Roland SP-555 User Manual

Main Features

Quick, Easy, and Unique Sampling!

Sample easily to the pads, or use LOOP CAPTURE for creative sound-on-sound sampling.

Sample Almost Anything!

Sample through its Line, or Mic Input with Phantom power. Also sample via USB audio streaming.

Perform with Killer Realtime Effects!

37 powerful effects such as Voice Transformer, Delay, and the unique Super Filter and DJFX Looper, now with Effect Memory for instant recall of your effect settings.

Audio I/F and SONAR LE

SP-555 is also an audio interface for the bundled Cakewalk SONAR LE, or any other audio application on your computer. The perfect computer interface for live use!

* The SONAR LE is only for Windows.

Large Sample Memory via CompactFlash!

Supports up to 2 GB CompactFlash, for over 12 hours of recording in Standard Mode. Use the bundled Wave Converter software to import and export WAV/AIFF files.

D Beam and V-LINK!

Tweak the filter, trigger samples, or play synth solos with the invisible infrared D Beam controller. Connect a V-LINK compatible video equipment and sync the music to the visuals.

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland SP-555.

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 4; p. 6). 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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•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.

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

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

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

•Humid; or are

•Exposed to rain; or are

•Dusty; or are

•Subject to high levels of vibration.

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

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•When using the unit 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.

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

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•Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also, the supplied power cord must not be used with any other device.

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•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!

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•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.

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USING THE UNIT SAFELY

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

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•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.

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

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•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.

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•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.

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•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.

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

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•This (SP-555) for use only with Roland stand PDS-10. Use with other stands is capable of resulting in instability causing possible injury.

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•This stand for use only with specific Roland musical instruments. See apparatus instructions. Use with other models is capable of resulting in instability causing possible injury.

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

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•At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and other accumulations away from its prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to

remain unused for an extended period of time. Any accumulation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire.

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•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.

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

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

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

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•Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (Quick Start Guide).

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

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• Should you remove screws for CARD LOCK, keep them in a

safe place out of children’s reach, so there is no chance of

them being swallowed accidentally.

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•Always turn the phantom power off when connecting any device other than condenser microphones that require phantom power. You risk causing damage if you mistakenly supply phantom power to dynamic microphones, audio playback devices, or other devices that don’t require such power. Be sure to check the specifications of any microphone you intend to use by referring to the manual that came with it.

(This instrument’s phantom power: 48 V DC, 10 mA Max)

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IMPORTANT NOTES

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on p. 4, please read and observe the following:

Power Supply

•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.

•The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.

•Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

Placement

•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.

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

•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.

•Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.

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

•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

•For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

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

Repairs and Data

•Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs. Important data should always be backed up on a CompactFlash card, 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

•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 CompactFlash card.

•Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the unit’s memory or CompactFlash card once it has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

•Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.

•When 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.

•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).

•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.

•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.

•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.

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

IMPORTANT NOTES

Before Using Cards

•Carefully insert the CompactFlash card all the way in—until it is firmly in place.

•Never touch the terminals of the CompactFlash card. Also, avoid getting the terminals dirty.

•This unit’s memory card slot accepts CompactFlash memory cards. Microdrive storage media are not compatible.

•CompactFlash cards are constructed using precision components; handle the cards carefully, paying particular note to the following.

•To prevent damage to the cards from static electricity, be sure to discharge any static electricity from your own body before handling the cards.

•Do not touch or allow metal to come into contact with the contact portion of the cards.

•Do not bend, drop, or subject cards to strong shock or vibration.

•Do not keep cards in direct sunlight, in closed vehicles, or other such locations (storage temperature: -25 to 85˚ C).

•Do not allow cards to become wet.

•Do not disassemble or modify the cards.

Handling CD-ROMs

•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.

•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.

•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.

•The sounds, phrases and patterns contained in this product are sound recordings protected by copyright. Roland hereby grants to purchasers of this product the permission to utilize the sound recordings contained in this product for the creation and recording of original musical works; provided however, the sound recordings contained in this product may not be sampled, downloaded or otherwise re-recorded, in whole or in part, for any other purpose, including but not limited to the transmission of all or any part of the sound recordings via the internet or other digital or analog means of transmission, and/or the manufacture, for sale or otherwise, of any collection of sampled sounds, phrases or patterns, on CD-ROM or equivalent means.

The sound recordings contained in this product are the original works of Roland Corporation. Roland is not responsible for the use of the sound recordings contained in this product, and assumes no liability for any infringement of any copyright of any third party arising out of use of the sounds, phrases and patterns in this product.

SAMPLE PAD BANK A PAD13–16: Created by Tim Hüfken

*Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

*Windows Vista is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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

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

*Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

*Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

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

*VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies AG.

*CompactFlash and are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation and licensed by CompactFlash association.

*Roland Corporation is an authorized licensee of the CompactFlash™ and CF logo ( ) trademarks.

Main Features..................................................	2
USING THE UNIT SAFELY..................................	4
IMPORTANT NOTES .........................................	6
Contents ..........................................................	8
Introducing the SP-555...................................	10
Panel Descriptions .............................	10
Signal flow (block diagram) ................	14
Playing samples ............................................	15
Using effects ..................................................	18
Applying an effect to a sample............	18
Applying an effect to the
mic/line input ...................................	18
Storing effect settings
(EFFECT MEMORY)............................	18
Effect knob control .............................	19
Tips for using effects...........................	19
Sampling (recording)......................................	21
About the available sampling times......	21
Standby mode...................................	22
Sampling ..........................................	22
Starting sampling automatically
(Auto Sampling) ...............................	22
Sampling with a specified tempo .........	23
Using a count-in ................................	23
Deleting a sample..............................	23
Deleting all samples ...........................	24
Resampling .......................................	24
Loop Capture.................................................	25
Using Loop Capture to record from an
external device..................................	25
Deleting the phrase recorded by Loop
Capture............................................	26
Adjusting the playback level
of the phrase.....................................	26
Recording with a specified tempo ........	26
Layering sound onto a previously
recorded phrase (Overdubbing) ..........	26
Saving a recorded phrase to a pad .....	27

Editing a sample ...........................................	28
Setting a sample’s volume ..................	28
Adjusting the playback region of
a sample ..........................................	28
Exchanging samples between two pads30
Copying a sample to another pad .......	31
Converting to a sample that has
a modified playback region................	31
Changing a sample’s BPM .................	32
Changing the length of
a sample without changing
the pitch (Time Modify) ......................	32
Playing samples and recording your performance
(Pattern Sequencer) .......................................	33
How patterns are organized ...............	33
Specifying the pattern tempo ..............	33
Playing and stopping a pattern ...........	33
Switching patterns during playback .....	33
Recording a pattern ...........................	34
Deleting a pattern..............................	36
Deleting all patterns...........................	36
Exchanging the patterns of
two pads..........................................	37
Copying a pattern to another pad .......	37
D Beam controller..........................................	38
Monophonic synthesizer (SYNTH) .......	38
Filter ................................................	39
Trigger.............................................	39
Connecting the SP-555 to your computer........	40
Installing the driver and software.........	40
Changing the signal flow
when using USB audio.......................	42
About SONAR LE (Windows only).......	43
About SP-555 Wave Converter ...........	43

Contents

About CompactFlash ......................................	44
Recommended types of CompactFlash..44
CompactFlash theft prevention.............	44
Inserting and removing
CompactFlash cards...........................	45
Formatting a CompactFlash card
(initializing).......................................	45
Importing audio files ..........................	46
Exporting audio files ..........................	47
Saving backup data (backup save) ......	48
Loading backup data (backup load).....	48
Deleting backup data (backup delete) ..	49
Other settings ................................................	50
Restoring the factory settings ...............	50
Clearing the data (initialization) ..........	50
Protecting the memory ........................	51
Adjusting the blinking speed
of the display illumination ...................	51
Checking the version number ..............	51
Setting the SP-555’s
internal processing level .....................	51
About V-LINK ................................................	52
What is V-LINK? ................................	52

Appendix......................................................	54
Effect list...........................................	54
Quick reference of operations.............	59
Parameters that can change
the start-up state ................................	63
Error message list ..............................	64
Troubleshooting ................................	65
About the pedal ................................	68
Attaching the stand (sold separately)....	68
Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment..	69
About MIDI.......................................	69
Synchronizing the SP-555
with another MIDI device ...................	69
Synchronizing the pattern
tempo and playback start/stop
with an external MIDI sequencer .........	70
Transmitting MIDI clock at
the pattern tempo ..............................	70
MIDI channel (Pad Base Ch.)
and note numbers .............................	71
MIDI Thru setting ...............................	71
MIDI Implementation .....................................	72
Specifications ................................................	75
Index ............................................................	76

Introducing the SP-555

Panel Descriptions

Top panel

1	2	3 4 5

1.Internal Mic

This is the SP-555’s built-in mic. If you connect your own mic (sold separately) to the MIC jack of the top panel, this internal mic will not function.

2.External Input

MIC Jack

This is a microphone jack for analog audio signals. It supports both XLR and 1/4” phone type plugs. The XLR type jack can provide 48 V phantom power, allowing you to connect phantom-powered condenser microphones. In this case, turn the input select switch to the PHANTOM ON position.

*Turn the MIC button OFF before you operate the input select switch.

*In order to protect the circuitry, there will be no sound for a short time after you operate the input select switch.

The phone type jack also accommodates high-impedance inputs, allowing you to directly connect a guitar or bass. In this case, set the input select switch to the Hi-Z position.

6 7

*This instrument is equipped with balanced (XLR/TRS) type jacks. Wiring diagrams for these jacks are shown below. Make connections after first checking the wiring diagrams of other equipment you intend to connect.

		GND(SLEEVE)
	1:GND
	2:HOT	HOT(TIP)
	3:COLD	HOT(TIP)
	3:COLD

COLD(RING)

MIC LEVEL Knob, MIC Button

This adjusts the volume of the SP-555’s internal mic or a mic connected to the MIC jack. If you’re inputting audio from a mic, turn the MIC button on.

*Even if you turn the MIC LEVEL knob all the way down, the sound will not be muted completely. If you’re not using the mic, turn the MIC button off.

LINE IN LEVEL Knob, LINE IN Button

This adjusts the volume of the device connected to the rear panel LINE IN jacks. Turn on the LINE IN button if you’re sampling audio from the LINE IN jacks.

Introducing the SP-555

PEAK Indicator

This indicator helps you adjust the MIC or LINE IN level. Adjust the level so that this indicator lights occasionally.

3.VOLUME Knob

This adjusts the volume of the LINE OUT and PHONES output.

4.METRONOME Button

When you press this button so it’s lit, the metronome will sound at the BPM of the pattern sequencer. To adjust the volume of the metronome, hold down this button and turn the CTRL 3 knob.

You can’t sound the metronome while sampling.

Display Illumination

This will blink according to the audio signal level while sampling, or in sync with the pattern tempo while using the pattern sequencer.

“Adjusting the blinking speed of the display illumination” (p. 51)

Display

This shows the BPM (tempo) of the sample or pattern, the values of various settings, and error messages. You can also view the remaining sampling time here ( p. 21).

TAP TEMPO Button

By pressing this button several times at the desired tempo, you can set the tempo to the corresponding interval.

6.D BEAM (D Beam controller)

You can apply a variety of effects to the sound by moving your hand over this ( p. 38). The following buttons will blink when the D Beam controller responds.

SYNTH Button

Use the D Beam controller to play internal synthesizer sounds.

FILTER Button

Use the D Beam controller to control the cutoff frequency of the internal filter.

TRIGGER Button

Use the D Beam controller to trigger the desired pad.

If you hold down the TRIGGER button and press a pad, the D Beam controller will trigger that pad.

7.PATTERN SEQUENCER ( p. 33)

PATTERN SELECT Button

Press this when you want to play or record a pattern. While this button is lit, you can select a pattern by pressing a pad.

LENGTH Button

When recording a pattern, this specifies the length of the pattern.

QUANTIZE Button

This specifies automatic timing adjustments (quantization) when recording a pattern.

8.EFFECTS Knobs (CTRL 1–3)

These control the parameters that are assigned to each knob by the selected effect. You will also use these knobs for the following purposes.

“Using effects” (p. 18)

“Effect list” (p. 54)

CTRL 1 Knob

Use this to adjust the starting location of a sample, or to change the playback time of a sample.

CTRL 2 Knob

Use this to adjust the BPM (tempo) of the pattern, or to change the ending location of a sample.

MFX/CTRL 3 Knob

Use this to select the type of MFX, or to adjust the sampling level or the volume of the sample.

9.Effect Buttons

Use these to select the effect you want to use. A button is lit when on, and extinguished when off.

*You can’t turn on more than one effect at the same time.

*By holding down the EFFECT ASSIGN button and pressing one or more pads, you can turn on the effect for one or more pads.

10.LOOP CAPTURE

Here you can record the currently playing sample or pattern, or a phrase from an external input source (up to approximately 15 seconds).

“Loop Capture” (p. 25)

MEASURE Button

This specifies the number of measures to be recorded. If you specify FREE, you’ll be able to record up to approximately 15 seconds.

AUTO START Button

If you turn this button on, recording will begin automatically when sound is input.

SOURCE SELECT Button

This selects what will be recorded. EXT ONLY will record only the signal from the mic, line input, or built-in sequencer controlled by the D Beam. EXT & PADS will record this sound mixed with the currently playing sample/pattern.

REC Button

Pressed to start recording. During recording, press this button to stop recording. You can also use this to layer an additional sample during LOOP CAPTURE playback.

Introducing the SP-555

PLAY Button

This plays the recorded phrase.

SAVE TO PAD Button

This saves a phrase recorded using LOOP CAPTURE to a pad.

11.

CANCEL Button

By pressing this button you can cancel an operation such as sampling or sample deletion. This button will also stop pattern playback or recording.

By rapidly pressing this button four times, you can stop all currently playing sounds.

REMAIN Button

When you press this button, the display will indicate the remaining time available for sampling. By holding down this button and pressing a pad, you can select the pad to which the effect will apply, or the pad whose settings you want to edit (i.e., the current pad).

12.DEL Button

Use this to delete a sample or pattern.

13.SAMPLE

SAMPLING Button

Use this to start/stop sampling, or to record a pattern ( p. 21).

RESAMPLE Button

Use this to resample the sound of a sample processed by an effect.

START/END/LEVEL Button

Use this to change the playback start/end point of a sample, or to change its volume.

TIME/BPM Button

Use this to specify the playback time or BPM (tempo) of a sample.

MARK Button

Use this when you want only a portion of the sampled sound to be heard. While this button is lit, only the specified portion will be heard.

LO-FI Button ( p. 22)

This switches the grade (standard/lo-fi) at which sampling is performed. Lo-fi sampling will occur if this button is lit, and standard sampling will occur if this button is extinguished.

STEREO Button ( p. 22)

This specifies whether you will be sampling in monaural or in stereo. Stereo sampling will occur if this button is lit, and monaural sampling will occur if this button is extinguished.

GATE Button ( p. 16)

This switches you between “gate playback,” in which the sample will sound only while you continue holding down the pad, and “trigger playback,” in which the sound will

alternately start or stop playing each time you press the pad. Gate playback will occur if this button is lit, and trigger playback will occur if this button is extinguished.

LOOP Button ( p. 17)

This switches you between “loop playback” in which the sample will play repeatedly when you press the pad, and “one-shot playback” in which the sound will play only once. Loop playback will occur if this button is lit, and oneshot playback will occur if this button is extinguished.

REVERSE Button ( p. 15)

This selects “reverse playback” in which the sample will play backward. Reverse playback will occur if this button is lit, and normal playback will occur if it is extinguished.

14.BANK Buttons (A, B, C/G, D/H, E/I, F/J)

When [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished or when you are recording a pattern, these buttons select the sample bank. When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, these buttons select the pattern bank. Internal memory bank A or B will be selected if you press BANK [A] or [B] so one of the buttons is lit. CompactFlash banks C–F will be selected if you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] and light one of the buttons, and CompactFlash banks G–J will be selected if you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] and get a button to start blinking.

15.V-LINK Button

V-LINK ( ) is a function that lets you perform music and video in synchronization.

By using MIDI to connect two or more V-LINK compatible devices, you can easily enjoy a wide range of visual effects that are linked to the expressive elements of a musical performance.

“About V-LINK” (p. 52)

16.EFFECT MEMORY Button

This lets you store effect settings (effect type, CTRL 1/2/3 knob values) and call them up instantly by operating a pad.

“Storing effect settings (EFFECT MEMORY)”

17.

FIXED VELOCITY Button ( p. 15)

If this is off, samples will play at a fixed volume regardless of how strongly you strike the pads.

ROLL Button ( p. 15)

Use this when you want to play sounds as a “drum roll.”

HOLD ( p. 15)

If you press a pad while holding down the HOLD pad, the sample will continue sounding even after you release your finger.

SUB PAD ( p. 15)

You can use the SUB PAD to play the sample of the pad you pressed most recently.

Introducing the SP-555

18.Pads 1–16

When you press a pad that is lit red, the sample assigned to that pad will sound. The pad will blink while the sample is playing.

When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you can use the pads to select the pattern that will be played or recorded.

Front panel



1		2

1.PHONES Jack

You can connect stereo headphones here to listen to the same sound as from LINE OUT.

2.MEMORY CARD Slot

You can insert a separately sold CompactFlash card here. By using banks C–J of the CompactFlash you can sample for a longer time than is possible using the SP-555’s internal memory.

When the SP-555 is shipped from the factory, a card cover is attached to the MEMORY CARD slot. To detach the cover, pinch the left and right edges of the cover toward the middle, and pull it toward yourself.

“About CompactFlash” (p. 44)

Rear panel





1 2 3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10 11

1.Cord Hook

Wrap the AC adaptor cord around this to prevent the AC adaptor’s plug from being accidentally unplugged.

2.Grounding Terminal

*Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device, microphones connected to it, or the metal portions of other objects, such as guitars. This is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is absolutely harmless. However, if you are concerned about this, connect the ground terminal (see figure) with an external ground. When the unit is grounded, a slight hum may occur, depending on the particulars of your installation. If you are unsure of the connection method, contact the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

Unsuitable places for connection

•Water pipes (may result in shock or electrocution) •Gas pipes (may result in fire or explosion)

•Telephone-line ground or lightning rod (may be dangerous in the event of lightning)

3.DC IN Jack

Connect the included AC adaptor here.

4.POWER Switch

This turns the power on/off.

5.USB Connector

If you use a USB cable (sold separately) to connect the SP555 to your computer, the SP-555 will function as a USB audio interface. You can also record the SP-555’s sound to your computer, or sample sounds from your computer to the SP-555.

“Connecting the SP-555 to your computer” (p. 40)

6.MIDI OUT Connector

You can connect this connector to a MIDI device.

“Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment” (p. 69)

7.MIDI IN Connector

You can connect a MIDI device to this connector.

“Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment” (p. 69)

Introducing the SP-555

8.PEDAL Jack

You can connect a pedal switch (DP series; sold separately) here and use it to perform loop capture or pattern play/stop operations (p. 68).

9.LINE IN Jacks (L/R)

Connect these jacks to the audio source device from which you want to sample, such as a CD player or portable

Signal flow (block diagram)

audio player.

10.LINE OUT Jacks (L/R)

Connect these jacks to your audio system, amp, or mixer.

11. Security Slot ( )

http://www.kensington.com/

SAVE TO PAD

LOOP CAPTURE

SAMPLING / RESAMPLE

D BEAM SYNTH

(*2)

SAMPLER		EFFECT	D BEAM
SAMPLER		EFFECT	FILTER
			FILTER
USB AUDIO		(*3)
USB AUDIO
from PC	(*1)		METRONOME
			METRONOME

LINE IN / MIC	(*4)
	(*5)

LINE OUT / PHONE

USB AUDIO to PC

*1: USB Audio Input. To mute this, hold down [CANCEL], press [MIC], and operate the CTRL 3 knob. *2: D Beam Synth send to Effect. To turn this on, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [SYNTH].

*3: USB Audio send to Effect. To turn this off, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and [CANCEL], and press [MIC]/[LINE IN]. *4: Mic/Line In send to Effect. To turn this off, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [MIC]/[LINE IN].

*5: USB Audio output source SW. To change this setting, hold down [CANCEL], press [LINE IN], and operate the CTRL 3 knob.

Playing samples

The SP-555 provides sixteen velocity-sensitive pads, which let you vary the volume according to the force with which you strike the pads. Striking a pad strongly will produce a louder sound, and striking it softly will produce a softer sound.

BANK A–BANK J

Banks A/B are in internal memory, and the remaining banks are on the CompactFlash card. Press a button to switch to the corresponding bank. Sixteen samples can be assigned to each bank. Select banks C--F by pressing a bank C--J button, causing it to light; select banks G--J by pressing a button twice so it's blinking.

CANCEL

By pressing this four times in rapid succession, you can stop playback of all samples.

PAD 1–PAD 16

Press a pad to play the sample assigned to that pad. Lit red: A sample is assigned.

Unlit: No sample is assigned. Blinking: Currently playing.

GATE

If this is unlit, the sample will play to the end when you press a pad once. If you press this button so it's lit after pressing the desired pad, the sound will continue playing only while you continue pressing the pad.

LOOP

If this is unlit, the sample will play to the end and then stop. If you press this button so it's lit after pressing the desired pad, the sound will play repeatedly as a loop.

REVERSE

If you press this button so it's lit after pressing the desired pad, the sample will play backward.

FIXED VELOCITY

If you press this button so it's lit, the sample will play at the same volume regardless of how strongly you strike the pad.

ROLL

If you hold down this button and press a pad, the sample will play as a "roll" as long as you continue holding down the pad. This produces a "drum roll" effect. By holding down this button and pressing HOLD, you can maintain the state of the pad being held down.

HOLD

If you press this button while holding down a pad, the playback will continue even if you release the pad. (This is valid only for pads for which GATE is turned on.) The sound will stop when you press the pad once again.

SUB PAD

When you press this pad, the sample assigned to the previously struck pad will be heard. You can use this to play repeated strikes using both hands.

About the banks

The SP-555 has ten sample banks: A–J.

Banks A and B use the SP-555’s internal memory. With the factory settings, bank A contains preloaded samples. If you’re using the SP-555’s internal memory, you can record a maximum of 32 samples with a total maximum of approximately five minutes.

Banks C–J are located on the memory card (CompactFlash). You can record up to 128 samples on a memory card.

About the polyphony

The SP-555 can play up to twelve samples simultaneously. However, the polyphony is reduced as shown in the table below if you’re using stereo samples or if you’re resampling.

	Monaural samples	Stereo samples
Normally	12	6
While resampling	4	2

Playing samples

Pad sensitivity

You can adjust the relationship between the force used when striking pads and the volume of sample playback.

1.Hold down [CANCEL] and press [FIXED VELOCITY].

2.While viewing the display, use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the sensitivity.

“-L-”: A loud volume will be produced even if you strike the pads softly.

“-M-”: Medium sensitivity.

“-H-”: There will be no sound unless you strike the pads strongly.

3.Press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.

4.When you’ve finished making the adjustment, press [CANCEL] to return to normal operation.

Playing samples at a fixed loudness

If you turn [FIXED VELOCITY] on, the samples will play at a fixed volume regardless of how strongly you strike the pads. Here’s how to specify the volume that will be produced when [FIXED VELOCITY] is on.

1.Hold down [FIXED VELOCITY] and use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the fixed velocity.

Any value from 16 through 127 can be specified.

2.While still holding down [FIXED VELOCITY], press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.

Adjusting the roll speed (ROLL)

By holding down [ROLL] and turning the CTRL 3 knob you can adjust the speed of the roll. While viewing the display, hold down [ROLL] and press [SAMPLING] to save the setting as follows.

4:	Quarter notes
4.3:	Quarter note triplets
8:	Eighth note
8.3:	Eighth note triplets
16:	Sixteenth notes
16.3:	Sixteenth note triplets
32:	Thirty-second notes
32.3:	Thirty-second note triplets

Gate playback (GATE) and trigger playback

Pads for which GATE is turned on will start playing when you press the pad, and will stop playing when you release the pad (Gate playback).

Press the pad		Release the pad






Sound starts		Sound stops

In contrast, pads for which GATE is turned off will start playing when you press the pad, and will continue playing even when you release the pad (Trigger playback). Playback will stop when you reach the end (End Point) of the sample (only if Loop is turned off).

Press and	Press and
release the pad	release the pad





Sound starts	Sound starts	Sound stops at end
		of the sample

If you want a long phrase to continue playing, you should use Trigger playback + Loop playback. If you are playing drumtype samples, you should use Trigger playback + One-shot playback. The sample will play to its end even if you press the pad for only an instant.

After sampling, the following settings are made automatically. If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation(p. 32) is less than one measure: Trigger Playback

If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation (p. 32) is one measure or greater: Gate Playback

If you have specified Trigger playback + One-shot playback for a long sample, the sound may continue playing for longer than you would like. In this case, you can stop the playback by pressing [CANCEL] four times in rapid succession.

Gate on/off can be specified independently for each pad.

1.Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.

If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] so its light is turned off.

2.Press the pad whose Gate on/off setting you want to change, making it the current pad.

The sample will play, and the pad will blink.

If you press [REMAIN], the current pad will blink, allowing you to check which pad is the current pad.

Playing samples

You can also change the current pad by holding down [REMAIN] and pressing a pad.

3.Press [GATE] to switch on or off the button’s light.

[GATE] lit: Gate playback [GATE] unlit: Trigger playback

4.Make sure that [LOOP] is extinguished.

If it is lit, press [LOOP] so its light is turned off.

Loop playback

You can use Loop playback if you want a sampled phrase of several measures to play repeatedly.

1.Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.

If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] so its light is turned off.

2.Press the pad for which you want to specify Loop playback, making it the current pad.

The sample will play, and the pad will blink.

If you press [REMAIN], the current pad will blink, allowing you to check which pad is the current pad.

You can also change the current pad by holding down [REMAIN] and pressing a pad.

3.Press [LOOP] so the button is lit.

Combining LOOP and GATE

You can make Gate playback/Trigger playback settings even if Loop playback is on.

When both LOOP and GATE are on

Press the pad

Release the pad

Sound starts

Sound stops

When LOOP is on and GATE is off

Press and			Press and
release the pad			release the pad





Sound starts			Sound stops

Making the sample continue playing even after you release your finger from the pad (HOLD)

If you turn HOLD on, the sample will continue playing even after you release your finger from the pad. This function is convenient when you want to temporarily turn Gate off for a pad whose Gate is on.

1.Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.

If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] so its light is turned off.

2.While pressing a pad to play the sample, press [HOLD].

[HOLD] will light, and the sound will be held. In this state, the sample will continue playing even after you take your finger off of the pad.

3.When you press [HOLD] once again, the sound will stop.

Hold is valid only for a pad whose Gate is turned on. You cannot turn Hold on for pads whose Gate is off

Using effects

The SP-555 contains 37 types of effects. However, you can use only one type of effect at a time. You can’t use a multiple number of effects at the same time.

By default, the effect will be applied only to the pad you pressed most recently (the “current pad”).

You can directly select the five effects SUPER FILTER,

VOICE TRANS (voice transformer), DELAY, ISOLATOR, and DJFX LOOPER by pressing a button. To choose one of the other effects, press the MFX button, then press a bank (A or B), and finally press a pad 1–16 to select the desired effect.

The SP-555 has an effect memory function, which lets you use [EFFECT MEMORY] to store and instantly switch among up to sixteen effect settings.

Applying an effect to a sample

1.Press the pads to find the sample to which you want to apply an effect. The effect will be applied to the pad you pressed last (the “current pad”).

2.Press the appropriate button for the effect you want to apply.

To select SUPER FILTER, VOICE TRANS, DELAY, ISOLATOR, or DJFX LOOPER, simply press the corresponding button. For MFX, hold down [MFX] and turn the CTRL 3 knob to select an effect while viewing the display.

3.Turn the CTRL 1–CTRL 3 knobs to adjust the effect.

The parameters that are controlled by the CTRL 1–CTRL 3 knobs will depend on the effect type. Refer to “Effect list” (p. 54).

Applying an effect to the mic/line input

If you want to apply an effect to the mic/line input as well, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [MIC] or [LINE IN].

*The effect will be applied to both the line input and mic. You can’t apply the effect to just one or the other.

Storing effect settings (EFFECT MEMORY)

You can use [EFFECT MEMORY] to store and instantly call up EFFECT settings (effect type and CTRL 1/2/3 knob values).

Storing settings

1.Make the necessary settings for the effect, so it’s in the state you want to store.

2.Press [EFFECT MEMORY].

3.Press [SAMPLING]. Pads 1–16 will blink.

4.Press the pad to which you want to store the effect settings. The pad you pressed will light, and [SAMPLING] will blink.

5.Press [SAMPLING] to store the current effect settings.

Calling up settings

1.Press [EFFECT MEMORY] so the button is lit.

2.Press a pad 1–16 to call up the stored settings.

The effect type and the values for the CTRL 1/2/3 knobs will be called up.

Since the values for the CTRL 1/2/3 knobs that existed at the time you stored the effect are given priority, the current physical position of the CTRL 1/2/3 knobs will not match the effect that is applied.

Checking the settings

1.Press [EFFECT MEMORY] so the button is lit.

2.Hold down [REMAIN], and press the pad that you want to check.

While you hold down [REMAIN], the LED for the effect type stored at that pad will blink (if the effect is one of the five types that can be selected directly by a button), or the 7-segment LED will indicate the bank and number (A.1–B.16).

Using effects

Effect knob control

The SP-555 lets you choose either of the following two methods of operation to specify what will happen to the knob settings when you switch from one type of effect to another.

1.While holding down [CANCEL], press [SUPER FILTER]. Each time you press [SUPER FILTER], the display’s indication will alternate between “C.nL” and “C.JP.”

“C.JP” (Jump):

The setting of the parameter will match the knob position the instant you turn the knob.

“C.nL” (Null):

When you start turning the knob, the setting will not actually change until the knob position passes through the current value of the setting.

When you turn on the power, this is always set to “C.JP” (Jump).

In the “C.nL” (Null) state, the display will indicate the relation between the knob position and the value of the setting. This will help you match the knob position with the value.

When the value is lower than the knob position

When the knob position is lower than the value

Tips for using effects

Applying the same effect to more than one pad (EFFECT ASSIGN)

To apply the same effect to one or more pads in addition to the current pad, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press the desired pad.

The same effect is applied to each pad that lights when you press [EFFECT ASSIGN].

If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] while together pressing both [PAD 1] and [PAD 16], you can simultaneously turn the effect on/off for all pads in that bank.

	Effect
Pad lit	on
Pad unlit	off
Current pad: blinking, lit longer	on
Current pad: blinking, lit briefly	off

By default, if you select as the current pad a pad to which the effect is not applied, and then turn the effect on/off or change the effect settings, the effect assign settings will be cancelled, so that the effect is applied only to the current pad.

Effect assign mode

If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [REMAIN], the [EFFECT ASSIGN] button will light. In this state, the EFFECT ASSIGN setting for each pad will not be cancelled even if you change the current pad.

If you once again hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [REMAIN], the [EFFECT ASSIGN] button will go out, and the EFFECT ASSIGN setting will change when you change the current pad.

You can also change the power-on default state. ( “Effect Assign Mode” (p. 63) in “Parameters whose power-on default setting can be changed.”)

Using effects

Applying an effect to all pads

Here’s how to apply the effect to all pads of banks A–J.

1.Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.

2.While holding down [EFFECT ASSIGN], press [SUB PAD]. All bank buttons and all pads will light (the current pad will blink).

If you want to return to the state in which the effect is applied only to the current pad, once again hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [SUB PAD] so that only the current pad blinks.

Turning on the effect only while you hold down the button (EFFECT GRAB)

Normally, the effect will turn on when you press the button, and turn off when you press the button again.

If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press an effect button (or [MFX]), the effect will be on only while you continue pressing it, and turn off when you release it. This is convenient when you want to rapidly turn an effect on and off.

About the effect tempo

Effect tempo mode

The parameters of some effects, such as the delay time of a delay-type effect or BPM LOOPER, will synchronize to the BPM of the sample.

By default, these are set to synchronize with the BPM of the current pad. However, if you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [PATTERN SELECT], the effect will synchronize to the tempo of the pattern sequencer, regardless of the BPM of the current pad.

You can also change the power-on default state. ( “Effect Tempo Mode” (p. 63) in “Parameters whose power-on default setting can be changed.”)

If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [TAP TEMPO], the effect will temporarily synchronize to the tempo of the pattern sequencer, and the pattern of effects that have a pattern (*1) will be reset.

*1 SLICER+FLG (A-13), STEP FILTER (B-13), STEP RING MOD (B-14), BPM LOOPER (B-15)

About the lit, extinguished, and blinking effect buttons

•When the effect of the current pad is on, the button of the effect being used will light. (In the case of MFX, the [MFX] button will light.)

•If the current pad’s effect is off, and the effect is turned on for a source other than the current pad (i.e., for another pad, EXT SOURCE, USB AUDIO, D BEAM), the effect button will blink.

•If the effect is turned on for all sources, the effect buttons will be extinguished.

Checking the previously used effect

If you press [EFFECT ASSIGN], the button of the previously used effect will blink.

Presetting the parameters of the effect you’ll be using next

While holding down [REMAIN], turn the CTRL 1–CTRL 3 knobs to adjust the parameters. Next, press an effect button, and the effect will be applied with the parameter values you set in advance.

Effect Limit mode

By using Effect Limit mode, you can prevent unintentionally loud sounds from being produced by an effect that uses feedback or resonance. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [MFX]. Limit mode is on if the display indicates “L.on,” and off if the Display indicates “L.oF.”

Some effects do not have a limit mode.

This will be off when you turn on the power.

Sampling (recording)

About the available sampling times

When using internal memory

If you sample to bank A or B, the sample is stored in internal memory. Internal memory can hold up to 32 samples. If you reach 32 samples, you won’t be able to record further samples.

	STANDARD	LO-FI
	stereo (mono)	stereo (mono)
Using internal	Approx. 5 minutes	Approx. 11 minutes
memory	(11 minutes)	(22 minutes)

*This includes the PRELOADED SAMPLES THAT ARE ASSIGNED to bank A when the SP-555 is shipped from the factory.

*LO-FI: This mode provides the distinctive low-fidelity sound that is typical of early digital devices. It allows longer sampling times, but the sound quality is not as good as STANDARD. Once you record a sample using LO-FI, you can’t regain the original sound quality, even if you resample it using STANDARD.

When using CompactFlash

If you sample to banks C–J, the sample is stored on CompactFlash. A CompactFlash card can hold up to 128 samples, regardless of the capacity of the card. If you reach 128 samples, you won’t be able to record further samples.

Card capacity	STANDARD	LO-FI
	stereo (mono)	stereo (mono)
128 MB	Approx. 24 minutes	Approx. 48 minutes
	(48 minutes)	(96 minutes)
256 MB	Approx. 48 minutes	Approx. 96 minutes
	(96 minutes)	(193 minutes)
512 MB	Approx. 96 minutes	Approx. 193 minutes
	(193 minutes)	(386 minutes)
1 GB	Approx. 193 minutes	Approx. 386 minutes
	(386 minutes)	(772 minutes)
2 GB	Approx. 386 minutes	Approx. 772 minutes
	(772 minutes)	(1544 minutes)

Remaining sampling time

When you press [REMAIN], the display will indicate the remaining time.

Minutes Seconds

Minutes (x10 seconds)

Minutes

The remaining time in internal memory is shown if an internal memory bank is selected, and the remaining time on the CompactFlash is shown if a CompactFlash bank is selected.

The indication shows the time available for sampling in monaural/standard mode.

The remaining time indication is an estimate.

Sampling (recording)

Standby mode

*During this procedure, you can cancel the preceding steps by pressing [CANCEL].

1.Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is off (extinguished).

2.Press [SAMPLING].

3.Press a bank button to specify the bank into which you want to sample. When you press a bank button, the pads within that bank to which you can sample (i.e., pads that do not contain a sample) will blink.

4.Press one of the blinking pads to specify the samplingdestination pad.

5.Only the specified pad will be lit, and [SAMPLING] will blink.

6.Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling

[LO-FI] unlit:			STANDARD (high quality)
[LO-FI] lit:			LO-FI (low fidelity)

LO-FI provides the distinctive low-fidelity sound that is typical of early digital devices. If you select LO-FI, you won’t be able to monitor the sampled result during sampling. When sampling is finished, you can press the pad to play back the sample for auditioning. Once you record a sample using LO-FI, you can’t regain the original sound quality, even if you resample it using STANDARD.

7. Press [STEREO] to select either stereo or monaural

sampling.
[STEREO] lit:	Stereo sampling
[STEREO] unlit:	Monaural sampling

Now you’re ready to sample.

Sampling

1.From standby mode, press [SAMPLING] to begin sampling.

If you’re sampling from a CD or MP3 player, put your CD or MP3 player in playback mode, and press [SAMPLING] at the appropriate moment. During sampling, the display will indicate “rEC.”

2.Press [SAMPLING] once again to stop sampling.

To hear the result, press the pad to which you sampled. Even if there is unwanted sound or silence at the beginning or end of the sample, you can adjust the start or end point so that these unwanted portions are not heard.

Since the BPM value that is displayed after sampling is an estimated value that is calculated from the sampled time, it may not be accurate. This means that even if two samples have the same BPM value, they may drift apart in timing if they are played as continuous loops for an extended time.

Starting sampling automatically (Auto Sampling)

The Auto Sampling function will cause sampling to begin automatically when the input signal (sound) exceeds a specified level. This is convenient when you want to begin sampling from the introduction of a song. Before you enter sampling standby mode, adjust the sampling trigger level as described below.

1.Hold down [CANCEL] and press [SAMPLING]. [SAMPLING] will blink, and the display will indicate “-0-.”

2.Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to set the level.

The sampling trigger level will be the level at which the PEAK indicator lights. Turning the knob toward the right will raise the level. The display will indicate the level you specified (ten stages, 0–9).

When “-0-” is indicated, conventional sampling will occur (i.e., auto sampling will not be used). Choose the “-0-” setting if you don’t want to use auto sampling.

3.To check the sampling trigger level, press [SAMPLING] once again.

When you start sampling with auto sampling specified, the display will indicate “rdY” until a signal exceeding the sampling trigger level is received.

Sampling (recording)

Sampling with a specified tempo

If you specify the BPM (tempo) while you’re still in sampling standby mode, the end point (the timing at which the sound stops playing) will be automatically set after sampling to a beat of the BPM value you specified.

1.Enter sampling standby mode.

2.Press [TIME/BPM] so the button is lit.

3.Set the BPM, either by pressing [TAP TEMPO] in time with the beat, or by holding down [TAP TEMPO] and turning the CTRL 2 knob.

Permissible values for the BPM range from 40 up to 200. However, if the BPM is within the 40–60 or 160–180 ranges, it can be set only in even-numbered values. If the BPM is above 180, you can set it to either 180, 183, 186, 190, 193, 196, or 200.

4.Press [TIME/BPM] to turn off the button’s light.

5.Press [SAMPLING] to start sampling.

6.Press [SAMPLING] once again to stop sampling.

To hear the result, press the pad to which you sampled.

If you specify the BPM (tempo) while in sampling standby mode, the timing at which the sound stops playing (the end point) will automatically be set to a beat of the BPM value you assigned before pressing the button. This means that [MARK] will light automatically to indicate that the end point has been set. For more about the end point, refer to “Adjusting the playback region of a sample” (p. 28).

If the sampled time is multiple measures or less than one measure, the BPM indication may be double or half. In this case, press [TIME/BPM] so the button is lit, then turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to set the desired value. Refer to “Changing a sample’s BPM” (p. 32).

The displayed BPM value is an approximation derived from the sampled time, and may not be accurate.

Depending on the BPM value, the time corresponding to the BPM may not precisely match the time from the start point to the end point. For this reason if you use “Loop playback” (p.

17)to continuously play a sample for an extended time, the timing will gradually drift.

Using a count-in

You can add a count-in (1, 2, 3, 4) when you start sampling. This is convenient when you are sampling with a specific tempo or time signature in mind.

1.Specify the tempo as described in steps 1–4 of

“Sampling with a specified tempo” (p. 23)

2.Press [START/END/LEVEL] so the button is lit.

3.When you press [SAMPLING], the metronome will sound, and the display will successively indicate “-1-” “-2-” “-3-” “-4-” “rEC.”

Sampling will begin when the “rEC” indication appears.

Deleting a sample

1.Before you continue, make sure of the sample you want to delete.

2.Press [DEL].

3.The display will indicate “dEL,” and pads to which samples are assigned will blink.

4.Press the pad of the sample that you want to delete. When you press a pad, the pad will change from blinking to lit.

5.If you want to delete the samples from several pads, press the appropriate pads at this point. You can select multiple pads simultaneously if they are in the same bank.

*If you decide to cancel the operations you’ve performed up to this point, press [CANCEL].

6.When you press [DEL], the samples will start being deleted. When the deletion is complete, the “dEL” indication in the display will disappear.

*Never turn off the power before the deletion is complete. Doing so may destroy not only the samples being deleted, but also other samples, or damage the CompactFlash card itself.

*Once you press [DEL] to begin deleting the samples, you won’t be able to cancel the operation by pressing [CANCEL].

*If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 51), the display will indicate “Prt” (Protected), and you won’t be able to delete anything.

Sampling (recording)

Deleting all samples

Here’s how to delete all samples from internal memory or the CompactFlash card.

1.Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.

If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.

2.While holding down [CANCEL], press [DEL].

The display will indicate “dAL,” and [DEL] will light. BANK [A]–[F/J] will blink.

If no CompactFlash card is inserted, BANK [C/G]–[F/J] will not blink.

3.Press one of the bank buttons to specify the memory

that you want to delete.

BANK [A] or [B]: Internal memory BANK [C/G]–[F/J]: CompactFlash

*If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press [CANCEL].

4.When you press [DEL], the samples will start being deleted. When the deletion is complete, the “dAL” indication in the display will disappear.

*Never turn off the power before the deletion is complete. Doing so may destroy not only the samples being deleted, but also other samples, or damage the CompactFlash card itself.

*Once you press [DEL] to begin deleting the samples, you won’t be able to cancel the operation by pressing [CANCEL].

*If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 51), the display will indicate “Prt” (Protected), and you won’t be able to delete anything.

Resampling

You can play back a sample with an effect applied, and then newly sample the result. This is called “resampling.”

1.Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.

If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.

2.Apply an effect to the original sample, and adjust the effect parameters.

3.Press [RESAMPLE] so the button is lit. The display will indicate “LEV.”

4.Play back the original sample.

5.Adjust the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob so that the display illumination does not light red.

While [RESAMPLE] is lit, you can’t use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the effect depth. If you want to use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the effect depth, press [CANCEL] to make [RESAMPLE] go out.

6.Press [SAMPLING] so the button is blinking. The bank buttons and pads to which resampling is possible will start blinking.

7.Press the pad to which you want to resample, so the pad is lit.

You can also resample to a different bank.

You can’t resample to a pad to which a sample is already assigned.

8.Press [LO-FI] to select standard grade.

[LO-FI] unlit:		STANDARD (high quality)
[LO-FI] lit:		LO-FI (low fidelity)

If you’ve recorded a sample at LO-FI, resampling it at STANDARD quality will not return it to its original quality.

9. Press [STEREO] to choose stereo or monaural sampling.

[STEREO] lit:	Stereo sampling
[STEREO] unlit:	Monaural sampling

10.Press [SAMPLING] so the button is lit. Resampling will not yet begin at this point.

11.Press the pad to which you want to resample. The sample will begin playing, and resampling will start.

Never turn off the power during resampling. Turning off the power at this time may destroy not only the sample being resampled, but also other samples as well.

12.When resampling is finished, press [SAMPLING].

13.To hear the resampled sound, press the pad to which you resampled.

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