Zoom RT-323 User Manual

OPERATION MANUAL

Safety Precautions

In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented. The meanings of these symbols are as follows:

This symbol indicates explanations about extremely dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, serious injury or death could result.

This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to the equipment could result.

Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use of the RT-323.

About power

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we recommend the use of an AC adapter whenever possible. When powering the unit from a battery, use only an alkaline type.

AC adapter operation

• Be sure to use only an AC adapter which supplies 9 V DC, 300 mA and is equipped with a "center minus" plug (Zoom AD-0006). The use of an adapter other than the specified type may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard.

• Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that supplies the rated voltage required by the adapter.

• When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC outlet, always grasp the adapter itself and do not pull at the cable.

• If the unit is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the AC adapter from the outlet.

Battery operation

• Use six IEC R6 (size AA) batteries (alkaline or manganese).

• The RT-323 cannot be used for recharging. Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to make sure you choose the correct type.

• If the RT-323 is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the unit.

• If batteries leakage has occurred, wipe the battery compartment and the battery terminals carefully to remove all remnants of battery fluid.

• While using the unit, the battery compartment cover should be closed.

Environment

Avoid using your RT-323 in environments where it

will be exposed to:

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

Handling

• Since the RT-323 is a precision electronic device, avoid applying excessive force to the controls. Do not operate the keys or controls with your foot.

• Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids can enter the unit.

• Be sure to turn the power to all equipment off before making connections.

• Before moving the unit, turn the power off, and disconnect all cables and the AC adapter.

Alterations

Never open the case of the RT-323 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit.

In Case of Trouble

If there seems to be a defect or a problem with the unit, immediately disconnect the AC adapter or remove the batteries to shut off the power. Then disconnect any other cables connected to the unit.

Usage Precautions

• Electrical interference

For safety considerations, the RT-323 has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection from external interference. However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the RT-323, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely.

With any type of digital control device, the RT-323 included, electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

• Cleaning

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the RT-323. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface.

Please keep this manual at hand for future reference.

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS •••••••• 2

Names of Parts

••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4

Top Panel •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4 Rear Panel

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4

Side Panel

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 5

Getting Connected •••••••••••••••••••••••• 6

Using the Unit on Batteries ••••••••••••••••• 7 Preparations for Playback

•••••••••••••••••• 7

Quick Guide 1 Listening to the Demo ••••••• 8

To Start the Demo Song ••••••••••••••••••• 8 To Stop the Demo Song

••••••••••••••••••• 8

To Leave the Demo Mode

••••••••••••••••• 8

Drum Kits and Bass Programs

••••••••••••••• 9

Quick Guide 2 Playing the Pads •••••••••••• 10

Playing a Drum Kit ••••••••••••••••••••••• 10 Playing a Bass Program

•••••••••••••••••• 11

Changing the Drum Kit/Bass Program

••••••• 11

Quick Guide 3 Listening to Patterns •••••••• 12

Playing a Pattern •••••••••••••••••••••••• 12 Changing the Pattern

•••••••••••••••••••• 12

Changing the Tempo

••••••••••••••••••••• 13

Stopping the Pattern

••••••••••••••••••••• 13

Patterns and Tracks

••••••••••••••••••••• 13

Quick Guide 4 Creating a Pattern ••••••••••

Selecting the Record Pattern/Track ••••••••• 14 To Start Recording

•••••••••••••••••••••• 15

To Stop Recording

•••••••••••••••••••••• 15

Quick Guide 5 Using Groove Play •••••••••• 16

To Use Groove Play •••••••••••••••••••••• 16 To Play a Pattern with a Pad

••••••••••••••• 16

To Keep Playing the Pattern After

Releasing the Pad

•••••••••••••••••••••• 17

To Terminate Groove Play

•••••••••••••••• 17

Hands-on Lessons ••••••••••••••••••••••• 18

What Is a Song? •••••••••••••••••••••••• 18 Lesson 1 Creating a Song [Step Input]

••••••• 18

● Select an empty song •••••••••••••••• 18

● Enter pattern information

••••••••••••••• 19

● Transposing the bass track

••••••••••••• 21

● Entering a fill-in pattern

•••••••••••••••• 23

Lesson 2 Editing a Song •••••••••••••••••• 24

● Copying part of a song •••••••••••••••• 24

● Changing the bass track

•••••••••••••• 26

Lesson 3 Creating a Song [Real-time Input] ••• 28

Application Guide [Pads/JAM Slider] ••••••• 30

Playing the Pads •••••••••••••••••••••••• 30 Adjusting pad pitch/volume/panning/sound in

real time (jam function)

•••••••••••••••••• 31

Adjusting the Pad Sensitivity

••••••••••••••• 32

Application Guide

[Drum Kits/Bass Programs]

••••••••••••••• 33

Drum Kit Operation •••••••••••••••••••••• 33 Bass Program Operation

•••••••••••••••••• 37

Application Guide [Patterns] ••••••••••••••• 40

Playing a Pattern •••••••••••••••••••••••• 40 Using the Groove Play Function

••••••••••••• 42

Real-Time Pattern Input

••••••••••••••••••• 43

Pattern Step Input

••••••••••••••••••••••• 46

Deleting a User Pattern

••••••••••••••••••• 49

Deleting a Track

•••••••••••••••••••••••• 49

Copying a Pattern

••••••••••••••••••••••• 49

Changing Pattern Settings

••••••••••••••••• 50

Application Guide [Song] ••••••••••••••••• 55

Song Playback ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 55 Real-time Song Input

••••••••••••••••••••• 56

Song Step Input

•••••••••••••••••••••••• 60

Copying Specific Measures

•••••••••••••••• 68

Deleting a Song

••••••••••••••••••••••••• 68

Copying a Song

••••••••••••••••••••••••• 69

Song Track Operation

•••••••••••••••••••• 69

Editing Song Settings

•••••••••••••••••••• 72

Application Guide [SmartMedia] •••••••••••

Formatting a SmartMedia Card ••••••••••••• 74 Saving Data on the SmartMedia Card

•••••••• 75

Loading Data from the SmartMedia Card

•••••• 76

Partial Import of Data from

a SmartMedia Card

•••••••••••••••••••• 76

Deleting Data From the SmartMedia Card

••••• 78

Import/Export of PS-02 SmartMedia Data

••••• 79

Application Guide [Remote Control] •••••••• 82

Controlling the RT-323 With

a Foot Pedal (FP01/FP02)

••••••••••••••• 82

Controlling the RT-323 With

a Foot Switch (FS01)

••••••••••••••••••• 83

Application Guide [MIDI] ••••••••••••••••••

Available MIDI Functions ••••••••••••••••• 85 Changing the MIDI Setting

••••••••••••••••• 85

Saving RT-323 Internal Data on

MIDI Equipment

•••••••••••••••••••••• 90

MIDI Track Operation

•••••••••••••••••••• 91

Application Guide [Other Functions] •••••••• 93

Metronome Operation •••••••••••••••••••• 93 Other Special Functions

•••••••••••••••••• 94

Troubleshooting •••••••••••••••••••••••••

Reference

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 96

RT-323 Specifications •••••••••••••••••••• 96

Index ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 114

Contents

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Contents

Warning

Caution

Warning

Caution

Names of Parts

[EDIT] key

[ERASE] key

[INSERT/DELETE] key

[ENTER] key

[EXIT] key

[MUTE] key [DRUM A] key (LED) [DRUM B] key (LED)

[BASS] key (LED)

[SONG TRACK] key (LED)

[PAD FUNCTION] key

[POWER] switch

[DC IN] jack

[MIDI OUT] connector

[MIDI IN] connector

[CONTROL IN 1/2] jack

JAM slider

[JAM FUNCTION] key

(LED)

[ ] / [ ]keys

Display

* Keys and pads marked

(LED) contain an internal LED that causes the entire key to light up.

Pads 1 - 13 (LED)

[REPEAT/STEP] key

[R OUT / L/MONO OUT] jacks

[PHONES] jack

[LINE IN] jack

[SUB OUT 1/2] jacks

[DATA CARD] slot

SmartMedia card

Caution

Correct Wrong

[OUTPUT] dial

[VALUE] dial

[SONG] key [PATTERN] key [KIT] key [UTILITY] key

[TEMPO] key (LED)

[ REC] (STEP REC) key (LED)

[ ] (PLAY) key (LED)

[ ] (STOP) key

[PAD BANK/OCTAVE] key

If the SmartMedia card is inserted with wrong orientation, it will not go all the way into the slot. Do not try to force the card in, because this will damage the card.

Names of Parts

Top Panel

Side Panel

Rear Panel

Getting Connected

RT-323 rear

Getting Connected

For mono playback, connect only the [L/MONO OUT] jack. To selectively use the output signal for certain instrument sounds only, connect a cable to the [SUB OUT 1/2] jack.

When a guitar or other instrument is connected to the [LINE IN] jack, the sound from the instrument is mixed with the sound of the RT-323 and output from the [L/MONO/R OUT] jack.

To synchronize the RT-323 with an external sequencer or to control the sound sources of the RT-323 from an external MIDI component, link the MIDI OUT connector of the equipment with the [MIDI IN] connector on the RT-323.

To play an external MIDI component from the RT-323, connect the [MIDI OUT] connector of the RT-323 to the MIDI IN connector of the external component.

By connecting the optional foot pedal FP01 or FP02 to the [CONTROL IN 1]/[CONTROL IN 2] jack, pitch, volume, or sound can be controlled with the pedal. Connecting the optional foot switch FS01 to the jack allows activating a sound or switching the tone with your foot.

Drum sound source module

FP01/FP02

FS01

Headphones

Multi-effect

(ZOOM 505II etc.)

Guitar

LINE IN

L/MONO

OUT

PHONES

DC IN

CONTROL IN 1

CONTROL

IN 2

SUB OUT 1

SUB OUT 2

MIDI

MIDI OUT

Bass

Mixer, audio system,

or other playback equipment

MIDI sequencer

(computer MIDI interface)

AC adapter

Getting Connected

The RT-323 can be powered from six IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Follow the steps below to insert the batteries.

After connections are established, check the sound by performing the following steps.

While the playback system is still turned off and the volume is fully turned down, double-check whether all connections have been made correctly.

Turn power to the RT-323 on.

Connect the supplied AC adapter to the [DC IN] connector and set the [POWER] switch to ON.

Turn power to the playback system on and adjust the volume.

While tapping a pad to produce sound, adjust the [OUTPUT] dial of the RT-323 and the volume control on the playback system to a suitable position.

Using the Unit on Batteries

Preparations for Playback

Turn the unit over and open the battery compartment cover.

Insert six fresh IEC R6 (size AA) alkaline batteries.

Close the battery compartment cover.

If the LED lights up while the unit is powered from batteries, the batteries are exhausted. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.

Six IEC R6 (size AA)

Quick Guide 1 Listening to the Demo

Drum Kits and Bass Programs

The backup sound provided by the RT-323 consists of "drum kits" and "bass programs"

A drum kit is a collection of drum sounds including bass drums, snares, and tom-tom percussion sounds, as well congas, as bongos, and various other sound effect. The RT-323 offers 64 preset readonly drum kits (00 - 63), as well as the capacity to store 64 userprogrammable drum kits (64 - 127). Up to two of these can be used simultaneously.

A bass program provides various types of bass sounds including electric and acoustic bass. The RT-323 includes 55 bass programs (00 - 54), allowing use of only one bass program at a time.

Drum kit

Bass program

Quick Guide 1 Listening to the Demo

To Start the Demo Song

While holding down the [SONG] key, press the [ENTER] key

The unit goes into demo play mode, and two demo songs are played back alternately.

To restart demo song playback, use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the demo song, and then press the [ ] key.

Sounds just like the backup of a live band, doesn't it? Note how effectively various drum, percussion, and bass sounds are combined. The RT-323 can produce such a great variety of sounds with ease.

To Stop the Demo Song

Press the [STOP] key

To Leave the Demo Mode

Press the [EXIT] key

The Quick Guide section of this manual is intended to help you become familiar with the RT-323. To hear what the unit can do, we recommend that you listen to the built-in demo song which uses a variety of sounds.

Quick Guide 1 Listening to the Demo

Quick Guide 2 Playing the Pads

Playing a Bass Program

Press the [BASS] key

Switch the pad pitch range by pressing the [OCTAVE] key

The [BASS] key lights up, and you can play the bass program with the pads.

When a bass program is selected, the same bass sound shifted in pitch by a semitone is assigned to the pads. Therefore you can use the 13 pads like the white and black keys on a keyboard.

When a bass program is selected, the [OCTAVE] key can be used to shift the pitch range of the pads over 4 octaves (octave 1 - 4).

Changing the Drum Kit/Bass Program

Hold down the [DRUM A]/[DRUM B] key or the [BASS] key, and press one of the [ ]/[ ] keys

The drum kit number or bass program number is switched by one step up or down, so that the sound assigned to the pads changes. Tap the pads after switching to verify the change.

Drum kit number

You can also use the [VALUE] dial instead of the [▲]/[▼] keys to switch the sound.

Quick Guide 2 Playing the Pads

Playing a Drum Kit

Press the [PATTERN] key

Press the [DRUM A] key (or [DRUM B] key)

The indication "PATTERN" appears in the top part of the display, showing that the RT-323 is in pattern mode. In pattern mode, "patterns" (short backing phrases of a few measures) can be recorded and played. The normal mode for playing a drum kit by hitting the pads is the pattern mode.

The [DRUM A] key ([DRUM B] key) lights up, and you can play the drum kit with the pads.

Tap the pads

Press the [PAD BANK] key to switch the bank

When a drum kit is selected, 13 drum sounds out of the maximum of 39 sounds included in that kit are assigned to the 13 pads. You can play the sounds simply by hitting the pads.

The [PAD BANK] key allows you to switch between pad banks 1 - 3, which will change the sounds that are assigned to pads 1 - 13.

The top panel of the RT-323 has 13 pads which serve to play drum kits and bass programs.

Quick Guide 2 Playing the Pads

Quick Guide 3 Listening to Patterns

Pattern

Drum A track

Drum B track

Bass track

Changing the Tempo

While holding down the [TEMPO] key, press one of the [ ]/[ ] keys

While you hold down the [TEMPO] key, the display shows the current tempo (BPM). Pressing one of the [ ]/[ ] keys shifts the tempo up or down in

0.1 BPM steps.

Current tempo

* BPM: Number of quarter note beats per minute

Stopping the Pattern

Press the [ ] key

Patterns and Tracks

A pattern of the RT-323 is a stored combination of two drum kits and one bass program. The location for each individual drum kit or bass program is called a track. Therefore a pattern of the RT-323 consists of the drum A track, drum B track, and the bass track. Drum tracks A and B each contain a specific drum kit and the bass track contains a bass program.

The RT-323 contains 400 read-only patterns (000 - 399), and 100 read/write patterns (U00 U99).

You can also use the [VALUE] dial instead of the [ ]/[ ] keys to select the tempo.

Quick Guide 3 Listening to Patterns

Playing a Pattern

Press the [PATTERN] key

Press the [ ] key

The display shows the currently selected pattern.

Playback of the currently selected pattern starts.

Pattern name

Measure Beat

Changing the Pattern

Press one of the [ ]/[ ] keys

Pressing one of the [ ]/[ ] keys causes the pattern number to be switched by one step up or down. If "EMPTY" is shown on the display, the pattern is empty and cannot be played.

You can also use the [VALUE] dial instead of the [ ]/[ ] keys to select the pattern.

The RT-323 incorporates 400 preset read-only patterns which you can use as follows.

Quick Guide 3 Listening to Patterns

Quick Guide 4 Creating a Pattern

Pad

Precount

Recording loops for two measures

[Pattern recording]

Pad

To Start Recording

While holding down the [ REC] key, press the [ ] key

The [ REC] key and [ ] key light up, a precount of four beats (one measure) is heard, and then recording starts. While listening to the metronome sound,hit the pads to record a pattern. At the end of a pattern, recording automatically loops to the beginning and continues, allowing you to record over the earlier segment.

Measure Beat

To Stop Recording

Press the [ ] key

The [ REC ] key and [ ] key light go out and recording stops. To check the recording, press the [ ] key. You can also repeat these steps to record other tracks.

Editing a recorded pattern ➝ p. 47

Changing the pattern length or beat

➝ p.51, p52

Quick Guide 4 Creating a Pattern

Selecting the Record Pattern/Track

Press the [PATTERN] key

Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to select a user pattern (U00 - U99)

Press any of the [DRUM A]/[DRUM B]/ [BASS] keys

The RT-323 switches to the pattern mode.

When an empty user pattern is selected, the pattern name field of the display shows "EMPTY".

By pressing the [DRUM A] or [DRUM B] key, you select the drum A track or drum B track for recording. By pressing the [BASS] key, you select the bass track for recording.

In the factory default condition, all user patterns of the RT-323 are empty. If you have already created many patterns and there is no more empty user pattern erase a pattern that is no longer needed.

Erasing a pattern ➝ p. 49

To change the sound (drum kit/bass program), hold down the key you selected above, and press one of the [ ]/[ ] keys.

You can also use the [VALUE] dial instead of the [ ]/[ ] keys to select the pattern.

The user pattern feature of the RT-323 lets you create your own patterns. You can hit the pads in time with the metronome and play an original pattern to be stored.

Quick Guide 4 Creating a Pattern

Quick Guide 5 Using Groove Play

To Keep Playing the Pattern After Releasing the Pad

Hold down the [REPEAT] key and push the pad

If you hold down the [REPEAT] key while you push a pad, the pattern will continue to play after you release the pad.

To stop the pattern, push the same pad once more.

Pattern assigned

to pad

To Terminate Groove Play

Press the [PATTERN] key or [SONG] key

Changing the pattern assigned to the pad → p. 42

Quick Guide 5 Using Groove Play

To Use Groove Play

Press the [SONG] key and [PATTERN] key together.

The indication "GroovePLAY" appears on the display, indicating that the RT323 is in groove play mode.

To Play a Pattern with a Pad

Push the pad

While you hold down the pad, the pattern assigned to the pad will play. Try out various pads to hear which patterns are assigned to them.

In groove play mode, up to four patterns can be played simultaneously. By shifting the pad press timing, you can create complex rhythms.

Pattern assigned

to pad

Hold down

Groove play is a special feature of the RT-323 which lets you switch among various patterns simply by tapping the pads. This makes it easy to play with patterns like a DJ spinning records.

Quick Guide 5 Using Groove Play

The RT-323 allows you to line up patterns in a desired order to create an entire backing sequence (song). This section contains several lessons that will show you how you can use the preprogrammed patterns to create your original songs.

A song in the RT-323 basically is a playing sequence of patterns (backing of several measures comprising the three tracks drum A, drum B, and bass). To create a song, you sequentially enter information about pattern switching from the beginning. The maximum number of measures in a song is 999.

A song contains not only pattern information. You can also enter the following information.

• Number of drum kit/bass program used for each track

• Tempo information

• Bass track pitch shift (transpose)

• Track volume

This information can also be altered during a song. This lets you for example transpose the bass track pitch according to the chord progression, continuously alter the tempo, perform fade-out at the end of a song, etc. There are no limits to your creative potential.

In this lesson, we will create a simple song by using step input. This mode allows you to enter pattern information while the RT-323 is stopped.

To create a new song, select an empty song where no pattern is input.

Press the [SONG] key.

The indication "SONG" appears in the top part of the display, and the unit switches to the song mode for creating and playing songs.

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to select an empty song.

The number and name of the currently selected song appear in the bottom part of the display. When an empty song is selected, the song name field shows "EMPTY".

●

Select an empty song

Lesson 1 Creating a Song [Step Input]

What Is a Song?

To erase an existing song to make it empty, see page 68.

For step input, you start from the beginning of an empty song. In this example, we will repeat a 2measure pattern four times.

Press the [● REC] key.

The [● REC] lights up, and step input starts. The display shows the current measure and beat, indicating the current position. Because there is yet no pattern information in the empty song, the display also shows "End".

Use the [INSERT] key to bring up the indication "INSERT?" on the display.

With each push of the [INSERT] key, the display cycles through "INSERT?" ➝ "DELETE?" ➝ "original indication". When "INSERT?" is shown, a new pattern can be inserted at the current position.

Use the [VALUE] dial to select the pattern.

Let's select the pattern number "116" here. The duration of 116 is 2 measures, and the bass track plays an E Major chord.

Press the [ENTER] key.

The pattern "116" is entered at the current location.

To check the entered pattern, you can play the pattern with the [ ]/[■] keys.

●

Enter pattern information

Hands-on Lessons

Beat

Measure

Pattern

number

Pattern

duration

Song number

During step input, you can not only select a pattern number but also add various other information such as volume, tempo, bass transpose value, etc. Such pieces of information are called "events". As an example, we will add a bass transpose value here, to shift the pitch of the bass track in accordance with chord progression.

Press the [● REC] key.

The [● REC] key lights up, and step input again becomes possible.

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to bring the indication "Transps" onto the display.

While "Transps" is shown, you can use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the event type to be added to the current song position. You can add transpose information or change existing information.

Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the start of the third measure.

In this example, transpose information at the start of the third measure has a setting value of zero.

• When pattern information is input, transpose information with a zero value is also input.

• Event information including pattern information can be entered not only at the start of a measure, but anywhere within the measure (using sixteenth-note steps). For details, see page 66.

Use the [VALUE] dial to change the transpose value for the third measure.

The transpose value setting range is -12 - 0 - 12 (in semitone steps). For measures 3 and 4, we want to transpose the original E Major pattern to A Major. Therefore, the required

EA B E

END

Chord

Measure

number

12 34 5 6 7 8 9

116 116 116 116

●

Transposing the bass track

Hands-on Lessons

Press the [ ] key.

When you press the [ ] key, the display moves to the point where the next pattern can be input. (In this example, this is the start of the third measure.)

Repeat steps 2 - 6, to enter the same pattern in measures 3, 5, and 7.

You now have created a song with the following eight measures.

Press the [ ■ ] key.

The [● REC] key light goes out, and step input terminates.

When you enter patterns in an empty song, the song name "Songxxx" (where xxx is the song number) is automatically assigned. You can change this name later ( ➝ p. 73).

Press the [ ] key.

The [ ] key lights up, and song playback starts. The display shows the current measure and beat.

To listen to a finished song, press the [ ] key. At the end of the song, playback stops automatically. To stop the song midway, press the [■] key.

If you have made a mistake during pattern input, you can select the pattern and correct the input as follows.

■ Entering another pattern (1) Press the [●REC] key.

Step input starts again, and pattern information at the current point can be changed.

(2) Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the position whose pattern you want to change. (3) Use the [VALUE] dial to select the new pattern. (4) When the operation is completed, press the [■] key to terminate step input.

EE E E

END

12 34 5 6 7 8 9

116 116 116 116

Chord

Measure

number

Song name

Measure Beat

Setting value

With the previously described steps, we have created an 8-measure chord progression. But the rhythm simply repeats the same pattern. To add a bit of flourish, proceed as follows.

Press the [● REC] key.

The [● REC] key lights up, and step input again becomes possible.

Press the [▲] key once.

The indication "EV➝" appears on the display. Other indications such as "PT" or "TS" to the right of "EV➝" denote event information for the current position. "PT" stands for pattern information and "TS" for transpose information. For details, see page 66. While this indication is shown, position information is shown on the display to the right of the measure and beat in "ticks" (1/96 beat).

Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the start of the eighth measure.

When "EV ➝ " is displayed, the [ ]/[ ] keys can be used to move in measures. The [STEP] key allows movement in steps of 24 ticks.

Press the [▼] key once.

Pattern information can be input.

When you move to a point where no pattern information is input, the indication " " is shown to the left of "Pattern". This means that the preceding pattern will continue to play.

Use the [VALUE] dial to enter new pattern information.

With the [VALUE] dial you can enter new pattern information at the current position. In this example, let's select pattern "117". This is a 1-measure fill-in pattern. The bass track uses the same E Major chord as pattern 116.

●

Entering a fill-in pattern

Hands-on Lessons

setting value is "5" (five semitones higher = perfect fourth higher).

The transpose setting remains active until the point where the next transpose value is entered (start of fifth measure in this example).

Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the start of the fifth measure.

Use the [VALUE] dial to change the transpose value for the fifth measure.

For measures 5 and 6, we want to transpose the original E Major pattern to B Major. Therefore, the required setting value is "7" (seven semitones higher = perfect fifth higher).

For measures 7 and 8, we want to use E Major of the original chord. Therefore there is no need to change the transpose value of zero.

Press the [■] key to terminate step input.

To listen to the song with the transpose information, press the [ ] key.

If you have made a mistake during transpose information input, you can correct it as follows.

■ Modifying the transpose information setting value

After performing steps 1 - 2, use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the desired point, and use the [VALUE] dial to enter the new transpose information.

■ Deleting accidentally entered transpose information

After performing steps 1 - 2, use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the desired point, and press the [ERASE] key. The current transpose information is deleted.

Press the [SONG] key to activate the song mode, and use the [▲]/[▼] keys to select the song created in lesson 1.

Press the [● REC] key.

The [● REC] key lights up, and step input starts again.

Press the [EDIT] key.

This activates the mode for copying measures.

This function can be called up at any time, regardless of the current position.

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to select the first measure number to be used as copy source.

Because we want to copy 8 measures, we select measure number 1 here.

Press the [ENTER] key, and use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to select the last measure number to be used as copy source.

Select measure number 8 here.

Hands-on Lessons

Now measure 7 will play the beginning of the pattern 116, and measure 8 switches to pattern 117.

Press the [■] key to terminate step input.

This concludes the actions for this lesson. Press the [ ] key to listen to the song you have created.

If you have made a mistake during pattern input, you can correct it as follows.

■ Entering another pattern

Press the [● REC] key and then use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the desired point. Use the [VALUE] dial to enter the new pattern.

■ Deleting accidentally entered pattern information

Press the [● REC] key and then use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the desired point. Press the [ERASE] key to delete the current pattern information.

Using the song created in lesson 1, this lesson demonstrates how you can extend the song with the copy function, change the bass track contents, and perform various other useful editing functions.

In lesson 1, we have input a song of 8 measures. In this lesson, we will copy the entire song (measure number 1 - 8) to the latter part, to extend it to 16 measures.

Measure

number

Copy

Measure

number

first half

first half first half

12 34 5 6 7 8 910111213141516

116 116 116 116 116 116

12 34 5 6 7 8 9

116 116 116

116

117

116

117

116

117

●

Copying part of a song

Lesson 2 Editing a Song

EA B EE

END

Chord

Measure

number

12 34 5 6 7 8 9

116 116 116 117

116

first half

First measure number of copy source

Last measure number of copy source

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys to call up " Bas PTN" on the display.

The bass track replacement is now possible.

To replace the drum B track, use the [▲]/[▼] keys to call up " DrB PTN".

Use the [VALUE] dial to select the pattern to be used as a source for replacing.

Here we will select "119". This will cause the bass track of the last track to be replaced with the bass track of pattern

119.

Use the [ ]/[■] keys to verify that the bass track contents only have changed.

• Replacing with a user pattern (U00 - U99) is also possible. By recording a phrase on the bass track of a user pattern, you can provide your own bass track contents for use in other patterns.

• To replace the drum B track, select the drum A track or drum B track of any pattern. The drum A track is identified by an "A" appended to the pattern number (001A, U99A), and the drum B track by a "b" appended to the pattern number (001b, U99b).

Press the [■] key to terminate step input.

This concludes the actions for this lesson. Press the[ ] key to listen to the song you have created.

Hands-on Lessons

Press the [ENTER] key, and use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to select the measure number of the copy target.

Because we want to copy the measures 1 - 8 as is, select measure number 9 here.

If you have made a mistake entering a value, press the [EXIT] key to return to the previous step.

Press the [ENTER] key to execute the copy process.

The 8 measures of the original song are copied to the end of the song, resulting in 16 measures.

The drum B track or bass track of the pattern used in a song can be altered to that of a different pattern. In this example, we will change the bass track of measure 16 to the bass track of pattern

119.

Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to move to the pattern that you want to replace.

Here we move to the start of measure 16. This position should have an input for pattern 117.

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

116

DRUM A

DRUM B

Bass

116

DRUM A

DRUM B

Bass

116

DRUM A

DRUM B

Bass

117

DRUM A

DRUM B

Bass

119

DRUM A

DRUM B

Bass

AB EE

END

Chord

Measure

number

first half

●

Changing the bass track

Copy target start measure number

Hit the pad with the first pattern to start real-time input.

Hitting a pad in this condition starts real-time input, and the first pattern starts to play. To select the next pattern, hit the desired pad. The pattern will switch at the next measure boundary.

In the factory default condition, the song numbers 00 11contain only short fill-in patterns assigned to the pads marked FILL 1 and FILL 2. Only when using these pads, the pattern will switch at the beat boundary.

To terminate real-time input, press the [■] key.

The [● REC] and [ ] key light go out, and real-time input stops.

To listen to the recorded song, press the [ ] key.

The song created with real-time input is played back. To stop playback, press the [■] key.

A song created with real-time input can be edited in the same way as a song created with step input.

If you have made a mistake, start the real-time input process from the beginning again. (It is not possible to make correction midway.)

Measure

number

Preceding pattern plays

123 456 7 891011

Pattern A

Pattern A Pattern B Pattern C

Pattern B Pattern C

Hands-on Lessons

In the final lesson, we will use "real-time input", which is another method for creating a song. With this method, you assign desired patterns to the pads and play them in real time by hitting the pads. What you play is recorded by the RT-323.

In song mode, select the song number (00 - 11) for which you want to perform real-time input.

Normally, when you perform real-time input of a song, you must first assign the patterns you wish to use to the pads. In the default condition of the RT-323, various patterns are already assigned to the pads for songs 00 - 11. In lesson 3, we will use these preassigned patterns. (For information on how to assign your own patterns, see page 56.)

The pattern assignment for each pad is stored separately for each song.

Hit the pads.

Tapping a pad will play the pattern assigned to that pad. This function is similar to groove play mode, but it differs in the following regards.

• Pattern play continues also when you release a pad.

• When you hit another pad while a pattern is playing,

the pattern will switch at the beginning of the next measure.

• Only one pattern can be played at a time.

Try out which patterns are assigned to the various pads. To stop pattern play, press the [■] key.

While holding down the [● REC] key, press the [ ] key.

The [● REC] and [ ] keys lights up, and the unit goes into standby mode for real-time input.

Pressing the [■] key cancels real-time input.

Lesson 3 Creating a Song [Real-time Input]

Song number

Current beat

Current measure

To switch the pitch range of the bass program, press the [OCTAVE] key while the bass program is selected.

The bass programs of the RT-323 allow you to play over a range of four octaves (octave 1 - 4). The number of the currently selected octave is shown on the display.

By moving the JAM slider while you hit a pad, you can adjust the pitch, volume, panning (left/right stereo balance), and sound parameters in real time.

In pattern mode, press one of the [DRUM A]/[DRUM B]/[BASS] keys.

Use the [JAM FUNCTION] key to select the parameter to be controlled with the JAM slider.

The parameter currently controlled by the JAM slider is shown on the display. Each push of the [JAM FUNCTION] key cycles through the settings PITCH → VOLUME → PAN → SOUND CHANGE → no indication (JAM slider inactive).

The functions of the various parameters are as follows.

■ PITCH

• For drum kits: The pitch of the pad is shifted continuously up or down according to the

slider movement. The width of the pitch shift depends on the sound.

• For bass programs: The pitch of the pad is shifted up or down in 13 discrete steps. The

actual pitch depends on the pitch setting for pads 1 - 13.

■ VOLUME

The pad volume changes according to the slider movement.

■ PAN (Panning)

As the JAM slider is moved from up to down, the pan setting (left/right position) of the sound is shifted from right to left.

■ SOUND CHANGE

According to the slider movement, the sound of the pad changes. The actual change depends on the drum kit and bass program.

Parameter selected with [JAM FUNCTION] key

Adjusting pad pitch/volume/panning/sound in real time (jam function)

Currently selected octave

Application Guide [Pads/JAM Slider]

Playing the Pads

This section explains the use of the RT-323 pads and the JAM slider.

When the RT-323 is in pattern mode, you can play drum kits and bass programs.

Press the [PATTERN] key.

The RT-323 goes into pattern mode.

To play a drum kit, press the [DRUM A] key or [DRUM B] key. To play a bass program, press the [BASS] key.

The selected key lights up.

Hit the desired pad.

To continuously play a pad, hold down the [REPEAT] key while hitting the pad.

The tempo of the sound depends on the current tempo and quantize setting ( ➝ p. 41, 50).

To play another drum sound with the pad, press the [PAD BANK] key while the drum kit is selected.

The collection of drum sounds assigned to pads 1 - 13 is called a "pad bank". One drum kit comprises pad banks 1 - 3, allowing you to play up to 39 types of drum sounds. The number of the currently selected pad bank is shown on the display.

Number of currently selected pad bank

Hold down

Application Guide [Drum Kits/Bass Programs]

Drum Kit Operation

The RT-323 comprises 128 drum kits and 55 bass programs. This section describes the operation steps to control these functions.

●

Switching drum kits

RT-323 incorporates 64 read-only preset drum kits (00 - 63) and 64 rewritable user drum kits (64 -

127). For each pattern, you can select the desired drum kit for the drum A track and drum B track.

In pattern mode, press the [DRUM A] key (or [DRUM B] key).

While you press the [DRUM A] (or [DRUM B]) key, the display shows the currently selected drum kit number.

The top part of the display shows "PRESET" when a preset drum kit is selected and "USER" when a user drum kit is selected.

While holding down the [DRUM A] key (for selecting the drum A track drum kit) or [DRUM B] key (for selecting the drum B track drum kit), press the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial.

With each push of the [▲]/[▼] keys, the drum kit number is switched up or down by one increment.

Hit the pads to check out the sound of the changed drum kit.

In a user drum kit, you can change the parameters for each pad, including drum sound, volume, pitch, and output target.

The preset drum kits cannot be edited. To edit a preset drum kit, copy the contents to a user drum kit and then perform editing ( → p. 37).

In pattern mode, press the [DRUM A] key (or [DRUM B] key) and then the [KIT] key.

●

Editing pad settings

Drum kit name

Drum kit number

Application Guide [Pads/JAM Slider]

While moving the JAM slider, hit the pad.

The sound selected in step 2 changes.

When you change the function of the JAM slider, the parameter that was controlled so far reverts to the original value.

This setting controls the degree to which the value changes depending on the intensity with which the pad is hit.

Press the [UTILITY] key, and use the [ ]/[ ] keys to call up the indication "SENS" on the display.

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to select the sensitivity from one of the following options.

• SOFT: Low volume regardless of pad hitting intensity

• MEDIUM: Medium volume regardless of pad hitting intensity

• LOUD: High volume regardless of pad hitting intensity

• LITE: Highest sensitivity setting. Results in loud volume even when pad is hit only

lightly.

• NORMAL: Medium sensitivity setting (default)

• HARD: Low sensitivity setting

• EX HARD: Lowest sensitivity setting. Pads must be hit hard to produce volume.

To return to pattern mode, press the [PATTERN] key.

Adjusting the Pad Sensitivity

When wanting to retrieve the bass drum or snare drum sound separately from the [SUB OUT 1] jack, set the OUTPUT MAIN parameter for the respective pad to zero, and increase the value of the OUTPUT SUB 1 parameter.

• GROUP

Determines the sound pattern when a pad is hit in succession (POLY = sound overlaps, MONO = sound does not overlap), and the group to which the pad belongs (0 = no group, 1 - 7 = pad belongs to specified group). Pads belonging to the same group 1 - 7 will not produce sound together.

• For example, by assigning two pads for open hi-hat and close hi-hat to the same group, the open hi-hat sound will be suppressed when you activate the close hi-hat sound, resulting in a natural effect.

• The group number applies both to POLY/MONO.

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to change the setting value.

Repeat steps 3 - 5 as required to edit other pads.

When editing is completed, press the [EXIT] key.

The edited contents are automatically stored, and the unit returns to step 2. To return to the pattern/song mode, press the [PATTERN]/[SONG] key.

Within the user drum kits, you can copy the settings for one pad to another. This is useful for example if you wish to create multiple patterns with very similar settings such as close hi-hat, pedal hi-hat, open hi-hat, and so on.

In pattern mode, press the [DRUM A] key (or [DRUM B] key), and then press the [KIT] key.

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to select the desired user drum kit (64 -

127), and press the [PAD FUNCTION] key.

Press the [EDIT] key, and hit the pad to be used as copy source.

The copy source pad is selected.

●

Copying a pad setting

Application Guide [Drum Kits/Bass Programs]

The indication "KIT" appears in the top part of the display, and the name and number of the drum kit to be edited are shown.

Use the [▲]/[▼] keys or the [VALUE] dial to select the desired user drum kit (64 -

127), and press the [PAD FUNCTION] key.

Use the [PAD BANK] key and pads 1 - 13 to specify the pad whose sound you want to edit.

Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to select the parameter to be edited.

• INST

Selects the drum sound to be assigned to the pad from the 377 sounds incorporated in the RT-323. The setting range is 0 - 376.

• PITCH

Fine-adjusts the pitch of the drum sound assigned to the pad. The setting range is -7.9 - 0 (reference pitch) - 7.9, in 0.1 (1/10 semitone) steps.

• PAN MODIFY

Adjusts the left/right position of the pad sound, as determined by the signal balance at the [L/MONO / R OUT] jack. The setting range is -7 - 0 - 7. The amount of change depends on the sound.

The PAN setting does not affect the signal at the [SUB OUT 1]/[SUB OUT 2] jack.

• INST LEVEL

Adjusts the volume for each pad over the range of 1 - 15.

• OUTPUT MAIN

Adjusts the drum sound level at the [L/MONO / R OUT] jacks over the range of 0 - 15.

• OUTPUT SUB 1

Adjusts the drum sound level at the [SUB OUT 1] jack over the range of 0 - 15.

• OUTPUT SUB 2

Adjusts the drum sound level at the [SUB OUT 2] jack over the range of 0 - 15.

Drum sound

name

Setting value

Parameter

Pads 1 - 13

Drum kit name Drum kit number

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