Roland System-8 Reference Manual
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Roland System-8 Reference Manual

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See also: Owner's Manual , Manual
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  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Specifying the Note Length of One Step (SETTING) Exporting Sound Data to an SD Card (EXPORT) Importing Sound Data from an SD Card (IMPORT) Changing the Order of Patches/Performances (EXCHANGE) Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE) © 2016 Roland Corporation...

  • Page 2: Panel Descriptions

    Panel Descriptions Common section Here you can make the following settings for the SYSTEM-8. Controller Value Explanation [VOLUME] knob Adjusts the volume. [INPUT] knob Adjusts the volume level of the INPUT R and L/MONO jacks. Indicates the analog input level of the rear panel INPUT R, L/MONO jacks.
  • Page 3 If this is blinking, the synth will play all sounds in unison (UNISON mode). MODEL [SYSTEM-8] When the [SYSTEM-8] button is on, this instrument operates as the SYSTEM-8 [PLUG-OUT 1]– (The button of the selected synthesizer. When one of the [PLUGOUT 1–3]...
  • Page 4 Allows the LFO to modulate the AMP LEVEL (volume), producing a tremolo effect. OSC 1, OSC 2 Here you can select the waveform that determines the character of the sound, and specify its pitch. The SYSTEM-8 has three oscillators (OSC 1, OSC 2, and OSC 3/SUB OSC).
  • Page 5 Panel Descriptions Controller Value Explanation [COLOR] Selects the source that is modulated by the knob. The sound is determined by the position of the [COLOR] knob. It will not vary over time. The sound varies over time at the rate specified in the section.
  • Page 6 LPF/HPF (Variation 1) Low pass filter (LPF), High pass filter (HPF) (only for MODEL: SBF (Variation 2) Side band filter (SBF) SYSTEM-8) (Variation 3) This is a SYSTEM-1 type low pass filter (LPF). Specifies the cutoff frequency of the filter. [CUTOFF] knob 0–255...
  • Page 7 Panel Descriptions Controller Value Explanation slider slider These sliders operate similarly to the [A] [D] [S] [R] sliders of the section 0–255 (they affect the cutoff frequency rather than the volume). slider slider Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for the volume. Controller Value Explanation...
  • Page 8 Panel Descriptions PITCH BEND/MODULATION This allows you to control pitch bend or apply vibrato. Controller Value Explanation [PITCH] BEND SENS 0–255 Specifies the amount of the pitch change produced by pitch bend operations. slider [FILTER] BEND SENS 0–255 Specifies the amount of the filter change produced by pitch bend operations. slider [PITCH] MOD SENS...

  • Page 9: Editing A Patch

    This is also canceled when you select a different patch, etc. Editing a Patch’s Bender Settings or Patch Name (PATCH EDIT) MEMO For the SYSTEM-8, all settings other than Bend Range and Gain can be controlled from the panel controllers. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.

  • Page 10: Simulating Aging (Condition)

    Editing a Patch Simulating Aging (CONDITION) Initializing a Patch (Patch Init) The SYSTEM-8 can simulate the changes that occur in an older unit Here’s how to initialize the patch in the temporary area, setting it to “Init Patch” (Aging). (the basic sound).
  • Page 11 Editing a Patch Press the [ENTER] button. A confirmation message appears. Patch Write? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y To save, press the [ENTER] button. If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button. “Completed!” When saving is completed, the display indicates Completed! MEMO Arpeggio, chord memory, and step sequencer settings/data are also saved within the patch data.

  • Page 12: Patch Effects

    Patch Effects You can edit the principal effect parameters of the SYSTEM-8 by using the knobs of the EFFECT, DELAY/CHORUS, and REVERB sections of the panel. You can also edit items that cannot be edited by the knobs. In patch mode, press the [MENU] button.
  • Page 13 Patch Effects Presence/absence of parameters for each type Parameter Value Explanation DLY + 630Hz, 800Hz, 1kHz, 1.25kHz, 1.6kHz, Specifies the frequency above which DlyHDmpF – – – 2kHz, 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, the DlyHDmp setting cuts the sound. 6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz Adjusts the amount by which the DlyLDmp –...

  • Page 14: Editing A Performance

    In patch mode, the tempo and AUDIO INPUT (Vocoder) settings are only system settings; however in performance mode, each performance can have its own values for these settings. Press the MODE [PERFORMANCE] button. The SYSTEM-8 is in performance mode. Select a performance as necessary. Editing a patch Use the PANEL SELECT [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to select the part (UPPER part, LOWER part) that you want to edit.
  • Page 15 Editing a Performance Menu Parameter Value Explanation [ K ] [ J ] [ K ] [ J ] [SHIFT] +cursor Cursor [VALUE] knob LW64: LOWER only (UPPER does not sound) PartBalance LW64–0–UP63 LOWER and UPPER have the same volume UP63: UPPER only (LOWER does not sound) Selects whether the tempo setting follows the value of the...

  • Page 16: Making Settings For Each Part (Part Edit)

    Editing a Performance Menu Parameter Value Explanation [ K ] [ J ] [ K ] [ J ] [SHIFT] +cursor Cursor [VALUE] knob Type Time Level Tap Time DlyFeedback DlyHiCut DlyHDmp & “DELAY/CHORUS parameters” (p. 12) DlyHDmpF INPUT(Dly) If Prm Src = PERFORM, you can edit the Type, Time, and Level parameters of INPUT(Dly) by DlyLDmp Valid when Prm [VOCODER]...
  • Page 17 Editing a Performance [ K ] [ J ] Use the cursor buttons to select a parameter, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit the value. Sound selection screens for the upper part and lower part Examples of other editing screens mmmm: Model button UPPER...

  • Page 18: Initializing A Performance (Perform Init)

    Editing a Performance [ K ] [ J ] Selecting a patch for each part Use the cursor buttons to select what you want to save. 5 Normally, you’ll select the patch in the first item of the PART EDIT screen.
  • Page 19 Editing a Performance In the case of the PATCH WRITE screen To:SYS8 A-1[Ent] [SY System- aws] In the case of the PERF WRITE screen To:A-1 [Ent] [Fat Split Use the [VALUE] knob to select the save-destination. Press the [ENTER] button. A confirmation message appears.

  • Page 20: Accessing The Menu Screens

    Specifies the state (condition) of the analog sound engine circuit that is being modeled. CONDITION -128–0–+127 This is saved within the patch data. Make settings of the entire SYSTEM-8 (only in performance mode). SYSTEM & “Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen)” (p. 21) Access the performance edit screen (only in performance mode).

  • Page 21: Making System Settings (System Setting Screen)

    Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen) Here’s how to make overall settings for the SYSTEM-8 itself. [MENU] Press the button. [ K ] [ J ] Use the Cursor buttons to select “SYSTEM,” and then press the [ENTER] button. The SYSTEM screen appears.
  • Page 22 Specifies whether step sequencer start/stop is controlled from Rx StartStop OFF, ON an external device (ON) or is not controlled (OFF) when the SYSTEM-8 is synchronized to an external MIDI clock. Specifies whether clock, start, and stop messages are transmitted...
  • Page 23 COMPUTER port (ON) or not be re-transmitted (OFF). USBMIDI Thru=OFF MIDI MIDI USBMIDI Thru OFF, ON Sound Generator Section MIDI SYSTEM-8 USBMIDI Thru=ON MIDI MIDI Sound Generator Section SYSTEM-8 If this is ON, MIDI messages that are input from the MIDI IN Soft Thru OFF, ON connector are retransmitted without change from the MIDI OUT connector.
  • Page 24 Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen) Menu Parameter Value Explanation [ K ] [ J ] [ K ] [ J ] [SHIFT]+cursor Cursor [VALUE] knob Gain -20dB, -10dB, 0dB, +10dB Specifies the input sensitivity of the external input. INPUT If this is “ON,”...

  • Page 25: Saving The System Settings

    Making System Settings (SYSTEM Setting Screen) Saving the System Settings [WRITE] Press the button. The WRITE screen appears. <WRITE> [Ent] ÄSYSTEM* [ J ] Press the cursor button several times to select “SYSTEM,” and then press the [ENTER] button. A confirmation message appears. System Write? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y To save, press the...

  • Page 26: Viewing The System Version (Version Info)

    Viewing the System Version (VERSION INFO) Here’s how to view the version of the SYSTEM-8’s system program. Press the [MENU] button. Select “VERSION INFO” and then press the [ENTER] button. The SYSTEM-8’s version is shown. VERSION INFO Version 1.10 Viewing Plug-Out Information (PLUG-OUT INFO) Here’s how to view information on the currently loaded plug-outs.

  • Page 27: Convenient Functions (Utility)

    Turn off power. [ K ] [ J ] “BACKUP,” Use the Cursor buttons to select Turn the power of the SYSTEM-8 off, then on again. [ENTER] and then press the button. Assign a file name to the backup. Exporting Sound Data to an SD Card (EXPORT)

  • Page 28: Importing Sound Data From An Sd Card (Import)

    IMPORT: [Ent] SYSTEM-8’s memory; as when you edit a sound, the changed values BACKUP are temporary. If you want to save the data in the SYSTEM-8’s memory, you must save the sound. Import target Explanation Changing the Order of Patches/Performances...

  • Page 29: Returning To The Factory Settings (Factory Reset)

    If you decide to cancel, press the button. Turn off power. When the exchange is completed, the display indicates “Completed!” Turn the power of the SYSTEM-8 off, then on again. Completed! Removing a PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE) NOTE Press the [MENU] button.

  • Page 30: Formatting An Sd Card (Sd Card Format)

    * Depending on the manufacturer or type of memory card, it Here’s how to delete a backup file or export file from an SD card. might not be possible for the SYSTEM-8 to correctly save or read In the “RESTORE”...

  • Page 31: Overwrite-Saving Edited Data (Overwrite)

    Convenient Functions (UTILITY) Overwrite-Saving Edited Data (Overwrite) Separately from the conventional write operation (saving sound “WRITE” data in the screen that appears when you press the [WRITE] “OVERWRITE” button), there is also an function that overwrite-saves to the currently selected bank and number. In performance mode, this lets you save not only the performance but also the patches of the upper part and lower part, making it convenient when you want to save this data in a single operation.

  • Page 32: Using The Vocoder (Vocoder)

    Using the Vocoder (VOCODER) “Vocoder” is an effect that is applied to a human voice. By sending a human voice through a vocoder, you can give it an expressionless vocal character as though a robot were speaking. Control the pitch by playing the keyboard. Connecting a Mic Use the [INPUT]...

  • Page 33: Using The Vocoder In Performance Mode

    Using the Vocoder (VOCODER) Using the Vocoder in Performance Mode [PERFORMANCE] Press the MODE button to select performance mode. [VOCODER] “on” Press the button to turn it (lit). While vocalizing into the input (Microphone), play the keyboard. You can perform the vocoder sound that’s generated according to the currently selected patch and the input audio. 5 Input settings including the vocoder settings can be made and stored for each individual performance.

  • Page 34: When The Perfmode Is "Single

    Using the Vocoder (VOCODER) When the PerfMode Is “SINGLE” "SINGLE," When the PerfMode (p. 14) is set to operation is as follows. 5 When you turn the [VOCODER] button "on," The input (Microphone) audio is not output. The audio of the upper part and lower part patches is not output. [VOCODER] button DELAY...

  • Page 35: About The Step Sequencer

    About the Step Sequencer STEP SEQUENCER No recorded data Name of parameter This is a polyphonic step sequencer. FILTER:Cutoff The following settings are stored individually for each patch. oo [100] -- -- 5 Performance data (notes, knob operations) of each step, each step’s mute settings Knob operations Currently-input value...

  • Page 36: Starting Realtime Recording By Keyboard Input

    About the Step Sequencer Play the keyboard. Editing a Specific Step You can also record chords. Knob operations are also recorded. Press the [EDIT/DISP] button to make it light. MEMO Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the 5 You can loop-record while adding notes and knob operations [1]–[16] button that you want to edit.

  • Page 37: Saving Step Sequencer Data

    About the Step Sequencer While holding down [LAST STEP], press the button Saving Step Sequencer Data that you want to be the last step. Step sequencer data is saved within the patch data. You can save MEMO (overwrite) just the step sequencer data without writing the sound [LAST STEP] You can also specify this by holding down the settings of the patch.

  • Page 38: Specifying The Note Length Of One Step (Setting)

    About the Step Sequencer “From:” to select the copy-source patch [ENTER] number, and press the button. PTN COPY [Ent] From:SYS8 A-1 [ENTER] At the confirmation screen, press the button. [EXIT] If you decide to cancel, press the button. Specifying the Note Length of One Step (SETTING) In the SEQ MENU screen, select “SETTING”...

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