Kawai Digital Drum Machine R-50e User manual

KAWAI
DIGITAL DRUM MACHINE

INTRODUCTION
FEATURES
PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY PCM SOUNDS
The R-50e's 24 separate drum and tuned percussion
sounds have all been recorded in the professional 12-bit
PCM with asampling rate of 32k. The sound quality is
suitable for any recording situation, including Compact
Disk.
EASY TO USE
Getting around on the the R-50e is straight-forward
and intuitive. It even comes with 50 preset rhythm
patterns and 4preset pad set-ups to get you started.
PROGRAMMABLE DRUM KITS
The R-50e provides for 8user-defined pad set-ups. Each
pad can be assigned adrum, tuning, pan, accent, level,
delay, gate and flange.
PROGRAMMABLE TRIGGERS
Eight triggers can be incorporated into drum patterns to
fire external MIDI devices.
FLEXIBLE OUTPUT
Stereo and mono outputs are fed by the stereo pan control
on each drum. Asound can also be assigned to the
individual output on the rear panel.
Thank you for purchasing the Kawai R-50e Digital
Drum Machine! While the R-50e is easy to operate,
this Owner's Manual contains valuable information to
help you get the most from your new instrument. We
recommend that you read it carefully and keep it handy
for future reference.
COMPLETE CAPABILITIES
50 user-defined rhythm patterns with step or real-time
recording and editing. Build songs with sophisticated
features like insert, delete, and mulitply. 10 songs can
be linked together to make performances smoother.
FULL MIDI IMPLIMENTATION
The R-50e's MIDI features let you record patterns
from external sources such as keyboards and drum
pads. The internal sounds can also be triggered by
external devices such as sequencers. MIDI clock in and
out includes Song Pointer for synchronization with
sequencers, drum machines and tape. The system-
exclusive implimentation also enables remote
operation and MIDI Data Dumps to another R-50e or
MIDI data storage device.
POLYPHONIC
Sounds are dynamically assigned to the R-50e's eight
voices. Sounds can be replayed without cutting off the
decay of the original sound.
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, it can cause interference to radio communicatVons S
rules w.th which it must comply afford reasonable protection against interference when used in most
ocations. However, there can be no guarantee that such interference will not occur in aparticular installa-
tion. If this equipment does not cause interference to radio or the equipment off and on the user is
encouraged to try correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-reorient the receiving antenna.
-move the receiver away from the drum machine
~circuit^ digkal Plan°int °3different °utlet so that drum machine and receiver are on different branch
-consult the dealer or an experienced radio television technician.
K3Wai R-50e P*™* Manual •Text: Jeff Burger Design: Interface •S1987 Kawai Musical Ins.. Mfg. Co., Ltd •AH Rights Reserved Printed in Japan

1.TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. TABLE OF CONTENT? I8. EDITING RHYTHM PATTFPNS 17
OVERDUB RECORDING 17
2. CARE AND MAINTFNANrP 2Overdubbing Preset Patterns 17
ERASING 17
3. CONTROLS 4Erasing aPattern 17
FRONT PANEL 4Erasing an Instrument 17
R-50e PRESET RHYTHMS 4Erasing aBar 18
REAR PANEL 5Erasing aNote 18
Erasing All Memory 18
4. OVERVIEW £SWING 19
SOUNDS 6COPYING PATTERNS 20
Pads 6
GETTING AROUND 69. SONGS 2J.
Cursor Keys 6BUILDING SONGS 21
Volume 6Song Tempo 21
Song Construction 21
5. WORKING WITH DPI IMKITff zBuilding Tools-
CHANGING USER SETTINGS 7Insert, Delete, and Multiply 22
CHANGING DRUMS 7Linking Songs 23
Level 7PLAYING SONGS 24
Accent 8Start at aDesignated Section 24
Tuning 8Bar Count 24
Pan 8ERASING SONGS 25
Gate 8Erase All Songs 25
Delay 9
Flange 9JUL MIDI 2£
MIXER 10 MIDI SYNC 26
Level 10 MIDI IN 27
Manual Pan 10 Omni Mode 27
Pan 10 Receive Channel 27
Key Info 27
6. PLAYING RHYTHM PATTERNS 11 Velocity 28
TEMPO 12 Volume 28
Tap Tempo 12 Program Changes 28
Start/Stop 28
LRECORDING RHYTHM PATTFRNS _L3. MIDI Note Assignments 29
REAL TIME RECORDING 13 Initial Reset 29
Number of Bars 13 ;MIDI OUT 30
Time Signature [
13 Poly/Mono Mode 30
Error Correct 13 Send Channel 30
Metronome 13 !Inst Info 30
Recording i4 ;
Trigger Info 31
STEP RECORDING 15 !Velocity 31
Number of Bars 15 Program Change 31
Time Signature 15 Stop/Start 31
Recording 15 MIDI Note Assignments 32
Note Trigger 32
MIDI SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE 33
Transmit 33
Receive 34
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
11. ASSIGN 22
ASSIGN VOICE 37
Assign Hi-Hat 37
ASSIGN OUTPUT 38
ASSIGN FOOTSWITCH 39
Footswitch Functions 39
12. CASSETTE STORAGE 4Q
CASSETTE SAVE 40
CASSETTE VERIFY 41
CASSETTE LOAD 41
13. MEMORY MANAGEMENT 42
CHECKING AVAILABLE MEMORY 42
ERASING ALL OF MEMORY 42
14. R-50e PAD SETTING C^ART 43.
15. MIDI NOTE ASSIGNMENTS 45
16. MIDI DATA FORMAT &
17. MIDI IMPLEMENTATION 47
18. SPECIFICATIONS 4g
19. R-50e PRESET PATTERNS 42
Page 2•Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual

2. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
PROTECT YOUR R-50e FROM:
•Direct sunlight and exposure to the elements
•Temperature and humidity extremes
•Unstable or "noisy" AC power
•Dust and sand
Vibration during transport
POWER SUPPLY
•Use only the 12-volt power supply included with your R-
50e. Other power supplies may damage the unit.
•Make sure that all power switches are off before
changing equipment connections
CLEANING
•Clean the instrument with asoft cloth, amild detergent
and lukewarm water.
•Never use harsh or abrasive cleansers or organic
solvents.
HELPFUL HINTS
•BATTERY BACK-UP
The lithium battery that preserves memory contents while
the power supply is off is good for more than five years of
normal use. We recommend however, that you have your
nearest authorized service representative replace it after 5
years have passed.
•LINE NOISE RESET
In the unlikely event of a
interference, simply turn the
seconds and then turn it back on.
"lock-up" due to line
R-50e off for afew
•REPAIRS
The R-50e should only be service by an authorized
Kawai repair station. Always save your valuable
internal data to acassette tape or MIDI before taking
the drum machine in for service, as the data may be
erased during repair.
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 3

3. CONTROLS
FRONT PANEL
COMMAND KEYS LCD DISPLAY VOLUME CONTROL
KAWAI
.DRUM MACh
!-50
DIGITAL DRUM MACHINE -J^ JVAfJ}*?/
CflUPfiTTERH REfiCfcMEREC STEP REC SHIHG Cnpy
"HIvIi i [
—
CALL SUMO BUILD
I
MIDI fiSSIGH Sfi'.'E/LOfiD
-IHSER TDELE TE HUL TIFLV
PAD 1PAD 2PAD 3PAD 4
PADS PAD? /AD SPAD SPAD 10
ACCENT KEY
ERASE KEY
DRUM PADS (1-10)
R-50e PRESET PATTERNS
(PATTERNS 5099)
CURSOR KEYS
START /STOP KEYS
SYSTEM CONTROL KEYS
i
T" 2
1
345I67
1
81
9
Elec. Pop 1
50
Elec. Pop 1
Fill In
Elec. Pop 2Elec. Pop 2
Fill In
8Beat 18Beat 1
Fill In
Disco 1Disco 1
Fill In
Elec. Pop 3Elec. Pop 3
Fill In
Heavy Rock
60
Heavy Rock
Fill In
Heavy Metal Heavy Metal
Fill In
8Beat 28 Beat 2
Fill In
Disco 2Disco 2
Fill In
Elec. Pop 4Elec. Pop 4
Fill In
Count
70
16 Beat 116 Beat 1
Fill In 1
16 Beat 1
Fill In 2
16 Beat 216 Beat 2
Fill In
16 Beat 316 Beat 3
Fill In
16 Beat 416 Beat 4
Fill In
16 Beat 5
80
16 Beat 5
Fill In 1
16 Beat 5
Fill In 2
Ballad 1Ballad 1
Fill In
Ballad 2Ballad 2
Fill In
Disco 3Disco 4Disco 4
Fill In
Ballad 3
90
Ballad 3
Fill In
Echo Shuffle 1Shuffle 1
Fill In
Shuffle 2Shuffle 2
Fill In
Shuffle 3Shuffle 3
Fill In
Street Kids
Page 4•Kawai R-50e Owrler's Manual

REAR PANEL
POWER DC IN
OFF
HCD 12U FHWHE5 RL<riDNO> IHDIU fl-FF. 5W.-B rTFF'E-, OUT- MI DI-I H
OUT i„ /^ ^
©O@©0) C>) (S f& ^fe^
•POWER -Main power ON/OFF switch
•DC IN -Connection for 12V 500mA power supply.
•OUTPUTS
The R-50e does not include apower amplifier or
speaker. To hear the instrument you must use
headphones or connect it to asound system
(preferably full-range).
PHONES
Connection for standard stereo headphones.
R
Connection for right portion of slcrco output.
L(MONO)
Connection for left portion of stereo output Also
used as amono output if stereo is not required.
INDIV.
Connection for the Individual Output channel to
which any given drum can be assigned.
FT. SW. A
Connection for first optional F-l footswitch.
Footswitch functions are programmable.
FT. SW. B
Connection for second optional F-l footswitch
Footswitch functions are programmable.
TAPE OUT
For connection to cassette deck input for data
storage.
TAPE IN
For connection to cassette deck output for data
retrieval.
MIDI IN/OUT
Connection to external MIDI gear.
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 5

4. OVERVIEW
SOUNDS
The R-50e features the following 24 digital drum and
tuned percussion sounds:
ELECTRONIC BASS DRUM
REVERB BASS DRUM
ACOUSTIC BASS DRUM
ELECTRONIC SNARE DRUM
REVERB SNARE DRUM
ACOUSTIC SNARE DRUM
GATED SNARE DRUM
RIM SHOT
ELECTRONIC TOM HIGH
ELECTRONIC TOM MID
ELECTRONIC TOM LOW
REVERB TOM HIGH
REVERB TOM LOW
HI-HAT CLOSED
HI-HAT OPEN
CRASH CYMBAL
HAND CLAPS
CLICK
FINGER SNAP
NORMAL ELECTRIC BASS
FUNK ELECTRIC BASS
ORCHESTRA HIT 1
ORCHESTRA HIT 2
TIMPANI
(BD1)
(BD2)
(BD3)
(SD1)
(SD2)
(SD3)
(SD4)
(RIM)
(TOM1)
(TOM2)
(TOM3)
(TOM4)
(TOM5)
(HHCL)
(HHOP)
(CRSH)
(CLAP)
(CLIK)
(SNAP)
(BAS1)
(BAS2)
(HIT1)
(HIT2)
(TIMP)
These instruments can be assigned to Pads 1-10 along
with other parameters such as tunings, accent, panning,
level and processing. Four pad set-ups arc preset and
eight combinations arc user-definable.
Rhythm patterns can be recorded individually using any of
the pads in memory and up to eight voices can sound
simultaneously. Rhythm patterns can then be assembled
into asong and individual songs can be linked together to
automate entire sets.
PADS
The sounds in the current pad set-up or drum kit are
played using the 10 pads labeled PAD 1-PAD 10.
Additional kits are accessed using the PAD key.
GETTING AROUND
Operations on the R-50e are fairly uniform. Please take
amoment to familiarize yourself with standard
communication with the R-50e.
Major command categories are engaged by pressing the
correspondingly marked button. For keys with two
commands, the lower command is accessed by pressing
the key twice in succession. In either case, pressing the
same button again exits the command category.
Additional commands are structured in amenu/sub-menu
format and are accessed by pressing the ENT./REP. key
successively for each command. In some instances, the
BACK key can be used to move backward through aseries
of sub-menu choices. The ENT./REP. and BACK keys
also serve as "Execute" and "Cancel" for certain
operations.
CURSOR KEYS
The 4and keys arc used to increment and decrement
(lie value displayed in the window. The -a. and "w keys
change similar parameters in steps of +/-10. -*> and -w also
change certain other display attributes such as drum
selection. The arrow keys repeat their functions when held
clown.
VOLUME
The VOLUME control serves as amaster volume control
for the entire instrument. Individual volumes are accessed
via the MIXER.
Page 6•Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual

5. WORKING WITH DRUM KITS
It is important to understand that pads and drums are
independent of one another. Adrum can be assigned to
more than one pad at atime and the different pads can then
be set for different variations in tuning, level and
process.ng to facilitate easy and versatile entry of
patterns. y
Pressing PAD displays the current drum kit. The R-50e
comes with 4preset drum kits (PRE. 1-4) and 8user-
defined drum kits (USER 1-8). (The instrument comes out
of the box with PRE. 1assigned to the pads.) Play the 10
pads to hear each sound.
Pressing the 4and keys moves through PRE 1-4
(presets) and USER 1-8. Select each kit in turn and
play the 10 pads.
CHANGING USER SETTINGS
While the presets cannot be altered,
USER 1-8 are designed to be
programmed to suit your needs.
After selecting the appropriate
USER drum kit, ENT./REP.
accesses the next function and
BACK returns you to the previous
function. To exit PAD mode at
any time press PAD again.
You can select apad during any of
these functions simply by hitting it.
The pad number is displayed along
with the appropriate information
for the current function and the
pads can be played while making
changes.
PAD
w
DRUM
•w
LEVEL
v
ACCENT
•w
TUNE
•w
PAN
•
GATE
DELAY
•v
FLANGE
CHANGING DRUMS
This IS where drums are selected for the current pad
(the one played last). Besides the 24 percussion and
drum sounds, eight triggers are available which can be
programmed to play external MIDI devices Trigger
parameters are set up under MIDI OUT.
Press ENT./REP. from the' USER display. Press the ^
«!!m Tkeyut0 chan?e^d™"1assignment. The display
will show the currently selected drum Py
LEVEL
While the front-panel pads are not physically sensitive
they can be programmed to record notes into patterns at a
specified velocity or volume.
Press ENT./REP. from the DRUMS display. Use the
4and keys to change the LEVEL assignment The
bar graph in the display represents the LEVEL setting.
EXAMPLE
Press PAD to enter PAD
mode.
Use 4and Kto select akit.
Press ENT./REP. to get into
the kit.
Play apad to access
settings for that pad.
*PHD
*PRD
E
Press ENT./REP. to access
LEVEL.
Use 4and to change the
pad volume. E
PRE .1
USER1
pad iTurn :
*PHD 9TOM
4
Press -a. and tochange
the assigned instrument. |*PRD 9T0M5
*PRD 9LUL. II
'PRO 9LUL. I
(continued on next page)
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 7

ACCENT
Each pad can be given an accent level which is invoked
when the ACCENT key is depressed in conjunction with
the given pad. The ACCENT level can actually be higher
or lower than the LEVEL setting.
Press ENT./REP. from the LEVEL display. Use the 4
and keys to change the ACCENT level. The bar graph
in the display represents the level.
TUNING
Each pad can be tuned -8/+7semitones from the drum's
original pitch. Several pads using the same drum could be
tuned differently to create tuned percussion.
Press ENT./REP. from the ACCENT display. Use the 4
and keys to change the tuning. The graph in the
display increases as the pitch gets higher and decreases as
the pitch gets lower.
8bars represent original pitch.
PAN
Each pad can be positioned anywhere in the stereo field
when both the LEFT and RIGHT outputs are used.
EXAMPLE (continued)
Press ENT./REP. to
access ACCENT.
Use 4and to change
the ACCENT setting.
Press ENT./REP. to
access TUNE.
Change pad tuning using 4
and .
Press ENT./REP. to
access PAN.
Use 4and to change
pad panning.
Press ENT./REP. to
access GATE.
Use 4and to change
the pad gate setting.
*PRD 9
*PAD 9
*PflD 9
*PflD 9
PAD 9
*PHO 9
PAD 3
RC. II
AC. I
TUHEI
TUNEil
PAD 9PAH
PRH II
GATE 9
GATE 1
(continued on next page)
Press ENT./REP. from the TUNE display. Use the 4and
keys to place the sound. The graph in the display
indicates the left-to-right placement of the current
pad.
8bars represent center position.
(0-7: Left, 9-15: Right)
GATE
Gating refers to cutting off part of asound. Apopular
recording technique today is to apply agate to areverbed
drum sound to choke the reverb effect off abruptly.
Press ENT./REP. from the PAN display. Each pad can be
given its own gate setting using the 4and keys to
select GATE 1, GATE 2or GATE 3. GATE indicates
no gating effect.
Page 8•Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual

DELAY
Digital delay effects can be used to fatten sounds and
create slapback echo effects. The delay time is preset for
each drum sound.
Press ENT./REP. from the GATE display. Each pad can
be given its own digital delay effect using the <and to
select DELAY 1, DELAY 2or DELAY 3. DELAY
indicates no delay effect.
DELAY 1: The delayed sound plays at the same
volume as the original sound.
DELAY 2: The delayed sound plays louder than the
original sound.
DELAY 3: The delayed sound plays softer than the
original sound.
FLANGE
Flanging can be used as special effects to add an animated
or "spacey" effect.
Press ENT./REP. from the DELAY display. Each pad can
be given its own digital flange effect using the 4and to
select FLANGE 1, FLANGE 2or FLANGE 3. FLANGE
indicates no flange effect.
FLANGE 1: The delayed sound plays at the same
pitch as the original sound.
FLANGE 2: The delayed sound plays at ahigher
pitch than the original sound.
FLANGE 3: The delayed sound plays at alower
pitch than the original sound.
To exit PAD mode, press PAD again.
Note: While DELAY and FLANGE can be set at a
time, we recommend that one of them is turned off to
obtain the best effect. When adrum is assigned to
MONO mode (See p.37), DELAY and FLANGE have
no effect on that drum.
EXAMPLE (continued)
Press ENT./REP. to access
DELAY.
Use 4and to change the
pad delay setting.
Press ENT./REP. to access
FLANGE.
Use 4and ^to change the
pad flange setting.
Press ENT./REP. to return
to the beginning of PAD
mode.
Press PAD to exit PAD
mode.
*PfiD 9DELfl'v'0
*PflD 3DELfl^
PAD 9FLRNG9
*PflD 9FLRHG1
*PRD USER1
CALL PTN 49.
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 9

MIXER
The R-50 has abuilt-in mixer which governs the balance
of individual drums, as opposed to the pads. (Remember
drums are assigned to pads.)
Level controls are accessed by pressing MIXER. Pressing
ENT./REP. successively accesses the other functions
available and BACK returns you to the previous function:
You can use the mixer at any point while the drum
machine is playing and you can also play the pads to
monitor the changes you make in the mixer.
LEVEL
The LEVEL function provides for setting the level of the
individual drums. If one drum is assigned to several pads,
the volumes for all of those same pads will be changed.
If you are not in MIXER mode, press MIXER once to do
so. Use the 4and keys to change the volume of the
currently displayed drum. Press the -* and keys to
change to the drum you wish to work with.
MANUAL PAN
The pads are normally given their panning assignments in
the PAD sub-menu. It is possible to override those
assignments with the ones set in this next MIXER
function. If MANUAL PAN is OFF the panning set in
PAD mode is in effect for all drums. If MANUAL PAN is
ON, the panning set in MIXER mode is in effect for all
drums.
Press ENT./REP. from the LEVEL function to access
MANUAL PAN. Use the 4key to select MANUAL
PAN OFF and the key to select MANUAL PAN ON.
PAN
If MANUAL PAN is ON, the pan settings here will
override those set in the PAN mode. If MANUAL PAN is
OFF, these settings will have no effect.
Press ENT./REP. from the MANUAL PAN function to
access PAN. Use the 4and keys to change the
panning. Press the -a. and keys to change the drum
being panned.
To exit the MIXER mode, press MIXER again.
Press the ENTER key to change functions:
r-> LEVEL -> MANUAL PAN -> PAN-.
Note:
Press MIXER again to exit the MIXER menu at any time.
Press MIXER to access
MIXER functions.
Use the 4and keys to
change the volume.
Press a. and to change
drums.
Press ENT./REP. to access
MANUAL PAN function.
Use the to turn MANUAL
PAN on.
Use the 4to turn MANUAL
PAN off.
Press ENT./REP. to access
PAN function.
Use the 4and to change
the panning.
Press ENT./REP. to return
to the LEVEL function.
Press MIXER to exit MIXER
mode.
LEUEL CRSH 1
*LEUEL CRSH II
LEUEL HIT1 II
MANUAL PAN OFF
*MfiHUfiL PAN ON
MANUAL PflH OFF
PAN HIT1 II
*PfiN HIT1 1
LEUEL HIT1 II
CALL PTN 20
Page 1•Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual

6. PLAYING RHYTHM PATTERNS
Arhythm 'pattern" is asection of rhythm of agiven
length (such as 2bars). The R-50e comes with 50
preset rhythm patterns (50-99) along with room for 50
user-defined patterns (00-49). These patterns are the
building blocks of complete songs or agiven pattern
can just loop endlessly.
p"5DPa|[cms arc ac^ssed by pressing the CALL
PATTERN button. The display will then show the current
pattern number. The iand keys decrement and
increment and decrement the pattern number one digit
at atime, while the ^and keys change the pattern
number in increments of 10. (Remember, all four keys
repeat their functions when held down).
Once arhythm pattern is selected, press the START
button to hear the pattern. When the end of the pattern is
reached, the same pattern is repeated over and over The red
LED beside TEMPO flashes to indicate the downbeat
Press the STOP/CONT. button to stop the pattern Once
ST
CnpTrnh
MTCKhaS St°Ppcd playing'Prcssi"g the
MOP/CONT. button again will start the pattern playing
Irom the point where it was stopped.
Select and play apattern. While the pattern is still
playing, select adifferent pattern number with the arrow
keys. Notice that the next time the first pattern reaches its
end, the newly selected pattern begins.
At this point the display, tells you several important
things. The first number shows the length of the pattern
in bars, while the second number represents the current bar
position within the pattern. The third number is the
current pattern number. When anew pattern has been
hi Sfh
Unng P'aybaCk thC f°Urth P°sition cha"ges from
niank to the new pattern number.
Screen Legend:
Current Bar
Total Bars „
\
BAR 01-131 11.10
Current Pattern
Next Pattern to Play
You may find it handy to establish how many bars have
been played since you pressed START or CONT Thk k
miB i£5 C°^TfCatl""Cand is accessed by Prcss '"S BA*
COUNT and successively TEMPO. BAR COUNT can
be displayed whether apattern is playing or not and is
reset each ume you press START.
Note that during playback, various other functions such as
PAD and MIXER are available. Experiment with selecting
and playing different patterns and adjusting the PAD and
MIXER settings to taste during playback.
EXAMPLE
Press CALL PATTERN to
access patterns. ICALL PTN OQ.
Press to increment
pattern number by 1.
Press -a. to increment
pattern number by 10.
Press START to hear the
repeating pattern.
Press iwhile pattern is
playing.
Press STOP/CONT. to end
performance.
Press STOP/CONT. again
to continue performance.
Press BAR and succes-
sively TEMPO to display
BAR COUNT.
CALL PTN 01
CALL PTN 1
BAR 01-01 11
.
BAR 01-01 11.10
BAR 01-01 10.
BAR 61-01 10.
*BAR= 002
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 1
1

TEMPO
MANUAL TEMPO CONTROL
The tempo can be altered regardless of whether the
machine is playing or stopped. Simply press TEMPO and
the display shows the current tempo in beats-pcr-minute.
The red L^.D beside TEMPO will also light to indicate
TEMPO mode. The 4and keys are used to decrement
and increment the tempo by afactor of 1, while the -a. and
keys change the tempo by afactor of 10.
TAP TEMPO
The R-50e's tempo can also be dictated by simply
tapping atempo in! First press TEMPO to enter
TEMPO mode. Then simply tap atempo using the TAP
button. The R-50e measures the time between any two
taps and alters the tempo accordingly. We recommend
that you tap at least 4beats to establish the desired
tempo.
EXAMPLE
Press TEMPO to access
TEMPO mode.
Use ^and to change
tempo by afactor of 1.
Press .
Use *• and -w to change
tempo by afactor of 10.
Press *v .
Tap desired tempo using
TAP.
TEMPO W=12Q
TEMPO •1=121
TEMPO W=111
TEMPO J=165
Page 12•Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual

7. RECORDING RHYTHM PATTERNS
Preset patterns 50-99 cannot be altered. Patterns 00-49
can be programmed and altered by the user. Two basic
methods can be used to enter new patterns -real-time
and step. Real-time mode is used to enter drums parts
in "live" against ametronome. Step mode is used to
enter patterns one beat at alime without any reference
to areal-time metronome.
REAL-TIME RECORDING
As stated earlier, real-time mode is used to enter
drums parts in "live" against ametronome.
Press REAL TIME REC. to enter this mode. The
ENT./REP. key is used to step through aseries of set-
up functions before actually recording and BACK is
used to return to the previous function:
REAL TIME REC.
NUMBER OF BARS
TIME SIGNATURE (BEATS)
TIME SIGNATURE (BEAT VALUE)
ERROR CORRECT
METRONOME COUNT
Note: You may exit from any of these functions by
pressing REAL TIME REC.
NUMBER OF BARS
Each pattern can be any desired length up to 99 bars.
The default is 1bar, but is easily changed.
Press ENT./REP. from the REAL TIME REC. display.
Use the 4and to change the number of bars by a
factor of 1and the -* and •* keys to change by afactor
of 10.
TIME SIGNATURE
The time signature of an R-50e pattern is very flexible.
Patterns are available from 1/4 to 99/16!
In both modes, the 4and keys change the pattern
number by afactor of 1, while the -a. and keys
change by afactor of 10. If "DUB" appears as part of
the display, apattern has already been recorded.
"NEW" represents apattern that is has not been
recorded. "PRE" indicates apreset pattern that cannot
be altered.
Press ENT./REP. from the BAR display to access the
number of beats per measure. The number of beats in a
measure can range from 1to 99. Use the 4and to
change the number of beats by afactor of 1and the ^
and -w keys to change by afactor of 10.
Press ENT./REP. again to access the beat value of the
time signature. Use the 4and keys to select quarter
note, eighth note or sixteenth note beat value.
ERROR CORRECT
Error correct (also known as quantize) can be used to
correct your performance while recording apattern.
All entries are rounded to the closest value that you
specify.
Press ENT./REP. from the TIME SIGNATURE
display. The default error-correct value is 1/16 (your
recordings will be rounded to the nearest sixteenth
note). Use the 4and keys to specify the desired
error-correct value. (1/6 represents quarter-note
triplets, 1/12 represents eighth-note triplets, 1/24
represents sixteenth note triplets and 1/48 represents
thirty-second-note triplets.) If no error-correction is
desired, select 1/96 (the record resolution of the R-50e
is ninety-sixth-notes).
METRONOME
Real-time recording is typically done with the aid of
an audible metronome. The beat value of the
metronome can be altered to suit your needs.
Press ENT./REP. from the ERROR CORRECT
display. Use the 4and keys to specify the desired
metronome beat value. (1/6 represents quarter-note
triplets, 1/12 represents eighth-note triplets and 1/24
represents sixteenth note triplets.) If no metronome is
desired, select OFF.
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 13

RECORDING
Once the record parameters are set properly, you're
ready to record. (If you like the default settings, you
don't have to access any of these set-up functions before
recording.)
From the metronome display, press cither ENT./REP.
or REAL TIME REC. to return to REAL TIME
RECORD mode. Press START to begin recording and
you should hear the metronome assuming you did not
turn it off. (Note: If the metronome is too loud or
too soft, the level of the metronome can be adjusted
using MIXER.) The display will show the total
number of bars with the current bar number to the
right.
The pattern will play over and over again, with the
downbeat indicated by the red LED and an accented
metronome beat. This repetition allows you to take
your time and enter one thing at atime.
Drums are recorded into apattern by pressing the
desired pad at the appropriate time. (External MIDI
devices can also be used, covered under the MIDI
OPERATION section.) All data associated with a
given pad is recorded such as level, tuning and panning.
To enter accented drums, hold down the ACCENT key
while playing the appropriate pad.
If ENT./REP. and apad are held down while recording,
the pad will be entered repeatedly on every beat
specified by the ERROR CORRECT value. For
instance, if ERROR CORRECT is set for 1/16 and
ENT./REP. and apad assigned to hi-hat are held down
for half of ameasure, the hi-hat will be recorded on
every l/16th note in that half measure.
All drum kits arc available while recording by entering
PAD mode and selecting the desired kit before
continuing to play the pads. TEMPO and MIXER are
also accessible while recording.
Note: Auseful technique is to stop the recording
process and change the error-correct value as needed for
each pad. (The number of bars and time signature cannot
be changed.) For example, you might want asnare hit
quantized to 1/4 while the high hat has no error-correction
at all.
EXAMPLE
Press REAL TIME REC.
Press 4to decrement
pattern number by 1.
Press to decrement
pattern number by 10.
Press ENT./REP to access
BARS.
Press to specify 2-bar
pattern.
Press ENT./REP. to access
BEATS.
Press 4to decrement
BEATS to 3/4 time.
Press ENT./REP. to access
BEAT VALUE.
Press to increment BEAT
VALUE to 3/8 time.
Press ENT./REP. to access
ERROR CORRECT.
Press 4to change ERROR
CORRECT to eighth-note
triplets.
Press ENT./REP. to access
METRONOME BEAT.
Press twice to set
metronome for eighth notes.
Press REAL TIME REC. to
exit.
Press START to begin
recording. Enter drums
using pads. (Access PAD
and MIXER as needed.
Press again to exit.)
Press STOP to end.
REAL :DUB PTH 11
REAL: DUB PTH 10
REAL: HEW PTH 00
BAR 01 04/04
BAR Q2 04/04
BHR 02 04/04
BAR 02 03/04
BAR 02 03/O4
BAR 02 03/03
E.C.1/16 M 1/4
E.C.L/12 tl 1/4
E.C. 1/12 M1/4
E.C.1/12M
REAL: HEW PTH 00
BAR 02-01 -REC-
REAL:DUB PTH 00
Page 14•Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual

STEP RECORDING
Step recording is the process of manually stepping
through the beats of apattern and entering drum hits
where desired.
Press STEP REC. to enter this mode. The ENT./REP.
key is used to step through aseries of set-up functions
before actually recording and BACK is used to return
to the previous function:
STEP RECORD
NUMBER OF BARS
•v
TIME SIGNATURE (BEATS)
TIME SIGNATURE (BEAT VALUE)
Note: You may exit any of these functions at any time
by pressing STEP REC.
Note: For this example we assume that you have erased
pattern 00.
NUMBER OF BARS
Each pattern can be any desired length up to 99 bars.
The default is 1bar, but is easily changed.
Press ENT./REP. from the STEP REC. display. Use the i
and to change the number of bars by afactor of 1and
the ^and keys to change by afactor of 10.
TIME SIGNATURE
The time signature of an R-50e pattern is very flexible
Patterns are available from 1/4 to 99/16!
Press ENT./REP. from the BAR display to access the
number of beats per measure. The number of beats in a
measure can range from 1to 99. Use the 4and ^to
change the number of beats by afactor of 1and the ^
and keys to change by afactor of 10.
Press ENT./REP. again to access the beat value of the
time signature. Use the 4and keys to select quarter
note, eighth note or sixteenth note beat value.
RECORDING
Once these parameters are set properly, you're ready to
record. (If you like the default settings, you don't have
to access any of these set-up functions before
recording.) From the BEAT VALUE display press
either ENT./REP. or STEP REC. to return to' STEP
RECORD mode.
Pressing the START button gets the R-50e ready to
accept the first beat. The red LED beside TEMPO will
light to confirm that. Use the 4and keys to select
the note value from those engraved on the display
window. The and keys are used to change the
value from normal (shown with t)to triplets (shown
as "3") and back. While "3" is displayed, press apad
three times to play atriplet of the selected value
Strike the desired pad to enter it's sound at the selected
value for that beat. Use PAD if necessary to select the
proper sound. To enter accented drums, hold down the
ACCENT key while playing the appropriate pad.
This same process is repeated to enter each beat of the
pattern, with the display showing the number of bars
with the current bar to the right. It is up to the user
to keep track of what the current beat is within the
bar. Example: If an eighth note was entered as the first
beat, the next entry will appear on the next eighth
note of the bar. If aquarter note was entered, the next
beat will be placed on the next quarter note instead.
Rests are used to advance to subsequent beats without
entering notes. After selecting arest, play any pad to
advance to the next beat. You should only hear a
metronome click.
Rests can also used to erase adrum previously recorded:
Select the rest at the point in the pattern where the drum
to be erased is recorded. Then, press the pad assigned to
the same drum as you wish to erase. The ENT./REP. key
can be used to advance by the selected note value.
After the last beat of the pattern has been entered the
red LED lights again to show that the R-50e is ready
to record another pass starting with the first beat. The
STEP RECORD process can be repeated as many times
as necessary to record all desired drums.
Pressing STOP/CONT. at any time exits the recording
process.
To hear the pattern, you must exit STEP REC mode
Select CALL PATTERN and press START.
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 15

EXAMPLE A: SET UP
Press STEP REC.
Press 4to decrement
pattern number by 1.
Press to decrement
pattern number by 10.
Press ENT./REPto access
BARS.
Press to specify 2-bar
pattern.
Press ENT./REP. to access
BEATS.
Press 4to decrement
BEATS to 3/4 time.
Press ENT./REP. to access
BEAT VALUE.
Press to increment
BEAT VALUE to 3/8 time.
Press STEP REC. to exit.
STEP :DUB PTH 11
STEP: DUB PTN 19
STEP: HEW PTN 00
BfiR 91 04/64
BAR 02 04/04
BAR 02 0^/04
BAR 02 03/04
BAR 02 03/04
BAR 02 03/08
STEP: HEW PTH 00
EXAMPLE B: RECORDING
Note: The following enters asimple bass/snare pattern.
Select the PRE. 1kit. Also use ERASE PATTERN to
undo the changes made by Example Aand return to a
default of 4/4 time.
Press START.
Press 4twice to select
quarter-note entry.
Play PAD 6to enter abass
drum as quarter-note.
Press twice to select
eighth-note entry.
Play PAD 7to enter snare
drum as eighth-note.
Play PAD 6to enter bass
drum as eighth-note.
Play PAD 6to enter bass
drum as eighth-note.
Press to select eighth-
note rest entry.
Press any pad to enter an
eighth-note rest.
Press 4to select eighth-
note entry.
Play PAD 7to enter asnare
drum as eighth-note.
Press STOP/CONT. to exit.
'''t
01-01
III
01-01
01-01
ii i i i i i
01-01
iiiiiii
01-01
Press CALL PATTERN to
access pattern playback.
Press START to hear
pattern.
CALL PTH 00.
BAR 01-01 00.
Page 16•Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual

8. EDITING RHYTHM PATTERNS
OVERDUB RECORDING
Overdubs are done in the same way that patterns are
recorded, using either REAL TIME REC. or STEP REC.
The only difference is that the display will read "DUB"
instead of "NEW". Each pass can be done using adifferent
error-correction, metronome count and drum kit if desired.
Remember that the number of bars and time signature
cannot be changed in an already recorded pattern.
OVERDUBBING PRESET PATTERNS
Overdubbing using apreset pattern is an easy way to
create new patterns. Overdubbing using apreset pattern
causes the creation of anew pattern, which is
automatically saved in ablank pattern within the pattern
area (XM9.
If the patterns 00-49 are all recorded, the display shows the
error message "USER AREA OVER".
ERASING
ERASING APATTERN
User-definable patterns 00-49 can be erased easily. (Preset
patterns 50-99 are permanently stored in the machine.)
Simply select the pattern you wish to erase and press
ERASE. Press ENT./REP. to confirm or BACK to
cancel.
EXAMPLE:
Select the pattern to be
erased. Select Pattern 05.
Press ERASE.
Press ENT./REP. to verify.
Or, press BACK to cancel
erasure.
CRLL PTN 05.
ERASE PTN 05 ALL
ERASE EXECUTED
ERASE CANCEL
ERASING AN INSTRUMENT
It may be desirable to erase all occurrences of an
instrument in agiven pattern. This is easily
accomplished.
Make sure the pattern you wish to erase is selected, then
press ERASE. As with the ERASE PATTERN
operation, the display will show the pattern number and is
prepared to erase "ALL" drums. Use the +. and keys to
select the drum you wish to erase. Then press ENT./REP.
to proceed or press BACK to cancel the operation.
Note: This operation erases all events in apattern which
uses agiven drum. If different entries have been made
with pads using different variations on that drum, all
those events will be erased. You are erasing adrum, not a
pad!
EXAMPLE:
Press ERASE.
Use -*. and -w to select
drum.
Press ENT./REP. to
execute.
Or, press BACK to cancel.
ERASE PTN U5 ALL
ERASE PTN 05 BD1
ERASE EXECUTED
ERASE CANCEL
Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual •Page 17

ERASING ABAR
It is possible to erase all the contents of asingle bar
without disturbing the rest of the pattern.
Select CALL PATTERN and access the desired pattern
using the 4arrow keys. Press ENT./REP. to view the
number of bars and the current bar. Select the desired bar
using the <and keys. (Alternately play the pattern,
press STOP/CONT. during the bar you wish to erase, then
press ENT./REP.) Press ERASE, then ENT./REP. to
execute or BACK to cancel.
EXAMPLE:
Select the pattern.
Press ENT./REP. to
access bar display.
Use 4and to select bar
to erase.
Press ERASE.
Press ENT./REP. to
continue.
Or press BACK to cancel.
CALL PTH 07.
BAR 02-01 07.
BRR 02-02 07.
ERASE BAR 02-02
ERASE EXECUTED
ERASE CANCEL
ERASING ANOTE
Rather than erase all occurrences of an instrument
completely from apattern, it may be desirable to erase a
single note. This is done in REAL TIME
RECORDING mode. Press REAL TIME REC. and
access the desired pattern. Press START to start
recording and held down ERASE. At the note you wish
to erase, press the pad of the instrument to be erased.
Note: Erassure is executed as long as both ERASE and
apad are held down.
ERASING ALL MEMORY
You can erase all of the patterns in memory (except the
preset ones of course), by holding the ACCENT key and
then pressing the ERASE key. Press ENT./REP. to
continue and press again to execute. Or press BACK to
cancel.
EXAMPLE:
Press REAL TIME REC.
Select pattern using arrow
keys.
Start recording by
pressing START.
While holding ERASE, hold
down pad to erase.
Release.
Press STOP/CONT.
EXAMPLE:
Hold ACCENT and press
ERASE.
Press ENT./REP. to
continue.
Press ENT./REP. to
execute.
Or, press BACK to cancel.
REAL: DUB PTH 33
REAL: DUB PTH 34
BAR Q1-01 -REC-
BAR 01-01 -REC-
REAL:DUB PTH 34
ERASE ALL I1EN0RV
ERASE SURE?
ERASE EXECUTED
ERASE CANCEL
Page 18 •Kawai R-50e Owner's Manual