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-

* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-4
1234567890123456
BD x----x--x--x----
SD ---x----x--x-xxx
LT ------x---------
CY --------x--x--x-
OH -x--x-----------
CH x-xx-xxx--------
AC xx-xx-x-x--x--x-
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-5
1234567890123456
BD x------xx-x--x--
SD ----x-------x---
CY x---------------
OH --x---x---x---x-
CH xxxxxxxxxxxxxx--
AC x-x-x-x-x-x-xxx-
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-6
1234567890123456
BD x------xx-x--x--
SD ----x------xx---
OH ---x--x---x--x--
CH xxx-xxxxxxxxx-xx
AC x-xxx-x-x-x-xx--
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-7
1234567890123456
BD x------xx-x--x--
SD ----x-------x---
OH x-x---x---x--x-x
CH -xxxxxxxxxxxx-x-
AC x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-8
1234567890123456
BD x-----xx-----x--
SD ----x--x-xxx----
HT ------------xxxx
CY -------x--------
OH -x--------------
CH x-xxxxx---------
AC xx--x--x--xx-xx-
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-9
1234567890123456
BD x--x----x--x-x--
SD ----x----x-xx---
LT --------------x-
HT ------x---------
CY x---------------
OH --x---x---x---x-
CH xx-xxx-xxx-xxx-x
AC x-x-x-x--xx-x-x-
* POSITION --> PATTERN GROUP I-10
1234567890123456
BD x--x-x--x-------
SD x------x--------
LT --x-------------

HT -x--------------
CY --------x-------
OH ---x-x----------
CH ----x-x---------
AC xx-x-x-xx-------
NOTE: If you write OH upon CH, CH will gain Accent.
Playing Rhythm Patterns
We have just programmed ten Rhythm Patterns. We will now play these Rhythm
Patterns and show some new functions.
PROCEDURE
1. Set the rhythm to stop position by pressing RUN/STOP (H).
2. Set the MODE selector (B) to PATTERN PLAY.
3. Select Pattern Group I (N).
4. Select a Rhythm Pattern by pressing the SELECTOR switch (K) (press #1 in
this case).
5. Press the RUN/STOP button (H) to start the rhythm running.
6. Press another SELECTOR switch (K). (Press #2 in this case).
* At the end of the first Rhythm Pattern, the #2 Rhythm will begin to play and
repeat.
7. Press the SELECTOR switches (K) #2 and #4 simultaneously.
* The LED indicators (L) #2, #3, and #4 will light up, and the rhythms will
play in sequence from #2 to #3 to #4 and then back to #2 again.
* This is called CHAINING THE RHYTHM PATTERNS. Rhythms can be
chained up to four rhythms in a block. The TR-606 has four blocks, #1-4, 5-8,
9-12, and 13-16.
8. NOTE: The TR-606 can only chain rhythms within the blocks indicated above,
it cannot for example, chain from #3 to #6.
9. Press the SELECTOR switch (K) #1 again.
* The rhythm returns to #1 rhythm at the end of the #4 rhythm and repeats
rhythm #1.
10. Press the RUN/STOP button (H) to stop the rhythm.
Composing a Rhythm Track
We have programmed ten Rhythm Patterns shown in Fig. 2 into the memory locations
#1 - #10. Through the use of these rhythms, we will now compose an entire
composition in Track #1 according to the following composition table.
Fig. 3 Track Composition Table
| I-1 | % | % | I-2 |
| I-5 | I-6 | I-7 | I-8 |
| I-9 | I-3 | I-9 | I-4 |
| I-9 | I-3 | I-9 | I-10|

PROCEDURE
1. Stop the rhythm.
2. Set the MODE selector (B) to TRACK/WRITE.
3. Set the TRACK/INSTRUMENT selector (C) to Track #1.
4. Press the CLEAR/RESET button.
* This button re-sets the first bar of the Track.
5. Select in PATTERN GROUP I (O).
6. Start the rhythm, by pressing RUN/STOP (H).
* The rhythm previously recorded in the 1st bar of the Track will be heard.
7. Choose a new 1st bar Rhythm Pattern by pressing SELECTOR switch (K), in
this case #1.
* The new Rhythm Pattern will play at the end of the old rhythm, and will
repeat.
8. Press the TAP button (M).
* The running Rhythm Pattern will be recorded in the Track Memory as the
1st bar, and the Track Memory is advanced to the 2nd bar, and it will play the
previously recorded old rhythm.
You can re-select a new 2nd bar Rhythm Pattern and then press the TAP
button (M) to record it in Track Memory.
(Repeat the PROCEDURES 7 & 8 for bars following the 2nd bar within a
block. 4 patterns can be written at once between the 5th and the 8th bar by
following method given in CHAINING THE RHYTHM PATTERNS, see page
11.)
9. Continue switching Rhythm Patterns and logging them into Memory by
pressing the TAP button (M).
Repeat the PROCEDURES 7 & 8 for writing from the 9th bar to the one
before the last bar.
10. At the last bar, where the SELECTOR switch #10 is pressed in this case,
choose a rhythm and then press the CLEAR/RESET button (F).
* By pressing the CLEAR/RESET button (F), you have set the last rhythm as
the D.C. bar. The D.C. bar is the last in the composition, and after playing the
D.C. bar, the Track will return to the first bar of the Track and play the entire
Track again from the beginning (1st bar).
11. Press the TAP button (M) to write the rhythm as the D.C. bar in the Track
Memory.
12. Stop the rhythm. (Press the RUN/STOP button)
Now you have programmed the entire compositions shown in Fig. 3, into Track #1.
The program can be checked and corrected from the beginning of the Track by the
following procedure:
1. Stop the rhythm.
2. Set the MODE selector (B) to TRACK WRITE.
3. Press the CLEAR/RESET button (F) to re-set the Track to the 1st bar.

4. Start the rhythm.
Check the Rhythm LED indicators (L), which display the Rhythm Pattern
numbers.
5. If the rhythm number is wrong, press the SELECTOR switch (K) to rewrite
the correct Rhythm Pattern, and then press the TAP button (M) to write it into
Memory.
If it is all right, just press the TAP button (M) to advance to the next bar.
6. Repeat step 5 until you reach the last bar (D.C. bar).
7. Stop the rhythm.
A composition of up to 64 bars in a Track can be programmed. The TR-606 has 8
Tracks. Refer to the ADVANCED COURSE MANUAL for details.
Playing the Rhythm Track
1. Stop the rhythm.
2. Set the MODE selector (B) to TRACK PLAY.
3. Set the TRACK/INSTRUMENT selector to #1.
* The PATTERN GROUP will be selected automatically
4. Press the CLEAR/RESET button (F) to reset the Track to the 1st bar.
5. Start the rhythm.
* The rhythm will run and return to the 1st bar of the track at the end of the
D.C. bar. This will be continuously repeated.
ADVANCED COURSE
PATTERN PLAY Mode allows performance of the 32 available Rhythm Patterns you
have programmed. Rhythm Pattern selections are made using the 16 Selector
Switches (K) and the Pattern Group (N) Selector. Within certain guidelines, adjacent
Rhythm Patterns may be chained together to perform as single, or more complex
Rhythm Patterns.
TRACK PLAY Mode allows the performance of an entire Rhythm Track composition
programmed into one or more of the 8 TRACK Selector positions.
TRACK WRITE Mode allows any of the 16 Rhythm Patterns programmed into
Pattern Group I (N) (or the 16 Pattern Group II rhythms) to be combined into
compositions (Tracks) and programmed into any one or more consecutive memories
selected by the Track selector.
(A) POWER Switch/VOLUME Control
The master VOLUME Control (A) also serves as the power On/off Switch, cutting off
all D.C. power to the TR-606 when rotated fully counter clockwise. For the TR-606 to
perform any function, this switch must be rotated clockwise past its initial detent. The
'On' status of the TR-606 may be checked using the various LED indicators (L) on the
front panel.
Once the POWER Switch/VOLUME Control (A) is pasts its initial detent, it will

control the overall output level present at the Output and Headphone output jacks for
amplification and monitoring.
(F) CLEAR/RESET Button
Depending on the MODE Selector (B) position, and the RUN/STOP condition, this
button will perform the following functions:
When stopped in the PATTERN WRITE Mode, this button will clear an entire rhythm
pattern by pressing it while holding the SELECTOR Switch (K) down for the Rhythm
Pattern to be cleared. The scale and number of Steps in the Rhythm Pattern will not
change.
[Additionally, when running in pattern write mode, it will clear individual instruments
from the pattern if you hold it down - ed]
When running in the PATTERN PLAY Mode, this button has no effect.
When stopped in the TRACK PLAY Mode or TRACK WRITE Mode, this button
Resets the TR-606 so that it will begin with bar 1 of the Track selected when the RUN
button (H) is pressed. If this button is pressed while the FUNCTION button (J) is held
down, the D.C. bar will be displayed using the LED indicators (L).
When running in the TRACK PLAY Mode, this button has no effect.
When running in the TRACK WRITE Mode, this button writes the current bar to
memory as a D.C. bar, signalling the end of the track.
(G) BATTERY CHECK/RUN Indicator
This LED will light to indicate the Run condition. If the indicator flashes or does not
illuminate in the Run condition even if the other LEDs still illuminate, replace all of
the batteries with new ones.
(H) RUN/STOP Button
This button alternately starts and stops the running of rhythms, and will perform
differently according to the position of MODE Selector (B).
(I) SCALE Selector
This selector determines the number of steps assigned to each quarter note beat, as
shown by the relationship between the graphic illustration to the right of the SCALE
Selector (I) and the 16 SELECTOR Switches (K) below. The position of the SCALE
Selector is memorized into computer memory when the FUNCTION button (J) is
pressed while running in the PATTERN WRITE Mode.
(J) FUNCTION Button
This button will perform different functions according to the RUN/STOP condition
and the MODE Selector (B) position.
When stopped in the PATTERN WRITE Mode, this button has no effect.

When running in the PATTERN WRITE Mode, pressing the FUNCTION button (J)
will memorize the SCALE Selector (I) position and virtually display the first step of
each quarter note beat using the 16 LED indicators (L) and allows you to set the last
step by pressing the SELECTOR Switch (K).
In the TRACK PLAY and TRACK WRITE MODE, pressing the FUNCTION button
(J) will display the current bar number within the Track using the LED indicators (L).
While the FUNCTION button (J) is being held down, the SELECTOR Switches (K)
and their associated LED indicators (L) may be used to change the current bar
number. Finally, while the rhythm is stopped, hold the FUNCTION button (J) down
while pressing either the CLEAR/RESET (F) or PATTERN GROUP (N) button to
display the bar number of the D.C. or D.S. sign, respectively using the LED indicators
(L).
(L) LED Indicators
The 16 LED Indicators (L) located directly above the SELECTOR Switches (K) are
used to indicate the Rhythm Pattern number, Steps within a Rhythm Pattern, or Bar
Numbers, depending on the use of the other TR-606 controls. Details of these
different applications and reading Bar numbers are given in the Operation section of
this manual.
(K) SELECTOR Switches
These 16 switches will perform different functions according to the RUN/STOP
condition and the MODE Selector position.
When stopped in the PATTERN WRITE and PATTERN PLAY Mode, the
SELECTOR Switches (K) determine whether an individual Rhythm Patterns or a
Chained Rhythm Pattern will begin when the RUN/STOP button (H) has been
pressed. A maximum of four adjacent Rhythm Patterns within the blocks of 1-4, 5-8,
9-12, and 13-16 may be chained together to perform as one complex Rhythm Pattern
and may be played once or repeated as a single unit.
When running in the PATTERN WRITE Mode, the SELECTOR Switches (K) are
used to write the instrument selected with the TRACK/INSTRUMENT Selector (C)
into specific steps of the Rhythm Pattern. Details of this procedure are given in the
Operation section of this manual.
When stopped in the TRACK PLAY and TRACK WRITE MODE, holding the
FUNCTION button (J) down allows the SELECTOR Switches (K) to be used to
select any specific bar number in that track.
When running in TRACK WRITE Mode, the SELECTOR Switches may be used to
select individual Rhythm Patterns or to designate Chains of Rhythm Patterns. Note:
The Rhythm Patterns heard here are not written into the Track memory until the TAP
switch (M) is used.
(N) PATTERN GROUP Button
Depending on the MODE Selector (B) position and the RUN/STOP condition, this
button will perform the following functions:

When stopped in the PATTERN WRITE and PATTERN PLAY MODE, and when
stopped in the TRACK WRITE Mode the PATTERN GROUP button (N) switches
the TR-606's memories between the 16 Rhythm Patterns in PATTERN GROUP (N) I
and the 16 Rhythm Patterns in PATTERN GROUP (N) II.
When stopped in the TRACK PLAY Mode, the Pattern Group number which has
been used to program the Track in the PATTERN WRITE Mode will be selected
automatically. The PATTERN GROUP button (N) itself will have no effect.
When stopped in the TRACK WRITE or TRACK PLAY Mode, hold the PATTERN
GROUP button (N) down while pressing the FUNCTION button (J), and the LED
indicators (L) will display the bar number to which the $ sign has been assigned.
When stopped in the TRACK WRITE Mode, the PATTERN GROUP button (N)
selects the PATTERN GROUP to be written into that Track Memory.
When running in the TRACK WRITE Mode, the PATTERN GROUP button (N) will
assign the current bar as the $ sign bar in the Track memory.
(M) TAP Button
Depending on the MODE selector (B) position and the RUN/STOP condition, this
button will perform the following functions:
When running in PATTERN WRITE Mode, this button will perform the real time Tap
programming.
When running in the PATTERN PLAY Mode, the TAP button (M) acts as a STEP
RESET button (M) to cause the Running Rhythm Pattern to immediately begin again
from the first Step of the current Rhythm.
When stopped in the TRACK PLAY or TRACK WRITE Mode, the TAP button (M)
will advance the bar further into the selected track.
When running in the TRACK PLAY Mode, pressing the TAP button will
immediately return the Track being played to the measure that has been assigned the $
sign and continue normally from that point.
When running in the TRACK WRITE Mode, the Tap button will perform a
WRITE/NEXT function (M), writing the Rhythm Pattern currently being heard and
indicated on the LED indicators (L) into the Track memory and advancing the bar
number assignment accordingly.
This WRITE/NEXT function (M) always deals in complete Rhythm Pattern units. If a
chained Rhythm Pattern is written into a track using the TAP button (m), the Bar
number will advance the number of bars contained within the Chained Rhythm
Pattern.

Other Connections
Connection Cords
The TR-606 is provided with a low noise connection cord terminating in a 1/4 inch
phone jack for connection with the Drumatix output at one end and with an RCA
connection with an adaptor to a 1/4 inch phone jack for amplification connection at
the other end. The 1/4 inch phone jack adaptor will be used for most of amplification
connections.
The RCA jack offers access to most component hi-fi systems, a significant advantage
when the TR-606 is used for practice or composition at home without the
inconvenience of transporting and setting up stage amplification. Connect the TR-606
output with an Aux. or Tape input, avoiding Phono inputs with their special internal
equalization. The TR-606 will appear at one speaker only unless a 'Y' cable or
junction box such as the Boss J-5 is used, or unless you hi-fi has a master
Mono/Stereo selector.
Important Note: Begin with the volume level on your TR-606 set at Zero and the hi-fi
at normal or lower than normal levels. By gradually raising the TR-606 level and
using caution as different programs and instrument levels are selected you can easily
avoid high level signals that might otherwise damage sensitive hi-fi equipment.
The RCA jack also offers instant access to many multi-track recorders and consoles, a
distinct advantage considering the unique functional abilities of the TR-606 Drumatix.
TRIGGER OUTputs
The TR-606 Rhythm Composer provides two independent, programmable TRIGGER
OUTs to allow interfacing with synthesizers or sequencers. Each trigger is a positive
15 Volt, 20-millisecond pulse suitable for activating either the Trigger or Gate inputs
of most major brands of equipment.
A synthesizer such as the Roland SH-09 may be gated to process its own oscillators.
By combining a mono synthesizer such as the SH-09 with a sequencer such as one of
the Roland CSQ digital sequencers, the TR-606 TRIGGERs will start and/or step the
sequencer/synthesizer combination for many programmed musical lines. The triggers
may also be used to control the rhythm and rate of the Arpeggio sections of the
Roland JUPITER polyphonic synthesizers.
The two TRIGGER OUTs correspond to rhythms programmed into the Low Tom or
High Tom positions, rhythms determined by the Track/Program selector and
programming. These instruments may be used simultaneously with their TRIGGER
OUT or programmed specifically to provide with TRIGGER OUTPUT rhythms,
silencing the instruments using the individual INSTRUMENT MIX LEVEL (E)
controls.
[The trigger outputs can also be used to trigger other analogue drum kits, such as
those made by Simmons, Midwest Analogue Products, etc. - ed]
Pedal Switching
The TR-606 is equipped with a 1/4 inch Pedal Switch jack for connection with an
optional Roland DP-2 Damper Pedal. This jack provides with a remote control option

for the RUN/STOP button without defeating the function of the front panel
RUN/STOP itself.
SYNC INPUT/OUTPUT
The SYNC switch on the TR-606 allows it to be synchronized perfectly with units
such as the Roland CSQ-600 Digital Sequencer, allowing total rhythmic freedom of
each unit while remaining in perfect tempo with on another. This interfacing uses the
exclusive Roland standard interface connection.
The TR-606 may also be synchronized to the Arpeggio section of the Jupiter-8
polyphonic synthesizer.
To Sync two units, connect a five pin DIN cord with the SYNC jack of each unit and
move the TR-606 SYNC switch to the INPUT position for connection with the CSQ-
600, or to the OUTPUT position for connection with the Jupiter-8. Remember that the
SYNC switch must be in the OUTPUT position so that the TR-606 will operate by
itself.
The TR-606 may also be synchronized to the Roland MC-4 polyphonic sequencer,
using either the TR-606 or the MC-4 to control the other unit. For more details, refer
to the MC-4 owners manual.
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]
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 regarding this - ed]
Playing Rhythm Patterns
The series of sixteen SELECTOR Switches (K) at the bottom of the TR-606 are used
to select which Rhythm Patterns you want to play. Each of these sixteen SELECTOR
Switches (K) has two modes (I & II) which can be different from each other for a total
of thirty-two Rhythm Patterns, with each Rhythm lasting for one measure.

After hooking up the TR-606 as previously described in the Basic Connections
Section, set the MODE Selector (B) to the PATTERN PLAY position. When this is
done, you will notice that the LED on one of the SELECTOR Switches (K) will begin
to flash. This tells you that the flashing SELECTOR Switch (K) is the first Rhythm
Pattern that will play when you press the RUN/STOP button (H).
Also lit on the TR-606 Panel is one of the two LEDs above the PATTERN GROUP
button (N). These indicate from which group (I or II) the flashing Rhythm will play.
To change from one group to the other, press the PATTERN GROUP button (N), and
the LED will change from one to the other. PATTERN GROUP Selection is available
only while the Rhythm is stopped. Press the RUN/STOP button (H) to start the
Rhythm running. Adjust the overall Tempo with the TEMPO control (D), which is
continuous from 40 to 300 beats per minute. While the Rhythm is running, you will
notice that the LED indicators (L) on the SELECTOR Switches (K) flash in sequence
from the left to the right of the unit. The speed of their sequential motion will
correspond to the tempo of the pattern (which is set by the TEMPO control).
Press the RUN/STOP button (H) to stop the Rhythm. When this is done, you will
notice that the LED on the Rhythm you had selected will again begin to flash.
Mixing Percussion Sounds
The level of each percussion sound can be raised or lowered in accordance with your
own taste through use of the six MIX controls (E) at the top of the panel. By using
these MIX controls (E), it is possible to attain the perfect balance between the
instruments for any rhythm.
Switching Rhythm Patterns
It is possible to switch from one Rhythm Pattern to another while the TR-606 Rhythm
is running. The TR-606 will always finish the measure, and play until switched to the
newly selected Rhythm. By switching between the Rhythms, it is possible to try
various Rhythms together to get a feel of switching from a straight beat to a fill or
break.
Chaining Rhythm Patterns
You will notice that the sixteen SELECTOR Switches (K) have been divided into four
Block Groups of four switches each (1-4, 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16). These represent
groupings of Rhythm Patterns that can be chained together to run sequentially in a
group. This is used for performing a two measure repeating rhythm (which is very
common in Rock Music), for doing 4/4 time using scale 2 or 4, or for doing odd time
signatures.
To chain Rhythm patterns together, press two SELECTOR Switches (K) (such as 2
and 4) in a group simultaneously. This action causes the first switch's LED (2) to flash
while the others (3 & 4) illuminate but do not flash. This LED status indicates that the
Rhythms are chained and will play in a sequence. It is possible to chain 2, 3, or 4
Rhythm Patterns together, but they must all be from the same group. You cannot,
however, create more than one chain within each four groups.
For now, select the chained Rhythm Patterns 2, 3 and 4. Press SELECTOR Switches
(K) 2 and 4 simultaneously, and then LED indicators (L) 3 and 4 illuminate while

LED 2 flashes. Select one of the two PATTERN GROUPS (N) by pressing the
PATTERN GROUP button (N). Again, the PATTERN GROUP selection is available
only under Rhythm Stopped condition. Start the TR-606 playing by pressing
RUN/STOP (H) and you will see that the Rhythm runs from 2 to 3 to 4 and then back
to 2 again.
Press the TAP button (M) while the Rhythm is running. This action causes the
running Rhythm to re-start from the first step of the Rhythm immediately. This re-set
type of action allows for diverse and creative Pattern changes while a chained Rhythm
is running as the Rhythm re-starts from the first step of whatever Rhythm is playing
rather than from the beginning of the chain. For example, if you press the TAP button
(M) while playing Rhythm Pattern 4 of the chained Rhythm 2, 3, 4, the Rhythm will
re-start from the first step of #2 rather than #4.
[This is a stupid example. A better one would be: "if you press TAP while playing
pattern 2 of the chained rhythm 2, 3, 4, the rhythm will restart from the first step of
pattern 3 rather than pattern 2" - ed]
Writing Rhythm Patterns
As mentioned earlier, your TR-606 will not only play back Rhythms but also allow
you to write them as well. Because we are not just writing the Rhythms but storing
them into computer Memory as well, we call this process "Programming". We will
now program the Rhythm Score written in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 Rhythm Score 1
1234567890123456
BD x-----x---x---x-
SD ----x-------xx--
OH --------------x-
CH xxxxxxxxxxxxxx--
AC x---x-----x-x-x-
Stop the Rhythm if it is running, and set the MODE selector (B) to PATTERN
WRITE. This will cause the LED on the Rhythm Pattern selected to stop flashing.
Press SELECTOR Switch (K) #1 and set the PATTERN GROUP (N) to I. Clear the
Memory in #1 position by pressing the CLEAR/RESET (F) button while holding
down the #1 SELECTOR Switch (K). When this is done, the PATTERN GROUP
indicator LED (O) will flash to indicate that the memory in position #1 has been
cleared.
The TR-606 programs Rhythms in a Step Sequence process, which breaks each
measure (and each beat) down into a series of steps so that the programming can be
completely accurate. To Program a Rhythm, you must first set a Scale position, which
basically determines how many steps there will be for each beat (quarter note). This
process will be described in detail later in this section.

Press the RUN/STOP (H) button, but you will not hear a Rhythm because it has been
cleared. While the Rhythm is running, set the SCALE selector (I) switch to 1 and
press the FUNCTION button (J). You have just set up a scale in which the quarter
note will consist of four steps (each step corresponding to one sixteenth note). Once
the FUNCTION button (J) has been pressed, the Scale is memorized for its selected
position. While the FUNCTION button (J) is depressed, you will see the quarter notes
(beats) displayed on the row of LEDs. For Scale #1 the LED displays show every
fourth LED lit.
It is now necessary to choose the number of steps of which the measure will consist.
While holding down the FUNCTION button (J), press the Selector Switch
corresponding to the last step of the pattern (which in this case is 16). You have now
set up a Rhythm Pattern consisting of sixteen note steps, with each beat (quarter note)
consisting of four steps.
Step Programming
Choose an instrument sound to be programmed by rotating the
TRACK/INSTRUMENT selector (C) (located next to the MODE selector (B)). It is
usually easiest to program a Rhythm starting with the Bass Drum, so rotate the
selector to BD. On the Program Score 1 [that's Fig. 2 - ed], you will see BD is to be
played on Steps 1, 7, 11, and 15, so touch the SELECTOR Switches (K) that
correspond with these Step Numbers described below them.
As is the case with many controls on the TR-606, the SELECTOR Switches (K) serve
a dual function that is both choosing Rhythms to be played and also programming the
Rhythm itself. You should now hear the Bass Drum sound on those Steps that you
selected. If this is not the case, go back to the beginning of this section and repeat the
process. When the Bass Drum is sounding properly, switch the
TRACK/INSTRUMENT selector (C) to SD, and program the Snare Drum as it
indicated on the Program Score 1 at steps 5, 13, and 14.
Continue programming the other instrument voices indicated on the Program Score. It
may be easier for you to program if you adjust the TEMPO to a slower speed. If you
make a mistake and press the wrong switch, simply press it again and the LED will go
out indicating it has been cancelled.
It is possible to clear all 16 steps of any selected voice by pressing the
CLEAR/RESET button (F) until all the notes are erased.
This saves time when clearing voices that have been programmed on every step.
TAP Programming
While most of the programming is done using the Step method, it is also possible to
program in real time by a Tap method. While the Rhythm just programmed is
running, return the TRACK/INSTRUMENT selector (C) to SD and cancel the Snare
Drum sounds you programmed by pressing the CLEAR/RESET button (F). You can
now re-program the Snare Drum by simply pressing the TAP button (M) at the
appropriate places in the measure. Wherever you pressed the TAP button (M), there
will automatically be programmed a Snare Drum sound.
If the Tapped Rhythm is out of sync with the others, it can be erased just the same as
it is programmed in the Step method. Sometimes it may be easier to use the TAP (M)
method when the Rhythm is running fairly slowly as synchronization is easier.

You have just programmed your first pattern into the TR-606. This Rhythm will be
stored in memory and can be edited at PATTERN WRITE position.
Steps and Programming
With the TR-606, each measure is divided into a certain number of parts which we
call STEPS. The Rhythm you just programmed used a 16 Step measure, which we
played in 4/4 time. Therefore the measure was comprised of four quarter notes, each
quarter note was comprised of four sixteenth notes, and each sixteenth note
corresponding to one STEP. So, for each Step in Program Score 1, each Instrument
Voice had either a beat or a rest. (The rest is added automatically when you do not
program a beat in that place).
The Program Score is a transcription of the music score using the system that
indicates the minimum number of notes and rests. However it is not completely
musically accurate in that a quarter note, for example, when transcribed to the
Program Score from a music score, is written as a sixteenth note, followed by three
rests. This also follows for whole notes, half notes, and eighth notes as well.
The SELECTOR Switches (K) is arranged in the order of the sequence for the
Rhythm Pattern. This means that in Rhythm Score #1, the #1 switch will indicate the
beginning of the measure, and #16 equals the end of the measure. When the LED for
step 16 lights up, one measure has been played.
Setting the SCALE (I)
The SCALEs (I) on the panel above the SELECTOR Switches (K) indicate the
SCALE (I) (or number of steps for each beat). Different SCALEs (I) are chosen for
different Rhythms so that all the Rhythms will be in time with each other when you
switch from one Rhythm to another as you did in the Playing Rhythm Patterns
Section. Some Rhythms you may write may require as small a division as thirty-
second notes, while other Rhythms you write need only sixteenth notes as the smallest
division. By choosing the proper SCALE (I) for the Rhythm, the Rhythm Patterns will
all be able to be played back in time with each other when you switch between them.
The SCALE (I) must always be chosen to match the minimum division of the beat to
be used in the Rhythm pattern. We will now program a Rhythm in 4/4 time: one that
uses a 12 Step measure and the Number 3 Scale.
More details are explained in the last part of this manual (P. 30).
Fig. 5
123456789012
BD x-----x-----
SD ---x-----x--
OH x-----x-----
CH ---x-x---x-x
AC ---------x--
Stop the Rhythm and set the MODE SELECTOR (B) to PATTERN WRITE. Press
SELECTOR Switch (K) #1 so we can program in this position. The LED on that
switch should light up and flash. Press the CLEAR/RESET button (F), erasing the
memory. Press the RUN/STOP button (H) and set the SCALE selector (I) switch to 4.
Press the FUNCTION button (J) but do not let it up. While holding it down, press the

switch for step #12, and then release the FUNCTION button (J). You have just set a
12 Step pattern using a #3 Scale.
With the TRACK/INSTRUMENT selector (C), choose the sounds you need to
program the Program Score #2 as shown in Fig. 5. Program this Rhythm as you had
done in Program Score #1. Programming of I and II PATTERN GROUPs (N) is done
in the same manner, the sole difference being the position of the PATTERN GROUP
switch (N) during the programming.
Writing Chained Rhythm Patterns
The Chained Rhythm Pattern can be selected in the PATTERN WRITE MODE while
the Rhythm is stopped. This is done the same way as was done in the PATTERN
PLAY Mode, by simultaneously pressing and two of the SELECTOR Switches (K)
within a group (1-4, 5-8, 9-12 or 13-16). As we said before, Chained Rhythm Patterns
can be used to create Rhythm Patterns of two or more measures in length or to create
Rhythm Patterns in odd time signatures.
Chained Rhythm Patterns are also mentioned in CHAINING RHYTHM PATTERNS
(See Basic Course)
We will now program the following Rhythm Patterns using two Rhythm Patterns
chained together. Stop the Rhythm and set the MODE selector (B) to PATTERN
WRITE. Press SELECTOR Switches (K) 1 and 2 simultaneously, and while holding
them down, press the CLEAR/RESET button (F).
Release all buttons, and the two Patterns will be cleared. Start the Rhythm, the TR-
606 runs from #1 to #2 and back to #1. Set the SCALE switch (I) to 2 and push the
FUNCTION button (J). While holding the FUNCTION button (J) down, press
SELECTOR Switch (K) #16 to set a sixteen step pattern in #1 position. Repeat the
same procedures while the Rhythm runs to #2 position to set the same SCALE and
STEP Number. You have just set up a Rhythm Pattern that extends over two Selector
positions which gives you a total of 32 steps for the measure (each step now
corresponding to a thirty-second note). TAP programming is easier in this case than
Step programming.
[This is because when pattern 2 is playing, you can't edit pattern 1, and vice versa. If
you turn the tempo down as low as it goes, step programming isn't too hard any more,
but then you lose the flow of the track if you're playing live. Check out live.txt for
some hints on using these functions in a live situation - ed]
Program the following Rhythm Program Score (Shown in Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
1234567890123456 1234567890123456
BD x-----x--------- --------x-------
SD ----------x----- x---------------
LT ---------------- --------x-------
OH x--------------- ----x-------x---
CH -xxxxxxxx-x-x-x- x-x---x-x-x---x-
AC x-----x-x------- x-------x-------

Press RUN/STOP (H) when programming has been completed. As you can see,
Chaining Rhythms are used to program a measure requiring more than 16 Steps. With
the Clearing operation (pressing the CLEAR/RESET button (F)), both of two patterns
are erased. When using Chained Rhythms, it is necessary to set up the SCALE and
STEP number for each Rhythm used. However, the number of STEPS or SCALE of
the Chained Rhythms does not have to be the same.
It is possible to select different SCALE and different STEPs for each Chained
Rhythm by quickly changing the SCALE and STEP selection while the TR-606 runs
from one Chained Rhythm to the other. This is usually most successful if it is done
while the TEMPO is running fairly slowly.
The easiest way to program a Chained Rhythm is to program each Rhythm Pattern
individually, and then chain them together.
Fig. 7
123456789012 123456789
BD x-------xx-- --------x
SD --x--xxxx--x -x-x-xxxx
CH x-xx-xx-xx-x x-xx-xx-x
AC --x---x----x --xx-xx--
The program score in Figure 7 shows a Chained Rhythm in which the Rhythms have a
different number of STEPs. To program Figure 7, set the SCALE at 3, and set the
number of STEPs in the first Rhythm Pattern at 12 and the number of steps in the
second Rhythm Pattern at 9.
[You can get far more complex chained rhythms when you give each pattern a
different scale setting as well. Look at the last sample pattern for a good example - ed]
Composing the Rhythm Track
So far, we have used many of the TR-606 performance controls to produce creative
and interesting results, but a function that completely sets the TR-606 apart from any
other device is its ability to record an entire composition's percussion score (which we
will call the Rhythm Track).
A Rhythm Track is composed (as we call it) in real time, and in much the same way
you have programmed Rhythm Patterns, by using the Rhythm SELECTOR Switches
(K) to change from one Programmed Rhythm to another. We will program a short
Rhythm Track from some Rhythms you now have in memory.
Track Memory
The TR-606 contains eight different tracks, which can be used for eight different
songs or for a less number of songs longer in length. Each of the tracks #1-7 contains
enough memory storage capacity to create songs of up to 64 bars in length. For songs
that are longer than 64 bars, these Tracks can be run together. Up to 4 tracks can be
chained together in this manner to create songs of 256 bars in length (4 Tracks x 64
bars each = 256).