Chapter 7 Using The Xv-5050 As A General Midi Sound Module; Entering Gm Mode; Initializing The Sound Generator For General Midi System Basic Settings; Playing Back A Gm Score - Roland XV-5050 Owner's Manual

Chapter 7 Using the XV-5050 as a General MIDI Sound Module

The XV-5050 features a GM mode-a convenient way to play back or
create GM score data (music files for General MIDI sound module).
You're able to play back commercial GM score data releases and
even modify various parameter settings for enhanced musical
expression.

Entering GM Mode

Basically GM mode is similar to a special kind of Performance in
which a General MIDI System Rhythm Set is assigned to Part 10, and
General MIDI System Patches are assigned to other Parts.
But however, you can't store GM mode settings in user memory.
fig.7-01.e
The GM PLAY page shows a Patch or Rhythm Set assigned to each
Part.
Each time you enter GM mode, the GM Drum Set is assigned to Part
10, and Piano 1 is assigned to other Parts. You can also select other
GM Patches and GM Drum Sets for each Part to match the
performance.
1. While holding down [SHIFT], press [PERFORM] to blink its
indicator.
GM PLAY page appears.
2. To change the current Part, press [
3. To change the GM Patch or GM Rhythm Set assigned to the
Part, perform the same procedure as you do when you
select a Patch or Rhythm Set.
Initializing the Sound Generator for
General MIDI System Basic Settings
To play back a GM score correctly, the sound generator must first be
initialized to basic GM system settings. The XV-5050's sound
generator is initialized in the following situations:
• When the XV-5050 is switched to GM mode
• When it receives a GM System On message from an external
MIDI device
• When a GM System On message is encountered in the song data
being played back
• When the XV-5050's power is turned on
• When you execute the GM Initialize function
GM/GM2 System On Message
The GM/GM2 System On messages put the unit in a state that
conforms to the General MIDI System and initializes a General
MIDI-compatible sound generator.
If the Rx GM On/Rx GM2 On parameter (SYSTEM/MIDI/
SYSTEM MIDI) is set OFF, General MIDI/General MIDI 2
System On messages cannot be received.
Current Part
PART] or [PART ].

Playing Back a GM Score

When the XV-5050 is in GM mode, it plays back GM scores correctly.
But beyond this, the XV-5050 provides many extended features not
defined in GM System specifications, and if you create music files
using these extended features, your song may not play back
correctly on other GM-compatible sound modules.
The beginning of a GM score normally contains a GM System On
message. So if you play back a GM score starting in the top of a
song, XV-5050 will switch itself to GM mode. But if you play
back a GM score starting in the middle of a song, XV-5050 may
not switch itself to GM mode, and the GM score may not play
back correctly. So to be safe, it's recommended to manually set
the XV-5050 to GM mode before playing back a GM score.
although the XV-5050 can also be compatible with the GS format
by receiving a GS Reset MIDI message, Roland's Sound Canvas
Series (including the SC-8850 and SC-8820) features a different
sound module system and extended tone map, you may be
unable to get MIDI data (GS music data) created especially for
use only with the Sound Canvas series of devices to play back
properly.
Muting a Specific Part
When you switch over to GM mode, all Parts will be set to receive
MIDI messages. To turn off a specific Part so that it will not sound,
set the Receive Switch to OFF for the Part. (p. 113)

Modifying GM Mode Settings

GM mode also offers parameters that you can modify for each Part.
You can modify settings like effects, pan and level to customize a
GM score playback to your preference.
You cannot store GM mode settings in internal memory (User
Memory).
1. While holding down [SHIFT], press [PERFORM] to enter GM
mode.
2. Press [EDIT] to light its indicator.
3. Press [
CURSOR] a few times to move the cursor to the
parameter group in the upper line of the display.
Parameter Group
Parameter
4. Turn [VALUE] to choose the parameter group containing the
parameter you wish to set up.
5. Press [CURSOR
] to move the cursor to the parameter
name in the lower-left corner of the screen.
6. Turn [VALUE] to choose the parameter you wish to set.
7. Press [CURSOR
] to move the cursor to the selected
parameter's value.
8. Turn [VALUE] to choose the desired value.
9. Press [EXIT] to return to the GM PLAY screen.
Value
111