Roland SYSTEM-8 Reference Manual

Checking the version

System Update

This manual applies to program “version 1.30” or later.

Please check the version of the system working on your
SYSTEM-8.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Select “VERSION INFO” and then press the [ENTER] button.

The SYSTEM-8’s version is shown.

VERSION INFO
Version 1.30

Don’t perform the update if the product is already up-to-date.

*

This manual applies to program “version 1.30” or later.

For details on updating the system, refer to the following URL.

https://www.roland.com/support/

1. On the Support menu, choose “Updates & Drivers.”

2. Choose “SYSTEM-8” as the product name.

3. Choose “SYSTEM-8 SYSTEM PROGRAM.”

© 2016 Roland Corporation 04

Contents

Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Editing a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

: Editing a Patch’s Bender Settings or Patch Name

(PATCH EDIT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

: Simulating Aging (CONDITION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

: Specifying the Tempo of Each Patch (Patch Tempo) . . 13

: Initializing a Patch (Patch Init) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

: Saving a Patch (WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Patch Eects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Editing a Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

: Making Settings for the Entire Performance

(PERFORM EDIT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT) . . . . . . . . . . . 19

: Initializing a Performance (Perform Init) . . . . . . . . . . . 21

: Saving a Performance (WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Accessing the MENU Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Making System Settings

: Saving the System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Viewing the System Version

Viewing Plug-Out Information

(SYSTEM Setting Screen) . 25

(VERSION INFO) . . . . 30

(PLUG-OUT INFO) 30

Using the Vocoder (VOCODER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

: Connecting a Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

: Using the Vocoder in Patch Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

: Using the Vocoder in Performance Mode. . . . . . . . 39

When the PerfMode Is “DUAL” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

When the PerfMode Is “SINGLE” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

About the Step Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

: STEP SEQUENCER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Recording Steps Consecutively (STEP REC) . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Recording in Real Time (REAL TIME REC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Starting Realtime Recording by Keyboard Input . . . . . 43

Recording a Specic Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Editing a Specic Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Transposing the Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Muting the Playback of a Specic Part

(Performance Mode Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Saving Step Sequencer Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

: About FIRST STEP and LAST STEP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Selecting the First Step (FIRST STEP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Selecting the Last Step (LAST STEP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Changing the Steps While Maintaining the Spacing of
the First and Last Steps

: STEP SEQ MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Copying a Pattern (PTN COPY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Specifying the Note Length of One Step (SETTING). . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Convenient Functions

: Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP) . . . . . . . . . . . 31

: Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card

(RESTORE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

: Exporting Sound Data to an SD Card (EXPORT) . . . . . 32

: Importing Sound Data from an SD Card (IMPORT) . . 33

: Changing the Order of Patches/Performances

(EXCHANGE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

: Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) . . 35

: Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE) . . . . . . . . 36

: Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT ) . . . . . . . . . 36

: Deleting a File from an SD Card (Delete File) . . . . . . . 37

: Overwrite-Saving Edited Data (Overwrite). . . . . . . . . 37

(UTILITY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

2

Panel Descriptions

2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9

1

11

12

10

1 Common section

Here you can make the following settings for the SYSTEM-8.

Controller Value Explanation

[VOLUME] knob --- Adjusts the volume.

[INPUT] knob --- Adjusts the volume level of the INPUT R and L/MONO jacks.

Indicates the analog input level of the rear panel INPUT R, L/MONO jacks.

The PEAK indicator lights if the input level is excessive.

PEAK indicator ---

[VOCODER] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Switches the vocoder on/o.

[ARPEGGIO] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the arpeggio function on/o.

1 OCT UP The keys you press are sounded consecutively upward starting from the lowest.

1 OCT U+D

1 OCT DOWN The keys you press are sounded consecutively downward starting from the highest.

[ARP TYPE] knob

[ARP STEP] knob

[KEY HOLD] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the key hold function on/o.

[CHORD MEMORY]

button

[VELOCITY OFF]

button

[TRANSPOSE] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the transpose function on/o.

2 OCT DOWN

2 OCT U+D

2 OCT UP

1/4 Quarter note

1/8 Eighth note

1/16 Sixteenth note

1/4T Quarter-note triplet

1/8T Eighth note triplet

1/16T Sixteenth note triplet

ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the chord memory function on/o.

ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

Adjust the volume of your connected equipment so that this indicator lights
occasionally.

* If the PEAK indicator stays lit even after you adjust the connected device, adjust the

system setting INPUT: Gain (p. 28).

Selects the arpeggio type.

The keys you press are sounded consecutively upward starting from the lowest, and
then back down again.

The keys you press, together with the keys one octave above those keys, are sounded
consecutively downward starting from the highest.

The keys you press, together with the keys one octave above those keys, are sounded
consecutively upward starting from the lowest, and then back down again.

The keys you press, together with the keys one octave above those keys, are sounded
consecutively starting with the lowest.

Selects the note value for each step of the arpeggio.

Notes sound at the same volume even if your playing dynamics vary.

The velocity value when “VELOCITY OFF” is on is specied by the system setting
(SYSTEM: KEY TOUCH: Fixed Velo) (p. 25).

3

Panel Descriptions

Controller Value Explanation

Octave shift

-3–0–+3 (octave units)

OCTAVE [DOWN]

[UP] buttons

-5–0–+6 (semitone units)

MODE [PATCH]
button

MODE

[PERFORMANCE]

button

PART ON/OFF

[LOWER] [UPPER]

buttons

PANEL SELECT

[LOWER] [UPPER]

buttons

[MANUAL] button ---

[PORTAMENTO]

knob

[LEGATO] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

[TEMPO] knob 40.0–300.0 (BPM)

[TEMPO SYNC]

button

[MONO] button MONO, UNISON, POLY

MODEL [SYSTEM-8]

[PLUG-OUT 1]–
[PLUG-OUT 3]

buttons

[WRITE] button --- Saves sounds, step sequencer and system settings.

[SHIFT] button ---

[MENU] button --- Accesses the MENU screen.

Display --- Shows various information for the operation.

[VALUE] knob ---

cursor [K] [J]
buttons

[EXIT] button ---

[ENTER] button --- Press this to conrm a value or execute an operation.

---

---

ON (lit), OFF (unlit) In performance mode, switch the lower part or upper part on/o.

(The button of the selected
part is lit)

OFF, 1–255

ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

(The button of the selected
synthesizer is lit)

---

These buttons let you shift the pitch range of the keyboard in one-octave units. The
button is lit if the pitch is shifted by one octave, and blinking if the pitch is shifted by
two or three octaves.

Key transpose

By pressing a [DOWN] [UP] button while holding down the [TRANSPOSE] button,
you can transpose (shift the pitch of ) the keyboard in semitone units.

Switches to Patch mode.

&

“Editing a Patch” (p. 12)

Switches to Performance mode.

&

“Editing a Performance” (p. 17)

In performance mode, select the part (lower or upper) that is the target of panel
operations.

Causes sound to be produced according to the current settings of the knobs and
sliders.

Adjusts the time over which pitch change occurs when portamento is applied.

Portamento is an eect that smoothly changes the pitch between one key and the
next-played key.

Applies portamento only when you play legato (i.e., when you press the next key
before releasing the previous key).

Species the tempo of the step sequencer and arpeggiator. The indicator blinks at
the specied tempo.

If “Patch Tempo” (p. 26) is “ON,” the tempo can be stored as a patch setting.

The modulation speed (RATE) of the

9

EFFECTS section are synchronized to the tempo.

If this is on (lit), the synth will play monophonically (single notes).

If this is blinking, the synth will play all sounds in unison (UNISON mode).

When the [SYSTEM-8] button is on, this instrument operates as the SYSTEM-8
synthesizer. When one of the [PLUGOUT 1–3] buttons is on, this instrument operates
as a PLUG-OUT synthesizer.

When used in conjunction with other buttons or knobs, lets you view parameters or
edit dierent parameters.

By holding down the [SHIFT] button and turning the [VALUE] knob to change the
value, you can edit a setting in steps of 10.

Change the value at the cursor position.

By holding down the [SHIFT] button and turning the [VALUE] knob to change the
value, you can edit a setting in steps of 10.

Move the cursor left/right.

Alternatively, switch screens.

Returns you to the previous screen.

In some screens, this cancels the operation currently being executed.

2

LFO section and the delay time (TIME) of the

4

Panel Descriptions

2 LFO

Here you can create cyclic change (modulation) in the sound by applying vibrato (pitch modulation) or tremolo (volume modulation).

Controller Value Explanation

Selects the variation of the LFO section.

Variation 1

[VARIATION] knob

(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)

Wave knob

(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)

[PITCH] knob -128–0–+127 Allows the LFO to modulate the pitch of the partial, producing a vibrato eect.

[FADE TIME] knob 0–255

[FILTER] knob -128–0–+127 Allows the LFO to modulate the FILTER CUTOFF (cuto frequency),

[KEY TRIG] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

[TRIG ENV] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Causes the envelope to start repeatedly at the LFO cycle (on).

[RATE] knob 0–255

[AMP] knob -128–0–+127 Allows the LFO to modulate the AMP LEVEL (volume), producing a tremolo eect.

Variation 2

Variation 3

R

S

T

U

W

RND Random wave (RND) Random wave (RND x 2) TYPE 6

Variation 1 (Single LFO)

A standard LFO.

Variation 2 (Dual LFO)

This LFO is created by using a separate second LFO to apply frequency modulation
to the same LFO waveform as Variation 1. The second LFO is a sine wave ve octaves
lower.

Variation 3 (Resonanced Pulse LFO)

This is a pulse waveform with resonance.

The waveform knob selects the frequency of the resonance.

Variation 1 Variation 2 Variation 3

Sine wave (SIN) Sine wave (SIN x 2) TYPE 1

Triangle wave (TRI) Triangle wave (TRI x 2) TYPE 2

Sawtooth wave (SAW) Sawtooth wave (SAW x 2) TYPE 3

Square wave (SQR) Square wave (SQR x 2) TYPE 4

Sample and Hold (S&H) Sample and Hold (S&H x 2) TYPE 5

Species the time from when the tone sounds until the LFO reaches its maximum
amplitude.

Species whether the LFO waveform is synchronized to start the moment you press a
key (on) or is not synchronized (o).

Determines the speed of the LFO modulation.

The indicator blinks at the speed (rate) of the LFO modulation.

This knob is a GRF (GRIFFER) knob which allows high-precision adjustments.

3 OSC 1, OSC 2

Here you can select the waveform that determines the character of the sound, and specify its pitch. The SYSTEM-8 has three oscillators (OSC 1,
OSC 2, and 4 OSC 3/SUB OSC).

Controller Value Explanation

Select the variation of the OSC 1 and OSC 2 sections.

[VARIATION] knob

(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)

Wave knob

(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)

Variation 1 This is the basic oscillator waveform.

Variation 2 This is a distinctive oscillator waveform.

Variation 3 This is an FM oscillator waveform produced by two sine-wave operators.

Variation 4

T

U

S

T

T

U

U

S

S

This is an FM oscillator waveform produced by three sine-wave operators and
two triangle-wave operators.

Variation 1 Variation 2

Sawtooth wave
(SAW)

Square wave (SQR)

Triangle wave (TRI) FM (FM)

Sawtooth wave2
(SAW2)

Square wave2
(SQR2)

Triangle wave2
(TRI2)

Noise Saw
(NOISESAW)

Logic Operation
(LOGIC)

FM+SYNC
(FM SYNC)

Vowel (VOWEL)

CB (COWBELL)

Variation 3 (*1) Variation 4 (*2)
FM 2 operator

(FM 1:1)
FM 2 operator

(FM 1:1.5)
FM 2 operator

(FM 1:2)
FM 2 operator

(FM 1:3.5)
FM 2 operator

(FM 1:15)
FM 2 operator

(FM 6:1)

FM 5 operator
(FM Type A)

FM 5 operator
(FM Type B)

FM 5 operator
(FM Type C)

FM 5 operator
(FM Type D)

FM 5 operator
(FM Type E)

FM 5 operator

(FM Type F)
Variation 2 FM ... Logarithmic scale frequency modulation
Variation 3, 4 FM ... Linear scale frequency modulation

5

Panel Descriptions

Controller Value Explanation

Octave (feet) knob 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2 Species the octave of the oscillator.

[COLOR] knob 0–255

MAN

LFO

[MOD] knob

P. ENV

F. ENV

A. ENV

OSC 3

[COARSE TUNE] knob -11–0–+11 Adjusts the pitch in semitone steps.

[FINE TUNE] knob -128–0–+127 Allows ne pitch adjustments.

[CROSS MOD] knob

(OSC 1 only)

[RING] button

(OSC 2 only)

0–255

ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

Adjusts the tone.

The result depends on the waveform.

Selects the source that is modulated by the [COLOR] knob.

The sound is determined by the position of the [COLOR] knob. It will not vary over
time.

The sound varies over time at the rate specied in the

The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the

The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the

The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the

The sound changes over time according to the frequency of the

Modies the OSC 1 frequency according to the OSC 2 waveform. Turning the knob
toward the right makes OSC 1 become a more complex sound, allowing you to create
metallic sounds or sound eects.

This is a ring modulator. It generates a complex waveform by multiplying OSC 1 and
OSC 2.

OSC 1

OSC 2

2

LFO section.

6

PITCH section.

7

FILTER section.

8

AMP section.

4

OSC 3.

This is oscillator sync. It generates a complex waveform by forcibly resetting OSC 2 to
the beginning of its cycle in synchronization with the OSC 1 frequency.

[SYNC] button

(OSC 2 only)

ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

OSC 1

OSC 2

*1 OSC Variation 3

2

COLOR KNOB

1

Variation 3

1 2

SIN SIN

Explanation

FM 2 operator (FM 1: 1) 1 1 Uses harmonic overtones to produce a waveform similar to a sawtooth wave.

FM 2 operator (FM 1: 1.5) 1 1.5 Allows you to obtain a harmonic at -1 octave.

FM 2 operator (FM 1: 2) 1 2 Uses odd-numbered harmonics to produce a waveform similar to a square wave.

FM 2 operator (FM 1: 3.5) 1 3.5 Produces bell-like sounds.

FM 2 operator (FM 1: 15) 1 15

FM 2 operator (FM 6: 1) 6 1

Using ENV to adjust the COLOR parameter produces the attack sound of an electric
piano.

Using ENV to adjust the COLOR parameter produces a sound similar to electric guitar
feedback.

6

*2 OSC Variation 4

5

3

COLOR KNOB

4

2

1

Panel Descriptions

Variation 4

FM 5 operator (FM Type A) 1 4 11 4 15

FM 5 operator (FM Type B) 1 1 9 4 9

FM 5 operator (FM Type C) 1 2 9 4 9

FM 5 operator (FM Type D) 1 1 11 3.5 11

FM 5 operator (FM Type E) 1 3 11 3.5 11

1 2 3 4 5

SIN TRI SIN TRI SIN

Explanation

Produce a tone generated by harmonic overtones that
dier for each type.

Produce a tone generated by inharmonic overtones that
dier for each type.

FM 5 operator (FM Type F) 1 1 1 40 1 Produces a tone with formant characteristics.

4 OSC 3/SUB OSC

Controller Value Explanation

Selects the waveform that is the basis of the sound.

Wave knob

R

R

R

S

S

S

-2Oct

-1Oct

-1Oct

-2Oct

Sine wave two octaves lower

Sine wave one octave lower

Sine wave

Triangle wave

Triangle wave one octave lower

Triangle wave two octaves lower

[COLOR] knob 0–255 The result depends on the waveform.

[TUNE] knob -1200cent–+1200cent Adjusts the pitch of the oscillator.

5 MIXER

Adjust the OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC 3/SUB OSC, Noise’s volume.

Controller Value Explanation

[OSC 1] knob 0–255 Adjust the OSC 1’s volume.

[OSC 2] knob 0–255 Adjust the OSC 2’s volume.

[OSC 3/SUB OSC]

knob

0–255 Adjust the OSC 3/SUB OSC’s volume.

[NOISE] knob 0–255 Adjust the noise’s volume.

[NOISE TYPE] button

White noise (lit),

Pink noise (unlit)

Selects the type of the noise.

6 PITCH

Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for pitch.

Controller Value Explanation

If this knob is turned toward the right, the pitch initially becomes higher and then

[ENV] knob -128–0–+127

[A] slider

[D] slider

0–255

returns to the pitch of the key you pressed.

If this knob is turned toward the left, the pitch initially becomes lower and then
returns to the pitch of the key you pressed.

These sliders operate similarly to the [A] [D] sliders of the
the pitch rather than the volume).

8

AMP section (they aect

7

Panel Descriptions

7 FILTER

These settings determine the brightness and thickness of the sound. Here you can also specify the time-varying change (envelope) for the lter.

Controller Value Explanation

Selects the variation of the FILTER section.

* This replaces the FILTER section except for the envelope (ADSR).

LPF/HPF (Variation 1) Low pass lter (LPF), High pass lter (HPF)

SBF (Variation 2) Side band lter (SBF)

[VARIATION] knob

(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)

[CUTOFF] knob 0–255

Filter type knob

(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)

SYS-1 (Variation 3) This is a SYSTEM-1 type low pass lter (LPF).

JP-8 (Variation 4) The Jupiter-8’s HPF and VCF (LPF)
JU-106 (Variation 5) The JUNO-106’s HPF and VCF (LPF)
FMT 2 (Variation 6) Formant lter (morphing between two formants)
FMT 3 (Variation 7) Formant lter (morphing between three formants)

HARM (Variation 8)

Filter that uses a feedback delay to vary the overtones

*

The HPF CUTOFF knob operates as the LPF/HPF knob.

Species the cuto frequency of the lter.

This knob is a GRF (GRIFFER) knob which allows high-precision adjustments.

Variation 1 Cuto

Variation 2 Band Interval

Variation 3 Cuto

Variation 4 Cuto
Variation 5 Cuto
Variation 6 Formant
Variation 7 Formant
Variation 8 Harmonics

Selects the slope of the lter.

Low pass lter (LPF), High pass lter (HPF)

LPF: -24dB, -18dB, -12dB

(Variation 1)

LPF-24dB, LPF-18dB,

LPF-12dB, HPF-12dB,

HPF-18dB, HPF-24dB

(Variation 2)

SBF1–SBF6

(Variation 3)

LPF-24dB, LPF-18dB,

LPF-12dB

(Variation 4)
LPF-24dB, LPF-18dB,

LPF-12dB

(Variation 5)
LPF-24dB, LPF-18dB,

LPF-12dB

(Variation 6)
u-a, u-e, u-i, o-a, o-e, o-i
(Variation 7)
u-i-a, u-e-a, u-i-e, o-i-a,

o-e-a, o-i-e

Volume

-24 dB

HPF: -12dB, -18dB, -24dB

Volume

-18 dB

-12 dB

Side band lter (SBF)

You can use the [CUTOFF] knob to adjust the band interval.

You can also use the lter type knob to select the range of the band interval.

SBF1–3: Low range, Mid range, High range with original sound

SBF4–6: High range, Mid range, Low range without original sound

You can use the resonance knob to adjust the band width.

This is a SYSTEM-1 type low pass lter (LPF)

Although the knob moves through six steps, this setting has three values. Even if you
move the knob to the fourth or subsequent step, the value is LPF-12 dB.

-18 dB

-12 dB

-24 dB

Frequency

Frequency

The Jupiter-8’s HPF and VCF (LPF)
Although the knob moves through six steps, this setting has three values.

Even if you move the knob to the fourth or subsequent step, the value is LPF­12 dB.

The JUNO-106’s HPF and VCF (LPF)
Although the knob moves through six steps, this setting has three values.

Even if you move the knob to the fourth or subsequent step, the value is LPF­12 dB.

Formant lter (morphing between two formants)
Selects the combination of formants.

Formant lter (morphing between three formants)
Selects the combination of formants.

8

Controller Value Explanation

Filter that uses a feedback delay to vary the overtones

Filter type knob

(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)

(Variation 8)
64FEET, 32FEET, 16FEET,

8FEET, 4FEET, 2FEET

Selects the length of the delay.
This is typically set to the same octave (feet) as OSC1 or OSC2.
You can additionally modify the FEET setting of HARM to select the desired

eect.

Resonance boosts the sound in the region of the lter’s cuto frequency.

Higher settings produce stronger emphasis, creating a distinctively “synthesizer-

[RESO] knob 0–255

[ENV] knob -128–0–+127

[KEY] knob -128–0–+127

[VELOCITY SENS]

knob

[HPF CUTOFF] knob 0–255

[A] slider

[D] slider

[S] slider

[R] slider

0–255

0–255

like” sound.

When using Variation 2, this adjusts Band Width.

When using Variation 8, this adjusts the amount of delay feedback.

This knob species the depth and direction of the cuto frequency change produced
by the [A], [D], [S], and [R] sliders.

If the knob is turned toward the right, the cuto frequency moves in the upward
direction.

If the knob is turned toward the left, the cuto frequency moves in the downward
direction.

Allows the lter cuto frequency to vary according to the key that you play.

If the knob is turned toward the right, the cuto frequency becomes higher as you
play higher notes.

If the knob is turned toward the left, the cuto frequency becomes lower as you play
lower notes.

Adjusts the sensitivity by which the key velocity (playing dynamics) varies the depth
of the lter envelope.

Species the cuto frequency of the high-pass lter. Frequency components below
the cuto frequency are cut.

When using Variation 8, this operates the LPF/HPF knob (left side is LPF, right side is
HPF).

These sliders operate similarly to the [A] [D] [S] [R] sliders of the
(they aect the cuto frequency rather than the volume).

Panel Descriptions

8

AMP section

8 AMP

Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for the volume.

Controller Value Explanation

[VELOCITY SENS]

knob

[TONE] knob -128–0–+127 Adjusts the brightness of the sound.

[LEVEL] knob 0–255 Adjusts the volume.

[A] slider

(Attack time)

[D] slider

(Decay time)

[S] slider

(Sustain level)

[R] slider

(Release time)

0–255

0–255

0–255

0–255

0–255

Adjusts the sensitivity by which the key velocity (playing dynamics) varies the
volume.

Species the time from the moment you press the key
until the maximum volume is reached.

Species the time from when the maximum volume is
reached, until it decays to the sustain level.

Species the volume level that will be maintained from
when the attack and decay times have elapsed until you
release the key.

Species the time from when you release the key until the
volume reaches its minimum value.

9

Panel Descriptions

9 EFFECTS, DELAY/CHORUS, REVERB

Here you can adjust the eect, delay/chorus, and reverb depth.

Controller Value Explanation

OD

(OVERDRIVE),

DS

(DISTORTION),

MT

Eect type knob

FZ

(FUZZ),

CR

(CRUSHER),

PH

(PHASER)

(METAL),

[TONE] knob 0–255 Species the character of the eect.

[DEPTH] knob OFF, 1–255 Species the depth of the eect.

(DELAY),

DLY

PAN

(PANNING DELAY ),

CH1

Delay/chorus type
knob

(CHORUS 1),

CH2

(CHORUS 2),

FL

(FLANGER),

DLY+CH

(DELAY + CHORUS)

[TIME] knob 0–255 Adjusts the time by which the sound is delayed.

[LEVEL] knob OFF, 1–255 Adjusts the volume of delay/chorus.

(AMBIENCE),

AMBI

ROOM

(ROOM),

HALL1

Reverb type knob

HALL2

PLATE

MOD

(HALL 1),

(HALL 2),

(PLATE),

(MODULATION)

[TIME] knob 0–255 Species the reverb time.

[LEVEL] knob OFF, 1–255 Species the reverb volume.

Selects the eect type.

Switches the delay/chorus type.

Switches the reverb type.

10 PITCH BEND/MODULATION

This allows you to control pitch bend or apply vibrato.

Controller Value Explanation

BEND SENS [PITCH]
slider

BEND SENS [FILTER]
slider

MOD SENS [PITCH]
slider

MOD SENS [FILTER]
slider

Pitch bend/
Modulation lever

0–255 Species the amount of the pitch change produced by pitch bend operations.

0–255 Species the amount of the lter change produced by pitch bend operations.

0–255 Species the amount of the pitch change produced by modulation operations.

0–255 Species the amount of the lter change produced by modulation operations.

While playing the keyboard, move the lever toward the left to lower the pitch, or

---

toward the right to raise the pitch.

Move the lever away from yourself to apply vibrato.

11 Step sequencer

Here you can record your keyboard performance and knob operations, and play them back repeatedly.

Controller Value Explanation

[EDIT/DISP] button --- Shows the STEP SEQ screen.

Enters a rest during STEP REC.

If you hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the [REST] button, the SEQ

[REST] button ---

[TIE] button ---

ERASE screen appears.

*

In overdub mode, pressing the [REST] button moves to the next step without
entering a rest.

Enters a tie during STEP REC.

If you hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the [TIE] button, the STEP
LENGTH screen appears.

10

Controller Value Explanation

Starts step recording.

[STEP REC] button ---

* If you hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the [STEP REC] button, step

recording starts in overdub mode.

[REAL TIME REC]

button

--- Starts realtime recording.

[START] button --- Plays the step sequencer.

1/8 Eighth note

1/16 Sixteenth note

[SCALE] knob

1/32 Thirty-second note

1/4T Quarter-note triplet

1/8T Eighth-note triplet

1/16T Sixteenth-note triplet

Play forward from the rst step.

Play backward from the last step.

Play forward from the rst step, and then play backward from the last step.

Play with even-numbered and odd-numbered steps inverted.

[PLAY MODE] knob

(FWD)

(REV)

(FWD&REV)

(INVERT)

RND

(RND) Play steps randomly.

Panel Descriptions

KEY TRIG

(TRIG) Play normally while the keyboard is held.

[GATE] knob -128–0–+127 You can adjust the duration of the note recorded at each step.

You can adjust the timing of the notes for even-numbered steps (Step 2, Step 4, Step

[SHUFFLE] knob -128–0–+127

6...).

If the knob is in the center position, the timing is not adjusted.

[FIRST STEP] button

[LAST STEP] button

&

For details on the step sequencer, refer to “Step Sequencer” (Owner’s Manual

1– (the value specied for
STEP LENGTH)

1– (the value specied for
STEP LENGTH)

Plays with the specied step as the rst step.

Plays with the specied step as the last step.

p.14

).

12 [A]–[H], [1]–[8] buttons

Use these buttons to recall sounds.

A–H (bank), 1–8 (number)

These buttons also indicate steps of the step sequencer.

1–16 (step)

11

Editing a Patch

Patch mode

This is the SYSTEM-8’s basic mode, in which it plays a single part.

* Use the MODEL buttons to select the desired synthesizer sound engine.

1. Press the MODE [PATCH] button.

The SYSTEM-8 is in patch mode.

2. Select a patch as necessary.

3. Move the top panel knobs and sliders.

When you operate a knob or slider, the parameter name, and value appear. After a few seconds, the top screen reappears.

OSC1:
Wave SAW

When you edit a patch, an “*” appears at the left of the Bank–Number.

PATCH SYS8 *A-1
SQ Star Spiral

MEMO

If you press the [ENTER] button while a knob operation has caused a parameter to appear in the display, the parameter will remain
visible. In this state, you can use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.

If you operate a dierent knob, the display changes to that parameter; however, after a time, the previous display reappears.

FILTER:
Cutoff 145

To cancel, press the [EXIT] button.

This is also canceled when you select a dierent patch, etc.

Editing a Patch’s Bender Settings or Patch Name (PATCH EDIT)

MEMO

For the SYSTEM-8, all settings other than Bend Range and Gain can be controlled from the panel controllers.

1. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the cursor [

3. Use the cursor [

4. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the MENU screen.

Patch parameters

Menu

[SHIFT] + cursor [K] [J]

BEND

NAME (Patch Name) Species the name of the patch.

K

] [J] buttons to select “PATCH EDIT,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

K

] [J] buttons to select a parameter, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

Bend Range 1–24

Bend Gain x1, x2, x3, x4

Value

[VALUE] knob

Explanation

Species the amount of pitch change (in semitone units, up to two
octaves) that occurs when you operate the pitch bend lever.

Species a multiplier for the Bend Range, extending the range of change.

For example, if the Bend Range is set to “24” and the Bend Gain is “x4,”
the range of pitch bend change will be eight octaves.

* For the PLUG-OUT, Bend Range, Gain, and parameters not assigned to the panel can be edited in PATCH EDIT.

12

Simulating Aging (CONDITION)

The SYSTEM-8 can simulate the changes that occur in an older unit (Aging).

The condition setting is saved as a patch parameter.

1. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.

Editing a Patch

2. Use the cursor [

K

] [J] buttons to select “CONDITION,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

3. Use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.

4. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the MENU screen.

Parameter Value

CONDITION -128–0–+127 (Default: 0)

Specifying the Tempo of Each Patch (Patch Tempo)

If “Patch Tempo” (p. 26) is “ON,” the tempo specied for each patch is used (only in Patch mode).

Enabling patch tempo

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

3. Use the cursor [

4. Use the [VALUE] knob to turn the “SYNC/TEMPO: Patch Tempo” parameter “ON.”

SYNC/TEMPO:
Patch Tempo ON

K

] [J] buttons to select “SYSTEM,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

K

] [J] buttons to select “SYNC/TEMPO: Patch Tempo” parameter.

5. Press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the top screen.

If you want to keep this change, save the system settings.

&

“Saving the System Settings” (p. 29)

Specifying the patch tempo

6. Use the [TEMPO] knob to change the Patch Tempo.

TEMPO:
PatchTempo 120.0

MEMO

Changing the patch tempo will edit the patch. If you want to keep this change, save the patch.

&

“Saving a Patch (WRITE)” (p. 14)

Initializing a Patch (Patch Init)

Here’s how to initialize the patch in the temporary area, setting it to “Init Patch” (the basic sound).

1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button, and then press the MODE [PATCH] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Patch Init?
[Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

2. To initialize, press the [ENTER] button.

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

13

Editing a Patch

MEMO

5 When you initialize the patch, an “*” appears beside the Bank–Number.

PATCH SYS8 *A-1

----------------

5 When you initialize the patch in performance mode, the patch of the part selected by PANEL SELECT is initialized.

Saving a Patch (WRITE)

1. In patch mode, press the [WRITE] button.

The WRITE screen appears.

<WRITE> [Ent]
PATCH* À

When you edit a patch, the display indicates “PATCH*.”

2. Press the [ENTER] button.

The PATCH NAME screen appears.

PATCH NAME [Ent]
User_Patch_Name

3. Use the cursor [

Operation Explanation

[SHIFT] button

+ cursor [K] button

[SHIFT] button

+cursor [J] button

[SHIFT] button

+ [VALUE] knob

K

] [J] buttons and the [VALUE] knob to change the character.

Deletes one character (Erase).

Inserts one character (Insert).

Switches between uppercase/
lowercase/numerals.

4. Press the [ENTER] button.

A screen allows you to select the save-destination.

To:SYS8 A-1[Ent]
[SY System- aws]

5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the save-destination.

6. Press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Patch Write?
[Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

7. To save, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When saving is completed, the display indicates “Completed!”

Completed!

MEMO

Arpeggio, chord memory, and step sequencer settings/data are also saved within the patch data.

14

Patch Eects

You can edit the principal eect parameters of the SYSTEM-8 by using the knobs of the EFFECT, DELAY/CHORUS, and REVERB sections of the
panel.

You can also edit items that cannot be edited by the knobs.

1. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

3. Use the cursor [

K

] [J] buttons to select “PATCH EFFECTS,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

K

] [J] buttons to select a parameter, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.

EFFECT parameters

Presence/absence of parameters for each

Parameter

OD DS MT FZ CR PH

Type

Tone

Depth

6 6 6 6 6 6

6 6 6 6 6 6

6 6 6 6 6 6

DELAY/CHORUS parameters

Presence/absence of parameters for each

Parameter

DLY PAN CH1 CH2 FL

Type

Time

Level

Tap Time –

DlyFeedback

DlyHiCut

DlyHDmp

6 6 6 6 6 6

6 6 6 6 6 6

6 6 6 6 6 6

6 6

6 6

6 6

type

type

– – – – 0%–100%

6

– – –

– – –

– – –

Value Explanation

(OVERDRIVE),

OD

DS

(DISTORTION),

MT (METAL),

FZ (FUZZ),

CR (CRUSHER),

PH (PHASER)

0–255 Species the character of the eect.

OFF, 1–255 Species the depth of the eect.

Value Explanation

DLY +

CH

(DELAY),

DLY

PAN (PANNING DELAY ),

CH1 (CHORUS 1),

CH2 (CHORUS 2),

FL (FLANGER),

DLY+CH (DELAY + CHORUS)

0–255

OFF, 1–255

6

0–255

630Hz, 800Hz, 1kHz, 1.25kHz, 1.6kHz,

6

2kHz, 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz,

6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, FLAT

6

0.0 dB–-40.0 dB (0.5 dB steps), -INF

Selects the eect type.

Switches the delay/chorus type.

Adjusts the time by which the sound
is delayed.

Adjusts the volume of the delay/
chorus sound.

Adjusts the delay (tap) time of the
right side, relative to the left side as
100%.

Adjusts the amount of feedback
(delay repeats).

Species the frequency above which
the high-frequency region of the
delay sound is cut.

Adjusts the amount by which the
high-frequency region is cut each
time the delay sound is repeated.

15