Boss Dr. Sample SP-303 Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Boss Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. Dr. Sample SP-303
  6. Owner's manual

Boss Dr. Sample SP-303 Owner's Manual

Roland owner's manual network adapter sp-303
Hide thumbs Also See for Dr. Sample SP-303:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Owner's Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS
SP-303 Dr. Sample.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:
• USING THE UNIT SAFELY (page 2–3)
• IMPORTANT NOTES (page 10)
These sections provide important information concerning
the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a
good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit,
Owner's manual should be read in its entirety. The manual
should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Copyright © 2001 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Boss Dr. Sample SP-303

Summary of Contents for Boss Dr. Sample SP-303

  • Page 1 Owner’s Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS SP-303 Dr. Sample. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: • USING THE UNIT SAFELY (page 2–3) • IMPORTANT NOTES (page 10) These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.

  • Page 2: Using The Unit Safely

    • Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
  • Page 3 • Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Try Playing a Pattern ...15 Playing with the Tempo Changed... 15 Sampling Your Own Sounds...16 Lifting the SP-303’s Memory Protection ... 16 If you don’t like the sampled sound ... 17 Chapter 1. Playing Samples ... 18 Composition of Samples ...18 Switching Sample Banks...18...
  • Page 5 Using Pattern Sequencer to Create a Rhythm Pattern ... 59 Using the SP-303 with MIDI Devices ... 61 Using the SP-303 as a rhythm sound module ... 61 Using the SP-303 With a Turntable... 62 Adding Effects to the Turntable Sound ... 62 Playing a Sample Along With the Sound From a Turntable ...

  • Page 6: Main Features

    Main Features High-Capacity Memory Cards (SmartMedia) for Extended Sampling Times The SP-303 itself provides up to three minutes and twelve seconds of sampling. In addition, by using optional memory cards (SmartMedia: 8 MB–64 MB) you can sample for much longer lengths of time.

  • Page 7: Panel Descriptions

    Panel Descriptions fig.P01 19 20 21 1 VOLUME Knob Adjusts the volume level of the LINE OUT and headphones jacks. 2 EFFECTS CONTROL Knobs Control the parameters assigned to each of the knobs associated with the selected effect. Also use the knobs in the following situations.
  • Page 8 PATTERN SELECT is lit, the buttons switch pattern banks. The SP-303’s internal Bank A or B is selected by pressing A or B. Press C or D to select Bank C or D on the memory card.

  • Page 9: Power Switch

    29 MIDI IN Connector You can connect an external MIDI device (such as a sequencer, keyboard, or rhythm machine), and use the device to control the SP-303. Use MIDI cable (sold separately) to make connections. 30 LINE OUT Jacks (L/R)

  • Page 10: Important Notes

    (including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials. • Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions.

  • Page 11: Quick Start

    QUICK START Making Connections The SP-303 does not contain an amp or speaker. To hear sound, either connect an amplifier and speakers or use headphones. Refer to the following diagram and connect the SP-303 to the other equipment. fig.Q01 AC Adaptor...

  • Page 12: Turning On The Power

    1. Before you turn the power on, check the following points. • Are peripheral devices connected correctly? • Are the volume levels on the SP-303 and any amp or mixer that is connected turned down to the lowest settings? 2. Turn the SP-303’s power switch ON.

  • Page 13: Listen To The Samples

    Listen to the Samples When the SP-303 is shipped from the factory, 1–8 of bank A already contain samples. Let’s listen to these samples. What is a sample? A sample is a piece of sampled sound (a “waveform”) together with various settings that determine how it can be played during a performance, which has been assigned to a pad.

  • Page 14: Adding Effects To Samples

    QUICK START Adding Effects to Samples The SP-303 has 26 effects which can add special characters to the sound. Here’s how to try out these effects and hear what they can do. Of the twenty-six effects, you can select five of them–...

  • Page 15: Try Playing A Pattern

    Try Playing a Pattern With the SP-303, you can press a number of pads in sequence to play a series of samples, and record that sequence as played. Such a sequential arrangement of performed samples is called a “pattern.” At the factory settings, a demo pattern is assigned to Pad 1 in Pattern Bank A.

  • Page 16: Sampling Your Own Sounds

    The SP-303’s “Protect” (memory protection) is turned on at the factory to prevent accidental overwriting or deletion of the samples and demo pattern stored in the SP-303’s memory. If you attempt to sample, delete, record patterns, or carry out other such operations while Protect is left on, “Prt” appears in the display, and no further operations are permitted.

  • Page 17: If You Don't Like The Sampled Sound

    If undesired sound or silence was recorded at the beginning or end of the sample, you can make settings so that only the desired portion is played back. For more detailed information, refer to “Preventing Unneeded Portions from Being Played (Markers/Start Point/End Point)”...

  • Page 18: Chapter 1. Playing Samples

    Chapter 1. Playing Samples On the SP-303, you can play samples by pressing pads 1–8 and the BANK buttons. The pad will remain lit while the sample is playing. The pad most recently pressed to play a sample is called the “current pad.”...

  • Page 19: Having A Sample Continue To Play Even When The Pad Is Released (Hold)

    Playing Sounds Input From External Devices (EXT SOURCE Pad) Just as with samples, you can use the SP-303 to control the start and stop of sound from external sources, including CD or MD players and other device connected to the AUX IN jack, and miked sounds input from the MIC jack;...

  • Page 20: Adjusting The Volume Of The External Input Sounds

    Chapter 1. Playing Samples Adjusting the Volume of the External Input Sounds If excessive input volume levels causes the sound to be distorted, or if noise becomes noticeable because levels are too low, use the following procedure to adjust the volume. fig.r01-04 1.

  • Page 21: Chapter 2. Using The Effects

    Chapter 2. Using the Effects The SP-303 features twenty-six internal effects, so you can add effects to samples to alter the sounds, just with this one unit. Of the twenty-six effects, you can select five of them– Filter + Overdrive, Pitch Shifter, Delay, Vinyl Simulator, and Isolator–by directly pressing their buttons.

  • Page 22: Turning Effects On And Off Rapidly (Effect Grab)

    Chapter 2. Using the Effects Turning Effects On and Off Rapidly (Effect Grab) When using the regular effects buttons, since the effects are turned on or off each time these buttons are pressed, it means that if you want to have an effect repeatedly turned on and off, you then have to press the button many times.

  • Page 23: Applying Effects To All Samples Simultaneously

    Applying Effects to All Samples Simultaneously If you want an effect to be applied to all of the pads at once, it would be time consuming if you needed to press all the pads. Thankfully, though, a simple procedure you can use when applying an effect to all of the pads has been provided.

  • Page 24: Effects List

    Chapter 2. Using the Effects Effects List Effects That Can Be Selected Directly With the Effects Buttons DSP EFFECTS FILTER + DRIVE CUTOFF (CoF) Low-pass filter with overdrive. Adjusts the cutoff frequency. Cuts the high frequencies and adds distortion. PITCH PITCH (Pit) Modifies the pitch.
  • Page 25 DSP EFFECTS 1. REVERB REVERB TIME (tiM) Adds reverberation to the sound Adjusts the time of reverb. 2. TAPE ECHO REPEAT RATE (rAt) Vintage tape echo effect. Sets the tape speed. 3. CHORUS DEPTH (dPt) Adds spaciousness and depth to Sets the depth of the chorus.
  • Page 26 Chapter 2. Using the Effects DSP EFFECTS Gives the sound a “low-fidelity” Adjusts the sampling frequency. character. 15. NOISE GEN COLOR (CoL) Generates noise. Adjusts the tone of the hissing noise. 16. RADIO TUNING TUNING (tun) Reproduces the sound being Adjusts the degree of noise that played on the radio.
  • Page 27 Chapter 2. Using the Effects one TIMING PTN cycle corresponds to one-eighth of a measure. You can set the cycle to one measure, one-half measure, one-quarter measure, or one-eighth measure according to the CTRL 2 knob position.

  • Page 28: Chapter 3. Sampling

    64 MB 33 minutes 66 minutes * When saving data (Samples and Patterns) from the SP-303 to memory cards (p. 49, 50), then depending on the amount of data contained in the samples, available sampling time may be lower than shown above.

  • Page 29: Sampling From A Microphone

    3. Press the [REC], and confirm that the button has lit. The pads to which you can sample then blink, and the SP-303 goes into sampling standby. * If you now decide not to sample, press [CANCEL]. [REC] light goes out.

  • Page 30: Sampling From A Cd Or Md

    [D] to select the sample bank for the memory card. If the memory card being used here has not been formatted for the SP-303, BANK [C] and [D] blink, and “FMt” appears in the display. If you want to format at this time, press BANK [C] or [D].

  • Page 31: Sampling With The Tempo Specified Beforehand

    Sampling With the Tempo Specified Beforehand When the BPM (tempo) is set while the SP-303 is in sampling standby mode, then when sampling is completed, the timing at which the sound stops (the End Point) is automatically set to occur on a beat in time with the BPM value in effect when the button was pressed.

  • Page 32: Starting Sampling Automatically (Auto Sampling)

    Chapter 3. Sampling Starting Sampling Automatically (Auto Sampling) The SP-303 provides an Auto Sampling feature which automatically begins sampling when the input sound (signal) exceeds a specified level. This is convenient when you wish to begin sampling from the introduction of a song.

  • Page 33: To Stop Auto Sampling

    [REC] light goes out. Making Samples with Effects Added (Resampling) With the SP-303, you can play back a sample that has effects added to it, and then sample that sound, which is then handled as a new sample. This process is called “resampling.”...

  • Page 34: Deleting An Individual Sample

    5. Turn the CTRL 3/MFX (LEVEL) knob to adjust the sampling level so that the PEAK indicator lights only from time to time. 6. Press [REC], and confirm that the button is blinking. The bank buttons and pads that are available for holding samples then blink.

  • Page 35: Deleting All Samples Together

    * If insufficient free space is available when exchanging samples between the SP-303's memory and a memory card, “FuL” is displayed, and the exchange cannot be carried out. Note that sufficient memory is needed particularly on the memory card.

  • Page 36: Checking The Remaining Sampling Time

    Never turn off the power while the dots on the display are blinking. Turning off the power at this point may result in corruption of data not only in the sample that was being deleted, but in other samples as well. Checking the Remaining Sampling Time To check the remaining available sampling time, do the...

  • Page 37: Changing The Sampling Settings

    Chapter 4. Changing the Sampling Settings When changing the sampling settings for a memory card, the changes may take some time to complete, and it may appear that operation has stopped momentarily. Please be aware of this fact beforehand. Playing Phrases Repeatedly (Loop Playback)/ Playing the Sound Only Once (One Shot Playback)

  • Page 38: Playing Samples In The Reverse Direction (Reverse Playback)

    fig.r04-04 1. Confirm that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit. If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, press it so that the button’s light goes out. 2. Press the pad to which the sample whose Gate or Trigger setting you want to make is assigned. The pad will light, and the sample will sound.

  • Page 39: Setting The Sample Volume

    Chapter 4. Changing the Sampling Settings Setting the Sample Volume With the SP-303, you can set the volume level for each sample individually. This is convenient for balancing the volume levels of samples on different pads. fig.r04-07 1. Confirm that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit.

  • Page 40: Adjusting Only The End Point

    2. Press the pad to which the sample you want to change is assigned. The pad will light, and the sample will sound. This pad becomes the current pad. * For gate playback, continue pressing the pad. 3. At the location where you wish to set the Start Point, press [MARK].

  • Page 41: Finely Adjusting The Start Point And End Point

    Chapter 4. Changing the Sampling Settings 4. Press the pad again (or in the case of Gate playback, release the pad). When [MARK] lights, the setting is complete. * If the setting was not made as desired, press the lit [MARK] button while the sound is still playing to make it go dark, and re-do the procedure from step 1.

  • Page 42: Deleting Unwanted Portions (Truncate)

    Deleting Unwanted Portions (Truncate) When you specify the Start/End Points, unused portions of waveform data will occur. By deleting (Truncating) these portions, you can make more efficient use of memory. fig.r04-20 Beginning of sample unwanted Start point the portion which is played back Truncate fig.r04-21 1.

  • Page 43: Changing The Length Of A Sample Without Changing The Pitch (Time Modify)

    Chapter 4. Changing the Sampling Settings 4. Turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to change the BPM value. If you want to halve the displayed value, turn the knob to the left; turn the knob to the right if you want to double the value.

  • Page 44: Recording Sample Performances (Pattern Sequencer)

    Pads 1–8 on the panel. A set of eight patterns assigned to the pads is collectively referred to as a “pattern bank,” and the SP-303 has four pattern banks, A–D, for your use. Pattern Banks A and B are the SP-303’s own internal banks, and Pattern Banks C and D are banks stored on memory cards.

  • Page 45: Stopping Patterns

    * If already lit, there is no need to press the button. * Take care to note that if [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit, the SP-303 will then proceed with sampling. 2. Press [REC], and confirm that the button has lit.
  • Page 46 Chapter 5. Recording Sample Performances (Pattern Sequencer) 7. Press [TIME/BPM], and confirm that the button has lit. The tempo (BPM) of a pattern appears in the display. 8. While listening to the metronome, turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to adjust the pattern's tempo. Settings range: 40–200 When the BPM is set from 40 to 60 or from 160 to 180, then you can select only even-numbered values.

  • Page 47: Erasing The Data For Mistakes In Performances

    * If already lit, there is no need to press the button. * Take care to note that if [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit, the SP-303 will then proceed with deletion of the sample (p. 33). 2. Press [DEL], and confirm that the button has lit.

  • Page 48: Deleting All Patterns Together

    * If already lit, there is no need to press the button. * Take care to note that if [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit, the SP-303 will then proceed with deletion of the sample (p. 34). 2. While holding down [CANCEL], press [DEL].

  • Page 49: Chapter 6. Using Memory Cards

    303 may no longer be usable by other SmartMedia-compatible devices. The procedures below cannot be carried out when there is no memory card inserted in the SP-303 or if the card is not formatted. • Recording and erasing of samples and patterns in Banks C and D •...

  • Page 50: Initializing Memory Cards (Format)

    Initializing Memory Cards (Format) Before the SP-303 can use a newly purchased SmartMedia card or a card which was used by another device, the card must be formatted (initialized) by the SP-303. fig.r06-04 1. While holding down [CANCEL], press [REMAIN].

  • Page 51: Loading Sample From A Memory Card (Sample Load)

    SP-303’s internal memory (Sample Banks A and B). This operation is called Sample Load. When this operation is performed, the internal data of the SP-303 will be overwritten. Be sure to make a backup of important data before you do this. fig.r06-06 1.

  • Page 52: Loading Pattern From A Memory Card (Pattern Load)

    SP-303’s internal memory (Pattern Banks A and B). This operation is called Pattern Load. When this operation is performed, the internal data of the SP-303 will be overwritten. Be sure to make a backup of important data before you do this. fig.r06-08 1.

  • Page 53: Importing Wave Data To The

    SmartMedia adapter when using such an adapter. fig.r06-10 1. Format the SmartMedia card on the SP-303 (p. 49). If not formatted on the SP-303, the card cannot be used for handling data. 2. Copy WAVE/AIFF files from the computer to the SmartMedia card using the following file names.

  • Page 54: Making Connections

    How to Change the MIDI Channel The SP-303’s Receive channel is set to 1 at the factory. If the MIDI keyboard’s Transmit channel cannot be set to 1, then you must change the SP-303’s Receive channel in order to match the MIDI keyboard’s channel.

  • Page 55: Note On Operating With Midi

    Note On message to the Note Off message can be as short as you want. * You can change the playback volume on the SP-303 by receiving Note On Velocity. * The last pad to play becomes the current pad.

  • Page 56: Synchronizing Only The Pattern Tempo With A Midi Sequencer

    Synchronizing the Tempo If you only want to use the note messages from the MIDI sequencer to play samples on the SP-303, it is easier if you don’t synchronize the patterns to the MIDI sequencer. In such instances, you can use the following procedure to turn off synchronization of the tempo.

  • Page 57: Using The Sp-303 As A Rhythm Sound Module

    Note Note Number Note Note Number Note Note Number * This setting is retained even while the SP-303 is turned off. Using the SP-303 With a Rhythm Machine Synchronizing the Performance of the SP-303’s Patterns with a Rhythm Machine’s Tempo...

  • Page 58: Using The Note Messages From The Rhythm Machine To Play The Sp-303'S Samples

    Using the Note Messages from the Rhythm Machine to Play the SP-303’s Samples If you only want to play the SP-303’s samples using the note messages from the rhythm machine, it is easier if you don’t synchronize the patterns to the rhythm machine.

  • Page 59: Restoring The Midi Settings To The Factory Settings

    Chapter 7. Using the SP-303 With Other MIDI Devices Bank C Pad 1 Chinese Cymbal Pad 2 Ride Cymbal (Bell) Pad 3 Tambourine Pad 4 Splash Cymbal Pad 5 Cowbell Pad 6 Crash Cymbal 2 Pad 7 Vibra-slap Pad 8...

  • Page 60: Examples Of Using The Sp-303

    Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-303 Using Pattern Sequencer to Create a Rhythm Pattern Now let’s create a four-measure backing pattern including rhythm as Pattern 1. Set up the following samples. Pad 1: Kick Pad 2: Snare Pad 3:...
  • Page 61 Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-303 fig.r08-04 QUANTIZE = 4 Bass Phrase SNARE KICK KICK KICK 15. Starting at the beginning of the next pass, input Pad 5 (chord phrase) at the beginning of every measure. fig.r08-05 QUANTIZE = 4...

  • Page 62: Using The Sp-303 With Midi Devices

    Using the SP-303 with MIDI Devices When using a MIDI sound module to play multiple parts, you can select any one of the parts and substitute it with the SP-303’s performance. For example, here is how to have the SP-303 play instead of a MIDI sound module’s Part 1.

  • Page 63: Using The Sp-303 With A Turntable

    MIDI sound module’s rhythm part or the SP-303’s sample plays. Using the SP-303 With a Turntable Adding Effects to the Turntable Sound This describes the procedure for adding effects with the SP-303 to the sound from turntables, DJ mixers, and such devices. Connections fig.r08-09 Turntable 1.

  • Page 64: Playing A Sample Along With The Sound From A Turntable

    Playing a Sample Along With the Sound From a Turntable Here is how to have a sample from the SP-303 play while the sound from a turntable plays simultaneously. Connections fig.r08-10 Turntable 1. Set the DJ mixer’s Fader to the SP-303 position.

  • Page 65: Appendices

    Appendices Chart of Operations Play a sample Play sounds input from an external source Select mono/stereo for the external input Sampling Set Auto Sampling Release Auto Sampling Resampling Delete an individual sample Delete all samples Set the sampling volume Set the Start Point Set the End Point Set the Start/End Point Edit the Start/End Point...
  • Page 66 Set the MIDI channel Set MIDI Sync mode Make the settings for a rhythm sound module Initialize MIDI settings Initialize the SP-303’s memory Remove the SP-303’s memory protection Protect the SP-303’s memory Format a memory card [PATTERN SELECT] [CANCEL] + [DEL]...

  • Page 67: Troubleshooting

    Appendices Troubleshooting If the SP-303 does not function as you expect, please check the following points before assuming that a malfunction has occurred. If this does not resolve the problem, contact a nearby Roland service center or your dealer. Problems With the Sound...
  • Page 68 Continued use of the unit in this state may result in further malfunction; initialize the SP-303’s memory (p. 68). * All data in the SP-303’s memory is lost when the initialization is carried out. Problems With Memory Cards Data Cannot Be Saved Correctly to...

  • Page 69: Initializing The Sp-303'S Memory

    MIDI Clock when the device is playing back. Is the external MIDI device’s tempo set beyond the tempo range to which the SP-303 can be synchronized? The SP-303 can be synchronized to tempos in the range of 40–200. Synchronization beyond this range cannot be assured.

  • Page 70: Message List

    MIDI settings to their original factory settings (p. 58). Data in the SP-303's internal memory is corrupted. Initialize the internal memory (p. 68). Writing data to or reading data from the memory card failed.
  • Page 71 Initialize Initialization of the SP-303’s memory is in progress (p. 68). Ready The SP-303 is ready for the input of the input signal in Auto Sampling (p. 31). Edit In the process of making settings for a sample’s start/ end points, volume, tempo, or playback time (p. 38–42).

  • Page 72: Midi Implementation Chart

    MIDI has been implemented on this unit. If you should require this publication (such as when you intend to carry out byte-level programming), please contact the nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor. Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO...

  • Page 73: Specifications

    Weights 850 g / 1 lb 14 oz (excluding AC adaptor) Accessories AC Adaptor (120/230 V: Roland ACI-Series, 230 (UK)/240 V: Roland ACB-Series) Owner’s Manual Roland Service (information sheet) * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

  • Page 74: Index

    Index AiF ... 52, 70 AIFF File ... 52 Auto Sampling ... 31 Backup Area ... 48 BPM ... 15, 30, 41 CD/MD ... 29 CHG ... 34, 47, 69 Clear ... 34, 47 CURRENT PAD ... 22 Current Pad ... 18 dAL ...
  • Page 75 Index Start Point ... 38–40 Stereo Sampling ... 27 Synchronize ... 54–56 Tempo ... 15, 30, 41 Tempo Sync ... 54 Time Modify ... 42 trC ... 41, 70 Trigger Playback ... 36, 54 Truncating ... 41 UAU ... 52, 70 Vinyl Simulator ...

  • Page 76: Federal Communications Commission

    IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE. BLUE: NEUTRAL BROWN: LIVE As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
  • Page 77 02560256 ’01-04-C3-21N...

Table of Contents