AC Adaptor
PSA series
(optional)
Guitar Amp
(Bass Amp)
AC Adaptor
PSA series
(optional)
MTR MixerKeyboard
9
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