Roland TR-6S Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

© 2020 Roland Corporation

01

Contents

Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4
::Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4
::Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	5
::Bottom Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	5
Installing the Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	5
::Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	6
::Before You Begin Playing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
Turning the TR-6S On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
Turning Off the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7
Overview of the TR-6S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	8
::What Is a “PATTERN”?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9
::What Is a “KIT”? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9
::What Is a “MOTION”? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9
Main Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	10
Playing Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
::Playing Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
::Selecting a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
::Changing the Length of the Variation
(Setting the Variation’s Last Step) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	11
Changing the Length of a Specific Track
(Setting the Track’s Last Step). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
::Generating a Random Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
::Copying a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
::Deleting a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
Clearing a Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
Clearing a Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
::Copying a Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	12
::Selecting a Fill-In Variation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Inserting a Fill-In (Manual Trigger) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Inserting a Fill-In at Regular Intervals (Auto Fill In) . . . . . . . .	13
::Muting a Track (MUTE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
::Adjusting the Reverb or Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
::Master Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
Assigning a Parameter to the [CTRL (MASTER FX)] Knob . .	13
::Assigning Parameters to the [CTRL] Knobs
(CTRL SELECT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	13
::Assigning a Different Function for Each Instrument
to the [CTRL] Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14
::Adjusting the Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14
Tap Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14
::Finely Adjusting the Timing of Notes (Nudge Function)	14
::Recording to a Variation That’s Not Playing . . . . . . . .	14
::Returning to the Beginning of the Pattern . . . . . . . . .	14
::Checking the Value of a Knob or Fader . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14
::Reloading the Value of a Knob or Fader
(Reload Function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14

Recording Knob Movements at Steps (Motion)	15
::Recording/Playing MOTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
::Clearing Motion Data of a Selected Target . . . . . . . . .	15
Editing the Pattern Settings (Pattern Setting) . . . . .	16
::PTN SETTING Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
::Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE). .	17
::Copying a Pattern or Kit (COPY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	17
::Deleting a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Clearing a Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Clearing a Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Reloading a Pattern or Kit (Reload Function). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Step Recording (TR-REC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
::Entering Sub Steps or Flams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
::Inputting Weak Beats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
::Inputting Alternate Sounds (ALT INST). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
::Specifying Accents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
::Deleting a Recorded Step from the Track. . . . . . . . . . .	19
Realtime Recording (INST REC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
::Performing/Recording Sub Steps and Flams . . . . . . .	20
::Playing/Recording Weak Beats (WEAK BEATS) . . . . . . . . .	20
::Playing/Recording Alternate Sounds (ALT INST). . . . . .	20
::Deleting a Recorded Step from the Track. . . . . . . . . . .	20
Playing the Pads (INST PLAY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
::Performing Sub Steps and Flams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
::Performing Weak Beats (WEAK BEATS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
::Performing Alternate Sounds (ALT INST). . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
::Performing a Roll (ROLL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
Looping a Specific Step (STEP LOOP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Holding the Loop Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
::To Cancel Step Loop Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Editing a Kit’s Settings (KIT Edit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
::Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE). .	24
Editing an Instrument’s Sound (INST Edit). . . . . . . .	25
Importing or Exporting a Pattern or Kit . . . . . . .	26
::Exporting a Pattern or Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Exporting a Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Exporting a Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
::Importing a Pattern or Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Importing a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Importing a Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28

2

Contents

Assigning an Imported User Sample to an
Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
::Importing a User Sample (SAMPLE Import). . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
::Assigning a User Sample to an Instrument (SAMPLE)	30
::Editing a User Sample Tone’s Settings (SAMPLE Edit). .	30
::Deleting a User Sample (SAMPLE Delete). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
::Renaming a User Category (Category Name). . . . . . . . . . .	31
::Optimizing the User Sample Area (OPTIMIZE) . . . . . . . .	31
Convenient Functions and Settings (UTILITY). . .	32
::SYSTEM Parameters / UTILITY Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Initializing, Backing-Up, Restoring . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
::Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) . . .	33
::Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
::Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card
(RESTORE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
Synchronizing/Recording with Other
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
::Synchronizing with a DAW (TR-6S as Slave) . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
::Synchronizing with a MC-101 (TR-6S as Master). . . . . . . .	35
::Using the TR-6S as a MIDI Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
::Connecting a Computer via USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
::Using a Computer to Manage the Connected SD
Card (STORAGE MODE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Error Message List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
List of Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Switching Screens and Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Showing the Value or Parameter Name of a
Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Inputting Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Editing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Editing a Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::MOTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Inputting Sub Steps, Weak Beats, Alternates, and
Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Playback/Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Tempo/Nudge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
::Copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38
::Deleting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38
::Editing an Instrument or Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38
::Assigning Parameters to the [CTRL] Knob . . . . . . . . . .	38
::Reloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	38
Main Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39

Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaflet “Read Me First”). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.

3

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel

1

2

3

5

1Common section 1 [VOLUME] knob

Adjusts the MIX OUT jack, PHONES jack’s volume.

[SHIFT] button

By holding down this button and operating certain other buttons, you can access a screen for making related settings.

By holding down this button when you turn the [VALUE] knob to change the value of a parameter, you can make the value change more greatly.

[CLEAR] button

Erases the recorded content for an individual instrument, or deletes a pattern.

[PTN SELECT] button
Select a pattern.	page 11
[TR-REC] button
Step-records a pattern.	page 19
[STEP LOOP] button
While a pattern is playing, you can loop-play the	page 22
selected step.

*Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press this button to specify the length of the pattern.

[SUB] button

Inputs/plays sub steps.	page 19
[VARIATION] button
Switch pattern variations (A–H).	page 11

4

[INST REC] button

Records a pattern in real time.

page 20

*If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the

[INST REC] button, you enter INST PLAY mode, and can use pads [1]–[8] to

play in real time.

&“Playing the Pads (INST PLAY)” (p. 21)

[START/STOP] button

Play or stop the pattern.

*If a sample is selected as the instrument’s tone, the sound might not stop automatically depending on the instrument edit settings. While a pattern is stopped, you can silence all currently-sounding samples by holding down the [SHIFT] button and pressing the [START/STOP] button.

2INST edit section

Here you can adjust the tonal character of the instrument’s tone.

When the instrument select buttons are unlit, these knobs adjust the effects.

[TUNE] knob

Adjusts the tuning (pitch).

[DECAY] knob

Adjusts the length of the decay.

[CTRL] knob

Controls the content specified by CTRL SELECT (p. 13).

*Depending on the tone, there might not be any effect.

[MASTER FX] button

Turns the master effect on/off.

Level fader

Adjusts the volume of each instrument.

4

Panel Descriptions

3Instrument select [BD] [SD] [LT] [HC] [CH] [OH] buttons

During TR-REC, these buttons select the instrument that is recorded.

In the INST screen or INST Edit screen, these buttons select the instrument whose settings you want to edit.

4Common section 2

Display

Shows pattern names and various settings.

page 10

[VALUE] knob

Modify values.

Press the knob to confirm a value or execute an operation. The knob blinks in time with the specified tempo.

[KIT] button
Selects a kit.	page 23
[INST] button
Selects a sound (instrument’s tone) for the	page 25
instrument.
[SAMPLE] button
Selects a sample as the sound (instrument’s tone)	page 29
for the instrument.
[COPY] button
Copies a pattern/kit.	page 12
[UTILITY] button
Lets you edit or initialize various settings.	page 32
[EXIT] button

Returns you to the previous screen.

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

When you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [EXIT] button, the WRITE screen appears.

[FILL IN TRIG] button

Press this button to insert a fill-in.

[SHUFFLE] button

Adjusts the amount of shuffle (bounce).

[TEMPO] button

Specifies the tempo.

5 Pad [1]–[16]

	Mode	Explanation
	TR-REC	For each step, specify whether the instrument’s
		tone will sound.
		Select a pattern.
		Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button and use
	PTN SELECT	pads [1]–[8] to select a bank.
		Release the [PTN SELECT] button and use pads
		[1]–[16] to select a number.
		55 Pads [1]–[6](INST) play instrument’s tones.
		55 If you hold down either the [7] or [8] (ROLL)
	INST PLAY	pad (or both) and press a [1]–[6] pad, the
		instrument’s tone plays a roll. There are three
		types of roll ([7] 16th note, [8] 32nd note, [7] +
		[8] 64th note).

	Mode	Explanation
	INST REC	During realtime recording, the pads record the
		corresponding instrument’s tone.
	STEP LOOP	Selects the step that is loop-played.

Front Panel

A

APHONES jack

You can connect a set of headphones here.

Bottom Panel

Installing the Batteries

As an alternative to USB bus power, you can use commercially available AA nickel-metal hydride batteries or alkaline batteries to power the unit.

*If USB bus power is being supplied, the unit uses USB bus power even if batteries are installed.

1. Remove the battery cover.

*When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.

2. Taking care to observe the correct orientation of the batteries, insert the batteries into the battery case.

3. Close the battery cover.

*If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaflet “Read Me First”).

Battery replacement indicator

When the batteries run low, an indication appears in the screen. When this occurs, install new batteries.

5

Panel Descriptions

Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

B [POWER] switch				E MIDI connectors
					Connect MIDI devices.

D

C O(USB) port	SD card	F	OUT jacks
Computer

B[POWER] switch

Turns the power on/off.

&“Before You Begin Playing” (p. 7)

CO(USB) port

Use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable to connect this port to your computer. It can be used to transfer USB MIDI and USB audio data. You must install the USB driver before connecting the TR-6S to your computer. For details, refer to Readme.htm in the downloaded file.

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

*If USB bus power is being supplied, the unit operates on USB bus power.

DSD card slot

EMIDI (OUT, IN) connectors

Use a commercially available MIDI cable to connect MIDI devices here.

FOUT (L/MONO, R) jacks

Connect these jacks to your amp or monitor speakers.

The SD card contains various data (settings, sounds, samples, etc.) for this unit.

*Never turn off the power or remove the SD card while the SD card is being accessed.

*Some memory card types or memory cards from some manufacturers may not record or play back properly on the unit.

6

Panel Descriptions

Before You Begin Playing

*Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Turning the TR-6S On

1.Turn on the power in the order of the TR-6S first, and then the connected system.

2.Switch on power to the connected equipment, and raise the volume to an appropriate level.

Turning Off the Power

1. Power-off the connected system first, and then the TR-6S.

Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT)

If using an SD card, please format it on the TR-6S. SD cards are sold separately. Please obtain a SD card separately.

1. Press the [UTILITY] button.

The UTILITY screen appears.

2.Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SD CARD:Format.”

3.Press the [VALUE] knob.

A confirmation message appears.

4. To execute, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” and press the [VALUE] knob.

If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,” and then press the [VALUE] knob.

7

Overview of the TR-6S

TR-6S

			PATTERN	128 patterns
				(16 x 8 banks)
	PATTERN No. 8-16
PATTERN No. 1-3
PATTERN No. 1-2
PATTERN No. 1-1			PATTERN
				KIT
			Setting
				number
	VARIATION
				FILL IN
A	B	C	D
				FILL IN 1
E	F	G	H	FILL IN 2
	Last Step setting for
	each instrument

		VARIATION A–H
		LAST STEP setting
		Motion data for REVERB/DELAY/MASTER FX
		TRACK
	ACCENT	STEP data
	BD	STEP data
		MOTION data
	SD	STEP data
		MOTION data
	CH	STEP data
		MOTION data
	OH	STEP data
		MOTION data

		KIT	128 KITs
KIT No. 128
KIT No. 3
KIT No. 2
KIT No. 1		KIT
			EFFECT
		Parameter
			setting
	INST
BD	SD	OH
INST	INST	INST	MASTER
Parameter	Parameter	Parameter	FX
INST	INST	INST
EFFECT	EFFECT	EFFECT	REVERB
			DELAY

INST	INST		INST
Tone	Tone		Tone
	INST tone
ACB tone	FM tone	SAMPLE tone
PRESET	PRESET	PRESET	USER	System
			SAMPLE	Setting
			Parameter

Backup/Restore

Export/Import

BACKUP data

Export data

Audio

files

Import

SD card

*If you want to make a backup, save the data (patterns, kits, system settings) before you proceed. The backup will not include the pattern or kit that you’re currently editing (shown by an “*” indication) or system settings that you have not saved.

8

Overview of the TR-6S

What Is a“PATTERN”?

The performance data that you record using TR-REC or INST-REC is called a “pattern.”

The TR-6S has 128 patterns (16 patterns x 8 banks); each pattern has eight variations (A–H) and two fill-in patterns.

The variations (A–H) and the two fill-ins each have seven tracks (ACCENT, BD, SD, LT,

H

Fill in 1

Fill in 2

What Is a“KIT”?

The 6 instruments are collectively called a “kit.”The TR-6S has 128 kits. The pattern plays the instruments of the currently selected kit.

H

FILL IN 1

FILL IN 2

plays the kit.

BASS

DRUM

Instrument x 6

What Is a“MOTION”?

On the TR-6S, knob or switch movements can be recorded in a pattern as “motions” and played back.

Knobs and switches that can be recorded in a motion

55 [REVERB] knob

55 [DELAY] knob

55 [MASTER FX] switch

55 [MASTER FX] knob

55 [TUNE] knob of each instrument

55 [DECAY] knob of each instrument

55 [CTRL] knob of each instrument

When using motion recording (when the [INST REC] button is lit), the “M” icon appears in the screen when you operate a knob or switch.

When [INST REC] button is lit

When [INST REC] button is unlit

About saving the pattern and kit

Parameters of the pattern or kit that you’re editing are remembered until you turn off the power. Even if you select a different pattern or kit, and then re-select the one you had been editing, it is recalled in the edited state; however, if you turn the power off and on again, it returns to the unedited state. If you want to keep the edits that you made to a pattern or kit, you must save that pattern or kit.

9

Main Screens

PTN SELECT

Pattern that plays next

Select the pattern to play.

Bank Number

Name of pattern that plays next

Name of currently playing pattern

Variation currently
selected for recording
A–H	Currently playing pattern
	Pattern that plays next

STEP LOOP

Loop-plays the selected step during pattern playback.

LAST

([SHIFT] button + [STEP LOOP] button)

Specify the length (last step) of a variation or track.

VARIATION

Use the 16 step buttons to switch the pattern variation (A–H).

TR-REC

Create a pattern by specifying the steps at which each track plays a sound.

SUB

Input or perform sub steps or flams.

INST REC

Create a pattern by realtime-recording your performance on pads [1] (BD)–[6] (OH).

Record to the currently-playing variation or fill-in.

INST PLAY

([SHIFT] button + [INST REC] button)

Play pads [1] (BD)–[6] (OH) in real time.

10

Playing Patterns

Playing Patterns

1.Press the [START/STOP] button.

2.Use the controllers of the instrument edit section modify the sound.

3.To stop, press the [START/STOP] button once

MEMO

55 During playback, you can hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [START/STOP] button to return to the beginning pattern.

55 To stop samples that are still sounding after the pattern has stopped, hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [START/ STOP] button.

Selecting a Pattern

1. Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button and press a pad [1]–[8].

The bank is selected.

2.Release the [PTN SELECT] button.

3.Use pads [1]–[16] to select a pattern.

The selected pad blinks. During playback, it is lit.

When you select the next pattern during playback, the pad The pattern switches when playback returns to the first step.

You can select a region by pressing two pads simultaneously. selected patterns play in succession.

4. Press the [VARIATION] button to make it light, then use pads [A]–[H] to select a variation.

You can select multiple variations by holding down a button pressing other buttons.

The selected variations are lit, and those whose buttons are lit once each in the order of A 0H.

Changing the Length of the Variation

(Setting the Variation’s Last Step)

The overall number of steps used by a variation (the variation’s last step) can be specified individually for each variation.

1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [STEP LOOP (LAST)] button.

The [STEP LOOP] button blinks and then the LAST STEP screen appears.

2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the variation for which you want to make the setting.

The variation for which you’re making the setting is shown in upper right of the screen.

If “H” is shown, turning the [VALUE] knob toward the right lets select FILL IN 1 or FILL IN 2.

You can select multiple variations by holding down the [SHIFT] button and [STEP LOOP] button, and then pressing a VARIATION [A]–[H] button.

3. Use pads [1]–[16] to select the last step.

About variations

Each pattern has eight variations, A–H.

Press an [A]–[H] button to select the variation A–H that you want to play back or record.

If you want to play back multiple variations, hold down one of the [A]–[H] buttons and press the other [A]–[H] buttons that you want to additionally play back.

The target of recording is the variation of the button that you

	variation [A]–[H] buttons
Lit light blue	Ready to play
Blinking light blue	Playing

Short blinking purple

Blinking purple

Blinking red

the [TR-REC] button, the following to the above.

During PLAY&REC (TR-REC/INST REC)

Selected for both PLAY and REC

Selected as the target of recording

Selecting the variation during TR-REC

By holding down the [TR-REC] button and pressing a VARIATION [A]–[H] button, you can select the target of recording while maintaining the playback-target variation.

You can also select the target of recording by holding down the [TR-REC] button and turning the [VALUE] knob. In this case, you’ll be able to select FILL IN 1 or FILL IN 2.

About fill-in

Each pattern has two dedicated FILL IN variations. You can also use the Scatter function as a fill-in.

&“Selecting a Fill-In Variation” (p. 13)

What is Scatter?

“Scatter” adds a digital-feeling groove to the loop playback by exchanging individual steps within the loop playback and also by changing the playback direction or gate length.

1. You can adjust Scatter Depth by holding down the [FILL IN TRIG] button and turning the

[VALUE] knob.

*The scatter effect will not apply to the first cycle of the loop; the effect will apply to the second and subsequent cycles of the loop.

About the LAST STEP setting

When the LAST STEP screen is displayed

Turning the [VALUE] knob

Specifies the LAST STEP of the variation.

Pressing the INST select button

Specifies the LAST STEP of the selected track.

Playing Patterns

Changing the Length of a Specific Track

(Setting the Track’s Last Step)

The number of steps used by a track (the track’s Last Step) can be specified individually for each track.

1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [STEP LOOP (LAST)] button.

The [STEP LOOP] button blinks and then the LAST STEP screen appears.

2. Use instrument select buttons [BD]–[OH] to select the track whose setting you want to edit.

*You can select multiple tracks by holding down a button and pressing other buttons.

3. Use pads [1]–[16] to select the last step.

Clearing a track’s Last Step setting

1. While holding down the [SHIFT] button, press the

[STEP LOOP (LAST)] button.

The [STEP LOOP] button blinks and then the LAST STEP screen appears.

2. Press the instrument select button [BD]–[OH] of the track whose setting you want to clear.

The instrument select button that you pressed blinks. The currently-specified last step is shown by pads [1]–[16].

3. Press the [CLEAR] button.

The last step of the selected track is cleared, and pads [1]–[16] go dark; the last step is set to the overall number of steps specified for each variation.

MEMO

The track’s Last Step setting is shared by variations A–H. Also, the track’s Last Step takes priority over the variation’s Last Step.

Generating a Random Pattern

You can automatically generate a random pattern. This modifies the selected pattern.

1. Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button and press the

[SAMPLE] button.

A random pattern is provisionally generated for the selected variation.

The [TR-REC] button blinks.

2. When you press the [TR-REC] button.

The provisionally generated random pattern changes to the current pattern.

In this state, the pattern is not yet saved. If you want to save it, execute the WRITE operation.

&“Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE)” (p. 24)

Copying a Pattern

1. Press the [COPY] button.

The COPY screen appears.

2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Pattern,” and then press the [VALUE] knob.

3.Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source, and press the [VALUE] knob.

4.Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copydestination, and press the [VALUE] knob.

A confirmation message appears.

5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” and press the

[VALUE] knob.

If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,” and then press the [VALUE] knob.

Deleting a Pattern

1.Press the [PTN SELECT] button.

2.Hold down the [CLEAR] button and use the pads [1]–[16] to specify the pattern that you want to delete.

Clearing a Variation

1.Press the [VARIATION] button.

2.Hold down the [CLEAR] button and use the [A]–[H] buttons to select the variation that you want to clear.

All steps of the specified variation are cleared.

Clearing a Track

1. Hold down the instrument select button [BD]–[OH] of the track that you want to clear and press the

[CLEAR] button.

All steps of the selected track are cleared. This affects only the selected variation.

Copying a Variation

1. Press the [COPY] button.

The COPY screen appears.

2.Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Variation,” and then press the [VALUE] knob.

3.Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source pattern, and press the [VALUE] knob.

Pattern number

Variation

4.Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source variation, and press the [VALUE] knob.

5.Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-destination pattern, and press the [VALUE] knob.

6.Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-destination variation, and press the [VALUE] knob.

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