Roland SK-50 User manual

MULTI TIMBRAL KEYBOARD SK-50 ✤ Ensemble Volume ✤
MULTI TIMBRAL KEYBOARD SK-50
✤Ensemble Volume ✤
Using the SK-50 with a Computer and other MIDI equipment
OWNER’S MANUAL
MUL
TITIMBRALKEYBOARDSK
-
50
26053769 '99-6-E2-61S

ENSEMBLE Volume Contents
FEATURES OF THE SK-50.........................................................................................................2
1. MAKING THE CONNECTIONS...........................................................................................3
(1) Connecting with a Computer ........................................................................................3
Connecting with an IBM PC AT Series Computer........................................................4
Connecting with an Apple Macintosh ........................................................................5
(2) Connecting with Other MIDI Devices...........................................................................6
Connecting with a MIDI Sequencer or Player.............................................................6
Connecting with a MIDI Sound Module .....................................................................7
2. ABOUT MIDI ......................................................................................................................8
3. MIDI Channels and Multi-Timbral Capabilities ....................................................................9
4. MIDI DATA ROUTING ......................................................................................................10
(1) When Connected to a Computer.........................................................................10
(2) When Connected to a MIDI Player or Sequencer.................................................11
5. MIDI MESSAGES HANDLED BY THE SK-50......................................................................12
6. POLYPHONIC CAPABILITIES ............................................................................................21
7. MINUS-ONE PERFORMANCES.........................................................................................22
8. MIDI SETTINGS.................................................................................................................23
9. STARTING/STOPPING AN EXTERNAL SEQUENCER .........................................................25
10. TRANSMITTING SETUP DATA .........................................................................................26
TONE CHART.........................................................................................................................29
DRUM SET CHART ................................................................................................................32
SETTINGS CHART ..................................................................................................................34
WIRING DIAGRAMS FOR COMPUTER CABLES....................................................................38
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION .......................................................................................................40
INDEX ................................................................................................................................56
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART...........................................................................................58
IBM and PC AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Copyright 1994 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

FEATURES OF THE SK-50
Sound generator provides compatibility with both GM (General MIDI) System
and the GS Format
Since the SK-50 incorporates a sound generating module that provides support for the GM
System and GS Format, it allows you to enjoy listening to music data in either of these formats;
whether it is played by a sequencer or generated by a computer game.
Quick, Easy Setup
You would ordinarily need to obtain a number of devices, and a variety of cables in order to set
up the typical Desk Top Music System. The SK-50, however, already combines a sound
generating module, keyboard, amplifier, and speakers in one convenient unit. Moreover, since it
is equipped with its own COMPUTER interface, all you need is the one cable that you connect
to your computer, and you are ready to start creating music on your desktop.
Multi-Timbral Sound Generator Provides 16 Parts
The sound generating capabilities of the SK-50 are superb. When performing as a multi-timbral
sound generator, it offers 16 separate parts. And since its maximum polyphony is 28 voices, it
is capable of reliably handling even some of the most complex orchestrations.
High-Quality Sounds
A wealth of Preset Tones and Drum Sets are provided. Whether it be strikingly realistic acoustic
sounds, or those synthesized sounds that are indispensable for solo performances, this
collection includes them all.
Equipped with Onboard Reverb and Chorus Effects
Stereo effects are produced internally, allowing you to add ambience, and a feeling of depth
and spaciousness to your music.
General MIDI System
The General MIDI System is a set of recommendations which seek to provide a way for going beyond the
limitations of proprietary designs, and standardize the MIDI capabilities provided by sound generating
devices.
If you use a sound generating unit which carries the General MIDI logo, you will be able to faithfully
reproduce any song data which also carries the General MIDI logo.
GS Format
The GS Format is Roland’s universal set of specifications which were formulated in the interest of
standardizing the way in which sound generating devices will operate when MIDI is used for the
performance of music. If you use a sound generating unit which carries the GS logo, you will be able to
faithfully reproduce any commercially available song data which also carries the GS logo.
*This product supports both General MIDI and GS. Song data which carries either of these
logos can be accurately reproduced.
2

1. MAKING THE CONNECTIONS
(1) Connecting with a Computer
The performance possibilities of your SK-50 can be enhanced by connecting it with a computer,
and using Desk Top Music software to create and play computer-based compositions.
Be sure to have power OFF on all units before attempting to make any connections.
The connection between the SK-50 and your computer needs to be made using a COMPUTER
cable. Depending on the type of computer you are connecting to, the type of cable and the
connector it provides needs to be constructed differently.
We recommend that you obtain an optionally available COMPUTER cable from the retailer
where you purchased your SK-50. Or, you may want to purchase the appropriate cable at a
computer shop; in which case you should carefully study the “Wiring Diagrams for
COMPUTER Cables” (
☞p. 38) beforehand to make sure you obtain the right cable.
Before making a change in the position of the COMPUTER mode selection switch, always have
the power on the SK-50 turned OFF. If the power has been left ON, the unit may not operate
normally.
When Soft Thru function on your computer is turned ON, data for everything you play on the
SK-50’s keyboard will circle around through the external unit and come right back again. To
avoid having every note sounded twice, you should turn OFF the Local function on the SK-50
(☞p. 23). Each time the power is turned on, the Local Setting will always be set to OFF.
3

Connecting with an IBM PC AT Series Computer
Place the COMPUTER mode selection switch on the rear of the SK-50 at the RS232C-2
position (baud rate of 38.4 Kbps). Connect the COMPUTER cable between the RS-232C
connector on the computer and the COMPUTER connector on the SK-50.
* The serial port on a PC AT series (or compatible) computer can be either of two types — a D-
subminiature 25 pin (25 pins), or a D-subminiature 9 pin (9 pins). Some computers might be
equipped with both types. Check to make sure which type your computer provides, then
purchase the appropriate cable.
* The optionally available RSC-15AT cable is designed to connect to a D-subminiature 9 pin
connector. Should you require a cable that fits a D-subminiature 25 pin connector, you will
need to refer carefully to “Wiring Diagrams for COMPUTER Cables” (☞p. 38), and then
purchase the appropriate cable.
* A baud rate of 38.4 Kbps will be used when set to the RS232C-2 position. If you are using
software which expects a baud rate of 31.25 Kbps, set the switch to the RS232C-1 position.
25-pin D-sub
9-pin D-sub

Serial Cable
OUT IN
MIDI COMPUTER PEDAL DC IN 9V
1200mA
OUTPUTINPUT
RS422MIDI
RS232C-1RS232C-2
USE RO L AND A CK, A CB
ADAPTOR ONLY
L
R
SK-50
RS232C-2
RS-232C
IBMPCAT
IBM
4

Connecting with an Apple Macintosh
Place the COMPUTER mode selection switch on the rear of the SK-50 at the RS422 position
(baud rate of 31.25 Kbps). Connect the COMPUTER cable (optionally available RSC-15APL)
between the modem or printer port on the rear of the Macintosh and the COMPUTER
connector on the SK-50.
* Make sure that the Interface Type (clock speed of the MIDI interface) is set to 1 MHz. The
window shown below (Settings) is accessed from the Apple MIDI Driver, and is where you
need to make the MIDI interface settings.
Serial Cable
Apple Macintosh
Macintosh IIci
Modem Port
OUT IN
MIDI COMPUTER PEDAL DC IN 9V
12 0 0 mA
OUTPUTINPUT
RS422MIDI
RS232C-1RS232C-2
USE RO L AND A CK, A CB
ADAPTOR ONLY
L
R
SK-50
RS422
5

(2) Connecting with Other MIDI Devices
Be sure to have power OFF on all units before attempting to make any connections.
The connection between the SK-50 and your other MIDI device needs to be made using MIDI
cable (optionally available: MSC-15/25/50). MIDI cables can be obtained from the retailer
where you purchased your SK-50.
Connecting with a MIDI Sequencer or Player
After connecting your SK-50 to a MIDI sequencer or player, you will be able to carry out multi-
track recording while you play the keyboard, and can enjoy listening to any commercially
available music data designed for GS/GM compatible sound generating units.
Place the COMPUTER mode selection switch on the rear of the SK-50 at the MIDI position,
then connect two MIDI cables as shown in the illustration below.
When Soft Thru function on your computer is turned ON, data for everything you play on the
SK-50’s keyboard will circle around through the external unit and come right back again. To
avoid having every note sounded twice, you should turn OFF the Local function on the SK-50
(☞p. 23). Each time the power is turned on, the Local Setting will always be set to OFF.
MIDI Player or
MIDI Sequencer
OUT IN
MIDI COMPUTER PEDAL DC IN 9V
1200mA
OUTPUTINPUT
RS422MIDI
RS232C-1RS232C-2
USE RO L AND ACK, ACB
ADAPTOR ONLY
L
R
SK-50
MIDI
MIDI Cable
OUT
MIDI
THRU IN
6

Connecting with a MIDI Sound Module
In most cases you won’t need to connect an external sound module to your SK-50, since it
already provides a wealth of sounds for your enjoyment. However, if you want to enjoy access
to an even greater range of sounds, or need to have more voices produced at the same time,
you will want to connect an external sound module.
Connect a MIDI cable as shown in the illustration below.
When you wish to use the SK-50’s keyboard to play an external sound module, you need to first
move the Serial Mode Selection Switch on the rear panel to the “MIDI” position.
SK-50 → Sound Module
When you want to use a MIDI player or sequencer to sound both the SK-50 and an external
sound module, first of all you need to have the Serial Mode Selection Switch on the rear panel
set to the “MIDI” position. To connect the units up, run a cable between the MIDI OUT on the
MIDI player (or sequencer) and the MIDI IN on the external sound module. Connect another
cable going between the MIDI THRU on the external sound module and the MIDI IN on the SK-
50. (Note that the cables need to be connected in the manner explained because the SK-50
does not have a MIDI THRU.)
MIDI Player → Sound Module → SK-50
When you want to use a computer to sound both the SK-50 and an external sound module, first
of all you need to set the Serial Mode Selection Switch to the position that is appropriate for the
type of computer you are using. Then, connect up the cables as shown below. (For information
on the flow of MIDI data, please see page 10.)
Computer → SK-50 → Sound Module
OUT IN
MIDI PEDAL DC IN 9V
1200mA
OUTPUTINPUT
RS422MIDI
RS232C-1RS232C-2
USE RO L AND ACK, ACB
ADAPTOR ONLY
L
R
SK-50
MIDI Cable
OUT
MIDI
THRU IN
ÂØÒňΠGS SOUND MODULE CM-300
POWER
AUDIO
VOLUME
©
Sound Module
COMPUTER
7

2. ABOUT MIDI
Internally, the SK-50 essentially consists of two devices. One of these, the “Controller,” consists
of the keyboard and related circuitry which sends out information describing what is played on
the keys. The other device, the “Sound Generator,” produces sound in keeping with the musical
information it receives from the keyboard.
In addition to sending its information to the Sound Generator, the Controller is also capable of
sending the same information out to another device (through its COMPUTER or MIDI OUT
connectors).
Similarly, the Sound Generator is not limited to producing only the sound that the Controller
directs it to produce, but it can also generate sound in accord with whatever instructions it
receives from an external unit (arriving at its COMPUTER or MIDI IN connectors).
This communication between devices is carried out in the form of MIDI data.
MIDI is an abbreviation for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface.” It is an internationally
recognized standard that was created to facilitate the communication of performance
information among electronic musical instruments and computers. The kind of information that
MIDI deals with is very different from conventional audio signals. MIDI data is expressed
digitally, and consists of a numerous series of messages which basically tell other devices to “do
this or that, in such and such a way.”
Remember that you do not really need to know all that much about how MIDI works if all
you want to do is use your SK-50 while connected to a computer or MIDI sequencer/player.
This is because the sound generator in the SK-50 is compatible with the GM System/GS
Format. As a result, you can easily start enjoying music without being bothered with the
complexities of MIDI — as long as the software/devices you use are also compatible with
GM/GS.
Suitable software on the connected device should allow you to easily start being creative on
your new computer-based music system. All you need to be concerned about is that you
have the connections made properly.
The pages that follow will interest those who wish to gain more precise control over
features offered by the SK-50 while using MIDI. You will also find information that may be
of great benefit should you encounter problems.
Sound Generator
Arriving from external unit
Sent out to external unit
Controller
8

3. MIDI Channels and Multi-Timbral Capabilities
With MIDI, separate streams of performance information can be sent to 16 different MIDI
devices. This is possible thanks to the concept of MIDI channels.
MIDI channels are in some ways similar to the channels on a television set. By switching
channels on a TV, you can select from the variety of programs broadcast from different stations.
This is because the video signals being sent out on any particular channel are conveyed, and
can be viewed on the TV, only when the receiver is set to the same channel that is being used
for transmission.
The channels available with MIDI range from 1 through 16.
Multi-Timbral Sound Generator
The sound generator in the SK-50 can simultaneously receive data on 16 MIDI channels, and
can play the musical data for 16 independent Parts at once. Sound generators such as this,
which can simultaneously receive data on a multiple number of MIDI channels, and can
perform music much like they were a combination of many separate sound producing devices
are referred to as being “multi-timbral.”
The reception channel for each of the 16 Parts is assigned the channel which corresponds
numerically with the Part number. For example, data on Channel 1 is received by Part 1, which
plays that data.
These assignments for the reception channels can only be altered by using Exclusive Messages
(☞MIDI Implementation p. 49).
Transmission Channel Used By the Controller
The SK-50’s keyboard sends out its data on one particular channel. The transmission channel
that it uses is always the same as the reception channel of whichever Part you currently have
selected (☞p. 22, SOLO Volume).
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 16
Data on ch. 1
Data on ch. 2
Data on ch. 3
Data on ch. 2
Data on ch. 2
Data on ch. 4
Data on ch. 16
Currently Selected Part
Sound Generator
To MIDI OUT
or COMPUTER connector
Sent out by controller
Received at MIDI IN
or COMPUTER connector
9