Baldwin Pianovelle RPStudio User manual

1
Introduction
Thanks for purchasing a Baldwin RPStudioRPStudio
RPStudioRPStudio
RPStudio, a high quality product that employs the most advanced technology available to
produce real Piano sounds.
Although RPStudioRPStudio
RPStudioRPStudio
RPStudio is very easy to use, you are recommended to consult this manual whenever you are not sure what to do. Of
most importance is,of course, how you treat your RPStudioRPStudio
RPStudioRPStudio
RPStudio. Do not forget, therefore, to read the General Safety Instructions below
to guarantee a long and trouble free use of your instrument.
General safety instructions
Power source
• Be sure that your local AC mains voltage matches the voltage specified on the name plate before connecting to the mains.
• DC power cannot be used to power this instrument.
Handling the power cord
• Never touch the power cord or its plug with wet hands.
• Never pull on the cord to remove it from the wall socket, always pull the plug.
• Never forcibly bend the power cord.
• If the power cord is scarred, cut or broken, or has a bad contact, it will be a potential fire hazard or source of serious
electric shock. NEVER use a damaged power cord; have it replaced by a qualified technician.
If water gets into the instrument
• Remove the power cord from the wall socket at once, and contact the store where the unit was purchased.
• The top surface of your instrument should never be used as a shelf for flower vases and other containers which hold
liquids.
Metal items etc. inside the unit
• Do not permit metal items or other materials to fall inside the unit.
Metal items may result in electric shock or damage.
• Be especially careful with regards to this point when children are near the unit. They should be warned never to try to put
anything inside, and never to slide a hand into the unit while you or other persons are playing.
• If articles do fall inside, remove the power cord from the wall socket at once and, if necessary, contact the store where the
unit was purchased.
• As a general precaution, never open the unit and touch or tamper with the internal circuitry.
If the instrument plays in an abnormal way
• Turn off the power immediately, remove the power cord from the mains outlet and contact the store where it was pur-
chased.
• Discontinue using the unit at once. Failure to do so may result in additional damage or other unexpected damage or
accident.
General user maintenance
• Clean the cabinet and keys of your RPS using a soft, clean, slightly damp cloth and polish with a soft, dry cloth.
• Never use industrial cleaners, detergents, abrasive cleansers, waxes, solvents or polishes as they may damage the instru-
ment finish.
• Always turn off the power supply after use and never turn the unit on and off repeatedly in quick succession as this places
an undue load on the electronic components.

2
OFF ON
POWER
DEMO MASTER SET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH
DEMO MASTER SET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH
5
10
1 VOLUME Controls the general volume of the instrument.
2 DEMO Activates a demonstration song consisting of 8 songs chained together.
3 MASTER SET Gains access to functions which control various aspects of the instrument: Tune, Temperaments,
Layer Balance, MIDI Transmit, MIDI Receive, MIDI Local, MIDI Filters.
4 TRANSPOSE Increases (+ button) or decreases (- button) the general pitch of the instrument within a range of ±
12 semitones.
5 BRILLIANCE Provides three settings which affect the tonal quality of a Sound : Mellow, Normal, Bright.
6 SOUNDS BUTTONS Select the Sounds. Press one button to play a single Sound across the entire keyboard (Single
mode). Select two buttons to layer two sounds across the entire keyboard (Layer mode).
7 REVERB Provides a selection of Reverb effects. A “bypass” is also available when all led indicators are off.
8 DSP EFFECTS Provides a selection of modulation Effects. A “bypass” is also available when all led indicators are off.
9 TOUCH Gains access to a selection of velocity curves which influence the keyboard sensitivity: Soft,
Normal, Hard.
10 POWER SWITCH Press to turn the instrument on and off.
MEMORY RPS contains an EEPROM type memory which conserves some instrument settings even after
turning off (e.g. Master Set parameters).
2 3
1 4
6
Instrument Overview
7 8 9

3
Getting Started
1. Insert the power cord into an appropriate wall outlet.
2. Press the POWER switch to turn on the instrument.
The instrument will be set to play the Concert Grand Sound across the entire
keyboard. The relative led indicator of the Sound in the Sounds section will
be on.
3. Play on the keyboard and regulate the Volume.
• Set the general volume of the instrument to an appropriate level by regulat-
ing the VOLUME slider to about the half way mark.
• Note: No sound will be heard when the VOLUME slider is set to the MIN position.
4. Select and play single RPS Sounds
The RPS Sounds are presets permanently resident in the instrument’s ROM
and recalled by pressing the relative Sound buttons.
• Press the Sound buttons one after the other to listen to the individual Sounds.
• Each newly selected Sound cancels the previous one.
Playing one Sound only corresponds to SINGLE MODE playing.
Pianovelle presets include the following type of Sounds:
• Concert Grand, Rhodex, FM Piano, Harpsichord, Strings, Pop Organ, Jazz
Organ and Pipe Organ.
Note on the Polyphony: The Sound you are playing in Single mode has a
minimum of 32 note polyphony [meaning that you can play at least 32 notes
at the same time]. Some RPS Sounds are 64 note polyphonic.
See “Layer Mode” afterwards to find out what happens to the polyphony.
5. Play using the pedals
Pianovelle is equipped with two pedals: Soft and Damper.
SOFT the Soft pedal (left) is a switch control pedal (On/
Off) and affects the timbre of the sound such that it
plays softer, allowing you to continue using the same
playing style at a lower volume.
DAMPER the Damper pedal (right) applies the Sustain effect to
all notes released. If you release a note after de-
pressing the Damper, the note will proceed towards
its natural decay according to the type of sound
played.
The Damper is particularly effective with Piano type
sounds. In the case of Organ and Strings sounds, the
notes will be held for as long as the Damper is
depressed.
• Note: for all piano type sounds, the notes of the
uppermost keys (from E6 to C8) are automatically
sustained, such as in an acoustic piano.
Damper Reproduction
Thanks to the research carried out by Baldwin in physical modelling and its applications to the Damper Pedal, it is possible
to obtain a full-bodied sound, typical of acoustic pianos which produce a sympathetic strings resonance when all the
dampers are raised from the strings.
• Note: Research in Damper Physical Modelling and its applications is the result of collaboration between Baldwin and the
CSC department of the University of Padova.
OFF ON
POWER
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
Led indicator on
VOLUME
MIN MAX
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
Damper
Important: Before using the pedals, make
sure that the pedal cable is correctly
inserted in the appropriate socket (PEDAL
SWITCH) at the back of the instrument.
If you want to use a single pedal, insert the
jack into the DAMPER socket.
Soft

4
6. Set the Brilliance and add Reverb and/or DSP Effects as required
You can change the tone (BRILLIANCE) of your Sounds and render them
more realistic by adding various effects (REVERB, DSP EFFECTS).
These functions are discussed separately further ahead.
• Note: Brilliance does not affect all RPS Sounds:
e.g. Organ Sounds.
7. Playing with Headphones
You can play in total silence without disturbing others in the same room by
plugging a set of headphones into one of the appropriate sockets, located
directly under the keyboard on the left side of the instrument. Two sets of
headphones can be used.
Regulating the Volume when playing with Headphones
• Use the VOLUME slider.
• Note: Inserting a headphone jack into the upper Phones socket disconnects
the internal speaker system. Inserting a headphone jack into the lower Phone
socket does not affect the internal amplification.
External amplification, if connected, is not affected by inserting headphones
into the phones sockets.
8. Adjust the Keyboard Sensitivity with the Touch function
You can choose from three different keyboard sensitivity settings, commonly
known as velocity or dynamic curves, to suit your style of playing.
The choices are: SOFT, NORMAL and HARD.
The Touch button has three settings which are selected in a cycle by pressing
the button repeatedly.
SOFT The most sensitive keyboard response which permits
maximum sound levels with a light touch.
NORMAL An intermediate response suitable for most styles of
music.
HARD A not so sensitive keyboard response which requires
a heavier touch to obtain maximum sound levels.
VOLUME
MIN MAX
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
BRILLIANCE
RPS Reverb &
DSP Effects in RPS

5
Listen to the demonstration songs
Pianovelle has 8 demonstration songs permanently resident in memory which demonstrate the instrument’s capabilities. The
songs are composed of 8 well known pieces (classic and modern).
In Demo Song mode, the Sound section activates as a source of demo songs where each piece resides in a Sound button. The
songs are chained automatically or they can be played individually by selecting the relative sound button.
How to listen to the demo chain song
1. Press the DEMO button to start the Demo Songs.
• The led above the Demo button turns on and all the leds of the Sounds
section start to flash for a few seconds.
• If no Sound button is pressed while the leds are flashing, the demo Song
starts automatically and plays all 8 songs in order, starting
from the Song stored in the Concert Grand slot.
• While the song plays, the Volume can be regulated.
Note: No other button (other than the Sound buttons) is active during demo
song playback mode.
• When the chained song reaches the end, it starts from the beginning auto-
matically and continues to repeat until stopped.
2. To stop the Demo song at any point, press the DEMO button.
• The led above the button turns off and the instrument returns to the SIN-
GLE mode, with CONCERT GRAND selected.
How to select a single Demo song
1. Press the DEMO button.
2. Press one of the Sound buttons (e.g. Harpsi).
• A Demo song is triggered while the leds are still flashing.
While the song plays, the Volume can be regulated.
• When the song reaches the end, the next song in order starts after a
short pause.
• You can change song by pressing another Sound button.
3. To stop the Demo song at any point, press the DEMO button.
• The led above the button turns off and the instrument returns to the SIN-
GLE mode, with CONCERT GRAND selected.
DEMO
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
DEMO

6
Play Modes
The Pianovelle Sounds can be selected to play in two different ways, called Play Modes: SINGLE, LAYER.
Single Mode
Press a Sound button to select Single mode
This playing mode corresponds to the situation when a single Sound plays across the
entire keyboard range (described on page 4). Each time you select a different
Sound, the previous one is cancelled.
CONCERT GRAND
• Press any other Sound button to change Sound.
• Use the VOLUME slider to regulate the overall volume.
Layer Mode
This playing mode allows you to combine two Sounds to play at the same time
(superimposed) across the entire keyboard range.
STRINGS
CONCERT GRAND
To select LAYER mode, press two Sound buttons at the same time
Example:
• Press CONCERT GRAND and STRINGS at the same time (or one then the
other while holding the first).
• The leds of the Preset selectors light up to show which sounds have
been selected.
• Use the VOLUME slider to regulate the overall volume.
Balancing layered Sounds
LAYERED Sounds are factory set to provide a correct balance but the setting
can adjusted to suit your needs by using the LAYER BALANCE function of the
MASTER SET section explained in detail on page 10.
Returning to Single mode from Layer mode
To return to Single mode, press the button corresponding to the Sound you wish to
play. This cancels the other Sound and its corresponding led indicator of turns off,
leaving the single Sound.
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
VOLUME
MIN MAX
Note on the Polyphony: The overall
polyphony in Layer mode is halved, the
minimum number depending on the
selected sounds. If you play along
with a demo song the overall po-
lyphony is reduced even further,
depending on whether you play along
with one or two Sounds in real time.
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS

7
Brilliance
This function affects the timbric quality of the Sound by regulating the Cutoff
frequency of a Lowpass filter incorporated in the preset’s “sample header” (refer to
the Glossary at the back of this manual for an explanation).
You can select from three different “Brilliance” settings: MELLOW, NORMAL and BRIGHT.
• When both leds are off, the Brilliance setting corresponds to NORMAL.
• Press the +button to select BRIGHT (led turns on).
• Press the –button to return to Normal (both leds off) and again to select
MELLOW.
• Return to the Normal Brilliance by pressing the +button.
Reverb & DSP Effects
The Reverb and DSP Effects functions respectively apply a Reverberation effect and a
DSP Effect to the Sounds, permitting a choice of three effect types from each function.
The effect types available are selected in a cyclic procedure and include a Bypass stage
when all led indicators are off (see below).
How to select a Reverb or DSP Effect type
1. Press the relative button repeatedly until you obtain the
effect required.
• The Reverb or DSP Effect type selected is shown by the relative led
indicator which turns on.
• You can choose from three Reverb types (Room, Stage, Hall) and three
DSP Effect types (Chorus, Tremolo, Phaser).
2. Assign a preferred effect to each Sound
You can assign a different Reverb and/or DSP Effect type to each Sound.
This permits you to recall your Sounds with the preferred effects every time.
• Simply select the effect(s) required after selecting the Sound. The assigned
effect(s) will remain memorised after turning off the instrument.
• In Layer mode, the effect(s) recalled will correspond to the first Sound
button pressed. The second Sound does not recall its memorised DSP Effect.
3. Select the Bypass status
Press the Reverb button or DSP Effect button repeatedly until all leds are off.
In this status, the Sound to which the Bypass status has been assigned plays
without effects.
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
Reverb & DSP Effects
BRILLIANCE
BRILLIANCE
BRILLIANCE
NORMAL
BRIGHT
MELLOW
(BYPASS)
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
DSP Effect selection procedure
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS

8
Natural String Resonance
The Concert Grand Sound is influenced by the Natural String Resonance effect which simulates the string resonance heard in
acoustic pianos when struck strings produce a sympathetic resonance of unstruck strings. This effect is obtained playing new
notes when one or more notes of the keyboard are already pressed.
• Note: Research in physical modelling technology and its applications to
produce Natural String Resonance is a result of the collaboration between
Generalmusic and the CSC department of the University of Padova.
Transpose
Pianovelle incorporates a real time Transpose function which allows you to change
the playing key of the instrument as a whole by acting on the TRANSPOSE panel
buttons (+/ –).
• The +(sharp) button raises the pitch in semitone steps (+ 12 semitones =
positive transposition).
• The –(flat) button lowers the pitch in semitone steps (– 12 semitones =
negative transposition).
1. To raise the pitch, press the +Transpose button repeatedly
until the required transposition is obtained.
• The led indicator above the +button turns on to confirm that the instrument
is in a positive transposed status.
Play, for example, a note C each time you press the +button to listen to the
change of key. If you press the +button while holding a key, the transposi-
tion takes effect only after releasing the key.
2. To lower the pitch, press the –button repeatedly until
the required transposition is obtained.
• If the instrument is currently in a positive transpose status, press the –
button repeatedly until the led indicator above the +button goes off and the
one above the –button turns on.
Play a note C, for example, each time you press the –button to listen to the
change of key.
• The selected Transposition remains in memory after turning off the instru-
ment. You can also restore the default Transpose status by using the Master
Restore function which restores all default values to all programmed func-
tions (see page 11).
Transpose Cancel
• Press both +and –Transpose buttons at the same time to cancel the current
transpose setting. The led above the +or –Transpose button goes off to
indicate the return to standard pitch.
TRANSPOSE
TRANSPOSE
TRANSPOSE
TRANSPOSE

9
Master Set
The Master Set function gains access to a menu consisting of a
series of functions which intervene on several aspects of your
instrument.
The functions are: Tune, Temperament, Layer Balance, MIDI
Transmit, MIDI Receive, MIDI Local, MIDI In Filter, MIDI
Out Filter.
The programmed settings for all the above functions remain in
memory after turning off the instrument. The settings can be
restored to their default values using the Master Reset function.
See page 11 for more details.
Master Set menu
Owing to the fact that RPS does not have a display, the Master
Set functions are accessed by means of 8 Sound selection
buttons after activating Master Set.
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
Each Sound button activates a Master Set function.
Each function has a value which can be regulated by using a
particular range of keys on the keyboard. The range differs
according to the function selected. In most cases, the note C4 is
equivalent to the value 0 and a set of notes above the zero point
provide positive values while those below provide negative
ones. In other cases, C4 corresponds to the lowest point of a set
of values or settings that differ according to the function
selected.
The diagram below shows the extreme case for the Tune
function. The keys exploited to regulate the values of the RPS Master Set functions emit an acoustic sound (a bell) together with
the currently selected preset Sound. Those not involved in the Master Set operation do not emit acoustic sounds other than the
Sound of the currently selected preset.
ACTIVE ZONE FOR RPStudio MASTER SET TUNE
CENTRAL REFERENCE POINT: NOTE C4
C#6
B1
The table on this page shows the functions assigned to the Sound buttons and the relative notes ranges used to regulate the
function values.
Tune
The Tune function is used to tune the instrument as a whole. The tuning resolution is 0.5 Hz and RPS can be tuned within a range
of 452.5 … 440 … 428.5 Hz.
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the table, press the CONCERT GRAND selector to activate the
Tune function.
Using note C4 as the central reference point, equivalent to “440 Hz” (stand-
ard pitch), the notes from C#4 - C#6 provide Pitch increments in steps of 0.5
Hz, up to 452.5 Hz. The notes from B3-B1 provide Pitch decrements in steps
of 0.5 Hz, down to 428.5 Hz.
Master Set table
MASTER SET
SOUND MASTER SET
FUNCTION NOTE RANGE ACTIVATED
Concert Grand Tune
Standard Pitch
Positive tuning
Negative tuning
B1…C4…C#6
C4
C#4…C#6
B3…B1
Rhodex Temperaments
Equal
Meantone
Kirnberger
Tartini-Vallotti
C4…D#4
C4
C#4
D4
D#4
FM Piano Layer Balance
Centre
First Sound
Second Sound
F#3…C4…F#4
C4
C#4…F#4
B3…F#3
Harpsi Midi Transmit
Channels 1-16
Off
C4…E5
C4…D#5
E5
Strings Midi Receive
Channels 1-16
Off
Omni mode
Multi mode
C4…F#5
C4…D#5
E5
F5
F#5
Pop Organ Midi Local
Local On
Local Off
C4…D#4
C4
C#4
Jazz Organ Midi In Filter
Off
Program
Control
Panel
C4…D#4
C4
C#4
D4
D#4
Pipe Organ Midi Out Filter
Off
Program
Control
Panel
C4…D#4
C4
C#4
D4
D#4

10
Temperaments
The Temperaments function provides a selection of preset historic scales, as well as the standard Equal scale in use today.
The scales available are:
• Equal
• Meantone
• Kirnberger
• Tartini/Vallotti
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the RPS Master Set table, select the Temperaments function by pressing the RHODEX Sound selector. The
scales are selected using the notes from C4 - D#4.
• Select the required Scale (Temperament) by playing the relative key.
Layer Balance
This function permits the balancing of the levels of two Sounds in Layer Mode.
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the RPS Master Set table, select the Layer Balance function by pressing the FM PIANO Sound selector.
• Use the note range C#4-F4 to increase the volume of one Sound with respect to the other.
• Use the note range B3-F#3 to increase the volume of the other Sound with respect to the first.
• Generally, the level of the first Sound selected in the Layer Mode selection procedure is affected by the notes above C4.
MIDI Transmit
This function permits the selection of the MIDI Channel used by RPS to transmit MIDI data to an external MIDI device.
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the RPS Master Set table, select the MIDI Transmit function by pressing the HARPSI Sound selector.
Using the note range C4-D#5, you can select MIDI channels from 1-16 respectively. MIDI Off corresponds to note E5.
MIDI Receive
This function permits the selection of the MIDI Channel (from 1-16 and off) used by RPS to receive MIDI data from an external
controlling device. Also available are two options that enable RPS for the reception of MIDI data on 16 channels (Omni) or on 8
channels (Multi).
OMNI enables RPS to receive on all MIDI channels.
MULTI enables the multi-timbral mode which permits the simultaneous use of the 8 RPS Presets across 8
MIDI channels.
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the RPS Master Set table, select the MIDI Receive function by pressing the STRINGS Sound selector.
• Using the note range C4-D#5, select the MIDI receive channel from 1-16 respectively. MIDI Off corresponds to note E5.
• Use note F5 to select Omni mode.
• Use note F#5 to select Multi mode.
See the section on MIDI Applications for detailed information about the practical uses of these two options.
MIDI Local
This function permits you to determine whether the keyboard data will control RPS’s internal sound generator, or whether the data
will control an external slave device. The options available are:
LOCAL ONThe RPS keyboard controls the internal generator;
LOCAL OFF The RPS keyboard does not control the internal generator;
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the RPS Master Set table, select the MIDI Local function by pressing the POP ORGAN Sound selector.
• Select the required Local setting using the notes listed as follows:
C4 Local On;
C#4 Local Off;

11
MIDI Filter In
This function contains several parameters which permit the filtration of data received at the RPS MIDI In port. The four param-
eters available are:
OFF Filter disabled;
PROGRAM Filter enabled for Program Change filtering;
CONTROL Filter enabled for Control Change filtering;
PANEL Filter enabled for the filtering of all data relating to the control of the entire RPS panel (see Midi
Implementation chart and Generalmusic Special Control Changes in the Appendix).
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the RPS Master Set table, select the MIDI In Filter function by pressing the JAZZ ORGAN Sound selector.
Activate the required MIDI In Filter by referring to the following list:
C4 Off;
C#4 Program;
D4 Control;
D#4 Panel.
MIDI Filter Out
This function contains several parameters which permit the filtration of data transmitted from the RPS MIDI Out port. The four
parameters available are:
OFF Filter disabled;
PROGRAM Filter enabled for Program Change filtering;
CONTROL Filter enabled for Control Change filtering;
PANEL Filter enabled for the filtering of all data relating to the control of the entire RPS panel (see Midi
Implementation chart and Generalmusic Special Control Changes in the Appendix).
Press the MASTER SET button.
Referring to the RPS Master Set table, select the MIDI Out Filter function by pressing the PIPE ORGAN Sound selector.
• Activate the required MIDI Out Filter by referring to the following list:
C4 Off;
C#4 Program;
D4 Control;
D#4 Panel.
Master Reset function
The default status of all RPS models can be restored by means of a simple, single-action resetting operation. This reset restores all
original factory settings to all the programmable functions of the instrument (Master Set functions, Transpose, Reverb and DSP
Effect assignments, current Panel status).
How to reset the instrument
1. Turn off the instrument,
2. Wait a few seconds, hold the MASTER SET button and turn on again.
MASTER SET
2.
OFF ON
POWER
OFF ON
POWER
1. Off 3. On

12
MIDI Applications
Your Pianovelle can be connected in MIDI setups and used as a MIDI controlling device (Master), or as a tone generator (a unit
with an internal sound engine) connected to an external MIDI controlling device (in other words, used as a Slave).
The following section details how your Pianovelle can be used in various MIDI setups and explains the MIDI options that are
available, selected from the Master Set menu.
About MIDI
MIDI is an abbreviation for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface”. This is a world standard interface that allows MIDI compat-
ible instruments and other equipment to communicate with each other in order to exchange data and control one another. MIDI is
now a very common feature and a great deal of literature is available which explains all the standards implemented by MIDI. You
are recommended to consult other specialised literature if you wish to know more about the standards implemented and how to
apply them.
The transfer of data from one instrument to another is via “MIDI
Channels” (see MIDI Channels afterwards), using the MIDI
interface as the common element between two instruments. For
example, the diagram shows how to connect two instruments in
a typical MIDI setup. The instrument transferring data
(Pianovelle) transmits from the MIDI Out port while the
receiving unit receives the data at the MIDI In port.
For example, Pianovelle, like most instruments, transmits note
data and velocity information (touch response) whenever notes
are played on the keyboard. If the receiving unit incorporates a
sound generator, it will respond precisely to the notes played on
the transmitting keyboard (Pianovelle). The result is quite obvious: such a setup allows the player to play two instruments at the
same time, using one as the controlling device (Master) and the other as the device being controlled (Slave).
Midi Sequencer recording
The type of data transfer described above can be exploited very
efficiently for MIDI sequence recording. The connection, shown
in the diagram, where the Pianovelle MIDI Out is connected to
the Sequencer MIDI In and the Sequencer MIDI Out is connected
to the Pianovelle MIDI In. Any instrument with a sequencer, or
a Computer running sequencer software, can be used to capture
(record) the MIDI data transmitted by the Pianovelle.
When the recorded data is played back, the Pianovelle repro-
duces the recorded sequence in exactly the same manner as it was
recorded.
• Important user info on MIDI cables: always use high quality MIDI cables for your MIDI connections and avoid using cables
longer than approx. 15 feet: cables which exceed this length tend to pick up unwanted noises and can cause data errors.
MIDI messages transmitted by Pianovelle
Pianovelle transmits and receives the following type of MIDI information.
NOTE AND VELOCITY DATA This is information pertaining to the note played and relative dynamic value. The receiving device
recognises the note because it is defined by the “MIDI note number”, and the dynamic value is
defined by the “MIDI velocity value”. Whenever a key on the Pianovelle is pressed, the note and
velocity information is transmitted from the instrument’s MIDI Out port to the receiving device.
Conversely, Pianovelle will play the corresponding notes whenever note and velocity data is
received at the instrument’s MIDI In port.
PROGRAM CHANGE NUMBERS This type of information relates to data which identifies the sounds contained in the Pianovelle
memory. Pianovelle transmits MIDI Program Change numbers from 0 - 7, corresponding to the 8
Sounds shown on the command panel. Whenever a Sound button is pressed, the corresponding
MIDI Program Change number is transmitted to the receiving device, causing the correspondingly
numbered voice to be selected in the external MIDI unit. Conversely, whenever Pianovelle
receives a Program Change number from an external MIDI device, the correspondingly numbered
Pianovelle Sound will be automatically selected.
MIDI cable
MIDI Out MIDI In
RPStudio
Expander
OFF ON
POWER
DEMO MASTERSET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH
Playback data
Data being recorded
MIDI Out
MIDI Out MIDI In
MIDI In
RPStudio
Sequencer
OFF ON
POWER
DEMO MASTERSET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH

13
• Note: Program Change messages can be filtered from the MIDI data received at the Pianovelle
MIDI In port and/or from the MIDI data transmitted from the Pianovelle MIDI Out port. (See
MIDI Filter In/Out in Master Set).
CONTROL CHANGE NUMBERS The Soft and Damper pedals of Pianovelle generate Control Change data which is transmitted
from the instrument’s MIDI Out port whenever the pedals are operated. The internal tone genera-
tor of the receiving device will respond to the pedal solicitations in the same way as the Pianovelle
Sound engine. Whenever the same type of Control Change data is received by Pianovelle, it will
respond appropriately.
• Note: Control Change messages can be filtered from the MIDI data received at the Pianovelle
MIDI In port and/or from the MIDI data transmitted from the Pianovelle MIDI Out port. (See
MIDI Filter In/Out in Master Set).
Midi Channels
The “MIDI channels” used in the MIDI communication system is similar to television broadcasting. Each channel can receive a
different stream of data with respect to all the others. Exactly as in the case of television broadcasting, in order to exchange data,
the receiving and transmitting devices must be tuned correctly. In other words, the MIDI controlling device and the MIDI receiv-
ing device must both be set to the same channel (or channels). MIDI, as a standard, foresees 16 MIDI channels for the transmis-
sion and reception of MIDI messages. Multiple channel instruments, otherwise called Multi-timbral units, allow selective control
in setups consisting of several different instruments connected in series. An example of how this is done is explained below.
The MIDI Thru port
By default, Pianovelle responds to MIDI data received on a single channel and
can transmit MIDI messages on a single channel (see How to assign the
Transmit channel and Receive channel in Master Set). If Pianovelle receives
MIDI data from a Multi-timbral controlling device, it will only respond to the
data which travels on the same channel as the Receive channel, say channel 1;
all other data travelling on the remaining 15 channels will be ignored.
If another receiving device, set to receive on a different receive channel, say
channel 2, is connected to the Pianovelle MIDI Thru port, it will receive
exactly the same data that is transmitted to the Pianovelle MIDI In port. In
this case, it will respond to data travelling on MIDI channel 2 and ignore the
rest.
MIDI functions
The MIDI functions available in Pianovelle allow for a broader use in MIDI applications. How to select the functions is detailed
in the Master Set section of the manual. Below follows full details about each function with some examples of their uses.
MIDI Local
This function provides two different operating modes: Local On, Local Off.
LOCAL CONTROL ON/OFF When you play your Pianovelle normally without being connected via MIDI, technically the
keyboard is controlling the internal Sound generator. This type of control is otherwise known as
“Local keyboard control”.
In MIDI setups, if you want to exploit the full size 88-note Pianovelle keyboard as a controller,
you may not want to hear the Pianovelle Sounds together with the sound being controlled in the
connected external device. It is possible to “switch off” the keyboard messages directed to the
internal sound engine and direct the generated messages to the external device only. This condi-
tion is known as Local Off. The internal Pianovelle Sounds can still be controlled by an external
MIDI device transmitting to Pianovelle.
Receive channel
As already explained, Pianovelle, in normal default conditions, receives MIDI Messages on a single channel which can be set to
any number from 1 to 16. Two other receive modes are available which allow Pianovelle to be recognised by external devices
that transmit data on multiple MIDI channels.
Tone Generator
MIDI Out
MIDI Thru
MIDI In
MIDI In
Sequencer
Set to receive on
MIDI channel 2
RPStudio set to receive on MIDI channel 1
OFF ON
POWER
DEMO MASTERSET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH

14
OMNI RECEIVE MODE This mode allows MIDI reception on all 16 MIDI channels (see OMNI in the Receive channel
selection procedure - Master Set). When set for OMNI reception, is it not necessary to match the
receive channel of the receiving device with the transmit channel of the transmitting device.
You can, therefore, connect the MIDI Out port of an external multi-timbral device to the MIDI In
port of the Pianovelle and transmit to the RPS unit without the need of matching its receive
channel to one of the transmitting devices channels. In other words, regardless of which channel is
set on the Pianovelle to receive MIDI data, in OMNI receive mode, the Pianovelle adapts itself
and operates as if the data were being transmitted by the external device on a single channel only.
MULTI-TIMBRAL RECEIVE MODE This special mode allows Pianovelle to receive MIDI data on 8 MIDI channels for the exclusive
purpose of independently controlling 8 preset Sounds on different MIDI channels (from 1 - 8).
This mode can be exploited for sequencer recording as shown in the following example:
MIDI Out
MIDI Out MIDI In
MIDI In
RPStudio set to receive in Multi-Timbre mode
Sequencer
OFF ON
POWER
DEMO MASTERSET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH
Here you can use the Multi-timbral mode to record two or more parts on a sequencer that will play
different RPS sounds when played back.
• Connect the Pianovelle to the sequencer as shown.
• Activate Multi-timbral mode.
• Set the sequencer track 1 for recording.
• Select a Sound and record the first part on the sequencer.
• Set the sequencer to record track 2.
• Select a Sound and record the second part on the sequencer.
• While still in Multi-timbral mode, play back the recorded song. The parts recorded will play
back using the individual Sounds selected during the recording, providing a full ensemble sound.
MIDI Filter In/Out
This function allows you to exclude “unwanted” messages from the MIDI In data stream received by the Pianovelle, or from the
MIDI Out data stream transmitted by Pianovelle.
PROGRAM CHANGE ON/OFF Normally, if Pianovelle is being used as a slave device, it will respond to Program Change mes-
sages transmitted by the external controlling device, causing the correspondingly numbered RPS
Sound to be selected. As a controlling device, Pianovelle normally sends a Program Change
message to an external slave device, causing the correspondingly numbered voice (or program) to
be selected. The Program Change On/Off function allows you to exclude this type of message
from a stream of MIDI data, by filtering off the unwanted message.
In the example shown below, a sequencer is connected to the MIDI In port of the Pianovelle
which is itself connected in series via the Thru port to an external MIDI tone generator. Setting
this filter to Off allows the Program Change messages to pass.
Example 1
Your particular requirements could be that you wish to record using the same
Pianovelle Sound but using different voices from the external device. Nor-
mally, when you send Program Change messages from the sequencer, both the
connected devices will respond accordingly. If you want the Pianovelle not to
respond to Program Change data, set the Filter In Program Change to ON
(filter active).
This will filter all Program Change messages from the MIDI In stream directed
to the Pianovelle internal sound engine while the data directed via the Thru
port to the external device will rest intact, causing the external device to
respond to the transmitted Program Change messages.
Expander
MIDI Out
MIDI Thru
MIDI In
MIDI In
RPStudio
Sequencer
OFF ON
POWER
DEMO MASTERSET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS
HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH

15
Example 2
In a simple MIDI situation with a Pianovelle connected to a
slaved expander, you may want to change Sounds on the
Pianovelle without changing the voice in the connected external
device. In this case, activate the Pianovelle Filter Out Program
Change to ON. This will filter off the Program Change data
from the MIDI Out stream, leaving you free to change
Pianovelle Sounds without influencing the external sound
engine.
CONTROL CHANGE ON/OFF Control Change messages are generated by “physical controllers” that are generally found on
MIDI keyboards. Physical controllers include Wheels, Pedals, Sliders, etc..
Normally, Pianovelle will respond to Control Change data received from an external device,
causing it to respond accordingly to the data received. Pianovelle also transmits Control Change
data when one of its pedals (Soft, Damper) are operated.
This function allows you to filter off Control Change data from the incoming MIDI data stream so
that Pianovelle is not affected by the data. You can also exclude Control Change data (generated
by the Pianovelle pedals) from the MIDI Out data stream so that the connected external device is
not affected. Setting this filter to Off allows the Control Change messages to pass.
PANEL MESSAGES ON/OFF Normally, selecting the Pianovelle panel buttons generated a MIDI message which correspond to
the button selected. These messages can be transmitted to a receiving device. This can be useful
when using a sequencer to record a song using the Pianovelle Sounds to control the Pianovelle on
playback. During the recording, all panel interventions are recorded to the sequencer. When the
song is played back, the Pianovelle is automatically set to the same settings. In this case, the Panel
Filter should be set to OFF.
If Panel messages are not required, they can be filtered off from the MIDI data stream, both from
outgoing data as well as incoming. In this case, the Panel Filter should be set to ON.
MIDI Technical Information
All information relating to MIDI technical data, including the MIDI Implementation Chart can be found in the Appendix.
MIDI cable
MIDI Out MIDI In
RPStudio
Expander
OFF ON
POWER
DEMO MASTERSET
VOLUME
MIN MAX
TRANSPOSE
BRILLIANCE
POP
ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN PIPE ORGAN
STRINGS HARPSI
FM
PIANO
RHODEX
CONCERT
GRAND
SOUNDS
REVERB
STAGE
ROOM
HALL
CHORUS
TREMOLO
PHASER
DSP
EFFECTS
SOFT
NORMAL
HARD
TOUCH

16
Connections
Panel for external connections
DAMPER OUTPUT
RIGHT/M
LEFT LEFT
INPUT
RIGHT/M
PEDAL SWITCH
OUT THRU IN
MIDI
1. Damper
Socket for a DAMPER pedal.
2. Output Left - Right/M
Left-Right stereo outputs for amplified speakers, amplifiers or domestic Hi-Fi units. For a Mono signal, connect the Right/
M output.
3. Input Left - Right/M
Auxiliary inputs L/R for sound sources (tape recorders, other musical instruments). For a Mono signal, connect the Right/
M input.
4. Pedal Switch socket
Connect the cable from the double pedal assembly (Soft, Damper) to this socket. Refer to the assembly instructions in the
Appendix.
5. Midi In-Out-Thru
Midi ports for MIDI connections.
12 3 4 5

17
Pianovelle Glossary
BYPASS: To ignore, “go around”. When the Bypass Reverb or DSP Effect stage is selected, the RPS Sounds are
not affected by the effects processors. The Effect Bypass stage corresponds to the situation when all leds
of the Reverb and/or DSP Effects sections are off.
CUTOFF FREQUENCY: Central frequency of the intervention band of a Filter. Around the vicinity of the Cutoff Frequency, the
action of a filter gradually becomes less marked, creating a “bell” in the audio band.
DAMPER: Also known as “Sustain”; the equivalent of the “Loud” pedal found on acoustic pianos. The Pianovelle
Damper pedal is a continuous controller - its effect is gradual, covering a range of 8 steps. The Damper
generates data which can also be transmitted via MIDI.
DYNAMIC: The keystrike velocity, generated as a MIDI message and expressed as a number ranging from 0-127.
The keyboard of an acoustic Piano has a natural dynamic sensitivity: the harder you play, the louder the
sound. Pianovelle has a velocity-sensitive keyboard with a choice of 3 different Dynamic curves: Soft,
Normal, Hard.
EDIT: Modify. Pianovelle permits minor editing tasks in the Master Set functions.
EFFECTS: Devices which enhance a sound’s characteristics, rendering it more realistic or more complex.
Pianovelle has two types of effects: Reverb and DSP Effects.
The Reverb effects are all simulations of natural environments having the same name: Room, Stage, Hall.
The DSP Effects are all artificial effects created to render a sound more complex: Chorus, Tremolo,
Phaser.
EEPROM Non-volatile memory which contains some parameter settings of the instrument (it contains data when the
instrument is off).
EXPANDER: A modular sound generating unit which operates as a MIDI slave device which requires to be controlled
by a controlling device such as a Master keyboard, Midi Accordion, Wind Controller, etc..
FILTER: A device which modifies a sound by altering its harmonic content. Pianovelle sounds incorporate a
“sample header” with a filter which is regulated by the Brilliance control. The Brilliance control settings
(Mellow, Normal, Bright) are none other than three different filter regulations. (See also “sample
header”)
FOOTSWITCH: A physical switch action controlling device operated with a foot. Pianovelle has two footswitch pedals:
Soft and Damper.
HEAPHONES: A set of “head-speakers” which can be used for private listening. Pianovelle provides for the connection
of two headphones.
MASTER: A device (keyboard, sequencer, etc.) which can control another instrument or Slave. (See also “Slave”).
MIDI: Abbreviation for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface”. A system of communication between different
digital musical instruments. The MIDI In port receives data from the MIDI Out port of an external MIDI
device. The MIDI Out port transmits data to the MIDI In port of an external MIDI device. The MIDI
Thru port outputs all the data received at the MIDI In port.
MIDI CONTROLLERS: MIDI messages which transmit information relating to performance parameters (Damper, Main Volume,
etc.).
MIDI FILTER:A device which prevents unwanted MIDI messages (Program Change, MIDI Controllers, etc.) from being
transmitted via MIDI Out to an external MIDI device or from being received by an external transmitting
device. When a MIDI Filter is ON, it intervenes on the MIDI data stream, filtering off the data not
required.
PITCH: Intonation, Frequency.
POLYPHONY The simultaneous combination of two or more notes. RPS is 32-note polyphonic (minimum). Some RPS
sounds provide 64 note polyphony.
PROGRAM CHANGE: A MIDI message which changes a Sound. Selecting a Pianovelle Sound generates a Program Change
message which recalls the corresponding Sound from the RPS internal sound generator, and which can be
transmitted via MIDI OUT to an external device connected to the RPS. It can also be recorded in a Song.
RAM: Random Access Memory. A part of the instrument’s memory which retains modified (edited) data
(control panel selections, master set values, song, etc.).
ROM: Read Only Memory. A part of the Pianovelle memory which cannot be modified and in which factory
programmed data is conserved.
SAMPLE HEADER: The initial portion of a sound which defines it’s principal characteristics. All RPS Sounds are “sample-
based” sounds.

18
SLAVE: An instrument which can be controlled via MIDI by a Master controlling device.
TEMPERAMENT: Intonation scale. Pianovelle offers three historic scales as well as the standard in use today based on the
diapason A=440Hz (Equal).
TRANSPOSE: Control panel command that allows the raising or lowering of the pitch (key) of the instrument in real
time, up to a maximum of ± 1 octave.
TUNE: The fine regulation of the pitch in fractions of a semitone.

19
Contents
Introduction ................................ 1
General safety instructions 1
RPS Control Panel 2
Getting Started .......................... 3
Turn on the instrument 3
Select and play RPS Sounds 3
Play using the pedals 3
Add Brilliance and Effects 4
Play with Headphones 4
Adjust the keyboard sensitivity
(Touch function) 4
Listen to the demonstration
songs........................................... 5
Play Modes .................................. 6
Single Mode 6
Layer Mode 6
Brilliance...................................... 7
Reverb & DSP Effects .............. 7
How to select a Reverb or
DSP Effect type 7
Natural String Resonance ...... 8
Transpose .................................... 8
Transpose Cancel 8
Master Set ................................... 9
Master Set menu9
RPS Master Set table 9
Tune 9
Temperaments 10
Layer Balance 10
MIDI Transmit 10
MIDI Receive 10
MIDI Local 10
MIDI Filter In 11
MIDI Filter Out 11
Master Reset function11
MIDI Applications.................... 12
About MIDI 12
Midi Sequencer recording 12
MIDI messages transmitted by
Pianovelle 12
Midi Channels 13
MIDI functions .......................... 13
Connections .............................. 16
Pianovelle Glossary................ 17
Appendix
Assembly models RPSi
Pianovelle Technical Specifications ii
Pianovelle Sound Table ii
MIDI Implementation Chart iii
Generalmusic Special Control Changes iv

20