Yamaha RX-11 User manual

YAMAHA
AUTHORIZED
PRODUCT MANUAL
DIGITAL RHYTHM PROGRAMMER

YAMAHA
DIGITAL RHYTHM PROGRAMMER
OWNER’S MANUAL

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a Yamaha RX11 Digital Rhythm
Programmer!
Your RX11 represents the crystallization of the most sophisticated
electronic music technology, combining advanced microcomputer
control with a top-quality digital PCM sound storage and reproduction
system. With the RX11 you will be able to program virtually any
type of rhythm pattern you required for your music, and since the
instrument sounds are digitally recorded, they are indistinguishable
from live percussion instruments.
To ensure that the RX11 will give you maximum performance and
versatility, we urge you to read this operation manual carefully before
attempting to operate the unit.
CONTENTS
CONNECTIONS
PRECAUTIONS 4
THE INSTRUMENTS
6
Getting to Know the RX11 Instruments 7
RX11 Instrument Chart
7
Selecting Instruments.
7
Some Instrument Limitations
8
Instrument Level
8
Stereo Positioning (PAN)
8
Accents 8
Setting Accent Levels.
8
Instrument Output 9
PATTERN OPERATIONS
Pattern Selection 9
The START and STOP/CONTINUE Buttons
10
Tempo
10
Real-Time Pattern Programming
10
Step-Write Pattern Programming
12
Quantize 13
Click Time 14
Pattern Memory Usage Graph
14
Pattern Clear
14
Instrument Clear
15
Pattern Copy
15
The Swing Function 16
SONG OPERATIONS
The Song Mode & Song Selection
.............
17
Editing (Assembling a Song) .................17
The lnsert Function......................
17
The Delete Function.....................
18
Repeats
................................
18
Programming Tempo Changes..............
Song Clear
19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ...
20
The Chain Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .20
CASSETTE OPERATIONS
Save/Verify
21 ............................
Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 22
CARTRIDGE OPERATIONS
Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
All Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 23
Single Save..............................24
All Load 25..............................
Single Load............................25
MIDI FUNCTIONS
Sync Modes
............................
27
MIDI Reception Parameters.................
Instrument Key Numbers 27
....................28
The Initialize Function.....................29
MIDI Transmission Parameters................
ERROR MESSAGES
29
.........................
31
SPECIFICATIONS
32 .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. ... .
PATTERN CHART
. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .
33
2

CONTROL PANEL
3

CONNECTIONS
4

5

PRECAUTIONS
Avoid placing the RX11 in locations exposed to direct
sunlight or high temperatures, excessively high or low
humidity, high dust concentration, or vibration.
Be sure to connect the RX11 to an AC power supply that
meets the power supply specifications listed on the rear of
the unit.
• If there is any danger of lightning occurring nearby, remove
the power plug from the wall socket in advance.
•Be sure to make all connections properly, as described in
the “CONNECTIONS” section below.
To avoid damaging your speakers and other playback
equipment, turn off the power of all related equipment
before making connections.
Do not use excessive force in handling control switches and
knobs.
To avoid broken cords and short circuits, be sure to unplug
all connectors by grasping the respective plugs—NOT the
cords.
Remove the power plug from the AC mains socket if the
unit is not to be used for an extended period of time.
Remove all plugs and connections if the unit is to be trans-
ported, to prevent damage to the cords and jacks.
Do not use solvents such as benzene or paint thinner to
clean the unit. Do not use insecticides or other pressurized
spray products in proximity to the unit. Wipe off the
exterior with soft cloth.
EFFECTS ON OTHER ELECTRONIC
CAUTION
EQUIPMENT
• The RX11 pattern memory locations 00 through 36 contain
• Since this unit incorporates digital circuitry, simultaneous factory-programmed rhythm patterns when the unit is
use of other equipment such as TVs, radios, etc. in close shipped. Use the SAVE function (described on page **) to
proximity may cause noise and erroneous operation. save these patterns on cassette tape or memory cartridge
If this occurs, separate the affected units sufficiently to before programming your own patterns into these locations
eliminate the problem. It is also a good idea to use separate in order to prevent loss of the pre-programmed patterns.
line filters on each piece of equipment.
6

THE INSTRUMENTS
Getting to Know the RX11 Instruments
The RX11 instruments can be played in real-time (without
programming patterns or songs) by tapping on the black
instrument buttons.
Using either a pair of headphones plugged into the RX11
PHONES jack, a stereo sound system fed from the RX11 L
and R OUTPUT jacks, or a sound system incorporating a
mixer fed from the RX11’s individual instrument outputs,
turn the RX11 ON and repeatedly tap any of the black
instrument buttons (RIMSHOT, TOM1, TOM2, etc.) while
gradually increasing the level of the linear VOLUME control
until you can hear the instrument at a comfortable listening
level.
BD1
Heavy bass drum
BD2
Medium bass drum 1
Medium bass drum 2
Heavy bass drum
Medium bass drum 1
Medium bass drum 2
HH OPEN
HH CLOSED
Open Hi-Hat 1
Open Hi-Hat 2
Closed Hi-Hat 1
Closed Hi-Hat 2
Pedalled Hi-Hat
RIDE
Ride cymbal
CRASH
Crash cymbal
A brief output pulse appears at the RX11 outputs when
the power is initially turned on. To prevent this from
possibly damaging your speaker system, make sure the
master volume control of your sound system, or the volume
of the mixer channel to which the RX11 is connected, is
set to minimum before the RX11 is turned ON. Better
yet, turn the RX11 on first, then your sound system.
COWBELL
Cowbell 1
Cowbell 2
RIMSHOT
CLAPS
Rimshot 1
Rimshot 2
Hand claps 1
Hand claps 2
You can now “play’” all the instrument buttons to become
familiar with their sound. Some of the instrument buttons,
however, have more than one function. The following chart
lists all the instruments available with the instrument buttons:
(Instrument buttons with starts illustration)
Multi-Function Buttons are marked with a star
RX11 Instrument Chart
Instrument Button
SD1 Instruments
Heavy snare
Medium snare
Light snare
Hi-tune snare 1
Hi-tune snare 2
Hi-tune snare 3
Hi-tune snare 4
Hi-tune snare 5
SD2
TOM1
Heavy snare
Medium snare
Light snare
Hi-tune snare 1
Hi-tune snare 2
Hi-tune snare 3
Hi-tune snare 4
Hi-tune snare 5
10” deep-body tom-tom
TOM2
12” deep-body tom-tom
TOM3
TOM4
14” floor tom-tom
**” floor tom-tom
7
Selecting Instruments
First, enter the instrument select mode by holding down the
green FUNCTION button while pressing the white INST-
CHANGE button. The LCD panel will read “SELECT INST
MODE” indicating that the instrument mode is active. Then
press the black instrument button you wish to switch. Only
the multi-instrument buttons will have any effect in this
mode-SE, BD1, BD2, HH OPEN, HH CLOSED, COWBELL,
RIMSHOT and CLAPS.
If, in response to the “SELECT INST MODE” display, the
SD1 instrument button is pressed, the LCD panel will respond
with the currently selected SD1 voice (refer to above instru-
ment chart). This can be changed to any of the 8 available
voices by using the +1/YES or –1/NO buttons to scroll
forward or backward through the voice list. Once the desired
snare has been selected, exit the instrument mode by pressing
the INST-CHANGE button.
The same method of selection applies to all multi-instrument
buttons: the +1/YES and –1/NO buttons select the instru-
ment, and the INST-CHANGE button exits the instrument
mode.
The instrument mode can be exited immediately (without
making an instrument selection) by pressing the INST-
CHANGE button.
Instrument Level (EX: adjust TOM1 level)

Some Instrument Limitations
Some of the RX11 instruments can not be used together on
the same beat: i.e. they can not be played simultaneously.
Instruments which can not be used on the same beat are:
RIMSHOT, SD1 and SD2.
TOM3 and TOM4.
BD1 and BD2.
HH OPEN AND HH CLOSED.
Of course, all these instruments can be used in the same
pattern. It is advisable, therefore, to set similar instruments
to different voices permitting greater scope and variety in
pattern programming. SD1 and SD2 could be set to HEAVY
and LIGHT, for example.
Instrument Level
The RX11 lets you individually adjust the level (volume) of
each instrument so you can achieve the best overall balance
or “drum mix”.
The instrument level mode is entered simply by pressing the
blue INST LEVEL button. The LCD panel will read “INST
LEVEL” to indicate that the instrument level mode is active.
Pressing any black instrument button then permits adjust-
ment of that instrument’s level via the linear DATA ENTRY
control. The LCD panel will indicate the selected instrument
followed by the currently set level—e.g. “TOM1 LEVEL 15”.
Maximum level for each instrument is 31, and minimum
level is 00 (no sound). The nominal level for all instruments
is 15. Once the instrument level mode is active, the instru-
ments can be selected using the corresponding instrument
buttons and adjusted in any sequence.
Press the INST LEVEL button a second time to exit the
instrument level mode.
Stereo Positioning (EX: Pan RlMSHOT)
Stereo Positioning (PAN)
In addition to individually adjusting the level of each instru-
ments, the RX11 makes it possible to individually locate
instruments anywhere from left to right in the stereo sound
field. Actually, each instrument can be located at any one of
15 discrete stereo locations using the PAN function.
The pan mode is entered simply by pressing the blue PAN
button. The LCD panel will read “PAN LEVEL” to indicate
that the pan mode is active. The instrument to be positioned
is then selected by pressing the corresponding black instru-
ment button. The LCD panel will indicate the selected instru-
ment followed by the currently set PAN position—e.g. “RIM
L = 08 R = 08” would indicate that RIMSHOT is currently
panned to stereo center since the left and right channel
outputs are equal (08). “RIM L = 1 R = 15” would indicate
that RIMSHOT is panned full-right (left channel output is
minimum while right output is maximum). Once an instru-
ment has been selected its PAN position is adjusted using
the linear DATA ENTRY control. Once the PAN mode is
active, instruments can be selected and adjusted in any
sequence.
Press the PAN button a second time to exit the pan mode.
The pan function only applies when the RX11 is in the
STEREO OUT mode (See “Instrument Output”, below).
Accent Level (EX: adjust TOM1 accent level)
Accents
Pressing any instrument button while holding the green
ACCENT button causes that instrument to be output at its
accent level (set using the blue ACCENT LEVEL button)
rather than at its normal instrument level (set using the INST
LEVEL function). This applies whether the RX11 is being
played in real time or whether it is being programmed by
either of the possible methods—real-time write or step write
(see PATTERN OPERATIONS section).
Setting Accent Levels
The accent level for each instrument can be set independent-
ly, making it possible to set the most natural level in relation
to the instrument’s normal level.
The accent level mode is entered simply by pressing the blue
ACCENT LEVEL button. The LCD panel will read “ACCENT
LEVEL” to indicate that the accent level mode is active. The
instrument for which the accent level is to be set is then
selected by pressing the corresponding black instrument
button. The LCD panel will indicate the selected instrument
followed by its currently set accent level—e.g. “TOM1 AC
LEVEL 18”. The accent level can then be adjusted using the
linear DATA ENTRY control.
The accent level range is the same as the instrument level
range:
00—31. The accent level setting, however, is added
to the instrument level setting to produce the actual accent
8

level. For example, if the instrument level is set at 15 and
the accent level for that instrument is set at 05, then the
actual accent level will be 20.
Once the accent level mode is active, instruments can be
selected and adjusted in any sequence. Press the ACCENT
LEVEL button a second time to exit the accent level mode.
Selecting patterns (EX: pattern 00 01 24)
Instrument Output
The RX11 can be set to either the STEREO OUT or IN-
DIVIDUAL OUT output modes, depending on the application
and sound system configuration. While output from the
individual outputs—COWBELL, CLAPS, SHAKER, TOM1,
TOM2, BD, SD/RM, HH, CRASH and RIDE—remains the
same in either mode, the output signal from the stereo R
and L OUTPUT jacks is different in each mode. In the
STEREO OUT mode, the R and L OUTPUT jacks deliver
a stereo mix of all the RX11 instruments, their positions in
the stereo field being determined by the PAN function,
described above. In the INDIVIDUAL OUT mode, however,
the R and L OUTPUT jacks become the individual outputs
for the TOM4 and TOM3 instruments, respectively.
The instrument output mode is selected by first pressing the
INST-OUTPUT button while holding the FUNCTION
button. The currently selected instrument output mode
will be displayed on the LCD panel: “STEREO OUT” or
“INDIVIDUAL OUT”. Pressing the -1/NO button alternates
between the two modes, and pressing the +1/YES or INST-
OUTPUT button selects the displayed mode and returns to
the pattern or song mode.
An extra function is provided which determines whether
individual instruments are sent to the R and L OUTPUT
jacks in the STEREO OUT mode. The stereo on/off function
is accessed by pressing the appropriate instrument button in
response to the “STEREO OUT” display, described above.
If you press the SD1 button, for example, the display will
read “SD1 STEREO ON”, indicating that the SD1 voice is
being fed to the stereo outputs. The +1/YES button selects
STEREO ON, and the -1/NO button selects STEREO OFF
for the specified instrument. Pressing the INST-OUTPUT
button returns to the pattern or song mode.
PATTERN OPERATIONS
Pattern Selection
The RX11 is capable of storing up to 100 different patterns
(00-99) in its internal pattern memory. Each pattern can be
a maximum of 99 bars in length.
As shipped, the RX11 pattern memory contains 37 simple
factory-programmed patterns — in pattern memories 00
through 36 — that can be played immediately.
To select a pattern the RX11 must be in the pattern mode—
this is the mode that is active when the RX11 is initially
turned on. The red LED indicator above the PATTERN
label on the green PATTERN/SONG selector is lighted, and
the LCD panel reads either “SELECT PTN XX” (XX being
the selected pattern number) or “PLAY PTN XX:BRYY”
(XX being the selected pattern number and YY the currently
playing bar of that pattern). The red digital LED display also
indicates the number of the currently selected pattern.
Two methods of pattern selection are available:
1) Selecting Patterns Using the -1/NO and +1/YES Buttons
Pressing the -1/NO or +1/YES buttons decrements (de-
creases) or increments (increases) the selected pattern number
by one, respectively. This method of selection is easy when
going to an adjacent or nearby pattern number, but when
selecting a pattern in a distant number range, the direct
numeric selection method is quicker.
2) Direct Numeric Pattern Selection
The row of white buttons below the uppermost row of
buttons on the panel can be used for direct numeric pattern
number selection. Note that each button has a number—
from 0 to 9—printed in white above its top left corner.
Entering the desired pattern number using these buttons
immediately selects that pattern. Input must be two digits—
e.g. pattern 00 requires the 0 button to be pressed twice, to
select pattern number 7 you would press the 0 button and
then the 7 button (07).
TEMPO Function
9

The START and STOP/CONTINUE Buttons
To play the selected pattern, simply press the red START
button. The red RUN LED will light to indicate that the
selected pattern is playing. If, for example, pattern number
15 is selected and played, the LCD panel will read “PLAY
PTN15:BR01” indicating that bar number 1 (BR01) of
pattern number 15 (PTN15) is playing.
To stop pattern playback press the blue STOP/CONTINUE
button. The pattern can be restarted by pressing the STOP/
CONTINUE button. In this case the pattern continues from
the point at which it was last stopped, rather than starting
from the beginning. Press START to start from the first
beat of the pattern.
New patterns can be selected in the pattern mode even if
another pattern is playing. When a pattern is playing, the
newly selected pattern will begin immediately after the last
beat of the first pattern.
Tempo
The linear TEMPO control can be used to adjust the pattern
tempo. The TEMPO range is from 40 to 250 (40 to 250
quarter-note beats per minute).
For more precise tempo adjustment, however, use the TEMPO
function, activated by pressing the TEMPO key. When the
TEMPO key is pressed the LCD panel will indicate the
currently set tempo: e.g.“TEMPO = 120”. Although the
TEMPO control can still be used for coarse tempo adjust-
ment in this mode, finer control is available by using the
-1/NO and +1/YES buttons. A single, quick press on -1/NO
decrements the tempo by one beat, and +1/YES increments
by one beat. Holding either the -1 or +1 buttons down
causes continuous incrementing or decrementing in the
corresponding direction. The TEMPO function also makes
it possible to precisely set the desired tempo before beginning
playback.
Real-Time Pattern Programming
NOTE
An understanding of the QUANTIZE function, des-
cribed below, is essential for effective use of the real-
time write function. We recommend that before
actually trying out the real-time write function you
should read through this section and then the
“Quantize” section below. Then come back to this
section and try out the function.
The RX11 permits programming your own rhythm patterns
using two different methods—REAL TIME WRITE and
STEP WRITE. The most direct of these is REAL TIME
WRITE. This function lets you “play” your rhythm on the
instrument keys, adding new instruments and rhythm lines
until the pattern is complete.
First, select the pattern number you wish to program (if
you’re just starting, select a clear pattern—any pattern
above 36). Enter the real time write mode (from the pattern
mode) by pressing the REAL TIME WRITE button. The
LCD panel will indicate that the real time write mode is
active, and prompt you to input the time signature of your
pattern (the flashing block cursor will be located immediately
to the right of the first number of the time signature):
“REALT.W.04/4”. The default time signature is 4/4 (“04/4”
on the LCD panel), and need not be entered if this is the
time signature you need. If you wish to enter another time
signature, however, use the white buttons labelled 0 to 9
(1/4 to 1/192) in their top left corner. Each input must be
2 digits. To input a 3/8 time signature, first input the 3 as
“03” and confirm that it has been entered correctly on the
LCD panel. Then press the REAL TIME WRITE button
again to enter the second part of the time signature (notice
that the flashing block cursor moves to the right of the
second time signature figure when the REAL TIME WRITE
button is pressed a second time). The second part of the time
signature is entered using the fraction markings (1/4, 1/8,
1/6, etc.) over the number buttons. The RX11 will accept
time signatures up to 99/32; 1/48 and 1/192 inputs will be
ignored. Enter the 8 by pressing the button marked 1/8 and
confirm on the display. This completes entry of the time
signature. Now press the REAL TIME WRITE button again
and you will be prompted to input the length of your pattern
in bars: “REALT.W.01 BAR”. The number of bars is entered
via the white number keys, and must be input as two digits:
2 bars is input as “02”, 4 bars would be input as “04”. A
pattern can have up to 99 bars.
To review, the real time write parameter input procedure is
as follows:
10

1. Press REAL TIME WRITE button to enter real time write
mode.
2. Enter first part of time signature via white number buttons
(integer markings, two digits).
3. Press REAL TIME WRITE button to move cursor to
second part of time signature.
4. Enter second part of time signature via number buttons
(fraction markings).
5. Press REAL TIME WRITE button to prompt for number
of bars in pattern.
6. Enter number of bars via number buttons. (integer mark-
ings, two digits).
l The real time write mode can be exited at any time by
pressing the STOP/CONTINUE button.
l Steps 2—6 above can be skipped if the default parameters
(4/4 time, 1 bar) are acceptable.
You are now ready to program your pattern.
Tap the red START button and you will hear the “click
track” rhythm guide. The first click of each bar is accented
(the actual time of the click function—whether the click
is heard on every 1/4 note, every 1/8 note, etc.— can be
adjusted using the CLICK function to be discussed later).
The RX11 will continue cycling through the full length of
the pattern while you record. Adjust the tempo using the
TEMPO control, and start playing. For multi-bar patterns
the first bar can be located by watching the LCD display
panel: e.g.“REALT.W BAR 02” indicates that the current
bar is bar 2. There’s no need to try and input all instruments
at once. Just program one or two at a time, adding new
instruments on successive cycles of the pattern. Input accent-
ed beats by using the ACCENT button (See “Accents” in
the “THE INSTRUMENTS” section).
Make a mistake? Single notes can be cleared by holding down
the CLEAR button (top row) and tapping the appropriate
instrument button at the timing of the note that is to be
cleared. When the pattern is complete, press the STOP/
CONTINUE button.
You can add new instruments and rhythm lines to already-
programmed patterns by simply selecting the pattern, entering
the real time write mode, pressing the START button and
writing as usual. The time signature or bar length of a pro-
grammed pattern CANNOT be changed. Time signature and
number of bars can only be programmed in clear patterns
(see the CLEAR function, below).
Real-Time Write (EX: 3/8 time, 2 bars)
11

Step-Write Pattern Programming
NOTE
An understanding of the QUANTIZE function, des-
cribed below, is essential for effective use of the step
write function. We recommend that before actually
trying out the step write function you should read
through this section and then the “Quantize” section
below. Then come back to this section and try out
the function.
While the REAL TIME WRITE function, described above,
lets you input rhythm patterns in real time by playing on the
instrument keys, the STEP WRITE function is used to input
notes one at a time. This method is ideal for programming
rhythm patterns from written scores, or from the pattern
charts provided in the RX11 PATTERN BOOK. It also
makes it possible to input extremely complex rhythm
patterns that would be impossible to program using the
real time method.
First select a clear pattern, then enter the step write mode
by pressing the STEP WRITE button (from the pattern
mode). The LCD panel will indicate that the step write mode
is active, and prompt you to input the time signature:
“STEP W. 04/4”. The default time signature is 4/4 (“04/4”
on the LCD panel), and need not be entered if this is the
time signature you need. Time signature entry is the same as
for real time write, as is entry of the pattern length in bars.
The entire STEP WRITE parameter input process is as
follows:
Step Write (EX: 4/4 time, 1 bar)
1. Press STEP WRITE button to enter step write mode.
2. Enter first part of time signature via white number buttons
(integer markings, two digits).
3. Press STEP WRITE button to move cursor to second
part of time signature.
4. Enter second part of time signature via number buttons
(fraction markings).
5. Press STEP WRITE button to prompt for number of bars
in pattern.
6. Enter number of bars via number buttons. (integer mark-
ings, two digits).
l The step write mode can be exited at any time by pressing
the STOP/CONTINUE button.
l Steps 2—6 above can be skipped if the default parameters
(4/4 time, 1 bar) are acceptable.
You are now ready to enter your pattern.
Tap the START button and the LCD panel will respond with
“BAR 01 : BEAT 01”, prompting you to input the first
beat of bar one. You can now enter an instrument on beat 1
by pressing the appropriate instrument button, or a rest by
pressing the +1/YES button. In either case, the beat will
advance one count and you are then ready to enter the next
instrument or rest. This process is continued until the last
beat of the bar (the number of beats per bar is determined
by the setting of the QUANTIZE function, described below).
If a one-bar pattern has been selected, the RX11 will then
cycle back to the first beat of the bar, allowing you to
continue to add new instruments. In the step write mode,
only one instrument can be entered at a time. If more than
one instrument is to be entered on a single beat, each instru-
ment must be entered on successive cycles through the bar.
If the pattern is more than one bar in length, the bar count
will advance by one once the maximum beat count has
been reached for each bar. The RX11 will cycle back to the
first beat of bar 1 after the last beat of the last bar has been
entered.
Exit the step write mode by pressing the STOP/CONTINUE
button.
STEP WRITE mistakes can be corrected in the same way as
REAL TIME WRITE mistakes: when you reach the beat at
which the erroneous entry was made, simply hold down the
CLEAR button and press the instrument button correspond-
ing to the instrument to be cleared.
Patterns can be edited by adding new parts and deleting
unwanted parts simply by re-entering the step write mode
and stepping through the pattern using the +1/YES button
until the edit point is located. The addition of new parts
and deletion of unwanted parts are carried out as described
above. The time signature or bar length of a programmed
pattern CANNOT be changed. Time signature and number of
bars can only be programmed in clear patterns (see the
CLEAR function, below).
In this example 4/4 time will be accepted
1-bar pattern is accepted
12

Enter BD on first bent
Enter rest on second beat
Quantize
Basically, QUANTIZE determines the smallest note-incre-
ments which can be programmed. The available quantize
values are 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/24, 1/32,
1/48 and 1/192 note increments-these are the fraction markings on
the white number buttons. If, for example, QUANTIZE is
set to 1/16, then the shortest notes that can be entered in
either the real-time or step-write modes are 1/16th notes—
i.e. the maximum number of beats that can be entered in one
4/4-time bar is 16.
—QUANTIZE Applied to the Real-Time Write Mode—
In the real-time write mode, this has an “error correcting”
function. In other words if your timing while playing your
pattern on the instrument keys is a little off, the off-time
beats will be recorded at the nearest quantized beat. Thus,
while simple patterns containing no more than 8 beats of
any one instrument per measure will record with precise
timing if quantize is set to 1/8. Subtle syncopations and
rhythmic variations will only be recorded if quantize is set
to 1/32 or even 1/48. Setting quantize to 1/92 records your
pattern exactly as played. It is possible to quantize different
instruments or groups of instruments at different values.
Simply record the appropriate parts at value A, then exit the
real-time write mode, reset the quantize value to B, then
reenter real-time write and add more parts.
13
— QUANTIZE Applied to the Step-Write Mode —
In the step write mode, the quantize function can save pro-
gramming time by minimizing the number of steps required
to enter each part. If, for example, QUANTIZE is set to
1/16, the beat count will proceed from 1 to 16 per bar. This
is fine if 1/16th notes are to be entered, but an 8-beat bass
drum line would require entry of several rests between each
drum beat. It would be better to quantize to 1/8, enter the
bass drum line, exit the step write, mode and reset the
quantize value to 1/16, then re-enter the step write mode and
program a 16-beat hi-hat line.
Writing in notes with the instrument button step.
Extending rest with the +1/YES key step.
Changing the quantize value also facilitates programming of
complex rhythm lines. For example, 2-beat triplet snare
fills could be added to an 8-beat pattern as follows:
Adding polyrhthyms and Fill-ins: 2-beat triplets
QUANTIZE at 1/8
QUANTIZE at 1/2
Subtle rhythm variations within a pattern can also be easily
programmed by programming certain instruments at extreme-
ly fine quantize values.
Programming subtle rhythm variations
Slightly delayed SD timing

The quantize value is set by pressing the QUANTIZE button
in the pattern mode (the QUANTIZE function cannot be
called while a pattern is playing or during either of the write
functions). The LCD panel will read “QUANTIZE = X/XX”
where “X/XX” is the currently selected quantize value. The
quantize value can then be changed by pressing the white
number button with the fraction marking corresponding to
the desired quantize value: 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/24,
1/32, 1/48, or 1/192. If 1/192 is selected, the display will
read “QUANTIZE = OFF” since this is the finest quantize
value. Exit the quantize mode by pressing the QUANTIZE
button.
Quantize (EX: QUANTIZE 1/16 1/8 1/32)
Click Time
This function sets the rhythm guide to “click” on every 1/4,
1/6, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/24 or 1/32 note during the real time
write function. To change the click timing activate the click
function by pressing the CLICK button in the pattern mode
(the CLICK function cannot be called while a pattern is
playing or during either of the write functions). The LCD
panel will respond with “CLICK = 1/8” indicating that the
rhythm guide is set to click on every eighth note (the default
value). Change the click value simply by pressing the appro-
priate white number button, marked 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/12,
1/16, 1/24 or 1/32. Inputs of 1/48 or 1/192 will be ignored.
Exit the click function simply by pressing the CLICK button
again.
Click Time (EX: CLICK 1/18 1/16)
(1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/12,1 /16, or 1/32 click times are acceptable)
14
Pattern Memory Usage Graph
If the LOAD button is pressed while holding the FUNCTION
button, the following display will appear.
The bar-graph portion of the display is formed of ten blocks,
each of which is further divided into 5 sections. Each block
represents 10% of the available memory space, and each
block division represents 2% of total memory space. If
2 blocks appear, for example, this indicates that 20% of the
available memory space has been used up. 10 blocks would
represent 100% memory usage.
Pattern Clear
Single patterns can be cleared by selecting the pattern to be
cleared and then pressing the CLEAR button. To confirm
your intention to clear the pattern the RX11 LCD panel will
respond with “CLEAR PTN XX?” —where “XX” is the
number of the selected pattern. Press the +1/YES button to
clear the pattern, or the –1/NO button to cancel the clear
function.
Pattern Clear (Single)
All patterns in memory–00 through 99–can be cleared
simultaneously if necessary. This is a “hidden function”
in the sense that it cannot be accessed directly—in order to
prevent accidental erasure of the entire memory contents.
First, press the CLEAR button from the pattern mode.
When the “CLEAR PTN XX?” display appears, simultaneous-
ly press the ACCENT button and STOP/CONTINUE button.
The LCD panel will respond with “CLEAR ALL PTNS?” to
confirm your intention to clear all patterns. Press +1/YES
clear the pattern memory, or press the –1/NO button to
cancel the clear function.
The “clear all patterns” function initializes the pattern
memory, and can be used to restore normal operation should
an operation error cause the RX11 software to malfunction.

Save the pattern memory contents onto a cassette tape
(see “CASSETTE OPERATIONS” section) to prevent loss
of patterns you wish to keep.
Pattern Clear (All Patterns)
Pattern Copy
The RX11 permits two different pattern copy functions:
COPY and CONNECT COPY.
Instrument Clear
An entire instrument can be quickly cleared from any
pattern by first calling the clear function by pressing the
CLEAR button from the pattern mode. The LCD panel
will read “CLEAR PTN XX?“, as in the clear pattern func-
tion. Then if instead of pressing the +1/YES button you press
the instrument button corresponding to the instrument to
be cleared—we’ll use RIDE in pattern number 01 as an
example, the display will change to “CLEAR PT01 RIDE?".
Press +1/YES to clear the instrument or –1/NO to cancel
the clear function.
Instrument Clear (EX: Clear RIDE from pattern XX)
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1) COPY simply copies a pattern from one pattern number
to any other pattern number. This is particularly handy
when you want to add more instruments or rhythm lines,
or otherwise alter an existing pattern, and still keep a
copy of the original pattern.
2) CONNECT COPY makes it possible to combine two
different patterns into one pattern. One pattern is ap-
pended (connected) to another pattern, and the combina-
tion is stored in a new pattern number. With this function
it is possible to connect two patterns having different
time signatures.
Both pattern copy functions are accessed by pressing the
COPY button in the pattern mode. When the COPY button
is pressed, the LCD panel will read “COPY ** + ** = **”.
To simply copy from one pattern to another, first enter the
number of the pattern you wish to copy via the white number
buttons (the flashing block cursor should be located im-
mediately to the right of the first asterisk pair), press the
COPY key a second time causing the cursor to move to the
right of the second (append pattern number) asterisk pair,
without entering a number press the COPY again causing the
cursor to move to the last asterisk pair. Enter the number
of the pattern you wish to copy to, then press the COPY
button again to execute the copy operation.
To connect one pattern to another and copy the combined
pattern to a new location, enter the number of the pattern
which is to be appended to the first pattern to be copied at
the second asterisk pair. All other steps are the same as for
normal copy, above.
If a pattern is already programmed in the pattern number to
which a pattern or connected pair of patterns will be copied,
the RX11 will confirm your intention to write a new pattern
into that location with “REWRITE PTN XX?” on the LCD
panel. If it’s OK to write over the pattern, press the +1/YES
button to execute the copy. Press –1/NO to cancel the copy
function.

Pattern Copy
*CONNECT COPY (EX: patterns 10 + 15 to pattern 20)
The Swing Function
This unique function can make your rhythm swing–auto-
matically. It works by delaying the timing of the enven-
numbered beats in each bar (beat 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) by a pro-
grammable amount, creating a jazz swing feel, The swing
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function works ONLY in the real time write mode, and must
be set to the required value before writing the pattern or
rhythm lines within a pattern to which swing is to be applied.
Further, the swing function works only with quantize values
of 1/8 or 1/16.
Specifically, if the amount of time between the odd beats in
a bar (1, 3, 5, etc.) is taken as 100%, then with no swing
applied the even numbered beats will fall precisely midway
between the odd beats—that is, 50%. The swing function
makes it possible to set the time between odd and even beats
to 50% (no swing), 54%, 58%, 63%, 67% or 71% of the time
between the odd beats. A setting of 54% therefore produces
the most subtle swing effect, while 71% produces the most
pronounced swing effect.
Delaying the Timing of Even-numbered, Notes with SWING
In the pattern mode, press the SWING button to call the
swing function (the swing function cannot be called when a
pattern is playing or when either of the write modes is active).
The LCD will read “SWING LEVEL 50%”, 50% being the
default value (no swing). The +1/YES can then be used to
increment through the available swing values—50%, 54%,
58%, 63%, 67%, 75%—while the -1/NO button decrements
through the values. Once the desired swing value has been
selected, press the SWING button again to return to the
normal pattern mode and then begin the REAL TIME
WRITE process. Use real time write to enter only those parts
of the pattern to which you wish to apply the swing effect
(this could be the entire pattern). Non—swing parts can then
be added after exiting the real time write mode and return-
ing the SWING LEVEL to 50%.
Swing (EX: = 50% 54% 58%)

SONG OPERATIONS
The Song Mode & Song Selection
In the RX11 the term “song” refers to a number of patterns
connected together to form the complete rhythm track for a
musical piece—e.g. intro pattern, main pattern, bridge pattern,
fill, etc. When used in a song, the individual patterns are
referred to as the “parts” of the song. The RX11 has a song
memory which is separate from the pattern memory, and is
capable of storing up to 10 different songs (numbered 0
through 9). The maximum number of parts that can be used
in a song is 255.
To perform any song-related operation-song programming,
editing or playback—the RX11 must be in the SONG mode.
To enter the song mode, press the green PATTERN/SONG
button while in the pattern mode (the song mode cannot
be entered while a pattern is playing or either of the pattern
write functions are active). The red LED below the SONG
label on the PATTERN/SONG button should light, and the
LCD will read “SELECT SONG 00”. Pressing the PAT-
TERN/SONG button alternates between the pattern and
song modes.
Note that the SONG label below the PATTERN/SONG
button is printed in blue. Except for the -1/NO and +1/YES
buttons, all the buttons in the top row on the RX11 panel
perform the functions indicated by their blue labels (printed
below the buttons) when the song mode is active. The
functions printed in white above the top-row buttons apply
only in the pattern mode.
Once the song mode is active, songs 0 through 9 are selected
simply by pressing the appropriate white number button.
The START and STOP/CONTINUE buttons function in the
same way as they do in the pattern mode, except that while a
pattern cycles until it is stopped by pressing the STOP/
CONTINUE button, a song will stop automatically when the
end is reached.
Editing (Assembling a Song)
Select the song number you wish to program, then enter the
edit mode by pressing the EDIT (blue label) button. The
LCD panel will prompt you for the number of the pattern
which will be programmed into part 1 of the song: “PART
001 = PTN **”. The number of the pattern to be loaded
into the current part is entered via the white number buttons
(2 digits) and appears on the display in place of the asterisks.
When the first part has been entered, press the +1/YES
button to go on to the next part, which is programmed in
the same way. This process is repeated until the last part
of the song has been entered. Once the last part has been
entered, press the EDIT button again to exit the edit mode
and return to the song mode. The programmed song can
now be played.
While in the edit mode, the -1/NO and +1/YES buttons
increment and decrement through the programmed parts,
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respectively. Holding either the +1 or –1 buttons down
causes continuous incrementing or decrementing in the
corresponding direction. This allows you to go back and
check the song program, and alter incorrect pattern number
entries.
Song Editing (EX: pattern 01 + 03 + 12 +. . . .)
The Insert Function
While in the edit mode, the insert function permits new
patterns to be inserted anywhere between already-pro-
grammed parts. For example, suppose you have already
programmed parts 1 through 4, but want to add a new part
between parts 2 and 3, leaving you with a total of 5 parts
instead of 4. Use the - 1/NO and +1/YES buttons to locate
part 3, which will contain the new part-the original parts 3
and 4 will be moved up to occupy parts 4 and 5. Press the
INSERT button and the LCD panel will confirm your inten-
tion to insert part 3 with “INSERT PART 003?”. If you
then press the +1/YES button, the current parts 3 and 4 will
be m-written into parts 4 and 5, leaving the original part 3
clear to receive the new part. The LCD panel will now read
“PART 003 = PTN **”,and the new part number is pro-
grammed into part 3 via the white number buttons. Editing
can now continue as normal. Press the -1/NO in response
to the “INSERT PART 003?” to cancel the insert function.

Insert (EX: insert new part-pattern 32- between parts 2 and 3)
Delete (EX: delete part 3)
The Delete Function
While in the edit mode, the delete function can be used to
delete parts from a song program. For example, in the IN-
SERT function description above, we inserted a new part
between parts 2 and 3 in a 4-part program, leaving us with
original parts 1 and 2, new part 3, and original parts 4 and 5.
To delete the part we inserted (currently part 31, simply
locate part 3 using the –1/NO and +1/YES keys and press
the DELETE button. The LCD panel will respond with
“DELETE PART 003?”.If the +1/YES button is then
pressed, part 3 will be deleted and parts 4 and 5 will be
re-written into parts 3 and 4, leaving us with our 4 original
parts. Editing can now continue as normal. Press –1/NO in
response to the “DELETE PART 003?” message to cancel
the delete mode.
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Repeats
The repeat function can save a considerable amount of
programming time by making it possible to repeat any part
or group of parts up to 100 times. The repeat function is
used in the edit mode. Suppose, for example, we want to
repeat part 3 of our 4-part song 3 times (this means part 3
would be played a total of 4 times—1 original and 3 repeats).
Locate part 3 using the –1/NO and +1/YES buttons and
press the REPEAT button. This does the equivalent of enter-
ing a repeat end sign ( ) immediately after part 3–that is,
part 3 will be the last part of the repeated segment. The LCD
panel will respond with “GO TO PART ***?”. The number
of the part which is to be the first part of the repeated seg-
ment is then entered via the white number buttons–in this
case, since we only intend to repeat part 3, enter a “3”.
We could repeat bars 1, 2, and 3, for example, by entering
a “1” instead of a “3” (“GO TO PART 001”). Press the
REPEAT button again and you will be prompted for the
number of repeats:“REP COUNTS **?”. Enter the desired
number of repeats via the white number buttons-in this
case “3”. Press the REPEAT button again to complete the
repeat entry procedure. Now editing can continue as normal.
Note that if you now increment through the parts, a “REPT
for 03 to 003” message will appear between parts 3 and 4,
indicating that part 3 will be repeated 3 times. Repeats can
be deleted in the same way as parts by locating this message
and using the delete function (See “The Delete Function”,
above).

Entering Repeats (EX: repeat part 3, 3 times)
A number of repeats can be programmed in one song, and
repeats can be “nested”–i.e.repeats can be programmed
within
repeats–to create complex progressions.
Tempo
The operation of the TEMPO function in the song mode is
identical to the TEMPO function in the pattern mode–see
“Tempo” in the “PATTERN OPERATIONS” section.
Programming Tempo Changes
This function makes it possible to program tempo changes
to occur at any point during a song. Tempo changes are
entered as an increase or decrease in tempo relative to the
current tempo–determined by the TEMPO control, the
TEMPO function, or a previous TEMPO CHANGE function.
For example, if the current tempo is 100 and a tempo change
of “20 UP” is encountered, the new tempo will be 120. If
a tempo change of “40 DOWN” is then encountered, the
tempo will drop to 80.
The TEMPO CHANGE function is used in the edit mode.
Locate the part IMMEDIATELY BEFORE the desired tempo
change using the –1/NO and +1/YES buttons, then press the
TEMPO CHANGE button. The LCD panel will respond
with “TEMPO IS 00 UP”. The –1/NO and +1/YES buttons
are then used to set the desired tempo change. Pressing
either the –1/NO or +1/YES button once, quickly, decre-
ments or increments the tempo change by one, respectively.
Holding the –1/NO or +1/YES button down causes con-
tinuous incrementing or decrementing in the specified
direction. Once the desired tempo change has been set, press
the TEMPO CHANGE button again to return to the normal
edit mode.
Programming Tempo Changes
(EX: Increase tempo by 20 after part 3)
Locate part 3 using
Note that if you now increment through the parts, a “TEMPO
IS XX UP” or “TEMPO IS XX DOWN” message will appear
immediately after the. part at which the tempo change
function was called (“XX” is the selected tempo change
value). Tempo changes can be deleted in the same way as
parts, by locating the tempo message and using the delete
function (see “The Delete Function”, above). A number of
tempo changes can be programmed in one song.
Accelerando or ritardando effects can be produced by placing
a number of small tempo changes between successive parts.
To save programming time, tempo changes can be used in
conjuction with repeats. For example, to produce a ritar-
dando effect the tempo change and repeat functions could
be combined as follows:
“PART 001 = PTN 01” “TEMPO IS 02 DOWN”
“REPT for 09 to 001”
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