KETRON SD5 User manual

Owner’s Manual

SD5 1
INDICE
Safety Instructions
Connections
Control panel and push button functions
Right Menu and Live setting
Parameter management
Aguide how to start playing
Voices and User Voices
Programs and One Touch Voices
Drawbars
Drum Set
Arranger
Using a MIDI pedal for the bass
Pattern Edit
Power On Set Up
Song Play, Midi file and Karaoke
Drum Remix
Video Out and Karaoke
Recording a Midi file
.KAR, .MID (Midi files) & .TXT (text) files
Using the microphone
Vocalizer
Effects
Registrations
Utility
Midi Accordions
Midi
Disk
MidJay Utility
Multi-Tab
Technical Tables
PAG.
2
4
6
12
14
15
20
24
28
29
31
40
41
46
47
53
54
55
56
58
59
64
66
69
73
75
79
86
89
181

Safety Instructions
MMEEAANNIINNGGOOFFGGRRAAPPHHIICCSSYYMMBBOOLLSS::
The lightning arrow inside an equilateral triangle warns you about the presence
of dangerous, not insulated voltage that may constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation mark in an equilateral triangle informs you about important
instructions in the User's Manual.
IINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNSSAABBOOUUTTRRIISSKKOOFFFFIIRREE,,EELLEECCTTRRIICCSSHHOOCCKKOORR
IINNJJUURRYYTTOOPPEERROONNSS
Warning: to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this instrument to rain or moisture.
- Earthing instructions -
This product must be connected to an earthed outlet. In case of malfunctioning, the earthing will reduce the risk of electric shock. The instru-
ment comes with an earthed power cable and plug to be used with an earthed outlet.
DDAANNGGEERR- Improper earthing connections may cause electric shocks. In case of doubts, have your electric installation checked by a qualified
electrician. Do not modify the power cable coming with the instrument.
IIMMPPOORRTTAANNTTSSAAFFEETTYYAANNDDIINNSSTTAALLLLAATTIIOONNIINNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONNSS
WWAARRNNIINNGG- When using electrical products, some basic precautions must be followed, including the following:
•Before using this instrument, carefully read the User's Manual.
•When the instrument is used by children, the presence of an adult is required.
•Do not use the instrument near water, for example near a wash-basin, a swimming-pool, a wet surface, etc.
•The instrument must be used only on supports recommended by the manufacturer.
•Do not use the instrument where there is any risk of it getting splashed with water or of water dripping on it, such as near wash basins,
swimming pools or on wet surfaces etc. Do not put containers with water on top of the instrument.
•The instrument is to be used in a position where adequate ventilation is provided.
•Use the instrument far away from heat sources such as radiators, heaters, etc.
•Use only the supplied power cable for connecting the instrument to the mains.
The identification and power supply data are reported on the bottom of the instrument.
•Disconnect the power cable if the instrument is not used for longer periods of time.
•If you need to disconnect the instrument from the power supply, use the ON/OFF switch at the back of the instrument.
The instrument must be positioned so that the ON/OFF switch is easily accessible.
•Bring the instrument to an service centre in the following cases:
aa..Damages on the power cable or plug.
bb..Objects or liquids fallen into its inside.
cc..The instrument has been exposed to rain.
dd..Abnormal running or an evident decrease of the instrument's performance.
ee..The instrument has fallen down or the enclosure has been damaged.
•Never try to repair the instrument yourself. All operations must be performed by specialised engineers.
KEEP THESE INSTRUMENTS IN A SAFE PLACE
HHOOWWTTOOAAVVOOIIDDRRAADDIIOO//TTVVIINNTTEERRFFEERREENNCCEE
This instrument operates at radio frequencies, and if not correctly installed according to the instructions supplied, it may cause interference
with radio and television reception.
Though this instrument has been designed according to the applicable standards and notwithstanding the reasonable protections against inter-
ference it has been equipped with, there is no guarantee that such events will not occur. In order to check if the interference is actually caused
by this instrument, switch it off and see if the interference disappears. Then switch it on again and check if the interference appears again. Once
you have made sure that the interference is originated by this instrument, take one of the following measures:
•Turn the radio or TV antenna in a different direction. .
•Modify the instrument's position with respect to the receiver.
•Increase the distance between the instrument and the receiver.
•
Connect the instrument's plug to a different outlet to make sure that the instrument and the receiver are connected to two different circuits.
•If necessary, contact a specialised technician.
SD5
2
Safety Instructions
CCAAUUTTIIOONN!!!!!!
RRIISSKKOOFFEELLEECCTTRRIICCSSHHOOCCKK
DDOONNOOTTOOPPEENN
CCAAUUTTIIOONN!!
TTOORREEDDUUCCEETTHHEERRIISSKKOOFFEELLEECCTTRRIICCSSHHOOCCKK,,DDOONNOOTTOOPPEENNTTHHEE
CCOOVVEERR..

SD5 3
WWAARRNNIINNGGSS
After having read the safety precautions and instructions on the previous pages, carefully read and conform to the following recommenda-
tions:
PPOOWWEERRSSUUPPPPLLYY
•Before connecting this instrument to any other equipment (amplifier, mixer, other MIDI instruments, etc.) make sure that all units are
switched off.
•Read the instructions about Radio and TV interference..
HHOOWWTTOOCCLLEEAANNTTHHIISSIINNSSTTRRUUMMEENNTT
•Use only a soft and dry cloth to clean the external surface of your instrument. Never use petrol, thinners or solvents generally speaking.
OOTTHHEERRPPRREECCAAUUTTIIOONNSS
•If you wish to use your instrument abroad and if you have any doubts about the power supply, contact a qualified engineer previously.
•The instrument should never be subject to strong vibrations.
•Never exert excessive pressure on the keys and knobs.
•Do not place any objects on the central display. The transparent panel could brake or be damaged and the reading of data could become
more difficult.
•The instrument's cover could be slightly heated during playing. This is caused by heat dissipation of its internal components and is con-
sidered to be a normal effect. Nonetheless the instrument should be placed in a ventilated area, if possible.
IINNOORRDDEERRNNOOTTTTOOLLOOOOSSEEDDAATTAA
Please remember that the data stored in the instrument can be deleted at any time in case of abnormal running conditions. We therefore advise
to carry out back-up copies of your data during the various programming phases.
AACCPPOOWWEERRAADDAAPPTTOORRSS
To connect these instruments to the wall socket you will need the supplied KETRON AC Power adaptors.
Use of other AC adaptors could result in damage to the instrument’s power circuit. So be sure to ask for the right kind.
BBAATTTTEERRYYNNOOTTIICCEE
These products may contain a small non-rechargeable battery which ( if applicable ) is soldered in place. The average little span of this type of
battery is some years ( approximately 5 ). When replacement becomes necessary, contact a qualified service representative to perform the
replacement.
WWaarrnniinngg::do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any battery. Keep all batteries away from children. Dispose of used batteries promptly
and as regulated by the laws in your area.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
”Observe European Directives 2002/95, 2002/96 and 2003/108 with regard to the reduced use of harmful substances
on electrical and electronic instruments and also observe waste disposal regulations.”
The symbol with the bin crossed out on the instrument points out that it must be separated from other waste at the
end of its useful life span and not just thrown away in the bin.
The user must therefore hand the instrument over to differentiated waste disposal centres authorised to process elec-
tronic and electro-technical waste at the end of its useful life span, or give it back to the retailer when purchasing a
new similar type of device on a basis of 1-to-1 ratio.
The differentiated disposal of the equipment for the possible future recycling of its constructional parts contributes in
safeguarding the environment and human health.
The user is subject to administrative fines in the case of the abusive disposal of the product.
Safety Instructions

Connections
The SD5 is provided with all the audio and MIDI connections as required by current standards including the sockets for the pedals needed for
its optimum use. The only optional extras are the hardisk, video interface and the two pedals.
REAR CONNECTION
SPEAKER: Button used to enable and disable the built-in speakers of the instrument.
MICRO 1 OUTPUT: Monophonic 1/4'' jack direct audio output of the input signal of Micro 1 processed by the Vocalizer but not by the inter-
nal effects like Reverb or chorus.
OUTPUT LEFT/MONO, RIGHT: Monophonic 1/4” jack audio outputs where the Left out can work as the summed monophonic output for
the whole instrument. When the Left and Right outputs are used the SD5 works in stereo.
PEDAL FOOTSWITCH: This is a multipolar socket used to connect optional pedals with six or thirteen switches, to control many functions
including automatic accompaniment commands etc.
SUSTAIN PEDAL: This is the socket for the Sustain On/Off type pedal.
VOLUME PEDAL: This is the socket for the continuous Volume control pedal. It is advisable to use pedals produced by Ketron to avoid dan-
gerous short circuits or abnormal conditions in general.
MIDI In (GM): Midi Input Port used just to control the General MIDI sound generator of the SD5 with sixteen MIDI parts.
MIDI In 2 (Keyboard): MIDI port for connecting an external MIDI keyboard or accordion which can operate the SD5 in a similar way to its own keyboard.
MIDI Out: MIDI port used to send the data generated by the SD5, including automatic accompaniment and lead part(s).
MIDI Thru: MIDI port that allows all data from the MIDI IN1 to pass through unaltered.
COMPUTER INTERFACE: The SD5 can be directly connected to a PC or to a Mac via this port.
VIDEO INTERFACE: This optional device is used to display the words of a Midi file and other information provided by the musician on a monitor for the audience.
AC: Socket for the power supply cable.
MAIN SWITCH: This push button turns the SD5 on & off.
FRONT CONNECTIONS
HEADPHONES: Allows you to connect stereo headphones.
GAIN: Controls the gain of the microphone audio inputs.
MICRO INPUT: Unbalanced _'' mono audio jack input for two microphones, (if a stereo-mono adapter is used). The Micro Input signal can be pro-
cessed by the inner Vocalizer of the SD5 and by the global effects. Without the adapter, only one microphone can be used.
SD5
4
28
9
10
11
4
5
1 3
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
6
Connections

SD5 5
FURTHER ELEMENTS OF THE SD5
HARD DISK
The optional hard disk allows you to store Midi files, Patterns and any other files processed by the SD5.
DISK DRIVE
Supplied as standard, it is used to read and write 720 KB and 1.4 MB of data on floppy disks in DOS format. Floppy disks formatted on any PC can
also be used.
JOYSTIC
Used to change timbre pitch if moved horizontally and to change the modulation effects if moved vertically.
AFTERTOUCH
When the key reaches its full stroke, after pressing it normally, you can exploit a further brief section of the stroke, which is clearly felt by pres-
sing the key further, to control the addition of some effects such as vibrato and pitch bend. In this way, it is easier to control the various tim-
bres. The version of Aftertouch implemented on the SD5 is the single-sound version, in other words the effect produced affects all the keys
pressed at that time.
VELOCITY
The key dynamics is used to control some timbre parameters such as the volume of the note or the filter.
GENERAL VOLUME
The volume cursor seen on the front panel controls the general volume of the audio outputs Left & Right of the whole keyboard, including the
microphone signals. The cursor does not send a Volume data to the MIDI Out port.
MULTI-TABS
This set of 16 buttons is used to rapidly access various functions that prove useful in the various musical contexts of the instrument. For exam-
ple, you can control the mute function of the various percussion sections, directly access the 16 parts of the General Midi or activate and laun-
ch sound effects.
ACCESSORIES
Connections
COD. 9AC093 COD. 9AC103 COD. 9AC113 COD. 9AC114
COD. 9VA005 COD. 9AC121 COD. 9PEMK8 COD. 9HD004
VIDEO INTERFACE: P/N 9AC134 VOCALIZER: P/N 9VO004 DELUXE CONTAINER WITH WHEELS: P/N 9VA005D
PATTERNS EXPANSION FLASH CARD: P/N 9AC116 PC CABLE: P/N 9AC123 MAC CABLE: P/N 9AC122

Control panel and push button functions
The control panel is divided into sections according to the group of functions related to the push buttons. From left to right you will see the following:
VOLUME Two rows of six push buttons that are used to control the general volume for the Drums, Bass, Chords, 2ND Voice and Right
sections. The volume can be muted by pressing the right-hand and left-hand VVOOLLUUMMEEpush buttons of that section together
at the same time. To restore the volume set prior to muting simply press one of the two VVOOLLUUMMEEpush buttons of the section
once. To raise the lead volume, press and hold down the right-hand RRIIGGHHTTVVOOLLUUMMEEpush button. To lower the volume, use the
left-hand push button instead. Using the 22NNDDVVOOIICCEEkeys, you can control the volume of the second voice that affects the
melodic line of the SD5. Thanks to this feature, you can therefore add a second sound on the right section and produce inte-
resting timbre layers, the sound balancing of which can be controlled with the dedicated volume keys.
PAGE + PAGE - When the display shows that there are more pages following the first one (as for Voice and Style), the PPAAGGEE++push button
is used to move one page forwards and PPAAGGEE--to go back a page. The PPAAGGEE++and PPAAGGEE--push buttons, with the LED of the
DDIISSKKpush button lit, are used to select either the hard disk or the floppy disk drive. In this case, to move onto the following
pages of a directory, the musician must use the CCUURRSSOORR++//--push buttons. In the main default page the PPAAGGEE++and PPAAGGEE--
push buttons directly control the TTeemmppoovalue of the Arranger in steps which can be determined (in the UTILITIES page).
DATA CURSOR When there are a number of parameters to be modified within a menu or when the function buttons are not directly related
to a specific parameter (as in the case of parameters situated in the middle of the display), the 4 DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRkkeeyyssare used
to select and modify the value of the parameter required. According to their direction, as you read through this manual you
will notice that we call these buttons UP (arrow pointing upwards), DDOOWWNN(arrow pointing downwards), LLEEFFTT(arrow pointing to
the left) and RRIIGGHHTT(arrow pointing to the right). Generally speaking, the UUPPand DDOOWWNNbuttons are used to select the para-
meter to be edited while the LLEEFFTTand RRIIGGHHTTbuttons are used to change the value of the parameter currently selected and
therefore they act as VVAALLUUEE++//--function buttons. When you press the LEFT and RIGHT keys together at the same time, the
parameter selected is reset and if you press them again, the parameter is set back at its initial value, even after it has been
modified. In many contexts, the same procedure can be done by pressing the EENNTTEERRkey. In this case again, the parameter
currently selected is reset after it is pressed once and is set back at its original value when the key is pressed again.
Generally speaking the LLEEFFTTand RIGHT buttons are used to change the value of the parameter currently selected and the-
refore they act as VVAALLUUEE++//--function buttons. When you press the two keys together at the same time, the parameter selec-
ted is reset and if you press them again, the parameter is set back at its initial value, even after it has been modified. In the
DDiisskkenvironment, the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRLLEEFFTTand RRIIGGHHTTkeys are used to select successive groups of files that are not shown on
the display, while the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRUUPP, DDOOWWNNkeys are used as VVAALLUUEE++//--function buttons and are also used to select files.
ENTER The Enter key is used to confirm the value currently selected. In some cases, such as in the Disk environment for example,
it is used to start or to load Midifiles.
TRANSPOSE They are used to TTrraannssppoosseeall the musical sections of the SD5 in steps of one semitone. To reset the Transposer, simply
press the buttons together at the same time.
SAVE This is used to store and save on disk any edits or modifications carried out by the user.
EXIT This push button is pressed once to return to the main page of the display. EEXXIITTis disabled in the Song Play menu where
the SSOONNGGPPLLAAYYpush button should be pressed again exit the Song Play mode and return to the main display page.
SD5
6
Control panel and push button functions

SD5 7
DISK ON This is used to gain access to the management functions both on floppy disk and optional/built in hard disk. When the DDIISSKK
LED is lit the PPAAGGEE++and PPAAGGEE--push buttons can be used to select either the hard disk or the floppy disk.
MICRO (Vacalizer) This is used to access the menu of the Microphone and of the Vocalizer (optional)
TALK This is used to disable the effects on the microphone.
1 TOUCH TO STYLE With this push button will be possible to enable or disable automatic recall of ont touch memories linked to the current style.
SPLIT Split is used to establish which part of the keyboard is assigned to the Arranger and which one to the lead. By default the
split point is set on the note C3, so below this note the keyboard is assigned to the Arranger, whereas above it is assigned
to executing the lead. Proceed as follows to modify the Split:
1. Press the Split button and keep it pressed. At the same time, on the keyboard play the key corresponding to the
desired Split point.
2. Release the Split button. The new value will remain stored until the keyboard is turned off.
LEFT MENU This is used to access the menu dedicated to the arranger functions and to the Split point.
THE DISPLAY, THE MAIN PAGE AND THE FUNCTION PUSH BUTTONS
From the main page of the display, the programming functions can be accessed using the function push buttons at the side of the display
together with the dedicated push buttons. Based on the functions called up, the display shows the related parameters and enables their selec-
tion thanks to the push buttons at the side of the display (or function keys from F1 to F10. They are referred to as function buttons because they
have a different function depending on the page displayed). Therefore simply press the function push button adjacent to a parameter to ena-
ble or select that parameter. When the parameters are situated in the middle of the display then they are selected using the CURSOR push but-
tons.While you will find detailed descriptions of the modification pages further on, below is a description of the single parameters that are
displayed.
Number, name and volume of the style: This indicates the name and number of the style currently in use. Use the SSTTYYLLEEpush buttons to call
up another one. To modify the volume of the arranger, press the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORR(LLeeffttRRiigghhtt) push buttons, which in this page are used as BBaallaannccee.
Sound selected and volume: To change the sound in use on the Right lead section use the VVOOIICCEESSpush buttons related to the single group or
the UUSSEERRVVOOIICCEESSpush button. The pair of RRIIGGHHTTVVOOLLUUMMEEpush buttons are used to modify the volume of the sound.
Second Voices: This indicates a second sound to be layered with the Right lead section. It is entered using the 22NNDDVVOOIICCEEpush button.
Split and transposition point: This indicates the key to the right of which the melodic section is played or Right section dedicated to the right
hand; whereas on the left you will find the part of keyboard used to acknowledge the chords for the Arranger and for the notes to be played in
the Lower section with the left hand. The modification is made with the related key.
Transp. This indicates the number of semitones for transposition that can be changed using the TTRRAANNSSPPOOSSEE++eTTRRAANNSSPPOOSSEEpush buttons. When
a double dash is displayed transposition is off.
Tempo and beat of the style: This indicates the current Tempo of the Arranger. Use the TTEEMMPPOO++e TTEEMMPPOO--push buttons to modify it. The beat
indicator is used to avoid visually losing the beat of the bar being played.
Chord: This indicates the chord currently being played. To change it play another chord on the part of keyboard to the left of the SSpplliittpoint.
Volume cursors of the main sections of the keyboard: These graphically display, with absolute values, the settings of the volumes of the
Drums, Bass, Chord and Right sections, the value of which can be directly modified using the pair of VVOOLLUUMMEEpush buttons pairs. To modify the
Control panel and push button functions
Style number and name
Style volume
Split note
Transposition
Selected sound
Sound volume
Second Voice
Played chord
Right hand volume
Style tempo
Left hand volume
Accompaniment sections volumes

display contrast turn the CCOONNTTRRAASSTTknob on the control panel. A set of functions corresponds to each function push button FF11//FF1100, in the main
page of the display, which can be directly accessed by pressing the relative push button.
F1 GM: This selects the menu with the parameters related to the single MIDI parts of the sixteen offered by the standard General MIDI.
F2 EFFECT: This is used to quickly modify the Reverbs and to enable the modulation effects and also to access the individual parameters of
the single effects.
F3 UTILITY: This controls the overall parameters of the keyboard and the physical controllers.
F4 ARRANGE MODE: This is used to gain access to the parameters dedicated to the Arranger when playing live.
F5 ARRANGE VIEW: Four menu pages offer the facility to re-program the sounds, volumes and effects of each single section of the Arranger.
F6 MIDI: Through the sub-menus, access is gained to the programming of MIDI events even during transmission and reception mode and to
the assignment function of the MIDI channels to each single section of the keyboard.
F7 EDIT USER/DRAWBARS: This is used to modify the main parameters relating to the sound such as the envelope, the filter and the LFOs.
When a Drawbar sound is selected (pressing first UUSSEERRVVOOIICCEEand selecting then the BBAASSSS--FFXXbank using the Voice push buttons group),
the EEDDIITTUUSSEERR//DDRRAAWWBBAARRSSpush button allows you to access programming and to display the single Drawbars to create new organ sounds.
F8 EDIT PROGRAM: This is used to program or modify the parameters relative to the four sounds that can be used at the same time for the
lead section within a selected Program.
F9 EDIT DRUM: For the drum tracks and other features. This group of functions is dedicated to the programming of a complete drum kit, of
which up to two samples can be indicated for each key of the keyboard.
F10 DRUM MIXER: This allows you turn on/off, modify the volume, pan and reverb of each of the individual percussion groups within the cur-
rent drum kit.
THE PUSH BUTTONS RELATED TO THE SELECTION OF STYLES
Ten push buttons are used to call up just as many groups of styles directly from the control panel. When a group is selected the display shows
five styles to the left and another five to the right. To enable a style simply press the function push button next to its name on the display.
Considering that the SD5 offers more than ten styles per group, the user can move onto the next pages either using the PPAAGGEE++or PPAAGGEE--push
buttons, or by repeatedly pressing the push button related to the group of styles in use. When the SD5 reaches the last page of styles availa-
ble, the user can return to the first page by pressing the push button for that same group of styles again instead of the PPAAGGEE++or PPAAGGEE--push
buttons. In some editing situations the twelve SSTTYYLLEESSpush buttons become numeric keys that are used to enter the value directly.
THE PUSH BUTTONS RELATED TO THE SELECTION OF VOICES
The two rows of six push buttons called VVOOIICCEESSare used to call up sounds or Preset Voices according to the family to which they belong. When
a family is selected with one push button the display shows five Voices to the left and five Voices to the right, which can be enabled by pres-
sing the function push button next to the desired sound. Considering the fact that the SD5 offers more than ten Voices per family, the user can
move onto the next pages either using the PPAAGGEE++or PPAAGGEE--push buttons or by repeatedly pressing the push button of that family of Voices in
use. When the SD5 reaches the last page of Voices available, the user can return to the first page of Voices by pressing the same push button
for that family of Voices again rather than the PPAAGGEE++or PPAAGGEE--push buttons.
The VVOOIICCEESSpush buttons are not only used to call up the pre-set voices alone.
●If the LLEEDDof the UUSSEERRVVOOIICCEEpush button (i.e. of the bank of sounds that can be programmed by the user) is activated, then the VVOOIICCEESSpush
buttons call up the 128 User Voice sounds in groups of ten at a time.
●If UUSSEERRVVOOIICCEEand BBAASSSS--FFXXare enabled, an organ sound corresponds to each single VOICES push button.
●If the LED of the PPRROOGGRRAAMMpush button is lit, the VOICE push buttons call up the Program voices.
●If the LED of the OONNEETTOOUUCCHHpush button is lit, buttons calls up one of the six pages of the One Touch memory locations.
PUSH BUTTONS ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE CONTROL PANEL
PROGRAM When the LED is lit, 10 Program locations are displayed, to be selected using the function push buttons. A Program combines
up to four voices dedicated to the lead section with the related parameters.
2ND VOICE When the LED is lit, the second Voice assigned to the equivalent Lead voice is enabled. It's name is displayed under the name
of the Lead voice to the top right side of the display screen.
USER VOICE When the LED is lit, this allows you to call up the User Voices using the Voice push buttons.
1 TOUCH When the LED is lit, ten sounds within the first of the eight groups available are displayed. The OOnneeTToouucchhSSoolloofunction is
used to save the most frequently used Voices so that they can be called up easier rather than having to first select the voice
group and then a sound from within it.
REGISTRATION The Registrations memorise all the SD5 settings for instant retrieval , including the automatic call up of Midi and TXT files. When
the LED is lit the user can call up one of the 198 Registrations using the numeric keypad, namely the SSTTYYLLEEpush buttons.
LEAD EFFECT The SD5 allows you to assign Delay, Distorsor and Overdrive effects to the Right section together with the standard Reverb
and Chorus effects. From the LLeeaaddEEffffeeccttpage, you can activate up to four effects simultaneously assigned to the sound of
SD5
8
Control panel and push button functions

the right hand. From this menu you can also control the effects of the microphone, activate the vocalizer (optional) and pull-
up the current vocal set.
USER VOICE This activates the bank of timbres that can be programmed by the user. The VVOOIICCEESSbuttons pull-up the timbres in groups of ten at a time.
PIANIST Generally speaking it is preferable to have one keyboard portion dedicated to chords acknowledgement and the other one
to the solos and the lead. For the true pianist player, however, it may not be sufficient to have a length of just nearly four
octaves available. The PPiiaanniissttfunction deletes this division and dedicates the complete keyboard to the sound(s) assigned
to the RRiigghhttsection and to the chords acknowledgement. Obviously the best results are obtained with pianist sounds such
as the Grand Piano or the Vintage electric piano. PPiiaanniissttallows you to use the complete extension of the keyboard for just
one timbre, and at the same time it also allows you to control the Arranger. There are two different ways to acknowledge the
chord, which you can choose at pleasure in the UUttiilliittyymenu. The default method is SSttaannddaarrdd.
AFTERTOUCH The SD5 keyboard features the Aftertouch effect that can be activated by pressing the special button. By pressing F3 (Utility),
however, and then F2 (Aftertouch), you may assign other controls to the Aftertouch (for further details please refer to the
Utility chapter of the operator's manual).
PORTAMENTO This button activates the Portamento, or the Legato or the Mono mode set in the Utility menu for the Right timbre.
OCTAVE+/ OCTAVE- These are used to transpose the octave of the Right section, in other words the melody of the right hand, by one octave
higher or lower.
DOUBLE This doubles the notes played on the keyboard, adding the notes with one lower octave.
HARMONY When the LED is lit, it activates the harmony function of the timbre of the Right section according to the settings of the rela-
ted menu.
RECORD SONG This is used to record a Midifile that contains everything played on the keyboard.
PLAY SONG This activates the playing function of the Midifile. It is also used to pull-up concentrations of Midifiles and to display the
words of the songs on the instrument display.
MANUAL DRUMS When led is on you can play single instruments of your own drum set all over the keybed. This function turn off automati-
cally Right and Left Sections and allows to control Manual Drum section by Drum Volume slider. If Manual Drum is activate
while Style Chord are running these tracks will play the latest chord recognized. MMAANNUUAALLDDRRUUMMdoesn't turn off the original
Style Drum track
PATTERN When the LED is lit, this allows you to select Styles loaded in RAM from the floppy disk or from the hard disk.
EDIT This activates the Edit mode for the pattern. In this environment you can edit, modify or create new styles for the keyboard.
RIGHT MENU This is used to access the menu dedicated to the soloist part and to the settings for the right hand.
THE PUSH BUTTONS REQUIRED TO CONTROL THE ARRANGER
The bottom row of the control panel is almost entirely dedicated to controlling the Arranger in real time.
RIGHT MENU This is used to access a menu for settings relevant to the section to the right of the Split point, used for the lead to
program effects for the Voices and the microphone as well as the editing of the Second Voice.
ROTOR ON This button (Led on) apply Leslie © effect on SD 5 Organ timbre in order to emulate typical Hammond © tonewheels
sound!
ROTOR SLOW/FAST This increases or decreases the modulating speed of the Leslie ® effect.
BASS TO LOWEST If this function is enabled the harmonic bass evolution has its lowest note always referred to the lowest one of the
chord played. This makes it possible to perform a number of pieces of music keeping unaltered the melodic struc-
ture of the bass.
MANUAL BASS This excludes all the parts of the Arranger and leaves the Drum tracks and the bass timbre activated. The bass can
then be manually played on the keyboard portion to the left of the split point.
JUMP When Led is on this function switch automatically Style variation ( A B C D ) any time you'll press Fill In button.
Moreover with JUMP function you could use Intro feature as Fill too!
SD5 9
Control panel and push button functions

KEY START/SONG REMIX PLAY When the LED is lit and the Arranger is stopped, this push button is used to start the accompaniment when a note
to the left of the split point on the keyboard is played. If an IINNTTRROOor a FFIILLLLis selected, as soon as a chord is played,
that Intro or Fill-In of the style will start. To control the performance of the Lower section, namely the manual voi-
ces for the left hand, the player must access the AARRRRAANNGGEEMMOODDEEmenu where these Lower voices can be disabled
when the Arranger is not running. This also allows the user to prevent the Lower voice(s) from sounding prior to the
arranger starting. When in Song Play mode, this push button is used to select the drum track of the Song being
played, for the Remix function.
KEY STOP/STYLE REMIX PLAY When the LED is lit it stops the Arranger performance if a very short note or chord is played. It is restarted if another
one or even the same one is played. If the note or the chord is held down for longer than a quarter note, the
Arranger continues to play. With the Arranger stopped, KKEEYYSSTTOOPPis used to restart it by playing a chord that is lon-
ger than the time set in Sync Time in the Arrange Mode menu. If a FFIILLLLor an IINNTTRROOhas been selected, with the
Arranger stopped and a chord that is longer than the above mentioned value is played, the whole FILL or the INTRO
will be played, whereas if the chord is very short, the Arranger will stop immediately. If the KKEEYYSSTTAARRTTLED is lit, as
soon as the player takes his hand off the left part of the split point, the Arranger stops and starts again as soon as
a note or a chord is played on the part of the keyboard to the left of the split point. When in Song Play mode, this
push button is used to select the drum track of the Style for the Remix function.
FILL When the Arranger is enabled, this key is pressed to activate one or more Fill-in beats. If it is pressed with the style stop-
ped, it will be played. If the JJuummppfunction is enabled (LED lit), the FFIILLLLbutton skips the style onto the next variation.
BREAK This is used to add a Break beat at the end of which the Arranger will start to play again.
TAP If you tap on this button with a set frequency four times, the SD5 determines the tempo value automatically (based
on how quickly or slowly you were tapping on this button) and uses this new tempo for the arranger or sequence
to be played. The playback of the arranger or sequence will start provided they were in stop or standby mode prior
to tapping on the TTAAPPbutton. When the Arranger and Sequencer are running, the push button is used to increase
the Tempo in steps of five points each time it is pressed (AAcccceelleerraannddoo). By holding the TAP push button down, the
Accelerando is reversed (this can be seen by the direction of the arrow) thus decreasing the Tempo in steps of five
each time it is pressed (RRiittaarrddaannddoo).
COUNT/PAUSE RESTART With the Arranger stopped, CCOOUUNNTTadds a Count In beat where the artificial 'drummer' (using drum sticks) counts
in 4 beats. If an IINNTTRROOhas also been pressed before CCOOUUNNTTwith the JJUUMMPPpush button enabled, the Intro chosen
will be enabled at the end of the count. With the Arranger running, pressing this push button immediately restarts
the arranger with the first beat of the first bar, regardless of which measure the arranger is currently in. This may
prove very useful when backing a singer whose timing is all over the place! When working with the Sequencer
(SSEEQQUUEENNCCEERRLED lit), this push button sets the playback to stand-by until the CCOOUUNNTT/PPAAUUSSEERREESSTTAARRTTpush button is
pressed again (used as a PAUSE).
START When pressed it starts to play the automatic accompaniment. If SSTTAARRTTis pressed while the Arranger is already
playing then everything is stopped, in other words it acts as a Stop push button.
HOLD When the LED is on the last chord played to the left of the Split point on the keyboard is memorised and kept acti-
ve driving the Arranger which carries on playing normally even after the left hand is taken off the keys. This chord
is held as the harmonic basis of all the Arranger parts until a new chord is actually played below the split point
which the Arranger follows by changing the parts to suit. If the LED is switched off, the accompaniment will only
work as long as the chord is held down on the keyboard, but the drum tracks will continue to play regardless.
SLOW This decreases the Tempo value of the Arranger or of the Sequencer.
FAST This increases the Tempo value of the Arranger or of the Sequencer. By pressing SSLLOOWWand FFAASSTTtogether at the
same time, the Tempo value is locked (marked by an asterisk) so that it cannot be modified by calling up another
Style with a different Tempo. To disable this locking, press SSLLOOWWand FFAASSTTtogether at the same time . To restore
the default Tempo of the style press PPAAGGEE++and PPAAGGEE--together at the same time.
A, B, C, D/RIFF. Each of these push buttons corresponds to a variation of the style, from the most simple to the most complex. Further
to these push buttons, also JJuummppFFiillllin the LLeeffttCCoonnttrroollmenu can be used to move forward or back between the varia-
tions. In some styles, the arrangement D may be made up of a Riff or in other words of a typical harmonic sequence
and produced in reference to the type of music of the rhythm selected. The presence of a Riff sequence is pointed out
on the display of the SD5 by the letter R between two square brackets ([R]) under the name of the current style.
Furthermore, each time a style with a Riff is selected, the LED relative to the arrangement D flashes. When the Riff is
activated, when you press the relative key, the arranger acknowledges the chord played just in the first musical beat.
The Riff will only be played based on the harmonic tune played at the time.
SD5
10
Control panel and push button functions

SD5 11
INTRO/END 1, 2, 3 (REMIX SELECT, DRUM MIXER, DRUM&BASS)
If one of these three push buttons is pressed while the Arranger is stopped an Intro is enabled, of which there are
three with varying complexity. If one of these three push buttons is pressed while the Arranger is playing, an Ending
is enabled with three available variations having different levels of complexity. If the Jump Fill push button is ena-
bled and an Intro push button is pressed, the Intro selected will be played. While in Song Play mode, the three push-
buttons enable the Remix functions to be controlled on the piece of music being played.
ARR: MUTE This is used to mute some sections of the automatic accompaniment, which can be defined by the user. This func-
tion enables greater control on behalf of the user of the automatic accompaniment and offers additional musical
flexibility.
Control panel and push button functions

Right Menu and Live setting
Right Menu button allow to select useful parameters and setting available on
Right section.
F1 2ND Sustain Activates or deactivates the Sustain on the Second Voice
F2 2ND Split This is used to define the split point of the keyboard, dedica-
ted to the Right section, above which the timbre assigned to
Second Voice will not be playing. The relevant note can be
selected using the keyboard.
F3 Velocity Curve This selects a different reaction curve for the Right voice, to
be chosen among Normal, Hard 1, Hard 2, Soft 1, Soft 2 or Fixed
with a value to be programmed with the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRpush buttons.
F4 2ND Voice Edit After having pressed the F4 function button, it will be possible to use the Voice push buttons to select a new voice to assign
to the Second Voice. Press EEXXIITTafter having completed the selection, or save pressing SAVE, F6-2nd Voice and F10-Save.
F5 2ND Lock This makes it impossible to change the timbre assigned to Second Voice by calling up a Preset.
F6 Pianist Sustain Activates or otherwise the SSuussttaaiinnfunction in the PPiiaanniissttmode, so you can use the SSuussttaaiinnpedal to 'freeze' the last reco-
gnized chord and to freely play, right after having set the chord, along the complete keyboard. Releasing the sustain pedal
will allow the SD5 to recognize the next valid chord played anywhere on the keyboard.
F7 Pianist Mode Enables selection of the Pianist mode. The AAUUTTOOmode, set by default, requires at least a chord of three notes, played no
matter where, to acknowledge a chord. Once the chord has been acknowledged, this can be maintained playing a melody
with not more than two notes played at the same time. The Standard mode, is obtained using the SSuussttaaiinnpedal. If the
Sustain pedal is pressed right after having set the chord on the keyboard, the Arranger uses only the chord that was ack-
nowledged before the SSuussttaaiinnwas activated. It is possible to disable the Sustain on the timbre in use to utilise the Sustain
pedal exclusively for the PPiiaanniissttfunction, using FF77PPiiaanniissttSSuussttaaiinn.
F8 Fade Controls the Fade In/Out function. If the Arranger is activated, this generates the fading out effect, i.e. this function brings
the volume of all sections, including the RRiigghhttsection, from the present volume down to zero. If the Arranger is off, this
function produces the fading in effect, i.e. it brings all the sections from volume zero to their programmed volume levels.
Pressing this button repeatedly will not cause any abrupt volume changes.
F9 Bass Boost This value can be modified by pressing the FF99push button repeatedly, and indicates the increase of the frequency indica-
ted in FF1100, expressed in dB.
F10 Frequency Pressing the FF1100function button repeatedly, you modify the frequency to which equalisation is to be applied with FF99BBaassss
BBoooosstt, in order to obtain more complex basses.
LEAD EFFECTS
LLEEAADDEEFFFFEECCTTpush button calls up a menu dedicated to managing the effects for
the Voices used in the Right section, namely the lead. It also includes parameters
required to control the microphone input. The parameters available for the Right
section are the following:
F1 Chorus By pressing the function push button repeatedly the Chorus
effect is enabled or otherwise on the Right section.
F2 Wha-Wha This is an amazing effect for guitar riffs but it can be used in
many other situations. The optional Volume pedal is to be con-
nected to control it better. The Wha-Wha effect can also be
controlled by the Modulation Wheel using the Utility menu
and the FF33MMoodduullaattiioonnfunction where the FF77WWhhaa--WWhhaafunction is to be set as OOnn.
F3 Delay This is used to enable the Delay effect on the Right section by pressing the relative function push button repeatedly.
SD5
12
Right Menu and Live setting

SD5 13
F4 Overdrive It gradually saturates the sound controlled by the optional Volume Pedal. It is one of the effects required to simulate jazz
and rock organs in the best way possible. The Overdrive cuts out the use of the Distortion effect.
F5 Distorsor This enables the Distortion effect on the Right section, cutting out the use of the Overdrive.
The parameters available to control the microphone input are the following:
F6 Micro Effect This enables, or otherwise, the use of the effects for the Right section on the microphone input.
F7 Direct This is used to modify the quantity of direct signal that goes to the audio output. It is modified using the VVAALLUUEE++//--push
buttons.
F8 Reverb This indicates the quantity of Reverb assigned to the microphone input. The value is modified using the VVAALLUUEE++//--push but-
tons.
F9 Vocal Set This is used to select a Vocal Set of the Vocalizer without going through the Vocalizer menu directly.
F10 Vocalizer This enables the Vocalizer effect on the microphone input.
HARMONY
Allows you to harmonise the lead played on the RRiigghhttsection according to the
chord played. Activating HHaarrmmoonnyywith the relative push button displays a page
from where you can select the type of harmonization using the function buttons.
It is not possible to activate more than one type of harmonization as each selec-
tion deletes the previously selected one. Press again HARMONY button ( Led off )
to turn off this function.
The following parameters are available:
F1 Full The notes of the chord played on the portion left to the split
point are repeated on the right part and added to the lead
played.
F2 Jazz Similar to Full, but with a more complex harmonization, differentiated according to the sound played on the RRiigghhttpart.
F3 Tap Delay4 The instrument executes four repetitions of notes played on the keyboard.
F4 Tap Delay8 The instrument executes eight repetitions of notes played on the keyboard.
F5 5TH Adds the fifth superior to the lead.
F6 Blue Gras Typical country harmonization.
F7 Trill To obtain this effect, you need to play at least two notes on the RRiigghhttsection. The two notes are automatically and alter-
natively repeated according to the speed set with FF99SSppeeeedd.
F8 Repeat Repeats the single note played with the speed set with FF99SSppeeeeddand synchronised with the Tempo value in use.
F9 Speed Pressing the relevant function button repeatedly sets different speeds for FF77TTrriilllland FF88RReeppeeaatt
F10 Folk 1 e Folk 2 these are other two harmonization modes suitable for folk music.
Right Menu and Live setting

Parameter management
Before going into the actual programming subjects, the musician should first be aware of how the menus and parameters of the sd5 work. The
rules that are listed in this chapter are valid for all the following sections and are crucial to controlling the keyboard in the best way possible.
CONVENTIONS
The following conventions are used within this manual, which refer to:
Push buttons on the control panel: all in capital letters or bold print (for example SSTTAARRTT, SSTTOOPP, SSPPLLIITTpush buttons)
Functions, parameters, items, commands displayed and that can be selected using the FF11--FF1100function keys adjacent to them: in bold print (for
example FF55EEssccaappee,FF1100SSaavvee)
CALLING UP THE MENUS
The parameters of the sd5 are grouped in menus that are always called up from the main page of the display which can be accessed using the
EEXXIITTpush button (apart from some exceptions which we will see later).
The first group of parameter menus is associated with the FF11--FF1100function push buttons at the side of the display and include the following
menus:
F1 GM - F2 EFFECT - F3 UTILITY - F4 ARRANGE MODE - F5 ARRANGE VIEW - F6 MIDI - F7 EDIT USER/DRAWBARS - F8 EDIT PROGRAM
F9 EDIT DRUM - F10 DRUM MIXER
A second group of menus is associated directly with some push buttons on the control panel. They are called up from the main page and are
exited using the EEXXIITTpush button and also using the push button again that was used to call up these pages. The menus relative to the single
push buttons are the following:
SONG RECORD - PATTERN EDIT, DISK - SAVE - MICRO VOCALIZER - LEAD EFFECT - LEFT MENU - RIGHT MENU - SONG PLAY
HARMONY
The EEXXIITTpush button must always be pressed to exit one of these pages.
The Song Play menu is an exception to this rule.
The push buttons related to this menu must be pressed again to return to the main page of the display. This procedure has been devised to pre-
vent the playback of a Midi file from being accidentally stopped by pressing the EEXXIITTpush button by mistake.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE EXIT COMMAND
In some menus in addition to the EEXXIITTpush button the EEssccaappeecommand may appear, which is assigned to a function push button at the side
of the display. Therefore if the EEXXIITTpush button should fail to work, look carefully at the display to find the EEssccaappeefunction amongst the com-
mands, or try pressing the key used to access the specific menu again.
THE F1-F10 FUNCTION PUSH BUTTONS
There are five push buttons to the left and five to the right of the display. They are called that as they have no specific function (apart from
calling up the menus as already explained), but they take on the function of the command displayed next to them. If you take a close look you
will see that a blue line connects each function push button that relates to a specific area on the display. This area, when there are choices or
commands available, displays a rectangle that bears the name of either the function, of the Voice or of the style to be called up.
DATA ENTRY
There are various possibilities based on the parameter to be modified within a menu.
DDiirreeccttccaalllluupp::for the Voices and the Styles, the selecting of one of these using a function push button immediately calls them up.
EEnnaabblliinnggaannddddiissaabblliinngg::Some parameters may have an ON status and Off status, Active or Inactive and the function push button related to that
parameter is used to alternate between the two.
SSeelleeccttiioonnooffaalliinneeooffppaarraammeetteerrss::Likewise for Program editing, the function push button is used to select a group of parameters, the value of
which is entered using the VVAALLUUEE++//--push buttons.
PPaarraammeetteerrssiinntthheemmiiddddlleeoofftthheeddiissppllaayy::Likewise for Voice editing, some parameters may be found in the middle of the display and are acces-
sed using the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRpush buttons.
Entering words or letters: When saving some files the sd5 requests the entry of words, which can be done using the keys on the keyboard to
which letters and numbers are assigned. The DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRLLeefftt//RRiigghhttpush buttons are used to move within the letters of the name and the
DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRDDoowwnn//UUpppush buttons are used to enter the required letter.
SD5
14
Parameter management

SD5 15
A guide on how to start playing
You will certainly want to instantly know how to use some functions of the SD5 such as how to call up Styles and Voices, reproduce Midi files,
how to use the Arranger, how to use a MIDI accordion and the Vocalizer with a microphone. If this is the case then this section is just up your
street. If you're a programmer interested in the nitty-gritty capabilities of this unit, then you can move on to the in-depth sub-sections ahead
which explain each area in greater detail.
PLAYING A MIDIFILE FROM FLOPPY DISK
●Select the file to be loaded using the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRkeys
●Press the EENNTTEERRkey or the SSTTAARRTT//SSTTOOPPkey to start playing.
While a Midifile is being played, you can select the next one using the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRkeys and play it with the FF77GGOONNEEXXTTkey.
●As you can see, the SD5 automatically numbers the Midifiles present. You can load a Midifile by entering the number using the numerical
keyboard relative to the SSTTYYLLEESSbuttons.
Press the EEXXIITTkey to move onto a second Play environment.
●In this environment, you can view, if you wish, the list of Midifiles contained using the FF55DDiirrfunction.
●You can also select a Midifile by entering its number or one or more successive letters of the title using the notes of the KKEEYYBBOOAARRDD.
If you enter a single number that does not start with zeros, the SD5 waits a few seconds and loads the song with that number. Once loaded,
the display shows the title of the Midifile loaded.
●To go back to the main page of the display, press the SSOONNGGPPLLAAYYbutton (the LED switches off)
PLAYING A MIDIFILE FROM HARD DISK
●Select the file to be loaded using the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRkeys
●Press the EENNTTEERRkey or the SSTTAARRTT//SSTTOOPPkey to start playing.
While a Midifile is being played, you can select the next one using the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORRkeys and play it using the FF77GGOONNEEXXTTkey.
To switch off the melodic line of the Midifile, press key FF88LLEEAADDOONN.
To view or hide the words, press the FF1100LLYYRRIICCfunction key.
●You can load a Midifile by entering the number using the numerical keyboard relative to the STYLES buttons
In this case again, press the EEXXIITTkey to move onto a second Play environment.
●In this environment, you can view, if you wish, the list of Midifiles contained using the FF55DDiirrfunction
●You can also select a Midifile by entering its number or a number of successive letters of the title using the notes of the KKEEYYBBOOAARRDD.
If you enter a single number that does not start with zeros, the SD5 waits a few seconds and loads the song with such number. Once loa-
ded, the display shows the title of the Midifile loaded.
●To go back to the main page of the display, press the SSOONNGGPPLLAAYYbutton (the LED switches off)
HOW TO REPRODUCE A .KAR MIDI FILE
The Midi files with .KAR extension are normally Midi files with the Karaoke words already stored. The .KAR files are however almost always
Standard Midi files in format 1 and therefore need to be converted to format 0 so that they can be reproduced instantly. The same procedure is
required for the Midi files in format 1.
CONTROLLING PLAYBACK (REPRODUCTION)
Whether you have loaded a song from floppy or hard disk, some commands are offered on the control panel to modify some reproduction para-
meters in real time.
●To reproduce the song press the SSTTAARRTT//EENNTTEERRpush button.
●To stop the procedure press the SSTTAARRTTpush button once more.
●To pause the current playback of a midifile, press the CCOONNTT//PPAAUUSSEEpush button.
●To continue playback of a midifile which has been paused, press the CCOONNTT//PPAAUUSSEEpush button once more.
●To turn off the lead part of the song press: FF88LLeeaadd((OOffff)).
●To reproduce just the Drum and Bass tracks alone, press IINNTTRROO33//DDrruumm&&BBaassss. ""DDrruumm&&BBaassss""will be displayed.
●To display the words when available on the display (Karaoke), press: FF1100LLyyrriicc((OOnn)).
●To increase the volume of the song compared to the timbre assigned to the keyboard, press the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORR((LLeeffttaannddRRiigghhtt))keys, which
in this context act as BBAALLAANNCCEEfunction buttons.
●To select another Midi file to be reproduced, enter its number using the numeric keypad (i.e. the STYLES push buttons).
A guide on how to start playing

TRANSPOSITION
Select FF33TTrraannssppfrom the SSoonnggPPllaayypage to transpose the Midifile. This also
allows you to choose if only the song or also the current keyboard voice(s) is/are
to be transposed.
Set the F1 Global parameter to ON. In this way, using the TTRRAANNSSPPOOSSEE++//--push but-
tons, you can transpose both the keyboard and the Midi file in semitones. Another
extremely useful function is available in the same menu, which relates to the musi-
cal transposition of the bass line. By enabling parameter FF66IInntteelllliigg..(default set-
ting is On), the bass line will always play within its natural range irrespective of the
transposition level.
HOW TO RECORD A MIDI FILE WITH THE SD5
The SSoonnggRReeccoorrddfunction on the other hand is used to create a Midi file by recording everything played on the keyboard and various tracks of
the Arranger. This last method is used to exploit the powerful automatic arrangement functions to obtain a complete song. A separate section
has been dedicated to the Sequencer and below is the information on how to record a song using Song Record:
●From the main page of the display, press the SSOONNGGRREECCOORRDDbutton.
●Enter the name to be given to the Midi file using the KKEEYYBBOOAARRDDkeys.
●Save the title using the FF1100SSAAVVEEfunction.
●Start SSOONNGGRREECCOORRDDusing the FF1100SSTTAARRTTfunction.
●From here you can start playing, start the Arranger, call up voices and Styles and the SD5 will record everything (including the changes made
to voices, styles etc).
●Once the song has been recorded, press the SSOONNGGRREECCOORRDDbutton.
●The Midi file just recorded is now ready to be played back using the SSTTAARRTTpush button.
Considering the fact that this is in actual fact a true Midi file, it can later be modified using a sequencer software for example to add finishing
touches.
HOW TO USE THE ARRANGER
The Arranger is the engine of the SD5's automatic accompaniment function. It produces an accompaniment according to musical styles selec-
ted, the chords played and the settings of the control panel. The heart of the Arranger is the Style, namely a combination of bass, drum and
harmony tracks which have been designed for that kind of music. Without going into too much detail, these tracks can have four variations cal-
led A, B, C and D/Riff, three Intro's and three Endings that have different levels of complexity. Then there are also the Fill-Ins with which you can
move on from one variation to the other or even remain on the same variation, depending on what you prefer. Generally speaking the Arranger
of the SD5 is very powerful and allows you to build up your accompaniment very carefully. Start from an Intro, then proceed to the least com-
plex variation (A). With a Fill-In, move onto the refrain with a second variation (B) and terminate with an End. This is just a simple example of
what you can do. Whatever the case Ketron has developed some Styles that will never smother the lead vocal or voices being played, but will
enhance it.
When the SD5 is turned on it is always pre-set to use the Arranger with a piano sound for the lead (Right section) to be played with the right
hand, a background for the left hand (Lower section), a keyboard split point to keep the right hand separate from the left (set to note C3).
The part to the left of the split point of the keyboard is used not only to control the two Lower voices but also to acknowledge the chord played
by the user, which will be shown on the display.
HOW TO SELECT A STYLE
There are ten SSTTYYLLEESSbuttons under the display, each of which has a certain style
of music.
For each of these Ketron has foreseen up to a maximum of 30 Styles. The indivi-
dual Style is called up using the relative function key (FF11--FF1100), situated at the side
of the display which when pressed, immediately calls up the Style for the Arranger.
The SD5 stores the Styles of each kind of music in groups of ten and the number
of the next groups is indicated as Pages. To call up the other groups of Styles that
are not currently displayed, simply press the SSTTYYLLEESSpush button again to which
the groups belong or use the PPAAGGEE++//--
push buttons. The display will show the Styles that follow, which can be selected
again using the relative push buttons at the side of the display (FF11--FF1100).
SD5
16
A guide on how to start playing

SD5 17
HOW TO CONTROL THE ARRANGER
The Arranger controls are also described in the Arranger section. Below are sim-
ply the main concepts.
●To change the split point, press and hold the SSPPLLIITTpush button down. Then
simultaneously press the key on the keyboard that will be the new split point.
●To start the Arranger press the SSTTAARRTTpush button.
●To stop the Arranger press the SSTTAARRTTpush button once more.
●To add an Intro with the Arranger stopped, play the starting chord first below
the split point and then press one of the three IINNTTRROO11,,22,,33push buttons.
●To add a fill-in with the Arranger running, press the FFIILLLLbutton and the most
suitable Fill-in for the current arrangement will be started.
●To start the Arranger with the first chord played, set it up on standby using the dedicated push button KKEEYYSSTTAARRTT(the LED lights up).
●To start the Intro with the starting chord of your choice, select an Intro using one of the IINNTTRROO11,,22,,33push buttons and then play the chord
●To conclude an automatic accompaniment with an Ending, ensure the LED of the JJUUMMPPbutton is switched off (so that is really disabled) and
press one of the IINNTTRROO//EENNDDIINNGG11,,22,,33buttons while the Arranger is playing.
●To call up one of the four variations, with the Arranger running, press one of the AA,,BB,,CC,,DDpush buttons.
●To move forward to the next variation with the Fill enable the JJuummpp.
●To play over the whole keyboard and to acknowledge the chords, activate the Pianist function using the dedicated PIANIST function button.
●To modify the tempo set on the Arranger, use the TTEEMMPPOO++TTEEMMPPOO--push buttons.
●To create an Accelerando press the TAP/RIT ACC push button repeatedly and briefly.
●To create a Ritardando, change the direction of the arrow by holding the TTAAPP//RRIITTAACCCCpush button down for a few seconds and then press
it repeatedly and briefly.
●To enter a break, press the BBRREEAAKKpush button.
●To stop an accompaniment when the next chord is released, enable the KKEEYYSSTTOOPPpush button (the LED of the push button lights up) and
then play and rapidly release a chord.
●To hold the arrangement only while the chord is played, enable these functions using the dedicated push buttons: KKEEYYSSTTAARRTT++KKEEYYSSTTOOPP.
●To play the accompaniment again from the first beat, no matter what measure it currently is in, press the RREESSTTAARRTTpush button.
●To cut-out the accompaniment tracks, except for the drum tracks, when no chord is played, disable the HOLD function using the dedicated
HOLD push button (the LED switches off).
●To balance the volume of the Arranger with the lead played on the part of keyboard to the right of the split point, press these push buttons:
BBAALLAANNCCEE++//--(DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORR).
●To restore the original tempo of the Style, press the PAGE +/- push buttons simultaneously.
●To repeat all the Fill-ins cyclically, hold the FILL button down.
●To reproduce only the Ending while the Arranger is stopped, enable the JJUUMMPPand then press one of the three Intro push buttons.
●To repeat one of the three INTRO's available while a Style is being played, activate the JJUUMMPPfunction using the related key, then press one
of the three IINNTTRROO//EENNDDIINNGGkeys.
HOW TO LOAD A STYLE FROM DISK
The memory area dedicated to Patterns makes it possible to load new Styles from
a floppy disk or from the hard disk and to keep them in memory even when the
instrument is switched off. Once they are loaded in the RAM, they can be called up
using the PPaatttteerrnnpush button and the Styles push buttons.
●Press the DISK ON push button and use the PPAAGGEE++and PPAAGGEE--push buttons to
select either the hard disk or the floppy disk (depending on where the styles
to be loaded reside).
●From the folder on the hard disk or from the floppy disk choose one or a num-
ber of Patterns to load into the RAM.
●Enable the loading operation by pressing FF22LLooaaddand use the DDAATTAACCUURRSSOORR--
push buttons to select the target memory location. Otherwise you may use FF99
AAuuttoommaattiiccto load the styles automatically into the current available RAM locations.
●Press FF1100EExxeeccuutteeto confirm the operation, or press FF1100EEssccaappeeto annul it.
●You may delete the contents of the RAM and replace them with the Styles you wish to load using FF88CClleeaarrAAllll&&LLooaadd.
●Pressing the EEXXIITTpush button takes you back to the main page. Then press the PPAATTTTEERRNNpush button and, using the SSTTYYLLEESSpush buttons,
select the Style loaded.
HOW TO USE THE VOICES
To the right of the keyboard split point, when the Split function is enabled, a lead can be played with the right hand independently from the
Arranger. The default voice assigned is the 'Acoustic Piano', but any of the sixteen sound groups can be called up at will using the 16 VOICES
push buttons. Like the Styles, the sounds too are displayed in groups (and pages) of ten and any remaining groups following the first are poin-
A guide on how to start playing

ted out by “Page” with the number on the right indicating the number of groups available.
Once a family has been selected from the 16 voice groups using the dedicated VVOOIICCEESSpush buttons to the right of the control panel, 5 sounds
appear on the right and five on the left of the display. Simply press the function push button corresponding to each sound of the display (FF11--
FF1100) to call up the relative sound. The voice selected will be displayed under the four-beat bar logo. To display the groups of sounds that follow
the first page, use either the PPAAGGEE++//--push buttons or press the same VVOOIICCEESSpush button again for that family of sounds. In this case the grou-
ps will be selected cyclically. The Modulation Wheel and the Pitch Bend are immediately available as well as the Aftertouch to control additio-
nal sound or timbre parameters using key dynamics. It is worth remembering that up to four split or layered timbres can be used for the lead
section, which is programmable as explained later in the ''PPRROOGGRRAAMMSS''chapter.
HOW TO USE THE MICROPHONE AND THE VOCALIZER
The SD5 can work with up to two microphones connected to the dedicated front
mic input. The Micro input is processed by the Vocalizer, namely the effect with
which the vocals can be naturally harmonized either according to the chords
played, or a harmony track of a Midi file or the notes played on the keyboard. What
you need is a good microphone, a cable and the SD5. When you connect the
microphone, adjust its gain moving the Gain cursor until the sound starts beco-
ming distorted, then reduce the Gain down to a level in which the distortion disap-
pears. The purpose of the Gain control is that of boosting the microphone signal
to an ideal level. As default setting the SD5 keeps the microphone input turned off
to prevent any interference or noise from entering the internal audio path.
Once the microphone has been connected the inputs are to be enabled. Proceed
as follows to do so:
●Go to the main page of the display using the EEXXIITTpush button.
●Access the MMIICCRROOmenu using the dedicated button.
●The display shows various options. enable the input pressing FF1100((AAccttiivvee)).
●To balance the volume of the microphone with that of the keyboard in general, select the parameter and adjust its value using the VVAALLUUEE
++//--push buttons: FF11LLEEVVEELL11VVAALLUUEE++//--
●To return to the main page of the display press the EEXXIITTpush button.
At this stage you can use effects like reverb on the voice signal from the mic, which can be modified as desired. The versatility of the Vocalizer
of the SD5 is such that it can be used in various ways. First and foremost the SD5 is capable of identifying the pitch of the note that you are
singing so that it can be harmonized correctly and naturally. This function however depends on the operating mode chosen for the Vocalizer.
●You can harmonize the voice according to the chords played on the left part of the keyboard or, in PPiiaanniissttmode, over the whole keyboard.
This method of utilising the notes by the Vocalizer is called AAuuttoommaattiiccCChhoorrddand includes the identification of the note sung via the
microphone input.
●Using the 'KKeeyybbooaarrddHHaarrmmoonnyy' mode You can harmonize the voice according to the notes you play directly on the right part of the kkeeyybbooaarrdd
rather than the note sung .i.e. the produced vocal harmonies are exactly the notes you play whatever your vocal note!
●You can use a dedicated track of a Midi file, compatible with the Vocalizer in MMIIDDIImode, to control the harmonization.
●You can use the Vocalizer as a normal PPiittcchhSShhiifftteerr, where the interval of the note generated stays fixed and moves in parallel with the note
sung in FFiixxeeddIInntteerrvvaallmode.
●You can use the Vocalizer as an effects processor to create special effects with the voice, in VVooccaallEEffffeeccttmode.
●With the microphone in use, from page MMiiccrroo--VVooccaalliizzee, menu press the FF1100push button to set the parameter on AAccttiivvee.
●To enable a different mode to that set as default, select it using the function FF33MMOODDEESSpush button
●A list with the settings programmed will appear in the centre of the display. To select one use the CCUURRSSOORR++//--push buttons
●To disable the Vocalizer, press the F10 push button and select IInnaaccttiivvee.
●To return to the main page press the EEXXIITTpush button.
To simplify the choice of the operational mode when playing live (when the Vocalizer is in use), you can immediately call up the Harmony Right
settings, which belong to the KKeeyybbooaarrddHHaarrmmoonnyymode using the A and C push buttons and UUnniissoonn, in the FFiixxeeddIInntteerrvvaallmode using the B and
D push buttons. The SD5 also automatically identifies the track of the Midi file dedicated to the Vocalizer and enables it as soon as you start
the playback. However during playback it is important not to touch the A, B, C and D push buttons otherwise the Vocalizer will disable the MMIIDDII
mode related to that Midi file and will activate the one assigned to one of the push buttons. As you will see, there are many other parameters,
but for a start these few tips should be sufficient.
HOW TO USE A MIDI ACCORDION
Ketron has reserved a dedicated menu for the connection of accordions equipped with MIDI interface, which must exploit the MIDI In 2 input. To
reach the parameters required, from the main page shown on the display, access FF33UUTTIILLIITTYYand from this page select FF11AACCCCOORRDDIIOONN. Various
parameters to be modified are offered here. The most important however is the enabling of the MIDI accordion that is achieved by pressing F10
SD5
18
A guide on how to start playing