Roland SPD-6 User manual

Terms Used in This Manual
• Names of buttons are enclosed in square brackets; e.g., [DRUMS/U1].
• Patch (sound set) names are listed as DRUMS-1 or U2-2, etc.
• Paragraphs preceded by are notes of caution. Be sure to read them.
• (p. **) indicates a reference page.
• In a table, procedures are summarized as follows.
[DRUMS/U1]→[1]:
1. Press the [DRUMS/U1] button.
2. Press the [1] button.
203
* GS ( ) is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation.
202
Copyright © 2000 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE
UNIT SAFELY” (p. 2–3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 4). These sections
provide important information concerning the proper operation of the
unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good
grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual should
be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a
convenient reference.
Owner’s Manual
Thank you and congratulations on your choice of the Roland SPD-6.

2
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
001
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.
..........................................................................................................
002c
• Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its
AC adaptor.
..........................................................................................................
003
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts
within it (except when this manual provides
specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer
all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
..........................................................................................................
004
• Never use or store the unit in places that are:
• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating
duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or
are
• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors);
or are
• Humid; or are
• Exposed to rain; or are
• Dusty; or are
• Subject to high levels of vibration.
..........................................................................................................
005
• This unit should be used only with a rack or stand
that is recommended by Roland.
..........................................................................................................
006
• When using the unit with a rack or stand recom-
mended by Roland, the rack or stand must be
carefully placed so it is level and sure to remain
stable. If not using a rack or stand, you still need
to make sure that any location you choose for
placing the unit provides a level surface that will
properly support the unit, and keep it from
wobbling.
..........................................................................................................
008b
• Use only the specified AC adaptor (BOSS PSA
series), and make sure the line voltage at the
installation matches the input voltage specified on
the AC adaptor’s body. Other AC adaptors may
use a different polarity, or be designed for a
different voltage, so their use could result in
damage, malfunction, or electric shock.
..........................................................................................................
009
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord,
nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can
damage the cord, producing severed elements and
short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock
hazards!
..........................................................................................................
010
• This unit, 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
a long period of time at a high volume level, or at
a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience
any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should
immediately stop using the unit, and consult an
audiologist.
..........................................................................................................
011
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material,
coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft
drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
..........................................................................................................
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit be used
improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or
other adverse effects caused with
respect to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to domestic
animals or pets.
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used
improperly.
The ●symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-
cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.

3
0
12c
•Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC
adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by
your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or
an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the
“Information”page when:
•The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has
been damaged; or
•Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been
spilled onto the unit; or
•The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise
has become wet); or
•The unit does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance.
..........................................................................................................
013
•In households with small children, an adult
should provide supervision until the child is
capable of following all the rules essential for the
safe operation of the unit.
..........................................................................................................
014
•Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
..........................................................................................................
015
•Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other
devices. Be especially careful when using
extension cords—the total power used by all
devices you have connected to the extension
cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rating
(watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive
loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat
up and eventually melt through.
..........................................................................................................
016
•Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service
Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the “Information”page.
..........................................................................................................
019
•Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken
apart, or thrown into fire or water.
..........................................................................................................
101b
•The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so
their location or position does not interfere with
their proper ventilation.
..........................................................................................................
102d
•Always grasp only the plug or the body of the AC
adaptor when plugging into, or unplugging from,
an outlet or this unit.
..........................................................................................................
103b
•Whenever the unit is to remain unused for an
extended period of time, disconnect the AC
adaptor.
..........................................................................................................
104
•Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming
entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be
placed so they are out of the reach of children.
..........................................................................................................
106
•Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on
the unit.
..........................................................................................................
107d
•Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its plugs,
with wet hands when plugging into, or
unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.
..........................................................................................................
108b
•Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC
adaptor and all cords coming from external
devices.
..........................................................................................................
109b
•Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and
unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 12).
..........................................................................................................
110b
•Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning
in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the
outlet.
..........................................................................................................
111: Selection
•If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak
and cause damage or injury. In the interest of
safety, please read and observe the following
precautions.
1
•Carefully follow the installation instructions for
batteries, and make sure you observe the correct
polarity.
2
•Avoid using new batteries together with used
ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types
of batteries.
3
•Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to
remain unused for an extended period of time.
5
•If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth
or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the
discharge from the battery compartment. Then
install new batteries. To avoid inflammation of
the skin, make sure that none of the battery
discharge gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise
the utmost caution so that none of the discharge
gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the
affected area with running water if any of the
discharge has entered the eyes.
6
•Never keep batteries together with metallic
objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces,
hairpins, etc.
..........................................................................................................
112
•Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance
with whatever regulations for their safe disposal
that may be observed in the region in which you
live.
..........................................................................................................
118
•Should you remove stand holder mounting
screws, make sure to put them in a safe place out
of children's reach, so there is no chance of them
being swallowed accidentally.
..........................................................................................................

4
IMPORTANT NOTES
291a
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following:
Power Supply:
Use of Batteries
301
•Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any
device that will generate line noise (such as an electric
motor or variable lighting system).
302
•The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long
hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a
cause for concern.
303a
•The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s
power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer
to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.
304a
•When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off the
power on this unit and disconnect any other devices you
may have connected. This way, you can prevent
malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
306b
•Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these
batteries may be limited, however, since their primary
purpose was to enable testing.
307
•Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions
and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
351
•Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
containing large power transformers) may induce hum.
To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this
unit; or move it farther away from the source of inter-
ference.
352
•This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
354a
•Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
355
•To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet
area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture.
Maintenance
401a
•For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth
or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To
remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a
mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to
wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
402
•Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
deformation.
Additional Precautions
551+
•Please be aware that the contents of memory can be
irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the
improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself
against the risk of losing important data, we recommend
that you write down important data on paper.
552
•Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the
contents of data that was stored in the unit’s memory
once it has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no
liability concerning such loss of data.
553
•Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its
jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to
malfunctions.
556
•When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
558a
•To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about
those around you (especially when it is late at night).
558d
•This instrument is designed to minimize the extraneous
sounds produced when it’s played. However, since
sound vibrations can be transmitted through floors and
walls to a greater degree than expected, take care not to
allow these sounds to become a nuisance to neighbors,
especially when performing at night and when using
headphones.
559a
•When you need to transport the unit, package it in the
box (including padding) that it came in, if possible.
Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging
materials.
•Do not strike the pads extremely strong. Be careful to
prevent your fingers or hands from injury.

5
Contents
USING THE UNIT SAFELY......................................................................2
IMPORTANT NOTES ...............................................................................4
Contents ..................................................................................................5
Main Features..........................................................................................7
Parts of the SPD-6 and Their Function .................................................8
What Is a Patch? ...................................................................................10
Preparations ..........................................................................................11
Check the Contents of the Box................................................................................................................ 11
Install Batteries.......................................................................................................................................... 11
About the Auto Power Off Function ..................................................................................................... 12
Defeating the Auto Power Off Function.................................................................................... 12
Using the AC Adaptor............................................................................................................................. 12
Holding the SPD-6.................................................................................................................................... 13
Attaching the SPD-6 to a Stand .............................................................................................................. 13
Connecting Audio System, or Amp....................................................................................................... 14
Connecting Headphones ......................................................................................................................... 14
Connecting a Pedal Switch...................................................................................................................... 15
Example of Using Pedal Switch 1 ............................................................................................... 15
Turning the Power On ............................................................................................................................. 16
Turning the Power Off ................................................................................................................. 17
Playing ...................................................................................................18
Playing the SPD-6..................................................................................................................................... 18
Select a Patch............................................................................................................................................. 18
Try Selecting Various Patches ................................................................................................................ 19
Basic Rhythms for Playing With Other Musicians.............................20
Playing an 8-Beat Rhythm Pattern......................................................................................................... 20
Playing an 8-Beat Fill-in Pattern............................................................................................................. 20
Playing a Salsa Rhythm ........................................................................................................................... 21
Playing a Samba Rhythm ........................................................................................................................ 21
Creating Your Own Patch.....................................................................22
Make Settings for the Pad and the Pedal Switch ...............................24
Pad Velocity Curve .................................................................................................................................. 24
Pedal Switch Velocity .............................................................................................................................. 24
Settings for the Entire SPD-6 (System)...............................................25
Trigger Threshold..................................................................................................................................... 25
Trigger Sensitivity (Hand/Stick) ........................................................................................................... 25

6
Contents
Features Using MIDI .............................................................................26
Connecting the SPD-6 to an External MIDI Sound Module............................................................... 26
Other Ways to Use the SPD-6 ................................................................................................................. 26
How the Sounds Are Produced.............................................................................................................. 27
Creating Your Own Patch ....................................................................................................................... 27
Make Settings for Each Patch.................................................................................................................. 28
Specifying the Combination of Program Change and Bank Select to be Transmitted ......... 28
Input the Program Change and Bank Select MSB/LSB .......................................................... 29
Make Settings for Each Pad .................................................................................................................... 30
Changing the Transmitted Note Numbers................................................................................ 30
Setting the Gate Time ................................................................................................................... 31
Troubleshooting....................................................................................32
Problems Concerning the Entire SPD-6 ................................................................................................ 32
MIDI-Related Problems........................................................................................................................... 32
Error Message List.................................................................................................................................... 32
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) ................................33
Patch List (Preset Group).....................................................................34
When Playing the Internal Sounds of the SPD-6 ................................................................................. 34
When Playing a Drum Set of an External MIDI Sound Module (Via MIDI) ................................... 36
Internal Sounds List .............................................................................38
About MIDI .............................................................................................39
About MIDI OUT Connector .................................................................................................................. 39
About General MIDI/General MIDI 2/GS........................................................................................... 39
MIDI Implementation.............................................................................40
Specifications........................................................................................42
Operation List........................................................................................43
Power-on Functions ................................................................................................................................. 43
Edit Functions ........................................................................................................................................... 43
Blank Chart............................................................................................44
Index.......................................................................................................46

7
Main Features
The SPD-6 is a compact, lightweight percussion pad that you can play with either your hands or
with drum sticks.
Select From 32 Patches
The SPD-6 contains a total of 32 patches: 16 patches whose settings cannot be modified (the preset group),
and 16 patches whose settings you can modify (the user group).
The patches of the preset group include conventional drum sets, conga and bongo sets, and sound effect
sets.
Selecting and Playing Your Favorite Percussion
Instruments or Sound Effects
Sixteen of the 32 are User (you!) patches allowing you to select a different sound for each of the six pads,
to create your personalized patch.
Select your favorites from the 113 different sounds built into the SPD-6.
Other Ways to Use the SPD-6
Play Sound Effects Available Only on Electronic Musical
Instruments
The SPD-6 can play not only drums and percussion, but also sound effects. This can be helpful in recording
or performing.
Use the SPD-6 As an Addition to Electronic or Acoustic Drums
The SPD-6 can also be used with electronic drum sets or acoustic drums.
By connecting the SPD-6 via MIDI to an external sound module or an electronic drum set use it to play
other drum/percussion sounds. Or use the SPD-6 connected to an amp playing the internal sounds as an
addition to your acoustic drums.
Easy Connection to General MIDI 2 ( )/GS ( ) Devices
By using a MIDI cable to connect to a sound module carrying the General MIDI 2 ( )/GS ( ) logos,
you can simply select a patch and start playing the SPD-6.
Using the SPD-6 With Your Computer to Make Music
Since you can specify the note number, program change, and bank select, the SPD-6 is ideal for use with
computer based music systems.
Play Ensembles with an Electronic Piano
Enjoy ensemble playing with various instruments by sounding the drum set of an electronic piano or other
instrument, or by using the internal sounds of the SPD-6.
Use audio cables or the included MIDI cable to connect the SPD-6 to your MIDI device.

8
Parts of the SPD-6 and Their Function
Front Panel
fig.0-3
Pads 1–6
There are six pads; pad 1–pad 6 each pad corresponds
to the sounds of the selected patch.
Patch select buttons
Use the four buttons of the upper row and the four
buttons of the lower row to select patches (p. 18).
For advanced operation, these buttons are used to
select parameters or values (p. 26).
[POWER] button
This button turns the power of the SPD-6 on or off (p.
16).
Bottom Panel
fig.0-5
Battery cover
Open this cover to insert or replace the batteries (p. 11).
Stand holder mounting screw
Use this when mounting the SPD-6 on a Pad Stand (sold
separately: PDS-15) or All Purpose Clamp (sold
separately: APC-33) (p. 13).
The screws included with the PDS-15 or APC-33 cannot
be used. You must use the stand holder mounting
screw.

9
Parts of the SPD-6 and Their Function
Rear Panel
fig.0-4
AC adaptor jack
When using the separately sold AC Adaptor BOSS PSA
series, connect it to this jack (p. 12).
[PEDAL SW] jacks
Pedal switches (sold separately: DP-2) or foot switches
(sold separately: BOSS FS-5U) can be connected here to
play sounds (p. 15).
[VOLUME] knob
This knob adjusts the volume of the SPD-6’s internal
sounds (p. 17).
[OUTPUT] 1 (PHONES)/2 (MONO) jacks
These jacks output the internal sounds of the SPD-6,
and are for connection to external audio devices or
amps (p. 14).
If using a single cable for monaural output, you must
use the “2 (MONO)”jack.
If using headphones, connect them to the “1
(PHONES)”jack (p. 14). When you use headphones, do
not connect anything to the “2 (MONO)”jack.
* The internal sounds of the SPD-6 will be output in monaural.
MIDI OUT connector
Connect a MIDI cable to this connector when making
connections to an external MIDI device (p. 26).
[SENS] select switch
This sets the sensitivity of the pads, as you may play
with sticks or your hand (p. 18). For hands, set this to
the position. For drumsticks, set this to the
position.
MicroSaver Security Slot ( )
MicroSaver and Kensington are registered trademarks
of Kensington Microware Limited.
© 1997 Kensington Microware Limited
Kensington Microware Limited
2855 Campus Drive
San Mateo, CA 94403 U.S.A.
Web:www.kensington.com

10
What Is a Patch?
A patch is a collection of the eight sounds that are played when you strike the six
pads or press a pedal switch (sold separately).
The SPD-6 contains a total of 32 patches: 16 patches whose settings cannot be
modified (the preset group), and 16 patches whose settings you can modify (the
user group). The selection of whether you will play using preset or user patches is
made when you turn on the power of the SPD-6 (p. 16).
For the sounds of the patches in the preset group, refer to “Patch List (Preset Group)”
(p. 34).
Example Patch (“DRUMS-1”of the Preset Group)
fig.1-9a.e
About the Patch Name
The patch name is shown (for example) as DRUMS-1 or U2-2.
fig.patch.e
Crash
Cymbal High Tom Low Tom
Kick Drum Snare Drum Closed
Hi-Hat
Pedal Hi-Hat
Pedal Switch 1
Pedal Switch 2
Kick Drum
U2 - 2
Press [PERC/U2]
User Group: Hold down the [OTHERS/U4] button and press the [POWER] to turn on the power
Press the [2] button
DRUMS - 1
Press [DRUMS/U1]
Preset Group: Press the [POWER] button to turn on the power
Press the [1] button

11
Preparations
Check the Contents of the Box
❏SPD-6
❏MIDI cable
❏Dry battery (R6 (AA) type) x 6
❏Stand holder mounting screw x 4
* Attached to the bottom panel (p. 8)
■Owner’s Manual (this manual)
Install Batteries
Install the included batteries.
fig.0-1.e
1Open the battery cover (p. 8) located on the back of the SPD-6.
2Insert the six included dry batteries (R6 (AA) type) in the orientation shown by the
diagram.
Be careful to observe the correct polarity (+, - direction) of the batteries.
3Close the battery cover.
Using an AC adaptor (p. 12)
If an AC adaptor is desired,
use the separately sold AC
adaptor BOSS PSA series.
Expected battery life under
continuous use:
Carbon: 8 hours
Alkaline: 20 hours
These figures will vary depending
on the actual conditions of use.
•When operating on battery
power only, the [POWER]
button will blink when
battery power gets too low.
Replace the battery as soon
as possible.
•The settings of the SPD-6
will be remembered even if
the batteries run down.
Press to open

12
Preparations
About the Auto Power Off Function
The power will turn off automatically if the SPD-6 is not used for approximately 10
minutes.
To play the SPD-6, turn on the power once again (p. 16).
Defeating the Auto Power Off Function
You can defeat the Auto Power Off function by using the following procedure to
turn on the SPD-6.
If playing the preset group patches
Hold down [DRUMS/U1] and press [POWER] to turn on the power.
If playing the user group patches
Hold down [DRUMS/U1] and [OTHERS/U4], and press [POWER] to turn on the
power.
Using the AC Adaptor
You can use a separately sold AC Adaptor BOSS PSA series.
fig.0-8.e
1Turn off the power of all devices before you make connections.
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the
volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
2Connect the separately sold AC Adaptor BOSS PSA series to the AC adaptor jack
(p. 9).
3Plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.
•When using the SPD-6 with
batteries, we recommend
that you use the Auto Power
Off function in order to
conserve the batteries.
•The Auto Power Off
function is also in effect even
when the AC adaptor is
used.
Use only the specified AC
Adaptor BOSS PSA series. To
purchase this adaptor, contact
the dealer where you
purchased the SPD-6.
SPD-6 rear panel
BOSS PSA series
(sold separately)

13
Preparations
Holding the SPD-6
fig.1-5.e
Attaching the SPD-6 to a Stand
You can use a pad stand (sold separately: PDS-15) to set up the SPD-6.
By using the all purpose clamp (sold separately: APC-33), you can attach the SPD-6
to a commercially available tom stand or cymbal stand. It can be attached to a pipe
of 10.5 mm–30 mm radius.
fig.1-6.e
Rubber feet are attached to the
b
ottom side of the SPD-6, but
when placing it on a surface
such as a table or electronic
piano, you should still be
careful not to scratch the
surface.
Hold it with your hand Put it on your lap
•The screws included with
the PDS-15 or APC-33
cannot be used. To attach
the stand holder, remove the
four screws from the bottom
of the SPD-6 and use them.
•Never attach the SPD-6 to an
unstable stand or a stand
that is insufficiently strong.
It may fall over and damage
your equipment or cause
personal injury.
Wide
PDS-15
Stand holder
Narrow

14
Preparations
Connecting Audio System, or Amp
The internal sounds of the SPD-6 will be output in monaural.
1Before making connections, turn off the power of all devices.
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the
volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
2Use an audio cable to connect the [OUTPUT] jack(s) on the rear panel of the SPD-6
to the input jack(s) of your audio system or amp.
If using one monaural cable to make connections, connect the SPD-6’s [OUTPUT] 2
(MONO) jack to the “MONO”jack of your audio system or amp.
fig.2-1a.e
Connecting Headphones
1Connect headphones to the [OUTPUT] 1 (PHONES) jack on the rear panel of the
SPD-6.
fig.2-2.e
When using two cables for connections
Audio cables
Audio cables
Audio system or amp
Audio system
When using one cable for connections
SPD-6 Audio systemSPD-6
Audio cable
INPUTOUTPUT
RL
INPUTOUTPUT
R L(MONO)
If you are using headphones,
do not connect anything to the
[OUTPUT] 2 (MONO) jack.

15
Preparations
Connecting a Pedal Switch
Pedal switches (sold separately: DP-2) or foot switches (sold separately: BOSS FS-
5U) can be used as follows.
Connect to the [PEDAL SW] 1 jack
•When you press the pedal switch, the selected sound will be heard.
•Switch the sound of the pad for which closed hi-hat was selected. This allows
you to play both open, pedal and closed hi-hat sounds (like a real hi-hat).
Connect to the [PEDAL SW] 2 jack
•When you press the pedal switch, the selected sound will be heard.
1
Connect pedal switches to the [PEDAL SW] 1/2 jacks on the rear panel of the SPD-6.
fig.1-2a.e
Example of Using Pedal Switch 1
When DRUMS-1 of the preset group is selected, you can play as follows.
fig.1-7a.e
To control the opening/closing
of the hi-hat using pedal
switch 1, assign the internal
sounds “49 Pedal Hi-Hat,”
“51 808 Closed Hi-Hat 1,”
“52 808 Closed Hi-Hat 2,”or
“114 Off”to pedal switch 1.
You can also control the
opening/closing of the hi-hat
when using the SPD-6 to
sound an external MIDI sound
generator (p. 30).
Roland recommends that you
use a DP-2 pedal switch or a
BOSS FS-5U foot switch. Other
b
rand foot switches may not
operate correctly. Inquire
about this at the store where
you purchased the SPD-6.
Pedal Switch (sold separately: DP-2)
or Foot Switch (sold separately: BOSS FS-5U)
For the procedure of selecting
DRUMS-1 of the preset group
and for more details, refer to p.
18.
don't strike
Press
Pedal Hi-Hat
strike
Without connecting
the pedal
Closed Hi-Hat
strike
Without pressing
Open Hi-Hat
strike
Continue pressing
Closed Hi-Hat
* The pedal hi-hat sound will be heard
when you depress the pedal. If you
do not want to play the sound, refer
to p. 23.

16
Preparations
Turning the Power On
Once the connections have been completed (p. 14), turn on power to your various devices in
the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction
and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
1Turn the [VOLUME] knob on the rear panel of the SPD-6 all the way toward the left,
setting the volume to the minimum position.
fig.1-2b.e
2Turn the volume down to the minimum on the connected amp or audio system.
3Turn on the power of the SPD-6.
When playing preset group patches
Press [POWER] to turn on the power.
fig.1-3.e
When playing user group patches
Hold down [OTHERS/U4] and press [POWER] to turn on the power.
fig.1-4a.e
4Turn on the power of the connected amp or audio system.
To minimum
SPD-6 [VOLUME] Knob
This unit is equipped with a
protection circuit. A brief
interval (a few seconds) after
power up is required before
the unit will operate normally.
Press
Hold down Press
When playing a drum set of a
MIDI sound module
To specify the drum set used
b
y the MIDI sound module,
select a patch on the SPD-6.

17
Preparations
5While playing sounds on the SPD-6, adjust the volume of the connected amp or
audio system.
fig.2-3.e
Turning the Power Off
1Completely turn down the volume of the SPD-6 and any connected external
devices.
2Turn off the power to all external devices.
3Hold down the SPD-6's [POWER] button for at least a second to turn off the power.
MinimumMaximum
SPD-6 [VOLUME] Knob
Caution When Turning on the Power
After turning on the power, touch the pads or pedals until the [DRUMS/U1] button
and [1] button light as shown in the following diagram.
fig.1-4a
If you touch the pads or pedals before the buttons light, you may experience
problems like no sound, or low volume.
To prevent the power from
b
eing turned off accidentally
while you are playing the SPD-
6, the power is not switched off
unless you hold down
[POWER] for at least a second.

18
Playing
Playing the SPD-6
The SPD-6 can be struck either with your hand or with drumsticks. Set the rear panel
[SENS] select switch (p. 9) to the appropriate setting for the playing method you choose.
fig.1-7.e
Select a Patch
As an example, here’s how to select preset group DRUMS-1, a patch that lets you
play a conventional drum set.
1Press [DRUMS/U1].
fig.1-8.e
2Press [1].
fig.1-9.e
It is possible to make even
finer sensitivity adjustments
(p. 25).
When using your hand to play the SPD-6 When using drumsticks to play the SPD-6
Please Note When Playing
•To play the SPD-6, you must accurately strike the center of the pad.
If you strike the edge of the pad, a different pad may sound.
•Do not strike the case, buttons, or any other areas other than the pads.
Doing so may result in malfunction.
A maximum of four internal
sounds can be played
simultaneously. If you attempt
to play more than four sounds,
currently sounding sounds
will be turned off, beginning
with the one being sounded
with the least volume.
Press
Press

19
Playing
Try Selecting Various Patches
The SPD-6 has 16 patches of the preset group. Let’s try playing various patches.
The Patches of the Preset Group
(press [POWER] to turn on the power)
Patch name Description
DRUMS-1 Drum Standard Conventional drum sounds
DRUMS-2 Drum Power Powerful drum sounds
DRUMS-3 Drum Brush Drums played with brushes
DRUMS-4 TR-808 (Analog) Sounds from older rhythm machines
PERC-1 Conga and Bongo Conga, Bongo
PERC-2 Timbales Timbales, Wood Block, Cowbell
PERC-3 Samba Cuica, Agogo, Surdo etc.
PERC-4 Latin Toys Triangle, Guiro, Vibra-Slap etc.
SFX-1 Dance Sound effects (Slap, Scratch etc.)
SFX-2 Human Sound effects (Foot Step, Heart Beat,
Screaming, Door etc.)
SFX-3 Crash Sound effects (Car-Engine, Car-Crash,
Gun Shot etc.)
SFX-4 Kids Sound effects (Dog, Kitty, Laughing,
Thunder etc.)
OTHERS-1 Drum with Pedal Conventional drum sounds (use a pedal
switch as the kick drum)
OTHERS-2 Drum Electronic Electronic drum sounds
OTHERS-3 Cymbal Set Various types of cymbal sounds
OTHERS-4 TR-808 (Analog)
Tom Set
Various types of tom sounds
For a list of the sounds in each
patch, refer to p. 34.

20
Basic Rhythms for Playing With Other Musicians
Playing an 8-Beat Rhythm Pattern
Let’s use the preset group DRUMS-1 patch to practice an 8-beat rhythm pattern.
Try playing the pads according to the number chart shown in the music score.
fig.1-10.e
Playing an 8-Beat Fill-in Pattern
When you are able to play the 8-beat, pattern, try playing along with someone
playing the piano or organ. (or any other instrument of course)
Try playing a fill-ins as well, using different sounds.
fig.1-11.e
When you have a pedal
switch connected to the
[PEDAL SW] 1 jack
Continue pressing the pedal
switch to play the closed hi-hat
sound.
8-beat:
This refers to a rhythm that
divides four beats into eighth
notes. The accent occurs on the
second and fourth beats.
This is the basic of rock rhythm
patterns.
Closed Hi-Hat
Snare Drum
Kick Drum
Right Hand
Left Hand
Fill-in:
A performance technique used
mainly in between phrases
and/to create dynamics.
Closed Hi-Hat
Crash Symbal
Low Tom
High Tom
Snare Drum
Kick Drum
Right Hand
Left Hand