Roland D-50 User manual

(@Roland
ERE
LNEAR
SYNTHESIZER
0-50
Owner’s Manual

ADVANCED COURSE
CONTENTS
(Outline of Tone Parameters ::--:---
1. The Basic Concept of a Tone--:
2. Structure of Tone Parameters::-
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1.
Calling
a
Parameter::-:+rrsrerrteee
2,
Changing
Values
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a. Local Editing Sate ds wae be discos eae a mene
b. Ten Key Pad crrcrsrrsrttreereree
3, Useful Functions for Editing ----
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b, Undo ese eceectere tes agenoweeaiens
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d.
Partial
Mute-rsssct
steer
teeters
e. Partial Balance:---++srerrrreeees
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(3) Tone ParameterS cs ccc r terete eres
1. Common Parameters----++++reeeees
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c. Pitch Modulation:::++-+++rrtreres
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2. Partial Parameters ---+trt+rrrssetee
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b. WG Modulation ---+s+rrrrrr er eeee
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d.
WG
Pulse
Width-:r:+s:er
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1,
Connection<++c
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51
2. Setting MIDI Functions-:--:+++++ +: 51
a. MIDI Functions commonly set
for
all
Patches
-:rre
crete
terete
52
b. MIDI Functions individually set
for
each
Patch-esrsstt
etter
eee
56
3. Key Mode Alteration-:-::+++++++++' 57
4. Data Transfer with MIDI-----:::: 61
(6]Data Transfer with Memory Card: 65
1,
Patch
Transfer-:ccetcec
csr
teeters
65
a.
Patch
Transfer
to
the
Memory
Card.
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cect
etree
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65
b. Patch Transfer to the Internal
Memory a ee ee a rr 66
2. Copying a Reverb Typecr::+:+*: 68
a. Copying from a Memory Card
to
the
D—5O
cerere
esse
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68
b. Copying from the D—50 to a
Memory
Card
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69
(7]
Appendix
Tables
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70
1.
Patch
Factor
Table--:-+:erttrr
es
70
2. Tone Parameter Table --+r+++t+ es 71
a. Common Parameters::+:+t+tttt? 71
b. Partial Parameters::::++rtttttt' 72
38. MIDI Function Table-----+ttrtest 73
4,
Error
Message
Table-rr:+t+++rt':
74,
5.
Sample
Notess-sss-ere
sree
er
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etree
75

OUTLINE OF TONE PARAMETERS
[i] OUTLINE OF TONE PARAMETERS
1. THE BASIC CONCEPT OF A TONE
A Tone consists of two Partials (Partials 1 and 2) and a Gommon
block.
Tone
a Structure Semen
Partial 1 i ENV for pitch contro!
_— ae 3 LFO's
Partial 2 es > Sie >
Tone Name
Each Partial (Partial 1 and Partial 2) can have one of two sound
generators (a Synthesizer sound source or a PCM sound source), So
you can think of the D-50 having powerful synthesizers built in.
Each of these hypothetical synthesizers could behave like a
conventional analog synthesizer, or a PCM sampled synthesizer. Any
combination of two synthesizers can achieve some remarkable cross
—modulation effects, so characteristic of today’s purely digital
|
i
f
if
sounds.
Some Common parameters apply to both Partials (Partial 1 and 2),
"Structure” is one of the Common parameters, It decides which of
the two sound generators is used for each Partial, Other Common
parameters are an ENV for pitch, three LFO modules, equalizer,
chorus, etc.

OUTLINE OF TONE PARAMETERS
[STRUCTURE]
Structure, which is one of the Common parameters, determines which
two
of
the
hypothetical
synthesizers
(a
synthesizer
sound
generator
or
a
PCM
sound
generator)
are
to
be
used
as
Partial
|
and
Partial
9
a,
A
"Synthesizer
sound
generator”
works
like
a
conventional
analog
type
synthesizer
with
an
oscillator,
a
filler,
an
amplifier
and
two
ENV’s.
A
PCM
sound
generator
provides
100
different
PCM
sampled
sounds.
These
two
Partial
sounds
(Partial
1
and
Partial
2)
can
simply
be
mixed
as
shown
below.
Mixer >
Partial 2
By
mixing
two
Partials,
fatter
sounds
can
be
obtained.
This
is
effective
for
making
strings
or
organ
type
sounds.
Or
Partial
1
can
be
mixed
with
the
ring—modulated
sound
of
Partiais
1
and
2,
Partial 17
Mixer SS
Ring
Modulator
Partial 2 Sse weD

OUTLINE OF TONE PARAMETERS
The Ring Modulator multiplies two sounds, creating an unusual and
metallic sound that contains complicated harmonics. For instance, two
waveforms (@ and @) are multipled and waveform @ is created.
This is effective for making metallic sounds.
2. STRUCTURE OF TONE PARAMETERS
Depending on which generators are selected in the Partial Block,
greatly different Tone Parameters will be used. Some Tone
Parameters used for the Synthesizer sound generators are irrelevant
to the PCM generator (see the diagram below).
In a Structure with Ring modulation, some parameters of Partial 2
are automatically set to those of Partial 1. See page 22 “Tone
Parameters” for a detailed explanation.

OUTLINE OF TONE PARAMETERS
Synthesizer Sound Generator
Partial
|
|
|
OTVF |
ENV |
|
|
|
|
|
PCM Sound Generator
Partial
@P-ENV
for pitch
controlling

OUTLINE OF TONE PARAMETERS
a. WG (Wave Generator)
In the WG (Wave Generator), the pitch and waveform are controlled,
@ Pitch
The basic pitch of a Partial (sound generator) can be set here.
The pitch is a Common parameter, and is therefore controlled by
@ P-ENV and @ LFO—1.
@ Waveform (PCM Wave Number)
This selects the waveform of the sound source. When a synthesizer
sound generator is selected, the waveform can be controlled by the
@ Pulse Width controls.
@ Pulse Width
This changes the waveform of the sound source. The pulse width
is controlled by any LFO (=Common parameter),
b. TVF (Time Variant Filter)
This filter passes lower frequency harmonics and cuts off the higher
ones. By changing the cutoff point and the resonance, the waveform
changes.
@Cutoff Frequency
This sets the cutoff point. The cutoff point can be controlled by
@®TVF ENV and any LFO (=Common parameter).
© Resonance
This emphasizes the cutoff point, making more unusual or electronic
sounds.
c. TVA (Time Variant Amplifier)
This controls the volume of the Partial.
© Level
This determines the volume of the sound. When a_ synthesizer
sound generator is used, the level can be controlled with the ©
TVA ENV and any LFO (Common parameter), When a PCM sound
generator is used, the @TVA ENV controls the level.

OUTLINE OF TONE PARAMETERS
d. ENV (Envelope Generator)
This generators a control signal (envelope curve) which controls the
pitch, timbre and volume of each Partial (sound generator).
@P—ENV
This is the ENV which controls pitch. It can be set for two
selected Partial at once.
@TVF ENV
This ENV controls the cutoff point, and can be set for each Partial
separately.
@TVA ENV
This ENV controls the volume level. This can be set for each
Partial separately.
e. LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)
This oscillator generates low frequencies only.
Any of the three LFO’s can be used for the two Partials, Vibrato,
PWM growl or tremolo effects can be obtained using these LFO’s.
*A different LFO can be used for each section or a PARTIAL.
@LFO-—1
This can control @Pitch, @Pulse Width, @cCutoff Frequency
or © Level.
dD LFO—2
This can control @Pulse Width, @cCutoff Frequency or @Level.
@LFO-3
This can contro! @)Pulse Width, @lcCutoff Frequency or @Level.

EDITING
EDITING
The D—50 features various parameters which can be edited, thereby
synthesizing new sounds. However, it does not feature knobs or
switches on iis front panel. Instead, there are two methods of
editing: one is achieved by calling each parameter with the relevant
buttons, and changing the value with the Joystick, or Increment and
Decrement Buttons, the other is by using the optional programmer
PG—1000, which has all the necessary panel controls.
For quicker and easier editing or synthesizing from scratch, the PG
~1000 may be essential.
*The editing procedure does not automatically rewrite the existing
program, the appropriate writing procedure, on page 18 must be taken.
1. CALLING A PARAMETER
A number of Patch Factors and Tone Parameters are shown in a
Menu Display at the same time. There are several Menu Displays as
shown below. Each parameter shown in a Menu Display contains
Play Mode Display
Tone Menu Display Tone Menu Display Baten Mi Disol
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Common Partial 1's Partial 2's Common Partial 1's Partial 2's
Menu Display Menu Display Menu Display Menu Display Menu Display Menu Display
several more parameters.
You can select any parameter you want by using the corresponding
Selector Button or Scroll Button.
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Selector Buttons Right Scroll Button Exit Button Shift Key

EDITING
The following explains how each button works. The Menu Display
and parameter which each button Jeads to are shown in the supplicd
Edit Map. Please thoroughly study the map.
@ Selector Buttons
These can be used to select one of the parameters shown in the
Display. Simply push the relevant Selector Button, and its current
value will flash in the Display.
@ Scroll Buttons
These buttons can be used to scroll through more parameters in
the same menu group.
Pushing the far-right Scroll Button calls the next parameter
group, and the left Scroll Button returns to the previous parameter
group.
@Exit Button
This button can be used to leave the parameter currently called
and go back to its Menu Display. To go back to the Play Mode
Display, hold down the Shift Key while pressing the Exit Button.
[CHANGING PARTIAL DISPLAYS]
While editing a parameter of one Partial, you can call the Display
of the same parameter for a different Partial.
The Patch Buttons 1 to 4 can select Partials as shown below.
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10

EDITING
2. CHANGING VALUES
Normally,
the
Joystick
is
used
to
change
the
value
drastically,
and
the
Increment
and
the
Decrement
Buttons
for
fine
adjustment,
To
set
value:
To
set
value:
®Moving
‘the
Joystick
to
the
right
in
INCREMENT
@
Pushing
the
Increment
Button
increases
a
i
©) creases a number. Cd number.
<e
®
Moving
the
Joystick
to
the
left
decreses
DECREMENT
®
Pushing
the
Decrement
Button
decreases
a
number.
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a
number.
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The
following
are
rather
special
ways
of
changing
values,
a, Local Edit
This
function
allows
you
to
change
the
values
of
two
adjacent
parameters
at
the
same
time
with
the
Joystick.
This
can
be
effectively
used
for
simultaneously
changing
two
values
which
affect
one
another.
fe.g.]
Tone
Detune
(Fine
Tuning
of
the
Upper
and
the
Lower
Tones)
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11

EDITING
12
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Lower pitch is lowered
Step 5
Push
the
far—left
Scroll
Button
(TONE
DETUNE)
to
change
to
the
Display
you
want.
Assign
the
left
parameter
(Lower
Tone)
of
the
two
adjacent
parameters
with
the
corresponding
Scroll
Button.
Push
the
LOCAL
Button,
(The
indicator
lights
up.)
With
the
Joystick,
change
the
value.
Upper pitch raises.
Lower pitch raises.
Right
and
Left:
The
value
of
the
selected
parameter
changes.
Forward
and
Backward:
The
value
of
the
adjacent
parameter
changes.
Upper pitch is lowered
When
the
Joystick
is
returned
to
the
center
position,
the
value
returns
to
the
original
value.
The
variable
range
is
narrow
so
that
the
value
can
be
subtly
adjusted.
%*
When
there
is
no
parameter
to
the
right
of
the
parameter
assigned
with
the
Selector
Button
in
step
2,
only
the
assigned
parameter
is
edited.
To
return
the
Joystick
to
its
narmal
function,
push
the
VALUE
Button.

b. Ten Key Pad
[e.g.]
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Step 2
Step 3
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PARTIAL SELECT! RANT MAUTEY
EDITING
The Ten Key Pad is mainly used for editing the names of Patches
or Tones, but also can sei the values of some parameters (factors).
The parameters which can be edited with the Ten Key Pad are
shown in "Tone Parameters” on page 22.
Changing the volume balance of two Tones from 50 to 25.
Step2
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Using the Selector Button, select "Volume Balance”.
With the Ten Key Pad, select 25.
Hit the Enter Key.
*If you fail to push the Enter Key, the value you have set will be
erased,
*If you choose an incorrect value, the Display will respond as
shown below for a few seconds.
Input Date Error
13

EDITING
3. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR EDITING
a. Compare
While editing a parameter, you may wish to hear the original sound
before it was edited. The D-—50’s Compare function allows you to
call the original Patch without erasing the edited sound.
Step 1 Push the Compare Button once.
COMPARE
Hj
The Display responds as shown below, and the original sound may
be heard by playing the keyboard.
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Step 2 Push the Compare Button again, and the edited sound will come
back,
In this Compare mode, the edited sound is temporarily saved, and
therefore remains even after calling a different Patch.(This does not
apply when the D-50 is turned off.) Hold the Compare Button
down while pushing the Shift Key, and the edited sound will be
recalled,
* When the Display shows the Compare mode indication, editing cannot
be achieved.
b. Undo
The Undo function returns the current value of the parameter to
the original value before being edited. This only refers to the last
parameter that has been adjusted.
Simply push the Undo Button.
UNDO
vm
c, Copy
The Copy function can copy the parameters of a Tone or Block to-
a different location.
@Tone Copy
A Tone from another Patch can be copied to the Patch currently
selected.
14

Step 1
EDITING
By pushing the appropriate Selector Button, call the Tone Copy
Display.( With the aid of the Edit Map, take the following
procedure.)
To copy to the Upper Tone, call the Upper Tone Menu Display, then
push the far-right Selector Button.
To copy to the Lower Tone, call the Lower Tone Menu Display, then
push the far-right Selector Button.
The
location
where
the
source
-_:
I-
mee
Tone is copied to.
Step 2
TER
nee a
Cores Fron
Source Tone
keyboard, select the Tone to be copied
be copied to the Tone of the currently
While actually playing the
(Source Tone), and it will
selected Patch.
Select either the Upper or the Lower Tone. (Holding
the button down will change Patch numbers at the
same time.)
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E Select a Patch number.
“— To select a Patch on the Memory Card, push the Card Button.
To select a Patch in the internal memory, push the Internal Button.
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At
this
stage
changing
the
Display
will
show
the
Tone
Name
just
copied.
@ Block Copy
A group of Tone Parameters can be copied within a Patch,
Exit Button
Step2
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Step3
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EDITING
Step 1
Step 2
Fro
ALL
Push the Copy Button.
Push the relevant Selector Button first, and select a source Tone,
and the Block to be copied, then the destination Tone and its Block
using the Joystick or Increment and Decrement Buttons as shown
below @—@®.
S4en8 Teh eek :
UPPER ALL
SS
@Select the Tone to be copied.
LOWER: Lower Tone
UPPER: Upper Tone
I
@Select the Block to be copied.
ALL : All the Parameters
COMMON : Common Parameters
PART=1: Partial 1's Parameters
PART =2: Partial 2's Parameters
Step 3
16
eS 8 (Ee
®@Select the location for the source Block.
lf COMMON is selected in step @, select COMMON here, and if
PART—1 or PART—2 is selected, seiect the corresponding Block.
@Select the location for the source Tone.
LOWER: Lower Tone
UPPER: Upper Tone
@lf either PART-1 or PART—2 is selected in step @,
any of the following Blocks can be selected.
ALL: All the Parameters
WG: WG Parameters
TVF ; TVF Parameters
TVA: TVA Parameters
To cancel the copying mode, simply push the Exit Button.
Hit the Enter Key.
When the copy is completed, the Display responds as shown below,
then returns to the Play Mode indication,
ConmelebLe .
*If you try to copy a Common parameter to a Partial parameter or vice
versa, the Display will show the following error message and the
copying cannot be done.
Mismatch
Cancel ...

d. Partial Mute
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e. Partial Balance
Step 1
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EDITING
While editing a Partial parameter, any Partial sound can be muted.
This function can be done in any Partial Display.
Simply push the Patch Button (1 to 4) that corresponds to the
Partial to be muted.
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Upper’s Partial 1
ert
PARTIAL SELECT
Upper’s Partial 2
Lower's Partial 2
Lower's Partial 1
The mute status of all Partials is shown in any Partial Display.
1111
| Lene: Partial 2
Upper Partial
Lower Partial 2
Lower Partiai
0: Mute ON
1: Mute OFF
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* The Partial Mute setting will be automatically written into memory by
taking the Writing Procedure on page 48,
The Partial Balance function can be obtained in any Edit Display
or Play Mode Display.(Except for the Edit Display of the Patch
Name and Tone Name.)
Select either of the Tones with the Partial Balance Button.
Upper Tone
UPPER
Cc i=
PARTIAL
LOWER ] BALANCE
ca
Lower Tone
17

18
EDITING
Step 2
Partial 1 Volume increases and
Partial 2 volume decreases.
Step 3
With the Joystick, set the volume balance you like.
Upper volume increases and the
lower volume decreases.
Partial 1 volume decreases and
Partial 2 volume increases.
Upper volume decreases and
Lower volume increases.
To return to the usual editing condition, select another
or change the Display.
parameter

EDITING
4. SOUND CREATION
There are two methods of sound creation.
(1) Editing an existing sound.
(2) Initializing ail the parameters of a certain Partial and then
editing the Partial.
How to initialize a Partial ;
Step 1 Call the Menu Display of the Partial to be initialized, then assign
"x Init *” with the Selector Button.
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Step 2 Push the Enter Key, and all the parameters of the selected Partial
will be initialized, the Display will show as below for a few seconds.
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19

EDITING
Editing Patch or Tone names is called Naming in this manual,
@A Paich name can have up to 18 letters.
@A Tone name can have up to 10 letters.
Step 1 Call the Naming Display.
Play Mode Display
Lower Tone Menu Upper Tone Menu Patch Menu
et COD lhe le Ca cA tC mm ca oc eh So. OS CS oS: eS. es
Lower Naming Upper Naming
Patch Naming
Step 2 Push the appropriate Selector Button to move to the letter you
wish to change, and the letter flashes.
Source Name
Fatch Hame Edit
ee
Flashing New Name
Pushing this button moves the flashing segment rightward.
Pushing this button moves the flashing segment leftward.
Step 3 Change the letters by either of the following methods.
20