Roland System-8 User Manual

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Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Editing a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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

EDIT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Simulating Aging (CONDITION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Initializing a Patch (Patch Init) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Saving a Patch (WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Editing a Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Making Settings for the Entire Performance (PERFORM EDIT)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT) . . . . . . . . . 13

Initializing a Performance (Perform Init) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Saving a Performance (WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Accessing the MENU Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen) . . . . . . . 18

Saving the System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Viewing the System Version (VERSION INFO) . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Viewing Plug-Out Information (PLUG-OUT INFO) . . . . . . . . 22

Convenient Functions (UTILITY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card (RESTORE) 23

Exporting Sound Data to an SD Card (EXPORT) . . . . . . . . . . 23

Importing Sound Data from an SD Card (IMPORT) . . . . . . . 24

Changing the Order of Patches/Performances

(EXCHANGE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) . . . . . 25

Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE) . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Deleting a File from an SD Card (Delete File) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Overwrite-Saving Edited Data (Overwrite) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using the Vocoder (VOCODER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Connecting a Mic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the Vocoder in Patch Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the Vocoder in Performance Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

When the PerfMode Is “DUAL” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

When the PerfMode Is “SINGLE” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

About the Step Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

STEP SEQUENCER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Recording Steps Consecutively (STEP REC) . . . . . . . . . 31

Recording in Real Time (REAL TIME REC) . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Starting Realtime Recording by Keyboard Input . . . . 32

Recording a Specic Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Editing a Specic Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Transposing the Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Muting the Playback of a Specic Part (Performance Mode Only)

Saving Step Sequencer Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

About FIRST STEP and LAST STEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Selecting the First Step (FIRST STEP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Selecting the Last Step (LAST STEP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Changing the Steps While Maintaining the Spacing

of the First and Last Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

STEP SEQ MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Copying a Pattern (PTN COPY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Specifying the Note Length of One Step (SETTING) . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Panel Descriptions

2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9

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. 21).

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. 18).

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. 9)

Switches to Performance mode.

“Editing a Performance” (p. 11)

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.

The modulation speed (RATE) of the

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.

LFO section and the delay time (TIME) of the

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

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

[VARIATION] knob

(only for MODEL: SYSTEM-8)

Wave knob

(only for MODEL: SYSTEM-8)

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

[COLOR] knob 0–255

Variation 1 This is the basic oscillator waveform.

Variation 2 This is a distinctive oscillator waveform.

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

Variation 1 Variation 2

Sawtooth wave (SAW) Noise Saw (NOISESAW)

Square wave (SQR) Logic Operation (LOGIC)

Triangle wave (TRI) FM (FM)

Sawtooth wave2 (SAW2) FM+SYNC (FM SYNC)

Square wave2 (SQR2) Vowel (VOWEL)

Triangle wave2 (TRI2) CB (COWBELL)

Adjusts the tone.

The result depends on the waveform.

Controller Value Explanation

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 frequency of the

[MOD] knob

MAN

LFO

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)

0–255

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.

[RING] button

(OSC 2 only)

ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

OSC 1

OSC 2

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.

LFO section.

Panel Descriptions

PITCH section.

FILTER section.

AMP section.

OSC 3.

[SYNC] button

(OSC 2 only)

ON (lit), OFF (unlit)

OSC 1

OSC 2

4 OSC 3/SUB OSC

Controller Value Explanation

Selects the waveform that is the basis of the sound.

Wave knob

-2Oct

-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

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

[NOISE TYPE] button

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

White noise (lit),

Pink noise (unlit)

Selects the type of the noise.

Panel Descriptions

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

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

[VARIATION] knob

(only for MODEL: SYSTEM-8)

[CUTOFF] knob 0–255

Filter type knob

(only for MODEL: SYSTEM-8)

[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

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

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

(Variation 1)

LPF-24dB, LPF-18dB,

LPF-12dB, HPF-12dB,

HPF-18dB, HPF-24dB

(Variation 2)

SBF1–SBF6

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

AMP section (they aect

the pitch rather than the volume).

Selects the variation of the FILTER section.

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

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

Selects the slope of the lter.

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

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

Volume

-24 dB

-18 dB

-12 dB

Frequency

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

Volume

-18 dB

-12 dB

-24 dB

Frequency

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.

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

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

like” sound.

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.

These sliders operate similarly to the [A] [D] [S] [R] sliders of the

AMP section

(they aect the cuto frequency rather than the volume).

8 AMP

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

Controller Value Explanation

[VELOCITY SENS]

knob

0–255

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

[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

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 EFFECTS, DELAY/CHORUS, REVERB

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

Controller Value Explanation

(OVERDRIVE),

(DISTORTION),

Eect type knob

(FUZZ),

(CRUSHER),

(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),

(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.

Panel Descriptions

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

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.

Panel Descriptions

Controller Value Explanation

MOD SENS [FILTER] slider

Pitch bend/ Modulation lever

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.

[REST] button ---

[TIE] button ---

[STEP REC] button --- Starts step recording.

[REAL TIME REC]

button

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

[SCALE] knob

[PLAY MODE] knob

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

[SHUFFLE] knob -128–0–+127

[FIRST STEP] button

[LAST STEP] button

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.

Enters a rest during STEP REC.

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

Enters a tie during STEP REC.

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

--- Starts realtime recording.

1/8 Eighth note

1/16 Sixteenth note

1/32 Thirty-second note

1/4T Quarter-note triplet

1/8T Eighth-note triplet

1/16T Sixteenth-note triplet

(FWD)

(REV)

(FWD&REV)

(INVERT)

RND

(RND) Play steps randomly.

KEY TRIG

(TRIG) Play normally while the keyboard is held.

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.

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

6...).

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

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.

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

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)

p.14

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 SY System-8 Saws

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

[SHIFT] + cursor [K] [J]

BEND

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

* For the JUPITER-8 (PLUG-OUT 1), Bend Range, Gain, and parameters not assigned to the panel can be edited in PATCH EDIT.

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

] [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.

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.

2. Use the cursor [

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)

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

Editing a Patch

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.

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.

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.

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 [

to change the character.

Operation Explanation

[SHIFT] button

+ cursor [K] button

[SHIFT] button

+cursor [J] button

[SHIFT] button

+ [VALUE] knob

] [J] buttons and the [VALUE] knob

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.

Editing a Performance

Performance mode

In this mode you can assign a patch to each of two parts (UPPER part and LOWER part) and play them in dual or single performance modes.

In patch mode, the tempo and AUDIO INPUT (Vocoder) settings are only system settings; however in performance mode, each performance can have its own values for these settings.

1. Press the MODE [PERFORMANCE] button.

The SYSTEM-8 is in performance mode.

2. Select a performance as necessary.

Editing a patch

Use the PANEL SELECT [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to select the part (UPPER part, LOWER part) that you want to edit.

Detailed editing is the same as in patch mode.

Editing a performance

There are two screens: the PERFORM EDIT screen (where you edit settings for the overall performance) and the PART EDIT screen (settings for each part).

3. Press the [MENU] button.

The MENU screen appears.

Making Settings for the Entire Performance (PERFORM EDIT)

4. Use the cursor [

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

<MENU> [Ent] ÄPERFORM EDIT À

* “PERFORM EDIT” is not shown in patch mode.

5. Use the cursor [

PERFORM:COMMON Perf Mode DUAL

Parameter

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

Value

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

Performance parameters

[SHIFT] +cursor [K] [J]

COMMON

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

Perf Mode

Perf Level -INF, -53.0dB–0.0dB–10.0dB Species the volume of the performance.

Value

[VALUE] knob

DUAL

SINGLE

Explanation

In this mode you can perform using both the upper part and the lower part. Each part has a maximum polyphony of four notes.

You can use the Key Range setting to freely create splits or partial layers.

In this mode you can perform using either the upper part or the lower part. The part you play has a maximum polyphony of eight notes.

In this mode, use the PANEL ON/OFF [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to select the part that you want to play.

While being in performance mode, this setting lets you play just as in patch mode. The Arp Src and Arp Dst settings you specied for the performance are ignored, and the settings stored in the patch are used.

Editing a Performance

[SHIFT] +cursor [K] [J]

COMMON

ARPEGGIO

CV/GATE OUT

INPUT

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

Value

[VALUE] knob

PartBalance LW64–0–UP63

Tempo Src KNOB, PERF

Perf Tempo

* Valid when Tempo

40.0–300.0 (BPM)

Src=PERFORM

Arp Src LOWER, UPPER

LOWER,

Arp Dst

UPPER,

UP&LW

Prm Src SYSTEM, PERFORM

Ref Note C0, C1, C2, C3, C4

ALL

KBD (L) Keyboard performance data of the lower part is output.

KBD (U) Keyboard performance data of the upper part is output.

KBD (U&L) Keyboard performance data is output.

STEP SEQ (L)

Src

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

STEP SEQ (U)

PATCH (L) The behavior of the lower part's sound engine is output.

PATCH (U) The behavior of the upper part's sound engine is output.

USB OMNI

USB CH1–USB CH16 The note data of a specied USB MIDI channel is output.

MIDI IN OMNI

MIDI IN CH1–MIDI IN CH16 The note data of a specied MIDI IN channel is output.

Bend Range

* Valid when Prm

1–24

Src=PERFORM

Portamento

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

OFF Portamento is not applied.

ALWAYS Portamento is always applied.

LEGATO

Porta Time

* Valid when Prm

0–127

Src=PERFORM

Prm Src SYSTEM, PERFORM

(DELAY),

DLY

PAN

Delay Type

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

(PANNING DELAY),

CH1

(CHORUS 1),

CH2

(CHORUS 2),

(FLANGER),

DLY+CH

(DELAY + CHORUS)

Delay Time

* Valid when Prm

0–255 Adjusts the time by which the sound is delayed.

Src=PERFORM

Explanation

LW64: LOWER only (UPPER does not sound)

0: LOWER and UPPER have the same volume

UP63: UPPER only (LOWER does not sound)

Selects whether the tempo setting follows the value of the knob (KNOB) or the setting of the program (PROGRAM).

Species the tempo when the Tempo Src setting is “PERF.”

* If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and turn the [VALUE]

knob, the value changes in 0.1 steps.

Selects the part that uses the arpeggio settings.

CHORD MEMORY also operates according to this setting.

Selects the part to which the arpeggio applies.

If you choose UP&LW, the arpeggio applies to both the upper part and lower part.

CHORD MEMORY also operates according to this setting.

Selects whether the CV/GATE OUT setting follows the system setting (SYSTEM) or the setting of the performance (PERFORM).

In steps of an octave, species the note number for which CV OUT is 0 V.

Keyboard (both upper and lower), step sequencer (both upper and lower), USB (OMNI), and MIDI IN (OMINI) data are output.

Step sequencer performance data of the lower part is output.

Step sequencer performance data of the upper part is output.

The note data of all USB MIDI channels is combined and output.

The note data of all MIDI IN channels is combined and output.

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

Portamento is applied when you hold down a key and press another key.

When portamento is used, this species the time over which the pitch will change.

Select whether the INPUT setting follows the system setting (SYSTEM) or the setting of the performance (PERFORM).

Switches the delay/chorus type.

Editing a Performance

[SHIFT] +cursor [K] [J]

INPUT

INPUT (Voc)

* Parameters for

vocoder-related settings.

NAME (Performance Name) Species the name of the performance.

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

Delay Level

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

ReverbType

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

Reverb Time

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

Reverb Level

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

Formant

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

Consonant

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

Balance

* Valid when Prm

Src=PERFORM

Carrier

Value

[VALUE] knob

OFF, 1–255 Adjusts the volume of delay/chorus.

(AMBIENCE),

AMBI

ROOM

(ROOM),

HALL1

(HALL 1),

HALL2

(HALL 2),

PLATE

(PLATE),

MOD

(MODULATION)

0–255 Adjusts the length of the reverb sound’s decay.

OFF, 1–255 Adjusts the volume of the reverb sound.

0–255 Species the formant (vocal character).

-40dB–0dB–+40dB Species the volume of the consonants.

D128–0–W127

LOWER Lower part

UPPER Upper part

UP&LW Both the upper part and lower part

Explanation

Switches the reverb type.

D128: Mic input (direct sound) only

0: Mic input and vocoder sound are at the same

volume

W127: Vocoder sound only

Species the source of the carrier.

Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT)

7. Use the Cursor [

<MENU> [Ent] ÄPART EDIT À

* “PART EDIT” is not shown in patch mode.

8. Use the cursor [

Sound selection screens for the upper part and lower part

UPPER mmmm b-n User_Patch_Name

LOWER mmmm b-n User_Patch_Name

MEMO

Use the PANEL SELECT [LOWER] [UPPER] buttons to select the part whose sound you want to edit.

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

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

mmmm: Model button b-n: Bank–Number

Patch name

Examples of other editing screens

PART:COMMON [U] Level 0.0dB

PART:PITCH [L] Octave -1

Editing a Performance

PART:COMMON [U] Level 0.0dB

Upper: [U]

Lower: [L]

PART:COMMON [L] Level 0.0dB

Part parameters

Use the PANEL SELECT [LOWER] [UPPER] buttons to select the part whose sound you want to edit.

[SHIFT] + cursor [K] [J]

(select sound) (Patch name)

COMMON

PITCH

CTRL

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

LEVEL -INF, -53.0dB–0.0dB–10.0dB

Pan L5–CENTER–R5

Range Lower C–G9

Range Upper C–G9

Octave -3–0–+3 Species the octave of the part.

Transpose -12–0–+12 Adjusts the pitch of the part in semitone units.

Fine Tune -100–0–+100 Adjusts the ne tuning of the part.

Rx Bend OFF, ON

Rx Mod OFF, ON

Rx Hold OFF, ON

Rx Express OFF, ON

Value

[VALUE] knob

Explanation

Species the volume of each part.

This is used mainly to adjust the volume balance between parts.

Species the stereo position of each part. “L5” is far left,

“CENTER” is center, and “R5” is far right.

For each part, species the lowest key of the keyboard range that is sounded.

For each part, species the highest key of the keyboard range that is sounded.

* If you attempt to raise the lowest key above the highest

key, or lower the highest key below the lowest key, the other setting changes to the same value.

For each part, species whether MIDI pitch bend messages are received (ON) or are not received (OFF).

For each part, species whether MIDI modulation messages are received (ON) or are not received (OFF).

For each part, species whether MIDI hold messages are received (ON) or are not received (OFF).

For each part, species whether MIDI expression messages are received (ON) or are not received (OFF).

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

MEMO

You can use the PART EDIT: COMMON: Range Lower/Upper parameters to specify the key range (lower and upper) of the upper and lower parts.

Selecting a patch for each part

5 Normally, you’ll select the patch in the rst item of the PART EDIT screen.

5 While the PART EDIT screen is shown, you can use the [A]–[H] and [1]–[8] buttons to switch patches (the patch name is now shown in the

screen).

5 While the top screen of performance mode is shown, you can select patches as follows.

1. Long-press the PART SELECT [UPPER] or [LOWER] button for which you want to select a patch (don’t release the

button yet).

The patch select screen for the selected part appears, and the sound button turns green.

2. Continuing to long-press the PART SELECT button, select a patch in the same way as when normally selecting a

patch.

You can use the MODEL buttons, [VALUE] knob, [A]–[H], and [1]–[8] buttons.

Editing a Performance

Initializing a Performance (Perform Init)

Here’s how to initialize the “Perform Edit” and “Part Edit” settings of the temporary area.

The selected patch is not initialized.

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

[PERFORMANCE] button.

A conrmation message appears.

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

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

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

MEMO

When you initialize the performance, an “*” is shown beside the Bank–Number.

PERFORM *A-1

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

Saving a Performance (WRITE)

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

The WRITE screen appears.

<WRITE> [Ent] PERFORMANCE* À

The PERF NAME screen or PATCH NAME screen appears.

In the case of the PATCH NAME screen

PATCH NAME:[Ent] User_Patch_Name

In the case of the PERF NAME screen

PERF NAME: [Ent] User_Perf_Name

4. Use the cursor [

] [J] buttons and the [VALUE] knob

to edit the characters.

Oparation Explanation

[SHIFT] button

+ cursor [K] button

[SHIFT] button

+ cursor [J] button

[SHIFT] button

+ [VALUE] knob

Deletes one character (Erase).

Inserts one character (Insert).

Switches between uppercase/ lowercase/numerals.

5. Press the [ENTER] button.

A screen allows you to select the save-destination.

In the case of the PATCH WRITE screen

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

2. Use the cursor [

] [J] buttons to select what you

want to save.

Selecting a performance

<WRITE> [Ent] PERFORMANCE* À

Selecting the patch of the upper part

<WRITE> [Ent] ÄPATCH:Upper* À

Selecting the patch of the lower part

<WRITE> [Ent] ÄPATCH:Lower* À

NOTE

If you’ve edited a patch (upper, lower) in performance mode (an “*” is displayed), you must rst save the patch before saving the performance in order to reproduce the sound of the performance.

If you rst save the performance, or if you don’t save the edited patch, the sound of the performance will not be reproduced.

In the case of the PERF WRITE screen

To:A-1 [Ent] [Fat Split ]

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

7. Press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

In the case of the PATCH WRITE screen

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

In the case of the PERF WRITE screen

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

3. Press the [ENTER] button.

Editing a Performance

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

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

When saving is nished, the screen indicates “Completed!”

Completed!

9. Repeat steps 1–8 to save the necessary edited data,

in the order of rst the patch(es) (upper, lower) and then the performance.

Accessing the MENU Screens

1. Press the [MENU] button.

The MENU screen appears.

2. Use the cursor [

The corresponding edit screen appears.

* To edit “MASTER TUNE” or “CONDITION,” use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value without pressing the [ENTER] button, and then proceed

to step 4.

3. Use the cursor [

] [J] buttons to select the item that you want to edit, and press the [ENTER] button.

] [J] buttons to select the parameter that you want to edit, and then use the [VALUE] knob to

edit the setting of that parameter.

4. When you have nished editing, press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the top screen.

Cursor [K] [J]

MASTER TUNE 430.0–440.0–450.0Hz

CONDITION -128–0–+127

SYSTEM ---

PERFORM EDIT ---

PART EDIT ---

PATCH EDIT ---

STEP SEQ MENU ---

UTILITY ---

VERSION INFO ---

PLUG-OUT INFO ---

Value

[VALUE] knob

Explanation

Specify the basic pitch of the SYSTEM-8.

This is saved within the system settings.

Species the state (condition) of the analog sound engine circuit that is being modeled.

This is saved within the patch data.

Make settings of the entire SYSTEM-8 (only in performance mode).

“Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)” (p. 18)

Access the performance edit screen (only in performance mode).

“Making Settings for the Entire Performance (PERFORM EDIT)” (p. 11)

Access the part edit screen.

“Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT)” (p. 13)

Access the patch edit screen.

“Editing a Patch” (p. 9)

Make settings for the step sequencer.

“STEP SEQ MENU” (p. 33)

Access various utility functions.

“Convenient Functions (UTILITY)” (p. 23)

View the SYSTEM-8’s system program version.

“Viewing the System Version (VERSION INFO)” (p. 22)

Shows the version of the PLUG-OUT.

“Viewing Plug-Out Information (PLUG-OUT INFO)” (p. 22)

Finely adjusting the tempo

1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [MENU] button.

The TEMPO Adjust screen appears.

TEMPO Adjust:

120.0

2. Use the [VALUE] knob to adjust the tempo.

3. By holding down the [SHIFT] button and turning the [VALUE] knob, you can adjust the value below the

decimal point.

4. Press the [EXIT] button to exit the screen.

Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)

Here’s how to make overall settings for the SYSTEM-8 itself.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

The SYSTEM screen appears.

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

GENERAL: LCD Contrast 5

3. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and use the cursor [

4. Use the cursor [

] [J] buttons to select the parameter that you want to edit, and then use the [Value] knob to

] [J] buttons to select the menu item that you want to edit.

edit the setting of that parameter.

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

System parameter list

[SHIFT] +cursor [K] [J]

GENERAL

KEY TOUCH

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

LCD Contrast 1–10 Adjusts the contrast of the display.

Knob LED OFF, ON

LED Bright 1–10 Species the brightness of the knob and slider LEDs.

Auto O OFF, 30min, 240min

Startup PATCH, PERFORM Species the mode at start-up.

StartupPAT

* Appears if Startup

is set to PATCH

StartupPRF

* Appears if Startup

is set to PERFORM

Knob Mode DIRECT, CATCH

LED Demo OFF, 1min–10min Species the time (minutes) until the LED demo is shown.

Fixed Velo 1–127

Velo Crv

Velo Oset -10–0–+10

Value

[VALUE] knob

MANUAL, SYS8 A1–SYS8 H8, PLG1 A1–H8

A-1–H-8 Species the performance number that is selected at startup.

LIGHT

MEDIUM This is the standard keyboard touch setting.

HEAVY

Explanation

Species whether the knob and slider LEDs are lit (ON) or unlit (OFF).

If this setting is “ON,” the LED is lit when the setting can be edited by the knob or slider. The LED of a knob or slider whose operation has no eect is unlit.

Species whether the unit will turn o automatically after a certain time has elapsed.

If you don’t want the unit to turn o automatically, choose “OFF” setting.

Species the patch number that is selected at startup.

When you operate a knob, this setting species whether control data corresponding to the knob’s position is always transmitted (DIRECT) or whether control data is transmitted only after the knob passes through the current value of the parameter (CATCH).

The transmitted velocity value will be xed, regardless of the force with which you strike the key.

The keyboard will have a lighter-feeling touch.

Since you’ll be able to reach fortissimo ( ) without having to play as strongly as with the “MEDIUM” setting, the keyboard will feel lighter. This setting makes it easier for people with reduced nger strength to play the keyboard.

The key will have a heavier-feeling touch.

Since you’ll need to play more strongly than with the “MEDIUM” setting in order to reach fortissimo ( ), the keyboard will feel heavier. This setting allows you to use your playing dynamics to add more expression to your performances.

Adjusts the keyboard velocity curve.

Lower values make the keyboard feel lighter.

Higher values make the keyboard feel heavier.

Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)

[SHIFT] +cursor [K] [J]

PEDAL

SOUND

SYNC

MIDI

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

HoldPolarity STD, RVS

Value

[VALUE] knob

Explanation

Selects the polarity of the pedals.

Depending on the model of pedal, the result of depressing or releasing the pedal might be the opposite of what you expect. If

Exp Polarity STD, RVS

so, choose the “RVS” setting. If you’re using a Roland pedal (that has no polarity switch), choose the “STD” setting.

Enables/disables the connection between the controller section

OFF

Local Sw

(keyboard, pitch bend/modulation lever, wheels, panel knobs and buttons, pedals, etc.) and the internal sound engine.

Normally you should leave this “ON.”

Choose "SURFACE" if you want to use operations on the SYSTEM-8

SURFACE

to only control an external sound module. The sound engine of the SYSTEM-8 does not produce sound.

Boost Mode OFF, ON Turning this ON boosts the output level of the OUTPUT jacks.

OutputGain -12dB–0dB–+12dB Adjusts the SYSTEM-8’s overall output gain.

Species the tempo source.

If this is set to AUTO, the tempo automatically synchronizes to

TempoSync AUTO, MIDI, USB, INT

MIDI clock if MIDI clock is input via the MIDI IN connector or the USB port.

If this is set to INT, the tempo specied on the SYSTEM-8 itself is used.

Species whether step sequencer start/stop is controlled from

Rx StartStop OFF, ON

an external device (ON) or is not controlled (OFF) when the SYSTEM-8 is synchronized to an external MIDI clock.

Sync Output OFF, ON

Device ID 17–32

Species whether clock, start, and stop messages are transmitted to another device (ON) or are not transmitted (OFF).

When transmitting and receiving system exclusive messages, the device ID numbers of both devices must match.

Turn this “ON” if you’re using an external MIDI keyboard instead of the SYSTEM-8’s keyboard. In this case, the MIDI transmit channel

Remote Kbd OFF, ON

of your external MIDI keyboard does not matter. Normally, this can be left at “OFF.”

* If you want to control the arpeggiator from an external MIDI

device, turn this “ON.”

If this is ON, MIDI messages of all channels are received (valid only

Omni Mode OFF, ON

in patch mode).

The MIDI transmit channel is either the Patch Ch (in patch mode) or the Upper Ch and Lower Ch (in performance mode).

Patch Ch 1–16 Species the MIDI transmit/receive channel for patch mode.

Perf Ch OFF, 1–16

Species the MIDI transmit/receive channel used to select performances.

Upper Ch 1–16 Species the transmit/receive channel of the upper part.

Lower Ch 1–16 Species the transmit/receive channel of the lower part.

Species whether MIDI messages received via the USB COMPUTER port/MIDI IN connector will be re-transmitted from the MIDI OUT connector/USB COMPUTER port (ON) or not be re-transmitted (OFF).

USBMIDI Thru=OFF

MIDI OUT

MIDI INUSB

OUT

USB IN

USBMIDI Thru OFF, ON

USBMIDI Thru=ON

MIDI OUT

Sound Generator Section

MIDI INUSB

OUT

Sound Generator Section

SYSTEM-8

USB IN

SYSTEM-8

Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)

[SHIFT] +cursor [K] [J]

MIDI Soft Thru OFF, ON

MIDI Tx

MIDI Rx

CV/GATE OUT

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

Tx Prog Chg OFF, ON

Tx Bank Sel OFF, ON

Tx Edit Data OFF, ON

Rx Prog Chg OFF, ON

Rx Bank Sel OFF, ON

Rx Edit Data OFF, ON

Scale -100–0–+100 Adjusts the scale of the CV.

Fine Tune -100–0–+100

Ref Note C0, C1, C2, C3, C4

Src

Bend Range 1–24

Portamento

PortTime 0–127

Value

[VALUE] knob

ALL

KBD (L) Keyboard performance data of the lower part is output.

KBD (U) Keyboard performance data of the upper part is output.

KBD (U&L) Keyboard performance data is output.

STEP SEQ (L) Step sequencer performance data of the lower part is output.

STEP SEQ (U) Step sequencer performance data of the upper part is output.

PATCH (L) The behavior of the lower part's sound engine is output.

PATCH (U) The behavior of the upper part's sound engine is output.

USB OMNI The note data of all USB MIDI channels is combined and output.

USB CH1–USB CH16 The note data of a specied USB MIDI channel is output.

MIDI IN OMNI The note data of all MIDI IN channels is combined and output.

MIDI IN CH1–MIDI IN CH16

OFF Portamento is not applied.

ALWAYS Portamento is always applied.

LEGATO

Explanation

If this is ON, MIDI messages that are input from the MIDI IN connector are retransmitted without change from the MIDI OUT connector.

Species whether program change messages will be transmitted (ON) or not be transmitted (OFF).

Species whether bank select messages will be transmitted (ON) or not be transmitted (OFF).

Species whether changes in patch settings (panel operations) are transmitted as MIDI messages (ON) or not transmitted (OFF).

Species whether program change messages will be received (ON) or not be received (OFF).

Species whether bank select messages will be received (ON) or not be received (OFF).

Species whether the data that is output when editing a patch is received (ON) or not received (OFF).

Adjusts the 0 V of the CV OUT.

* This value will uctuate slightly if the Scale value is changed.

Species the note number at which the CV OUT is 0 V, in units of octaves.

Keyboard (both upper and lower), step sequencer (both upper and lower), USB (OMNI), and MIDI IN (OMINI) data are output.

The note data of a specied MIDI IN channel is output.

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

Portamento is applied when you hold down a key and press another key.

When portamento is used, this species the time over which the pitch will change.

Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)

[SHIFT] +cursor [K] [J]

INPUT

INPUT (Vocoder)

* Parameters for

vocoder-related settings.

Parameter

Cursor [K] [J]

Gain -20dB, -10dB, 0dB, +10dB Species the input sensitivity of the external input.

DelayType

Delay Time 0–255 Adjusts the time by which the sound is delayed.

DeLay Level OFF, 1–255 Adjusts the volume of the delay/chorus sound.

ReverbType

Reverb Time 0–255 Adjusts the length of the reverb decay.

Reverb Level OFF, 1–255 Adjusts the volume of the reverb sound.

Formant 0–255 Species the formant (vocal character).

Consonant -40dB–0dB–+40dB Species the volume of the consonants.

Balance D128–0–W127

Value

[VALUE] knob

(DELAY),

DLY

PAN

(PANNING DELAY),

CH1

(CHORUS 1),

CH2

(CHORUS 2),

(FLANGER),

DLY+CH

AMBI

ROOM

HALL1

HALL2

PLATE

MOD

(DELAY + CHORUS)

(AMBIENCE),

(ROOM),

(HALL 1),

(HALL 2),

(PLATE),

(MODURATION)

Explanation

Switches the delay/chorus type.

Switches the reverb type.

D128: Mic input (direct sound) only

0: Mic input and vocoder sound are at the same volume

W127: Vocoder sound only

Saving the System Settings

1. Press the [WRITE] button.

The WRITE screen appears.

<WRITE> [Ent] ÄSYSTEM*

2. Press the cursor [

A conrmation message appears.

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

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

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

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

Write Completed!

* NEVER turn the power o while you are saving settings.

MEMO

You can also save the system settings by pressing the [WRITE] button in the system setting screen.

] button several times to select “SYSTEM,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

Viewing the System Version (VERSION INFO)

Here’s how to view the version of the SYSTEM-8’s system program.

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 1.02

Viewing Plug-Out Information (PLUG-OUT INFO)

Here’s how to view information on the currently loaded plug-outs.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Choose “PLUG-OUT INFO” and press the [ENTER]

button.

Information on the currently loaded plug-outs is shown.

PLG1:Ver. 1.01À JUPITER-8

3. Use the cursor [

button (PLUG-OUT 1–3) to be shown.

MEMO

From “PLUG-OUT 3,” you can then press the cursor [J] button to view pre-load plug-out information for PLUG-OUT1 and 2 in the same way.

ÄPRE1:Ver. 1.01À JUPITER-8

What does pre-load mean?

These are plug-outs that are already installed in the SYSTEM-8.

If you later installed a dierent plug-out by overwriting a pre-load plug-out, removing the plug-out you installed will bring back the pre-load plug-out.

“Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE)” (p. 25)

] [J] buttons to select the MODEL

Convenient Functions (UTILITY)

Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP)

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

3. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select “BACKUP,”

4. Assign a le name to the backup.

BACKUP NAME[Ent] Sys8_bak .bin

Use the cursor [K] [J] buttons to move the cursor.

Use the [VALUE] knob to select the character.

5. Press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Backup? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

MEMO

If a backup le with the same le name already exists, the conrmation message “Overwrite?” appears.

6. To back up, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When the backup is completed, the screen indicates “Completed!”

Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card (RESTORE)

NOTE

All data and settings are rewritten when you execute the restore operation. If your SYSTEM-8 contains important data, assign it a dierent name and back it up to an SD card before you restore.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

3. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the le that you

want to restore.

RESTORE [Ent] sys8_bak.bin

5. Press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Restore? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select “RESTORE,”

File name

6. To restore, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When the restore is completed, the screen indicates “Completed!”

Completed! Turn off power.

7. Turn the power of the SYSTEM-8 o, then on again.

Exporting Sound Data to an SD Card (EXPORT)

If you want to export a patch, press the MODE [PATCH] button to select patch mode.

If you want to export a performance, press the MODE

[PERFORMANCE] button to select performance mode. Exporting

a performance creates a single le that also includes the patches used by that performance.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

3. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

The export target selection screen appears.

A-1 [Ent]:Sel SY System-8 Saws

4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the patch/

performance that you want to export, and press the

[ENTER] button to mark it.

Marking the data adds a “ ( “ at the left of the Bank-Number. If the data is already marked, the mark is removed.

A-1 [Ent]:Sel> SY System-8 Saws

You can also select a patch/performance by using the [A]–[H] and

[1]–[8] buttons.

You can select multiple patches/performances and export them as a single le.

In patch mode, you can select patches of dierent models and export them as a single le.

5. Press the cursor [

Here you can verify the number of patches/performances that you selected.

<COUND: 4[Ent] sys8_pat .s8p

If you want to return to the export target select screen, press the cursor [K] button.

About the le name

If a single patch/performance is selected, the patch/performance name (the rst 12 characters) + extension is shown.

The le name extension is .s8p for a patch export le, or .s8f for a performance export le.

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select “EXPORT,”

] button.

Convenient Functions (UTILITY)

6. Press the [ENTER] button.

Specify the le name of the export le.

EXPORT NAME[Ent] sys8_pat .s8p

Use the cursor [K] [J] buttons to move the cursor.

Use the [VALUE] knob to choose characters.

7. Press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Export? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

If an export le with the same le name exists, a conrmation message of “Overwrite?” appears.

8. To export, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When the export is completed, the message “Completed!” appears.

Importing Sound Data from an SD Card (IMPORT)

5. Press the [ENTER] button.

The sound data selection screen appears. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the sound data that you want to import.

If you’re importing patch data, you can use the MODEL [SYSTEM-1]

[PLUG-OUT 1] [PLUG-OUT 2] [PLUG-OUT 3] buttons to select the

target model.

If you’re importing patch data, the MODEL (SYS8, PLG1, PLG2, PLG3) is shown. If you’re importing performance data, the screen indicates PERF.

If you’re importing from a backup le, or if you’re importing a patch from a performance backup le, the original Bank-Number are shown.

If you’re importing from an export le, the number of patches or performances of the selected model in that le is shown.

SYS8: 1/4[Ent] SY System-8 Saws

6. Press the [ENTER] button.

The data is loaded temporarily, and a conrmation screen appears.

You can play the keyboard to audition the sound.

If you want to import a patch, press the MODE [PATCH] button to select patch mode.

If you want to import a performance, press the MODE

[PERFORMANCE] button to select performance mode.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

3. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

The import target (BACKUP, EXPORT) selection screen appears.

Use the [VALUE] knob to choose whether to import from a backup le or from an export le.

IMPORT: [Ent] Src BACKUP

Import target

Scr

BACKUP Import from a backup le

EXPORT Import from an export le

EXPORT (Perf)

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select “IMPORT,”

Explanation

Import from a performance export le

* Only in patch mode

4. Press the [ENTER] button.

The le selection screen appears. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the le that you want to import.

Import? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

7. To import the data, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When the import is completed, the patch or performance top screen appears.

* When you import a performance, the patches themselves are not

imported. As needed, you should import the patches individually from the same le.

8. To save the sound data on the SYSTEM-8, press the

[WRITE] button to execute the procedure “Saving a Sound” (owner’s manual p. 11).

Simply executing import does not write the data into the SYSTEM-8’s memory; as when you edit a sound, the changed values are temporary.

If you want to save the data in the SYSTEM-8’s memory, you must save the sound.

Changing the Order of Patches/Performances (EXCHANGE)

You can change the order of the patches or performances as you like.

If you want to change the order of patches, press the MODE

[PATCH] button to select patch mode. If you want to change the

order of performances, press the MODE [PERFORMANCE] button to select performance mode.

IMPORT: [Ent] sys8_pat.s8p

Convenient Functions (UTILITY)

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

The UTILITY screen appears.

UTILITY [Ent] BACKUP À

3. Use the cursor [

“EXCHANGE,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

EXCHANGE [Ent] SYS8: A-1 ÄÀ A-1

If you’re exchanging patches, use the MODEL buttons to select the model of patches that you want to exchange.

4. Use the [VALUE] knob and the cursor [

to select the patches/performances that you want to exchange.

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select

] [J] buttons

5. Press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Exchange? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

6. To execute, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When the exchange is completed, the display indicates

“Completed!”

Completed!

4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the item that you

want to factory-reset.

Item

[VALUE] knob

ALL

EXCEPT PLUGOUT

SYSTEM-8 PATC H

PLUG-OUT 1

PLUG-OUT 2

PLUG-OUT 3

Explanation

All of the SYSTEM-8’s settings/patches/ performances, including PLUG-OUT 1–3, are reset to their factory-set state.

Only the SYSTEM-8’s settings/patches/ performances, and not PLUG-OUT 1–3, are reset to their factory-set state.

Only the SYSTEM-8’s patches are reset to their factory-set state.

Only the patches of a synthesizer installed in PLUG-OUT 1–3 are reset to their factory-set state.

5. Press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Factory Reset? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

6. To execute, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When the factory reset is completed, the screen indicates

“Completed!”

Completed! Turn off power.

7. Turn the power of the SYSTEM-8 o, then on again.

NOTE

If you exchange a patch that is used by a performance, that performance will no longer be reproduced.

Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET)

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

The UTILITY screen appears.

UTILITY [Ent] BACKUP À

3. Use the cursor [

RESET,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

Sel Target [Ent] ALL

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select “FACTORY

Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE)

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

The UTILITY screen appears.

3. Use the cursor [

REMOVE,” and press the [ENTER] button.

If there are only the pre-load plug-outs, there are no plug-outs to remove, so the display indicates “Empty!”

Empty!

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select “PLUG-OUT

Convenient Functions (UTILITY)

4. Press the [PLUG-OUT 1]–[PLUG-OUT 3] button of

the PLUG-OUT that you want to remove.

The PLUG-OUT name is shown. If you want to select it as the PLUGOUT to remove, press the [ENTER] button.

SelectModel[Ent] PLG1:PlugOutName

A conrmation message appears.

PLUG-OUT Delet? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

5. To remove the PLUG-OUT, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When the PLUG-OUT is removed, the screen indicates

“Completed!”

Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT)

SD cards are sold separately. Please obtain a SD card separately.

* Never turn o the power or remove the memory card during the

execution of the “WRITE” or “BACKUP.”

* Carefully insert the memory cards all the way in—until it is rmly

in place.

* Depending on the manufacturer or type of memory card, it

might not be possible for the SYSTEM-8 to correctly save or read data on the card.

* The memory card write protect

feature (LOCK)

The contents of the memory card can be protected by write protecting it.

To write protect a card, slide the write protect switch on the side of the memory card to the “LOCK” position. Unlock write protect to write data to the card.

* All memory cards eventually wear out. We recommend that you

consider the memory card not as a permanent storage site, but as a place to store data temporarily. We also recommend that you back up important data onto other media that is supported by your unit.

Write protect switch

SD card folder structure

[SD CARD]

ROLAND folder

SYSTEM-8 folder

BACKUP folder

Contains backup data (extension: .bin).

EXPORT folder

PATCH folder

Contains exported patch data (extension: .s8p).

PERFROM folder

Contains exported performance data (extension: .s8f).

* When you execute backup or export, the backup le or export

le is saved, and a text le (.txt) listing the contents of that le is also saved at the same time.

Deleting a File from an SD Card (Delete File)

Here’s how to delete a backup le or export le from an SD card.

1. In the “RESTORE” or “IMPORT” le selection screen,

press the STEP SEQUENCER section’s [REST] (ERASE) button.

A conrmation message appears.

Delete File? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

2. To delete the le, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When deletion is complete, the screen indicates “Completed!”

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the Cursor [

and then press the [ENTER] button.

3. Use the cursor [

FORMAT,” and then press the [ENTER] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Format SD Card? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,”

] [J] buttons to select “SD CARD

4. To execute formatting, press the [ENTER] button.

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

Formatting is completed when the screen indicates “Completed!.”

Overwrite-Saving Edited Data (Overwrite)

Separately from the conventional write operation (saving sound data in the “WRITE” screen that appears when you press the

[WRITE] button), there is also an “OVERWRITE” function that

overwrite-saves to the currently selected bank and number.

In performance mode, this lets you save not only the performance but also the patches of the upper part and lower part, making it convenient when you want to save this data in a single operation.

1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the

[WRITE] button.

A conrmation message appears.

Overwrite? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y

2. To overwrite-save, press the [ENTER] button.

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

When saving is complete, the screen indicates “Completed!”

NOTE

In performance mode, the patches of the upper part and lower part are also overwrite-saved.

Convenient Functions (UTILITY)

Using the Vocoder (VOCODER)

“Vocoder” is an eect that is applied to a human voice. By sending a human voice through a vocoder, you can give it an expressionless vocal

character as though a robot were speaking. Control the pitch by playing the keyboard.

Connecting a Mic

3. Use the [INPUT] knob to adjust the input level.

1. Connect a dynamic microphone to the INPUT L/

MONO jacks.

2. Set the INPUT [GAIN] switch to the “MIC” position.

1. While vocalizing into the mic, use the [INPUT] knob to adjust the mic volume.

2. Adjust the system setting INPUT: Gain parameter (p. 21) so that this indicator lights occasionally.

Using the Vocoder in Patch Mode

1. Press the MODE [PATCH] button to select patch mode.

2. Press the [VOCODER] button to turn it "on" (lit).

3. While vocalizing into the input (Microphone), play the keyboard.

You can perform the vocoder sound that’s generated according to the currently selected patch and the input audio.

5 Input settings including the vocoder settings are made in the system settings.

5 If the [VOCODER] button is “on,” the audio of the patch itself and the audio of the input (Microphone) are not output.

5 The [VOCODER] button’s on/o setting is not saved in the patch.

[VOCODER]

button

INPUT

SYSTEM setting

INPUT: Gain

PEAK LED

[INPUT]

knob

VOCODER

DELAY

CHORUS

REVERB

PATCH MODE

OUTPUT

PATCH

Using the Vocoder (VOCODER)

Using the Vocoder in Performance Mode

1. Press the MODE [PERFORMANCE] button to select performance mode.

2. Press the [VOCODER] button to turn it “on” (lit).

3. While vocalizing into the input (Microphone), play the keyboard.

You can perform the vocoder sound that’s generated according to the currently selected patch and the input audio.

5 Input settings including the vocoder settings can be made and stored for each individual performance.

5 Input settings including the vocoder operate dierently depending on the setting of the “PERFORM EDIT: INPUT: Prm Src” parameter.

If this is set to “PERFORM,” the performance settings are used. The [VOCODER] button’s on/o status is also remembered.

If this is set to “SYSTEM,” the system settings are used. The [VOCODER] button’s on/o status is not remembered.

5 The part used as the vocoder’s carrier can be specied and remembered for each performance by the “PERFORM EDIT: INPUT (Voc):

Carrier” parameter.

When the PerfMode Is “DUAL”

When the PerfMode (p. 11) is set to “DUAL,” operation is as follows.

5 When you turn the [VOCODER] button "on,"

The input (Microphone) audio is not output.

The audio of the upper part and lower part patches is output according to the on/o status of the PART ON/OFF [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons.

5 If you want to play only the vocoder sound, press the PART ON/OFF [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to make them go dark.

INPUT

PERFORMANCE MODE

SYSTEM setting

INPUT: Gain

UPPER PART

LOWER PART

PEAK LED

PATCH

[INPUT]

knob

ON/OFF

[UPPER]

[LOWER]

PART

Button

[VOCODER]

button

VOCODER

PERF EDIT

INPUT (Voc): Carrier

DELAY

CHORUS

REVERB

OUTPUT

Using the Vocoder (VOCODER)

When the PerfMode Is “SINGLE”

When the PerfMode (p. 11) is set to "SINGLE," operation is as follows.

5 When you turn the [VOCODER] button "on,"

The input (Microphone) audio is not output.

The audio of the upper part and lower part patches is not output.

INPUT

SYSTEM setting

INPUT: Gain

PEAK LED

[INPUT]

knob

[VOCODER]

button

VOCODER

DELAY

CHORUS

REVERB

PERFORMANCE MODE

UPPER PART

LOWER PART

PATCH

PART

ON/OFF

[UPPER]

[LOWER]

Button

OUTPUT

PERF EDIT

INPUT (Voc): Carrier

About the Step Sequencer

STEP SEQUENCER

This is a polyphonic step sequencer.

The following settings are stored individually for each patch.

5 Performance data (notes, knob operations) of each step, each

step’s mute settings

5 [SCALE] knob, [PLAY MODE] knob, [GATE] knob, and [SHUFFLE]

knob settings

5 Step length value

5 Step position of the rst step and last step

In performance mode, you can use two tracks: the upper part and lower part. Other than sharing the [PLAY] button, the [FIRST STEP] button and the [LAST STEP] button all data is independent for the upper and lower parts; the settings and performance data for the patches are independent. To record or to edit the settings, use the PANEL SELECT buttons to select the applicable part, just as when editing a patch.

* In performance mode if Key Range is specied for each part,

the previously-recorded performance data is played back, but keyboard performance outside the specied Key Range is not recorded on the step sequencer.

Recording Steps Consecutively (STEP REC)

Here’s how you can create step sequencer data by successively recording each individual step of your keyboard performance.

1. If you’re in performance mode, use the PART SELECT

[UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to select the part that you

want to record.

2. Press the [STEP REC] button.

The rst step blinks.

3. Play one note on the keyboard.

MEMO

5 The note you play is recorded in step 1; you then

automatically advance to step 2, and the [2] button blinks.

5 By selecting multiple notes without releasing, you can record

a chord.

Keyboard recording screen

Step number

REC: STEP 1 C4 E4 G4 ---

Note number

5 You can use the [GATE] knob to specify the gate time. While

holding down the key, operate the [GATE] knob.

REC: STEP 1 GATE Time: 50%

Name of parameter

No recorded data

FILTER:Cutoff oo [100] -- --

Knob operations are recorded

Currently-input value

4. Repeat step 3 to record onto each step.

MEMO

5 The step does not advance while any key is held down; this

allows you to re-enter the note or gate time of the step that you’re recording. When all keys are released, you’ll advance to the next step.

5 If you press the [TIE] button while holding down a key, you’ll

move to the next step while maintaining the state of the currently-pressed keys; if you then release the key, the two steps are connected by a tie.

5 You can use the damper pedal during keyboard input.

Pressing the pedal maintains the state of the currentlypressed keys, and releasing the pedal is the equivalent of releasing the keys.

5 To specify a rest for a step, press the [REST] button to specify

a rest (=unrecorded state) for that step and advance to the next step.

5 To erase the data from a step, press the [EDIT/DISP] + [REST

(ERASE)] buttons, and in the ERASE screen choose “STEP” to

execute.

5 To enter a tie, hold down a key and press the [TIE (LENGTH)]

button. The tie is entered, and you advance to the next step.

5 During recording, you can press a [1]–[16] button to re-

record from that step.

5 When you step-record on a previously-recorded step, the

note data is replaced and the knob operations are added.

5 When the [EDIT/DISP] button is lit, you can hold down the

[SHIFT] button and press one of the STEP [1]–[4] buttons to

change the area of steps from which to select.

5 Step recording ends when you reach the step specied by the

step length setting.

5. Press the [STEP REC] button to stop recording.

When you input the last step, step recording ends automatically.

As necessary, save the step sequencer data.

“Saving Step Sequencer Data” (p. 33)

Recording in Real Time (REAL TIME REC)

Here’s how you can create step sequencer data by recording your keyboard performance in real time. The recorded data is layered onto the step sequencer data that’s selected.

MEMO

Step sequencer data is saved within the patch data.

5 You can record knob operations. While holding down a key,

operate a knob. You can record up to four knob operations.

Knob recording screen

1. Press the [EDIT/DISP] button to make it light.

2. In performance mode, use the PART SELECT [UPPER]

[LOWER] buttons to select the part that you want to

record.

3. Press the [REALTIME REC] button.

4. Press the [START] button to start recording.

You can also start recording by pressing the [REAL TIME REC] button during playback.

About the Step Sequencer

5. Play the keyboard.

You can also record chords.

Knob operations are also recorded.

MEMO

5 You can loop-record while adding notes and knob operations

to the existing data.

5 If you exceed the maximum number of recordable notes (8)

or knob operations (4), the oldest data is successively erased and overwritten.

6. Press the [REAL TIME REC] button to stop recording.

As necessary, save the step sequencer data.

“Saving Step Sequencer Data” (p. 33)

Starting Realtime Recording by Keyboard Input

1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [REAL

TIME REC] button.

The [REAL TIME REC] button and [PLAY] button blink.

2. Play the keyboard.

The moment you press a key, the [PLAY] button lights and realtime recording starts.

You can also record chords.

Knob operations are also recorded.

MEMO

5 For both notes and knob operations, loop recording occurs

while adding to the existing data.

5 If you exceed the maximum number of recordable notes (8)

or knob operations (4), the oldest data is successively erased and overwritten.

3. Press the [REAL TIME REC] button to stop recording.

As necessary, save the step sequencer data.

“Saving Step Sequencer Data” (p. 33)

Editing a Specic Step

1. Press the [EDIT/DISP] button to make it light.

2. Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the

[1]–[16] button that you want to edit.

The screen shows the recorded notes.

EDIT: STEP 1 C4 E4 G4 ---

3. Press the key (or operate the knob) that you want to

record.

If you press a key, the previously-recorded notes are erased and overwritten. (During editing, releasing the key does not advance the step.)

If you operate a knob, the data is added. (During editing, knob operations can be recorded or edited even without pressing a key.)

4. Use the cursor [

parameter that you want to edit, and then operate the knob.

FILTER:Cutoff oo [100] -- --

You can also use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value of the applicable parameter.

This lets you newly record a knob operation.

MEMO

5 You can use the cursor [K] [J] buttons to move to the note

screen or knob recording screen. The knob recording screen changes for each of the four parameters that are recorded.

5 If you press the [REST/ERASE] button, the data that is shown/

selected is deleted.

] [J] buttons to select the

Recording a Specic Step

1. Press the [EDIT/DISP] button to make it light.

2. Hold down the [1]–[16] button that you want to

record, and play the key (or operate the knob) that you want to record.

3. Release the [1]–[16] button.

Recording ends.

MEMO

5 You can record even while the step sequencer is playing.

5 If recorded data exists in the step you recorded, the new data

is added. In the same way as in “REAL TIME REC,” the most recent eight notes are retained. If knob operations exceed four, the display indicates “Prm Memory Full.”

5. Press the [EDIT/DISP] button.

Editing ends.

Transposing the Playback

1. Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press one of

the C3–C5 keys.

You can transpose in a range of one octave upward or downward.

STEP SEQ T=120.0 U:*--- 1-16

If the playback is transposed, the upper right of the STEP SEQ screen alternately show the tempo indication and the transpose value.

Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the C4 key to cancel transposition.

STEP SEQ CÀ+F U:*--- 1-16

Muting the Playback of a Specic Part (Performance Mode Only)

1. Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button, and press the

PART ON/OFF [UPPER] or [LOWER] button.

The performance of the part you pressed is muted.

To unmute the part, perform the same operation once again.

About the Step Sequencer

Saving Step Sequencer Data

Step sequencer data is saved within the patch data. You can save (overwrite) just the step sequencer data without writing the sound settings of the patch.

1. In performance mode, use the PART SELECT [UPPER]

[LOWER] buttons to select a part that you want to

save.

2. Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the

[WRITE] button.

A conrmation message appears.

<WRITE> [Ent] ÄSEQ:Upper*

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

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

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

Completed!

1. While holding down [LAST STEP], press the button

that you want to be the last step.

MEMO

You can also specify this by holding down the [LAST STEP] button and using the [VALUE] knob.

The [LAST STEP] button is lit, and the last step is specied. You can use this operation to make it play to any desired step and then return to the rst step.

If you press the [LAST STEP] button to make it go dark, the LAST STEP setting turns o (the specied setting remains).

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

1. Hold down both the [FIRST STEP] button and the

[LAST STEP] button, and turn the [VALUE] knob.

FIRST 1 LAST 8 *--- 1-16

This changes the two values simultaneously while maintaining the spacing between the FIRST STEP and LAST STEP.

About FIRST STEP and LAST STEP

Selecting the First Step (FIRST STEP)

Normally, step 1 is played as the rst step; however, you can use the FIRST STEP setting to make the step sequencer use a dierent step as the rst step.

Step

1–16

FIRST STEP LAST STEP

1. While holding down [FIRST STEP], press the button

that you want to be the rst step.

MEMO

You can also specify this by holding down the [FIRST STEP] button and using the [VALUE] knob.

The [FIRST STEP] button is lit, and the rst step is specied. You can use this operation to make it play from any desired step.

If you press the [FIRST STEP] button to make it go dark, the FIRST STEP setting turns o (the specied value remains).

Selecting the Last Step (LAST STEP)

Step

17–32

Playback region

Step

33–48

Step

49–64

STEP SEQ MENU

Here’s how to copy a step sequencer pattern, and how to specify the note length of one step.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Select “STEP SEQ MENU” and then press the

[ENTER] button.

The SEQ MENU screen appears.

<SEQ MENU> [Ent] PTN COPY À

Cursor [K] [J]

PTN COPY Copies a pattern.

SETTING Species the note length of one step.

Copying a Pattern (PTN COPY)

1. In the SEQ MENU screen, select “PTN COPY” and

press the [ENTER] button.

<SEQ MENU> [Ent] PTN COPY À

Explanation

Normally, the step specied by STEP LENGTH is played as the last step; however, you can use the LAST STEP setting to make the step sequencer use a dierent step as the last step.

If you’re in performance mode, select the copy-source part (upper/lower).

Lower part

<SEQ MENU> [Ent] PTN COPY [L] À

Upper part

<SEQ MENU> [Ent] ÄPTN COPY [U] À

About the Step Sequencer

2. Use “From:” to select the copy-source patch

number, and press the [ENTER] button.

PTN COPY [Ent] From:SYS8 A-1

3. At the conrmation screen, press the [ENTER]

button.

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

Specifying the Note Length of One Step (SETTING)

1. In the SEQ MENU screen, select “SETTING” and press

the [ENTER] button.

SETUP: Default Gate 50

2. Specify the “Default Gate” value.

Parameter

Default Gate 1–100

* This parameter is initialized when you turn o the power (default

value: 50).

Value

[VALUE] knob

Explanation

Species the note length of each step (default value: 50).

If this is 100, the note continues sounding until the end of the step.

Roland System-8 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Panel Descriptions

Editing a Patch

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

Simulating Aging (CONDITION)

Initializing a Patch (Patch Init)

Saving a Patch (WRITE)

Editing a Performance

Making Settings for the Entire Performance (PERFORM EDIT)

Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT)

Initializing a Performance (Perform Init)

Saving a Performance (WRITE)

Accessing the MENU Screens

Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)

Saving the System Settings

Viewing the System Version (VERSION INFO)

Viewing Plug-Out Information (PLUG-OUT INFO)

Convenient Functions (UTILITY)

Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP)

Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card (RESTORE)

Exporting Sound Data to an SD Card (EXPORT)

Importing Sound Data from an SD Card (IMPORT)

Changing the Order of Patches/Performances (EXCHANGE)

Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET)

Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE)

Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT)

Deleting a File from an SD Card (Delete File)

Overwrite-Saving Edited Data (Overwrite)

Using the Vocoder (VOCODER)

Connecting a Mic

Using the Vocoder in Patch Mode

Using the Vocoder in Performance Mode

When the PerfMode Is “DUAL”

When the PerfMode Is “SINGLE”

About the Step Sequencer

STEP SEQUENCER

Recording Steps Consecutively (STEP REC)

Recording in Real Time (REAL TIME REC)

Starting Realtime Recording by Keyboard Input

Transposing the Playback

Saving Step Sequencer Data

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

About FIRST STEP and LAST STEP

Selecting the First Step (FIRST STEP)

Selecting the Last Step (LAST STEP)

STEP SEQ MENU

Copying a Pattern (PTN COPY)

Specifying the Note Length of One Step (SETTING)