Roland super quartet mks-7 User manual

i=Roland
EXE
SOUND
MODULE
SUPER
QUARTET
MIKS=7
Owner’s
Manual

inl
Radio and television interference
“Warning
—
This
equipment
has
been
verified
to
comply
with
the
limits
for
a
Class
B
computing
device,
pursuant
to
Subpart
J,
of
Part
15,
of
FCC
rules.
Operation
with
non-certified
or
non-
verified
equipment
is
likely
to
result
in
interference
to
radio
and
TV
reception,”
The equipment described in this manual generates
and
uses
radio-frequency
energy.
If
it
is
not
installed
and
used
properly,
that
is,
in
strict
accordance
with
our
instructions,
it
may
cause
interference
with
radio and television reception.
This
equipment
has
been
tested
and
tound
to
com.
ply
with
the
limits
for
a
Class
B
computing
device
in
accordance
with
the
specifications
in
Subpart
J,
of
Part
15,
of
FCC
Rules.
These
rules
are
designed
to
provide
reasonable
protection
against
such
an
inter-
ference
in
a
residential
installation.
However,
there
is
no
guarantee
that
the,interference
will
not
occur
in
a
particular
installation.
If
this
equipment
does
cause
interference
to
radio
or
televi-
sion
reception,
which
can
be
determined
by
turning
the
equipment
on
and
off,
the
user
is
encouraged
to
try
to
correct
the
interference
by
the
following
measure:
@Disconnect.
other
devices
and
their
input/output
cables
one
at
a
time.
If
the
interference
stops,
itis
caused
by
either
the
other
device
or
its
1/O
cable.
These devices usually require Roland designated
shielded |/O cables. For Roland devices, you can
obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer.
For
non
Roland
devices,
contact
the
manufacturer
or
dealer
for
assistance.
if your equipment does cause interference to radio
or television reception, you can try to correct the
interference by using one or more of the following
measures:
@Turn the TV or radio antenna until the interter-
ence stops.
@Move the equipment to one side or the other of
the TV or radio.
®Move the equipment farther away from the TV or
radio,
@Plug the equipment into an outlet that is on a dif-
ferent circuit than the TV or radio. (That is, make
certain the equipment and the radio or television
set are on circuits controlled by different circuit
breakers or fuses.)
@Consider installing a rooftop television antenna
with coaxial cable lead-in between the antenna
and TV.
If necessary, you should consult your dealer or an
experienced radio/television technician for addi-
tional!
suggestions.
You
may
tind
helpful
the
follow-
ing booklet prepared by the Federal Communica-
tions Commission:
“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interfer-
ence Problems”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402, Stock No.
004-000-00345-4.
1%
Bescheinigung des Herstellers /Importeurs
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, da® der/die/das
ROLAND SUPER QUARTET MKS-7
PTYeTEU PITT OTOOeV OTe errr rire errr rere res
(Gerat, Typ. Bezeichnung)
PYUVETETOCO UT IVOC ECO TIT eee
in Ubereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der
Amtsbl. Vfg 1046 / 1984
POeTeCUTESPTETICE TIO eererrerrrrrerr reir cere
(Amtsblattverftigung)
funk-entstdrt ist.
PUURTEUVECIVECITIC OOO ETS SS ee)
Der
Deutschen
Bundespost
wurde
das
Inverkehrbringen
dieses
Gerates
angezeigt
und
die
Berechtigung
zur
Uberpriifung
der
Serie
auf
Einhaltung
der Bestimmungen eingeraumt.
Roland Corporation Osaka / Japan
POereTeEPIerrrreerr rere err tree
Name des Herstellers/Importeurs
PTOPETETETIVSCTTOOTOSTPET ITC CeCe etree ee

(1] PANEL DESCRIPTION
@ Tune Knob
@ Volume Knob
@ Rhythm Level Knob @ Display Window
Bass Level Knob
@ Bass @ Number Buttons
@ Chord Level Knob
@ Melody Level
Knob
@ Dynamics
Sens
Knob
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® Melody Button @ Transpose Button Power Switch
@® Chord Button
‘@ MIDI Channe! Button
@ Bass Button ©
D
Rhythm
Button
@®
Sound
Source
Selector
Buttons
@ Headphones Jack
@ Pitch Bender Sens Knob
@® Modulation Sens Knob
@) Bass Detune Knob
@ MIDI THRU Connector
-@ MIDI IN Connector
ae Ts
2 ©
cron ARTO a ‘LAMONO}
) Mix Output Jack
(Stereo)
Output Level Switch
& Rhythm Output Jack
(® Bass Output Jack
Multi Output Jacks
@ Chord Output Jack
() Melody Output Jack

IMPORTANT NOTES
Power Supply
@ The appropriate voltage to be used is shown on
the name plate of the rear panel. Be sure that it
meets the line voltage system in your. country.
® Do not use the same socket that is used for any
noise generating device, such as a motor, or
variable lighting system. .
@ When setting up the MKS-7, be sure that all the
units are turned off,
@ This unit might not work properly if turned on
immediately after turned off; or if the power
cable is plugged in with the unit turned on. If
this happens, simply turn the unit off, and turn it
on again after a few seconds.
@ This unit might get hot while operating, but
there is nothing to worry about it.
CONTENTS
[1] PANEL DESCRIPTION. .-...---------- 3
[2] CONNECTIONS..........-.-.-.---- 6
[3] OPERATION............ Seta arate taka 7
1, MIDI Channel Setting .------- +--+ -5-- 7
2. Tone Color Selection (1) ------+--+--+--- 9
3. Tuning . seer ccc eee ee eee eee 12
4. Level Setting adiat nat aa ley l cohiw lia: ihe ined By ae Se oak te: 12
5. Setting Dynamics Sensitivity .-------.--- 13
G. Key Transpose «6 ee ee ee ees 14
7, Pitch Bender and Modulation Sensitivity --- 15
8. Other Useful Information---.----.---+- 16
Cleaning
@ Use a soft cloth and clean only with a mild
detergent.
® Do not use solvent such as paint thinner.
Location
@ Operating the MKS-7 near a neon or fluorescent
lamp may cause noise interference. If so, change =
the angle or position of the MKS-7,
@ Avoid using the MKS-7 in extreme heat or
humidity or where it may be affected by dust.
[4] APPLICATIONS ............-.---. 18
1. MIDI Functions ... --- tenes ae ae 18
2. Whole Mode ..-..- ben Ae ao Get ar east tea Me Gog he ts 19
3. Tone Color Selection (2) ....---.-.-.. 21
4. System Examples eis Dust ome a HR wR ae DEAE Gas Co RNa 22
[5] SPECIFICATIONS ..-.......-..-.-. 24
Please read the separate volume ‘‘MIDI"' before this manual.

OUTLINE
The Roland Super Quartet MKS-7 is a versatile The MKS-7 has 100 different preset tone colors for
sound module designed for MIDI devices. Melody and Chord Blocks and another 20 for Bass.
You can select any of these just by flick of a switch.
The MKS-7 consists of 4 Blocks, Melody, Chord,
Bass and Rhythm. Each block can operate in a dif-
~ ferent MIDI channel.
The Melody block is a 2 voice polyphonic synthe-
sizer, the Chord is 4 voices, the Bass is monophonic,
and the Rhythm, which is PC M sound module, is
11 voices.
System Setup
MIDI IN
Connector
& :
MIDI THRU
2 Voice
Polyphonic Chorus | :
Synthesizer —
5 ,
Mixer .
Chord Block & PUGue ee t
utpu
Fader Level e
4 Voice
Polyphonic
Synthesizer
Bass Block
Monophonic
Synthesizer
i—TO
Headphones
Jack
Rhythm Block
Melody Output Jack
Chord Output Jack
© O
Multi
Output
Bass Output Jack Jacks
O
Rhythm Output Jack
O

CONNECTIONS
Computer
* Do not connect more than three devices
through MIDI THRU’s. For connecting MIDI
more devices, use the MIDI THRU BOX MIDI Interface Sequencer
MN-4 (optional). MPU-401 etc,
MIDI | MIDI
Other device
OUT OUT
with MIDI IN
(Cine in)
Amplifier
Other device
with
MIDI OUT
MIDI
OUT
[Roland SUPER QUARTET
TUNE VOLUME RHYTHM BASS CHORD MELODY
©
Cy) ed pe |
Stereo Headphones (RH-10)

OPERATION
1. MIDI Channel Setting
Each block can select a MID! Channel of 1 to 16. To
operate the MKS-7, it is essential to match the
channel number of each block to that of the MIDI
signal coming in the MKS-7,
When the power is applied, the MKS-7 defaults to
the MIDI Channel numbers as shown in the right
table. ‘oe
Operation
(> Push the MIDI Channel Button ®.
[
Roland
SUPER
QUARTET
=
TUNE
VOLUME
|
RHYTHM
|
BASS
CHORD
|
MELODY
OYNAMICS:
BMS
24
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The Display Window @ shows [._], and the
Rhythm Button @, Bass Button @, Chord But-
ton @, and the Melody Button ® flash.
Roland SUPER QUAATET
TUNE VOKUME | RHYTHM BASS CHORD MELODY
PHONES: :
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@ Select the Block you like by pressing the cor-
responding button.
(Roland SUPER QUARTET
| oO "| 2]2 ale LS ca) ce
(e.g. To change the MID! Channel of the Chord Block to 16)
The Display Window ® shows the current MID!
Channel number of the selected block.
@ While still holding the corresponding Button
down, set the MIDI Channel you want by using
the Number Buttons @.
. ReSoeod SUPER oconret
VOLUME | RHYTHM ass) {| CHORD ova : , : - BM MiKkS-7
slelal S55 san
(While holding the button down)
The Display @ shows the MIDI Channel number
you have set.
@ Press the MIDI Channel Button ®.
Roland ‘SUPER QUAATET
TUNE VOLUME RHYTHM BASS CHORD MELODY

2. Tone Color Selection (1) * The Melody and the Chord can take on a vibrato
effect by using MIDI Control Change message
The MKS-7 has 100 different tone colors (00 to 99) (= Modulation message).
for the Melody and Chord, and 20 (00 to 19) for .
the Bass.. Any of these tone colors can be called
Block one Colo
Number |
foes | @
easily by pushing buttons or externally with MIDI.
(Refer to page 21.)
When power is applied, the MKS-7 defaults to the
tone colors as shown in the right table.
Operation
@ Call the Block that contains the tone color you
want, by pressing a Sound Source Selector But-
ton ® (Bass, Chord or Melody).
Roland SUPER QUAATET
VOUUME | RHYTHM | BASS | CHORD | MELOOY
BEM Mi<S-7
(e. g.: To call Tone Color 15 of the Bass Block)
The pressed button lights up, and the Display @
shows the current tone color number.
(2) Call the tone color you like by using the Number
Buttons ©.
een
ee
CO
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mE
KS=7
cc
The Display @ now shows the tone color num-
ber you have called,

Sound Check
To listen to the tone color currently called in each
Block, simply push the corresponding button: Rhy-
thm Button @, Bass Button @ , Chord Button ®
or Melody Button @®. .
a. To listen to the tone color in the Melody, Chord
or Bass Block.
Operation
@ Press the relevant button of Bass @®, Chord ®
or
Melody
®.
[Roland SUPER QUARTET
TUNE = VOLUME | RHYTHM / BASS | CHORD {| MELODY
me
jojo;/a|a
|
ae
Cs
While the button is being pressed, the tone color
currently called in that block will be heard in the
pitch of A key.
* MIDI Program Change message has priority. That
is, if program change message is received while a
tone color is being selected on the panel, the
tone color will inevitably change according to the
‘program change message. To solve this, simply
hold the Sound Source Selector Button @ down
through-out the tone color selecting operation.
10

b. To listen to the tone color in the Rhythm Block
Operation
GD Push the Rhythm Button @ .
[Roland SUPER QUARTET
O “talalala
The Rhythm Button flashes, and the Display
@ shows [dr].
While the Display is showing the Number —
Buttons @ and Transpose Button @ serve as drum
voice buttons as shown right.
@ Hit the button which corresponds to the drum
voice you want to listen to.
@® Press the Rhythm Button @.
Hihat Open Hihat
The Display now returns to the tone color num- TRANSPOSE
ber.
* [tis not possible to hear two voices at a time.
* Each of the Melody @ , Bass @ and Chord ®
Buttons usually serves as a Gate Indicator. That
is, each button is lighted while sound is output,
and stays dark while no sound. is output. (It, how-
ever, does not light up while in the Hold mode.)
mat

3. Tuning
The
MKS-7
has
the
Bass
Detune
Knob
@
as
well
as
a
usual
Tune
Knob
@.
a. Tune Knob @
TUNE
Use this knob to tune the MKS-7 with other musical
instrument. (This knob can simultaneously tune all
the Blocks: Melody, Chord and Bass.)
* The Chord Block is set to 2 cent lower than the
Melody, except when in the Whole mode (see
page 19).
b. Base Detune Knob @
BASS
DETUNE
This
knob
can
detune
the
pitch
of
the
Bass
Block
by
+50
cent
from
the
Chord
and
Melody.
b
*
The
pitch
does
not
change
while
adjusting
the
Bass
Detune
Knob.
First
adjust
the
knob
then
play
a
key,
and
now
the
pitch
of
the
sound
is
altered.
You
may
need
to
repeat
this
procedure
quite
a
few
times
to
successfully
complete
tuning.
12
4. Level Setting
The MKS-7 has a separate level control for each
Block of Melody, Chord, Bass and Rhythm enabling
individual level setting.
_ VOLUME AHYTHM BASS CHORD MELODY
Oo @
a. Volume Knob @
This adjusts the overall volume of the MKS-7.
b. Rhythm Level Knob ©
This adjusts the volume of Rhythm Block.
c. Bass Level Knob @
This adjusts the volume of Bass Block.
d. Chord Level Knob ©
This adjusts the volume of Chord Block.
e, Melody Level Knob ©
This adjusts the volume of Melody Block.
f. Output Level Switch @
Select H (high), M (medium) or L (low) depending
on the rated input level of the amplifier (or mixer)
you use,
~
_ KEYBOARD AMP M/H
AUDIO AMP H
P.A. MIXER L/M/H
GUITAR AMP L/M
etc. . |

5. Setting the Dynamics Sensitivity
“’Dynamics sensitivity’’ is the function that can alter
the volume or tone color depending on how hard
the key is attacked,
Each block of the Melody, Chord and Bass can be
individually set the sensitivity.of Dynamics effect.
When the MKS-7 is turned on, the Dynamics sensi-
tivity of each block is automatically set to a stand-
ard value,
Operation
@® By pressing the Sound Source Selector Button @®,
call the Block whose Dynamics sensitivity you
want to change from the standard value.
Roland SUPER QUARTET.
VOLUME | RHYTHM [ BASS | CHORD | MELODY
lesisie| #
o;,Oo;o}] co
@ Set the Dynamics Sens Knob @ to your taste.
When the knob is moved even slightly, the pre-
vious setting will be deleted, and replaced with
the current knob position.
Roland SUPER QUARTET
o geeeee 7
O ololola
The selected button is lighted,
* Lowering the knob too low may decrease the volume.
13

6. Key Transpose
The MKS-7 features the Key Transpose function
that allows transposition in semi-tone steps up to
+1 octave.
Operation
@ Press the Transpose Button ®.
[Roland SUPER QUMATET
TUNE VOLUME | RHYTHM | BASS | CHORD | MELODY
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The Display @ shows the number that represents
how many semi-tones are currently transposed
from the C key.
@ By using the Number Buttons © and/or the MIDI
Channel Button @, enter a new number,
Transpose value 1 means a semi-tone transposi-
tion from the C key. To transpose to the key
higher than C key, simply enter the appropriate
number, but to transpose to lower than C, press
the MIDI Channel Button first. For example, to
transpose to the lower G, press the MIDI Channel -
Button @, the Number Button 0, then 5.
@) Press the Transpose Button @.
The Transpose function does not apply to the
Rhythm Block.
14
Key Transpose
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7. Pitch Bender, Modulation Sensitivity
In the Melody and Chord Blocks, the sensitivity of
the Pitch Bender and Modulation message which are
sent with MIDI can be adjusted with the Pitch
Bender, Modulation Sens Knob.
BENDER MODULATION
SENS SENS
a. Pitch Bender Sens Knob ®
This knob can change the maximum effect of the
Pitch Bender within the range of 0 to 1 octave.
b. Modulation SensKnob @®
This can change the maximum effect of the Modula-
tion within the range of 0 to +400 cent.
15

8. Other Useful Information .
a. The sound range receivable with MIDI
----~ O11
@) Receivable Sound Range
° Bass
#31 to #96
‘Actual Keys
(#19 to 724)
$11 |
Bebe Segectawee a) ae eee Seb 4|
mae eee eK KH eH ee ee er Be eH EH HP
'
|
1
“4
1
!
i
@) Receivable Sound Range
-
Melody
:
oe
Ma
Be
mate
Mtn,
fhe
thee.
Chae
we
oO
-
Chord
x ® 8 N 3 @
te Ht tt te + 4 4 *
Middle C
Above picture shows the sound range (7 octaves) of
Note On/Off message that can be received by the
MKS-7. If the data sent exceeds this range, it will be
automatically transposed up or down to fit in the
range.
16

b. Rhythm and Note Number
The Rhythm Block of the MKS-7 operates by Note
ON/OFF message. The relation between the keys
and drum voices is shown below.
.
ete
|
NOTE#
|
DRUM
VOICES
5|
~
RIDE
CYMBAL
:
re
50
HI
TOM
HI
TOM
|
_
.
7
49
|
CRASH
CYMBAL
|
48
HI
TOM
HI
TOM
@NOTE#=48
|
|
.
47
MID
TOM
OPEN
HI-HAT
MID
TOM
46
[~as [wo Tow —_—|
aa | CLOSED HHA
ee | cLoseD Hear
a [cow tom
ao [Snare oe —_—|
LOW TOM
SNARE DRUM
BASS DRUM
BASS DRUM
SNARE DRUM
BASS DRUM @ NOTE #=36
BASS DRUM
c. The Display reaction at receiving Exclusive message
“Exclusive” isa kind of MIDI message. (Refer to
the different volume ‘‘MIDI‘’.) The MKS-7 uses this
for editing the parameters of a tone color.
When the MKS-7 receives the Exclusive message,
dots will be indicated in the Display @ as shown
right.
17

(4) APPLICATIONS
1. MIDI Functions
The MKS-7 can reject one or more than one of the
following MID| messages.
1 Hold
2 Program Change (Patch Selection message)
3 Pitch. Bender, Modulation .
4 Exclusive (used for editing the parameters of
tone color)
Operation
@ Push the Transpose Button @.
Roland
SUPER
R
GUAR
Se
C4 ’ Cr-
fee 3
‘Rhythm
Butt
,
Bass
Button
,
Chord
=
The:
Rhythm
Button
@
Bass
bunon-@
[Roland
SUPER
QUAMATET
Button ®@ and Melody Button @ will all light up. rile ike | and 1 alae 3 GRE eboo:
These four buttons now serve as On/Off switches @)
of the above 4 MIDI messages as shown right. :
When the button is lighted, the corresponding eck
message will be received.
@
Push
the
button
that
corresponds
to
the
MIDI
am
message
that
you
want
the
MKS-7
to
ignore.
Hold
The pushed button goes out.
Program Change
@ Push the Transpose Button @ . Pitch Bender, Modulation
Exclusive

2. Whole Mode
With the MKS-7 set to the Whole mode, the Melody
and Chord Blocks are united and act as a six voice
synthesizer. That is, the Chord Block becomes six
voices, and there is no sound from the Melody
Block, To turn the MKS-7 to the Whole mode, take
the following operation.
Operation
@) Press the MIDI Channel Button’ ©.
Roland SUPER QUARTET
TUNE VOLUME RHYTHM sass CHORD MELODY
PHONES .
Ube Patty, vutr Put,
||
met vay ery |p rey
The Display @ shows [.-] and the Rhythm
Button @, Bass Button @, Chord Button ®
and Melody Button ® flash.
@ While holding the Chord Button @, press the
Melody Button @.
| Roland SUPER QUARTET
TUNE VOLUME | RHYTHM | BASS | CHORD | MELODY
~
gees
7
(While holding this button down.)
The both CHORD and MELODY of the Sound
Selector Buttons @ light, which shows that the
MKS-7 is now in the Whole mode.
@® Press the MIDI Channel Button ® .

< Cancelling the Whole Mode>
Operation
@ Press the MIDI Channel Button ®.
f2Roland SUPER QUAATET
TUNE VOLUME RHVTHM | BASS CHORD MIELOOY
— VU patie] atl
O faa oe:
vdoorys
if “4a | \ Ppa} pak
@) Press the Melody Button @®. —
f2Roland SUPER QUARTET
TUNE VOLUME | RHYTHM | BASS | CHORD | MELODY
The MELODY of the Sound Selector Button ® lights up.
@® Press the MIDI Channel Button ®.
*
It is also possible to turn the MKS-7 to the Whole
mode or cancell it externally by using MIDI.
(Refer to ‘‘MIDI Implimentation Chart.)
* The MIDI Channel set in the Chord Block will be
used in the Whole mode. So, when you want to
change the Channel number in the Whole mode
change that of the Chord Block.
,
20