Zoom RhythmTrak RT-123 User manual

OPERATION MANUAL

2

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
In this manual, symbols are used to highlight
warnings and cautions for you to read so that
accidents can be prevented. The meanings of
these symbols are as follows:
Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to
ensure hazard-free use of the RT-123.
• Power requirements
The RT-123 is powered by the supplied AC adapter. To
prevent malfunction and safety hazards, do not use any
other kind of AC adapter.
When using the RT-123 in an area with a different line
voltage, please consult your local ZOOM distributor about
acquiring a proper AC adapter.
• Environment
Avoid using your RT-123 in environments where it will be
exposed to:
• Extreme temperature
• High humidity or moisture
• Excessive dust or sand
• Excessive vibration or shock
• Handling
The RT-123 is a precision instrument. Do not exert undue
pressure on the keys and other controls. Also take care not
to drop the unit, and do not subject it to shock or excessive
pressure.
• Alterations
Never open the case of the RT-123 or attempt to modify the
product in any way since this can result in damage to the
unit.
• Connecting cables and input and output
jacks
You should always turn off the power to the RT-123 and all
other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any
cables. Also make sure to disconnect all cables and the AC
adapter before moving the RT-123.
Usage Precautions
• Electrical interference
For safety considerations, the RT-123 has been designed to
provide maximum protection against the emission of
electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection
from external interference. However, equipment that is very
susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic
waves should not be placed near the RT-123, as the possibility of
interference cannot be ruled out entirely.
With any type of digital control device, the RT-123 included,
electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can
corrupt or destroy data. Care should be taken to minimize the risk
of damage.
• Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the RT-123. If necessary, slightly
moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents
(such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull
the finish or damage the surface.
Please keep this manual in a convenient place for
future reference.
USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Warning
This symbol indicates explanations about
extremely dangerous matters. If users ignore
this symbol and handle the device the wrong
way, serious injury or death could result.
Caution
This symbol indicates explanations about
dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol
and handle the device the wrong way, bodily
injury and damage to the equipment could
result.
Warning
Caution
Caution
Caution
Caution
3

4
CONTENTS
USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Introduction ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 5
Names of Parts •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 6
Top Panel•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 6
Rear Panel••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 6
Getting Connected ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 7
Preparations••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 7
Quick Guide ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8
Quick Guide (1)
Listening to the Demo •••••••••••••••••••••••• 8
Quick Guide (2)
Playing the Pads ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 10
Quick Guide (3)
Playing a Pattern ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 12
Quick Guide (4)
Using Groove Play ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 14
Playing the Pads (Manual Play)••••• 16
Playing by tapping the pads••••••••••••••••• 16
Selecting a kit/program for manual play••• 17
Playing the Patterns
(Pattern Mode) •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18
Pattern play•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18
Changing the tempo of pattern
playback••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 19
Pattern Recording
(Real-Time Recording)••••••••••••••••• 20
Real-time recording of a drum track ••••••• 20
Real-time recording of a bass track•••••••• 24
Pattern Recording
(Step Recording)•••••••••••••••••••••••••• 28
What is step recording? ••••••••••••••••••••• 28
Step recording of a drum track ••••••••••••• 29
Step recording of a bass track•••••••••••••• 31
Pattern Copy/Erase •••••••••••••••••••••• 33
Copying a pattern ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 33
Erasing a pattern•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 34
Creating Songs (Song Mode)•••••••• 35
What is a song?••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 35
Recording and playing a song •••••••••••••• 36
Editing a song ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 39
Deleting a song ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 40
Using Pads to Play Patterns
(Groove Play) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 41
[FUNCTION] Key Settings••••••••••••• 43
Basic [FUNCTION] key operation steps ••• 43
[FUNCTION] key items ••••••••••••••••••••••• 45
RT-123 Application Examples ••••••• 51
Controlling the RT-123 with the FS01 ••••• 51
Synchronized MIDI operation ••••••••••••••• 52
Using MIDI equipment to play
the RT-123 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 53
Returning the RT-123 to the factory
default condition(initialization)•••••••••••••• 54
Listening to the demo •••••••••••••••••••••••• 55
Clearing all user patterns •••••••••••••••••••• 55
Troubleshooting ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 56
SPECIFICATIONS ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 57
Reference
Program Change Table
Drum and Bass Kit Table
Preset Pattern List
MIDI Note Number Table
Drum KIT EXTRA List
MIDI Implementation
MIDI Implementation Chart
CONTENTS
Zoom Corporation asserts its copyright for the
contents of this manual.
Reproduction of this manual, in whole or in part,
by any means, is prohibited without prior
permission by Zoom Corporation.

5
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the ZOOM RhythmTrak RT-123 (hereafter simply called the "RT-123").
The RT-123 is a rhythm machine with the following features and functions.
• Functionality of RhythmTrak 234 in a compact body. Play cool backing patterns made up
of two drum tracks and one bass track. 297 preset patterns provide a wide variety of
popular rhythms. 99 additional patterns can be programmed and stored by the user.
• Create a backing sequence (song) with up to 99 patterns. As many as 99 songs can be
stored.
• Self-lighting pads indicate when sound is produced. While playing patterns or songs, you
can check the rhythm visually as well.
• Choose from a variety of 105 built-in super-realistic drum and bass sounds. Practice parts
as if you were playing in a band. Also great for making guitar or keyboard demo tapes.
• LINE IN jack allows connection of external instruments. Mix the sound from an
instrument processed by a multi-effect such as the ZOOM 503 with the backing sound
provided by the RT-123.
• Simple and intuitive controls make it a snap to operate the RT-123 even if you have never
used a drum machine or sequencer before.
• Groove play mode allows changing patterns during play simply by tapping pads on the
unit. Great for live performances and for DJ use.
• Optional foot switch FS01 allows pattern start/stop control or tempo switching. You can
also operate an assigned sound such as bass drum or open/closed hi-hat.
• MIDI IN connector allows synchronization with external MIDI sequencer or control of
the RT-123 from other MIDI equipment.
Please take the time to read this manual carefully so as to get the most out of your RT-123 and to ensure
optimum performance and reliability. Retain this manual, the warranty card and all other documentation
for future reference.
Introduction

Top Panel
6
Names of Parts
Names of Parts
Rear Panel
POWEROFF ON DC IN FOOT SW MIDI IN LINE IN L/MONO PHONESR VOLUME
OUTPUT
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
+–
KIT/TRACK SELECT
Percussion/SFX
General Drums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
65-79
55-64
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
Epic Rock
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
Display
[INSERT/COPY] key (LED)
[VALUE +/-] keys
[BASS MUTE] key (LED)
[BASS] key (LED)
[DRUM A] key (LED)
[DRUM B] key (LED) [TEMPO] key (LED)
[SONG] key (LED)
[PATTERN] key (LED)
[REC] key (LED)
[PLAY] key (LED)
[STOP/EXIT] key
[FUNCTION] key (LED)
Keys marked (LED) have an integrated LED
that causes the key to light up.
Pads 1 - 13 (LED) [REPEAT/STEP] key
[DELETE/ERASE] key (LED)
NOTE
ZOOM
CORPORATION
MADE IN JAPAN
FOOT SWLINE INL/MONO
OUTPUT
RPHONESVOLUME MIDI IN
POWER
ON OFF
DC9V300mA
[VOLUME]
control
[PHONES] jack
[R OUT] jack
[MIDI IN] connector
[FOOT SW] jack
[DC IN] connector
[POWER] switch
[L/MONO OUT] jack
[LINE IN] jack
Names of controls and connectors on the top panel and rear panel
are enclosed in angle brackets in this manual.
HINTHINT

After connections are established, check the sound by performing the following steps.
If cables are plugged in while power is turned on, or if the system is
turned on with the volume control turned up, speaker damage may
occur.
Connect the supplied AC adapter to the [DC IN] connector and set the
[POWER] switch to ON.
While tapping a pad to produce sound, adjust the [VOLUME] control
of the RT-123 and the volume control on the playback system to a
suitable position.
7
Names of Parts
ZOOM
CORPORATION
MADE IN JAPAN
FOOT SWLINE INL/MONO
OUTPUT
RPHONESVOLUME MIDI IN
POWER
ON OFF
DC9V300mA
DC INPUT
FS01
Headphones
Playback connection
(mixer, audio system,
boom box etc.)
Connection to MIDI sequencer/computer MIDI interface
AC adapter
For mono playback,
connect only the
[L/MONO] jack.
When a guitar or other
instrument is connected
to the RT-123, the sound
from the instrument is
mixed with the sound of
the RT-123 and output
from the [L] and [R] jacks.
When wishing to synchronize the
RT-123 with an external sequencer
or to control operation of the RT-123
from an external MIDI component,
link the MIDI OUT connector of the
equipment with the [MIDI IN]
connector on the RT-123.
Connection to
multi-effect
(ZOOM 503 etc.)
Guitar,
bass etc.
Connecting the
optional foot switch
FS01 allows for
example activating a
sound or switching
between two
different sounds.
STEP
2
Turn power to the RT-123 on.
STEP
1
While the playback system is still turned off and the volume is fully turned down,
double-check whether all connections have been made correctly.
Getting Connected
STEP
3
Turn power to the playback system on.
Preparations
POWER
ON OFF
DC9V300mA
PAD
VOLUME

Quick Guide
8
Quick Guide
POWEROFF ON DC IN FOOT SW MIDI IN
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A
+–
KIT/TRACK S
G
T
M
6
5
5
4
4
3
Epic Rock
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
Quick Guide (1) Listening to the Demo
RT-123 comes with a demo song
already built in. Hear for yourself what
RT-123 can do.
Connect RT-123 to
the playback system
and turn the power
on.
Press the
[FUNCTION] key.
Verify that the LED of the
[FUNCTION] key flashes.
Press the [SONG]
key.
The demo song starts.
Sounds just like the backup
of a live band, doesn't it?
Note how effectively various
drum, percussion, and bass
sounds are combined.
RT-123 can produce such a
great variety of sounds with
ease.
Press the [PATTERN] key
or [SONG] key.
To stop
the demo
This Quick Guide shows how to operate your RT-123, using a few representative examples. Some of
terms and concepts used in this manual are also explained here.

9
Quick Guide
LINE IN L/MONO PHONESR VOLUME
OUTPUT
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
SELECT
Percussion/SFX
General Drums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
65-79
55-64
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
o
• [PATTERN] key: RT-123 switches to pattern
mode (for playing and recording patterns).
• [SONG] key: RT-123 switches to song mode
(for creating backing songs which are
sequences of patterns).
Drum kits and bass programs
The backup sound provided by the RT-123
consists of up to two drum kits and one bass
program. A drum kit is a collection of drum
sounds including bass drum, snares, and tom-
tom, percussion sounds such as congas and
bongos, and various other effect sounds. These
are combined to create backing tracks for a
wide range of music genres. The RT- 123 comes
with 80 preprogrammed drum kits of which up
to two can be used simultaneously. A bass
program is a bass sound such as electric bass,
acoustic bass, synthesizer bass, etc. 25 types of
bass programs are available, of which one can
be selected for playback.
POWEROFF ON DC IN FOOT SW MIDI IN LINE IN L/MONO PHONESR VOLUME
OUTPUT
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
+–
KIT/TRACK SELECT
Percussion/SFX
General Drums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
65-79
55-64
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
Epic Rock
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
Drum kit A
Drum kit B
Bass
program

10
Quick Guide
POWEROFF ON DC IN FOOT SW MIDI IN
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LEN
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A D
+–
KIT/TRACK SEL
Per
Gen
Tec
Rap
Mo
Bal
65
55
50
45
40
35
Epic Rock
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
Quick Guide (2) Playing the Pads
The top panel of the RT-123 has 13 pads which serve to
play drum kits and bass programs.
Turn the power on.
Press the [PATTERN]
key.
The [PATTERN] key LED lights
up and the RT-123 is in pattern
mode.
Press the [DRUM A]
key.
The [DRUM A] LED lights up.
Now you can use the pads to
play the drum kit.
You can also select the [DRUM B]
key to play a different drum kit.
thump slap thump thump slap
SNARE
KICK
HINTHINT
[KICK] [KICK] [KICK]
[SNARE] [SNARE]
Kick Snare Closed Hat Open Hat Rim Shot Cowbell
Tambourine
Hi Tom Mid Tom Low Tom Ride Cymbal
Crash Cymbal Extra Cymbal
Tap the pads.
You will notice that the pads produce
various drum sounds. The 13 pads
are assigned different sounds,
depending on the drum kit or bass
program that has been selected. The
illustration below shows an example
for the drum sounds of the 13 pads
with a drum kit.
By tapping for example pad 1 (KICK) and
pad 3 (SNARE) as in the illustration below,
you can play bass drum and snare drum
in the rhythm as shown.
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT

11
Quick Guide
LINE IN L/MONO PHONESR VOLUME
OUTPUT
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
NGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
LECT
rcussion/SFX
eneral Drums
chno Beat
p/HipHop
odern Drums
allad Set
5-79
5-64
0-54
5-49
0-44
5-39
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
Press and hold the [DRUM A]
key...
While the [DRUM A] key is being pressed,
the display shows the currently
selected kit number (0 - 79).
When a user pattern is selected (display shows
U00 - U99; for details see page 12), the drum kit
played by the pads can be changed.
Press the [BASS] key.
The [BASS] key LED lights up and the current
bass program can be played with the pads.
Give it a try ! You will notice that different pads
produce sound of a different pitch.
Unlike with the drum kit, the bass program
does not consist of different instrument
sounds. Rather, one type of bass sound is
varied in pitch. You can use the 13 pads like
the keys of a keyboard.
The illustration below shows an example for
the notes produced by the 13 pads with a bass
program.
You can also shift the pitch of each pad (→p. 24).
Press the [VALUE +/-]
keys.
• [+] key: Selects the next higher
kit number.
• [-] key: Selects the next lower
kit number.
HINTHINT
Kit number
Kit number
NOTE Which sound is assigned to the pads depends on the
pattern.
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
To change
the drum kit
To play
a bass program
with the pads

12
Quick Guide
POWEROFF ON DC IN FOOT SW MIDI IN
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
E
9
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENG
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DR
+–
KIT/TRACK SEL
Perc
Gen
Tech
Rap/
Mod
Balla
65
55
50
45
40
35
Epic Rock
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
Quick Guide (3) Playing a Pattern
The RT-123 already contains many preprogrammed patterns (backing sequence
of several bars). Each pattern combines up to two drum kits and a bass
program. Here's how you can play a pattern.
Turn the power on.
Press the [PATTERN] key.
The [PATTERN] key LED lights up
and the RT-123 is in pattern mode.
The display shows the currently
selected bank and pattern number.
There are four banks, each with 99
patterns (01 - 99), resulting in a total
of 396 patterns.
• Banks A - C: Read-only patterns
(preset patterns)
• Bank U: Read/write patterns
(user patterns)
In the factory default condition, the
user patterns are empty.
Press the [PLAY ] key ( ) .
Playback of the currently selected pattern starts.
The patterns of the RT-123 can be thought of as
"recordings" of up to 2 drum kits and 1 bass
program. These are recorded on tracks that are
combined to form the pattern. A pattern of the
RT-123 therefore consists of drum track A, drum
track B, and the bass track. Drum tracks A and B
contain drum kit recordings and the bass track a
bass program recording.
Pattern numberBank
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Pattern
Drum track A
Drum track B
Bass track

13
Quick Guide
LINE IN L/MONO PHONESR VOLUME
OUTPUT
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
NGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
LECT
cussion/SFX
neral Drums
hno Beat
p/HipHop
dern Drums
lad Set
5-79
5-64
0-54
5-49
0-44
5-39
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
While the [TEMPO] key
is held down, the
display shows the
currently active tempo.
Press the [VALUE +/-] key.
• [+] key: Increases the tempo value.
• [-] key: Decreases the tempo value.
• [+] key: Selects next higher pattern number.
• [-] key: Selects next lower pattern number.
For example, repeatedly pressing the [VALUE
+] key will switch the pattern in the order A01
→A99 → B01 → B99 → C01 → C99 → U01
→ U99.
Press the [STOP/EXIT ]
( ) key.
Tempo value (BPM)
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
HINTHINT
HINTHINT
Pattern number
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Press one of the [VALUE +/-] keys.
By pressing the [FUNCTION]
key and then the [VALUE +/-]
key, you can switch banks in
the order A05 → B05 →C05
→U05 .
Hold the
[TEMPO] key...
You can also tap the [TEMPO]
key twice in the interval
corresponding to the desired
tempo (→p. 19).
Press the [BASS
MUTE] key once.
Press the key once
more to turn the bass
on again.
HINTHINT
You can also shift the pitch of
the entire bass track (→p. 24).
To change
the pattern
To stop
pattern play
To change
the tempo
To mute the
bass sound

14
Quick Guide
POWEROFF ON DC IN FOOT SW MIDI IN
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EX
9
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENG
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DR
+–
KIT/TRACK SELE
Percu
Gene
Techn
Rap/
Mode
Balla
65-
55-
50-
45-
40-
35-
Epic Rock
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
Quick Guide (4) Using Groove Play
Groove play is a special feature of the RT-123 which lets you switch
among various patterns simply by tapping the pads. This makes it easy to
play with patterns like a DJ spinning records.
Turn the power on.
Press the [SONG] key
and [PATTERN] key
together.
The [SONG] key LED and
[PATTERN] key LED light up,
and the RT-123 is in groove
play mode.
Push a pad.
HINTHINT
Pattern
assigned
to pad
Hold down
PAD PAD
While the pad is held down, the
pattern assigned to that pad is
played. Give it a try and check
out which patterns are
assigned to the various pads.

The pattern assigned to a pad can be changed
( →p. 41).
SONG PATTERN
SONG PATTERN

15
Quick Guide
LINE IN L/MONO PHONESR VOLUME
OUTPUT
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
GTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
RUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
ECT
cussion/SFX
eral Drums
hno Beat
/HipHop
dern Drums
ad Set
-79
-64
-54
-49
-44
-39
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
Press the [SONG] key
or [PATTERN] key.
• [PATTERN] key was pressed:
RT-123 switches to pattern mode.
• [SONG] key was pressed:
RT-123
switches to song mode.
Push several pads
together.
Hold the [REPEAT/STEP]
key down while pushing
the pad.
The pattern will continue to play also
when the pad is released.
This is useful for example to keep on
playing a basic drum pattern.
To stop the pattern, push the same
pad once more.
Pattern
assigned
to pad
In groove play mode, up to 4 patterns can
be played simultaneously. For example,
while playing a basic drum pattern, you can
hit another pad to overlay a bass pattern
and then add a snare fill-in. By using the
right timing when pushing the pads, you
can create complex rhythms.
PAD PAD
PAD
To play multiple patterns
simultaneously
To stop
groove play
To keep playing
the pattern without
pressing the pad
REPEAT/STEP

This activates the pattern mode. The [PATTERN] key LED lights up.
During manual play, you use the [DRUM A] key, [DRUM B] key, and
[BASS] key to select the desired drum kit or bass program. (The
LED of the selected key lights up.) Pressing the [DRUM A] or
[DRUM B] selects drum kit A or B. Pressing the [BASS] key selects
the bass program. In this example, let's use drum kit A.
The LED of the pad lights up briefly and the sound assigned in the
drum kit to that pad is heard. The volume changes according to
how strongly you tap the pad.
The sound will be produced continuously for as long as the pad is
pressed. The repetition speed depends on the tempo.
Playing by tapping the pads
Playing the Pads (Manual Play)
16
Playing the Pads (Manual Play)
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
+–
G
enera
l
D
rums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
F
un
k
T
rap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
1
3, 4
2
4
The RT-123 lets you not only play back existing patterns and songs, it also allows you to manually play
the unit by tapping the pads. This section describes how to manually play the unit.
The RT-123 assigns various sounds to the pads, depending on the currently selected drum kit. Play the
pads to discover the realistic sounds offered by the RT-123.
STEP
1
Press the [PATTERN] key.
STEP
2
Press the [DRUM A] key.
When the [BASS] key is pressed in step 1, a bass program can be
played, but there is a difference in how the pads operate. With a
drum kit, the sound plays through even if the pad is released
immediately. With a bass program, the sound continues only as
long as the pad is pressed.
HINTHINT
STEP
4
Tap a pad while holding the [REPEAT/STEP] key down.
You can adjust the interval for repeated play. See the "Quantize"
section on page 46.
HINTHINT
DRUM A
PATTERN
PAD
REPEAT/STEP
PAD
STEP
3
Tap one of the pads.

• Keeping a [VALUE +/-] key depressed changes numbers
continuously.
• To change numbers quickly, hold one of the [VALUE +/-] keys
depressed and press the other key. The numbers will change
continuously.
HINTHINT
17
Playing the Pads (Manual Play)
The current kit/program number is shown on the display.
The [VALUE +/-] keys switch the kit number shown on the display
by 1 up or down, and the selected kit/program changes
accordingly.
For manual play, you can select among 80 drum kits and 25 bass programs to create your own
combinations.
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
+–
G
enera
l
D
rums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
F
un
k
T
rap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
1, 2
3
2
BASS DRUM A DRUM B
Selecting a kit/program for manual play
STEP
1
Press one of the [DRUM A], [DRUM B], or [BASS] keys to select the track, and hold
the key down.
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Kit number
STEP
2
While holding the key selected in step 1 down, use the [VALUE +/-] keys to select a
kit/program.
+–
DRUM A
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
PAD
Available drum kit types are printed on the panel.
HINTHINT
Only kits and programs from the user pattern area can be
changed. Kits and programs from the preset pattern area cannot
be changed.
NOTE
STEP
3
Tap the pads to check the sound of the new kit/program.

The RT-123 switches to pattern mode and the number of the
currently selected pattern is shown on the display. A01 - A99, B01 -
B99, C01 - C99 indicates a preset pattern, and U01 - U99 a user
pattern. If an empty user pattern was selected, the display shows
"E" (Empty).
In pattern mode, the [VALUE +/-] keys serve to switch the pattern.
The [PLAY] key LED lights up, and the pattern is played repeatedly.
The [TEMPO] key LED flashes according to the tempo of the
pattern. The display shows the current position in the pattern
(measure/beat).
The LED of the key lights up and only the drum tracks A/B are
heard. To turn the bass track back on, press the [BASS MUTE] key
once more.
Pressing the [PLAY] key instead of the [STOP/EXIT] key sets the
unit to pause mode. The [PLAY] key LED flashes. Pressing the
[PLAY] key again in this condition resumes playback from the point
where it was paused.
18
Playing the Patterns (Pattern Mode)
Pattern play
Playing the Patterns (Pattern Mode)
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4
TIME SIG
TOM 1
MIX
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
+–
General
Drums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
Funk
Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
1
5
2
43
This section describes how to play patterns that are built into the RT-123 or that have been recorded by the user.
The RT-123 incorporates 297 preset patterns (A01 - A99, B01 - B99, C01 - C99) which cannot be
changed by the user, as well as 99 user-definable patterns (U01 - U99). (The unit is shipped with the user
patterns blank.) This section describes how to select and play a pattern.
STEP
1
Press the [PATTERN] key so that the LED lights up.
STEP
2
Use the [VALUE +/-] keys to select the desired pattern number.
STEP
4
To mute only the bass track, press the [BASS MUTE] key.
STEP
5
Press the [STOP/EXIT] key when you want to stop the pattern.
+–
BASS MUTE
STOP/EXIT
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Pattern number
Bank
PATTERN
PLAY SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Measure Beat
• Also while the bass track is muted, you can play bass programs
manually with the pads. To do this, press the [BASS] key so that
the LED of the key is lit.
• The bass track can be muted also while the pattern is stopped.
HINTHINT
• Also while playing a pattern, you can use the pads for manual play.
• Also while playing, you can switch the bank and number. In this
case, the new pattern starts playing as soon as you make the switch.
HINTHINT
STEP
3
Press the [PLAY] key.

19
Playing the Patterns (Pattern Mode)
The display shows the current tempo for about 2 seconds.
While a pattern is paused or playing, the [TEMPO] key can be
tapped twice to input a quarter note interval. When creating a
pattern, this makes it easy to set the desired tempo.
When playing a pattern in pattern mode, the playback tempo for the pattern can be varied over the range
of 40 - 250 BPM (BPM = beats per minute, using quarter notes).
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
TOM 3
TOM 2
TOM 1
CRASH
RIDE
EXTRA CYM
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
+–
General Drums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
55 64
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
25 29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
1, 2,
3, 4
2
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Tempo value (BPM)
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Tempo value (BPM)
Changing the tempo of pattern playback
STEP
2
While holding the [TEMPO] key down, use the [VALUE +/-] keys to
change the tempo.
STEP
4
To input the tempo for manual play, tap the [TEMPO] key twice in the desired
interval (tap tempo input).
STEP
1
Press the [TEMPO] key.
STEP
3
When the tempo has been set to the desired value, release the
[TEMPO] key.
TEMPO
TEMPO +–
The tempo set in pattern mode applies to all patterns. It cannot be
changed for an individual pattern.
NOTE
TEMPO
TEMPO

When a pattern that contains nothing is selected, the display shows
only "E".
The display shows the current quantize setting. Quantization refers
to the degree of detail with which notes are recorded. By setting
the quantize value to the shortest note that you want to use for the
pattern, recording can be carried out while automatically
maintaining precise timing. You can also turn the quantize function
off, to retain the human touch that is characterized by slightly
irregular timing.
Pattern Recording (Real-Time Recording)
20
Pattern Recording (Real-Time Recording)
The RT-123 has 99 user pattern slots which can be filled with your own patterns. Creating and recording
a pattern is possible in two ways: by actually playing the pattern on the pads (real-time recording), or by
entering each sound individually (step recording). The procedure for real-time recording of a drum track
and bass track is described below.
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
II
REAL-TIME REC
Groove PLAY
MODE
OPEN HAT
7CLICK VOL
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
TOM 2
4TIME SIG
TOM 1
2MIX
EXTRA 1
9FOOT SW
EXTRA 2
11 PAD SENS
EXTRA 3
13 MIDI
CLOSED HAT
5PRE COUNT
SNARE
3BASS TUNE
KICK
1BASS KEY
CRASH
8
BAR LENGTH
RIDE
10
SWING
EXTRA CYMBAL
12
SHIFT
FUNCTION
REPEAT/STEP
INSERT/COPY DELETE/ERASE BASS MUTE BASS DRUM A DRUM B STOP/EXIT
PLAY
TEMPO
+–
Percussion/SFX
General Drums
Techno Beat
Rap/HipHop
Modern Drums
Ballad Set
65-79
55-64
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
Epif Rock
Funk Trap
Standard Kit
Studio Drums
Live Rock
Basic Drum Kits
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
00-09
Bass
Programs
00-24
STEP REC
SONG PATTERN
5, 6
7
2, 4
3, 6
8, 9
10
9
2
10
12
Real-time recording of a drum track
Real-time recording refers to the process of playing the pads while listening to a metronome sound and
recording what you play. First, let's record drum tracks in real time.
STEP
1
In pattern mode, select an empty user pattern (U01 - U99), and select a drum kit if
desired.
STEP
2
Press the [FUNCTION] key and then pad 6 (QUANTIZE).
You cannot record over a preset pattern.
NOTE
FUNCTION
TOM 3
6QUANTIZE
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Quantize value
SONG
STEP PATTERN(SONG REC)
MEASURE BEAT
PATTERN
Blank user pattern
The [FUNCTION] key is used to make various settings for the RT-123.
For details, please refer to page 43.
HINTHINT