Roland R-8M User manual

Roland
TOTAL PERCUSSON SaUNiD MDOULE
R-BM
OWNER'S MANUAL
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ATTENTION :hisoje oe choc euctrioue he pas ouvrir
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
EX) NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
A
A
The lightning Hash wilharrowhead symbol, wilhinan equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to Ihe presence of un-
insulated "dangerous voltage", wilhin Ihe product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute arisk of
electric shock to persons.
The exdamalion point within an equilateral triangle is intended
lo alert the user to the presence of important operatir>g and
maintenance (servicing) instnjctions in the literature accom-
panying Ihe product.
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO ARISK OF FIRE. ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING —When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
1
.
Read all the instnjctions before using the product.
2. Do not use this product near water —for example, near a
bathtub, washbowl, Idtchen sink, in awet basement, or near
aswimming pool, or the like.
3. This product should be used only with acart or stand that is
recommended by the manufacturer.
4. This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier
and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing
sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do
not operate for along period of time at ahigh volume level
or at alevel that is uncomfort^le. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an
audiologist.
5. The product should be located so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
6. The product should be located away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, or other products that produce heat.
7. Avoid using the product where it may be effected by
dust.
8. The product should be connected to apower supply only of
the type described in the operating instnjctions or as marked
on the product.
9. The power-supply cord of the product should be unplugged
from the outlet when left unused for along period of time.
10. Do not tread on the power-supply cord.
11. Do not pull the cord but hold the plug when unplugging.
12. When setting up with any other instruments, the procedure
should be followed in accordance with instnjction manual.
13. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
14. The product should be serviced by qualified service per-
sonnel when:
A. The power-suf^ly cord or the plug has been damaged;
or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
prcxiuct; or
C. The product has been exposed to rain; or
D. The product does not appear to operate nomnally or
exhibits amarited change in performance; or
E. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure dam-
aged.
15. Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described
in the user-maintenance instnjctions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
For the U.K.
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCEWITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
GREEN-AND-YELLOW: EARTH, BLUE: NEUTRAL, BROWN: LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug proceed as follows:
The vwre which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be connected to the tenninal in the plug which is marked by
the letter Eor by the safety earth symbol® or coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must beconnected to the terminal which is marked with the letter Nor coloured BLACK.
The wire which iscoloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter Lorcoloured RED.
The product which is equipped with aTHREE WIRE GROUNDING TYPE AC PLUG must be grounded.

R-8M MODE CHART
Plav mode
Edit mode
PROTECT
memorv protect
MIDI
MIDI settings
PGM
program change map
STACK
Stack function
'AT'IH
r'.i
lC trcIt
J11".
NAM
Patch name
BASIC
basic parameters
SOUND
sound parameters
COPY
sound copy/exchange
CTRL
control change
-i-'-r»ij cr S& BASIC
basic parameters
K.FLW
key follow parameters
SOUND
sound parameters
COPY
copy performance section
P-;_'
ASG
instrument assign
REGL
Regular Feel
RND
Random Feel
WRITE
Patch write
EXCHG
Patch exchange
PRESET
Copy the factory Patch settings
CLEAR
Patch clear
ROMPLAY
ROM play
LCD
LCD contrast
BULK
bulk ('
IS
WRITE
Feel write
EXCHG
Feel exchange
PRESET
Copy the factory Feel Patch settings
CLEAR
Feel clear
LOAD
load
SAVE
save

R-8M INSTRUMENTS
Instrument
number Display instrument name
1*DRY_K1 DRY KICK 1
2*DRY_K2 DRY KICK 2
3*W00D_K1 WOOD KICK 1
4*DBLH_K1 DOUBLE HEAD KICK 1
5*DBLH_K2 DOUBLE HEAD KICK 2
6*SOLID_K SOLID KICK
7*R00M_K1 ROOM AMBIENT KICK 1
8*R00M_K2 ROOM AMBIENT KICK 2
9*MONDO_K MONDO KICK
10 *W00D_S1 WOOD SNARE 1
11 * 0PEN_S1 OPEN SNARE 1
12 *TIGHT_S TIGHT SNARE
13 *NICE_S1 NICE SNARE 1
14 *FAT_S1 FAT SNARE 1
15 *IMPCT_S IMPACT SNARE
16 *SNAP_S1 SNAP SNARE 1
17 *OUCH_S OUCH !SNARE
18 * RVB_S1 REVERB SNARE 1
19 *PICL_S1 PICCOLO SNARE 1
20 *RIMSHTl RIMSHOT SNARE 1
21 *RIMSHT2 RIMSHOT SNARE 2
22 SIDSTKl SIDE STICK 1
23 SIDSTK2 SIDE STICK 2
24 *DRY_T1 DRY TOM 1
25 *DRY_T2 DRY TOM 2
26 *DRY_T3 DRY TOM 3
27 *DRY_T4 DRY TOM 4
28 *R00M_T1 ROOM AMBIENT TOM 1
29 *R00M_T2 ROOM AMBIENT TOM 2
30 *R00M_T3 ROOM AMBIENT TOM 3
31 *R00M_T4 ROOM AMBIENT TOM 4
32 *P0WR_T1 POWER TOM 1
33 *P0WR_T2 POWER TOM 2
34 *P0WR_T3 POWER TOM 3
Instrument
number Display Instrument name
35 *P0WR_T4 POWER TOM 4
36 *D00M_T1 DOOM TOM 1
37 **CLSD_H1 CLOSED HIHAT 1
38 * * 0PEN_H1 OPEN HIHAT 1
39 PDAL_H1 PEDAL CLOSED HIHAT 1
40 CRSH_C1 CRASH CYMBAL 1
41 * * MLLT_C1 MALLET CRASH CYMBAL 1
42 * * R1DE_C1 RIDE CYMBAL 1
43 * * RDBL_C1 RIDE -BELL CYMBAL 1
44 BELL_C1 RIDE CYMBAL BELL 1
45 808CLAP 808 HAND CLAP
46 *0PEN_D1 OPEN DRUM 1
47 *TAIKOl TAIKO 1
48 CLAVE1 CLAVE 1
49 CABASA1 CABASA 1
50 COWBELl COWBELL 1
51 TAMBRN1 TAMBOURINE 1
52 SHAKERl SHAKER 1
53 MUTE_C6 MUTE HIGH CONGA
54 SLAP_CG SLAP HIGH CONGA
55 LOW_CG OPEN LOW CONGA
56 * * SLID_CG SLIDE LOW CONGA
57 AGOGOl AGOGO 1
58 * * 0CT_AG6 OCTAVE AGOGO
59 WHISTL1 WHISTLE 1
60 WHISTL2 WHISTLE 2
61 * * CAN1 CAN 1
62 * * BACK_S1 BACK SNARE 1
63 BACK_T1 BACK TOM 1
64 BACK_C1 BACK CYMBAL 1
65 **SPARK1 SPARK 1
66 **SURF SURF
67 * * WHEEL1 WHEEL 1
68 REST REST
*Velocity or nuance settings will modify the sound.
* * Nuance settings will modify the sound.

CONTENTS
Important notes
Front and rear panel
1Chapter 1Try out the R-8M
(B CONNECTIONS.
(DHOW TO PLAY THE SOUNDS- 9
1
.
Turn the Power On 9
2. Listen to the ROM Play
Demonstration 9
3. How to Play Each Instrument 10
Play the internal instruments iO
Play the instruments of asound ROM card 11
Selecting the Feel Patches 14
[Chapter 2Before You Modify the Settings |
Q] ABOUT THE R-8M
1
.
Basic Principles of the R-8M
2. Memory Structure
3. MIDI message Flow
(2) BASIC OPERATION
1. Mode Structure
2. Basic Operation of the R-8M
The Jump function
16
16
17
19
20
20
•21
22
IChapter 3How to Modify the Settings
[B PATCH
1. Instrument Section
Basic parameters
Sound parameters
Convenient functions when setting
sound parameters
Control change setUngs
2. Performance Section
Basic parameters
Key Follow parameters
Sound parameters
How to copy aPerformance Section
3. How to Name aPatch
4. How to Store Patch Settings-
Patch write procedure
Patch exchange procedure
Copy the factory Patch settings
Patch clear
•24
•25
-25
26
31
33
35
35
36
38
39
•40
40
41
42
43
•44
2) FEEL FUNCTION 45
1.About the Feel Function 45
Regular Feel and Random Feel 45 o
How aFeel Patch is organized
2. Feel Patch Settings
Instrument assign settings
Regular Feel settings
Random Feel settings
3. How to Store Feel Patch Settings-
Feel Patch write procedure
Feel Patch exchange procedure
Copy the factory Feel Patch settings
46
46
47
48
•50
51
•51
52 o
53 t
Feel Patch clear 54 M
SETUP
MIDI settings
How to turn memory protect on/off
How to set the program change map
Using two or more R-8M units (Stack)
•55
55
56
57
58
IChapter 4Utility Mode Functions
Q] USING ARAM CARD 60 I
Data that can be stored in aRAM card 60 "
Saving data from the R-8M to aRAM card 61
Loading data from aRAM card into the R-8M 62
mOTHER FUNCTIONS 63
1. Transmitting Exclusive Message
Hewto transmit exclusive message (bulk dump)^
How to receive exclusive message (bulk load) -
2. Adjusting the Display Contrast^
3. Restoring All R-8M Data to the
Factory Settings (Initialize)
63
63
64
65
65 ^ni
Chapter 5Appendix
•68
•71
•73
•74
•75
76
78
ABOUT MIDI
TROUBLESHOOTING
ERROR MESSAGES
R-8M MODE CHART
R-8M PARAMETERS
R-8M INSTRUMENTS
SOUND PARAMETER INITIAL SETTINGS
BLANK CHARTS 80
PATCH LIST 84
FEEL PATCH LIST 115
ROLAND EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES 116
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION 120
SPECIFICATIONS 130
INDEX 131
Copyright ©1989 by ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication mav be reproduced in
any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION,

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Roland R-8M Total Percussion
Sound Module. The R-8M is adigital rhythm sound module
capable of producing high quality sounds.
In order to take full advantage of the R-8M and enjoy long and
trouble-free use. please read this manual carefully.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
This manual is divided into the following five chapters.
If you arc using MIDI for the first time, please read "About MIDI"
(a- page 68).
Chapter 1Try outthe R-8M
This explains how to hear the demonstration song in ROM, and
how to play each of the instruments in the R-8M.
Chapter 2Before you modify the settings
This explains the organization and basic operation of the R-8M.
Please be sure to read this section before modifying the settings.
Chapter 3How to modify the settings
This explains the functions of the various Patch, Feel Patch, and
setup parameters, and describes how to modify them.
Chapter 4Utility mode functions
This explains how to use aRAM card, transmit exclusive mes-
sages, and use other convenient functions.
Chapters Appendix
This contains basic information about MIDI, advice for trouble-
shooting, parameter lists, and the MIDI implementation chan. The
index included at the end can be referred to when you come across
an unfamiliar word.
*This manual will refer to panel buttons by the name
printed on the panel. If asingle button has two names, we
will use the name that applies to the function being
explained.
<Examp!e> Edit/Exit button -^|EDIT |
Note number/Jump button-* NOTE #
MAIN FEATURES
•The 68 built-in instruments (drum sounds) are sampled at
44.1kHz with 16 bit dynamic range for high quality sound.
•In addition to adjuslable pitch/decay/pan for each instrumeni.
the nuance setting can be adjusted to simulate playing strength
(for drum sounds), or striking position (for cymbal sounds).
This allows detailed control over the tone.
•32 different drum-sets, each containing instrument assignments
and settings for each instrument, can be stored in the R-8M as
Patches. In other words, asingle R-8M allows you to create
32 different drum-sets. You can prepare a Patch appropriate for
each song, and instantly change drum-sets by selecting another
Patch.
•ROM cards (SN-R8 series sold separately) provide additional
instrument sounds. The R-8M allows you to use up to 3of the
sound ROM cards at once. They can be used freely in con-
junction with the internal instniments to create awide variety of
drum-sets.
•The R-8M features the Feel Function which was highly
acclaimed on the R-8. The Feel Function allows you to
combine Regular Feel and Random Feel to realistically simulate
the playing of an actual drummer. The R-8M can remember 16
different Feel Patch settings.
Regular Feel allows you to choose from two types; Groove,
which modifies the sound in aregular pattern synchronized to
MID! Clock messages from an external device, and Velocity
Feel, which modifies the sound according to the velocity value.
Random Fee! adds unpredictable variation to the sound. This
does not simply modify the sound in ahaphazard way, but
creates natural variation in tone using the "!/f Fluctuations" thai
appears in many aspects of the natural world.
Simply by changing the Feel Patch settings, the same drum
performance can be given asurprisingly wide range of expres-
sive variation.
•Awide variety of MID! functions are provided, allowing the
R-8M to be used not only as aconventional rhythm sound
module, but also as amelodic synthesizer. Control change
message can also be used to control the sound of aspecified
instrument.
•ARAM card (M-2S6E sold separately) can store 32 Patches and
16 Feel Patches, in addition to the internal memory of the
R-8M. RAM card Patches and Feel Patches can be selected
instantly while playing.

IMPORTANT NOTES
In addition to the items listed under Safety Precautions, on page 2,
we request that you please read and adhere to the following.
[Power supply]
IWhenever you make any connections with other devices,
always turn off the power to all equipment first. This will help
in preventing malfunction, and damage to speakers.
IDo not force the unit to share the same power outlet as one
used for distortion producing devices (such as motors, variable
lighting devices). Be sure to use aseparate power outlet.
[Other Precautions]
9Protect the unit from strong impact.
#Never apply strong pressure to the display, or strike it in any
way,
#Acertain small amount of heat will be radiated from the unit,
and thus should not be considered abnormal.
[Placement]
'Before using the unit in aforeign country, check first with your
local Roland Service Station.
IPlacing the unit near power amplifiers or other equipment
containing large transformers may induce hum.
'Should the unit be operated nearby television or radio
receivers, TV pictures may show signs of interference, and
static might be heard on radios. In such cases, move the unit
out of proximity with such devices.
iAvoid placing the unit where it may be subject to direct
sunlight, or where near devices that may emanate heat. Avoid
confining it within atightly closed car or other such places.
Otherwise, the unit may become deformed or discolored.
[Memory backup]
[Maintenance]
•For eveiyday cleaning, wipe the unit with asoft diy cloth, or
one that is dampened slightly. To remove dirt that is more
stubborn, wipe using a mild, neutral detergent. Afterwards,
make sure to wipe thoroughly with asoft cloth.
#Never apply benzene, thinners, alcohol or any like agents, to
avoid the risk of discoloration and deformation.
#Within the unit is contained abattery which serves in
maintaining the contents of memory while the main power is
off. The normal life of this battery is 5years or more, but it is
strongly recommended that you change it every 5years as a
rule. When it is time to change the battery, contact aRoland
Service Station.
#The first time you need to change the battery could occur before
5years have passed.
#Please be aware that the contents of memory may at times be
lost; when sent for repairs or when by some chance amal-
function has occurred. Important data should be saved on RAM
card, or written down on paper. During repairs, due care is
taken to avoid the loss of data, however, in certain cases, such
as when circuitiy related to memory itself is out of order, we
regret that it may be impossible to restore the data.

FRONT AND REAR PANEL
PCM Card Slot
Sound ROM cards (SN-R8 series) can be inserted Into this slot. Vo to 3cards car
be used at once.
Cursor Buttons
These buttons rnove the cursor (blinking) in the disolay. or select display screens,
in some modes, the function will depend on wbother the IMOTE #Iindicator is lit or not.
MIDI Message Indicator
This indicator mil li^ht when aMIDI massage
is received.
Note Number/Jump Button
To select note numbers in the Edit mod». press this button (crsee page 22).
This button is also used by the Jumo function to register adisplay screen or
to jump to another display screen (crsee page 22).
Power Switch
This button turns the oower on/off.
Volume Knob
This knob adjusts the overall volume of the output jacks and
the headphone jack.
oRoland R-BM J83!b raSiP"
JJ-V ^
"TTi in iiM" ~
o
o
Headphone Jack
Aset of headphones (FtH-lOO etc.) can be connected to this jack. Use
headphones mth impedance of S—ISO ohms. Sound will be output from the
output jacks even if headphones are plugged in.
'Edit/Exit Button
Press this button to enter the Edit mode. In the Edit mode, pressing this button i
vaII return you to the menu display of the previous level (crsee page 21).
iValue Buttons
:These buttons modify the currently selected parameter values. In the menu displays of the Edit
Imode, press the lEMTEffl (A) button to specify parameter groups, or to execute operations such
ias Write.
IRAM Card Slot
IARAM card CM-ZSSG) can be inserted into this
islot.
©^©1 166666c
.-aa tt
IMIDI Connectors (IN. OUT. THRU)
IConnect MIDI equipment to these connectors.
o
o
MULTI OUT Jacks (1-6)
These jacks can independently outout the sound of the instruments as determined by the
output assign settings. Instrument Section (pas* 28). Performance Section (page 38).
IMIX OUT Jacks (L (MONO). R)
:These jacks output the signal in stereo. For mono output, use the L(MONO) jack.

^%<s>> ^
Chapter 1

SCONNECTIONS
Make the appropriate connections with your particular system. The following arc examples of possible systems. If you are using MIDI for
the first time, please read "About MIDI" (ct- page 68) before continuing.
Using MIDI pad controllers
PAD -80 MIDI OUT
PM-16 system etc.
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
MIX OUT
oo.^ R-8M
Using asequencer
I 1
QGOQO .^
BGEB©
MC-500mkn etc.
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN MIX OUT
GO K
R-8M
Using akeyboard controller
D
D
Stereo set, mixer,
etc.
AUX. LINE IN etc.
Stereo set, mixer,
etc.
AUX. LINE IN etc.
—=- :
IIJ 1—1
BOBOB BO ODOODOOa 1II 1
r-TT-i 1! III II II II III
D-5 etc.
MIDI 1NMIX OUT
MIDI OUT
OO I''I
R-8M D
Stereo set, mixer,
etc.
O
©o
=OOQ
1
AUX. LINE IN etc.
*With the factory settings, all sounds will be output from the MIX OUT jacks.
If you want to output the sound from the MULTI OUT jacks, modify the output assign
settings for each instrument (cj- see page 28).

HOW TO PLAY THE SOUNDS
I
I
Here's how to play the instruments that are built into the R-8M.
1- Turn the Power On
(l) Make sure that all external equipment is connected correctly, and then turn the R-8M on.
The following display will appear. This is called the PLAY MODE.
F'LfiS-' <Standard
>
P: I-ei F'-OFF
@Turn on the power of the connected equipment. Turn the amp power on last.
2, Listen to the ROM Play Demonstration
The R-8M includes one preset song that demonstrates its capabilities. The ROM PLAY function
automatically plays this song.
To hear the song, use the following procedure.
(l) Select the ROM play display.
Press !EDlfl (the indicator lights).
Use the CURSORHHto select "UTIL" (blinks), and press IENTERI-
Use the CURSORHBto select "ROMPLAY", and press |ENTER].
ROM PLflV <Stop>
#1 INT:ESCfiPE
JSong name
Song number
ESCAPE (Copyright ©1989. Roland Corporation)
@Use the volume knob to set the volume.
@Use the CURSOR[^[^lto select asong and press VALUE[A]to start playback.
*Each Sound ROM card (sold separately) also contains asong which uses the instruments
in that card. #2—4indicates the song numbers of the sound ROM card. If acard is not
inserted, the display will read "????????". To playback asong from asound ROM card,
see page 13.
®To stop during playback, press VALUE[v].
If you press VALUE[v], play starts again from where you last slopped.
(D To return to the Play mode hold IJUMPJ and press IEXIT I(the indicator goes out).
During ROM play, the R-8M will not produce sound in response to incoming MIDI
message. Nor will the ROM play data be transmitted from MIDI OUT.

(DHOW TO PLAY THE SOUNDS
*When you playback aROM play song, the Patches in the temporary area (a- see page 17)
will be restored to their unmodified settings. If you have modified Patch settings, your
changes will be lost.
3. How to Play Each Instrument
Here's how to play each of the 68 internal instruments (drum sounds). Before you do so, set the
transmit channel of the controller to match the receive channel of the R-8M. With the factory
settings, the R-8M receive channel is set to 10, so set the controller to transmit channel 10.
Check the receive channel
PLfiV <PflTCH-01>
MIDI I111 I1B2II 3II 4
T
To check the receive channel of the R-8M, use the CURSOR(^[V]to select the
left display in the Play mode. The display will show the receive channel for each
Performance section 1—4 section, but for now, check only the receive channel of the Instrument Section.
Instrument section
IPlay the internal instruments
'Play the sounds when you play a note on the keyboard controller, the instrument corresponding to each key (note
number) will sound.
If you are playing the sounds using apad controller, play each sound by changing the note number
transmitted by the controller.
If you are playing the sounds from a sequencer, the musical data in the sequencer must match the
instrument assignments of the R8M. or the wrong sounds will be played back. Before you playback
the sequencer data, set the Instrument Section of the R-8M to the riiythm note assignments of your
sequencer, (o-see page 25).
How to select Patches
The R-8M can store 32 dram-sets as Patches. ARAM card (M-256E) can store 32 more Patches.
While playing, you can instantly select either internal or RAM card Patches.
Here's how to select Patches and play the dram sounds of each Patch. To select aPatch, use the
following procedure while in the Play mode.
*For the factory Patch settings, refer to "Patch Lisf on page 84.
*In the factory set Patches, the stereo positions of the sounds (pan) are placed as seen
from the viewpoint of adrummer. When playing these Patches, reverse the connections of
theMIXOUTjacksLandR.
Q) Use the CURSORHEto move to the Patch number display.
Patch name
PLflV <PflTCH-Hil>
P: I~Bm F: I-SI
{
Patch number (1—32)
I:Internal Patches
C:RAM card Patches
10

©HOW TO PLAY THE SOUNDS
Use VALUEfAlfy] to select an internal Patch (1-01—1-32), and play the sounds.
When using Patches from a RAM card, insert the RAM card firmly into the RAM card slot. Use the
CURSOR [^Eto move to "I" (internal), and use VALUE[A][y]to change this to "C" (card).
*Newly purchased RAM cards cannot be used as they are. When using aRAM card with
the R-8M for the first tinne, refer to "Using aRAM Card" (<^ page 60).
*Patches can also be selected by incoming program change messages. Program numbers
are user assignable (c^see page 57).
Play the instruments of asound ROM card
AROM card (SN-R8 series) can increase the available number of instruments. Up to three cards can
be used at once. Internal instruments and card instruments can be freely combined to create aPatch.
How to select instruments
To select instruments from asound ROM card, use the following procedure.
CD Make sure that the sound ROM card is inserted correctly and firmly into one of the PCM
CARD slots.
Card number
-
^The card may be inserted into any
PCM CARD slot 1-3.
Afivfaii'l O^AMI
ZNC
When a card is inserted, the R-8M will check both the validity of the card and whether or not it has
been inserted correctly.
Check ing Card. .
.
This card can be used.
Check ing C-arcl
Check OK
19 Card, . .
be used. ^^
19 Card- - - I
'^
)K.
Make sure that the card is inserted all the
way.
Check ing Card.
Data Error.
The wrong card has been inserted.
Immediately remove the card to avoid
malfunctions.
Check in'3 Card. . .
Uirong Card.
U

(DHOW TO PLAY THE SOUNDS
Move to the instrument assign setting display.
Press |EDlfl(the indicator lights).
Use the CURSORHEto select "PATCH" and press jENTERl
Use the CURSORHEto select "INST" and press !ENTER1.
Use the CURSORHH^° select "SOUND" and press [ENTER ;
Note number
i
HOTE 21-;fi e;:-
(3/ To select the note number, use the following procedure.
Press |N0TE#1(the indicator lights).
Use the CURSORf^f^lto select a note number (21—108).
Press INOTE #|(the indicator goes off).
®Use VALUE[Alfvlto select the number of the inserted card.
Card
number
HOTE 2i<fi e;-
1^-01 :BEflT„K
T
—
-J
Instrument number Instrument name
*When Tis selected, internal instruments will be selected.
®Use the CURSOR[^[l to move to the instrument number, and use VALUE|X|[v] to
select the instrument.
\§) When the external controlling device transmits note messages for the displayed note
number, the selected instrument will sound. Select the various instruments to hear how they
sound.
KD When you have finished listening to the instruments, return to the Play mode by holding
IJUMP Iand pressing |EXIT |(the indicator goes off).
*While the display reads "Checking Card", the R-8M will not sound even when aMIDI
message Is received. If you insert asound ROM card while anote is sounding, the sound
will stop.
12

IDHOW TO PLAY THE SOUNDS
Checking asound ROM card
If instruments from asound ROM card are assigned to any of the sections, you can check whether the
necessary card is inserted by using the CURS0Rf*<1|>-
1
in the Play mode to select the following
display.
The display will show up to 3card numbers of the ROM cards used by the Patch. If asound ROM
card used by the Patch is not inserted, that card number will blink.
<Example >When the card number 2is not inserted
PLflV <PflTCH-01>
CORD 01 BM 03
Card number
If fewer than 3 sound ROM cards are specified by the Patch, "—"will be displayed.
<Example >When only card number 1 is used
PLflV <PflTCH-01>
CARD 01 ——
If more than 3sound ROM cards are specified by the Patch, this will be displayed as follows.
PLflV <PflTCH-01>
CflRD 01 02 03i-
ROM play
ROM PLflV <StoR>
#4 C0l:CflRNflUflL
ISong name
Card number
Song number
Each sound ROM card contains one ROM play song which uses the instruments of that card.
To hear the ROM play song, insert the sound ROM card into aPCM CARD slot, and use
step d) of "Listen to the ROM Play Demonstration" (t=r see page 9) to select the song. (The
numbers will change in the order of the PCM CARD slot number.) The rest of the procedure
is the same.
13

(DHOW TO PLAY THE SOUNDS
[Selecting the Feel Patches
The Feel function changes the tone of the specified instruments to simulate the timbral changes that
would naturally occur if adrummer were actually playing.
*For the factory Feel Patch settings, refer to "Feel Patch List" on page 115.
*The way in which the Feel Function works and the setting procedure Is explained in detail
in "Feel Function" (cr see page 45).
•Selecting a Feel Patch
(j) Use the CURSOR[^Eto move to the Feel Patch number.
F'LflV <PfiTCH-01>
P: 1-01 F: I-J^^
rr
Feel Patch number (1-16)
I:Internal Feel Patches
C:RAM card Feel Patches
OFF: Feel Patch is not used
'Use VALUE[a][V]to select an internal Feel Patch number (1-01—i-1 6).
To use aRAM card Feel Patch, insert the RAM card firmly into the RAM card slot. Use the CURSOR
|-^||^ [to move to "I", and use VALUE[A][v]to change it to "C". If you don't want to use aFeel
Patch, set "I" to "OFF".
*Newly purchased RAM cards cannot be used as they are. If you are using aRAM card for
the first time, refer to "Using aRAM Card" (cr see page 60).
*Program change messages can be used to select Feel Patches from an external device.
Program numbers are user assignable (c3-see page 57).
14

Chapter 2
Before you modify
the settings

[H ABOUT THE R-8M
This section explains how the sound source of the R-8M is organized, as well as basic operation. Please read this section carefully before
you actually modify any senings.
1, Basic Principles of the R-8M
When using the R-8M, it is important to understand the relationship between the three basic
functions; Section, Patch, and Feel Patch.
Section ASection is aunit which can be used as an independent sound module. The R-8M consists of 1
Instrument Section, and 4Performance Sections. MID! settings and settings specifying how the
sounds will be produced can also be made independently for each section.
Normally it will be sufficient to use only the Instrument Section, but by using the Performance
Sections as well, the R-8M's possibilities can be expanded even further.
Instrument Section
This section is used for nomia! drum playing. You will specify one receive channel, and assign
instruments to each note number to create adrum-set. It is also possible to modify the sound for each
note number.
Patch
Performance Sections 1—4
Each of the four Performance Sections has its own receive channel setting, and can be used
independently. You can specify instruments for each Performance Section, and specify how sound
parameters (pitch/decay/nuance/pan) will change according to the note number.
For example, by using instruments such as bass, marimba, and/or vibraphone (when using asound
ROM card) and setting the pitch difference chromatically, you can play amelody from the keyboard.
In addition, by using hi-hat or ride cymbals with different nuance or decay settings for each note
number, you can play vaiiations of the same instrument using different note numbers.
The combination of the Instrument Section and Performance Sections 1—4is called aPatch.
Internal memory can store 32 Patches. ARAM card can store 32 more Patches which can be selected
during performance in the same way as internal Patches.
By preparing appropriate Patches for each instrument or song, you can select Patches during your
performance to instantly change the R-8M's drum-sets.
Feel Patch The Feci Function modifies the instrument tone specified for each section, simulating the natural
variations in sound that occur when areal drummer performs.
There are two types of Feel Functions; Regular Feel, which modifies the tone according to
velocity or by periodically modifying the tone in synchronization with the MIDI clock, and
Random Feel, which randomly modifies the tone. By using the two in combination you can
create the natural effects of tonal change. Internal memory can contain 16 Feel Patches, and aRAM
card can contain 16 additional Feel Patches. Even for the same drum performance, simply changing
the Feel Patches can result in agreat difference.
16

QDABOUT THE R-8M
2- Memory Structure
Setup area
Memory area
The way in which the R-8M operates will depend on the settings of various parameters. Settings for
these parameters arc stored in memory. The memory of the R-8M is divided into the following areas;
setup area, memory area, temporary area, and instrument area.
The setup area contains parameters that affect the overall operation of the R-8M, such as MIDI
message handling, memory protect, and program change map. Settings in the setup area are preserved
even when the power is turned off.
The internal memory area contains settings for 32 Patches and 16 Feel Patches. Settings in the
memory area are preserved even when the power is turned off. Data in aRAM card is also treated as
memory area data.
I
Temporary area
Instrument area
The temporary area is where Patch and Feel Patch setting are modified. When you select aPatch, the
settings from the memory area will be read into the temporary area. Senings in the temporary area are
preserved even when the power is turned off. However, when you select another Patch or Feel Patch,
the settings will change and the previous settings will be lost.
An instrument is the basic waveform data for adrum sound. The R-8M contains 68 different
instruments in the instrument area. Instruments in asound ROM card are also treated as instrument
area data. The tone of each instrument can be modified by sound parameter settings, but this will not
affect the waveform data itself.
When you play the R-8M, the sound will be produced according to the settings of the setup area and
the current settings of the temporary area. When you select aPatch, the settings of that Patch will be
read into the temporary area. The same applies to Feel Patch.
*When we say tiiat the settings of the memory area are read into the temporary area, we
mean that the settings of the memory area are copied into the temporary area.
It is important to remember that when you modify Patch or Feei Patch
settings, you are modifying the settings of the temporary area, not of
the memory area. Settings of the temporary area are stored only temporarily, and will change
when another Patch or Feel Patch is selected, so the previous settings will be lost. If you want to keep
the settings of the temporary area, you must use the Write operation to store them into the memory
area (internal or RAM card).
17

QDABOUT THE R-8M
The internal data organization of the R-8M can be summarized as follows.
Patch
Instrument Section
Note number :21 (AO)
Note number :108 (C8)
Performance Section 1
Performance Section 2
Performance Section 3
Performance Section 4
Read
Temporary area
Feel Patch
Write Read
Patch 1-01
Instrument Section
Note number :21 CAO)
Note number 108 (08)
p
Performance Section 1
Performance Section 2
Performance Section 3
Performance Section 4
32 Patches (1-01-1-32)
Feel Patch 1-01
Regular Feel
Random Feel
Write
16 Feel Patches 0-01—1-16) Internal
Setup area
Instrument area
68 built-in instruments
Sound ROM card
Sound ROM card
Sound ROM card
Memory area
Patch C-01
Instrument Section
Note number :21 (AO)
Note number 108 (C8)
<
Performance Section 1
Performance Section 2
Performance Section 3
Performance Section 4
32 Patches CC-01-C-32)
Fee! Patch C-01
Regular Feel
Random Feel
16 Feel Patches CC-01~C-16) RAM card
18