Roland VERSELAB MV-1 User manual

Owner’s Manual
01© 2021 Roland Corporation
Before using the unit, ensure that its program is at the most
recent version. For information on available upgrades for the
program, see the Roland website (https://www.roland.com/).

2
Contents
Panel Descriptions................................... 4
:Top Panel ............................................. 4
:Front Panel ........................................... 6
:Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment).................... 7
Turning the Power On/O ................................ 7
An Overview of the VERSELAB .................... 8
:What Is a Project?..................................... 9
:What Is a Track?....................................... 9
:What Is a Section? .................................... 9
:What Is a Clip? ........................................ 9
:What Is a Song?....................................... 9
:What Is a Vocal Take? ................................. 9
:About Workows ..................................... 10
:Steps for Creating a Song............................. 10
Listening to and Rearranging the Demo
Songs................................................... 11
Reference
Project Operations................................... 14
:Loading a Project ..................................... 14
:Creating a New Project ............................... 14
:Saving a Project ...................................... 14
:Conguring the Project............................... 15
:Locking a Project ..................................... 15
:Deleting Projects ..................................... 15
Section Operations .................................. 16
:Selecting a Section ................................... 16
:Setting the Section Length ........................... 16
:Copying a Section .................................... 16
:Swapping Sections ................................... 17
:Deleting a Section .................................... 17
:Naming a Section..................................... 17
:Setting the Pad Illumination Colors................... 17
Track Operations ..................................... 18
:Selecting Tracks ...................................... 18
:Making Track Settings ................................ 18
:Editing the Track Type ................................ 18
Clip Operations....................................... 19
:Selecting a Clip ....................................... 19
:Editing a Clip’s Settings............................... 19
:Changing Tones/Samples............................. 19
:Editing a Clip’s Name ................................. 19
:Copying a Clip ........................................ 20
:Swapping Clips ....................................... 20
:Deleting a Clip........................................ 20
Loading/Saving Clips................................ 21
:Loading from the SD Card ............................ 21
:Importing from a Project ............................. 21
:Saving to an SD Card ................................. 21
Changing the Tones ................................. 22
:Tones and Track Types ................................ 22
:Changing the Tones .................................. 22
:Editing a Tone ........................................ 24
:Editing the Multi-Eects .............................. 24
Pad Operations....................................... 25
:Note Mode (NOTE) ..................................... 25
:Velocity Mode (VELOCITY) .............................. 25
:Style Mode (STYLE) ..................................... 25
:Chord Mode (CHORD)................................... 25
:Section Select Mode (SECTION SELECT)................... 25
Creating Phrases ..................................... 26
:Step Recording (TR-REC)................................ 26
:Recording in Real Time ............................... 26
:Editing the Steps ..................................... 27
:Making Measure-Related Settings.................... 27
:Setting the Tempo and Metronome .................. 27
Correcting the Timing of Your Performance
(Quantize) ................................................ 28
:Quantizing During Playback.......................... 28
:Enabling Quantization During Recording ............ 28
Recording CTRL Knob Movement in Steps
(Motions) ................................................. 29
Using Sampled Audio ............................... 31
:Getting Ready to Sample ............................. 31
Conguring the External Input ............................ 31
Sampling Settings ....................................... 31
:Sampling ............................................. 32
Loop Playback of Samples (Audio Looper) .......... 33
:Changing the Track Type to“Looper” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
:Getting Your Sample Ready........................... 33
Recording Audio ........................................ 33
Loading Clips ........................................... 33
Loading Samples ........................................ 33
:Playing Back Samples in a Loop ...................... 33
:Making Settings that Apply During Playback......... 34
:Editing a Sample...................................... 34
:Editing the Multi-Eects .............................. 34
:Making Measure-Related Settings.................... 34

3
Contents
Creating a Song by Arranging the Sections .... 35
:Creating a Song....................................... 35
:Making Song-Related Settings ....................... 35
:Changing the Key of Sections Arranged in Songs..... 36
:Using Templates to Create a Song (Song Templates) ...... 36
Recording the Vocals ................................ 37
:Recording the Vocals ................................. 37
:Importing Samples to Create a Vocal Take ............ 37
:Editing a Vocal Sequence ............................. 38
Adjusting the Vocal Start Timing .......................... 38
Adding a Vocal Sequence ................................ 38
Deleting a Vocal Sequence ............................... 38
:Editing the Vocal Takes ............................... 39
Making Settings that Apply During Playback................ 39
Renaming a Vocal Take ................................... 39
Muting the Vocal Takes................................... 39
Deleting a Vocal Take .................................... 39
:Using the Vocal Processor ............................ 40
Applying Eects to the Vocal Take Playback Sound .......... 40
Applying Eects to Audio from the Mic .................... 40
Switching Between Eects ............................... 40
:Making Vocal Track Settings .......................... 41
Adjusting the Volume and Pan ............................ 41
Adjusting the Eects..................................... 41
Finishing Up the Song as an Audio File
(Mixdown) ................................................ 42
:Applying Eects to an Entire Song (Mastering)....... 42
:Creating an Audio File (Mixdown) ....................... 42
Other Operations .................................... 43
:Assigning Parameters to the CTRL Knobs............. 43
:System-Related Settings.............................. 43
:Formatting an SD Card ............................... 43
:Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) ........... 43
:Checking the Internal Memory Usage ................ 44
:Optimizing the Memory (Looper Optimize) ............... 44
:Deleting Samples Loaded into a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
:Using a Computer to Manage an Inserted SD Card ... 44
Appendices
List of Shortcut Keys................................. 46
Main Specications.................................. 48

4
1
Common Section (1)
[VOLUME] knob
Adjusts the volume of signal from the LINE OUT jacks.
[PHONES] knob
Adjusts the volume of signal from the PHONES jack.
[SHIFT] button
Use this button with other buttons to switch between functions.
Functions that are accessed when holding the [SHIFT] button are
shown below each button.
[EDIT] button
Use this with other buttons to call up screens for various settings.
[CLEAR] button
Use this to erase content recorded with the step sequencer as well as
sections, clips and so on.
[COPY] button
Use this to copy and exchange sections and clips.
[NOTE] button
Switches the pads to Note mode. This mode lets you play the pads as
if playing a keyboard, or use the drum kits (tones) to play drum parts
and so on.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [NOTE] button, the
pads switch to Velocity mode. This lets you play the pads using 16
levels of velocity (how loud or soft the sound is), regardless of how
hard or soft you play the pads.
[STYLE] button
Switches the pads to Style mode. This lets you play phrases with
triplets, repeated notes and so on, as well as arpeggios.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [STYLE] button, the
pads switch to Chord mode. In this mode, you can play chords just by
pressing the pads.
[SECTION SELECT] button
Switches the pads to Section Select mode. In this mode, you can select
sections by pressing the pads.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [SECTION SELECT]
button, the quantize setting screen appears.
[REC] button
Use this button for recording phrases, changing SONG structures,
recording vocals and so on.
While holding down the [SHIFT] button, press the [REC] button to
enter sampling standby mode.
MEASURE [<] [>] buttons
Use these buttons to move to the measure you want to edit.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the MEASURE [<] [>]
buttons, the tonal range of the pads changes in octaves.
Measure indicators (4)
Shows the measure position while editing or during playback.
Panel Descriptions
Top Panel
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

5
Panel Descriptions
2
Project Section
[LOAD] button
Displays the project settings screen. Use this for the various operations
and settings when creating or loading a project.
Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [LOAD] button to save a
project.
* Projects are saved on the SD card.
3
Vocal Section
[TONE] knob
This adjusts the amount of vocal eect applied.
* When you turn the [TONE] knob while holding down the [EDIT] button, you
can select the parameters to assign to the [TONE] knob.
VOCAL PROCESSOR [ON] button
Turns the vocal processor (eect) on/o.
[GAIN] knob
Adjusts the input gain (sensitivity) for the microphone.
MIC [ON] button
Switches the mic input on/o.
4
Pad Section
Pads (16)
Use the pads to create phrases (performance data) and to select
sections.
* The operation and displayed content diers depending on the workow
selected and the pad operation mode.
5
Step Sequencer Section
[
A] (START/STOP) button
Starts and stops playback of performance data. If you press this in
record standby mode, recording starts or stops.
STEP SEQUENCER [1]–[16] buttons
Use these buttons to input phrases and edit SONG structures.
* The operations and displayed content dier depending on the editing mode
in the workow.
6
Common Section (2)
Display
Shows various information depending on the operation.
[VALUE] dial
Turn: Selects a parameter or changes a setting value.
Press: Conrms the parameter you selected. This also activates a
selected function.
[EXIT] button
Returns the unit to the previous screen or cancels an operation.
[SYSTEM] button
Displays the system settings screen.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [SYSTEM] button,
the utility screen appears.
7
Control Section
[CTRL 1] [CTRL 2] [CTRL 3] knobs
Use these knobs to edit settings and to record knob motions in clips.
8
Workow Section
On this unit, a “workow” means the ow of steps you use to create a
song. A workow is made up of dierent parts: the three edit modes
for creating performance data, the mixer for adjusting the sound, and
the mixdown to nish up the song.
&For details on workows, refer to“About Workows”(p. 10).
[SEQ] button
Switches the Edit mode to Sequencer mode.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [SEQ] button, the
screen for setting the tempo and other settings appears.
[SECTION] button
Switches the Edit mode to Section mode.
[SONG] button
Switches the Edit mode to SONG mode.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [SONG] button, the
screen for selecting the SONG template appears.
[MIXER] button
Displays the mixer screen, where you can adjust the volume, panning
and so on.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [MIXER] button,
the settings screen for the total eects (eects that are applied to all
songs) is displayed.
[MIXDOWN] button
Displays the mixdown settings screen. Use this to mix down your
nished songs and create audio les.
If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [MIXDOWN] button,
the mastering settings screen appears.

6
Panel Descriptions
9
Track Section
[KICK] button
Selects the KICK track.
[SNARE] button
Selects the SNARE track.
[HI-HAT] button
Selects the HI-HAT track.
[KIT] button
Selects the KIT track.
[BASS] button
Selects the BASS track.
[INST 1] button
Selects the INST 1 track.
[INST 2] button
Selects the INST 2 track.
[VOCAL] button
Selects the VOCAL track.
* The VOCAL track can only be selected when the workow is in the“SONG”
phase.
[MOTION] button
Turns motions on/o (p. 29).
[INPUT] button
Displays the settings screen for audio input.
Front Panel
1 2
1
PHONES jacks
Connect a pair of headphones that uses either a 1/4-inch phone
type or stereo mini type plug. You can use both plugs at the same
time.
* The same audio signal is output through both PHONES jacks.
2
BUILT-IN MIC
This is the built-in microphone. Use this to record vocals, sample
sounds and capture other audio.

7
Panel Descriptions
Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)
* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn o all the units before making any connections.
A
DC IN jack
Connect the included AC adaptor to this jack.
* Use the cord hook to secure the cord of the AC adaptor as shown in the
illustration.
B
[POWER] switch
Turns the power on/o.
C
USB (O) port
Use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable (type B) to connect this
port to your computer or smartphone. This is used to transfer USB
MIDI and USB audio data.
* A USB driver is not required when connecting to this unit.
* This unit also supports USB bus power. The following functions are limited
when the unit operates via USB bus power.
5 Phantom power cannot be used.
5 The headphone volume is lowered.
5 The LEDs are dimmer.
To use USB bus power without limiting functionality, hold down the [VALUE]
dial while powering up this unit. Note that this unit may not start up,
depending on the amount of USB bus power supplied.
D
MIDI connectors
Connect these to an external MIDI device to transmit and receive
MIDI messages.
E
SD card slot
Insert an SD card here. The SD card contains various data (such as
projects, settings, tones and samples) for this unit.
* You can install the included SD card protector to prevent the SD card from
being accidentally pulled out. Use the two included screws to fasten the
card protector in place.
* Never turn o the power or remove the SD card while the SD card is being
accessed.
* Some SD card types or SD cards from some manufacturers may not record
or play back properly on the unit.
F
LINE IN jacks
These are the audio input jacks. Connect your musical instrument
or other equipment to these jacks.
G
MIC connector
Connect your dynamic mic or condenser mic to this connector.
* Pin assignment of MIC connector
1: GND
2: HOT
TIP: HOT
RING: COLD
SLEEVE: GND 3: COLD
2: HOT
1: GND
3: COLD
* About phantom power
You can supply phantom power (+48 V) from the MIC connector. Turn on
phantom power when you’re using a condenser microphone that requires
phantom power.
Use the [INPUT] button0set “Phantom Sw” to “ON.”
NOTE
5 If you don’t need phantom power, be sure to turn phantom power o. You
risk causing damage if you mistakenly supply phantom power to dynamic
microphones or other devices that don’t require such power.
5 Phantom power cannot be used when this unit operates on USB bus power.
H
LINE OUT jacks
These are jacks for outputting the audio signal. Connect these to
your amp or monitor speakers.
Turning the Power On/O
* Before turning the unit on/o, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even
with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching
the unit on/o. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
Turning the power on
1. Power-on your equipment in the order of this unit 0
connected equipment.
2. Raise the volume to an appropriate level.
Turning O the Power
1. Power-o your equipment in the order of connected
equipment 0this unit.
Cord hook
AC adaptor
A B F
ED
C G H

8
An Overview of the VERSELAB
How the SONG is congured
Project
VOCAL track
Take 1
Take 2
Take 3
Take 4
Take 2 Take 2
KICK/SNARE/HI-HAT/KIT/BASS/INST 1/INST 2 tracks
Section 1 Section 2 Section 4 Section 5Section 3 Section 3
Vocal eects Mastering eects
SONG
KICK track
SNARE track
HI-HAT track
KIT track
BASS track
INST 1 track
INST 2 track
VOCAL track
Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 16
Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 16
Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 16
Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 16
Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 16
Clip 1
Take 1
Clip 2
Take 2 Take 3 Take 4 Take 5 Take 16
Clip 3 Clip 16
EQ/COMP
EQ/COMP
EQ/COMP
EQ/COMP
EQ/COMP
EQ/COMP
EQ/COMP
Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 16
Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 16
Setting Setting Setting Setting
MFXEQ/COMP
Tracks and sections
Clips
Clip Clip
Track type: Tone Track type: Looper
Setting Setting
Phrase
Tone
Tone
MFX
Phrase
Sample
MFX
Track type: Drum Kit
Clip
Tone
Drum Kit
MFX
Instrument
Tone
Setting
Phrase

9
An Overview of the VERSELAB
What Is a Project?
The data used for creating songs is managed as a “project.” Here’s how
to create and save projects for each song.
Projects are saved on the SD card. When you create a song, you’ll need
to load a single project from the SD card into this unit for editing.
Projects contain settings for clips, sections, tracks, songs, eects and
so on.
What Is a Track?
A track is a place where you create your performance data. This unit
features eight tracks, including the KICK, SNARE, HI-HAT, KIT, BASS,
INST 1, INST 2 and VOCAL tracks.
There are four types of tracks, as shown below. For the tracks aside
from the VOCAL track, you can change to one of three track types
including “tone,”“drum kit” and “looper,” according to your needs
(p. 18).
* The VOCAL track always uses the “vocal” type.
* Only the INST 1 and 2 tracks can be set to “looper.”
Tone: This track type is used for single tones such as bass
guitar, piano, synths and so on.
You can play the individual pads like a scale, or play
chords with the pads.
Drum kit: This track type combines multiple percussion sounds
(drum kits).
Use this track type to play dierent percussion sounds
(drum instruments) using separate pads.
Looper: This track type is for looped playback of audio phrases,
such as drum performance, guitar ris and so on.
Time stretch is also supported. This feature lets you
change the playback speed without changing the pitch.
Vocal: This track type is used for recording vocals, backing
vocals and so on.
* This track type is for the VOCAL track only.
What Is a Section?
The seven tracks besides the VOCAL track are collectively known as a
“section.” You can create up to 16 sections.
For each section, you can create an intro, verse 1, verse 2, chorus, outro
and so on.
What Is a Clip?
A “clip” is a collection of data that is used by a track (except for the
VOCAL track). The data that a track can record or playback depends on
its track type.
Track type: Tone
Clip settings: Name, length, volume, key, shue, etc.
Tone: Tone and multi-eect settings
Phrase: Performance data and CTRL knob operation data
(motions)
Track type: Drum Kit
Clip settings: Name, length, volume, key, shue, etc.
Drum kit: Tone and multi-eect settings
Drum instrument: Tone settings
Phrase: Performance data and CTRL knob operation data
(motions)
Track type: Looper
Clip settings: Name, length, volume, etc.
Sample: Audio data played by the looper
Looper setting: Looper playback method
MFX: Multi-eect settings
Phrase: CTRL knob operation data (motions)
What Is a Song?
A “song” is a collection of sections arranged in order. This is played
along with the VOCAL track.
You can apply mastering eects and play back the song and vocals,
and save this as a WAV le (mixdown).
What Is a Vocal Take?
A “vocal take”is an audio phrase recorded to the VOCAL track, such as
vocals or backing vocals. You can create up to 16 vocal takes and play
them back at the desired timing of the song.
The performance data is recorded in the VOCAL track as a vocal
sequence.

10
An Overview of the VERSELAB
About Workows
A “workow” refers to the ow of steps you use to create a song.
The workow section on this unit has the following modes.
SEQ (Sequencer)
Use this mode to create the clips for individual tracks. Clips are the
smallest unit used in a song.
5 Select the instrument (tone) you want to play, and then record your
performance.
5 Import and play back audio phrases (looper).
SECTION
Use this mode to preview sections and adjust the number of measures
in each section.
SONG
5 Use this mode to create a song by arranging sections in order.
5 Record the vocals while listening to the song.
MIXER
Use this mode to adjust the audio output of each track.
MIXDOWN
Turn your completed song (the song and vocal) into a WAV le and
export it to an SD card.
Steps for Creating a Song
Follow the operations below to create a new song.
Creating a New Project
Creating a Project (p. 14)
Setting the Tempo (p. 27)
Making Song-Related Settings (p. 35)
Creating a Section
Create the clip (the smallest unit used in a song) for each track to
complete the rst section.
Modifying the Tones (p. 22)
Creating Phrases (p. 26)
Creating Section Variations
Create variations of the sections you make by copying them and using
them as a basis for the intro, verse 1, verse 2, chorus and so on.
Copying a Section (p. 16)
Editing the Section Length (p. 16)
Creating a Song by Arranging the Sections
Arrange the variations of the sections you made in order to create a
song, and record the vocals.
Creating a Song (p. 35)
Recording the Vocals (p. 37)
Adjusting theVolume and Equalizer for Each Track
Adjust the song’s sound balance by adjusting the volume, equalizer
and other parameters for each track.
Making Track Settings (p. 18)
Mixing Down
Complete your song by adjusting the overall eects for the song and
then mixing it down.
Applying Eects to an Entire Song (p. 42)
Creating an Audio File (p. 42)
Saving a Project (p. 14)

11
Listening to and Rearranging the Demo Songs
This explains how to rearrange the demo songs (projects) on the SD card included with this unit and output them as a WAV le to the SD card.
Flow of Operations
Load the project and play back the song.
Load a clip and edit the tones/phrases.
Edit the structure of the song by rearranging the sections,
changing their lengths and so on.
Record the vocals.
Mix the song down and output the song and the vocals as a
WAV le.
Loading the Project and Playing Back
the Song
Load the demo project called “05_Dark Cherry” and play back the
song.
1. Press the [LOAD] button.
The PROJECT screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “LOAD” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The PROJECT LOAD screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the “05_Dark Cherry” demo
project, and then press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The project is now loaded.
* If you have edited the project, a conrmation message appears asking
whether you want to save the current project. Select “SAVE”(p. 14) to save
the current project, or “LOAD” if you don’t want to save it.
5. Press the [SONG] button to set the workow to “SONG.”
6. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
7. Press the [ A] (START/STOP) button.
The song plays.
8. Press the [ A] (START/STOP) button again to stop playback.
Press one of the pads that is lit up brightly while the song is stopped to
preview its clips, section by section.
Loading Clips
Now, let’s load a preset clip from the SD card and edit its tone and
phrase (performance data).
This example shows the steps for editing the clip of the INST 1 track in
section 4.
1. Press the [SEQ] button to set the workow to“Sequencer.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press the [INST 1] button to select the INST 1 track.
You can press one of the pads that is lit up brightly to preview the
clips of the INST 1 track.
4. Press the [EDIT] button, and then pad [4] to specify where to
load the clip.
The CLIP EDIT MENU screen appears.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “LOAD CLIP,”and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The CLIP FILE screen appears.
6. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the clip that you want to load
(.mvc), and then press the [VALUE] dial.
The clip is now loaded.
Press pad [4] to preview the clip, and conrm that the tone and
phrase has changed.
How to select clips
The preset clips in the SD card are organized in categories by folder.
View the folder contents and select the clip (.mvc).
Folders are shown with the“F:” prex.
5 Press the [VALUE] dial while selecting a folder to display the next
level down in the folder structure (the folder contents).
5 Press the [EXIT] button to go back up one level.

12
Listening to and Rearranging the Demo Songs
Changing the Structure of a Song
Rearranging sections
This shows you to rearrange the sections of the song.
In this example, we show you how to change the placement of the
sixth section in the song.
1. Press the [SONG] button to set the workow to “SONG.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press the [REC] button to make it light.
4. Press the STEP SEQUENCER [6] button to specify where to
place the section.
The STEP SEQUENCER [6] button blinks.
5. Press pads [1]–[8] to select the sections.
The song is now rearranged, with the selected section placed in
sixth position.
6. Press the [REC] button to make it go dark.
Changing the length of a section
Here we’ll change the length (the number of measures) of a section.
This example shows you how to change the number of measures for
section 1.
1. Press the [SECTION] button to set the workow to“Section.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press pad [1] to select section 1.
STEP SEQUENCER buttons [1]–[8] light up to show section 1’s
length (in measures).
Each button corresponds to one measure (16 steps).
4. Press the STEP SEQUENCER [4] button.
The length of section 1 changes from eight measures to four.
Recording the Vocals
Now, let’s record the vocals for our song using the built-in mic while
listening to the song.
1. Press the [EDIT] button, and then press the MIC [ON] button.
The MIC SETTING screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “Mic In,”and set it to “BUILT-IN”
(the built-in mic).
3. Press the [SONG] button to set the workow to “SONG.”
4. Press the [VOCAL] button to select the VOCAL track.
5. Press one of the pads [1]–[16] that are unlit (the unrecorded
vocal takes) to select where to record your vocal.
“[REC] RecStandby” appears on the screen.
The vocal you recorded is assigned as a vocal take to an individual pad.
6. Press one of the STEP SEQUENCER [1]–[10] buttons to set the
timing at which you want to start recording.
The timing for starting the recording (measure-beat) is shown at the top
right-hand of the screen.
7. Press the [REC] button to enter record standby.
8. Press the MIC [ON] button to make it light.
Audio can now be input through the built-in mic.
9. Use the [GAIN] knob to adjust the recording volume.
Make some sound to input audio through the mic, and adjust the
volume as high as possible without letting the level meter reach
full scale.
Level meter
10. Press the [ A] (START/STOP) button to begin recording.
11. Press the [ A] (START/STOP) button to stop recording.
When you play back the song, you can also hear the vocal takes you
recorded that go along with the song.
12. Press the MIC [ON] button to make it go dark.
5To delete a vocal take, hold down the [CLEAR] button and press the pad
[1]–[16] (p. 39) corresponding to the vocal take.
5You can use the vocal processor to add eects to the vocal audio (p. 40).
Mixing Down
Now, let’s export your song and the vocals you recorded to an SD card
and create a WAV le.
* Mixing a song down takes the same amount of time as playing it back.
1. Press the [MIXDOWN] button.
The MIXDOWN screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “FULL MIX” (SONG + vocal
takes) and then press the [VALUE] dial.
Mixdown begins and playback starts.
The mixdown ends automatically when the song nishes playing
back.
After mixdown ends, select“PREVIEW” on the MIXDOWN screen and press
the [VALUE] dial to preview the WAV le that was created.
3. Press the [EXIT] button to close the MIXDOWN screen.

Reference

14
Project Operations
The data used for creating songs is managed as a “project.” Here’s how to create and save projects for each song.
NOTE
If you turn o the power without saving the data, any data you edited is lost. To keep your edited data, make sure to save the projects to an SD card.
Loading a Project
Load the project from the SD card and then edit the song.
NOTE
When you load a new project, any unsaved content of the currently open
project is lost.
1. Press the [LOAD] button.
The PROJECT screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “LOAD,”and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The PROJECT LOAD screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the project you want to edit,
and then press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
This loads the project.
* If you have edited the project, a conrmation message appears asking
whether you want to save the current project. Select “SAVE”to save the
current project, or select “LOAD”if you don’t want to save it.
Creating a New Project
To make a new song, you’ll need to create a project.
1. Press the [LOAD] button.
The PROJECT screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “NEW,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
This creates the new project.
* If you have edited the project, a conrmation message appears asking
whether you want to save the current project. Select “SAVE”to save the
current project, or select “NEW” if you don’t want to save it.
Saving a Project
Here’s how to save the project to the SD card.
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [LOAD] button.
The project name edit screen appears.
Cursor (blinking)
2. Edit the project name.
You can change the character shown at the cursor position.
Operation Explanation
MEASURE [<] [>] Selects the character to edit.
[VALUE] Edits the character.
[SHIFT] + MEASURE [>] Inserts a space.
[SHIFT] + MEASURE [<] Deletes the character.
[CLEAR] Deletes the character and replaces it with a space.
3. Press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
This saves the project.
NOTE
Never turn o the power or remove the SD card while the screen indicates
“Now Writing.”
* If there is already a project with the same name, a conrmation message
appears, asking you whether to overwrite it and save the new project. Select
“OK” to overwrite and save, or“Cancel” to stop.
* A locked project (p. 15) cannot be overwritten.

15
Project Operations
Conguring the Project
Here’s how to congure the project’s settings, such as the reference
pitch, pad illumination colors and more.
1. Press the [LOAD] button.
The PROJECT screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “SETTING,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The project settings screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select a parameter, and edit the value.
Parameter Value Explanation
COMMON
MstrTune 435.0–
445.0Hz
Species the reference pitch (master tune) for the
project.
* This has no eect on the pitch of the VOCAL track.
PC IN These are the settings for audio input from a computer or smartphone
connected via USB.
PC Level &“Parameter Guide” (PDF)
PC Pan
COLOR Sets the pad illumination colors for each pad operation mode (p. 25).
Note
ORANGE
YELLOW
GREEN
BLUE
PURPLE
PINK
WHITE
SKYBLUE
P.YELLOW
P.BLUE
P.PINK
L.RED
L.ORANGE
L.YELLOW
L.GREEN
P.GREEN
L.SKYBLUE
L.BLUE
L.PURPLE
Sets the color used for pads used for playing in Note
mode.
Play Sets the color used to indicate that a clip is playing back
in Section Select mode.
Stay Sets the color used to indicate that a clip has stopped in
Section Select mode.
D.Style Sets the pad color used when a drum track (KICK,
SNARE, HI-HAT, KIT) is selected in Style mode.
M.Style Sets the pad color when a melodic track (BASS, INST 1,
INST 2) is selected in Style mode.
Locking a Project
Here’s how to protect a project so that it can’t be overwritten or
deleted.
1. Press the [LOAD] button.
The PROJECT screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “LOCK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The PROJECT LOCK (or UNLOCK) screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the project to protect, and then
press the [VALUE] dial.
A lock symbol appears at the top right-hand part of the screen to
show that the project is locked.
* Selecting a project marked with the lock symbol and pressing the [VALUE]
dial unlocks the project.
Deleting Projects
Here’s how to delete a project stored on the SD card.
NOTE
You cannot restore a project that has been deleted.
1. Press the [LOAD] button.
The PROJECT screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “DELETE,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The PROJECT DELETE screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the project le to delete, and
then press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
This deletes the project.
* You cannot delete a locked project le.

16
Section Operations
A project can use eight tracks. Out of these tracks, the seven tracks besides the VOCAL track are collectively known as a section. There are 16
sections, and you can line up sections to create a song (p. 35).
Selecting a Section
1. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
2. Press pads [1]–[16] to select the sections.
The pads blink when their sections are selected.
MEMO
5 If a pad’s section contains a clip, the pad lights up brightly.
5 You can hold down a pad to preview its clip. The preview sound may dier
depending on which workow is selected.
Workow selected Preview
Sequencer (SEQ) Previews only the clips for the selected track.
Section (SECTION) Previews the clips for all tracks.
Song (SONG)
Setting the Section Length
You can set the length (in measures) for each section.
MEMO
If the section is longer than its clips (performance data), the clips loop to match
the section length.
1. Press the [SECTION] button to set the workow to“Section.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press pads [1]–[16] to select the sections.
The STEP SEQUENCER buttons light up to show the section length
(in measures).
* Each button corresponds to one measure (16 steps).
4. Press the STEP SEQUENCER [1]–[16] buttons to set the section
length (in measures).
For example, to make the section eight measures long, press the
STEP SEQUENCER [8] button, which makes buttons [1]–[8] light.
Copying a Section
Here’s how to copy the performance data and tones from one section
to another.
1. Press the [COPY] button.
The menu screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the content to copy, and then
press the [VALUE] dial.
Content Explanation
COPY:
SECTION ALL Copies all clips in the section.
SECTION PHRASE Copies only the phrases (performance data and motions).
SECTION SOUND Copies only the tones.
The SECT COPY screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the section to be copied
(source), and then press the [VALUE] dial.
4. Use [VALUE] dial to select the section to copy to (destination),
and then press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The section is copied.

17
Section Operations
Swapping Sections
Here’s how to swap (exchange) performance data and tones together
between sections.
1. Press the [COPY] button.
The menu screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “SWAP: SECTION,” and then
press the [VALUE] dial.
The SECTION SWAP screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the swap source section, and
then press the [VALUE] dial.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the swap destination section,
and press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The performance data and tones for the sections are now swapped.
Deleting a Section
This deletes all contents in a section. This reverts the tones (tones/
drum kits) to their default settings (presets).
1. Press the [SECTION] button to set the workow to“Section.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press pads [1]–[16] while holding down the [CLEAR] button to
select the section to delete.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The section’s performance data is deleted.
Naming a Section
You can name each section separately.
1. Press the [SECTION] button to set the workow to“Section.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press pads [1]–[16] to select the section to name.
4. Press the [EDIT] button, and then press the [VALUE] dial.
The section name edit screen appears.
Cursor (blinking)
5. Edit the section name.
You can change the character shown at the cursor position.
Operation Explanation
MEASURE [<] [>] Selects the character to edit.
[VALUE] Edits the character.
[SHIFT] + MEASURE [>] Inserts a space.
[SHIFT] + MEASURE [<] Deletes the character.
[CLEAR] Deletes the character and replaces it with a space.
6. Press the [VALUE] dial.
The section name is now changed.
Setting the Pad Illumination Colors
You can set the illumination color of the pads for each section.
1. Press the [SECTION] button to set the workow to“Section.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press the [EDIT] button, and then press pads [1]–[16] to select
the section for which the pad illumination color is to be
changed.
The SECT SETTING screen appears.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “Color,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the pad illumination color.

18
Track Operations
This unit includes eight tracks used for creating performance data, including the KICK, SNARE, HI-HAT, KIT, BASS, INST 1, INST 2 and VOCAL tracks.
There are four types of tracks, and the type of data that a track can contain depends on its track type.
Selecting Tracks
1. Press a track button from [KICK] through [VOCAL] to select a
track.
* To select the VOCAL track, press the [SONG] button to set the workow to
“SONG.”
The buttons of selected tracks light up.
Making Track Settings
This shows how to adjust the volume, equalizer and other parameters
for each track.
1. Press the [MIXER] button.
The track mixer screen appears.
2. Press a track button from [KICK] through [VOCAL] to select
the track to adjust.
* To select the VOCAL track, press the [SONG] button to set the workow to
“SONG.”
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to display the parameter you want
to adjust, and use the [CTRL 1]–[CTRL 3] knobs to edit the
values.
Parameter Value Explanation
LOW -24–+24 Adjusts the amount of boost/cut for the low, mid and
high ranges.
* When adjusting the equalizer, make sure that the
equalizer is turned on in the detailed track settings
(&memo).
MID -24–+24
HI -24–+24
LEV 0–127 Adjusts the volume.
PAN L128–127R Adjusts the sound position (pan).
MUT OFF, MUTE Sets mute on or o.
DLY -127–127 Sets how much signal is sent to the delay.
REV -127–127 Sets how much signal is sent to the reverb.
4. Press the [EXIT] button to close the track mixer screen.
MEMO
5 You can also turn the mute feature on/o by holding down the [MIXER]
button and pressing the [KICK]–[VOCAL] buttons.
5 Detailed track settings
Press the [KICK]–[VOCAL] buttons while holding down the [SHIFT] button to
access more detailed settings.
&For details, see the “Parameter Guide”(PDF).
Editing the Track Type
There are four types of tracks: “tone,”“drum kit,”“looper” and “vocal”
(p. 9). Change the track type to suit your needs.
The track types that can be set for each track are shown below.
Track Settings when making
a new project
Track type
Tone Drum Kit Looper Vocal
KICK Tone ( ( — —
SNARE Tone ( ( — —
HI-HAT Tone ( ( — —
KIT Drum Kit ( ( — —
BASS Tone ( ( — —
INST 1 Tone (((—
INST 2 Tone (((—
VOCAL Vocal — — — (
* The VOCAL track is for vocals only. You cannot change its type.
NOTE
To change the type of a track, delete the existing track and then create a new
track. If the track contains clips that you need, save the clips to an SD card
(p. 21) and then change the track type.
1. While holding down the [CLEAR] button, press the [KICK]–
[INST 2] buttons to select the track to change.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The track is deleted, and the CREATE screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the track type, and then press
the [VALUE] dial.
A new track is created.

19
Clip Operations
A “clip” is a collection of data that is used by a track (except for the VOCAL track). Clips contain data such as tones and phrases (performance data
and motions; see p. 9). You can edit the clips by changing only the tones for each, as well as by copying them.
Selecting a Clip
Select the clips used for each track.
1. Press the [SEQ] button to set the workow to“Sequencer.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
Pressing a pad in this state makes the clips and section switch at
the same time.
3. Press a button from [KICK] through [INST 2] to select a track.
4. Press pads [1]–[16] to select a clip.
Section number - track number
Clip name
* Selecting a clip makes the section switch as well.
Editing a Clip’s Settings
Track types: Tone, Drum Kit
This makes the settings related to sequencer playback.
* Some parameters can also be congured on the MEAS EDIT screen.
&“Making Measure-Related Settings”(p. 27)
Track type: Looper
Here’s how to specify a clip’s length, the sample playback direction and
other settings.
* Some parameters can also be congured on the MEAS EDIT screen.
&“Making Measure-Related Settings”(p. 34)
1. Press the [SEQ] button to set the workow to“Sequencer.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press a button from [KICK] through [INST 2] to select a track.
4. Press the [EDIT] button, and then press pads [1]–[16] to select
a clip.
The CLIP EDIT MENU screen appears.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “CLIP SETTING,”and then press
the [VALUE] dial.
The CLIP SETTING screen appears.
6. Use the [VALUE] dial to select a parameter, and edit the value.
&For details, refer to the“Parameter Guide” (PDF).
Changing Tones/Samples
Track types: Tone, Drum Kit
This changes the tone (tone/drum kit/drum instrument) used by a clip.
&“Loading/Saving Clips” (p. 21)
&“Changing the Tones” (p. 22)
Track type: Looper
Edits the sample used by a clip.
&“Loading/Saving Clips” (p. 21)
&“Recording Audio” (p. 33)
&“Loading Samples”(p. 33)
Editing a Clip’s Name
1. Press the [SEQ] button to set the workow to“Sequencer.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press a button from [KICK] through [INST 2] to select a track.
4. Press the [EDIT] button, and then press pads [1]–[16] to select
the clip whose name you want to change.
The CLIP EDIT MENU screen appears.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “RENAME,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The edit screen for the clip name appears.
Cursor (blinking)
6. Rename the clip.
You can change the character shown at the cursor position.
Operation Explanation
MEASURE [<] [>] Selects the character to edit.
[VALUE] Edits the character.
[SHIFT] + MEASURE [>] Inserts a space.
[SHIFT] + MEASURE [<] Deletes the character.
[CLEAR] Deletes the character and replaces it with a space.
7. Press the [VALUE] dial.
The clip’s name is now changed.

20
Clip Operations
Copying a Clip
Here’s how to copy the tone and phrase from one clip to another.
* You can’t copy clips between tracks that have dierent track types.
1. Press the [COPY] button.
The menu screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the content to copy, and then
press the [VALUE] dial.
Content Explanation
COPY:
CLIP ALL Copies all clip content.
CLIP PHRASE Copies only the phrase.
CLIP SOUND Copies only the tone/sample.
* The multi-eect settings are also copied.
The CLIP COPY screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the clip to be copied (source),
and press the [VALUE] dial.
4. Turn the [VALUE] dial to select the clip to copy to
(destination), and then press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The clip is now copied.
Swapping Clips
This shows you how to swap contents between clips.
* You can’t swap clips with dierent track types.
1. Press the [COPY] button.
The menu screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “SWAP: CLIP ALL,”and then
press the [VALUE] dial.
The CLIP SWAP screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the swap source clip, and press
the [VALUE] dial.
4. Use the [VALUE] dial to select the swap destination clip, and
press the [VALUE] dial.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The contents of the clips are now swapped.
Deleting a Clip
Here’s how to delete all contents from a clip. This reverts the tones
(tones/drum kits) to their default settings (presets).
1. Press the [SEQ] button to set the workow to“Sequencer.”
2. Press the [SECTION SELECT] button to switch the pads to
Section Select mode.
3. Press a button from [KICK] through [INST 2] to select a track.
4. Press a pad from [1]–[16] while holding down the [CLEAR]
button to select the clip to delete.
A conrmation message appears.
* To cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
5. Use the [VALUE] dial to select “OK,” and then press the
[VALUE] dial.
The clip is deleted.