Roland System-8 User manual

© 2016 Roland Corporation 02
Contents
Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Editing a Patch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Editing a Patch’s Bender Settings or Patch Name (PATCH
EDIT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Simulating Aging (CONDITION). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Specifying the Tempo of Each Patch (Patch Tempo) . . . . . . 10
Initializing a Patch (Patch Init) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Saving a Patch (WRITE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Patch Eects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Editing a Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Making Settings for the Entire Performance (PERFORM
EDIT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT) . . . . . . . . . 16
Initializing a Performance (Perform Init) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Saving a Performance (WRITE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Accessing the MENU Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen) . . . . . . . 21
Saving the System Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Viewing the System Version (VERSION INFO) . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Viewing Plug-Out Information (PLUG-OUT INFO). . . . . . . . 26
Convenient Functions (UTILITY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card (RESTORE) 27
Exporting Sound Data to an SD Card (EXPORT) . . . . . . . . . . 27
Importing Sound Data from an SD Card (IMPORT) . . . . . . . 28
Changing the Order of Patches/Performances
(EXCHANGE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) . . . . . 29
Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE). . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Deleting a File from an SD Card (Delete File) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Overwrite-Saving Edited Data (Overwrite). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using the Vocoder (VOCODER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting a Mic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the Vocoder in Patch Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the Vocoder in Performance Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
When the PerfMode Is “DUAL”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
When the PerfMode Is “SINGLE” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
About the Step Sequencer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
STEP SEQUENCER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Recording Steps Consecutively (STEP REC) . . . . . . . . . 35
Recording in Real Time (REAL TIME REC) . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Starting Realtime Recording by Keyboard Input . . . . 36
Recording a Specic Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Editing a Specic Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Transposing the Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Muting the Playback of a Specic Part
(Performance Mode Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Saving Step Sequencer Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
About FIRST STEP and LAST STEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Selecting the First Step (FIRST STEP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Selecting the Last Step (LAST STEP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Changing the Steps While Maintaining the Spacing
of the First and Last Steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
STEP SEQ MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Copying a Pattern (PTN COPY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Specifying the Note Length of One Step (SETTING) . 38

2
Panel Descriptions
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
11
12
10
1 Common section
Here you can make the following settings for the SYSTEM-8.
Controller Value Explanation
[VOLUME] knob --- Adjusts the volume.
[INPUT] knob --- Adjusts the volume level of the INPUT R and L/MONO jacks.
PEAK indicator ---
Indicates the analog input level of the rear panel INPUT R, L/MONO jacks.
The PEAK indicator lights if the input level is excessive.
Adjust the volume of your connected equipment so that this indicator lights
occasionally.
* If the PEAK indicator stays lit even after you adjust the connected device, adjust the
system setting INPUT: Gain (p. 24).
[VOCODER] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Switches the vocoder on/o.
[ARPEGGIO] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the arpeggio function on/o.
[ARP TYPE] knob
Selects the arpeggio type.
1 OCT UP The keys you press are sounded consecutively upward starting from the lowest.
1 OCT U+D The keys you press are sounded consecutively upward starting from the lowest, and
then back down again.
1 OCT DOWN The keys you press are sounded consecutively downward starting from the highest.
2 OCT DOWN The keys you press, together with the keys one octave above those keys, are sounded
consecutively downward starting from the highest.
2 OCT U+D The keys you press, together with the keys one octave above those keys, are sounded
consecutively upward starting from the lowest, and then back down again.
2 OCT UP The keys you press, together with the keys one octave above those keys, are sounded
consecutively starting with the lowest.
[ARP STEP] knob
Selects the note value for each step of the arpeggio.
1/4 Quarter note
1/8 Eighth note
1/16 Sixteenth note
1/4T Quarter-note triplet
1/8T Eighth note triplet
1/16T Sixteenth note triplet
[KEY HOLD] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the key hold function on/o.
[CHORD MEMORY]
button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the chord memory function on/o.
[VELOCITY OFF]
button ON (lit), OFF (unlit)
Notes sound at the same volume even if your playing dynamics vary.
The velocity value when “VELOCITY OFF” is on is specied by the system setting
(SYSTEM: KEY TOUCH: Fixed Velo) (p. 21).
[TRANSPOSE] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Turns the transpose function on/o.

3
Panel Descriptions
Controller Value Explanation
OCTAVE [DOWN]
[UP] buttons
-3–0–+3 (octave units)
Octave shift
These buttons let you shift the pitch range of the keyboard in one-octave units. The
button is lit if the pitch is shifted by one octave, and blinking if the pitch is shifted by
two or three octaves.
-5–0–+6 (semitone units)
Key transpose
By pressing a [DOWN] [UP] button while holding down the [TRANSPOSE] button,
you can transpose (shift the pitch of ) the keyboard in semitone units.
MODE [PATCH]
button --- Switches to Patch mode.
&“Editing a Patch” (p. 9)
MODE
[PERFORMANCE]
button
--- Switches to Performance mode.
&“Editing a Performance” (p. 14)
PART ON/OFF
[LOWER] [UPPER]
buttons
ON (lit), OFF (unlit) In performance mode, switch the lower part or upper part on/o.
PANEL SELECT
[LOWER] [UPPER]
buttons
(The button of the selected
part is lit)
In performance mode, select the part (lower or upper) that is the target of panel
operations.
[MANUAL] button --- Causes sound to be produced according to the current settings of the knobs and
sliders.
[PORTAMENTO]
knob OFF, 1–255
Adjusts the time over which pitch change occurs when portamento is applied.
Portamento is an eect that smoothly changes the pitch between one key and the
next-played key.
[LEGATO] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Applies portamento only when you play legato (i.e., when you press the next key
before releasing the previous key).
[TEMPO] knob 40.0–300.0 (BPM)
Species the tempo of the step sequencer and arpeggiator. The indicator blinks at
the specied tempo.
If “Patch Tempo” (p. 22) is “ON,” the tempo can be stored as a patch setting.
[TEMPO SYNC]
button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) The modulation speed (RATE) of the 2LFO section and the delay time (TIME) of the
9EFFECTS section are synchronized to the tempo.
[MONO] button MONO, UNISON, POLY If this is on (lit), the synth will play monophonically (single notes).
If this is blinking, the synth will play all sounds in unison (UNISON mode).
MODEL [SYSTEM-8]
[PLUG-OUT 1]–
[PLUG-OUT 3]
buttons
(The button of the selected
synthesizer is lit)
When the [SYSTEM-8] button is on, this instrument operates as the SYSTEM-8
synthesizer. When one of the [PLUGOUT 1–3] buttons is on, this instrument operates
as a PLUG-OUT synthesizer.
[WRITE] button --- Saves sounds, step sequencer and system settings.
[SHIFT] button ---
When used in conjunction with other buttons or knobs, lets you view parameters or
edit dierent parameters.
By holding down the [SHIFT] button and turning the [VALUE] knob to change the
value, you can edit a setting in steps of 10.
[MENU] button --- Accesses the MENU screen.
Display --- Shows various information for the operation.
[VALUE] knob ---
Change the value at the cursor position.
By holding down the [SHIFT] button and turning the [VALUE] knob to change the
value, you can edit a setting in steps of 10.
cursor [K][J]
buttons --- Move the cursor left/right.
Alternatively, switch screens.
[EXIT] button --- Returns you to the previous screen.
In some screens, this cancels the operation currently being executed.
[ENTER] button --- Press this to conrm a value or execute an operation.

4
Panel Descriptions
2 LFO
Here you can create cyclic change (modulation) in the sound by applying vibrato (pitch modulation) or tremolo (volume modulation).
Controller Value Explanation
[VARIATION] knob
(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)
Selects the variation of the LFO section.
Variation 1 Variation 1 (Single LFO)
A standard LFO.
Variation 2
Variation 2 (Dual LFO)
This LFO is created by using a separate second LFO to apply frequency modulation
to the same LFO waveform as Variation 1. The second LFO is a sine wave ve octaves
lower.
Variation 3
Variation 3 (Resonanced Pulse LFO)
This is a pulse waveform with resonance.
The waveform knob selects the frequency of the resonance.
Wave knob
(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)
Variation 1 Variation 2 Variation 3
RSine wave (SIN) Sine wave (SIN x 2) TYPE 1
STriangle wave (TRI) Triangle wave (TRI x 2) TYPE 2
TSawtooth wave (SAW) Sawtooth wave (SAW x 2) TYPE 3
USquare wave (SQR) Square wave (SQR x 2) TYPE 4
WSample and Hold (S&H) Sample and Hold (S&H x 2) TYPE 5
RND Random wave (RND) Random wave (RND x 2) TYPE 6
[PITCH] knob -128–0–+127 Allows the LFO to modulate the pitch of the partial, producing a vibrato eect.
[FADE TIME] knob 0–255 Species the time from when the tone sounds until the LFO reaches its maximum
amplitude.
[FILTER] knob -128–0–+127 Allows the LFO to modulate the FILTER CUTOFF (cuto frequency),
[KEY TRIG] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Species whether the LFO waveform is synchronized to start the moment you press a
key (on) or is not synchronized (o).
[TRIG ENV] button ON (lit), OFF (unlit) Causes the envelope to start repeatedly at the LFO cycle (on).
[RATE] knob 0–255
Determines the speed of the LFO modulation.
The indicator blinks at the speed (rate) of the LFO modulation.
This knob is a GRF (GRIFFER) knob which allows high-precision adjustments.
[AMP] knob -128–0–+127 Allows the LFO to modulate the AMP LEVEL (volume), producing a tremolo eect.
3 OSC 1, OSC 2
Here you can select the waveform that determines the character of the sound, and specify its pitch. The SYSTEM-8 has three oscillators (OSC 1,
OSC 2, and 4OSC 3/SUB OSC).
Controller Value Explanation
[VARIATION] knob
(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)
Select the variation of the OSC 1 and OSC 2 sections.
Variation 1 This is the basic oscillator waveform.
Variation 2 This is a distinctive oscillator waveform.
Wave knob
(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)
Variation 1 Variation 2
TSawtooth wave (SAW) Noise Saw (NOISESAW)
USquare wave (SQR) Logic Operation (LOGIC)
STriangle wave (TRI) FM (FM)
TSawtooth wave2 (SAW2) FM+SYNC (FM SYNC)
USquare wave2 (SQR2) Vowel (VOWEL)
STriangle wave2 (TRI2) CB (COWBELL)
Octave (feet) knob 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2 Species the octave of the oscillator.
[COLOR] knob 0–255 Adjusts the tone.
The result depends on the waveform.
T
U
S

5
Panel Descriptions
Controller Value Explanation
[MOD] knob
Selects the source that is modulated by the [COLOR] knob.
MAN The sound is determined by the position of the [COLOR] knob. It will not vary over
time.
LFO The sound varies over time at the rate specied in the 2LFO section.
P. ENV The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the 6PITCH section.
F. ENV The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the 7FILTER section.
A. ENV The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the 8AMP section.
OSC 3 The sound changes over time according to the frequency of the 4OSC 3.
[COARSE TUNE] knob -11–0–+11 Adjusts the pitch in semitone steps.
[FINE TUNE] knob -128–0–+127 Allows ne pitch adjustments.
[CROSS MOD] knob
(OSC 1 only) 0–255
Modies the OSC 1 frequency according to the OSC 2 waveform. Turning the knob
toward the right makes OSC 1 become a more complex sound, allowing you to create
metallic sounds or sound eects.
[RING] button
(OSC 2 only) ON (lit), OFF (unlit)
This is a ring modulator. It generates a complex waveform by multiplying OSC 1 and
OSC 2.
OSC 1
OSC 2
[SYNC] button
(OSC 2 only) ON (lit), OFF (unlit)
This is oscillator sync. It generates a complex waveform by forcibly resetting OSC 2 to
the beginning of its cycle in synchronization with the OSC 1 frequency.
OSC 1
OSC 2
4 OSC 3/SUB OSC
Controller Value Explanation
Wave knob
Selects the waveform that is the basis of the sound.
R-2Oct Sine wave two octaves lower
R -1Oct Sine wave one octave lower
RSine wave
STriangle wave
S-1Oct Triangle wave one octave lower
S-2Oct Triangle wave two octaves lower
[COLOR] knob 0–255 The result depends on the waveform.
[TUNE] knob -1200cent–+1200cent Adjusts the pitch of the oscillator.
5 MIXER
Adjust the OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC 3/SUB OSC, Noise’s volume.
Controller Value Explanation
[OSC 1] knob 0–255 Adjust the OSC 1’s volume.
[OSC 2] knob 0–255 Adjust the OSC 2’s volume.
[OSC 3/SUB OSC]
knob 0–255 Adjust the OSC 3/SUB OSC’s volume.
[NOISE] knob 0–255 Adjust the noise’s volume.
[NOISE TYPE] button White noise (lit),
Pink noise (unlit) Selects the type of the noise.

6
Panel Descriptions
6 PITCH
Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for pitch.
Controller Value Explanation
[ENV] knob -128–0–+127
If this knob is turned toward the right, the pitch initially becomes higher and then
returns to the pitch of the key you pressed.
If this knob is turned toward the left, the pitch initially becomes lower and then
returns to the pitch of the key you pressed.
[A] slider 0–255 These sliders operate similarly to the [A] [D] sliders of the 8AMP section (they aect
the pitch rather than the volume).
[D] slider
7 FILTER
These settings determine the brightness and thickness of the sound. Here you can also specify the time-varying change (envelope) for the lter.
Controller Value Explanation
[VARIATION] knob
(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)
Selects the variation of the FILTER section.
LPF/HPF (Variation 1) Low pass lter (LPF), High pass lter (HPF)
SBF (Variation 2) Side band lter (SBF)
(Variation 3) This is a SYSTEM-1 type low pass lter (LPF).
[CUTOFF] knob 0–255 Species the cuto frequency of the lter.
This knob is a GRF (GRIFFER) knob which allows high-precision adjustments.
Filter type knob
(only for MODEL:
SYSTEM-8)
Selects the slope of the lter.
(Variation 1)
LPF-24dB, LPF-18dB,
LPF-12dB, HPF-12dB,
HPF-18dB, HPF-24dB
Low pass lter (LPF), High pass lter (HPF)
LPF: -24dB, -18dB, -12dB
-18 dB
-12 dB
-24 dB
Volume
Frequency
HPF: -12dB, -18dB, -24dB
-18 dB
-12 dB -24 dB
Volume
Frequency
(Variation 2)
SBF1–SBF6
Side band lter (SBF)
You can use the [CUTOFF] knob to adjust the band interval.
You can also use the lter type knob to select the range of the band interval.
SBF1–3: Low range, Mid range, High range with original sound
SBF4–6: High range, Mid range, Low range without original sound
You can use the resonance knob to adjust the band width.
(Variation 3)
LPF-24dB, LPF-18dB,
LPF-12dB
This is a SYSTEM-1 type low pass lter (LPF)
Although the knob moves through six steps, this setting has three values. Even if you
move the knob to the fourth or subsequent step, the value is LPF-12 dB.
[RESO] knob 0–255
Resonance boosts the sound in the region of the lter’s cuto frequency.
Higher settings produce stronger emphasis, creating a distinctively “synthesizer-
like” sound.
[ENV] knob -128–0–+127
This knob species the depth and direction of the cuto frequency change produced
by the [A], [D], [S], and [R] sliders.
If the knob is turned toward the right, the cuto frequency moves in the upward
direction.
If the knob is turned toward the left, the cuto frequency moves in the downward
direction.
[KEY] knob -128–0–+127
Allows the lter cuto frequency to vary according to the key that you play.
If the knob is turned toward the right, the cuto frequency becomes higher as you
play higher notes.
If the knob is turned toward the left, the cuto frequency becomes lower as you play
lower notes.
[VELOCITY SENS]
knob 0–255 Adjusts the sensitivity by which the key velocity (playing dynamics) varies the depth
of the lter envelope.
[HPF CUTOFF] knob 0–255 Species the cuto frequency of the high-pass lter. Frequency components below
the cuto frequency are cut.

7
Panel Descriptions
Controller Value Explanation
[A] slider
0–255 These sliders operate similarly to the [A] [D] [S] [R] sliders of the 8AMP section
(they aect the cuto frequency rather than the volume).
[D] slider
[S] slider
[R] slider
8 AMP
Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for the volume.
Controller Value Explanation
[VELOCITY SENS]
knob 0–255 Adjusts the sensitivity by which the key velocity (playing dynamics) varies the
volume.
[TONE] knob -128–0–+127 Adjusts the brightness of the sound.
[LEVEL] knob 0–255 Adjusts the volume.
[A] slider
(Attack time) 0–255 Species the time from the moment you press the key
until the maximum volume is reached.
[D] slider
(Decay time) 0–255 Species the time from when the maximum volume is
reached, until it decays to the sustain level.
[S] slider
(Sustain level) 0–255
Species the volume level that will be maintained from
when the attack and decay times have elapsed until you
release the key.
[R] slider
(Release time) 0–255 Species the time from when you release the key until the
volume reaches its minimum value.
9 EFFECTS, DELAY/CHORUS, REVERB
Here you can adjust the eect, delay/chorus, and reverb depth.
Controller Value Explanation
Eect type knob
OD (OVERDRIVE),
DS (DISTORTION),
MT (METAL),
FZ (FUZZ),
CR (CRUSHER),
PH (PHASER)
Selects the eect type.
[TONE] knob 0–255 Species the character of the eect.
[DEPTH] knob OFF, 1–255 Species the depth of the eect.
Delay/chorus type
knob
DLY (DELAY),
PAN (PANNING DELAY),
CH1 (CHORUS 1),
CH2 (CHORUS 2),
FL (FLANGER),
DLY+CH (DELAY + CHORUS)
Switches the delay/chorus type.
[TIME] knob 0–255 Adjusts the time by which the sound is delayed.
[LEVEL] knob OFF, 1–255 Adjusts the volume of delay/chorus.
Reverb type knob
AMBI (AMBIENCE),
ROOM (ROOM),
HALL1 (HALL 1),
HALL2 (HALL 2),
PLATE (PLATE),
MOD (MODULATION)
Switches the reverb type.
[TIME] knob 0–255 Species the reverb time.
[LEVEL] knob OFF, 1–255 Species the reverb volume.

8
Panel Descriptions
10 PITCH BEND/MODULATION
This allows you to control pitch bend or apply vibrato.
Controller Value Explanation
BEND SENS [PITCH]
slider 0–255 Species the amount of the pitch change produced by pitch bend operations.
BEND SENS [FILTER]
slider 0–255 Species the amount of the lter change produced by pitch bend operations.
MOD SENS [PITCH]
slider 0–255 Species the amount of the pitch change produced by modulation operations.
MOD SENS [FILTER]
slider 0–255 Species the amount of the lter change produced by modulation operations.
Pitch bend/
Modulation lever ---
While playing the keyboard, move the lever toward the left to lower the pitch, or
toward the right to raise the pitch.
Move the lever away from yourself to apply vibrato.
11 Step sequencer
Here you can record your keyboard performance and knob operations, and play them back repeatedly.
Controller Value Explanation
[EDIT/DISP] button --- Shows the STEP SEQ screen.
[REST] button ---
Enters a rest during STEP REC.
If you hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the [REST] button, the SEQ
ERASE screen appears.
[TIE] button ---
Enters a tie during STEP REC.
If you hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the [TIE] button, the STEP
LENGTH screen appears.
[STEP REC] button --- Starts step recording.
[REAL TIME REC]
button --- Starts realtime recording.
[START] button --- Plays the step sequencer.
[SCALE] knob
1/8 Eighth note
1/16 Sixteenth note
1/32 Thirty-second note
1/4T Quarter-note triplet
1/8T Eighth-note triplet
1/16T Sixteenth-note triplet
[PLAY MODE] knob
(FWD) Play forward from the rst step.
(REV) Play backward from the last step.
(FWD&REV) Play forward from the rst step, and then play backward from the last step.
(INVERT) Play with even-numbered and odd-numbered steps inverted.
RND (RND) Play steps randomly.
KEY TRIG (TRIG) Play normally while the keyboard is held.
[GATE] knob -128–0–+127 You can adjust the duration of the note recorded at each step.
[SHUFFLE] knob -128–0–+127
You can adjust the timing of the notes for even-numbered steps (Step 2, Step 4, Step
6...).
If the knob is in the center position, the timing is not adjusted.
[FIRST STEP] button 1– (the value specied for
STEP LENGTH) Plays with the specied step as the rst step.
[LAST STEP] button 1– (the value specied for
STEP LENGTH) Plays with the specied step as the last step.
&For details on the step sequencer, refer to “Step Sequencer” (Owner’s Manual
p.14
).
12 [A]–[H], [1]–[8] buttons
Use these buttons to recall sounds.
A–H (bank), 1–8 (number)
These buttons also indicate steps of the step sequencer.
1–16 (step)

9
Editing a Patch
Patch mode
This is the SYSTEM-8’s basic mode, in which it plays a single part.
* Use the MODEL buttons to select the desired synthesizer sound engine.
1. Press the MODE [PATCH] button.
The SYSTEM-8 is in patch mode.
2. Select a patch as necessary.
3. Move the top panel knobs and sliders.
When you operate a knob or slider, the parameter name, and value appear. After a few seconds, the top screen reappears.
OSC1:
Wave SAW
When you edit a patch, an “*” appears at the left of the Bank–Number.
PATCH SYS8 *A-1
SQ Star Spiral
MEMO
If you press the [ENTER] button while a knob operation has caused a parameter to appear in the display, the parameter will remain
visible. In this state, you can use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.
If you operate a dierent knob, the display changes to that parameter; however, after a time, the previous display reappears.
FILTER:
Cutoff 145
To cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
This is also canceled when you select a dierent patch, etc.
Editing a Patch’s Bender Settings or Patch Name (PATCH EDIT)
MEMO
For the SYSTEM-8, all settings other than Bend Range and Gain can be controlled from the panel controllers.
1. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.
2. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select “PATCH EDIT,” and then press the [ENTER] button.
3. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select a parameter, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.
4. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the MENU screen.
Patch parameters
Menu
[SHIFT] + cursor [K][J]
Parameter
Cursor [K][J]
Value
[VALUE] knob Explanation
BEND
Bend Range 1–24 Species the amount of pitch change (in semitone units, up to two
octaves) that occurs when you operate the pitch bend lever.
Bend Gain x1, x2, x3, x4
Species a multiplier for the Bend Range, extending the range of change.
For example, if the Bend Range is set to “24” and the Bend Gain is “x4,”
the range of pitch bend change will be eight octaves.
NAME (Patch Name) Species the name of the patch.
* For the JUPITER-8 (PLUG-OUT 1), Bend Range, Gain, and parameters not assigned to the panel can be edited in PATCH EDIT.

10
Editing a Patch
Simulating Aging (CONDITION)
The SYSTEM-8 can simulate the changes that occur in an older unit
(Aging).
The condition setting is saved as a patch parameter.
1. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.
2. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select
“CONDITION,” and then press the [ENTER] button.
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.
4. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the MENU
screen.
Parameter Value
CONDITION -128–0–+127 (Default: 0)
Specifying the Tempo of Each Patch (Patch Tempo)
If “Patch Tempo” (p. 22) is “ON,” the tempo specied for each
patch is used (only in Patch mode).
Enabling patch tempo
1. Press the [MENU] button.
2. Use the Cursor [K][J]buttons to select “SYSTEM,”
and then press the [ENTER] button.
3. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select “SYNC/
TEMPO: Patch Tempo” parameter.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to turn the “SYNC/TEMPO:
Patch Tempo” parameter “ON.”
SYNC/TEMPO:
Patch Tempo ON
5. Press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the
top screen.
If you want to keep this change, save the system settings.
&“Saving the System Settings” (p. 25)
Specifying the patch tempo
6. Use the [TEMPO] knob to change the Patch Tempo.
TEMPO:
PatchTempo 120.0
MEMO
Changing the patch tempo will edit the patch. If you want to
keep this change, save the patch.
&“Saving a Patch (WRITE)” (p. 10)
Initializing a Patch (Patch Init)
Here’s how to initialize the patch in the temporary area, setting it to
“Init Patch” (the basic sound).
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button, and then press the
MODE [PATCH] button.
A conrmation message appears.
Patch Init?
[Exit]:N [Ent]:Y
2. To initialize, press the [ENTER] button.
If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
MEMO
5When you initialize the patch, an “*” appears beside the
Bank–Number.
PATCH SYS8 *A-1
----------------
5When you initialize the patch in performance mode, the
patch of the part selected by PANEL SELECT is initialized.
Saving a Patch (WRITE)
1. In patch mode, press the [WRITE] button.
The WRITE screen appears.
<WRITE> [Ent]
PATCH* À
When you edit a patch, the display indicates “PATCH*.”
2. Press the [ENTER] button.
The PATCH NAME screen appears.
PATCH NAME [Ent]
User_Patch_Name
3. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons and the [VALUE] knob
to change the character.
Operation Explanation
[SHIFT] button
+ cursor [K]button Deletes one character (Erase).
[SHIFT] button
+cursor [J]button Inserts one character (Insert).
[SHIFT] button
+ [VALUE] knob
Switches between uppercase/
lowercase/numerals.
4. Press the [ENTER] button.
A screen allows you to select the save-destination.
To:SYS8 A-1[Ent]
[SY System- aws]
5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the save-destination.

11
Editing a Patch
6. Press the [ENTER] button.
A conrmation message appears.
Patch Write?
[Exit]:N [Ent]:Y
7. To save, press the [ENTER] button.
If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
When saving is completed, the display indicates “Completed!”
Completed!
MEMO
Arpeggio, chord memory, and step sequencer settings/data
are also saved within the patch data.

12
Patch Eects
You can edit the principal eect parameters of the SYSTEM-8 by using the knobs of the EFFECT, DELAY/CHORUS, and REVERB sections of the
panel.
You can also edit items that cannot be edited by the knobs.
1. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.
2. Use the Cursor [K][J]buttons to select “PATCH EFFECTS,” and then press the [ENTER] button.
3. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select a parameter, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.
EFFECT parameters
Parameter
Presence/absence of parameters for each
type Value Explanation
OD DS MT FZ CR PH
Type 666666
OD (OVERDRIVE),
DS (DISTORTION),
MT (METAL),
FZ (FUZZ),
CR (CRUSHER),
PH (PHASER)
Selects the eect type.
Tone 6666660–255 Species the character of the eect.
Depth 666666OFF, 1–255 Species the depth of the eect.
DELAY/CHORUS parameters
Parameter
Presence/absence of parameters for each
type Value Explanation
DLY PAN CH1 CH2 FL DLY +
CH
Type 666666
DLY (DELAY),
PAN (PANNING DELAY),
CH1 (CHORUS 1),
CH2 (CHORUS 2),
FL (FLANGER),
DLY+CH (DELAY + CHORUS)
Switches the delay/chorus type.
Time 6666660–255 Adjusts the time by which the sound
is delayed.
Level 666666OFF, 1–255 Adjusts the volume of the delay/
chorus sound.
Tap Time –6– – – – 0%–100%
Adjusts the delay (tap) time of the
right side, relative to the left side as
100%.
DlyFeedback 6 6 –––60–255 Adjusts the amount of feedback
(delay repeats).
DlyHiCut 6 6 –––6
630Hz, 800Hz, 1kHz, 1.25kHz, 1.6kHz,
2kHz, 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz,
6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, FLAT
Species the frequency above which
the high-frequency region of the
delay sound is cut.
DlyHDmp 6 6 –––60.0 dB–-40.0 dB (0.5 dB steps), -INF
Adjusts the amount by which the
high-frequency region is cut each
time the delay sound is repeated.

13
Patch Eects
Parameter
Presence/absence of parameters for each
type Value Explanation
DLY PAN CH1 CH2 FL DLY +
CH
DlyHDmpF 6 6 –––6
630Hz, 800Hz, 1kHz, 1.25kHz, 1.6kHz,
2kHz, 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz,
6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
Species the frequency above which
the DlyHDmp setting cuts the sound.
DlyLDmp 6 6 –––60.0dB–-40.0dB (0.5 dB steps), -INF
Adjusts the amount by which the
low-frequency region is cut each
time the delay sound is repeated.
DlyLDmpF 6 6 –––6
80.0Hz, 100Hz, 125Hz, 160Hz, 200Hz,
250Hz, 315Hz, 400Hz, 500Hz, 630Hz,
800Hz
Species the frequency below which
the DlyLDmp setting cuts the sound.
DlyDirLev 6 6 –––60–255 Adjusts the volume of the direct
sound.
ChPreDly – – 6 6 –60.0ms–40.0ms (0.5 ms steps) Adjusts the time until the chorus
sound is output.
ChLoCut – – 6 6 –6
FLAT, 20Hz, 25Hz, 31.5Hz, 40Hz,
50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 125Hz,
160Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 315Hz, 400Hz,
500Hz, 630Hz, 800Hz
Species the frequency below which
the low-frequency region of the
chorus sound is cut.
ChHiCut – – 6 6 –6
630Hz, 800Hz, 1kHz, 1.25kHz, 1.6kHz,
2kHz, 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz,
6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, FLAT
Species the frequency above which
the high-frequency region of the
chorus sound is cut.
FlManual ––––6– 0–255 Adjusts the center frequency at
which the anger eect is applied.
FlReso ––––6– 0–255 Adjusts the amount of resonance.
FlLoCut ––––6–
FLAT, 20Hz, 25Hz, 31.5Hz, 40Hz,
50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 125Hz,
160Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 315Hz, 400Hz,
500Hz, 630Hz, 800Hz
Species the frequency below which
the low-frequency region of the
anger sound is cut.
REVERB parameters
Parameter Presence/absence of parameters Value Explanation
AMBI ROOM HALL1 HALL2 PLATE MOD
Type 666666AMBIENCE, ROOM, HALL 1, HALL 2,
PLATE, MODULATION Switches the reverb type.
Time 6666660–255 Adjusts the length of the reverb
decay.
Level 6666660–255 Adjusts the volume of the reverb
sound.
Pre Delay 6666660ms–100ms Adjusts the time until the reverb
sound is output.
Low Cut 666666
FLAT, 20Hz, 25Hz, 31.5Hz, 40Hz,
50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 125Hz,
160Hz, 200Hz, 250Hz, 315Hz, 400Hz,
500Hz, 630Hz, 800Hz
Species the frequency below which
the low-frequency region of the
reverb sound is cut.
High Cut 666666
630Hz, 800Hz, 1kHz, 1.25kHz, 1.6kHz,
2kHz, 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz,
6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz, FLAT
Species the frequency above which
the high-frequency region of the
reverb sound is cut.
Density 6666660–10 Adjusts the density of the reverb
sound.
Direct Level 6666660–255 Adjusts the volume of the direct
sound.
4. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the MENU screen.
5. Press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the top screen.
If you want to keep the settings, save the patch.
&“Saving a Patch (WRITE)” (p. 10)

14
Editing a Performance
Performance mode
In this mode you can assign a patch to each of two parts (UPPER part and LOWER part) and play them in dual or single performance modes.
In patch mode, the tempo and AUDIO INPUT (Vocoder) settings are only system settings; however in performance mode, each performance
can have its own values for these settings.
1. Press the MODE [PERFORMANCE] button.
The SYSTEM-8 is in performance mode.
2. Select a performance as necessary.
Editing a patch
Use the PANEL SELECT [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to select the part (UPPER part, LOWER part) that you want to edit.
Detailed editing is the same as in patch mode.
Editing a performance
There are two screens: the PERFORM EDIT screen (where you edit settings for the overall performance) and the PART EDIT screen (settings for
each part).
3. Press the [MENU] button.
The MENU screen appears.
Making Settings for the Entire Performance (PERFORM EDIT)
4. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select “PERFORM EDIT,” and then press the [ENTER] button.
<MENU> [Ent]
ÄPERFORM EDIT À
* “PERFORM EDIT” is not shown in patch mode.
5. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select a parameter, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.
PERFORM:COMMON
Perf Mode DUAL
Menu
Parameter
Value
6. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the MENU screen.
Performance parameters
Menu
[SHIFT] +cursor [K][J]
Parameter
Cursor [K][J]
Value
[VALUE] knob Explanation
COMMON Perf Mode
DUAL
In this mode you can perform using both the upper part and
the lower part. Each part has a maximum polyphony of four
notes.
You can use the Key Range setting to freely create splits or
partial layers.
SINGLE
In this mode you can perform using either the upper part or
the lower part. The part you play has a maximum polyphony
of eight notes.
In this mode, use the PANEL ON/OFF [UPPER] [LOWER]
buttons to select the part that you want to play.
While being in performance mode, this setting lets you play
just as in patch mode. The Arp Src and Arp Dst settings you
specied for the performance are ignored, and the settings
stored in the patch are used.
Perf Lev -INF, -53.0dB–0.0dB–10.0dB Species the volume of the performance.

15
Editing a Performance
Menu
[SHIFT] +cursor [K][J]
Parameter
Cursor [K][J]
Value
[VALUE] knob Explanation
COMMON
PartBalance LW64–0–UP63
LW64: LOWER only (UPPER does not sound)
0: LOWER and UPPER have the same volume
UP63: UPPER only (LOWER does not sound)
Tempo Src KNOB, PERF Selects whether the tempo setting follows the value of the
knob (KNOB) or the setting of the performance (PERF).
Perf Tempo
* Valid when Tempo
Src=PERF
40.0–300.0 (BPM)
Species the tempo when the Tempo Src setting is “PERF.”
* If you hold down the [SHIFT] button and turn the [VALUE]
knob, the value changes in 0.1 steps.
ARPEGGIO
Arp Src LOWER, UPPER Selects the part that uses the arpeggio settings.
CHORD MEMORY also operates according to this setting.
Arp Dst
LOWER,
UPPER,
UP&LW
Selects the part to which the arpeggio applies.
If you choose UP&LW, the arpeggio applies to both the upper
part and lower part.
CHORD MEMORY also operates according to this setting.
CV/GATE OUT
Prm Src SYSTEM, PERFORM
Selects whether the CV/GATE OUT setting follows the
system setting (SYSTEM) or the setting of the performance
(PERFORM).
Ref Note C0, C1, C2, C3, C4 In steps of an octave, species the note number for which CV
OUT is 0 V.
Src
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
ALL
Keyboard (both upper and lower), step sequencer (both
upper and lower), USB (OMNI), and MIDI IN (OMINI) data are
output.
KBD (L) Keyboard performance data of the lower part is output.
KBD (U) Keyboard performance data of the upper part is output.
KBD (U&L) Keyboard performance data is output.
STEP SEQ (L) Step sequencer performance data of the lower part is
output.
STEP SEQ (U) Step sequencer performance data of the upper part is
output.
PATCH (L) The behavior of the lower part's sound engine is output.
PATCH (U) The behavior of the upper part's sound engine is output.
USB OMNI The note data of all USB MIDI channels is combined and
output.
USB CH1–USB CH16 The note data of a specied USB MIDI channel is output.
MIDI IN OMNI The note data of all MIDI IN channels is combined and
output.
MIDI IN CH1–MIDI IN CH16 The note data of a specied MIDI IN channel is output.
Bend Range
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
1–24
Species the amount (in semitone units, up to two octaves)
of pitch change that occurs when you move the pitch bend
lever.
Portamento
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
OFF Portamento is not applied.
ALWAYS Portamento is always applied.
LEGATO Portamento is applied when you hold down a key and press
another key.
PortTime
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
0–127 When portamento is used, this species the time over which
the pitch will change.
INPUT
Prm Src SYSTEM, PERFORM Select whether the INPUT setting follows the system setting
(SYSTEM) or the setting of the performance (PERFORM).
Tempo Sync
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFROM
OFF, ON
If this is “ON,” the INPUT eect’s delay time (TIME) is
synchronized to the tempo.
* If Prm Src = PERFORM, you can turn this on/o by holding
down the [VOCODER] button and pressing the [TEMPO
SYNC] button.

16
Editing a Performance
Menu
[SHIFT] +cursor [K][J]
Parameter
Cursor [K][J]
Value
[VALUE] knob Explanation
INPUT(Dly)
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
Type
&“DELAY/CHORUS parameters” (p. 12)
* If Prm Src = PERFORM, you can edit the Type, Time, and Level parameters of INPUT(Dly) by
holding down the [VOCODER] button and operating the knobs of the DELAY/CHORUS
section.
Time
Level
Tap Time
DlyFeedback
DlyHiCut
DlyHDmp
DlyHDmpF
DlyLDmp
DlyLDmpF
DlyDirLev
ChPreDly
ChLoCut
ChHiCut
FlManual
FlReso
FlLoCut
INPUT(Rev)
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
Type
&“REVERB parameters” (p. 13)
* If Prm Src = PERFORM, you can edit the Type, Time, and Level parameters of INPUT(Rev) by
holding down the [VOCODER] button and operating the knobs of the REVERB section.
Time
Level
Pre Delay
Low Cut
High Cut
Density
Direct Level
INPUT (Voc)
* Parameters for
vocoder-related
settings.
Formant
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
0–255 Species the formant (vocal character).
Consonant
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
-40dB–0dB–+40dB Species the volume of the consonants.
Balance
* Valid when Prm
Src=PERFORM
D128–0–W127
D128: Mic input (direct sound) only
0: Mic input and vocoder sound are at the same
volume
W127: Vocoder sound only
Carrier
Species the source of the carrier.
LOWER Lower part
UPPER Upper part
UP&LW Both the upper part and lower part
NAME (Performance Name) Species the name of the performance.
Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT)
7. Use the Cursor [K][J]buttons to select “PART EDIT,” and then press the [ENTER] button.
<MENU> [Ent]
ÄPART EDIT À
* “PART EDIT” is not shown in patch mode.

17
Editing a Performance
8. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select a parameter, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value.
Sound selection screens for the upper part and lower part
UPPER mmmm b-n
User_Patch_Name
mmmm: Model button
b-n: Bank–Number
Patch name
LOWER mmmm b-n
User_Patch_Name
MEMO
Use the PANEL SELECT [LOWER] [UPPER] buttons to select the part whose sound you want to edit.
PART:COMMON [U]
Level 0.0dB
PART:COMMON [L]
Level 0.0dB
Upper: [U]
Lower: [L]
Part parameters
Use the PANEL SELECT [LOWER] [UPPER] buttons to select the part whose sound you want to edit.
Menu
[SHIFT] + cursor [K][J]
Parameter
Cursor [K][J]
Value
[VALUE] knob Explanation
(select sound) (Patch name)
COMMON
LEVEL -INF, -53.0dB–0.0dB–10.0dB
Species the volume of each part.
This is used mainly to adjust the volume balance between
parts.
Pan L5–CENTER–R5 Species the stereo position of each part. “L5” is far left,
“CENTER” is center, and “R5” is far right.
Range Lower C–G9
For each part, species the lowest key of the keyboard range
that is sounded.
While this screen is shown, you can also make this setting by
pressing [SHIFT] button + keyboard note.
Range Upper C–G9
For each part, species the highest key of the keyboard
range that is sounded.
While this screen is shown, you can also make this setting by
pressing [SHIFT] button + keyboard note.
* If you attempt to raise the lowest key above the highest
key, or lower the highest key below the lowest key, the
other setting changes to the same value.
PITCH
Octave -3–0–+3 Species the octave of the part.
Transpose -12–0–+12 Adjusts the pitch of the part in semitone units.
Fine Tune -100–0–+100 Adjusts the ne tuning of the part.
CTRL
Rx Bend OFF, ON For each part, species whether MIDI pitch bend messages
are received (ON) or are not received (OFF).
Rx Mod OFF, ON For each part, species whether MIDI modulation messages
are received (ON) or are not received (OFF).
Rx Hold OFF, ON For each part, species whether MIDI hold messages are
received (ON) or are not received (OFF).
Rx Express OFF, ON For each part, species whether MIDI expression messages
are received (ON) or are not received (OFF).
9. Press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the top screen.
MEMO
You can use the PART EDIT: COMMON: Range Lower/Upper parameters to specify the key range (lower and upper) of the upper and lower
parts.
Examples of other editing screens
PART:COMMON [U]
Level 0.0dB
PART:PITCH [L]
Octave -1

18
Editing a Performance
Selecting a patch for each part
5Normally, you’ll select the patch in the rst item of the PART EDIT
screen.
5While the PART EDIT screen is shown, you can use the [A]–[H]
and [1]–[8] buttons to switch patches (the patch name is now
shown in the screen).
5While the top screen of performance mode is shown, you can
select patches as follows.
1. Long-press the PART SELECT [UPPER] or [LOWER]
button for which you want to select a patch (don’t
release the button yet).
The patch select screen for the selected part appears, and the
sound button turns green.
2. Continuing to long-press the PART SELECT button,
select a patch in the same way as when normally
selecting a patch.
You can use the MODEL buttons, [VALUE] knob, [A]–[H], and [1]–
[8] buttons.
Initializing a Performance (Perform Init)
Here’s how to initialize the “Perform Edit” and “Part Edit” settings
of the temporary area.
The selected patch is not initialized.
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the MODE
[PERFORMANCE] button.
A conrmation message appears.
Perform Init?
[Exit]:N [Ent]:Y
2. To initialize, press the [ENTER] button.
If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
MEMO
When you initialize the performance, an “*” is shown beside
the Bank–Number.
PERFORM *A-1
----------------
Saving a Performance (WRITE)
1. In performance mode, press the [WRITE] button.
The WRITE screen appears.
<WRITE> [Ent]
PERFORMANCE* À
2. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select what you
want to save.
Selecting a performance
<WRITE> [Ent]
PERFORMANCE* À
Selecting the patch of the upper part
<WRITE> [Ent]
ÄPATCH:Upper* À
Selecting the patch of the lower part
<WRITE> [Ent]
ÄPATCH:Lower* À
NOTE
If you’ve edited a patch (upper, lower) in performance mode
(an “*” is displayed), you must rst save the patch before
saving the performance in order to reproduce the sound of
the performance.
If you rst save the performance, or if you don’t save the
edited patch, the sound of the performance will not be
reproduced.
3. Press the [ENTER] button.
The PERF NAME screen or PATCH NAME screen appears.
In the case of the PATCH NAME screen
PATCH NAME:[Ent]
User_Patch_Name
In the case of the PERF NAME screen
PERF NAME: [Ent]
User_Perf_Name
4. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons and the [VALUE] knob
to edit the characters.
Oparation Explanation
[SHIFT] button
+ cursor [K]button Deletes one character (Erase).
[SHIFT] button
+ cursor [J]button Inserts one character (Insert).
[SHIFT] button
+ [VALUE] knob
Switches between uppercase/
lowercase/numerals.
5. Press the [ENTER] button.
A screen allows you to select the save-destination.

19
Editing a Performance
In the case of the PATCH WRITE screen
To:SYS8 A-1[Ent]
[SY System- aws]
In the case of the PERF WRITE screen
To:A-1 [Ent]
[Fat Split ]
6. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the save-destination.
7. Press the [ENTER] button.
A conrmation message appears.
In the case of the PATCH WRITE screen
Patch Write?
[Exit]:N [Ent]:Y
In the case of the PERF WRITE screen
Perform Write?
[Exit]:N [Ent]:Y
8. To save, press the [ENTER] button.
If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
When saving is nished, the screen indicates “Completed!”
Completed!
9. Repeat steps 1–8 to save the necessary edited data,
in the order of rst the patch(es) (upper, lower) and
then the performance.

20
Accessing the MENU Screens
1. Press the [MENU] button.
The MENU screen appears.
2. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select the item that you want to edit, and press the [ENTER] button.
The corresponding edit screen appears.
* To edit “MASTER TUNE” or “CONDITION,” use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value without pressing the [ENTER] button, and then proceed
to step 4.
3. Use the cursor [K][J]buttons to select the parameter that you want to edit, and then use the [VALUE] knob to
edit the setting of that parameter.
4. When you have nished editing, press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the top screen.
Menu
Cursor [K][J]
Value
[VALUE] knob Explanation
MASTER TUNE 430.0–440.0–450.0Hz Specify the basic pitch of the SYSTEM-8.
This is saved within the system settings.
CONDITION -128–0–+127
Species the state (condition) of the analog sound engine circuit that is being
modeled.
This is saved within the patch data.
SYSTEM --- Make settings of the entire SYSTEM-8 (only in performance mode).
&“Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)” (p. 21)
PERFORM EDIT --- Access the performance edit screen (only in performance mode).
&“Making Settings for the Entire Performance (PERFORM EDIT)” (p. 14)
PART EDIT --- Access the part edit screen.
&“Making Settings for Each Part (PART EDIT)” (p. 16)
PATCH EDIT --- Access the patch edit screen.
&“Editing a Patch” (p. 9)
PATCH EFFECTS --- Access the patch eect screen.
&“Patch Eects” (p. 12)
STEP SEQ MENU --- Make settings for the step sequencer.
&“STEP SEQ MENU” (p. 37)
UTILITY --- Access various utility functions.
&“Convenient Functions (UTILITY)” (p. 27)
VERSION INFO --- View the SYSTEM-8’s system program version.
&“Viewing the System Version (VERSION INFO)” (p. 26)
PLUG-OUT INFO --- Shows the version of the PLUG-OUT.
&“Viewing Plug-Out Information (PLUG-OUT INFO)” (p. 26)
Finely adjusting the tempo
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [MENU] button.
The TEMPO Adjust screen appears.
TEMPO Adjust:
120.0
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to adjust the tempo.
3. By holding down the [SHIFT] button and turning the [VALUE] knob, you can adjust the value below the
decimal point.
4. Press the [EXIT] button to exit the screen.
MEMO
In the TEMPO Adjust screen, you can change the tempo by holding down the [SHIFT] button and pressing the [ENTER] button three or more times at
quarter-note intervals of the desired tempo.
Other manuals for System-8
3
Table of contents
Other Roland Synthesizer manuals

Roland
Roland JUNO-X User manual

Roland
Roland JUNO-Gi Instruction manual

Roland
Roland Boutique JX-03 User manual

Roland
Roland JUNO-G User manual

Roland
Roland V-Synth GT Instructions and recipes

Roland
Roland Lucina AX-09 Assembly instructions

Roland
Roland Fa 06 User manual

Roland
Roland FP-4 User manual

Roland
Roland E-15 User manual

Roland
Roland JV80 User manual

Roland
Roland D-50 User manual

Roland
Roland JUNO-D User manual

Roland
Roland E-10 User manual

Roland
Roland TB-303 User manual

Roland
Roland SH-1 User manual

Roland
Roland GS-500 User manual

Roland
Roland Jupiter-Xm User manual

Roland
Roland SH-3 User manual

Roland
Roland SH-101 User manual

Roland
Roland DisCover 5 User manual