Roland RODGERS W-50 User manual

Roland'/RODGERS* GENERAL
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Owner's Manual

Information
When you need repair service, call your local Roland Service Station or the authorized Roland distributor in your country as
shown below.
U. S. A.
Roland Corporation US
7200 Dominion Circle
Los Angeles, CA. 90040-
3696, U. S. A.
TEL: [phone]
CANADA
Roland Canada Music
Ltd.
(Head Office)
5480 Parkwood Way
Richmond B. C, V6V 2M4
CANADA
TEL: [phone]
Roland Canada Music
Ltd.
(Montreal Office)
9425 Transcanadienne
Sen/ice Rd. N., St Laurent,
Quebec H4S 1V3, CANADA
TEL: [phone]
Roland Canada Music
Ltd.
(Toronto Office)
346 Watline Avenue,
Mississauga, Ontario L4Z
1X2, CANADA
TEL: [phone]
AUSTRALIA
Roland Corporation
Australia Pty. Ltd.
38 Campbell Avenue
Dee Why West. NSW 2099
AUSTRALIA
TEL: [phone]
NEW ZEALAND
Roland Corporation (NZ)
Ltd.
97 Mt. Eden Road, Mt. Eden,
Auckland 3, NEW ZEALAND
TEL: [phone]
UNITED KINGDOM
Roland (U.K.) Ltd.
Rye Close Ancells Business
Park Fleet, Hampshire GUI 3
8UY, UNITED KINGDOM
TEL:[phone]
Roland (U.K.) Ltd.,
Swansea Office
Atlantic Close, Swansea
Enterprise Park, Swansea,
West Glamorgan SA79FI,
UNITED KINGDOM
TEL: [phone]
IRELAND
The Dublin Service
Centre Audio
Maintenance Limited
11Brunswick Place Dublin 2
Republic of Ireland
TEL: [phone]
ITALY
Roland Italy S. p. A.
Viale delle Industrie 820020
ARESEMILANO ITALY
TEL: [phone]
1
SPAIN
Roland Electronics de
Espana, S. A.
Calle Bolivia 239 08020
Barcelona, SPAIN
TEL: [phone]
GERMANY
Roland Elektronische
Musikinstrumente
Handelsgesellschaft mbH.
Oststrasse 96, 22844
Norderstedt, GERMANY
TEL: [phone]
FRANCE
Cuillard Musiques
Roland
ZAC de Rosarge 01 700
M1RIBEL FRANCE
TEL: [phone]
Guillard Musiques
Roland (Paris Office)
1923 rue Leon Geoffroy
94400 VITRY-SUR-SEINE
FRANCE
TEL: [phone]
BELGIUM/HOLLAND/
LUXEMBOURG
Roland Benelux N. V.
Houtstraat 1B-2260Oevel-
Westerlo BELGIUM
TEL: [phone]
DENMARK
Roland Scandinavia A/S
Langebrogade 6Box 1937
DK-1 023 Copenhagen K.
DENMARK
TEL: [phone]
SWEDEN
Roland Scandinavia A/S
Danvik Center 28 A, 2tr.
5-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN
TEL: [phone]
NORWAY
Roland Scandinavia Avd.
Kontor Norge
Lilleakerveien 2Postboks 95
Lilleaker N-0216Oslo 2
NORWAY
TEL: [phone]
FINLAND
Fazer Musik Inc.
Lansituulentie POB 169.
SF-02101 Espoo FINLAND
TEL: 0-43 50 II
SWITZERLAND
Roland CK (Switzerland)
AC
Gerberstrasse 5, CH-4410
Liestal, SWITZERLAND
TEL: [phone]
AUSTRIA
E. Dematte &Co.
Neu-Rum Siemens-Strasse 4
A-6040 Innsbruck P.O.Box
83
AUSTRIA
TEL:[phone]
GREECE
V. Dimitriadis &Co. Ltd.
20, Alexandras Avn., GR
10682 Athens, GREECE
TEL: [phone]
5
PORTUGAL
Casa Caius Instrumentos
Musicais Lda.
Rua de Santa Catarina 13
1
4000 Porto, PORTUGAL
TEL: [phone]
HUNGARY
Intermusica Ltd.
Warehouse Area 'DEPO'
Torokbalint, Budapest
HUNGARY
TEL: [phone]
ISRAEL
D.J.A. International Ltd.
11Bar Gyiora St., Tel Aviv
ISRAEL
TEL: [phone]
CYPRUS
Radex Sound Equipment
Ltd.
17Diagorou St., P.O.Box
2046, Nicosia CYPRUS
TEL: 453426, 466423
U.A.E
Zak Electronics &
Musical Instruments Co.
P.O. Box 8050
DUBAI, U.A.E
TEL: 695774
SAUDI ARABIA
Omar Badoghaish
Trading Corp.
P.O. Box 5980
leddah, SAUDI ARABIA
TEL: [phone]
KUWAIT
Easa Husain Al-Yousifi
P.O. Box 126 Safat 13002
KUWAIT
TEL: [phone]
LEBANON
A. Chahine &Fils
P.O. Box 16-5857
Beirut, LEBANON
TEL: 335799
TURKEY
Barkat Sanayi ve Ticaret
Siraselviler Cad. 86/6 Taksim
Istanbul, TURKEY
TEL: [phone]
EGYPT
Al Fanny Trading Office
9, Ebn Hagar Ai Askalany
Street, Ard El Golf,
Heliopolis, Cairo, 11341
EGYPT
TEL: [phone]
QATAR
Badie Studio &Stores
P.O.Box 62,
DOHA Qatar
TEL: [phone]
BAHRAIN
Moon Stores
Bad Al Bahrain Road,
P.O.Box 20077
State of Bahrain
TEL: [phone]
BRAZIL
Roland Brasil Ltda.
R. Alvarenga 591 CEP-05509
Sao Paulo BRAZIL
TEL: [phone]
MEXICO
Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de
c.v.
Mesones No. 21 Col. Centro
MEXICO D.F. 06080
TEL: [phone]
La Casa Wagner de
Guadalajara s.a. de c.v.
Av. Corona No. 202 S.|.
C.P.44100 Guadalajara,
lalisco MEXICO
TEL: [phone]
VENEZUELA
Musicland Digital C.A.
Av. Francisco De Miranda,
Centro Parque Cristal, Nivel
C2 Local 20 Caracas
VENEZUELA
TEL: [phone]
PANAMA
Productos Superiores,
S.A.
Apartado 655 -Panama 1
REP. DE PANAMA
TEL: 26-3322
ARGENTINA
Instrumentos Musicales
S.A.
Florida 638
(1005) Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
TEL: [phone]
HONG KONG
Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd.
Service Division
22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen
Wan, New Territories,
HONG KONG
TEL: [phone]
KOREA
Cosmos Corporation
Service Station
261 2nd Floor Nak-Won
Arcade long-Ro ku, Seoul,
KOREA
TEL: [phone]
SINGAPORE
Swee Lee Company
BLOCK 231,
Bain Street #03-23
Bras Basah Complex,
Singapore 071
8
TEL: [phone]
PHILIPPINES
G.A. Yupangco &Co.
Inc.
339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue
Makati, Metro Manila 1200,
PHILIPPINES
TEL: [phone]
3
THAILAND
Theera Music Co., Ltd.
330 Verng Nakorn Kasem,
Soi2, Bangkok 10100,
THAILAND
TEL: [phone]
MALAYSIA
Bentley Music SDN BHD
No.142, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur,
MALAYSIA
TEL: [phone]
INDONESIA
PT Citrarama Belantika
)L Alaydrus 84 B
Jakarta 10130
INDONESIA
TEL: [phone],
3802639
TAIWAN
Siruba Enterprise
(Taiwan) Co., LTD.
Room. 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung
Shan N.Road Sec. 2Taipei,
TAIWAN, R.O.C.
TEL: [phone]
SOUTH AFRICA
That Other Music Shop
(PTY) Ltd.
11Melle Street (Cnr Melle
and luta Street)
Braamfontein 2001
Republic of South Africa
TEL: [phone]
Paul Bothner (PTY) Ltd.
17Werdmuller Centre
Claremonl 7700
Republic of South Africa
TEL: [phone]
As of Dec 2. 1993

GENERAL
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Roland/RODGERS W-
OWNER'S MANUAL
General MIDI System
GENERAL The General MIDI System is aset of recommendations which seek to provide away
for going beyond the limitations of proprietary designs, and standardize the MIDI capa-
bilities provided by sound generating devices. If you use asound generating unit which
carries the General MIDI logo (moj ), you will be able to faithfully reproduce any song
data which also carries the General MIDI logo.
miDi
GS Format
^__ The GS Format is Roland's universal set of specifications which were formulated in the
^5£ interest of standardizing the way in which sound generating devices will operate when
^mZf MIDI is used for the performance of music.
If you use asound generating unit which carries the GS logo (<^ ), you will be able to
faithfully reproduce any commercially available song data which also carries the GS
logo.
This product supports both General MIDI and the GS Format.
Song data which carries either of these logos can be accurately reproduced on the
instrument.
*Macintosh is atrademark of Apple Computer Inc.
*Dayna File is atrademark of Dayna Communication Inc.
*MS-DOS is aregistered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.

INTRODUCTION
Thank you and congratulations on your choice ot the Roland/RODGERS W-50.
Thanks to its wide range of high-quality sounds and its easy-to-use controls, the W-50 is sure to satistv most everyone; Irom
beginner lo seasoned professional.
Moreover, it can easily be used to create ensemble elle( ts, by making use ot its multi-timbral capabilities
in order lo tee! certain that you t\rv 1'amiliar with every outstanding leature this unit otters, and to be assured ot continuing sat-
tsf.ic lion for years to come, please take the time to read through this manual.
FEATURES
•High-Quality Sounds
Awealth of Preset Tones and Drum Sets are provided.
Whether it be rich organ sounds, strikingly realistic
acoustic sounds or synthesized sounds, the W-50 has
them
•16-Part Multi-Timbral Capability
The W-50 is a16 Part multi-timbral synthesizer thai is
capable of taking full advantage ot MIDI. When com-
bined with asequencer or computer, it otters abroad
range of compositional and performance possibilities.
•General MIDI/GS Support
The W-50 is compatible with both the General MIDI
System and Roland's GS Format. Any music data that
complies with the General MIDI System/GS Format can
be reproduced accurately on this unit.
•56-Voice Polyphony
The GS Sound Generator produces 28 voices, while the
Organ Sound Generator provides another 28 for atotal of
56 polyphonic notes. With this many voices at your dis-
posal, you should be able to create some really incredible
orchestrations.
•Four Key Modes
The W-50 offers atotal of four different key modes: Dual,
Split, Octavel, and Octave 2. These can enhance the
unit's creative possibilities and allow you to add 'fatness'
to sounds.
•Easy Operation
The unit's buttons and sliders have all been designed to
allow easy access to its sounds and functions. While
enhancing operational ease, they allow direct, immediate
control over the sound editing process.
•Performance Button
The PERFORMANCE button can be used to obtain instan-
taneous changes in the W-50's settings (a convenient per-
formance function).
•Realtime MIDI Control
The W-50 is equipped with three sliders which act as
MIDI controllers. They allow you to apply realtime
expression to song data.
•'Minus-One' Playback
This feature allows you to mute any part in the perfor-
mance data (whether it has arrived at MIDI IN or is
played by the SMF Player on the W-50) and then play that
part yourself.
•SMF Player
The W-50 is equipped with an SMF Player which sup-
ports Standard MIDI Files. This means that in addition to
providing playback of what has been recorded on the W-
50, it can also playback music data created on some
other device.
Concerning Symbols Used In This Manual
In the interest of simplicity, this manual uses the symbols
below to help explain the instrument's operation:
•Words or numbers with Bold indicate panel buttons.
For example, PRESET refers to the Preset button, whereas
TONE GROUP 1indicates the button for Tone Group 1
.
•Wherever arrow symbols appear, such as PART </>, or
PARAMETER */>-, it means that you should press one
or the cither of such buttons, whichever is appropriate for
the situation.
When two buttons are shown like this: LEVEL+PAN, it
means that you should press PAN while holding LEVEL.
Pages to which you can refer for further information are
indicated by: (•" p. **).
©1994 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Corporation.

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Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Use
of any other AC adaptor could result in damage, malfunction,
or electric shock.
Power Supply
•Before connecting this unit to other deuces, turn oil the
power to all units; this will help present damage or mal-
function.
•Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with anv
device th.it will generate line noise; an electric motor or
variable lighting system for example.
•The power requirement for this unit is indicated on its
nameplate (rear panel). Ensure that the voltage in your
installation meets this requirement.
•Avoid damaging the power cord; do not Men on it, olace
heavy objects on it, etc.
•When disconnecting the AC adaptor from the power outlet,
grasp the plug itself; never pull on the cord.
•If the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of
time, unplug the power cord.
Placement
•Do not subject the unit to temperature extremes (eg., direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle). Avoid using or storing the
unit in dusty or humid areas, or areas that are subject to
high levels of vibration.
•Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
containing large power transformers) may induce hum.
•This device may interfere with radio and television recep-
tion. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.
•Observe the following when using the W-50's disk drive.
For further details, refer to "Before Using Disks".
ODo not place the unit near devices that produce astrong
magnetic field (eg., loudspeakers).
Olnstall the unit on asolid, level surface.
ODo not move the unit or subject it to vibration while the
drive is operating.
Maintenance
•For r\ervd.i\ (leaning wipe the unit with asott, dry cloth or
one that has been slightly dampened ui'h water. To remove
stubborn dirt, use amild, non-abrasive detergent.
Afterwards, lie sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with asoft,
dry iloth.
•Never use benzene, thinners, ah oho! or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility ol discoloration and/or defor-
mation.
Additional Precautions
•Protect Ihe unit Irom strong impact.
•Do not allow objects or liquids 01 an\ kind to penetrate the
unit. In the event of such an occurrence, discontinue use
immediately. Contact qualified service personnel as soon as
possible.
•Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
•Asmall amount of heat will rarliate from the unit during
normal operation.
•Before using the unit in aforeign country, consult with qual-
ified service personnel.
•Should amalfunction occur, or if you suspect there is a
problem, discontinue use immediately. Contact qualified
service personnel as soon as possible.
•Asmall amount of noise may be heard from the display dur-
ing normal operation.
Memory Backup
IThis unit contains abattery which powers the unit's memo-
ry circuits while the main (AC) power is off. The expected
life of this battery is 5years or more. However, to avoid the
untimely loss of memory data, it is strongly recommended
that you change the battery every 5years. Please be aware
that the actual life of the battery will depend upon the phys-
ical environment (especially the temperature) in which the
unit is used. When it is time to change the battery, consult
with qualified service personnel.
(When the battery becomes weak the following message will
appear in the display. Please change the battery as soon as
possible to avoid the loss of memory data.
•Please be aware that the contents of memory may at times
be lost; when the unit is sent for repairs or when by some
chance amalfunction has occurred. Important data should
be stored in another MIDI device (eg., asequencer) or on
floppy disk, or written down on paper (if possible). During
repairs, due care is taken to avoid the loss of data.
However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to
memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be
possible to restore the data.

Before Using Disks
Handling the drive
•Install the unit on asolid, level surface in an area tree from
vibration, if the unit must be installed at an angle, be sure
the installation falls within the specified range: upward; 5,
downward; 35°.
•Avoid using the unit in areas of high humidity (eg., conden-
sation). High levels of humidity can adversely affect the
operation of the drive and/or damage floppy disks. When
the unit has been transported, allow it to warm lo room
temperature before operating.
•To insert adisk, push it gently but firmly into the drive it
will click into place. To remove adisk, press the fli.C'T but-
ton firmly. Do not use excessive force to remove adisk
which is lodged in the drive
•Never attempt to remove afloppy disk from the drive while
the drive is operating (the indicator is brightly lit); damage
could result to both the disk and the drive.
•Remove any disk from the drive before powering up or
down.
Handling Floppy Disks
•Floppy disks contain amagnetic storage medium (much like
magnetic recording tape). Please observe the following
when handling floppy disks;
ONever touch the magnetic: medium inside the disk.
CD Do not subject floppy disks to temperature extremes (eg.,
direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle). Recommended
temperature range: 10 to 50°C.
ODo not expose floppy disks to strong magnetic; fields,
such as those generated by loudspeakers.
Floppy disks contain a"write protect" tab which can protect
the disk from accidental erasure. It is recommended that the
tab be kept in the "PROTECT" position and moved to the
"WRITE" position only when you wish to write new data
onto the disk.
i
1B
Rear side of the disk
WRITE (can write new data onto disk)
PROTECT (prevents writing to the disk)
Write Protect Tab
•All important data should be copied onto backup disk(s).
This provides acomplete duplicate of the data should the
original disk(s) be lost or damaged.
•The identification label should be firmly fixed to the disk.
Should the label come loose while the disk is in the drive, it
may be difficult to remove the disk.

in rI3j1i
ragi
Panel Descriptions 8
Play some music on your W-50
Getting Ready 12
Turning ON the Power 13
Demo Song Playback 14
Song Names/Composer Profiles 14
W-50 Overview 15
About Parts 16
The W-50 is aMulti-Timbral Synthesizer 16
Playing the W-50 16
About Tones !7
Preset Tones 17
User Tones 19
About Drum Sets 20
Preset and User Drum Sets 20
About Organ Tones 22
Preset and User Organ Tones 22
Convenient Performance Features 24
Effects 24
Transpose 24
Solo/Portamento 25
Bender/Modulation Lever 26
Functions Convenient for Live Performances 27
About Each Key Mode 27
Creating Original Tones 30
Tone Editing 30
About the Parameters That Can Be Edited 31
Storing Edited Tones 32
Creating Your Own Drum Sets 33
Storing Edited Drum Sets 34
Altering the W-50's Settings 35
Making Changes in Settings Common
to the W-50's As AWhole 35
Altering Settings For Individual Parts 41
Note on using the Organ Sound Generator 45
Instantly Changing the W-50's Settings 46
Lessons Using Music Data 47
Obtaining Real-Time Control Over an External Device. ..49
Getting More Out of Your Instrument 50
When Using Desktop Music Systems 50
Playing Live 53
About Maximum Polyphony and Part Priority 54
Restoring the Original Settings 55
Saving the W-50's Data 56
Saving Settings for the GS Sound Generator 57
About the MIDI Connectors on the W-50 58
Using MIDI to Select Sounds on the W-50 59
About The SMF Player
Disk Playback 62
About the Display 62
Playback 62
Program Playback 64
Playing Individual Songs (Single Playback) 65
Playing Songs Many Times (Repeat Playback) 66
Repeating aSpecified Section (Block)
of aSong (Block Repeat Playback) 66
Playing Your Own Song Data 68
Recording 69
Before you begin recording 69
Recording Song Data from Another Device
Into the W-50 70
Setting The Playback Functions 71
Copying Song Data 72
Synchronized Playback with Other MIDI Devices. .73
Synchronize other devices to the W-50 73
Synchronize the W-50 to other devices 73
Controlling Play/Stop from an External
MIDI Device 74
Conversion Processing for High-Speed
Forward/Backward 75
MIDI Update 76
Other Settings 77
Reference
The General MIDI System and GS Format 80
Troubleshooting 81
Error Messages 83
Tone Chart 86
Drum Set Chart 88
Parameter List 89
About Roland Exclusive Messages 92
MIDI Implementation 94
MIDI Implementation Chart 1 1 7
Topical Index 120
Index 122
Specifications 124

escnptions
FRONT PANEL
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A. SMF Player Section
)DISPLAY
While the indicator on this button is lit, the information
shown in the display will be concerned with the SMF
Player section.
3SONG
Used to select the song to be played.
)CLEAR
Pressed to cancel asetting.
OSET
Pressed to confirm asetting.
3TEMPO
Adjusts the playback tempo.
OPROGRAM
Used to arrange the order in which songs are to be played.
OSINGLE
Used to play asingle song.
OREPEAT
Pressed to have songs repeated.
OFWD
With this button you can fast-forward through asong.
OBWD
Press this button to move backard through asong.
OPAUSE
Pressed to momentarily pause song playback.
3STOP
Pressed to stop song playback.
OPLAY
Pressed to start song playback.
OREC
Pressed to begin recording.
B. VOLUME Slider
Adjusts the volume of sound output from the OUTPUT
jacks as well as from the PHONES jack.
C. Data Entry Section
Used to change the values of parameters. Use PARAME-
TER to select the parameter that is to be altered, then use
VALUE /VALUE slider to change its value. The slider can
be conveniently used to make broad changes in avalue,
whereas the buttons are great for making finer adjustments.
D. EDIT PALETTE Section
The EDIT PALETTE sliders are used to edit Tones (instru-
ment sounds). VIBRATO /FILTER /ENVELOPE are used
to select the parameter type. Then vou can use the EDIT
PALETTE slider to adjust the value.
E. TRANSPOSE
Switches transposition On/Off. The amount of transposition
can be set while TRANSPOSE is pressed.
F. SOLO/PORTAMENTO
Turns On/Off the Solo feature (allows play using single
sounds). While the indicator is lit, one note plays at atime.
While using this feature, asmooth transition in pitch is
made between each note played, thus providing aporta-
mento effect. The portamento time can be set while
SOLO/PORTAMENTO is pressed
G. MINUS ONE
Allows you to mute what would normally play for the cur-
rently selected Part, by having data from MIDI IN or from
the SMF Player be ignored. That part can then be played
only by using the keyboard.
H. EFFECT Section
CHORUS /REVERB
These buttons are used to turn Chorus or Reverb On/Off.
When ON, the indicator will light.

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I. Display
Displays Information such as the current!',
parameter sellings.
•lecled
J. KEY MODE Section
Used to turn On/Olf the desired Ke\ Mode (the indicator
for the selected Key Mode will light). While SPLIT is held
down, the Split Point can be set.
K. ORGAN
When this button indicator is lit, the sounds on the Organ
Sound Generator will be available.
L. PRESET
Pressed to select apreset Tone or Drum Set.
M. USER
Pressed to select aTone or Drum Set that has been edited.
N. PERFORMANCE
Pressed in combination with aNumber button to select a
Performance.
O. PART
Pressed to switch among the 16 Parts available.
P. LEVEL/LEVEL
Pressed to adjust the instrument's overall volume as well as
that of each Part.
Q. TUNE/PAN
Pressed to adjust the standard pitch for the instrument and
to adjust the panning for each Part.
R. EFFECT/EFFECT
Used to make the settings for the two effects: Chorus and
Reverb.
S. MIDI/MIDI
Used to set the MIDI parameters; both those affecting the
W-50 as awhole and those for each Part.
T. CONTROL/CONTROL
Used to adjust the display's contrast and make settings for
the various parameters for each Part.
U. MASTER
When this button's indicator is lit, it is used to make set-
tings for the unit's overall functions. When the indicator is
dark, it is used to make settings for the functions which can
be altered on an individual Part basis.
V. WRITE
Pressed to store an edited Tone or Drum Set into the User
Area, as well as to store all of the W-50's settings as a
'Performance.'
W. TONE GROUP 1—16
Used to select among the 16 Tone Groups, including
Piano, Chromatic Percussion, etc.
U. NUMBER 1—8
Provide for selection among the eight Tones within aTone
Group. They are also used to select Drum Sets. To select a
Performance, hold down aNUMBER 1—8while pressing
PERFORMANCE
X. DRUM1/DRUM2
Pressed to transform aparticular Part into aDrum Part. On
the W-50, two Drum Sets can be used simultaneously.
Y. VARIATION
When aVariation exists for aTone specified with the Tone
Group and Number buttons, press this button to call up the
Variation.

<SIDE PANEL >
A. Disk Drive
The disk drive uses 3.5 inch, 2DD floppy disks. To remove She disk, press the eject button located
at the lower right of the disk insertion slot.
B. Bender/Modulation Lever
This lever allows you to raise or lower the pitch of, or add vibrato to, the notes you play.
<REAR PANEL >
C. MIDI Connectors
Allow you to use MIDI cables to connect this instrument
with other MIDI-equipped units.
D. HOLD PEDAL Jock
Accepts connection of an optionally available pedal switch
(DP-2, BOSS FS-5U or the like). The pedal will then allow
you to turn On/Off the Hold effect.
E. PHONES Jack
Accepts connection of headphones (such as Roland's RH-
20/80/120). Even with headphones connected, sound will
still be output from the OUTPUT jacks.
F. OUTPUT Jocks
Provide output of the instrument's sounds. These jacks can
be connected to an amplifier or mixer.
G. Cord Hook
The adaptor cord should be looped around this hook to
protect the plug from accidental disconnection.
H. AC Adaptor Jack
Accepts connection of the supplied AC adaptor.
I. Power Switch
Turns the unit ON and OFF.
10

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Play some music
on your W-50
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Before playing your W-50, you will need lo connect it with other equipment, such as an amplifier and
speakers. Before making such connections, make sure you have the power switch turned OFF on this unit,
as well as on all other equipment. Additionally, make sure to have the volume on your amplifier or mixer
set at the lowest possible level. This way, you can prevent damage to speakers or other equipment that
could result from the noise produced when making connections or turning power on.
Following the illustration below, connect the W-50 with your external devices.
Pedal switch (DP-2. DP-6)
About the AC Adaptor
Monitor speakers, Stereo set etc.
Use only the supplied AC adaptor. Use of any other AC
adaptor can cause malfunctions or electric shock. The
adaptor cord should be looped around the hook located
to the left of the POWER switch, as shown in the illustra-
tion. This prevents the cord from being accidentally
pulled out while you are playing.
»About the OUTPUT Jacks
These jacks provide output of the sound signals. They can be connected to an amplifier or mixer, or other
unit. In order to get the most out of your W-50, astereo output is definitely recommended. If you wish to
play in monaural, however, use the L(MONO) jack. When connecting to your home stereo or radio-cas-
sette player, remove the adaptor plug from the supplied cable.
*Pedal switches, MIDI cables, and stereo headphones are all options available from your Roland retailer,
*Please use only Roland or BOSS pedal switches. The unit may not operate satisfactorily if you substitute
products from another manufacturer.
12

Turning ON the Power
Once till connections ha\e been completed, power up the system in the following order:
4^P Turn on the W-50.
%j& Turn on the power to the mixer and/or amplifier.
^5^ Set the volume control on each unit to an appropriate level.
You can now play the keyboard, and confirm that sound is produced.
When you're finished playing, power down the system in the reverse order.
*Due to its circuitry protection feature, this instrument requires afew seconds immediately after power up
bclorc it is read\ to: (jpcration.
13

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The W-50 has two demonstration songs stored in memory which clearly demonstrate the instrument's supe-
rior capabilities.
ft^ri
fo hear these demo semi's, follow this procedure:
<5^ Press LEVEL+PAN.
The following will appear in the display:
<5^ Use PARAMETER A/T to select the desired song.
If you do not make this selection, the unit will play all songs, one after the other.
^5^ Press VALUE to start song playback.
^5^ Press VALUE Tto stop playback.
^j«^ To exit the ROM Play mode, once again press LEVEL+PAN.
The previous display will reappear.
"During demo song playback none of the instrument's controls (except for the VOLUME slider) will have
any affect.
*No performance data from these demonstration songs Is output from MIDI OUT.
Song Names/Composer Profiles
River Jordan
Aria's Dance
Music by Jeff Lams ©1994 MARANATHAIMUSIC
Jeff began playing the piano at the age of eight and by 14 was performing in avariety of lounge and stage
acts in Las Vegas —including the off-Broadway production of "Crease." After moving to Los Angeles he
began performing, arranging, writing and producing for artists such as Donna Summer, Rita Coolidge, Nell
Carter, Sam Phillips and Phil Keaggy.
*Note: These demo songs are protected by copyright and are intended solely for the demonstration of this instru-
ment and the personal enjoyment of the instrument's owner. These songs cannot be copied or transcribed in any
form without the permission of the copyright holder.
The following provides helpful information to allow you to get to know your W-50 better.
14

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Inside the W-50
Ihe W-50 cornbines akeyboard, sound generator, and acollection of controllers (such as sliders).
•Controller Section
Ihis section allows tor playing music while also adding expression.
'I he keyboard controls the pitch ,\\)i.\ volume ot Ihe notes produced while the BENDER/MODI LATION
lever allows small amounts of pitch fluctuation to be applied to the notes. Additionally, once ahold pedal
(available separately] is connected, it can Ire used to sustain the notes that are plaved.
•GS Sound Generating Section
The GS Sound Generator is multi-timbral, and provides 16 Parts. Il is capable of providing up to 28 poly-
phonic notes. Additionally, since it supports the General MIDI SvstenVGS Format, it will reliably pla\ back
most commorcially available General MIDI/GS compatible music rlata.
•Organ Sound Generator Section
The Organ Sound Generator is 7-Part multi-timbral, and is capable of providing up to 28 polyphonic notes.
This assures vou will obtain some reallv luxuriant organ sounds.
•SMF Player Section
This section allows you to play commercially available music, data in the SMF (Standard MIDI Filei format,
and record what you play on the instrument. Additionally, the Minus-One function (•* p. 47) allows vou to
practice with recorded accompaniment.
15

The W-50 is aMulti-Timbral Synthesizer
The W-50 is a16-Part multi-timbral synthesizer. This means that it can produce amultiple number oi
instrument sounds at the same time. Parts can be likened to the individual players that make up an orches-
tra or band. Each 'Pari' can use adifferent sound to produce an individual musical part. In other words, the
W-50 is able to plav ^n ensemble that could include up to 16 different instruments.
•Using the W-50 As Part of aDTMS (Desktop Music System)
Multi-timhral synthesizers are ideal tor use as the sound generating unit for aDTMS. You can easily pro-
duce impressive multi-instrument musical pieces without being bothered by alot of extra cable connec-
tions. Sun eShe W-50 can provide 16 Parts, e\en complex orchestrations can be handled with relative ease.
Adrlilionalh .since it supports the General MIDI Svstem/GS Format, it can be used to play General MIDI
system 'GS Formal music data.
For more information about DTMS, please refer to "When Using Desktop Music Systems" («" p. 50).
•Using the W-50 for Live Performances
There are probable not many occasions where you would need to simultaneously use amultiple number ol
Parts and create an ensemble effect when playing live on stage. At such times you will probably want to
use one ['art at alime, and change to adifferent one depending on the music. When playing this way, the
fact that the instrument is multi-timbral may not really seem that important. However, there are numerous
instances where vou can enhance what you play by making effective use of the multi-timbral capabilities.
Note also that amultiple number of Parts can be used automatically with some of the W-50's perlormanc e
features :*" p. _'7i
For more mtormahon about playing live, please reter to "Playing Live" (•" p. 53).
Playing the W-50
The W-50 is equipped with two sound generating units, aGS Sound Generator and an Organ Sound
Generator .Ihe GS Sound Generator essentially provides what are called "Tones," which are acollection ol
various a< oustic (sue has piano, organ and guitar) and synthesizer sounds. In addition, it can also generate
alarge number ol percussive sounds, which are grouped together into what are known as "Drum Sets."
The Organ Sound Generator provides another set of sounds, aquintessential collection of 16 organ sounds
which are cailed "Organ Tones."
In order to make any of these Tones or Drum Sets available for play, you need to first assign them to aPart.
Only those sounds which have been assigned to aparticular Part can be played using the keyboard or a
sequencer.
Both Tones and Drum Sets can be assigned to Parts. APart to which aTone has been assigned is referred to
as a"Norma! Part."
The W-50 allows you to use two Drum Sets at the same time (Drum Set 1and Drum Set 2). The Parts (o
which these Drum Sets have been assigned are referred to as the "Drum 1Part" and "Drum 2Part."
Selecting the Part to be Played on the Keyboard
4^P Press PART **/ and select aPart from 1—16.
You can view the display to confirm which Part is currently selected.
Once selected, you will be able to use the keyboard to play the Tone or Drum Set that is assigned to the
Part. For instructions on how to select Tone and Drum Sets, refer to "About Tones" (* p.1 8), "About Drum
Sets" (*- p. 20) and "About Organ Tones" (•" p. 22).
The currently selected Part
Normally, only the Part that is shown in the display is heard by playing the keyboard. In the following con-
ditions, however, more than one Part is played simultaneously.
3When the Dual or Split Key mode is turned on (•" p. 27).
DWhen the MIDI receive channels of several Parts are set to the same number as the MIDI receive chan-
nel of the Part currently shown in the Display (•" p. 42 "Receive Channel").
16

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Contained within the GS Sound Generator is acomprehensive selection of Tones. Select those which you
are interested in and try them out to hear how they sound.
There are two types of Tones: Preset and User.
Preset Tones
The Preset Tones include all those that were stored in the GS Sound Generator when it was manufactured
226 Preset Tones are provided.
There are two kinds of Preset Tones: Capital Tones and Variation Tones.
Capital Tones
•Variation Tones
The GS Sound Generator comes with avaried collection ot
Preset Tones.
Its sound palette includes avariety of acoustic instruments
(such as pianos and guitars), as well as many synthesized
and special eiiects sounds. An important part of this collec-
tion are the 128 "Capital Tones."
Ihe Capital Tones are divided into 16 Tone Groups, such as
piano, organ and guitar. Within each Tone Group you will
find aselection of related Tones, numbered from 1—8. For
example, the Piano Tone Group contains the Tones: Piano,
Electric Piano, and Harpsichord.
All of the Tones in the white block (16 x8=128) are Capital
Tones.
The other Tones in aTone Group (other than the Capital
Tones) are known as "Variation Tones." The Variation Tones
have essentially the same character as the Capital Tones, but
offer adifferent nuance.
The relationship between Capital Tones and Variation Tones
is as shown left. Note that while some Tones may have a
number of Variations, others will have none at all. The white
block shows the Capital Tones, while those above them
(indicated by the gray block) are the Variation Tones.
17

Selecting Preset Tones
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Press PRESET.
Select the Tone Croup using TONE GROUP 1—1 6.
Select the Number using NUMBER 1—8.
This procedure allows yon to select Capital Tones.
To select aVariation Tone, you will need to press VARIATION.
When aVariation Tone is selected, the indicator on VARIATION lights up. When there are amultiple
number of Variation Tones, press VARIATION enough times to select the one you need. When you have
finished selecting Variation Tones, the indicator goes out, and you are returned to the Capital Tone.
"Should you press VARIATION when the Tone has no Variation, the indicator will not light, and the
Capital Tone remains selected.
As shown in the illustration below, the name of the selected Tone is shown in the display. Also, the Tone
Group and settings for the Number are shown.
The Currently Selected Part
Tone Name
Program Change Number
INumber
Tone Group
P: Preset Tone
The Program Change Number which corresponds to the Preset Tone is also shown in the display. For
details, please refer to "Using MIDI to Select Sounds on the W-50" (<*" p. 59).
18

User Tones
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User Tone Map 1
User Tone Map 2
AUser Tone is aTone (any of those alreadv provided hv (lie
GS Sound (Generator) that you have edited (altered to vour
liking* and have saved as anew Tone.
As shown in the illustration to the lett, the unit allows vou to
store 128 Tones eaeh for User Tone Map 1and Usei lone
Map 2, for atotal of 256 sounds.
Selecting User Tones
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<5> ^ess USER.
Press VARIATION and select User Tone Map 1/2.
You can select Tones from User Tone Map 1 if the indicator on VARIATION is dark, and from User lone
Map 2when it is lit.
<5> Select the Tone Group using TONE GROUP 1—16.
i^ Select the Number using NUMBER 1—8.
As shown in the illustration below, the name of the selected Tone is shown in the display. Also, the Tone
Group and settings for the Number are shown.
The Currently Selected Part
Tone Name
Program Change Number
Number
Tone Group
U: User Tone
The Program Change Number which corresponds to the User Tone is also shown in the display. For details
please refer to "Using MIDI to Select Sounds on the W-50" (*- p.59).
19

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The GS Sound Generator has 9Drum Sets which contain awide range of percussion sounds. Follow the
instructions below to select and play the various Drum Sets.
As witli Tones, the unit offers Preset and User Drum Sets.
Preset and User Drum Sets
Preset Drum Sets are the Drum Sets which were originally stored in the GS Sound Go
Mil hDrum Sets. User Drum Sets are Drum Sets which you have edited to your liking. T
store Mof these User Drum Sets.
As shown in the illustration below, adifferent percussive sound is assigned to each key
kcvboard, adifferent sound will be produc ed by each key.
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*Different Drum Sets contain different sounds. For details, refer to the "Drum Set Chart" (* p.BH).
Selecting Drum Sets
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<3* Press DRUM 1/DRUM 2.
When vou press DRUM 1, the currently selected Part is made the Drum 1Part. When you press DRUM 2
it becomes the Drum 2Part.
45^ T°se|ect aPreset Drum Set'Press pRESET-To select aUser Drum Set'press USER-
<5> Press NUMBER 1—8 or VARIATION to select the Drum Set to be played.
The indicator on the button you have pressed will light. After that, you can press keys on the keyboard to
play the Drum Set.
As shown below, the name of the selected Drum Set is shown in the display.
The Currently^elected Part
Drum Set Name
Program Number
Drum Set Number
P: Preset Drum Set
U: User Drum Set
20