Roland TR-606 User manual

Roland TR-606 User’s manual
INTRODUCTION
The Roland TR-606 is a portable, economical, automatic and fully programmable
rhythm device, which can memorize our own rhythms with exceptional flexibility.
With it you can write and record different percussive rhythms into non-volatile
memory (battery back-up), with up to seven different drum sounds plus accent. Then
you can adjust the volume of each percussion sound with individual level controls for
full flexibility over the final mix.
Programming several rhythms can be accomplished and stored in a particular order on
the memory, forming the entire rhythm track of a song. The music can then quite
easily be amended, since the TR-606 includes a simple, yet effective, editing facility.
In this manual, we shall refer to each bar of the music as a "Rhythm Pattern".
So, the TR-606 has mainly 2 basic functions. One of them is "Writing/Playing a
Rhythm Pattern", the other is "Writing/Playing a Rhythm Track". The former
describes the writing of individual bars into computer memory, to be played later,
while the latter describes writing the entire rhythm track of a piece into computer
memory, which also may be played later.
The TR-606 can do all this, and more, so each switch has at least two functions.
Furthermore, adjacent Rhythm Patterns may be "chained" together into single, more
complex patterns, for divisions as small as sixty-fourth notes, or for more complex
time signatures.
When using the Track Write function, eight track positions give a maximum of seven
different compositions of 64 bars each, and one of 256 bars, and can be chained
together in various combinations for extended compositions of up to 256 bars each.
A programmable D.C. BAR allows you to program the final bar of a Track
composition to begin again at the first bar.
The TR-606 can be connected to a variety of digital sequencers, synthesizers, and
other devices for synchronized rhythmic control of sound, expanding its live
performance, composing and recording applications.
The TR-606 is exceptionally compact, and for maximum portability features battery
operation for all functions including a self-contained Headphone Amplifier for
monitoring through any Stereo Headphone. For extended battery life, a socket is
included on the back panel for connection to an optional Boss ACA Battery
Eliminator.
The TR-606 owner's manual has two courses consisting of a Basic Course and an
Advanced Course, because these unique functions should be completely understood.

BASIC COURSE
This Basic Course will provide essential information needed to satisfactorily operate
the TR-606 Drumatix. For complete information and more complex applications, refer
to the Advanced Course Manual.
Basic Connections
Output
to guitar amp/to audio amp [or just send it straight into your mixer or multitrack - ed]
Headphone jack
to headphones
AC Adaptor jack
Please connect a Boss ACA Battery Eliminator to this socket.
Do not connect any other brand of Battery Eliminator as this could damage the
internal circuitry of the TR-606.
Caution
It should be noted that when using the TR-606 by itself (without interfacing with
other units using the SYNC connection), the SYNC INPUT/OUTPUT switch on the
back panel should be set to the OUTPUT position. The TR-606 will not operate with
this switch at the INPUT position.
Choosing Amplification
The TR-606 Rhythm Composer may be monitored through any conventional
amplification, but ideal amplification will reproduce its realistic drum sounds
faithfully with a minimum of added distortion and coloration.
Audio OUTPUT
The OUTPUT jack on the back panel of the TR-606 presents the summed output of
the individual INSTRUMENT MIX LEVEL (E) controls as adjusted by the master
VOLUME (A) control to allow very precise control over the TR-606 final output
level and balance.
HEADPHONE Jack
The TR-606 also provides self-contained amplification for any conventional stereo
headphones through a 1/4 inch phone jack on the back panel. The HEADPHONE
OUTPUT level is controlled by the master VOLUME control (A) in combination with
the individual INSTRUMENT MIX LEVEL (E) controls.
Battery Eliminator
The TR-606 is fully portable, normally relying on batteries for all internal functions
and to power the self-contained Headphone amplifier. To extend battery life, merely
connect a BOSS ACA Battery Eliminator to this socket.

"CAUTION" Don't connect any other brand of Battery Eliminator, as this could
damage the internal circuitry of the TR-606. [Actually, any 9V DC adaptor with
centre negative providing 150mA of current will work - ed]
CAUTIONS
• When the TR-606 is not in use for long periods, remove the battery to prevent
leakage.
• If battery voltage drops, effect becomes inferior or no sound is produced. To
prevent that, replace the batteries.
• Be sure to keep the batteries securely connected, even while using the AC
Adaptor.
* Even if AC Adaptor cord comes out during performance, if the batteries are
connected, the TR-606 will continue to operate.
• If this unit is not to be used for long periods of time, be sure to switch the
power off and remove the exhausted batteries, or various troubles may be
caused by battery leakage.
Memory Back-Up
The TR-606 Rhythm Composer features a non-volatile memory which will retain
Rhythm Patterns and Track compositions when switched 'OFF' and disconnected from
any external power source. The TR-606 relies on batteries for it's back-up circuit to
protect these memories. Always replace the TR-606's batteries with a complete set of
fresh batteries when the RUN/BATTERY Indicator LED (G) either flashes or fails to
illuminate during the normal Run condition of the TR-606. If the batteries are
changed quickly, within one minute, the memory can retain the DATA. [Check out
battery.txt for more information on this - ed]
Front and Back Panel Layout
(A) = POWER SWitch/VOLUME Control
(B) = MODE Selector
(C) = TRACK/INSTRUMENT
(D) = TEMPO Control
(E) = INSTRUMENT MIC Controls (six small volume knobs)
(F) = CLEAR/RESET Button
(G) = BATTERY Check/RUN Indicator (LED above RUN/STOP button)
(H) = RUN/STOP Button
(I) = SCALE Selector (4 way switch above FUNCTION button)
(J) = FUNCTION Button
(K) = SELECTOR Switches (the 16 buttons along the bottom of the front
panel)
(L) = Indicator (the LEDs above the 16 SELECTOR switches)
(M) = TAP Button
(N) = PATTERN GROUP Button
(O) = PATTERN GROUP Indicator (LED above PATTERN GROUP button)
Writing Rhythm Patterns
We will write a 4/4 Rock Rhythm Pattern (shown in Fig. 1) into the computer
memory location chosen by the SELECTOR switch (K) #1.

Fig. 1
step no. --> 1234567890123456
BD x-----x---x---x-
SD ----x-------xx--
OH --------------x-
CH xxxxxxxxxxxxxx--
AC x---x-----x-x-x-
PROCEDURE
1. Connect either headphones or an amplifier to the TR-606, (see BASIC
CONNECTIONS).
2. Turn the POWER switch (A) on. (Clockwise).
3. Turn the TEMPO control (D) and INSTRUMENT MIX controls (E) to the
mid point.
4. Set the MODE selector (B) to PATTERN WRITE position.
5. Press the PATTERN GROUP button (N) to select Pattern Group I.
* The PATTERN GROUP button (N) switches alternately between I and II and
illuminates the selected indicator.
6. Press the #1 SELECTOR switch (K), which is the location where we will
write the first Rhythm Pattern.
* The selected indicator (#1) should be flashing.
7. While holding down the #1 SELECTOR switch (K) down, press the
CLEAR/RESET button (F).
8. Press the RUN/STOP button (H).
* The RUN/BATTERY LED (G) lights up and the other LED INDICATORS (L)
begin scanning across from #1 to #16, step by step.
9. Set the SCALE selector (I) to #1, then press the FUNCTION button (J).
* When the FUNCTION button (J) is held down, the TR-606 displays the
position of every quarter note on the LED indicators (L).
* If you make a mistake, or wish to change the SCALE, simply repeat
operation 9. (Refer to the ADVANCED COURSE MANUAL for details).
10. While holding the FUNCTION button (J) down, press the SELECTOR switch
(K) of the last step in the measure. In this case, press #16.
* The LED indicators (L) begin scanning across from #1 to the last step that is
#16 in this case.
Once again, if you made a mistake, just repeat operation 10.
11. Select the instrument to be written by rotating the TRACK/INSTRUMENT
selector (C). Set it at BD (Bass Drum) in this case.
12. Press the SELECTOR switches (K) corresponding to the dots [I’ve used Xs -
ed] in the score (Fig. 1) one by one.
* The LED indicators (L) of the selected steps will light, and you will hear the
selected instrument sound on those steps.
* You can adjust the speed using the TEMPO control knob (D). This will allow
you to write at a slower speed, if a faster speed proves difficult, etc.
* If you press the wrong SELECTOR switch (K), just press the same
SELECTOR switch (K) again, and then the written sound will be erased and
the LED indicator (L) will be turned off.
13. Repeat 11-12 for the other instruments in the Fig. 1 example.
* BD . . . . . . . .Bass Drum

SD . . . . . . . .Snare Drum
LT . . . . . . . .Low Tom
HT . . . . . . . .High Tom
CY . . . . . . . .Cymbal
OH . . . . . . . .Open Hi-Hat
CH . . . . . . . .Closed Hi-Hat
AC . . . . . . . .Accent
* If you want to erase a note, simply press the respective SELECTOR switch
(K). When you want to erase all of the notes of the selected instrument, hold
the CLEAR/RESET button (F) down until all the notes are cleared.
* Erasing is completed when all the LED indicator (L) lights are out.
14. The pattern can also be written in real time by using the TAP method (M).
While the Rhythm is running, just press the TAP button (M) at the appropriate
places in the measure.
15. Press the RUN/STOP button (H).
* You have just written the Rhythm Pattern indicated in Fig. 1 into the
computer memory.
IMPORTANT NOTES
When pressing the button, do not fail to release it once, and go on to the next
operation, except for the cases that it is specifically instructed to keep pressing
the button. (The TR-606 does not function properly if you go on to the next
operation without releasing the button.)
16. Now, write the Rhythm Patterns in Fig. 2 into the assigned memory locations
by repeating the procedures 6 to 15.
Fig. 2
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-1
1234567890123456
BD x------xx-x---x-
SD ----x-------xx--
OH --x---x---x---x-
CH xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
AC x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-2
1234567890123456
BD x------xx--x----
SD ----x-----------
LT ------------xxxx
HT --------xxx-----
OH --x---x----x----
CH xx--xx--x---x---
AC x-x-x-x-x--x--x-
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-3
1234567890123456
BD x------xx-------
SD --x--x--x--x----
LT --------------x-
HT ------------x---
CY x---------------
OH --xx--xx--xxx---
CH xxx-xxx-xxxx--xx
AC x-xx-xx-x-xxx-x-