System80 880 User manual

Operation Manual
880
system80.net SYSTEM80 rev. 01/19
TAP
START
STOP

Introduction 1
The System80 880 is an analog drum machine for the
Eurorack modular synthesizer format. Its drum voice
circuits are based on the TR-808, the classic drum
machine made by Roland Corporation between 1980
and 1983. Wherever possible, the 880 uses the exact
same semiconductors specified in the original circuits.
The sound very closely matches the sound and char-
acter of the two vintage TR-808s that were used as
references during the 880's design. Variation in
component tolerances as well as component aging
may contribute to some perceptable differences in
sound between the 880 and a vintage TR-808.
However, the same holds true for sound comparisons
between original TR-808s and other 808 clones.
The 880 features all 16 of the original TR-808's analog
drum voices with one important difference: the five
switchable voices are controlled with electronic rather
than mechanical switches. The automatic switching
between the paired drum voices allows them to be
played on different steps of the same pattern. For
example, the Low Tom can be played on Step 1 and
Step 3 of a pattern and the Low Conga can be played
on Step 2 of the same pattern; the sequencer will
automatically switch between the sounds as the
pattern plays.
The 880's sequencer features a familiar interface that
allows for Rhythm Pattern creation using programmed
or real-time step entry. Manual Mode can be used for
arrangement and improvisation during live
performance. There is also a Rhythm Compose mode
that allows patterns to be chained together into longer
compositions.
The sequencer has been updated with 12 banks of 16
Rhythm Patterns, shuffle, mutes, performance rolls, a
pair of fully assignable trigger outputs, and multiple
options for syncing to external devices.
The Eurorack modular synthesizer format invites
experimentation and improvisation. The 880 features
11 indivdual instrument outputs for separate mixing
and processing of the sounds, either within a Eurorack
system or through other devices, such as filters,
reverb, compression, distortion, digital multi-effects,
etc.
A planned Trigger Expander module will allow the
880's drum voices to be triggered externally.
Table of
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Front Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation & Setup . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Basic Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Quick Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Writing Rhythm Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Playing Rhythm Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Composing The Rhythm Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Firmware updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Version
This manual is a dynamic document that is edited and
upated to make it current with the latest 880 firmware.
For the latest version of the the firmware and
corresponding manual please visit:
http://system80.net/product/880/
This edition is for firmware version 0.9.7

(Fig. 1)
AUD INSDEL
TAP
START
STOP
ASSIGNABLE
TRIGGERS
AUTO FILL IN
SYNC MODE
MODE SELECTOR
CLEAR BUTTON
INSTRUMENT/
TRACK
SELECTORS
TEMPO CONTROL
BASIC VARIATION SELECTOR
START/STOP BUTTON
PRE-SCALE
INDICATORS
STEP BUTTONS
STEP TOGGLE
PATTER N S E LEC T
BANK SELECT
SHUFFLE/ROLL SELECT
MIDI CHANNEL SELECT
SYNC CONTROL
SYNC INPUT
MIDI INPUT
DIN SYNC INPUT/OUTPUT
INTRO/FILL VARIATION SELECTOR/ALT KEY
TAP BUTTON
INDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS
MASTER OUTPUT
MASTER VOLUME
SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT KEY
Front Panel Layout
2

Installation
and Setup 3
The 880 is a 60 HP Eurorack module. It must be
installed correctly in a Eurorack case and supplied with
Eurorack standard power. Use the supplied screws
and washers to install the 880 in your Eurorack case.
Set Trigger 2
Level
Connecting Power The 880 uses a standard Eurorack non-shrouded/non-
keyed power connector. The cutout in the back panel,
however, does provide a keyed opening to ensure the
cable is connected in the correct orientation (Fig. 2).
A standard 10 pin Eurorack power cable is supplied.
The red stripe on the power cable indicates the pos-
ition of the −12V conductor. When connecting the
power cable ensure that the red stripe side of the cable
is aligned with the thick line next to the power header
on the back panel. Connect the 10 pin connector to the
880's power header and connect the 16 pin connector
to your system's power bus board.
The 880 is designed to withstand brief conditions of
reverse power, but prolonged connection to reverse
polarity may damage the protection diodes and require
module servicing.
Fig. 2 Eurorack power header, back panel
CAUTION: Do not apply power to the 880 when it is
not securely installed in a Eurorack case.
Fig. 3 Tri gg er 2 level j um per, b ac k p ane l
5 Volt setting (default):
12 Volt setting:
Tri gg er 2 has a s ele ct ab le ou tp ut level t ha t all ows th e
trigger output to be set to 5 Volts or 12 Volts. A 12 Volt
trigger level may be required to trigger the envelopes
and clock inputs of some vintage equipment (eg. ARP
2600, Roland System 100/100M, etc.).
A jumper connector on the back of the 880 is used to
set the Trigger 2 level (Fig. 3). It is set to 5 Volts at the
factory. To change the Trigger 2 level to 12 Volts,
remove the jumper with a pair of tweezers or needle-
nose pliers and move it to the 12 Volt setting. Ensure
there is no power applied to the 880 when changing
the jumper setting.
DIN Socket Ground
Setup
Fig. 4 DIN Ground Lift jumper, back panel
The 880's DIN socket serves as both a MIDI IN
connector and a legacy format DIN Sync connector.
To preven t a ud ibl e gr ou nd lo ops t he M IDI s ta nd ard
employs an optocoupler to isolate MIDI devices from
one another. The DIN Sync standard, however,
requires a ground connection between devices. To
ensure compatibilty with legacy DIN Sync devices, pin
2 is grounded via a jumper on the back of the 880.
Grounding pin 2 of a MIDI IN socket does not conform
to the MIDI electrical standard. If a ground loop is
introduced by MIDI cabling this may be resolved by
changing the jumper to disconnect or 'lift' the pin 2
ground connection (Fig. 4).
DIN Pin 2 grounded (default):
DIN Pin 2 lifted:
Power Supply Ensure that your power supply has sufficient overhead
to handle the current drawn by all of the Eurorack
modules connected to it. When its power supply is
overloaded the 880 will function erratically or not at all.
It is strongly recommended that a professional, high
quality Eurorack power supply be used with the 880.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) power supplies and unfiltered 'off-
the-shelf' switching power modules may result in
unwanted noise and performance issues.

Basic
Connections 4
Master Output All of the 880's instruments are summed together at
the MASTER OUT jack. The level of each drum voice
in the master out mix is controlled by each instrument's
LEVEL control. When auditioning and recording from
the master output adjust the instrument LEVEL con-
trols to obtain the desired balance of each instrument
in the mix. Use the MASTER VOLUME control to
achieve the desired output level into your monitoring
and/or recording device.
NOTE: The 880 is a clone of a vintage analog design.
You may find the noise floor higher compared to other
contemporary electronic instruments, especially on the
master output.
Instrument Outputs There are five instrument pairs that each share an
output (LC/LT, MC/MT, HC/HT, RS/CL, and CP/MA).
The LEVEL control for these instrument pairs affects
the level of both instruments.
The 880 has 11 individual audio outputs. Connecting
a jack to an instrument's individual output removes that
instrument from the summed MASTER OUT signal.
An instrument's level at its output jack is determined
only by its LEVEL control and is not affected by the
MASTER VOLUME control.
Trigger Outputs Trig ge r O ut pu t 2 m ay al so be s et to pr ovi de a pos it ive
12 Volt pulse required by some vintage equipment.
See Installation and Setup on Page 3 for more details.
The 880 provides two independant, programmable
Tri gg er Ou tp uts for i nter faci ng wi th s yn th esi ze rs and
sequencers. See the Quick Tips section on Page 5 for
details on how to assign any of the instrument triggers
to either of the Trigger Outputs.
Each trigger signal is a positive 5 Volt, 20 millisecond
(ms) pulse suitable for activating most Trigger and
Gate inputs on other equipment.
Sync InThe SYNC IN jack is used to slave the 880's seq-
uencer to an external analog clock pulse. When set as
a SYNC IN slave (see Synchronization, Page 13), the
sequencer will respond to the rising edge of a 5 Volt
clock pulse received on the SYNC IN jack at a rate of
2 Pulses Per Quarter Note (PPQN).
MIDI/Sync The MIDI/SYNC jack is a multi-function DIN connector
used to receive MIDI data and send, or receive DIN
Sync (Sync24) data. Its function is dependent on the
Synchronization Mode (see Synchronization, Page
12).

Quick
Tips 5
This section gives a quick overview of some of the
enhanced features that are specific to the 880. If you
are unfamiliar with how a TR-series step sequencer
Change the MIDI
Channel
The 880's MIDI receive channel is set to Channel 1 by
default. To change the default MIDI receive channel,
use the MODE selector button to select CLEAR mode.
With the sequencer stopped, press and hold both the
SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and the ALT key. Use the
STEP buttons to select the MIDI receive channel, from
1 to 16.
Assign the Trigger
Outputs
Alternate the Basic
Variations
The BASIC-VARIATION button toggles between
Variation A and Variation B. To alternate between A
and B press and hold the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key
while pressing the BASIC-VARIATION button. To exit
the alternating mode simply press the BASIC-
VARIATION button once.
functions please start on the next page, Control
Descriptions, and refer back to this section once you
are familiar with the 880's step sequencer functions.
Change the
Pattern Bank
Press and hold the ALT key and use the STEP buttons
to select one of the 12 Pattern Banks available.
NOTE: In MANUAL PLAY mode the SHIFT-WRITE/
Change the Rhythm
Pattern While the
Sequencer is
Running
In Pattern Edit Mode (1st PART or 2nd PART) the
current Rhythm Pattern can be changed while the
sequencer is running.
Press and hold both the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and
the ALT key and select the desired Rhythm Pattern
using the STEP buttons.
The currently playing pattern will finish playing and the
newly selected rhythm pattern will begin playing.
NEXT key needs to be used in combination with the
ALT key to access the Pattern Banks.
The 880's two Trigger Outputs can be assigned to any
of the 16 drum voices and the Accent trigger.
With the sequencer stopped, use the MODE selector
button to select MANUAL PLAY. Use the I/F VAR
switch to select Trigger 1 (A) or Trigger 2 (B). Press
and hold the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and the ALT
key. While these keys are held the currently assigned
trigger will be indicated by the Instrument/Track LEDs.
Copy and Paste
a Rhythm Pattern
In Pattern Edit mode (1st PART or 2nd PART), with the
sequencer stopped, select the pattern you wish to
copy. Press and hold the CLEAR button and then
select a new pattern to copy to. Both VARIATION A
and B will be copied to the destination pattern. Any
pattern data in the destination pattern will be
overwritten.
Use the Instrument/Track buttons to select the
instrument you wish to assign to the Trigger Output.
By default Trigger 1 is assigned to the Accent and
Tri gg er 2 is as si gne d to the C ow be ll. Trig ge r
assignments are stored in non-volatile memory for
recall after power off.
Mute an Instrument
Sync to an External
Clock
Copy Variation A to
Variation B
In Pattern Edit mode (1st PART or 2nd PART), with
Variation A set as the current variation, press and hold
the CLEAR button and then press the BASIC-VARIAT-
ION button. The pattern data in Variation A will be
copied to Variation B.
To mu te a n instr ume nt , press a nd h old t he SH IF T-
WRITE/NEXT key and press the Instrument/Track
selector button for the instrument you wish to mute.
Press the selector button again to un-mute.
The 880 may be synced to external MIDI clock, DIN
Sync24 clock or an analog clock pulse on the SYNC
IN jack. Press the AUTO FILL IN selector button while
holding down the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key to change
the Synchronization Mode.
Refer to Synchronization on Page 12 for more
information.

Mode Selector
Control
Descriptions
Rhythm Pattern
Programming Modes
Play Modes
Compose Mode
Instrument/Track
Selectors
Tempo Control
6
Auto Fill In Selector
The PLAY mode allows you to play any of the 12
Rhythm Tracks stored in memory. The Rhythm Tracks
are selected using the INSTRUMENT/TRACK buttons.
The MODE selector control is located in the upper left
corner of the control panel and is used to select
different operations for both programming and playing
the instrument. Pressing the MODE key cycles through
each of the six modes: PATTERN CLEAR,
1st PART, 2nd PART, MANUAL PLAY, PLAY, and
COMPOSE. Holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key
while pressing the MODE key reverses the direction of
the selection cycle.
The PATTERN CLEAR mode is used to clear patt-
erns from memory so that Rhythm Patterns can be
reprogrammed. The red CLEAR button is used to
activate the CLEAR function while in PATTERN
CLEAR mode. The 1st PART mode is used to pro-
gram the first section of a pattern. Patterns with 16 or
fewer steps can be programmed using just the 1st part
of the pattern programming mode. To create patterns
of up to 32 steps, the 2nd PART mode is used. Patt-
erns are initialized to 16 steps for the 1st part and 0
steps for the 2nd part. The red CLEAR button is used
in combination with the step switches to determine the
number of steps in a pattern. A combination of different
pattern lengths and PRE-SCALE settings allows diff-
erent time signatures to be achieved.
The MANUAL PLAY mode is a performance mode
that allows you to play any of the Rhythm Patterns
stored in memory. Additionally, it offers automatic
switching for intros and fills. Shuffle and instrument
rolls can be used in MANUAL PLAY mode to further
improvise during performance.
Holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key while pressing
the AUTO FILL IN button changes the context of the
control to set the SYNC MODE. The SYNC MODE
cycles through INTERNAL CLOCK, MIDI IN, DIN
SYNC24 OUT, DIN SYNC24 IN, and SYNC IN modes.
The AUTO FILL IN selector is used to insert Fill In
Rhythm Patterns while playing in MANUAL PLAY
mode. Pressing the AUTO FILL IN selector button
cycles through the six different fill options. The first fill
option is MANUAL which allows Fill In Rhythms to be
inserted manually by pressing the TAP button. Auto-
matic insertion of the Fill In Rhythm is accomplished
with any of the remaining five options: 16, 12, 8, 4 and
2. Automatic insertion occurs every 16th measure,
every 12th measure, every 8th measure, etc.
The Tempo Control sets the tempo of the internal
sequencer. The internal sequencer has a tempo range
of 30 beats per minute (BPM) to 290 BPM.
When the sequencer is stopped the currently selected
pattern's LED will blink in time with the tempo.
When the 880 is slaved to an external clock, the
Tem po C ontr ol kno b b ecom es inac tive.
There are 12 Instrument/Track selector buttons. When
programming Rhythm Patterns these buttons are used
to select a drum voice or Accent to program. From the
left the drum voices are AC (ACCENT), BD (BASS
DRUM), SD (SNARE DRUM), LT/LC (LOW TOM or
LOW CONGA), MT/MC (MID TOM or MID CONGA),
HT/HC (HI TOM or HI CONGA), RS/CL (RIM SHOT
or CLAVES), CP/MA (HANDCLAP or MARACAS), CB
(COWBELL), CY (CYMBAL), OH (OPEN HIHAT), and
CH (CLOSED HIHAT). When two options are avail-
able, you can press the Instrument button a second
time to toggle between the two available instruments.
Drum voices with two instruments can be programmed
independently on different steps of the same pattern.
The drum voice will automatically switch between
instruments on each step.
Holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key while pressing
an instrument will toggle its MUTE function. The In-
strument/Track selectors are also used to select the 12
memories available for composing Rhythm Tracks in
COMPOSE mode and playing any individual Rhythm
Track in P LAY m od e.
The COMPOSE mode allows any of the Rhythm
Patterns stored in memory to be linked together into a
composition called a Rhythm Track. Each of the 12
Rhythm Tracks can contain a unique sequence of up
to 64 patterns. The Rhythm Track memories can be
cleared using the red CLEAR button. Programming
the sequence of Rhythm Patterns is accomplished
with the STEP buttons and the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT
key.

Voice Controls
7
Each drum voice has a LEVEL control at the top of
each group of instrument controls. The LEVEL control
is used to control the level of the drum voice in the
MASTER OUTPUT mix. RIM SHOT/CLAVES, HAND
CLAP/MARACAS, COWBELL, and CLOSED HIHAT
only have a LEVEL control, whereas the other drum
voices have additional controls for adjusting the sound
of the instrument.
The ACCENT LEVEL control sets the amount of
emphasis given to accented steps in a pattern.
Accented steps give emphasis to any drum voices
that are programmed on the same step.
Step Buttons The STEP buttons have different functions depending
on what mode the 880 is in and whether or not the
sequencer is running.
In Rhythm Pattern Programming modes (CLEAR, 1st
PART, 2nd PART) the STEP buttons are used to
select a pattern to clear, play or edit. While the pattern
is playing the STEP buttons are used to program the
steps on which the currently selected drum voice will
play. In combination with the red CLEAR button, the
STEP buttons can be used to set the length of a
Rhythm Pattern.
In MANUAL PLAY mode the first 12 STEP buttons
are used to select one of the 12 BASIC RHYTHMs.
The last 4 STEP buttons are used to select one of the
4 INTRO/FILL INs. When the START/STOP button is
pressed the selected BASIC RHYTHM pattern will
begin to play unless the TAP button is used to
changed the priority to the selected INTRO/FILL IN
pattern. The priority between the BASIC RHYTHM
and INTRO/FILL IN pattern is indicated by their LEDs
flashing.
While holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key, the
STEP buttons are used to select different SHUFFLE
amounts and ROLL modes.
In combination with the ALT key STEP buttons are
also used to select one of 12 seperate banks of
Rhythm Patterns.
Basic
Variation Button
I/F Variation Button
Shift
Write/Next key
Start/Stop Button
Tap Button
Master Out Volume
Control
Descriptions (cont.)
holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key. To exit the alt-
ernating mode, press the BASIC VARIATON button to
return to variation A or use SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT + the
BASIC VARIATION button to return to variation B.
A solid LED indicates the current variation playing and
a flashing LED indicates the variation that is waiting to
play once the current measure has finished.
The IF/VAR button is used to select the variation
mode for the INTRO/FILL IN patterns used in
MANUAL mode. Like the BASIC VARIATION
BUTTON it toggles between variation A and variation
B modes. When a INTRO/FILL IN pattern is playing
its variation MODE is indicated by the BASIC
VARIATION LEDs.
In other modes, the IF/VAR button serves as an ALT
key, sometimes in combination with the SHIFT-
WRITE/NEXT key to access alternative functions.
The SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key is used to access
alternative functions of the other buttons/keys on the
880's front panel. It can be used to MUTE drum
voices, assign the trigger outputs, change SHUFFLE
and ROLL settings, and SYNC behaviour, set the
PRE-SCALE and activate the ALT functions in comb-
ination with the IF/VAR button.
In COMPOSE mode, the SHIFT/WRITE key is used
to advance to the next pattern when creating or editing
Rhythm Tracks.
Starts or stops the internal pattern sequencer. Input
ignored when using an external MIDI or DIN SYNC
source.
In MANUAL PLAY Mode the TAP button is used for
manual insertion of INTROs and FILL INs. It is also
used to manually enter trigger steps for drum voices
during Rhythm Pattern programming. In PLAY and
COMPOSE Modes it can be used to display the
current measure of a Rhythm Track.
Controls the overall output volume of the summed
drum voices available a the MASTER OUT jack.
The BASIC VARIATION button is used to toggle
between the two variation modes, A and B. Each
Rhythm Pattern consists of two variation modes of
one measure each that can be played independently
or alternately.
Pressing the BASIC VARIATION button will toggle
between modes A and B. To enter the A-B alternating
mode, press the BASIC VARIATON button while

Program
a Rhythm Pattern
Writing
Rhythm
Patterns 8
Program
the 2nd Part
Setting
the Pre-Scale
Add Shuffle
Press the MODE selector button to select PATTERN
CLEAR mode (first LED on the left). Using the STEP
buttons, select the pattern you wish to clear. Press the
red CLEAR button. The PATTERN CLEAR LED will
blink rapidly to indicate that the pattern is being cleared
from memory. A cleared pattern has 16 steps in 4/4
time.
Press the MODE selector button to select 1st PART.
Select the instrument you wish to program using the
Instrument selector buttons. Press START/STOP to
start the sequencer. The STEP LEDs will light in seq-
uence as each step of the pattern is triggered. Use the
STEP buttons to select the steps on which the current
instrument will be triggered. Active steps for the curr-
ently selected instrument are indicated by solidly lit
STEP LEDs.
Select a different instrument and program the steps on
which you want it to trigger. Alternatively, press the TAP
button wherever you want to program the instrument in
the pattern. The instrument will be programmed to the
nearest step. To edit any incorrectly entered steps
simply press the button for the step you wish to edit to
We will now program a Rhythm Pattern using both the
1st and 2nd Parts to create a 32 step pattern. With the
sequencer stopped, select the desired pattern number.
Ensure the BASIC VARIATION is set to A, clear the
pattern and set the mode to 1st PART. Start the seq-
uencer and program a Rhythm Pattern using the inst-
rument selector buttons and the step switches. When
you are finished programming the 1st PART, set the
mode to 2nd PART. The sequencer will continue to
play the 1st Part because the cleared pattern has only
16 steps. While pressing and holding the CLEAR but-
ton select step #16. The 1st PART will now play and
then the step LEDs will blink while the 2nd PART plays.
Notice that the 1st PART and 2nd PART LEDs next to
the START/STOP button light to indicate which part is
currently playing. Program a pattern into the 2nd
PART to complete your 32 step pattern.
Alternatively, it is possible to layer the steps program-
med into the 2nd PART onto the 1st PART. When lay-
ered, the steps in the 2nd PART will be triggered
inbetween the steps of the 1st PART. This layering
mode is active only when the 2nd PART is set to 0
steps. Simply clear a pattern, program the 1st PART,
set the mode to the 2nd PART and progam a layer that
will play inbetween the steps of the 1st PART. In layer-
ing mode, the sequencer LEDs will not blink while the
2nd PART is edited.
The 2nd PART can be toggled between a layer and an
extension of the 1st PART. To extend the 1st PART
with the 2nd PART, press and hold the CLEAR button
and select the desired pattern length using STEP
buttons #1 to #16. To activate layering mode again,
press and hold the CLEAR but-ton and press step #1
twice. This will reset the 2nd PART to 0 steps and
clear any steps that were programmed in the 2nd
PART.
The scale bars on the panel above the STEP buttons
indicate the PRE SCALE. Changing the PRE SCALE
changes the number of internal clock pulses that are
counted between steps. Different PRE SCALE set-
tings in combination with different pattern lengths allow
the creation of a variety of different time signatures. By
default, patterns are cleared to PRE SCALE 3 and 16
steps (4/4 time).
The PRE SCALE can be changed while editing the
1st or 2nd PART and the changes are saved in
memory with the current pattern.
To set th e PR E S CAL E, t he se qu enc er mu st b e
running and the mode must be set to 1st PART or 2nd
PART. Press and hold the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key
and then press the CLEAR button to select the desired
PRE SCALE setting indicated by the 4 LEDs next to
the scale bars.
The 880 has a shuffle feature that alters the timing of
the odd steps in a Rhythm Pattern. Six levels of shuffle
are available. While the sequencer is running, hold
down the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and select the
SHUFFLE AMOUNT using the first 6 STEP buttons.
Step #1 indicates no shuffle and steps #2 to #6 apply
increasing amounts of shuffle. In Rhythm Pattern
Programming mode, the SHUFFLE AMOUNT is
saved with the pattern. In MANUAL PLAY and PLAY
modes, the SHUFFLE AMOUNT can be changed
during pattern playback as part of the performance,
but SHUFFLE AMOUNT changes are not saved to
memory in these modes.
When a SHUFFLE AMOUNT change is made in
MANUAL PLAY or PLAY modes, that change will
override the SHUFFLE AMOUNT that is read from a
pattern's memory. Turning off shuffle (Step #1) will
restore the SHUFFLE AMOUNT that is stored with the
pattern in memory.
toggle off the instrument. Continue to select and
program instruments until you are satisfied with the
pattern you have created, then stop the pattern by
pressing START/STOP.
Press the BASIC-VARIATION button to select BASIC
VARIATION B mode. Set the MODE selector to
PATTERN CLEAR. Press the CLEAR button to clear
the B mode pattern. Now start the sequencer and
program a second Rhythm Pattern for B mode.
While the B variation pattern is playing, press the
BASIC-VARIATION button whle holding the SHIFT-
WRITE/NEXT key. The B LED will stay lit and the A
LED will flash indicating that the B pattern is playing
and the A pattern will play next. The two variatons will
now alternate, with the current variation's LED remain-
ing solid while the waiting variation's LED blinks.
Pressing the BASIC-VARIATION button exits the
alternating mode and returns to variation A. To exit the
alternating mode to variation B, press the BASIC-
VARIATION button while holding the SHIFT-WRITE/
NEXT key.

Manual Play
Playing
Rhythm
Patterns 9
MANUAL PLAY mode is a performance mode that
allows Rhythm Patterns to be selected and played in
real time. Fill In rhythms can be programmed to play at
intervals or manually using the TAP button.
With the sequencer stopped, press the MODE selector
button to select MANUAL PLAY mode. The STEP
buttons are divided into two groups, 12 BASIC
RHYTHMs and 4 INTRO/FILLs. The currently
selected BASIC RHYTHM will blink in time with the
tempo and the currently selected INTRO/FILL LED will
remain solid.
Press the START/STOP button. The sequencer will
begin to play the selected BASIC RHYTHM pattern.
While the sequencer is playing, select a new BASIC
RHYTHM pattern. When the current pattern finishes
playing the new pattern will start to play. If you wish to
change the current Pattern Bank, press and hold the
SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and the ALT key and select
one of the 12 Pattern Banks using the STEP buttons.
NOTE: MANUAL PLAY mode is the only mode where
the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key needs to be used in
combination with the ALT key to change the Pattern
Bank.
The BASIC VARIATION button can be used to select
the desired rhythm variation, A or B. Hold the SHIFT-
WRITE/NEXT key and press the BASIC VARIATION
button to enter the alternating A-B mode.
Adding Intros
and Fill Ins
You may add an introductor y Rhythm Pattern that
plays only once after the sequencer starts and is then
followed by the selected BASIC RHYTHM pattern.
With the sequencer stopped, press the TAP button.
The selected BASIC RHYTHM LED will become solid
and the selected INTRO/FILL IN LED will flash. This
indicates that the Intro pattern is active and will play
before the BASIC RHYTHM pattern when the
sequencer is started. To cancel the Intro function,
press the TAP button again. The selected BASIC
RHYTHM LED will begin flashing and the INTRO/FILL
IN LED will remain solid.
A Fill In Rhythm Pattern can be inserted between the
BASIC RHYTHM pattern manually or at a programm-
ed number of measures. To manually insert a Fill In
rhythm, set the AUTO FILL IN selector to MAN and
start the sequencer. The currently selected BASIC
RHYTHM will begin to play. While the sequencer is
playing press the TAP button. The currently playing
BASIC RHYTHM will finish and the selected INTRO/
FILL IN pattern will play once. Pressing the TAP button
again before the Fill In pattern finishes will make it play
again.
If the BASIC VARIATION mode is set to alternate
between variation A and B then pressing the TAP
button will replace the next variation with the Fill In
rhythm pattern. For example, if variation A is playing
and the TAP button is pressed, then the Fill In will re-
place the queued B variation and return to the A
variation.
Normal variation sequence:
VAR A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAR B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAR A
Sequence with Fill In:
VAR A [TAP] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FILL IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAR A
The same holds true if the TAP button is pressed again
to repeat the Fill In.
Normal variation sequence:
VAR A . . . . . . . . . . . . . .VAR B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAR A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAR B
Sequence with Fill In:
VAR A [TAP] . . . . . . . FILL IN [TAP] . . . . . . . . FILL IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAR B
Fill Ins can also be programmed to occur automatically
by setting the AUTO FILL IN selector to the desired
interval number. The Fill In rhythm Pattern can be
programmed to play every 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th
measure, automatically. To cancel automatic Fill Ins,
set the AUTO FILL IN selector to MAN.
An Intro or Fill In's BASIC VARIATION can be selected
using the I/F VAR button.
NOTE: in all other modes the I/F VAR button functions
as the ALT key. To access the ALT key function in
MANUAL PLAY mode you must also press the SHIFT-
WRITE/NEXT key.
Auditioning Drum
Hits
In MANUAL MODE the Instrument Selector buttons
can be used to trigger the drum voices. This allows the
different drum sounds to be audtioned to try out
rhythms in real-time and can also be used to improvise
over top of a currently playing Rhythm Pattern.
Live drum hits can only be triggered in MANUAL
MODE when Audition Mode is activated. To activate
Audition Mode, press and hold the SHIFT/WRITE-
NEXT key and press STEP 7 ([AUD]). The STEP 7
LED will light indicating that Audition Mode is active.
You may now use the Instrument Selector buttons to
trigger the drum voices.
The paired instruments are accessed by switching
between the A and B INTRO/FILL IN mode. When the
INTRO/FILL IN mode is set to A, the bottom row of
instruments are triggered and when the INTRO/FILL
IN mode is set to B, the top row of instruments are
triggered.
When Audition Mode is active, you lose the ability to
select the current instrument for rolls. To disable
Audtion Mode, press and hold the SHIFT/WRITE-
NEXT key and press STEP 7 again to disable drum
auditioning.

Roll Mode
Playing
Rhythm
Patterns 10
Mutes
(cont.)
ROLL Mode is a performance feature that allows you
to repeatedly trigger an instrument to create drum rolls.
The ROLL feature can be used in any of the edit, play
or compose modes. ROLL settings are not saved to
memory.
To en abl e a ro ll, s ta rt t he s equ en cer a nd se lec t th e
instrument you wish to roll. Press and hold the SHIFT-
WRITE/NEXT key. Step LED 9 (ROLL OFF) will light.
Use STEP buttons 10 through 14 to select the desired
roll resolution. ROLL 2 will trigger the currently select-
ed instrument twice a measure, on steps 1 and 9.
ROLL 4, 8 and 16 will trigger the current instrument 4,
8 and 16 times per measure, respectively. ROLL 32
will trigger 32 times per measure, with triggers occuring
inbetween the 16 steps. If SHUFFLE mode is active, a
shuffle will be applied to the timing of odd-numbered
ROLL triggers. ROLL triggers are layered on top of
any triggers already programmed for the selected
instrument.
While ROLL mode is active you can use the
Instrument/Track buttons to change the active roll
instrument. To deactivate ROLL mode, press and hold
the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and STEP button 9
(ROLL OFF).
Individual drum voices can be muted while a pattern is
playing. To mute an instrument, press and hold the
SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and select the instrument
you wish to mute using the Instrument/Track selector
buttons. The instrument's LED will light to indicate its
mute status is active. Pressing the instrument's select-
or button again while holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT
key will toggle its mute status.
Instrument muting is active in any of the edit, play or
compose modes.

Composing The
Rhythm Track 11
Rhythm Patterns stored in memory can be chained
together into Rhythm Tracks. There are 12 Rhythm
Tracks ava il abl e and e ach R hythm Tra ck ca n b e
composed of a chain of up to 64 Rhythm Patterns.
Rhythm Tracks are first created by chaining patterns
together and can then later be edited to change their
original composition.
Editing The
Rhythm Track
Creating The
Rhythm Track
Press the MODE selector button to select COMOPSE
mode. Use the Instrument/Track buttons to select the
Rhythm Track memory slot you wish to use. Press
the CLEAR button to clear the Rhythm Track. The
COMPOSE LED will flash rapidly to indicate that the
currently selected Rhythm Track is being cleared in
memory.
Start the sequencer. The first pattern in the first bank
will start to play. If you wish to change the pattern
bank, press and hold the ALT key and use STEP
buttons 1 to 12 to select a new pattern bank.
Using the the STEP buttons, select the pattern you
wish to play for the first measure of the Rhythm Track.
Press the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key to commit the
pattern to memory and advance to the next measure.
To co mmi t th e sa me pa tter n to me mo ry, sim ply p ress
the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key again and advance to
the next measure. When you want to select a new
pattern, use the STEP buttons to select it. You may
also use the ALT key to select a different pattern bank.
You do not need to wait until the new measure begins
playing before committing it to memory. The currently
selected measure will be memorized even if the
currently playing measure hasn't finished.
You can uncommit the last Write/Next function by
pressing and holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and
then pressing the ALT key twice. This action will shorten
the Rhythm Track by one measure and the pattern
stored in the previous measure will begin playing.
Press and hold the TAP button to display the current
measure you are editing in the Rhythm Track. The
current measure is read by multiplying the PRE-SCALE
LED position by the STEP LED position to indicate from
1 × 1 = measure #1 to 4 × 16 = measure #64.
When you have finished chaining patterns into a
Rhythm Track press START/STOP to stop the se-
quencer. The Rhythm Track is complete and can now
be played back in PLAY mode or edited in COMPOSE
mode.
you can change the pattern using the STEP buttons or
change to a different pattern bank by pressing and
holding the ALT key and selecting a new pattern bank.
These changes to the current measure are auto-
matically committed to memory.
The current measure can be deleted by pressing and
holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and then pressing
Step #16 (DEL). The length of the Rhythm Track will be
reduced by one measure and the pattern stored in the
measure after the deleted measure will be moved to the
current measure. If you are editing the last measure of
the Rhythm Track, then the delete function simply
deletes the last measure.
A new measure can be inserted into the Rhythm Track
by pressing and holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key
and then pressing Step #15 (INS). The length of the
Rhythm Track will be extended by one measure. If you
are editing the last measure of the Rhythm Track then
the current pattern is simply appended to the end of the
Rhythm Track.
Rhythm Tracks can be edited in three different ways:
the current measure can be Changed, Deleted, or
Inserted.
In COMPOSE mode use the Instrument/Track
buttons to select the track you wish to edit. If a track
has been cleared then it needs to be created before it
can be edited (See Creating The Rhythm Track,
above). When selecting a track to edit, the track's first
pattern will load from memory and be displayed by the
Step LEDs.
Start the sequencer. The pattern programmed into the
Rhythm Track's first measure will begin playing. Press
the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key to advance to the next
measure. Continue to use the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT
key to navigate to the measure you wish to edit. You
can go back to the previous measure by pressing and
holding the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT and then pressing
the ALT key twice. Press and hold the TAP button if
you wish to display the measure number you are
currently editing.
When you have reached the measure you wish to edit
Playing The
Rhythm Track
To pl ay ba ck a rec or de d R hythm Tra ck set th e MO DE
selector to PLAY. Use the Instrument/Track buttons to
select the Rhythm Track you wish to play and start the
sequencer. The first measure of the Rhythm Track
will begin to play and the sequencer will stop once the
Rhythm Track's last measure has played.
If you would like the Rhythm Track to loop back to the
first measure and continue playing then press and
hold the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key when pressing the
START button.
Stopping the Rhythm Track's playback before it has
finished will cause it to reset to the first measure upon
restart.
Selecting a new Rhythm Track while the current
Rhythm Track is playing will cause the first measure of
the new Rhythm Track to play after the current measure
is complete.

Synchronization
The DIN socket is configurable as a MIDI Input, a DIN
Sync24 Output or a DIN Sync24 Input.
Internal Clock Mode
Sync Modes The 880 has four main synchronization modes. The
fourth mode has two sub modes:
1. INTERNAL CLOCK Mode [MASTER]
2. MIDI IN Mode [SLAVE]
3. DIN SYNC24 OUT Mode [MASTER]
4. SYNC IN Mode [SLAVE]
i. DIN SYNC24 IN
ii. SYNC IN CLOCK
The fourth mode, SYNC IN Mode, has two sub
modes that slave the 880 to an external clock pulse:
either a Sync24 pulse on the DIN socket or a clock
input on the SYNC IN jack.
Holding down the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key while
pressing the AUTO FILL IN button cycles through the
Sync Modes.
Sync Modes 1 (INTERNAL CLOCK) and 3 (DIN
SYNC24 OUT) are MASTER clock modes that use
the 880's internal clock to derive the sequencer's
tempo. The TEMPO knob controls the rate of the
sequencer.
Sync Mode 2 (MIDI IN) and the two sub modes of
Mode 4 (SYNC IN) are SLAVE clock modes that
require an external clock signal derived from MIDI clock,
DIN SYNC24 clock, or a clock pulse on the SYNC IN
jack.
When the 880 is running as a MASTER, the SYNC
LED will glow red. When running as a SLAVE, the
SYNC LED will glow orange. If the 880 is waiting for an
external clock pulse, the SYNC LED will glow yellow.
NOTE: Like an original TR-808, the 880's user interface
is dependent on an active clock signal. In any of the
SLAVE modes the interface will appear to freeze if there
isn't an active clock signal on the selected clock input. If
you set the Sync Mode to one of the slave modes with-
out a clock present simply set the mode back to
INTERNAL CLOCK to continue normal operation.
INTERNAL CLOCK mode is capable fo sending MIDI
out data on a planned TRIGGER/SYNC expander
module.
The 880 powers up in INTERNAL CLOCK Mode
[INT]. The sequencer uses the internal clock, which is
controlled by the TEMPO knob. Clock signals on the
DIN socket and SYNC IN jack are ignored.
MIDI In Mode When in MIDI IN Mode the DIN socket is configured
as a MIDI input. The 880 will respond to MIDI Start,
Stop and Clock messages to control the sequencer.
The START/STOP button is ignored in MIDI IN Mode,
as is any clock input present on the SYNC IN jack.
MIDI IN Mode is a clock SLAVE mode that requires
an active MIDI clock signal present on the DIN socket
to drive the sequencer's user interface. You may
need to configure your MIDI master device to
continuously send MIDI clock data (see NOTE).
When the sequencer is stopped, the 880 may be
used as a MIDI drum module. The BASS DRUM is
triggered from MIDI note 0 (C−2) and the rest of the
voices are mapped across the MIDI note scale up to the
MARACAS on MIDI note 15 (D#−1). MIDI notes with a
velocity value greater than 63 will be accented.
To ch ang e th e 880 's MI DI rec ei ve c ha nn el se e Q ui ck
Tips on Page 5.
NOTE: MIDI triggering of drum voices is only enabled in
MIDI IN mode with the sequencer stopped. To use the
880 as a MIDI drum module you will need to configure
your MIDI master device so that it doesn't send MIDI
transport control (Start, Stop, Clock).
The 880's sequencer can be synchronized to
incoming MIDI clock, DIN Sync24, or an external
clock pulse present on the SYNC IN input jack.
12

Synchronization
DIN Sync24 Out
Mode
Connect a DIN cable (pins 1 and 3 must be wired; not
all MIDI cables will function as DIN Sync cables) to the
DIN sockets of the 880 and the slave device. Set the
slave device's sync setting to IN.
NOTE: Unlike MIDI, the DIN Sync standard requires a
ground connection between devices. See DIN Socket
Ground Setup on Page 3.
This mode is a MASTER clock mode that configures
the DIN socket as a DIN Sync Output so that the 880
can be used as a DIN Sync Master device.
DIN Sync is a legacy sync interface common on
vintage Roland instruments and sequencers. It uses a
24 Pulses Per Quarter Note (PPQN) clock signal and
a Run/Stop signal for transport control.
DIN Sync24 In
Mode
DIN Sync24 In Mode is the first of the SYNC IN modes
that depends on an analog clock signal (as opposed to
a digital MIDI signal). This mode allows the 880 to
operate as a DIN Sync slave device.
Connect a DIN cable between the 880 and the master
DIN Sync device. Set the master device's sync setting
to OUT.
The 880 is now dependent on the clock and run/stop
control from the master device.
See NOTE above about DIN grounding.
(cont.)
Sync In Clock
Mode
The second SYNC IN mode depends on a clock signal
from the Sync In jack next to the DIN socket.
When entering Sync In Clock Mode, the SYNC LED
will glow red if there is no clock signal and will flash
orange if a valid clock signal is detected on the SYNC
IN jack.
The Sync In Clock uses a Korg Volca standard 2
PPQN in contrast to the 24 PPQN used by both MIDI
and DIN Sync.
The START/STOP button must be used to control
sequencer transport when in Sync In Clock mode. A
run/stop input will be implemented on a planned
TRIGGER/SYNC expander module.
Run/stop control may also be added via a future
update using a specialized DIN to 3.5 mm adapter
cable.
13

Firmware
Updating 14
FIRMWARE UPDATE TROUBLESHOOTING:
If the 880 does not accept the firmware the SYNC LED
will remain solid red and the current firmware will not
be overwritten. Turn the 880 off and then on again
without holding the START/STOP button to boot into
the current firmware or power the 880 on while holding
down the START/STOP button to try again.
If the 880 begins to receive the firmware (SYNC LED
turns yellow and flashes rapidly) but the transmission is
interrupted then the existing firmware is partially
overwritten and the 880 will not function. Do not panic.
Power off the 880 and power it on again while holding
down the START/STOP button. Wait until the SYNC
LED turns solid red and then try sending the sysex
firmware update file again.
The 880's firmware may be periodically updated to fix
bugs and add features. Please check
www.system80.net/product/880/ for official firmware
updates.
A computer, MIDI interface, and software capable of
sending a MIDI sysex file are required to update the
880's firmware. Both MIDI-OX (www.midiox.com) for
Windows/PC and Snoize SysEx Librarian
(www.snoize.com/SysExLibrarian/) for Mac OS are
recommended software utilities for sending MIDI sysex
files .
Follow these steps to update the firmware:
1. Download the latest MIDI sysex firmware update file
to your computer from the System80 website.
2. With the 880 powered off, plug a MIDI cable from
your MIDI interface to the MIDI-DIN socket on the
880.
3. Power on the 880 while holding down the START/
STOP button. Continue to hold the START/STOP
button until the SYNC LED turns red. The 880 is
now ready to accept the firmware sysex file.
4. Using your MIDI utility software, send the MIDI
sysex firmware update file to the 880. When the 880
recognizes and begins to load the new firmware the
SYNC LED will turn yellow and begin flashing very
rapidly. The SYNC LED will remain solid red if the
firmware is not being received.
5. Wait until your MIDI utility software finishes sending
the sysex firmware update file. When complete the
880 will reboot with the new firmware installed.
TAP
FIRST DIGIT [ALL LEDS OFF = 0] SECOND DIGIT [ALL LEDS OFF = 0]
THIRD DIGIT [ALL LEDS OFF = 0]
EXAMPLE: VERSION 0.9.7 DISPLAYED
+
Display Firmware
Version
Use the MODE selector to select PATTERN CLEAR
mode. With the sequencer stopped, press and hold
the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key and then hold down the
TAP bu tto n.
.
The 3 digits of the firmware version will be displayed by
the PRE-SCALE, STEP and INSTRUMENT/TRACK
LEDs (see below).
.

Specifications 15
Power Consumption +12 V: 110 mA (max)
−12 V: 70 mA
Dimensions 304.3 mm (W) × 128.5 mm (H) × 32 mm* (D)
3U × 60 HP
Net Weight 535 g
epth includes connected power, DIN expander and
Tri gg er Ex pan de r h ea der s
Rhythm Memory
Output Levels MASTER OUT
6 VPP/1 kΩ
MULTI OUT
~2 - 4 VPP/1kΩ
TRIGGER 1 OUT
+5 V, 20 ms pulse
TRIGGER 2 OUT
+5 V or +12 V (selectable), 20 ms pulse
RHYTHM TRACKS
64 measures × 12 tracks (768 measures)
RHYTHM PATTERNS
16 × 12 banks (192)
1-32 steps per measure × 2 Basic Variations
*D
Sequencer INTERNAL CLOCK
~30 - 250 beats per minute (BPM)
CLOCK RESOLUTION
96 PPQN (INTERNAL)
24 PPQN (MIDI)
24 PPQN (DIN SYNC 24)
2 PPQN (CLOCK SYNC)
PRE-SCALE MULTIPLIER
1: × 3/4
2: × 3/2
3: × 1 (default)
4: × 2

Warranty 16
Contact
Open Source The 880 is open source hardware and the firmware is
open source software. This means the complete
design is available for non-commerical use. If your 880
ever requires an out-of-warranty repair, the design files
Warranty Your 880 is guaranteed to be free from manufacturing
defects for 1 YEAR from the date of purchase. At our
sole discretion we will replace or repair your unit if we
find it to be defective (transport charges may apply).
NOTE: the 880's panel is screenprinted in 3 colours of
Do not hesitate to contact System80 with any
questions or concerns about your 880. The 880
began as a passion project with the aim of making a
small recreation of the TR-808 in Eurorack with as
few compromises as possible. It was a lot of fun to
design, prototype, and test. We hope that it will inspire
you for many years.
durable epoxy-based ink. It is a 5 step process that is
performed manually. Being a hand crafted product,
you may notice very small blemishes or defects upon
close inspection. These are unavoidable and inherent
to the manual painting and screenprinting process.
YouTube, and Muffwiggler, these are not the best ways
to reach us with questions or concerns about your 880.
We endeavor to respond to email inquiries within 48
hours of receiving them.
Please contact us by email:
[e-mail]
While System80 has a regular presence on social
media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
should allow a local qualified technician to perform any
repair or modification.
www.github.com/minisystem/880

Operation Reference 17
Rhythm Pattern Programming
1With the sequencer stopped, set the MODE selector to
PATTERN CLEAR.
2
Press the BASIC VARIATION button to select Variation A
or Variation B.
3
Press the CLEAR button.
Set the MODE selector to 1st PART.
4
Start the sequencer by pressing the START/STOP button.
5
6
While pressing the SHIFT/WRITE-NEXT key, press the
CLEAR button to choose the PRE-SCALE.
7
While pressing the CLEAR button, press a STEP button to
set the desired pattern length (1-16)*.
8
Choose an instrument using the INSTRUMENT/TRACK
selector buttons.
9
Press the STEP buttons to program the instrument on the
desired steps.
10
Program the other instrument sounds and ACCENT by
repeating and .
9 10
11
Press the START/STOP button when programming has
been completed.
Manual Play
1
2Use STEP buttons 1-12 to select the Basic Rhythm
Pattern you want to play.
3
4
Set the MODE selector to MANUAL PLAY.
Press the BASIC-VARIATION button to select the
Variation you want to play, A or B.
Intro
Use STEP buttons 13 - 16 to select the Intro Rhythm
Pattern you want to play.
1
2
3Press the TAP button to activate the Intro.
Fill In (MANUAL)
1Set the AUTO FILL IN selector to MAN.
4
Press the I/F - VAR button to select the Intro variation.
3Press the I/F - VAR button to select the Fill In variation.
4Press the TAP button when you want the Fill In Rhythm
Pattern to play instead of the BASIC RHYTHM.
2Use STEP buttons 13 - 16 to select the Fill In Rhythm
Pattern you want to play.
Start the sequencer by pressing the START/STOP button.
Start the sequencer by pressing the START/STOP button.
12
Use the STEP buttons to select the Rhythm Pattern
memory location you wish to program.
In the case of programming 16 steps setting the pattern
length is unnecessary.
*
Fill In (AUTOMATIC)
1Choose the Fill In count using the AUTO FILL IN selector
(16, 12, 8, 4, or 2 measures).
3Press the I/F - VAR button to select the Fill In variation.
4Press the START/STOP button to start the sequencer.
2Use STEP buttons 13 - 16 to select the Fill In Rhythm
Pattern you want to play.
Track Compose
1
2Choose the Track with the INSTRUMENT/TRACK
selector buttons.
3
4
Set the MODE selector to COMPOSE
Use the STEP buttons to select the first Rythm Pattern of
the Track.
Track Play
Set the MODE selector to PLAY.
1
2
3
4
Choose the Track to play using the INSTRUMENT/
TRACK selector buttons.
Start the sequencer by pressing the START/STOP button.
Press the BASIC VARIATION button to select Variation A
or Variation B.
5
Press the START/STOP button to start the sequencer.
6
Press the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key to advance to the
next measure.
7
Use the STEP buttons to select a different Rythm Pattern,
if desired. Press the SHIFT-WRITE/NEXT key to save the
Rhythm Pattern and advance to the next measure.
8
9
Press the CLEAR button.
At the last measure of the composition, stop the
sequencer by pressing the START/STOP button.
Press the BASIC VARIATION button to select Variation A
or Variation B.

SYSTEM80
Toron to, On ta ri o, Ca nad a
System80 Inc.