Roland Micro Composer MC-80EX User manual

Roland
MC-BD
MC-BDEX
MICRD CDMPaSER
OWNER'S MANUAL
Before using this unit, carefully rrad the sections entitled: "IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS" (page 2), "USING THE UNIT SAFELV" (page 3}j and IMPORTANT
NOl'ES" (pages 11 and 12). These sections prondo important infonnation conccniing the
proper, operation of the unit. AdditionEdly, in order to feet assured that you iiaye gainiHl a
ji>t>od '^asp of cvxry feature provided by your new unit, Qiiick Start iind Owner's Manual
^ould be read in its entirety. '..,.',
Tlie manuals should be saved and IcEpt on haiid as aconvenient tsEerenc& -
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Copyright ©1999 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written pemiis-
sion of ROLAND CORPORATION.

ATTENTION: risque DE choc ELECTHIQUE NE PAS OUVRIB
CAUTION; TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. A
The lightning (lash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of suffident magnitude to
constitute arisk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in ttie
literature accompanying the product.
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO ARISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING -When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
3.
1
.
Read all the instructions before using the product.
2. Do not use this product near water —for example, near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in awet basement, or near
aswimming pool, or the like.
This product should be used only with acart or stand that is
recommended by the manufacturer.
This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier
and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing
sound levels that could cause pennanent hearing loss. Do
not operate for along period of time at ahigh volume level
or at alevel that Is uncomfortable. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an
audlologlst.
The product should be located so that Its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
The product should be located away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, or other products that produce
heat.
The product should be connected to apower supply only of
the type described in the operating instructions or as marked
on the product.
8. The power-supply cord of the product should be unplugged
from the outlet when left unused for along period of time.
9. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled info the enclosure through openings.
lO.The product should be serviced by qualified service
personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
product; or
C. The product has been exposed to rain; or
D. The product does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits amarked change in performance; or
E. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure
damaged.
11. Do not attempt to sen/ice the product beyond that described
in the user-maintenance instmctions. All other sen^lcing
should be referred to qualified sen/ice personnel.
-For the USA-
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides apath of least resistance for
electric cun-ent to reduce the risk of electric shook.
This product is equipped with acord having an equipment-grounding conductor and agrounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that is property installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
DANGER: Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in arisk of electric shock. Check with a
qualified electrician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to whether the product is property grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the product —if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by aqualified
electrician.
For the U.K. -
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS (vlAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
GREEN-AND-YELLOW: EARTH, BLUE: NEUTRAL, BROWN: LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured mari<ings identifying
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be connected to the tenminal in the plug which is mari<ed by the
letter Eor by the safety earth symbol®or coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the lenninal which is marked with the letter Nor coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the tenninal which is mari<ed with the letter Lor coloured RED.
The product which is equipped with aTHREE WIRE GROUNDING TYPE LINE PLUG must be grounded.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY
INSTRUaiONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS
About AWARNING and ACAUTION Notices
zi^^WARNING
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used
improperly.
ACAUTION
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit he 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.
About the Symbols
A
®
€
The Asymbol alerts tlie user to important instructions
or wamings.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. h\ the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.
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
tlie case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-
cord plug must be unpluggeci from the outlet.
ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING
ZLWARNING ^WARNING
•Before using this unit, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner's Manual. A
•Do not open or perform any internal modifications /^~\
on the unit. (The only exception would be where this \^
manual provides specific instructions which should
be followed tn order to put in place user-installable
options; see p. 111.)
•Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is aB
level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on ^^
stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
•Avoid damaging the power cord. Do not bend it /\N
excessively, step on it, place heavy objects on it, etc. Av_y
damaged cord can easily become ashock or fire haz-
ard. Never use apower cord after it has been dam-
aged.
•In households with small children, an adult should
provide supervision until the child is capable of fol
lowing all the rules essential for the safe operation of
the unit.
'.A
•Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!) A
•Do not force the unit's power-supply cord to share /\^
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other V3'
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 insula-
tion on the cord to heat up and eventually melt
through.
•Before using the unit in aforeign country, consult /|\
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center/^
or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the
"Information" page.
•Always turn the unit off and unplug the power cord
before attempting installation of the circuit board
(VE-GS Pro; p. 107).
ACAUTION
•Always grasp only the plug on the power-supply Q^
cord when plugging into, or unplugging from, an out- V^'
let or this unit.
•Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming /In,
entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed ''
so they are out of the reach of children.
•Never climb on top of, nor place heav-y objects on /\\
the unit. V.V
•Never handle the power cord or its plugs with wet/
hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an^
outlet or this unit.
•Before moving the unit, disconnect tlie power plug
from the outlet, and pull out all cords from external
devices.
•Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and
unplug the power cord from the outlet (p. 107).
•Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in
your area, pull the plug on the power cord out of the
outlet.
•Install only the specified circuit board(s) (VE-GS MM
Pro). Remove only the specified screws (p. 112). ^^

Contents
Important Notes .11
Features of the MC-80 •13
Names and Functions •14
Chapter 1. Outline of the MC-80 •17
Overview of the MC-80 17
How the Sequencer is Arranged .....17
What is aSequencer ?17
What is aTrack ?18
What is aSong? 18
What is aMIDI Channel? 19
The MC-80 and Disks •19
Basic Panel Operations •20
Selecting Functions (Switching Screens) ..-^O
Changing Settings 20
Functions for setting avalue 20
Other Convenient Functions 21
Undo/Redo 21
Help Function 21
File Sort Function 22
Panic Function 22
Chapter Z.Setting the MIDI Connectors and MIDI Charmels 23
Selecting the MIDI IN Connector 23
Selecting the MIDI OUT Connector/Internal Sound Generator 23
Setting the MC-80 to Play Only Through an External Sound Generator 23
Setting the MC-80 to Use Both an External and the Internal Sound Generator 24
Setting the MC-80 So That Only the Internal Sound Generator is Used 24
Setting the MIDI THRU connector 25
Selecting the MIDI Channel for Each Track 25
Chapter 3.Playback Functions 26
Basic Settings 26
METRONOME Settings 26
Checking the Status of the Data on Each Track 26
Two Playback Methods 27
Quick Play 27
Song Play 27
Playing Back Songs or Patterns 27
Basic Playback Operations 27
Playing Back Songs Created in MC-80 Format 28
Playing Back XP-50/60/80 Songs 28
Playing Back Standard MIDI Files 28
Playing Back MC-50mkII Songs 29
4

Simple Song Selection Fimctions in the SONG Screen 29
Switching On and Off the Display of Song File Types 29
Playing Patterns 29
Changing the Overall Tempo of the Song 30
Setting the Tempo to Change During the Song 30
Playing the Song at aFixed Tempo (Tempo Track Mute) 31
Playing Back aSong from aPoint Other Than the Beginning (MIDI Update) 31
Transposing During Playback (Realtime Transpose) 31
Transposing 31
Selecting Channel Not to Be Transposed 31
Use the Fadeout Function 32
SongFadeouts 32
Determining the Fade Out Time 33
Repeating Playback (Repeat) 33
Preselecting the Following Song During Playback (Next Song) 33
Turning Each Track On and Off 33
Muting aSelected Track (Track Mute) 33
Playing Only One Track (Solo) 34
Keeping Only One Track from Playing (Minus One) 34
Jumping to aSpecific Measure (Mark Jump) 34
Setting Markers/Using Mark Jump 34
Deleting Markers 35
Changing the location of amarker 35
Precisely Setting the Markers 35
Setting the Mark Jump Timing 35
Continuous Playback of Songs (Chain Play) 35
Creating aChain (Preparation of the Chain) 35
Using Chain Play 36
Saving Chains to Disk 36
Loading Chains from the Disk for Playback 36
Locating Songs Added to Chains 37
Changing the Sequence of Songs in aChain 37
Song Info 37
Chapter 4.Recording Functions 38
Basic Settings 38
Metronome Settings 38
Settings for Each Track 38
Before Beginning to Record 39
Song Initialize 39
Setting the Beat 39
Adding aCount Sound Before Recording Begins 39
Changing aTrack's Recording MIDI Channel 40
Recording Performance Data from Multiple MIDI Channels onto Tracks 40
5

Recording As You Perform (Realtime Recording) 40
Realtime Recording Settings -•• 40
Beginning Realtime Recording 42
Switching Tracks During the Recording (Nonstop Loop Recording) 42
Checking the Tones and Phrases During Recording (Rehearsal Function) 44
Deleting Unneeded Data During Realtime Recording (Realtime Erase) 44
Recording Song Tempo Changes 44
Deleting Recordings (Undo/Redo) 45
Inputting Data (Step Recording) 45
Inputting Notes and Rests with aMIDI Keyboard 45
Step Recording Without Using aMIDI Keyboard 46
Using aPattern as Part of a Song -. 46
Deleting Input (Undo/Redo) 47
Saving Songs to the Disk 47
Saving Songs 47
Creating Folders 48
Chapter S.How to Use Patterns 49
What is aPattern? 49
Differences between Pattern's Track and Song's Track 49
What You Can Do by Using Patterns 49
Using aPattern as One Part of aSong Performance 49
Using aPattern as One Phrase of aPhrase Sequence 50
Playing Back Patterns 50
Selecting aPattern from alist 50
Chapter 6.Playing Phrases with One Key (Phrase Sequence) 51
What is Phrase Sequence? 51
Making the Basic Settings •51
Phrase Sequence Parameters 51
Performing Using Phrase Sequence 52
Recording Performances with Plixase Sequence 53
Chapter Z.Automatic Arpeggio Function (Arpeggiator) 54
What is the Arpeggiator? 54
Basic Operation 54
Style 54
Changing Arpeggio Tempos 55
Making Even More Detailed Arpeggiator Settings 55
Combining with Other Functions 57
Holding Arpeggios (Hold) 57
Recording Arpeggiator Performances 57
Chapter S.Editing Songs and Patterns (Edit) 58
6

Loading Songs for Editing Into the MC-80 58
Making Settings for Each Song 58
Song Name 58
Adding Song Copyright Information 58
Pattern Name 59
Making Edits to Performances One at aTime (MICRO EDIT) 59
What is Micro Edit? 59
Displaying Only Specific Types of Data 60
Changing Performance Data 61
Changing the Tempo Change Recorded to the Tempo Track 63
Changing Data Recorded to the Beat Tracks 63
Changing the Beat of the Pattern 63
Changing the Tempo Within the Song 63
Changing the Beat Within the Song 64
Creating Performance Data (Create) 64
Deleting Performance Data (Erase) 65
Moving Performance Data (Move) 65
Copying Performance Data (Copy) 66
Editing Whole Measures and Tracks (Track Edit) 66
Erasing Phrases (Erase) 67
Deleting Measures (Delete) 68
Deleting Blank Measures from the Beginning of the Song (TRUNCATE) 68
Copying Phrases (Copy) 69
Inserting Blank Measures (Insert Measure) 70
Transposing Phrases (Transpose) 71
Changing Phrase Velocity (Change Velocity) 71
Changing aPhrase's MIDI Channel (Change Channel) 73
Changing Note Length in aPhrase (Change Gate Time) 74
Combining Two Tracks or Patterns Into One (Merge) 74
Extracting Specific Performance Data (Extract) 75
Shifting Performance Data Forward and Back (Shift Clock) 76
Thinning Out the Performance Data (Data Thin) 77
Exchanging Content Between Tracks or Patterns (Exchange) 78
Adjusting the Song's Playback Time (Time Fit) 79
Converting Data (Modify Value) 79
Correcting Performance Timing (Quantize) 80
What is Quantize? 80
Creating Uniform Timing (Grid Quantize) 81
Creating aShuffle Rhytimi (Shuffle Quantize) 81
Adding Different Kinds of "Groove" to the Rhythm (Groove Quantize) 83
Creating an SMF for use as aUser Groove Template 87
Loading an SMF as user groove template data 88
Saving User Groove Templates to the Disk as aGroup 88
Loading User Groove Template Files Into the MC-80 89

Chapter 9Handling Files and Disks 90
Disks That the MC-80 Can Use •90
Procedure for Saving Files (Save) 90
Data That Can Be Saved 90
Song Files (.SVQ)/Standard MIDI Files (.MID) 91
Procedure for Saving Chain Files (.SVC) --91
User Groove Template Files (.SVT) 92
Configuration Files (.SVF) •92
Procedure for Loading Files (Load) 93
Song Files (.SVQ)/Standard MIDI Files (.MID) 93
Chain Files (.SVC) 93
User Groove Template Files (.SVT) 94
Configuration Files (.SVF) 94
Loading Songs from Other Roland's Devices 94
Types of Song Files That Can Be Loaded (1) 94
Types of Song FUes That Can Be Loaded (2) 95
Types That Cannot Be Loaded 95
Using MC-80 Songs on Other Devices 95
Functions Related to Files and Folders 95
Copying Files and Folders (Copy) 95
Deleting FUes and Folders (Delete) 96
Moving Files and Folders to aDifferent Location (Move) 96
Changing File Names and Folder Names (Rename) 97
Managing Files with Folder (Folder) 97
Disk Functions 98
Checking the Content of a Disk (Disk Info) 98
Changing the Name of aDisk (Volume Label) 98
Copying (Disk Copy) •98
Formatting aDisk for Use with the MC-80 (Format) 99
Setting and Removing Overwrite Protection for Floppy Disks 100
Setting and Removing Overwrite Protection for Zip Disk 100
Addtiig aHard Disk or Zip Drive 101
Acceptable Drives 101
The MC-80's Internal Drive 101
About the MC-80's External Drive 104
Chapter 10 Overall Settings for the MC-80 106
Precautions When Turning Off the Power 106
Adjusting the Display Contrast 106
What is aConfiguration File? 106
Using aFootswitch 107
Setting the MC-80 to Ignore SpeciHc MIDI Data 108
Setting the Metronome 108
8

Chapter 11 Using the Internal Sound Generator (VE-GS Pro) Ill
Installing the VE-GS Pro Ill
Listening to the VE-GS Pro demo songs 112
Basic Setup of the VE-GS Pro 112
Basic Settings for Use of the VE-GS Pro 112
Setting the VE-GS Pro to the initial state 113
System/Mode Settings 113
Settings for Each Part 113
Editing Tones 115
Usii^g Insertion Effects 116
Saving VE-GS Pro Settings 117
Using VE-GS Pro As an External Sequencer/Sound Generator 117
Chapter 12 Connecting and Synchronizing with External Devices 119
Using the MC-80 with aMIDI Keyboard and External Sound Module 119
Wlien using aMIDI Keyboard Featuring No Local Control Function 119
When Connecting Two External Sound modules 120
When Connecting Three or More Sound Modules 120
Recording and Saving External Sound Module Settings on the MC-80 120
Synduonizing the MC-80 and Another Sequencer 121
Synchronizing the MC-80 and Roland's VS Series Devices 121
For More About the Synchronization Settings 124
Appendices 127
Troubleshooting 127
Parameters 129
List of Function Button Combinations 144
Message/Error Message 145
About SCSI 148
About MIDI 149
MIDI Implementation 150
MIDI Implementation Chart 156
Glossary 157
Specifications 160
Quick reference of displays 161
Index 165

*GS (^^ )is aregistered trademark of Roland Corporation.
*Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
*Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
*Windows® 3.1 is known officially as; "Microsoft® Windows® operating system Version 3.1."
*Windows® 95 is known officially as: "Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system."
*Windows® 98 is known officially as: "Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system."
*Windows NT® is known officially as: "Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system."
*Apple is aregistered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
*Macintosh is aregistered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
*MacOS is atrademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
*IBM is aregistered trademark of International Business Macliines Corporation.
*IBM PC is aregistered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
*PC-9800 Series is atrademark of NEC Corporation.
*All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective own-
ers.
Conventions Used in This Manual
Button names are enclosed in square brackets. (Example: [PLAY])
Screen names are enclosed in quotation marks (e.g., "xxx Screen").
They appear in the upper left of the display.
When acertain screen is referred to in this manual, check tlie upper middle part of the display. The screen name
should appear there.
Screen name
10

Important Notes
In addition to the items listed under "IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" and "USING THE UNIT
SAFELY" on pages 2and 3, please read and observe
the following:
Powfer Supply
•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).
•Before connecting this unit to otlier devices, turn off
the power to all uiuts. This will help prevent malfunc-
tions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
•Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other
equipment containing large power transformers) may
induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the ori-
entation of this unit; or move it farther away from tlie
source of interference.
•This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
•Observe the followijig when using the imit's floppy
disk drive. For further details, refer to "Before Using
Floppy Disks".
•Do not place the unit near devices that produce a
strong magnetic field (e.g., loudspeakers).
•Install the unit on asolid, level surface.
•Do not move the unit or subject it to vibration
while the drive is operating.
•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 tempera-
ture extremes. Also, do not aUow lighting devices that
normally are used while their light source is very close
to the unit (such as apiano light), or powerful spot-
lights to shine upon the same area of the unit for
extended periods of time. Excessive heat can deform
or discolor the unit.
•To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in
awet area, such as an area exposed to rain or other
moisture.
•Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to
remain on the piano for long periods of time. Such
objects can discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the
finish.
•Do not put anything that contains water (e.g., flower
vases) on the piano. Also, avoid the use of insecticides,
perfumes, alcohol, nail polish, spray cans, etc., near
the unit. Swiftly wipe away any liquid that spills on
the unit using adry, soft cloth.
Maintenance
•To clean the unit, use adry, soft cloth; or one that is
slightly dampened. Try to wipe the entire surface
using an equal amovrnt of strength, moving the cloth
along with the grain of the wood. Rubbing too hard in
the same area can damage the finish.
•Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of
any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration
and /or deformation.
Additional Precautions
•Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the
contents of data that was stored on afloppy/Zip disk,
hard disk, in another MIDI device (e.g., asequencer),
and in the unit's memory once it has been lost. Roland
Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss
of data.
•Use areasonable 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 malfimctions.
•Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
•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.
•Asmall amount of heat will radiate from the unit
during normal operation.
•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).
•When you need to transport the unit, package it in
the box (including padding) that it came ki, if possible.
Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging
materials.
Before Using Floppy Disks/Zip
Disks
Handling the Floppy Disk Drive/Zip
Disk Drive
•Install the unit on asolid, level surface in an area
free from vibration.
•Avoid using the unit immediately after it has been
moved to alocation with alevel of humidity that is
greatly different than its former location. Rapid
changes in the environment can cause condei-isation to
form inside the drive, which will adversely affect the
operation of the drive and/or damage floppy/Zip
disks. When the unit has been moved, allow it to
become accustomed to the new environment (allow a
few hours) before operating it.
11

•To insert adisk, push it gently but firmly into the
drive—it will click into place. To remove adisk, press
the EJECT button firmly. Do not use excessive force to
remove adisk which is lodged in the drive.
•The indicator light for the disk drive lights up at full
brightness when reading or wrihng data, and lights up
at half brightness at other times. Don't try to eject the
disk while reading or writing is in progress (that is,
when the inciicator light is lit up at full brightness).
Attempting to do so may damage the magnetic surface
of the disk, rendering it unusable.
•Remove any disk from the drive before powering up
or down.
•To prevent damage to the disk drive's heads, always
try to hold tlie floppy/Zip disk in alevel position (not
tilted in any direction) while inserting it into the drive.
Push it in firmly, but gently. Never use excessive force.
•To avoid the risk of malfunction and/or damage,
insert only floppy/Zip disks into the disk drive. Never
insert any other type of disk. Avoid getting paper
clips, coins, or any other foreign objects inside the
drive.
Handling Floppy Disks/Zip Disks
•Floppy/Zip disks contain aplastic disk with athin
coating of magnetic storage medium. Microscopic pre-
cision is required to enable storage of large amounts of
data on such asmall surface area. To preserve their
integrity, please observe the following when handling
floppy/Zip disks:
•Never touch the magnetic medium inside the disk.
•Do not use or store floppy/Zip disks in dirty or
dusty areas.
•Do not subject floppy/Zip disks to temperature
extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehi-
cle).
Recommended temperature range:
Floppy: 10 to 50° C(50 to 122° F)
Zip: -22 to 51° C(-7.6 to 123.8° F)
•Do not expose floppy/Zip disks to strong magnet-
ic fields, such as those generated by loudspeakers.
•Floppy disks have a"write protect" tab which can
protect the disk from accidental erasure. It is recom-
mended that the tab be kept iii the PROTECT position,
and moved to the WRITE position only when you
wish to write new data onto the disk.
Protect Tab
.4. Write Enabled
Protected
•The identification label should be firmly affixed to
the disk. Should the label come loose while the disk is
in the drive, it may be difficult to remove the disk.
•Store all disks in asafe place to avoid damaging
them, and to protect them from dust, dirt, and other
hazards. By using adirty or dust-ridden disk, you risk
damaging the disk, as well as causing the disk drive to
malfunction.
About the Panel Operations
On the MC-80, buttons are pressed to switch between
screeiis, and carry out avariety of operations.
Most operations are begun from either the "SONG
PLAY" screen or the "QUICK PLAY" screen.
As long as you know how to get back to these two
screens, then even if you become lost or unable to
understand how to carry out acertain operation, you
can start the procedure over from the beginning.
Two methods used to accomplish this are describeti
below.
l.Returning to Previous Screens One at aTime
You can return to previous screens (reversing the
order you took to arrive where you are) by pressing
the EXIT button.
This is convenient for viewing the different screens
that have been opened during the operation.
2.Reluming to the "SONG PLAY" or "QUICK PLAY"
Screen
You can return directly to the "SONG PLAY" screen or
"QUICK PLAY" screen by pressing the SEQUENCER
button.
12

Features of the MC-80
Packed v/ifh Features
Quick Play
Songs recorded on the disk can be played back immediately,
with no loading process necessary.
(Except for Super-MRC (MC-50mkIl, etc.))
File Sort Function
Because of the huge numbers of files that can be stored on
Zip disks and hard disks, the MC-80 includes afimction
allowing you to change tlie way file names and song names
are listed.
Tap Tempo
This lets you input atempo by tapping abutton.
Two Independent MIDI OUT Channels
You can also control to 32 MIDI channels simultaneously.
Compatibility to Various Song Files
The MC-80 can load and use song files from the Roland XP-
80/60/50 series and MC-50/300/500 series models, and
Standard MIDI File (SMF) Format and Format 1song files.
Additionally, the MC-80 can save songs in SMF Format
and Format 1as well.
Synchronize with "Roland VS Series" Hard
Disk Recorders
You can connect the MC-80 to Roland's VS Series hard disk
recorders with aMIDI cable to synchronize operation of the
devices. This makes it possible to get ensemble perfor-
mances using vocals and live performances from the VS
Series with songs created on the MC-80.
Powerful Playback Functions
Continuous Playback of Songs (Chain Play)
This works like aCD player's program function, allowing
you to have anumber of songs played back continuously in
the order you choose.
Mark Jump
Use this function to place markers within songs, and then
jump to those locations at the press of abutton. This function
features adedicated button, for fast operation during play-
back and recording.
Solo/Minus One
This lets you easily select just one track to be played, or mute
acertain track with the press of dedicated buttons.
Realtime Transpose
The MC-80 also includes atranspose function that lets you
change the key of the entire song, even while you are play-
ing.
Repeat Play
You can have aselected range of asong played back repeat-
edly. You can press the pedal switch to bypass the repeating
segment and play back the measures after it, jump to the
repeating section during playback at adifferent place in the
song, and enjoy awide variety of other playback options.
Support Functions for Powerful
Stage Performances
Phrase Sequence
You can play patterns whenever you need them during live
performances with the press of a single key.
Arpeggiator
Perform arpeggios just by playing chords on the keyboard.
Recording and Editing Functions Help
You Perform with Confidence
High-Resolution Clock (480:1)
The MC-80 clock features an extremely high resolution, with
each beat divided into 480 increments, allowing precise
recording and editing of the subtle nuances of aperfor-
mance.
Nonstop Loop Recording
You can change the track to which performance data is
recorded while the recording is in progress. During Loop
Recording, this also lets you record to multiple tracks with-
out stopping.
Quantize
The MC-80 features three Quantize functions: Grid, Shuffle,
and Group.
Undo/Redo
With this feature, you can undo the immediately preceding
step in recording, Track Edit, or Microscope Edit operations,
and then if desired, redo the same step.
Exceptional Expandability
Accepts installation of aVoice Expansion
Board
By adding the optional VE-GS Pro Voice Expansion Board,
you can obtain sound generation capabihties (64 voices, 32
parts) equivalent to the SC-88 Pro, Roland's GS-compatible
sound module.
Expanded Storage with 2.5" Hard Disk Drive
or Zip Drive
An optional hard disk drive (HDP-88 Series) or Zip drive
(ZrP-EXT-2S) can be installed internally, allowing storage of
ahuge number of files. In addition, optional external Zip
drives can be connected (when equipped with the optional
SCSI Board). That way, you can work with an even greater
number of files, and you can make back ups of the internal
hard disk.
*The MC-SO is able to use hard disks regardless of their capacity,
but amaximum of 2.2 GB ofany hard disk can he actually used.
13

Names and Functions
Top Panel
1. EXPANSION OUTPUT LEVEL Knob
This adjusts the sound generator volume level when
the optional VE-GS Pro voice Expansion Board is
installed (Quick Start p. 4).
2. [TEMPO/BEAT] Button
Use this to turn on and off the track to which tempo
changes are recorded (the Tempo track) when record-
ing. During editing, this is usee! to switch between the
Tempo track and the Beat track (the track to which
beat changes are recorded).
*Immediately after the MC-80 is started up, this but-
ton will be lit. (Tliis is because by default, tempo and
beat data are included at the beginning of the song.)
3. [PATTERN] Button
Press this when playing back, recording, or editing
patterns (p. 49, 50).
4. TRACK Buttons [1 HI 6]
These are used to switch between recording and mute
on each of the channels. This is used for selecting the
track to be recorded during recording, (p. 33, 34).
14
5. [SOLO] Button
Press to use the Solo function (p. 34).
6. [MINUS ONE] Button
Press to use the Minus One function (p. 34).
7. [ARPEGGIATOR] Button
This button turns the Arpeggiator on and off (p. 54).
8. [PHRASE SEQUENCE] Button
This turns the Phrase Sequence function on and off,
and is also used in changing the settings parameters
(P. 51).
9. [DISPLAY]
This area shows song and pattern names, and setting
information during editing using graphics and text (p.
107).
10. [TOOLS] Button
Help, MIDI-related functions, the MC-80's overall set-
tings, disk-related fimctions, and other information is
gathered in this section.

Names and Functions
11.[F1HF6] Buttons
Pressing these buttons' changes functions depending
on the screen display.
The names of the fmictions corresponding to the but-
tons appear in the lower part of the display screen(P.
20).
12. [EXIT (UNDO/REDO)] Button
Press once, to return to the previous stage screen. By
pressing the button one or more times, finally you can
return to the "sequencer" screen.
Additionally, pressing this button while holding down
sWft changes it to the Undo ftmction for recording and
editing (p. 21).
13. [SEQUENCER] Button
Press this button to play back, record, and edit songs
(p. 28).
14. [CHAIN PLAY] Button
This sets the Chain Play function (a function that
allows you to change the playback order of the songs
however you like) (p. 36).
15. [BEAT] indicator
Blinks on and off in time with the rhytlim of the song
(p. 63).
16. [TRANSPOSE] Button
Press this button when making settings for the
Realtime Transpose function {the function tliat allows
you to change the key of the entire song) (p. 31).
17. [TEMPO] Button
Press this button to change the tempo (p. 30).
18. [SELECT] Button
Press this when selecting songs or Chain Play files (p.
28).
19. [VALUE] Dial
This dial performs the same function as the INC/+
button and DEC/- button. Use this dial when you
want to make big changes in song numbers or settings
values all at once (p. 20).
20. [TOP] Button
Press this to go to the beginning of asong or pattern
(p. 27).
21. [BWD] Button
Press this button when you want to go to previous
measures in asong or pattern. Press once to go back
one measure; hold it down to go back continuously (p.
27).
22. [FWD] Button
Press this button when you want to advance to later
measures in asong or pattern. Press once to advance
one measure; hold it down to advance continuously
(p. 27).
23. [END] Button
Press this button to go to the end of the song or pat-
tern (p. 27).
24. [STOP] Button
Press this to stop the song or pattern during playback
or recording (p. 27).
25. [PLAY] Button
Press this button to play back the song or pattern (p.
27).
26. [REC] Button
Press this to record asong or pattern (p. 27).
27. [REPEAT] Button
Press this button when using the Repeat function (p.
32).
28. [SHIFT] Button
By holding down tliis button while pressing otlier but-
tons, you can call up different functions {p. 145).
29. MARK JUMP [1]-[4] Buttons
Press these buttons when using the Marker function
(p. 34).
30. [TAP] Button
Rhythmically tap this button to specify the rhythm of
asong (p. 30).
31. [CURSOR] Buttons
Press these buttons to move the cursor within the
screen. Use these four buttons to move the cursor up,
down, right, and left (p. 20).
32. [DEC/-] Button, [INC/-!-] Button
Use these buttons to select songs and to change set-
tings values when editing. Press the [INC/+] button to
increase the selected value, and press the [DEC/-] but-
ton to make decrea.ses (p. 21).
33. Numeric Keys
Use these buttons to select songs and to change set-
tings values when editing. Pressing the ENTER button
after pressing these keys inputs the value (p. 21).
34. [ENTER] Button
This button inputs avalue selected with the numeric
keys {p. 21).
35. Floppy disk drive
Insert afloppy disk here for use. (p. 90)
36. Drive bay
AZip drive (ZIP-EXT-2S, sold separately) or hard disk
(HDP-88 series, sold separately) can be installed here.
(p. 90)
15

Names and Functions
Rear Panel
1. [POWER] Switch
This switches the power to the MC-80 on and off.
•Alum/s be sure to carry out the shut down procedure (p.
106) before switching off the power.
2. AC IN
Connect the AC cord here (Quick Start p. 2).
3. MIDI IN 1/ IN 2Connectors
Use these connectors to connect external MIDI key-
boards, and when receiving settings data from exter-
nal sound modules.
Select either of the connectors for use (p. 23).
4. MIDI THRU Connector
Information received through the MIDI IN connector
is output here with no changes made.
5. MIDI OUT 1/ OUT 2Connectors
Connect external sound modules, samplers, hard disk
recorders, or similar devices here (p. 23).
6. SCSI Connector Slot
Use this slot when installing the optional SCSI inter-
face (VS4S-1) (p. 105).
7. FOOT SW Connector
If using apedal switch such as the optional DP-2, con-
nect the switch here (p. 108).
8. CLICK LEVEL Knob
This adjusts the volume of the click sound.
9. OUTPUT (R/L (MONO)) Connector
Use this connector when outputting signals from the
optional VE-GS Pro Voice Expansion Board to an
external mixer or other device (p. 22).
10. PHONES Jack
Connect your headphones to this jack when listening
to sounds from the optional VE-GS Pro Voice
Expansion Board.
Additionally, this is where you cormect headphones
when you want to listen to the click sound from the
MC-80 itself.
*Audio signals are output from the OUTPUT (R/L
(MONO)) connector even when the headphones are
plugged into this jack.
1 1 .SECURITY LOCK
You can attach acommercially available security cable
(Kensington or other) here.
The security lock is compatible with the Kensington
Micro Saver System.
MicroSaver Security Slot (u3 )
MicroSaver and Kensington are registered trademarks
of Kensington Microware Limited.
©1999 Kensington Microware Limited
Kensington Microware Limited
2855 Campus Drive
San Mateo, CA 94403 U.S.A.
Web:www.keiisington.com
16

Chapter 1.Outline of the MC-80
This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts,
operational procedures, and functions that are com-
mon to the MC-80 as awhole. First-time users of
sequencers will especially need to take the time to
read this chapter, so the content of the Owner's
Manual will be easier to understand.
Overviews of the MC-80
The MC-80 is aprofessional sequencer that consoli-
dates the features found in previous models.
Its various functions can be divided broadly into the
following categories:
•Sequencer Functions
This section includes playback, recording, editing, and
other operations that comprise asequencer's most
basic functions.
•Helpful Accompaniment Functions (Phrase
Sequence, Arpeggiator)
You can perform impossibly fast phrases in ordinary
instrumental performances, or get ensemble perfor-
mances, all with the press of asingle key.
•High-Capacity Storage (Zip Drive, Hard Disk
Drive, and Others)
In addition to the standard floppy disk drive, the MC-
80 allows you to expand with aZip drive *1, or hard
disk drive *2. Additionally, you can also expand with
an external Zip drive (with aSCSI Interface board
VS4S-1 (sold separately) tnstaUed).
•Expanded Functions (Internal Sound generator
(VE-GS Fro), External Instrument Expansions)
By using MIDI, you can add an external controller
(such as akeyboard, MIDI guitar, or MIDI percussion),
or external sound generator. What's more, since you
can also synchronize operation of the MC-80 with
hard disk recorders like the Roland VS Series, you can
create the newest recorduig environment using MIDI
and mainstream audio.
*1 WOMB: Ecjiiivalent to approximately seventy 2HDflop-
py disks.
*2 1-2.1 GB: Equivnlent to approximately 730-1460 2HD
floppy disks.
•The MC-80 is able to use hard disks regardless of their
capacity, but amaximum of 2.1 GB of any hard disk can
be actually used.
How^ the Sequencer is
Arranged
What is aSequencer ?
Sequencers are devices that record operations from
performances and from different controllers such as
MIDI-compatible keyboards, and stores them as MIDI
messages. In addition, playing the sequencer means
sending recorded MIDI messages to MIDI devices
(such as sound modules, keyboards equipped with
sound generation) to be played by these devices.
Since, unlike atape recorder, the MC-80 does not
record the sound as it is played in performance, it
offers several advantages—there is no degradation in
sound quality, the tempo can be changed without
affecting the pitch, and detailed editing can be carried
out freely after the recording is completed.
MC-80
Playback with the
MC-80
MIDlOUT1or2
Messages are sent informing
which l<ey is pressed
Sound
Moduie MIDI IN Instrument sound played
corresponds to the data
sent from the MC-80
Q
1
17

Chapter 1. Outline of the MC-80
What is aTrack ?
Atrack is where song performance data, tempos, and
rhythm information can be recorded.
Phrase Tracks 1-16
Phrase tracks are the tracks on which mainly instru-
mental performances are recorded. There are sixteen
of these tracks. Eadi of these sixteen tracks has its own
track button.
Track Button
Tempo Tracks
Tempo changes in songs are recorded to the Tempo
Tracks. When you want the tempo to change during
performance of the song, input tempo data at the nec-
essary location in the song.
Tempo/Beat Button
nQnn mTTTn
Beat Tracks
The song's rhythm information for each measure in
the song is recorded to the Beat Tracks. Make settings
when recording asong for the first time, or when you
want to change the rhythm or tempo of the song while
it is in progress.
Tempo/Beat Button
«.. «b TO nia 13 WIB IB W3L0
Jciamj cmiLD
mfssr 1J 3 457 » "sffi"
What is aSong?
The performance data for one song is referred to as a
Song. It comprises the information on the Phrase
Tracks 1-16, Tempo Tracks, Beat Tracks, and Patterns
in one overall group.
SONG (MC-80 Format)
Track 1
Track 2
Tracks
Track 16
Tempo Track
Beat Track
Pattern (1-100)
,r^ ^1
;i; 1
•"IF
•
Partem 001
Phrase Sequence
Transpose
Mark 1/2/3/4
TRK INFO
•When playing back songs, Tracks 1-16, the Tempo Track,
and the Beat Track are used.
•Patterns are independent of any of the above tracks.
Patterns can be used by pasting them Tracks 1-16.
*In addition to ihe above, Marker settings (p. 34), Repeat
settings (p. 32), Track Mute settings (p. 33), and Patterns
(P. 49) are also stored. When asong is saved as an MC-80
sung file, these are also saved ivithin the song file.
Hoiuever, ivhen asong is saved as a Staiidard MIDI File,
the above settings are lost.
18

Chapter 1. Outline of the MC-80 n
3"
Q
What is aMIDI Channel?
Multiple kinds of performance data are exchanged
between MIDI devices. MIDI channels allow you to
keep each performance separate.
When the MC-80 was shipped, MIDI data was set to
be sent and received with Track 1matched to MIDI
Channel 1, Track 2to Channel 2, and so on.
Accordingly, recording the piano part to Track 1
(Channel 1), the bass to Track 2(Channel 2), and so on,
you can record easily and simply.
The MC-80 and Disks
When recording with the MC-80, the recorded data is
stored within the MC-80 itself. When editing songs
that have been saved on floppy disks or other storage
media, they need to first be loaded into the MC-80,
then they can be edited.
Recording and editing operations such as this are done
on the MC-80, and when completed, the results should
be saved on disk.
MIDI Channel
*You can also change the operations so that they match
those of the original Roland MC Series (p. 40).
By changing the settings, you can have the perfor-
mance data on the sixteen MIDI channels recorded to
each track. Tliey are the same as those for the MC-50,
MC-500, and MC-300 Series and other devices, so
users of the original MC series can play the MC-80
witli the feel of those original models.
Recording/Editing
[±1
-O—-
4BS5S55\a ae
Save
\\Load
Zip Disk Floppy Disk
Never remove the disk while the access light on the front
panel of the disk drive is flashing.
19

Chapter 1. Outline of the MC-80
Basic Panel Operations
Selecting Functions (Switching
Screens)
The MC-80's screens are organized so they are
grouped by function, making operation easier to
understand.
For example, the screen for the SONG NAME function
is situated as shown below.
When you press the [SEQUENCER] button first, the
sequencer's basic screen (the SONG PLAY screen)
appears. Then the names of even more detailed
sequencer functions are indicated in the display above
each of the function buttons [Fl]—[F6], allowing selec-
tion of these functions.
FDCgJY-aQIO B0O;0O!0Q!0Q STOT*
C04PIAH00.MID)
J? Piano +Rhythm
ODD |oi oopp Ch 1-Repeat
a T-OI-
J»135i»- 34-Ot-
Rnd and select Wie F-key
function for tiro screen,
then press the button.
I
TI^CK ,EDIT HEHU
8CMS Sate Tine t3 Data Thin
1
4
TiPia F.t
15 Modify Vslu
Changing Settings
Anumber of different parameters are displayed in asin-
gle screen. After moving the cursor (shown in the figure
below) to the parameter value you want to change, use
the [VALUE] dial or other means to change the value.
UP
LEFT -[ID"™"CZ]'" RIGHT
Down
^^...^ CURSOR
FOOT SWITCH SETUP ttC 1
Foot SW Cl^ Foot SW (R)
Mode BMMBnEHMauEaa punch In/Out
Polarity Standard Standard
:D iSPLOY ;:^py j. ^^ :(^MHhilMW'Hi'MrfHMdH fc:Mai=flM;^B3fSUiligvigl£l£|
[CURSOR UP]: This moves the cursor up.
[CURSOR DOWN]: This moves the cursor down.
[CURSOR LEFT]: This moves the cursor to tlie left.
[CURSOR RIGHT]: This moves the cursor to the right.
Functions for setting avalue
You can use either the [VALUE] dial, the [INC] button,
the [DEC] button, or the [0]-[9] buttons (numeric keys)
to change the settings values.
Although all of these serve the same function of
changing values, each has special qualities that make it
more suitable for particular uses, as described below.
*Wlien you use the numeric keys to input anumerical
value, the value at the cursor may be enclosed in aframe
instead of being highlighted. In this case, p'ress [ENTER]
to set the value, and return to the regular display.
MIDI Output ._QFF
Channel CRTtl
Gate Tine s
[VALUE] Dial
VAUtB
This is convenient for making large changes in values.
Values increase as the dial is rotated to the right
(clockwise) and decrease as the dial is rotated to the
left (counterclockwise).
20