Yamaha PortaSound PSS-780 User manual

YAMAHA
SarlaScuna.
mH SS- 780
/MUSIC.STIITION
OPERATING MANUAL English Version

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations
on
your
purchase
of
the
Yamaha
PortaSound
PSS-780!
You
now
own
one
of
the
most
sophisticated
portable
electronic
keyboards
available.
Controlled
by
an
advanced
microcomputer,
the
PortaSound
PSS-780
offers
far
more
musical
enjoyment
and
versatility
than
any
other
instrument
in
its
class.
In
fact,
it
gives
you
the
fun
and
functions
of
a
whole
host
of
digital
music
machines,
namely
...
e
An
electronic
keyboard
offering
100
high-quality
preset
voices
using
the
famous
Yamaha
FM
sound
source.
@
A
digital
synthesizer
that
lets
you
alter
any
of
the
preset
voices
to
taste
and
save
up
to
five
of
these
edited
versions.
@
A
versatile
rhythm
machine
using
32
percussion
instru-
ments,
PCM
recorded
for
breath-taking
realism.
With
100
basic
rhythm
patterns
featuring
three
intros/fill-ins
and
one
ending
each,
you
have
an
amazing
400
rhythm
vari-
ations
at
your
disposal.
What's
more,
you
can
even
play
percussion
by
hand
like
a
drummer
and
record
your
own
onginal
Custom
Drummer
pattern.
@
Asophisticated
automatic
accompaniment
system
giving
you
Single
Finger
Chords,
automatic
bass,
chords
and
orchestra,
automatic
Duet
and
orchestration
capabilities.
@
A
simple
but
very
useful
sequencer
offering
unique
mu-
sical
possibilities:
You
can
digitally
record
up
to
five
melodies
and
chord
progressions
each
and
play
them
back
any
time
at
the
touch
of
a
button.
@
A
highly
advanced
MIDI
controller
and
multi-timbral
MIDI
sound
source.
Used
as
a
controller,
the
PortaSound
can
play
a
number
of
external
MIDI
instruments
simul-
taneously
on
various
channels.
As
a
sound
source,
it
will
perform
several
voices
as
well
as
percussion
independently
at
the
same
time.
Read
this
manual
carefully
while
playing
your
new
Porta-
Sound,
and
you
will
be
able
to
make
full
use
of
its
many
fantastic
features
in
no
time.
ABOUT
THIS
MANUAL
One
look
at
your
new
PortaSound
PSS-780
tells
you:
this
is
an
advanced
instrument
with
a
great
variety
of
func-
tions.
Though
this
is
true,
don’t
let
the
large
number
of
buttons
fool
you
—
the
PSS-780
is
actually
very
easy
to
use.
As
you
can
see
from
the
INDEX
ILLUSTRATION
on
p.6,
the
controls
are
all
organized
in
easy-to-understand
functional
groups.
Once
you
get
to
know
them,
you
will
have
no
trouble
operating
your
PortaSound,
making
it
do
exactly
what
you
want
it
to,
To
get
acquainted
with
your
new
keyboard
and
have
fun
with
it
from
the
start,
please
read
PART
I
first.
You
can
then
use
the
INDEX
ILLUSTRATION
to
look
up
information
on
buttons
or
functional
groups
you
are
especially
interested
in
right
away.
Otherwise,
continue
with
PART
II.
This
manual
is
structured
into
three
main
parts.
The
shortest
and
simplest
one,
PART
|
—
GETTING
TO
KNOW
THE
PSS-780,
gives
you
all
the
information
you
need
to
play
your
new
instrument,
making
use
of
its
most
basic
features.
It
also
shows
you
how
you
can
listen
to
the
pre-programmed
DE-
MONSTRATION
song.
The
functions
mentioned
shortly
in
the
QUICK
GUIDE
illus-
tration
of
PART
I
are
explained
in
greater
detail
in
PART
II.
Particularly
if
you
already
have
some
experience
with
digital
keyboards,
the
QUICK
GUIDE
will
enable
you
to
use
these
functions
immediately.
On
the
other
hand,
if
you
are
a
total
newcomer,
reading
the
next
part
will
make
operations
clearer
to
you.
PART
I]
—
BASIC
FEATURES
contains
a
systematic
overall
introduction
of
WHAT
YOUR
PortaSound
CAN
DO,
followed
by
detailed
explanations
of
most
PortaSound
functions.
It
tells
you
all
about
voice
and
style
selection,
effects,
Hand
Per-
cussion,
the
Auto
Accompaniment
features
and
the
Song
Memory.
Each
section
starts
out
with
a
short
Overview
giving
you
a
general
idea
of
the
respective
functions.
You
can
then
try
them
out
right
away
by
following
the
steps
described
under
Operation.
Note
that
in
the
text,
bold
print
indicates
basic
Operational
steps,
while
the
regular
print
below
it
gives
all
the
necessary
explanations.
Therefore,
you
can
simply
follow
the
instructions
in
bold
print
when
you
want
to
get
to
know
a
feature,
and
read
the
details
and
Points
to
Remember
later.
Finally,
PART
HI
shows
you
how
to
use
those
ADVANCED
FEATURES
that
require
a
bit
of
specialized
know-how
—
the
Digital
Synthesizer
section
to
create
your
own
FM
sounds,
and
the
MIDI
functions
for
communication
with
other
MIDI
instruments,
sequencers
and
computers.

CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS—TAKING
CARE
OF
YOUR
PORTASOUND
..........-.00000+
1
GONTROL
PANELS
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PART I
QUICK GUIDE
INDEX
ILLUSTRATION
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PART
11
BASIC
FEATURES...
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WHAT
YOUR
PortaSound
CAN
DO...
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Voices,
Rhythm
and
Auto
ACCOMPANIMENE
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Headphone
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8
Connecting
the
PSS-780
to
Your
Stereo...
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teen
etree
tennessee
teeneneens
8
VOICE/MELODY
SECTION
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8
SELECTING
A
VOICE
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8
PITCH
BEND
Wheel
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10
PARAMETER
CHANGE
SettingS
.......cccccccsesesescsesesseereseeserensterssresssesasenarenesessenes
10
TRANSPOSE
[9]
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11
TUNING
(a)
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11
MELODY
VOLUME
[8]
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11
RHYTHM
MACHINE
FUNCTIONS
.......0...
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13
STYLE
SELECT—Choosing
the
RAYth
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13
RHYTHM
CONTROL
.........
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TEMPO
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14
BEAT
Display
.......c:cccccccccssssessesccescssscsesscenenerereeecseaenerenersnaeenasenssseneenesseesnsenenenenentg
14
Changing
the
Rhythm
Style
During
Performance...
a
14
HAND
PERCUSSION
ue
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15
CUSTOM
DRUMMER
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16
AUTO
ACCOMPANIMENT
FEATURES
1.0...
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18
ORCHESTRATION...........
..
18
A)
Single
Finger
Chords
...........ccseeeeteeree
aw
19
B)
Single
Finger
Auto
ACCOMpaniMeNt
.......-.
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teeeestetesereeeetecerttetiees
20
C)
Fingered
Auto
ACCOMPANIMEN
.........
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20
DUET...
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21
SONG
MEMORY.
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22
MELODY
Memory
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CHORD
Memoty
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PART
11
ADVANCED
FUNCTIONS
1.
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DIGITAL
SYNTHESIZER
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SYNTHESIS
BASIC
COURSE
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1)
Voice
Parameters
and
Values......
..
26
2)
A
Bit
of
FM
Theory.............04
..
26
3)
Creating
SOUS...
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27
SYNTHESIZER
PARAMETERS.
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29

IUD Di iscieicecceceeseet edeasaescevesens ‘
What is MIDI?.....
MIDI MODE fel .......0....
Keyboard Assign MODE [22]
Transmitted Data ..............00
Memory Bulk Dump.
Received Data..........c.cceescseeseeeee
Sound Source Mode [99].................
Transmitted Data ..........cccececsseeeee
Received Data
MIDI RECEIVE CHANNEL FILTER [d]
TRANSMIT CHANNEL [8] Selection
MIDI CONNECTION EXAMPLES
PRECAUTIONS — TAKING CARE OF YOUR PORTASOUND
SE a I eT CSET ST
Your new PortaSound is a fine musical instrument — and should be treated as such.
Handle it with care and common sense, and it will give you years of enjoyment.
e Location
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or other sources of heat.
Never leave it inside a car where it can get very hot. Vi-
bration, excessive dust, cold, low or high humidity can
also cause malfunction.
e@ Handling
Avoid rough handling. Don’t drop or jolt the PortaSound
as this can damage the internal circuitry. Pressing too
hard on keys or controls may lead to malfunctions. When
cords are plugged into the rear panel jacks, pay particular
attention not to apply excessive force to them since this
may damage the terminals.
e Adaptors
Use only the power adaptor described in the POWER
section. Disconnect the AC adaptor when not using your
PortaSound.
e Batteries
+ When not using your PortaSound for long periods, be
sure to remove the batteries to avoid damage through
battery leakage.
* Replace weak batteries before they run down com-
pletely.
- Always replace all batteries with new ones.
- Do not use different kinds of batteries at the same time.
«In case electrolyte has leaked into the battery com-
partment, wipe it off completely before installing new
batteries.
+ Never disassemble, heat or throw discarded batteries
into a fire. Dispose of them properly.
e@ Cleaning
Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Using chemical
solvents will damage the finish.
Interference Through Electromagnetic Fields
Do not use your PortaSound close to television sets or
other equipment receiving electromagnetic signals as this
could cause interference noise in the other appliance.
Service and Modifications
Your PortaSound contains no user serviceable parts.
Opening it or tampering with it in any way can lead to
electrical shock as well as damage. Of course, any resulting
damage will no longer be repaired free of charge. Refer
all servicing to qualified YAMAHA personnel.

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POWER
switch
@
TEMPO/PARAMETER
&
VALUE
display
VOLUME
slider
@
VALUE
buttons
AUTO
ACCOMPANIMENT
group
®
VOICE/STYLE
SELECT
group
3a
MODE
selectors
tia
VOICE
switch
3b
ORCHESTRATION
buttons
14b
STYLE
switch
SONG
MEMORY
11ic
Number
buttons
4a
CHORD
bank
selectors
@
DIGITAL
SYNTHESIZER
group
4b
MELODY
bank
selectors
12a
Voice
BANK
selectors
4c
RECORD
button
12b
STORE
button
VOICE
LIST
12c
Synthesizer
Parameter
selectors
STYLE
LIST
12d
DIGITAL
SYNTHESIZER
flowchart
EFFECT selectors
VOICE/STYLE number display

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@® PARAMETER CHANGE group @ MELODY SECTION
13a TEMPO button @ HAND PERCUSSION section
13b Parameter selectors 22a HAND PERCUSSION pads
®
DEMO
START/STOP
switch
22b
SYNCHRO
BREAK
switch
®
MiDi
group
22c
PERCUSSION
SET
selectors
15a MIDI OUT CHANNEL list ® Built-in speakers
@ PITCH BEND wheel
® CUSTOM DRUMMER controls REAR PANEL
® Percussion control keys @ DC(9-12V)IN AC power adaptor terminal
® AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT SECTION ® AUX. OUT jacks
@ RHYTHM CONTROL pads @ HEADPHONES jack
20a START/STOP switch @ MIDI terminals
20b SYNCHRO START/ENDING control
20c INTRO/FILL IN controis

PART I
GETTING
TO
KNOW
THE
PSS-780
This
part
of
the
manual
first
shows
you
how
to
provide
the
PSS-
780
with
POWER,
using
batteries
or
an
AC
adaptor.
You
can
then
turn
it
on
and
start
PLAYING
it
right
away.
Next,
listen
to
a
DEMONSTRATION
of
what
the
PortaSound
PSS-780
can
do.
Reading
PART
II
will
then
enable
to
perform
this
kind
of
professional-sounding
music
ail
by
yourself.
The
QUICK
GUIDE
briefly
introduces
the
most
basic
features
without
going
into
detail
so
you
can
enjoy
yourself experimenting and discovering.
POWER
SS
Your
PortaSound
PSS-780
works
on
batteries
or
household
current.
Since
batteries
are
also
needed
to
support
the
internal
RAM
memory,
buy
six
1.5V
“C”
size
(SUM-2,
R-14)
alkaline
batteries.
(Be
sure
to
read
the
precautions
concerning
batteries
on
p.
1).
To
save
battery
power,
you
can
also
use
a
Yamaha
PA-3,
PA-4
or PA-40
AC
adaptor.
Inserting Batteries
Turn
the
instrument
upside-down
and
remove
the
battery
compartment
lid
by
pushing
its
tab
in
the
direction
of
the
arrow
embossed
on
the
lid.
Insert
the
six
batteries,
making
sure
that
their
poles
are
aligned
as
shown
in
the
illustration
below.
Replace
the
lid.
It
should
lock
in
place
with
a
click.
Low Battery Warning
When the battery voltage drops below a certain level, the
LED displays will start to blink. As soon as this happens,
replace all six batteries with new ones. If you allow the bat-
teries to become spent completely, any data you have stored
in the internal memories will be lost.
Using an AC Power Adaptor
When
you
want
to
connect
your
PortaSound
to
a
wall
socket,
buy
a
Yamaha
PA-3,
PA-4
or
PA-40
Power
Adaptor.
No
other
adaptor
can
be
used,
so
be
sure
to
ask
for
the
right
kind.
Plug the adaptor into a convenient wall socket and its con-
nector
into
the
DC(9-12V)IN
terminal
(24)
on
the
back
of
your PortaSound as shown. (Even when power is turned
off,
the
AC
adaptor
backs
up
the
PortaSound
RAM
memory.)
4
HEADPHONES © AUX. OUT = DCX9-12)IN
R Lean *
PLAYING
Slide the POWER switch (1) upward to the ON position.
The LED displays and various indicators will light up to
confirm that the PortaSound is turned on.
You can now play the keyboard. Adjust the sound level with
the VOLUME slider (2), pushing it up toward MAX to in-
crease volume and down to lower it.
e Be sure to turn your PortaSound off again by sliding the
POWER switch (1) back to OFF after you have finished
playing. This will save battery power.
DEMONSTRATION
To get an idea of the music your new PortaSound is capable
of playing, listen to the factory-programmed demonstration
song.
Start
it
by
pressing
the
yellow
DEMO
START/STOP
button (14).
e
The
song
will
continue
until
you
press
DEMO
START/STOP
again,
or
the
START/STOP
pad
(20a).
You
will
soon
be
playing
music
in
this
kind
of
professional
style
by
yourself
—
PART
II
will
teach
you
all
the
necessary
operations.
Most
of
these
steps
can
also
be carried
while
the
PortaSound
is
performing
the
demonstration
song,
allowing
you
to
alter
this
song
according
to
your
taste.

QUICK GUIDE
YAMAHA font PSS-7Bo
@) Selecting Voices
®
©
©
To choose any instrument sound you like, simply look
up its name in the VOICE LIST (5) and input the corre-
sponding number with the number buttons (11c). (It may
be necessary to press the blue VOICE switch (11a) first.)
Effects
Add special effects to the instrument sounds by pressing
these selectors.
Pitch Bend Wheel
Bend the pitch of melody notes upward or downward
with this wheel.
Single Finger Chords
You can play entire chords automatically with just a
finger or two — press the SINGLE FINGER selector (3a),
then play keys in the AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT SEC-
TION.
Automatic Accompaniment
With SINGLE FINGER mode on, hit the START/STOP pad
(20a) to start the rhythm. Play the AUTO ACCOMPANI-
MENT SECTION and enjoy automatic bass, chord and
orchestra accompaniment. To stop it, press SYNCHRO
START/ENDING (20b).
€) Selecting Styles
The STYLE LIST (6) shows you which rhythm and ac-
companiment styles you can choose from. Press the blue
STYLE (11b) switch, then enter the desired style number
with the number buttons (11c).
Tempo
To adjust the speed of the rhythm/accompaniment, press
TEMPO (13a), then use the VALUE buttons (10) to make
it faster or slower.
Rhythm Control
START/STOP (20a) starts or stops the selected rhythm.
Hit the INTRO/FILL IN pads (20c) instead for a different
beginning or for variations while the drum sounds are
playing. (Works for Auto Accompaniment too.)
SYNCHRO START/ENDING (20b) lets the rhythm begin
automatically when you play the AUTO ACCOMPANI-
MENT SECTION (19), or ends it with a special pattern.
Orchestration
These switches (3b) turn the four components of the Auto
Accompaniment — bass, rhythm (drums), chords and
orchestra parts — on and off to suit your music.
Hand Percussion
Hit these 8 pads (22a) any time to play your own drums.
Use the PERCUSSION SET selectors (22c) to choose one
of four different drum sets.

INDEX ILLUSTRATION
PITCH BEND .......... cece ences 10
nak
ria
i U1 ) Whit L | | a | |
YAMAHA tosis -SS-7BO
8 (VOICE),
13 (STYLE)

PART II
BASIC
FEATURES
WHAT YOUR PortaSound CAN DO
Using
the
QUICK
GUIDE
and
listening
to
the
DEMO
song
has
already
given
you
a
first
impression
of
your
new
PortaSound’s
capabilities.
This
chapter
tells
you
more
about
them.
Voices, Rhythm and Auto Accompaniment
To better understand the PortaSound’s functional structure,
think of it as comprising the following three sections:
Auto Accompaniment Section
Voice/Melody Section
Rhythm Section
As the names say, the Voice/Melody Section controls all
features concerning the voices you play, usually in the form
of a melody, while the Auto Accompaniment Section helps
you perform the accompaniment to these melodies. The
Rhythm Section can be used separately like a drum machine,
or in combination with Auto Accompaniment.
@ This is not a strict division. These sections are closely
interconnected ~- for instance, RHYTHM CONTROL
influences both the Rhythm and the Auto Accompaniment
Sections, and the SONG MEMORY MELODY banks
are just as much part of Voice/Melody as they are of Auto
Accompaniment. Keeping this division in mind, though,
makes it easier to understand the PortaSound features.
Voice/Melody Section
In the tradition of Yamaha’s famous DX7 synthesizers, the
preset instrument sounds available on the PortaSound
PSS-780 are referred to as “voices”. With the Digital Syn-
thesizer functions explained in PART ITI (p.26), you can alter
them to create your own original sounds, then save up to five
of these for instant access at the push of a button.
For more expressiveness and realism, you can add various
EFFECTS (p.9) to the voices. PORTAMENTO and PITCH
BEND (p.10), for instance, can greatly enhance strings, brass
or bass sounds.
Easy Play Functions
If the melody you want to play is in a difficult key, you can
TRANSPOSE the entire keyboard (p.11) to an easier one.
Melodies (or parts of them) you find particularly hard to
perform can be memorized in the MELODY banks of the
SONG MEMORY (p.22). For example, if a phrase is too
fast for you, record it at a comfortable slow tempo and then
play it back any time at the correct speed by simply pressing
the corresponding MELODY button.
Rhythm
and
Auto
Accompaniment
Sections
Since
these
sections
are
so
closely
interrelated,
many
of
their
functions
are
treated
together
in
this
manual.
The
Rhythm
and
Auto
Accompaniment
features
can
enhance
your
performances
in
four
basic
ways:
The
PortaSound
PSS-780
is capable
of
L.
playing
a
rhythm
accompaniment
to
your
music
with
re-
alistic
percussion
sound
patterns
in
a
hundred
different
musical
styles,
functioning
like
a
high-quality
drum
ma-
chine.
Many
variations
of
these
basic
patterns
are
possible
with
RHYTHM
CONTROL.
2.
letting
you
play
complete
chords
by
using
only
a
single
finger
of
your
left
hand
(SINGLE
FINGER
chords).
3.
performing
an
entire
accompaniment
arrangement,
com-
plete
with
drums,
bass,
chords
and
orchestra,
easily
con-
trolled
by
your
left
hand.
Again,
RHYTHM
CONTROL
can
be
used
to
add
a
great
number
of
variations.
You
can
even
change
the
ORCHESTRATION,
deleting
or
adding
parts
to
the
accompaniment
at
the
touch
of
a
button.
4.
digitally
recording
whole
melodies
or
various
melody
sections
as
well
as
entire
chord
progressions
in
the
SONG
MEMORY.
These
can
be
played
back
at
the
touch
of
a
button.
The
PSS-780
thus
also
does
the
job
of
a
simple
but
particularly
flexible
sequencer
—
you
can
use
it
either
7

for
totally
automatic
performances,
or
to
enhance
any
music
you
are
playing
live.
In
addition,
you
can
play
four
different
sets
of
8
percussion
instruments
by
hand
like
a drummer
with
the
easy-to-use
HAND
PERCUSSION
pads,
further
enhancing
the
Rhythm
and
Auto
Accompaniment
with
your
own
solos,
and
record
your
own
original
CUSTOM
DRUMMER
pattern.
Headphones
a
For private practicing and playing without disturbing others,
connect headphones to the rear panel HEADPHONES jack
(26).
The
built-in
speakers
(23)
are
automatically
cut
off
when
you insert a headphone plug into this jack.
Connecting
the
PSS-780
to
Your
Stereo
ce
For
a
truly
powerful
sound,
connect
the
AUXILIARY
(AUX.)
jacks
(25)
on
the
rear
panel
of
the
PortaSound
to
your
stereo
system
with
optional
cables.
Both
jacks
must
be
used
for
a
stereo
effect.
e
Be
sure
to
turn
the
PortaSound’s
power
off
when
making
theses
connections.
Reduce
the
VOLUME
(2)
on
the
PortaSound
and
adjust
the
sound
level
with
your
stereo’s
volume
control.
If
you
want
to
connect
the
PortaSound
to a
mono
am-
plification
system
such
as
a
keyboard
amp,
use
only
the
L+R/L
jack.
This
will
then
output
a
mix
of
the
left
and
right
channel
signals.
@ Only the PCM percussion sounds have distinct left or right
positions in the stereo field, while the FM voices are all
centered.
STEREO
CHORUS,
however,
gives
a
three-dimensional stereo effect with all FM sounds.
VOICE/MELODY SECTION
a
a
a
SELECTING A VOICE
@ Overview
100 preset FM voices are yours for the choosing. Each voice
has its own number, indicated in blue next to its name in the
VOICE LIST (5), for instant access.
Selecting a voice is very easy, requiring only one or two steps:
@ Operation
1. Make sure the VOICE indicator is lit.
Check to see that the dot in the VOICE/STYLE number
display (8) is located above “VOICE”.
VOICE/STYLE
ari
Lh LL!
beee L STYLE
Indicator dot
This shows that your PortaSound is ready for voice se-
lection. If it is not, simply press the blue VOICE switch
(11a), making sure that the VOICE indicator dot lights
up.
2. Enter the voice number.
Use the VOICE/STYLE SELECT number buttons (1 1c)
to input the number of the desired voice.
Points to Remember
Notice that all voice numbers have two digits. Both
must be entered for the instrument sound to change.
(The first ten voice numbers start with a “0”, which
you also have to input.)
You can always check the currently selected voice by
looking at the VOICE/STYLE display (making sure
the VOICE indicator is lit).
When POWER is turned on, the voice chosen before
the PSS-780 was turned off is selected automatically.
With each voice, up to twelve keys can be played at
the same time — in other words, the PSS-780 is 12-voice
polyphonic.
To appreciate the amazing variety of realistic FM instrument
sounds now at your disposal, try out as many voices as you
like right now.
Playing Along with the Demo Song
If you want, you can even play along with the demonstration
song
using
any
instrument
of
your
choice.
To
do
so,
select
a
voice,
press
the
yellow
DEMO
START/STOP
switch
and
play. You can change to other voices any time.
e@
When
playing
along
like
this,
you
can
only
play
single
notes
at
a
time
(=
“monophonic”
performance).
A
TIP:
Using
the
Digital
Synthesizer
Memory
Banks
for
One-Touch
Voice
Selection.
Sometimes
you
will
want
to
change
voices
while
playing
—
but
you
may
not
have
enough
time
to
look
up
a
voice
number
and input its two digits during a performance.

For
instant
access
at
the
touch
of
a
button,
you
can
store
up
to
five
selected
voices
in
the
Digital
Synthesizer
Memory
BANKS
|
thru
5
(12a).
@ Operation
1. Select the voice you want to store.
2.
Hold
down
the
red
STORE
button
(12b)
and
simultaneously
press
the
desired
BANK
button
(12a),
for
example
BANK
1.
The
VOICE/STYLE
display
will
indicate
“b.1”.
The
selected
voice
is
now
stored
in
BANK
1
and
can
be
recalled
any
time
by
pressing
that
button.
@
Stored
voices
are
retained
in
their
banks
even
when
POWER
is
turned
off.
@
Saving
voice
data
to
a
bank
deletes
any
previous
settings
already
stored
there.
EFFECTS
rene
@ Overview
The
PSS-780
offers
six
different
kinds
of
effects,
described
below,
which
can
be
added
to
the
FM
instrument
voices
for
even
greater
tonal
variation.
They
do
not
affect
the
PCM
percussion
sounds.
@ Operation
1.
To
obtain
the
effect
you
want,
simply
press
the
corre-
sponding
button
in
the
EFFECT
group.
The
little
red
indicator
next
to
it
will
light
up,
showing
that
an
effect
has
been
selected.
You
can
use
several
or
all
effects
at
the
same
time.
_— Points to Remember
@
DUET
and
PORTAMENTO
depend
on
other
settings
as
well
—
see
below
for
details.
@
Some
preset
voices
are
already
programmed
with
effects
—
for
instance,
VIOLIN
1
(74)
and
STRINGS
(77)
use
vibrato,
HARP
(69)
sustain,
and
so
on.
In
such
cases,
the
corresponding
EFFECT
indicator
will
light
up
whenever
that
instrument
is
selected.
For
these
in-
struments,
you
can
of
course
turn
OFF
that
effect
by
pressing
its
selector.
@
The
effects
do
not
influence
the
auto
accompaniment
or
rhythm
sounds.
The
only
exception
is
STEREO
CHORUS,
which
works
for
the
auto
accompaniment,
though
not
for
the
PCM
percussion.
@
Effects
can
be
stored
independently
for
each
SONG
MEMORY
MELODY
bank
(see
p.22.).
During
bank
playback,
these
individual
effect
settings
are
used
au-
tomatically
and
cannot
be
canceled
with
the
EFFECT
selectors.
Try
out
all
six
effects
to
understand
how
they
work
and
how
they
influence
each
instrument
sound
differently.
Here
is
a
short
explanation
of
what
each
effect
does,
and
how
to
adjust
PORTAMENTO:
VIBRATO
Vibrato
regularly
(cyclically)
raises
and
lowers
the
pitch
of
a
sound.
It
occurs
naturally
in
the
human
voice,
and
many
acoustic
instruments,
for
example
strings,
make
use
of
it.
Usually,
this
effect
does
not
start
right
away
when
a
note
is
sung
or
played,
but
after
a
certain
delay
time.
The
PSS-780
VIBRATO
also
simulates
this
natural
delay.
For
an
even
more
realistic
effect,
each
voice
has
the
vibrato
delay
that
suits
it
best.
SUSTAIN
Sustain
lengthens
the
release
rate
of
a
voice,
causing
the
sound
to
linger
even
after
the
keys
have
been
released.
It
works
rather
like
the
damper
pedal
of
a
piano.
The
sustain
effect
is
also
different
(longer
or
shorter)
for
each
voice.
REVERB
Reverb,
short
for
reverberation,
gives
a
spacious
effect
similar
to
an
instrument
being
played
in
a
large
hall.
It
can
add
at-
mosphere
to
almost
any
voice.
Try
it
with
SMALL
CHURCH
ORGAN
(09)
or
HUMAN
VOICES/CHORUS
(92
to
94).
PORTAMENTO
Range:
1
to
§
Portamento
is
the
smooth
pitch
glide
effect
that
occurs
be-
tween
notes
played
consecutively
on
some
instruments,
such
as
the
violin
and
trombone,
or
sung
by
the
human
voice.
The
speed
with
which
the
pitch
changes
between
the
keys
you
play
can
be
adjusted
over
a
5-step
range
(values
from
|
=
slow
to
5
=
fast).
Fast
settings
provide
a
less
extreme
effect
which
can
make
string
instrument
voices
etc.
sound
very
realistic.
@ Operation
1.
Hold
down
the
PORTAMENTO
button.
The
TEMPO/PARAMETER
&
VALUE
display
will
now
show
the
current
portamento
speed
setting.
To
change
this
value,
2.
keep
holding
down
the
PORTAMENTO
button
and
use
the
VALUE
buttons.
Pressing
+
increases
portamento
speed,
SHORTENING
the
portamento
time
for
a
LESS
pronounced
effect.
—
lowers
the
speed,
so
it
takes
longer
for the
pitch
to
change
between
notes,
making
the
effect
more
noticeable.
@
Be
sure
to
hold
down
the
PORTAMENTO
button
while
changing
this
setting,
otherwise
it
will
not
work.
Pressing
both
VALUE
buttons
+
and
—
simultaneously
returns
the
setting
to
the
default
value
of
3.
@
The
PORTAMENTO
setting
is
retained
even
when
power
is turned
off.

STEREO CHORUS
Stereo Chorus creates the “spacy” impression of several
instruments being played at the same time for a warm, three-
dimensional “symphonic” sound. It is the only effect that
influences not only the melodies you play, but also all ac-
companiment sounds (except PCM percussion).
DUET
Duet differs from the other effects in that it can only be used
in combination with the AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT
functions. A detailed explanation of this feature, which au-
tomatically adds a second solo instrument to the one you
are playing, is given on p.21.
e@ Note that the Duet effect will not work in the NORMAL
AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT mode, even if the DUET
button is pressed and its indicator lit.
PITCH BEND Wheel Range: +/—12
@ Overview
This control lets you bend the pitch of notes played in the
MELODY SECTION upward or downward. The effect is
similar to a guitar being choked by bending the strings, and
is often heard during synthesizer solos.
The range of the pitch bend is adjustable. On delivery, it is
set to 1 (the default value); Moving the wheel fully in the
UP direction raises pitch by a semitone, while moving it fully
DOWN lowers the pitch by the same interval. The available
range is from one half-tone (semitone, VALUE = 1) to one
octave (VALUE = 12). To adjust it —
@ Operation
1. Hold the PITCH BEND wheel in either the UP or DOWN
position.
The current pitch bend range appears on the TEM-
PO/PARAMETER & VALUE display.
2. Use the VALUE + or — buttons to set the bend range
value.
While doing so, the PITCH BEND wheel must still be
held in the UP or DOWN position. Pressing + increases
the setting, — decreases it. A value of 1 on the
TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE display indicates a
bend range of one semitone, a value of 2 one whole tone,
and so on. A setting of 12 (= !2 semitones) equals one
octave.
With positive settings, the pitch bend direction will cor-
respond to the PITCH BEND wheel’s UP or DOWN
movement. Setting a negative value (indicated by a “-”
on the display) reverses the pitch bend — moving the
PITCH BEND whee! UP will then decrease the pitch and
vice versa.
The setting can be returned to 1 instantly by pressing both
VALUE buttons at the same time.
10
@ The pitch bend range setting is retained even when power
is turned off.
Points to Remember
e If a VALUE button pressed for more than a second,
the value will begin to change rapidly.
e There is no setting with VALUE = 0.
@ Pitch bend data can be saved with the SONG MEM-
ORY MELODY function.
PARAMETER CHANGE Settings
@ Overview
The PARAMETER CHANGE group of buttons (13) consists
of the TEMPO button (13a), explained elsewhere (p.14), and
the three parameter selectors (13b) TRANSPOSE, TUNING
and MELODY VOLUME. Though their functions are not
connected, the setting method is the same for the latter three,
which is why they are grouped together.
It is a good idea to memorize this basic setting method, since
you will be using it for the Digital Synthesizer and MIDI
functions as well.
Parameters and Values
A parameter is simply a setting whose value can be changed.
The three parameter selectors (13b) have an red number or
letter printed on them, as do the Digital Synthesizer and
MIDI buttons to their left and right. This is the parameter
identification symbol that appears on the TEMPO/PARA-
METER & VALUE display, telling you which parameter is
currently selected.
Press TRANSPOSE [9], TUNING [d] and MELODY
VOLUME [b] one after the other. This calls up each pa-
rameter and its current value on the TEMPO/PARAMETER
& VALUE display (9).
TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE
indicates
selected
Parameter
Parameter value
t—___ BEAT
PARAMETER & VALUE
This dot keeps the parameter symbol on its left apart from the
value digits on its right.
The single digit left of the dot on the display is the symbol
indicating the selected PARAMETER (the symbol also
printed on the button just pressed), in our case [9]. [@] or
[b] . The one- or two-digit number to the right of the period
is the current VALUE of that parameter.
e If there is not dot on the TEMPO/PARAMETER &
VALUE display, this means that the display is currently
indicating the TEMPO.
Once a parameter is called up on the display, you can
change its value with the — and + VALUE buttons (10).
Pressing — decreases the value, + increases it. For a more

rapid change, hold down either button. Pressing both
— and +simultaneously resets the original value (i.e. the
value before you started to make changes).
TRANSPOSE [9] Range: +/- 12 semitones
@ Overview
With the exception of the PCM percussion sounds, all Por-
taSound voices can be transposed over a range of two octaves.
In other words, you can use the TRANSPOSE function to
raise or lower the pitch of both the MELODY SECTION
and the AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT SECTION in semitone
steps.
This feature has mainly two applications. First, it lets you
set the pitch of the entire keyboard to the easiest key for you
to play in. For example, if a song is in B major and you find
it difficult to perform in that key, all you have to do is lower
the keyboard pitch by a half-tone with TRANSPOSE. Now,
if you play the same song in the easy key of C major on the
PortaSound keyboard, its pitch will automatically be trans-
posed downward (lowered) by a semitone, so that in effect
you will hear it in B major. This is sometimes handy when
playing along with other instruments, too.
TRANSPOSE can also be used to raise or lower the pitch
of the PortaSound by an octave in order to change the mood
of the music or adapt the note range to the character of the
instrument voice — e.g. transposing it downward for a deeper
and more powerful electric bass sound.
Note, however, that octave transposition is only effective for
melody voices — the auto accompaniment section returns to
original pitch when a TRANSPOSE value of + or~ 12 is
entered.
@ Operation
1, Press TRANSPOSE [9].
The TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE display will show
TRANSPOSE Value Display
TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE
ste
site
Current
TRANSPOSE
ANSPOSE
value
parameter
[ ¢—____L_ BEAT
PARAMETER & VALUE
This display tells you that the TRANSPOSE value is now
0, meaning that the keyboard is in its regular key.
2. Adjust the key with the VALUE buttons.
To raise the key, use + . Each value increase by | means
an upward transposition by 1 semitone.
— lowers the key. A minus symbol “—” in front of the
value indicates that the current key is lower than the re-
gular setting of 0.
e Press both VALUE buttons simultaneously to instantly
return to the regular key (TRANSPOSE value 0).
Points te Remember
@ The TRANSPOSE value is memorized when power is
turned off.
@ The TRANSPOSE value influences the pitch of tran-
smitted MIDI note data and received data in the 00
mode. However, received data is not affected in the
99 mode. (See MIDI section.)
TUNING [3]
Range: +/-16
@ Overview
The overall pitch of your PortaSound is normally set so that
A3 = 440 Hz (standard concert pitch). When playing together
with other instruments which have a different tuning, you
can raise or lower this pitch in steps of approximately 3.13
cents over a +/-~ 16 step range.
@ Operation
1. Press TUNING [dg].
The TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE display will show
TUNING Value Display
TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE
Current TUNING value
TUNING parameter
U——_1 BEAT
PARAMETER & VALUE
This display tells you that the TUNING value is now 0,
meaning that A3 corresponds to 440 Hz.
2. Adjust the pitch with the VALUE buttons.
To raise the pitch, use +. Each value increase by | raises
the pitch by about 3.13 cents.
— lowers the pitch. A minus symbol “—” in front of the
value indicates that the current pitch is lower than the
regular setting.
e Press both VALUE buttons simultaneously to instantly
return to the regular pitch (TUNING value 0).
@ The TUNING value is memorized when power is turned
off.
MELODY VOLUME [35] Range: 1 — 9
@ Overview
This parameter lets you adjust the volume of the keyboard’s
MELODY SECTION and the SONG MEMORY MELODY
banks in relation to the AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT sounds.
(For information on AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT, see be-
low.) Minimum value is | for the quietest, maximum is 9 for
the loudest sound.
Occasionally, chords will sound distorted if melody volume
is set to maximum and the voice has a TOTAL LEVEL (see
Digital Synthesizer section) of 90 or more. In such cases, lower
the melody volume or the total level.
11

@ Operation
1. Press MELODY VOL. [b).
The TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE display will show
MELODY VOLUME Value Display
TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE
Indicates
MELODY
VOL.
Current
MELODY
parameter
ma
VOL.
value
o_——_L BEAT
PARAMETER & VALUE
This display tells you that the MELODY VOL. value is
now 8 (the normal setting).
2. Adjust the melody volume with the VALUE buttons.
+ raises the volume, — lowers it.
e To instantly return to MELODY VOLUME to value 8,
press both VALUE buttons simultaneously.
e MELODY VOLUME setting is retained when power is
turned off.
12

RHYTHM MACHINE FUNCTIONS
SS
a
aS
I
TE
ILLS
A
rhythm
(or
drum)
machine
provides
a
background
of
rhythm
patterns
played
by
various
percussion
instruments.
This
not
only
makes
most
popular
music
sound
better,
it
also
helps
you
keep
perfect
time,
just like a metronome.
This
section
introduces
the
PortaSound’s
rhythm
machine
functions.
Most
of
the
following
operations
can
be
applied
in
exactly
the
same
way
for
the
AUTO
ACCOMPANIMENT
features
explained
further
below,
so it is a good idea to memorize them well.
STYLE SELECT — Choosing the Rhythm
RHYTHM CONTROL
@ Overview
The STYLE LIST (6) shows the 100 basic rhythm styles at
your disposal. Choosing one that suits your music is practi-
cally identical with selecting a voice —- except that the STYLE
indicator on the VOICE/STYLE display must be lit instead
of the VOICE indicator.
@ Operation
1, Check whether the dot in the VOICE/STYLE number
display (8) is located above “STYLE”. If it is not, press
the blue STYLE selector (11b).
VOICE/STYLE
Indicator dot
Lise L STYLE
2. Enter the style number.
Use the VOICE/STYLE SELECT number buttons (11c)
to input the number of the desired style.
As with voice numbers, all style numbers have two digits,
so be sure to input enter both.
— Points to Remember
@ Which style is currently selected can be checked on the
VOICE/STYLE display by pressing the STYLE se-
lector. (This is not necessary if the indicator dot is al-
ready above STYLE.)-
e@ When power is turned on, the style last selected is
automatically chosen.
e@ The number of beats per rhythm pattern depends on
the selected style. Many patterns consist of two mea-
sures with a slightly differing structure (see paragraph
on BEAT Display below).
e If you wish, you can set the AUTO ACCOMPANI-
MENT MODE to NORMAL by pushing that button
(3a) when using the PSS-780 like a rhythm machine.
This will allow you to play the selected voice over the
entire keyboard. (For details on AUTO ACCOMPA-
NIMENT MODE, see p.18.)
@ Overview
Now that you have selected a rhythm style, the RHYTHM
CONTROL section (20) lets you start, change and stop the
percussion in a variety of ways. This gives you incredibly
flexible and realistic live control over the drum patterns. The
rubber pads are large and easy to hit so you can operate them
quickly without interrupting your keyboard playing.
With a bit of practice, you will be able to control the rhythm
(and Auto Accompaniment) with these pads as naturally as
if you were a drummer — simply by hitting them at the right
time.
@ Operation
Starting the Rhythm
a) START/STOP (20a)
Hitting this pad starts the rhythm right away.
b) SYNCHRO START/ENDING (20b)
When this pad is pressed, both BEAT indicator dots in
the TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE display start to
blink simultaneously, indicating the tempo, but the
rhythm does not start yet.
In NORMAL mode, the rhythm will start as soon as
you play any key(s) on the keyboard. In SINGLE
FINGER and FINGERED, you can start the rhythm
by pressing keys in the AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT
SECTION.
Points to Remember
@ The Synchro Start function can be canceled prior to
rhythm start by pressing SYNCHRO START/END-
ING again.
@ When using Synchro Start, you can watch the blinking
indicator dots to get a feel for the beat until you are
ready to start performing.
@ Instead of playing a key, you can also start the rhythm
by pressing START/STOP (20a).
c) INTRO/FILL IN f, 2, 3 (20c)
These three pads in the right part of the RHYTHM
CONTROL section start the rhythm right away with a
special “INTRO” (introduction) pattern. (No other Auto
Accompaniment instrument sounds are heard during the
intro even ifan AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT SECTION
key is being pressed.) When the intro is finished (after
13

one measure), the PortaSound continues with the basic
rhythm.
The three intros available for each pattern are all dif-
ferent. However, with some of the simplest styles, the
difference is not as pronounced as with the more complex
ones.
Stopping the Rhythm
a) START/STOP (20a)
Hitting this pad again stops the rhythm immediately.
b) SYNCHRO START/ENDING (20b)
Press this pad when you want the rhythm to end naturally
on a special “ending pattern”.
_—— Points to Remember
e Unless SYNCHRO START/ENDING is pressed
within the first quarter beat of a measure, this ending
pattern will begin only after the current measure has
been played to the end.
e If an INTRO/FILL IN pad is hit during an ending,
the ending rhythm pattern is replaced by a fill in per-
cussion, and the Auto Accompaniment then continues
with the basic pattern from the beginning of the next
measure. In other words, the ending no longer ends
the accompaniment. This can be very effective as a
“break” within a song to add tension.
Rhythm Variation
a) INTRO/FILL IN 1, 2, 3 (20c)
When pressed while a rhythm is playing, the three
INTRO/FILL IN pads start a special “fill in” pattern
that livens up the rhythm by adding variation. Fill ins
are particularly effective at the end of a phrase or during
a musical climax.
As soon as the fill in is over, the PortaSound continues
with the basic rhythm. Regardless of when an
INTRO/FILL IN pad is hit, the fill in always “fits in”
perfectly with the rhythm.
You can therefore get even more variation out of the
rhythm by hitting INTRO/FILL IN pads with different
timings for different fill in effects.
The three fill ins available for each pattern are the same
as the respective intros.
;—— Points to Remember
e@ You can press another INTRO/FILL IN pad while
one fill in is playing to alter the fill in pattern. By
continuing to hit INTRO/FILL IN pads alternately
before the fill in is over, you can create complex drum
solos over several measures.
e@ Holding down the same INTRO/FILL IN pad causes
that fill in to be repeated until the pad is released.
e The intros/fill ins of all patterns, including those with
a length of two measures, always have a length of one
measure.
14
TEMPO Range: 10 — 220
As the name says, the TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE
display not only indicates parameters and values (as explained
in the PARAMETER CHANGE paragraph above), but also
the tempo (i.e. the speed of the rhythm). The PARAMETER
& VALUE indicator dot always tells you which of these two
display types is currently set — if this dot is not lit, the display
is showing the present tempo.
To switch to TEMPO display from any other kind of pa-
rameter indication, simply press the TEMPO button (13a).
Each rhythm has a “standard tempo” most suitable for its
style. If you select a style while the rhythm is stopped, the
PortaSound will automatically switch to this respective
standard tempo (and display it if the TEMPO display is on).
However, if you change styles while the rhythm accompani-
ment is playing, the PortaSound will continue in the present
tempo. You can still instantly switch to the current style’s
standard tempo any time during a performance by pressing
the VALUE — and + buttons (10) simultaneously.
Of course, you can easily adjust the tempo to your individual
performance needs. Simply lower or raise the tempo with the
VALUE —and + buttons during TEMPO display. (Pressing
them at the same time returns you to the original tempo.)
The TEMPO control range is from d = 10 to 220 (i.e. 10
to 220 quarter notes / beats per minute). When power is turned
on, the value of the last tempo adjustment made is auto-
matically selected.
BEAT Display
The two dot indicators of the BEAT display give you im-
portant information on the current rhythm pattern.
When both are blinking simultaneously while no sound is
heard, this shows you are currently in SYNCHRO START
standby (see above). Otherwise, the BEAT indicators light
up only when a rhythm is playing.
a) To indicate the beginning of a pattern, the left BEAT
indicator dot lights up together with the right dot.
b) Most of the patterns consist of two measures. To indicate
the beginning of the second measure, the left BEAT
indicator lights up alone.
c) The right BEAT dot lights up alone to show the second,
third, etc. beat of each measure. (Only at the beginning
of a pattern does it light together with the left dot.)
Changing the Rhythm Style During a Performance
When you want to switch to a different rhythm style while
playing, simply enter the desired style number with the
VOICE/STYLE SELECT buttons.

Points to Remember
@ The PortaSound will switch to the new rhythm style
at the beginning of the next measure, retaining the
current tempo. However, if the style number is altered
within the first quarter of a beat, the PortaSound will
switch styles during the same beat. (See the paragraph
on Single Finger Auto Accompaniment, p.18, for a
more detailed explanation.)
@ In the case of rhythm patterns consisting of two mea-
sures, the order of these measures is maintained when
styles are switched. In other words, changing the style
after the first measure of a two-measure pattern has
been played causes the PortaSound to continue with
the second measure of the new style.
@ No style change is possible during an ending.
HAND PERCUSSION
The PortaSound PSS-780 features a set of 8 drum pads, la-
beled HAND PERCUSSION (22), which can be used to play
your own rhythm patterns live or record an original pattern
with the CUSTOM DRUMMER function. Four different
sets of 8 percussion instruments can be assigned to these pads
with the PERCUSSION SET buttons (22c) A, B, C and D
on the extreme right for a total of 32 types of drums, cymbals,
latin percussion, etc.
The four drum sets available are as follows:
SETA
Rim shot
Snare low
Tom tow
Tom mid
Tom hi
Brush
Brush hit
Ride cymbal
Bass drum
Snare hi
Synth tom low
Synth tom mid
Synth tom hi
Hi-hat closed
Hi-hat open
Crash cymbal
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Bongo low
Bongo hi
Agogo low
Agogo hi
Cuica low
Cuica hi
Tambourine
Splash cymbal
Conga low
Conga hi
Timbale low
Timbale hi
Cowbell
Cabasa
Hand clap
Whistle
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Sets A and B are ideal for various styles of rock, pop and
jazz, while C and D offer latin percussion.
The eight HAND PERCUSSION pads can be played any
time, even during the demonstration song. This allows you
to add your own variations to the the current rhythm pattern
or perform your own drum solos. Depending on the
SYNCHRO BREAK setting, you can either play “on top
of” the present rhythm or have that rhythm stop automatically
while you are hitting the drum pads.
Damping the Open Hi-Hat
Drummers can damp the sound of the open hi-hat by stepping
on the hi-hat pedal. With the PSS-780, you can achieve a
similar effect by hitting the closed hi-hat pad soon after
pressing the open hi-hat pad in PERCUSSION SET B. As
soon as the closed hi-hat pad, is hit, the open hi-hat sound
is damped. - ; :
SYNCHRO BREAK
When the red indicator of this switch (22b) is lit, the
SYNCHRO BREAK function is on. In this mode, the regular
rhythm accompaniment (basic pattern, intro, fill in or ending)
will stop as soon as you hit one or more of the HAND
PERCUSSION pads. You can thus add your own fill in
patterns, solos, etc.
The BEAT indicator dots still show the beat for visual con-
firmation of the tempo. The regular rhythm will continue
automatically from the beginning of the following measure
after you have completed your hand percussion part.
15

Note:
If you hit a pad at the beginning of a measure while the
rhythm is playing, Synchro Break will become effective.
However, in order to enable a more natural fill in, it will
not work when a pad is hit at the beginning of the measure
following such a Synchro Break measure.
To turn off SYNCHRO BREAK, press its button, making
sure the indicator goes out. With SYNCHRO BREAK off,
you can play your own percussion “over” the regular rhythm,
adding variety to the usual patterns.
e@ The maximum number of percussion sounds the Porta-
Sound PSS-780 can produce at the same time is 8, including
both regular rhythm and hand percussion. If more than
8 percussion instruments are played simultaneously, the
PortaSound automatically gives priority to certain in-
struments while ignoring others.
CUSTOM DRUMMER
@ Overview
With the CUSTOM DRUMMER (17) function, you can alter
any basic rhythm pattern (but not fill ins or endings) to suit
your music and memorize it for instant recall. Or else, you
can create your own unique pattern from scratch and save
it.
The four white keys furthest on the left (18) are labeled
CLEAR, ACCENT, ROLL and ALL CLEAR. The first three
are used together with the HAND PERCUSSION pads to
erase (clear) certain instrument sounds from a pattern, add
an accent to a sound (increasing its volume) or create rapid
drum rolls. ALL CLEAR instantly erases the entire pattern
so you can program an entirely new one.
To program your custom pattern, first select the style that
will form its basis. Even if you want to create a totally new
pattern, select the corresponding type of style — i.e., a one-
or two- measure pattern, one in common time or three-four
time, and so on. It is important to choose the right type. If
you select a pattern consisting of a single measure as basis,
you cannot create a two-measure pattern. If you choose a
three-four time style, you will not be able to create a four-four
time custom pattern.
16
@ Operation
Recording a Custom Pattern
1. Press PROGRAM/END.
This blue button’s indicator lights and the selected rhythm
starts. (It is not possible to use PROGRAM/END while
a rhythm is already playing or in synchro standby mode.)
As soon as you start programming, a muted closed hi-hat
will automatically sound on every beat, in addition to a
rim shot at the beginning of each measure. This indicates
the tempo and helps you keep time. (These muted hi-hat
and rim shot sounds are NOT recorded.)
2. Alter the rhythm as desired.
You can now make any changes you want (explained
below) while the selected rhythm is repeated again and
again. It is not necessary to play your entire pattern at
once — take your time adding single notes and accents
or deleting certain instruments as the pattern repeats, until
you finally arrive at the complete pattern you intended.
e@ If you want to create a custom pattern from scratch, it
may be easier to first erase all percussion sounds by
pressing ALL CLEAR.
The following procedures let you program your own
rhythm pattern:
a) Erasing Percussion Sounds
This is done by holding down the CLEAR key (C1)
while hitting the pad of the instrument to be erased.
This deletes that instrument from the pattern com-
pletely. (It is not possible to erase single notes while
retaining others.)
@ You may have to switch between PERCUSSION
SETS (22c) to be able to erase certain instruments.
b) Erasing Entire Patterns
Simply press ALL CLEAR.
c) Adding Percussion Sounds
Every note you play by hitting a pad is recorded.
When the pattern is repeated, you will hear the notes
you added during the previous cycle.
All 32 percussion instruments can be used if you switch
between PERCUSSION SETS while recording.
d) Adding Accents
To enter an accented note, hold down the ACCENT
key (D1) and hit the desired drum pad. Accents can
also be added later to existing notes by holding the
ACCENT key down and hitting the respective drum
pad at the precise timing of the note you want to sound
louder. (You can delete accents in the same way
without holding the ACCENT key down.)
e) Playing Drum Rolls
On actual percussion instruments, rolls are played
by hitting the drum very fast with both sticks or letting
one stick rebound. Since this is practically impossible
with the HAND PERCUSSION pads, the ROLL

_—— Points to Remember
feature allows you to add such rolls by holding down
the ROLL key (E1) while hitting drum pad.
By pressing ROLL and ACCENT at the same time,
you can create loud rolls.
f) Damping the Open Hi-Hat
When programming the custom pattern, you can
damp the sound of open hi-hat notes by hitting the
closed hi-hat pad with the appropriate timing (slightly
after the open hi-hat notes).
3. Press PROGRAM/END again to memorize the rhythm.
As soon as you have completed your custom rhythm
pattern, press PROGRAM/END. This stops the rhythm
and stores the pattern in the CUSTOM DRUMMER
memory. (You can do the same by pressing START/STOP,
DEMONSTRATION, or turning off the PortaSound.)
e Custom patterns can consist of up to 16 “tracks” (in-
cluding the original sounds, if any). Each instrument,
roll and accent is counted as one track. Any additional
tracks are ignored.
e If you want to continue editing (changing) the custom
pattern you have already stored, press PLAY ON/OFF
and then PROGRAM/END (both indicators must be
lit). You can now alter the custom pattern.
e Switching to a different style while programming a
custom pattern is not possible.
@ Custom data is retained when power is turned off.
While programming, none of the keys works (except
the four for CLEAR, ACCENT, ROLL and ALL
CLEAR). Only the drum pads, PERCUSSION SET
selectors, and VALUE (tempo) buttons are operative.
Playing the Custom Pattern
To be able to play the custom pattern, the gray PLAY
ON/OFF button must be set to on, i.e. its red indicator must
be lit. You can then start the custom pattern as you would
a regular rhythm, by hitting START/STOP, SYNCHRO
START or an INTRO. Remember, though, that intros, fill
ins and endings will be those of the regular rhythm currently
selected.
Points to Remember
The custom pattern will be repeated as long as the
PLAY ON/OFF indicator is lit. This means that se-
lecting a different style will NOT automatically switch
to that rhythm as is the case with regular rhythm
patterns. Instead, you have to press the PLAY
ON/OFF button again, turning off its indicator.
@ Pressing PLAY ON/OFF to light its indicator while
any regular pattern (not including fill ins or endings)
is playing immediately starts the custom pattern, while
pressing this button again immediately stops it and
causes the selected style to continue. The tempo remains
the same throughout. You can thus create and use a
custom pattern as a special kind of fill in as well.
If PLAY ON/OFF is pressed while a fill in is playing,
the custom pattern will start after the fill in is over.
e@ When a custom pattern is played during a regular
rhythm that is longer or shorter (has more or fewer
beats) than the custom pattern, it is either cut short
(in case of shorter patterns) or repeated (in case of
longer ones) to fit in.
17