Roland RS-50 Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Roland Manuals
  4. Synthesizer
  5. RS-50
  6. Owner's manual

Roland RS-50 Owner's Manual

Roland owner's manual piano rs-50
Hide thumbs Also See for RS-50:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Owner's Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland RS-50.
201a
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" (p.
2–3) and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (p. 4–5). 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 conve-
nient reference.
202
Copyright © 2003 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Roland RS-50

Summary of Contents for Roland RS-50

  • Page 1 Owner’s Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland RS-50. 201a Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 2–3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 4–5). 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...
  • Page 2 • 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 012c • Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when: • The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has been damaged;...

  • Page 4: Important Notes

    Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data. Additional Precautions • Never turn off the power while the display indicates “KEEP POWER ON!”...
  • Page 5 559a • When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials. • Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-5; sold separately).

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Using the Rhythm Guide ...36 Advanced Use...39 Overview of the RS-50 ...40 How the instrument is organized ... 40 Classification of RS-50 sound types ... 40 Effects ... 41 Number of voices ... 41 About memory... 41 Temporary memory... 41 Rewritable memory ...
  • Page 7 Convenient functions for patch editing (Patch Utility)... 49 Copying patch parameters (PATCH PRM COPY)... 49 Initializing the parameters of a patch (PATCH INITIALIZE)... 50 Erasing a user patch you saved (PATCH REMOVE) ... 50 Transmitting patch/rhythm set settings from the MIDI OUT connector (XFER to MIDI) ... 51 Restoring the factory settings (FACTORY RESET) ...
  • Page 8 Transposing playback of performances (Master Key Shift)... 98 Backing-up (saving) all RS-50 settings on your external MIDI sequencer... 98 Using the RS-50 as a General MIDI/General MIDI 2 system-compatible sound module... 98 Playing back General MIDI/General MIDI 2 music data ... 98 Performing with a computer ...99...

  • Page 9: Main Features

    2 is also supported with high-quality sounds. Quick and easy sound editing To edit the sounds (patches) of the RS-50, you simply choose from the wide range of “tones” (pre-programmed instrumental sounds) and edit them. Editing is easy; you can adjust the brightness (filter), attack and decay, modulation (LFO), and effects, or layer two tones to create a rich sound.

  • Page 10: Panel Descriptions

    Others [SYSTEM] button This button accesses settings that affect the entire RS-50, such as tuning, display contrast, and MIDI message reception. [PART SELECT] button When this button is lit in Performance mode, you can use the direct access buttons to select a part to play from the keyboard or to edit (p.
  • Page 11 fig.04-01.r [WRITE] button Saves patch/performance settings or system settings. [-/+OCT] (Octave Shift) / [-/+TRANSPOSE] (Transpose) buttons - /+OCT: These buttons adjust the pitch of the keyboard in octave steps (maximum +/-3 octaves) (p. 30). - /+TRANSPOSE: Pressing either of these buttons while holding down [SHIFT] allows you to transpose the keyboard in semitone steps (-5–+6) (p.
  • Page 12 Panel descriptions PAGE/CURSOR [ JUMP [ ] buttons PAGE/CURSOR: Use these buttons to move between pages or to move the cursor (p. 42). JUMP: In grouped pages, you can hold down [SHIFT] and use these buttons to move between groups (p.

  • Page 13: Rear Panel

    If you are unsure of the connection method, contact the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page. Unsuitable places for connection •...

  • Page 14: Getting Ready

    Getting ready Connecting the RS-50 to external equipment The RS-50 does not contain an amp or speaker. You’ll need to listen to it through powered monitors, a mixer and connected monitors, a stereo system, or through headphones. Connect as follows when using the RS-50 as a stand-alone device.

  • Page 15: Turning On The Power

    • Is the AC adapter correctly connected to the RS-50? 941, 942 Press the power switch on the rear panel of the RS-50 to turn on the power. fig.q01-02 Turn on the power of the connected audio devices.

  • Page 16: Adjusting The Display Contrast

    Turning off the power Before you turn off the power, make sure of the following points. • Are the volume controls of the RS-50 and the other connected equipment turned to the minimum position? • Have you saved the sounds or other data you’ve created? (p. 48, p. 53, p. 59) Turn off the power for all connected audio devices.

  • Page 17: Reset To Default Factory Settings (Factory Reset)

    Reset to default factory settings (Factory Reset) This restores all data in the RS-50 to the factory-set condition (Factory Reset). fig.q02-01 Be sure not to turn off the power while Factory Reset is being performed. If the power is turned off or interrupted while data is being written to memory, the internal data may become corrupted.

  • Page 18: Listening To The Demo Songs

    • No data for the music that is played will be output from MIDI OUT. Demo songs list The RS-50 comes with 3 demos. “T”  Roland Corporation Short, sweet ...

  • Page 19: Quick Start

    Quick Start...

  • Page 20: Try Out The Sounds

    (p. 46). ■ Selecting a patch by category The RS-50 allows you to rapidly select and call up a patch by specifying the type of patch. All the patches are organized into 10 category groups. Button Category...
  • Page 21 fig.q04-02 Press [PATCH] so it is lit and you are in Patch mode. Use [0]–[9] to specify the category group of the patch you want to select. Use VALUE [-]/[+] to select sounds within the category group. Selecting sounds by category In Patch mode, the direct access buttons [0]–[9] act as category select buttons.

  • Page 22: Selecting A Rhythm Set

    Select patches as described in Selecting a patch by category (p. 20). Press [AUDITION] once again or press [EXIT] to stop the patch audition. Selecting a rhythm set The RS-50 provides rhythm sets that let you play different percussion instrument sounds or special effects from each key. fig.q04-04 Press [PATCH] so it is lit and you are in Patch mode.
  • Page 23 Arpeggio function lets you produce an arpeggio simply by holding down a chord, and is also a convenient way to input a performance into an external sequencer. Since the RS-50 provides arpeggio templates that are suitable for the various sounds you select, you can produce appropriate arpeggios immediately.
  • Page 24 Chord Memory is a function that lets you play a chord simply by touching just one key to which a “Chord Form” has been registered. On the RS-50 you can register different chord forms to each key and save these chord forms as sets (multi-chord memory) and recall them when desired.
  • Page 25 ■ Switching chord sets Then, try to change chord sets. fig.q04-10 Use VALUE [-]/[+] to select a Chord Set. The user chord set appears after the preset chord sets. When you press [EXIT], the Multi-chord Memory function will remain on and you will return to the previous screen.

  • Page 26: Applying Various Effects To The Sound

    Using the five panel knobs, you can change the tone in real time. On the RS-50, each patch consists of two tones; the upper tone and the lower tone (p. 40). The way that the tones are sounded (Single/Split/Dual) is saved in each patch, and you can change this using [KEY MODE] (p.
  • Page 27 ■ Vibrato and Wah effects (LFO) The LFO, short for “low frequency oscillator,” makes changes to the sound in periodic fashion. Changing the pitch with the LFO produces the “vibrato effect,” and by changing the filter cutoff frequency with the LFO, you get what is called the “wah effect.”...
  • Page 28 The “envelope” is the curve that shows how the volume of an instrument changes from the beginning of a note to its end. Each musical instrument has a distinctive type of envelope, but this can change depending on how the instrument is played,...

  • Page 29: Pitch Bend Lever

    ■ Changing the brightness of the sound and adding special qualities (CUTOFF/RESONANCE) The sound generator section of the RS-50 contains a filter that can cut or boost specific frequency regions of the sound. [CUTOFF] specifies the frequency (cutoff frequency) at which the filter will begin to modify the sound, and [RESONANCE] boosts the region near the cutoff frequency to add a distinctive character to the sound.
  • Page 30 This is also convenient in a situation below. When playing sounds outside the keyboard’s range While the RS-50 features a 61-key keyboard, with some songs you may want to play notes even higher or lower. Also, when playing a Rhythm Set etc., there may be percussion instruments that the RS-50’s keyboard is not able to access.

  • Page 31: D Beam Controller

    Moving the key range in half-steps (TRANSPOSE) This function moves the key range in half-step units. This is convenient in situations like the ones below. When matching the vocalist’s register Sometimes melodies may extend outside a vocalist’s register. Therefore, if you want to perform with the song changed to a different key, you can play the song in a new key while still using the same fingering as before.

  • Page 32: Active Express (Active Expression)

    Applying various effects to the sound While playing the keyboard to produce sound, place your hand over the D Beam, and slowly move it up and down. An effect will be applied to the sound, depending on the function that is assigned to the D Beam controller.
  • Page 33 ASSIGNABLE Specifies a function controlled by the D Beam controller. Use VALUE [-]/[+] and select one of the following functions. Value Tx CC# MODULATION CC01 PORTA TIME CC05 VOLUME CC07 BALANCE CC08 CC10 EXPRESSION CC11 PORTAMENTO CC65 SOSTENUTO CC66 SOFT CC67 RESONANCE CC71...

  • Page 34: D Beam Sens

    Applying various effects to the sound ■ Adjusting the sensitivity of the D Beam controllers (D BEAM SENS) The sensitivity of the D Beam controller will change depending on the amount of light in the vicinity of the unit. If it does not function as you expect, adjust the sensitivity as appropriate for the brightness of your location.
  • Page 35 Using the RS-50 effects Three separate effects are always available in the RS-50. You can independently edit each effect’s settings. Multi-Effects The RS-50 contains 47 different multi-effects, including distortion and a rotary speaker simulation. Chorus Chorus adds a sense of depth and spaciousness to patches.

  • Page 36: Using The Rhythm Guide

    Using the Rhythm Guide The Rhythm Guide provides an easy way to produce full-fledged rhythm patterns as easily as using a metronome. The Rhythm Guide can be used only in Performance mode, which lets you perform on the keyboard while using drum sounds simultaneously. Selecting a rhythm pattern fig.q06-22 2, 4...

  • Page 37: Switching Sounds

    Switching sounds fig.q06-22 Play the rhythm pattern. Press [PART SELECT] so it is lit. Press [0] so it is lit to select a rhythm set. Use VALUE [-]/[+] to select the rhythm set that you want to use with the rhythm pattern.
  • Page 38 Memo...

  • Page 39: Advanced Use

    Advanced Use...

  • Page 40: Overview Of The Rs-50

    Tones On the RS-50, the tones are the smallest unit of sound. However, it is not possible to play a tone by itself. The patch is the unit of sound that can be played, and the tones are the basic building blocks that make up the patch.

  • Page 41: Effects

    Number of voices Maximum polyphony The sound generator of the RS-50 can produce up to 64 notes (voices) simultaneously. If data is received that attempts to play more than this number of voices, notes will be dropped out. When the number...

  • Page 42: Basic Operation Of The Rs-50

    You will use this mode when you want to play the keyboard in a band or a solo performance. When you turn on the power, the RS-50 will start up in Patch mode. From other modes, you can press [PATCH] to enter this mode.

  • Page 43: Assigning A Name

    Inputting numbers and numerals On the RS-50, you can select a patch/performance number or input a numerical value by using VALUE [-]/[+], or by using [NUMERIC] [0]–[9] to input the value directly. 1. Press [NUMERIC] so it is lit.

  • Page 44: Creating A Patch (Patch Mode)

    Creating a patch (Patch mode) To create a sound (patch) of your own on the RS-50, you will start with one of the existing patches (preset patches), and edit it to create the desired sound. A sound you create can be saved as one of 128 user patches.

  • Page 45: Making Settings That Apply To The Entire Patch (Patch Common Parameters)

    Selecting patch parameters fig.r03-06 PATCH COMMON [SHIFT] PAGE/ PAGE/ PAGE/ CURSOR [ CURSOR [ CURSOR [ PAGE/ PAGE/ CURSOR [ CURSOR [ [SHIFT] PAGE/ CURSOR [ PAGE/ PAGE/ CURSOR [ CURSOR [ PATCH TONE PAGE/ PAGE/ CURSOR [ CURSOR [ PAGE/ PAGE/ CURSOR [...

  • Page 46: Making Settings For An Individual Tone (Patch Tone Parameters)

    Creating a patch (Patch mode) Split Arp When “Key Mode” (p. 45) is set to SPLIT, this specifies which tone will be affected by the arpeggiator. VALUE UPPER: The upper tone will be played by the arpeggiator. LOWER: The lower tone will be played by the arpeggiator. BOTH: Both the upper and lower tone will be played by the arpeggiator.

  • Page 47: Fine Tune

    The sound generator section of the RS-50 contains a filter that can cut or boost specific frequency regions of the sound. Each original tone in the RS-50 has its own filter settings, but you can use patch editing to modify these.

  • Page 48: Saving A Patch

    Adjusting the attack or decay of the sound (Envelope) Each original tone of the RS-50 includes envelope settings, but you can use patch editing to apply relative adjustments to these settings. Depending on the tone you select, editing may not produce noticeable change in the sound.

  • Page 49: Convenient Functions For Patch Editing (Patch Utility)

    Patch categories On the RS-50, a patch you edit can be named and saved in the desired category of sounds (User Patch). Saving an edited patch in the appropriate category will make it easier for you to find the patch when needed.

  • Page 50: Initializing The Parameters Of A Patch (Patch Initialize)

    Creating a patch (Patch mode) Copying MFX, CHORUS, or REVERB effect settings 1. Press [PATCH] so it is lit and you are in Patch mode. Select the copy-destination patch. 2. Press [UTILITY]. 3. Use PAGE/CURSOR [ ] to select “1:PATCH PRM COPY.”...

  • Page 51: Transmitting Patch/Rhythm Set Settings From The Midi Out Connector (Xfer To Midi)

    When the display indicates “COMPLETED,” the transmission operation has been completed. If you want to restore the stored data into the RS-50 once again, send the data to the RS-50's MIDI IN. Do not operate the RS-50 while this data is being received.

  • Page 52: Creating A Rhythm Set (Patch Mode)

    Creating a rhythm set (Patch mode) The RS-50 provides rhythm sets that are suitable for a variety of musical genres. You can edit a preset rhythm set to modify the pitch/volume/panning of each percussion instrument sound to your liking, and save it as a user rhythm set.

  • Page 53: Saving A Rhythm Set (User Rhythm Set)

    • Specifying the amount of signal sent to the effect Chorus Send Lvl (Chorus Send Level) Sets the level of the signal sent to chorus for each tone. 0–127 VALUE: Reverb Send Lvl (Reverb Send Level) Sets the level of the signal sent to reverb for each tone. VALUE: 0–127 Saving a rhythm set (User...

  • Page 54: Initializing The Settings Of A Specific Rhythm Tone (Rhy Initialize)

    Creating a rhythm set (Patch mode) Initializing the settings of a specific rhythm tone (RHY INITIALIZE) This operation initializes the rhythm tone parameters (p. 52) to the state of the preset rhythm tone before its parameters were edited. If you want to return all parameters of the selected rhythm set to the preset state, simply re-select the preset rhythm set from which you started editing.

  • Page 55: Playing More Than One Sound Simultaneously (Performance Mode)

    Editing the settings of a performance The performances of the RS-50 contain settings that are made for the entire performance, and settings that are made individually for each part of the performance. Settings made for the entire performance are: •...

  • Page 56: Editing The Effect Settings Of A Performance

    For further information, refer to “Assigning a name” (p. 43). Voice Rsv 1–16 (Voice Reserve 1–16) The sound generator of the RS-50 can produce up to 64 notes (voices) simultaneously. If data is received that attempts to play more than this number of voices, notes will be dropped out.

  • Page 57: Receive Sw (Receive Switch)

    Playing more than one sound simultaneously (Performance mode) Receive Ch (Receive Channel) In Performance mode, the RS-50 will operate as a sixteen-part MIDI multitimbral sound module. This parameter specifies the MIDI receive channel for each part. Value: 1–16 Each part of a performance is set to the following channels unless you change them.

  • Page 58: Editing The Effect Settings For Each Part Of The Performance (Performance Part Effect)

    Playing more than one sound simultaneously (Performance mode) Editing the scale tune settings (SCALE TUNE) The Scale Tune function lets you use a variety of tunings. For each note C–B, you can specify the pitch in units of one cent (1/100th of a semitone).

  • Page 59: Saving A Performance

    Playing more than one sound simultaneously (Performance mode) Saving a performance Use the following procedure to save a performance you’ve edited. 1. Press [WRITE]. Use VALUE [-]/[+] to specify the number (U1–U8) at which the user performance is to be saved. fig.r06-55_40 Be aware that if you choose a number in which a user performance has already been saved, the previously saved...

  • Page 60: Initializing The Parameters Of A Performance (Perform Init)

    Playing more than one sound simultaneously (Performance mode) 7. Press PAGE/CURSOR [ Use VALUE [-]/[+] to specify the copy-source part. fig.r06-66_40 You can also select the part by pressing [0]–[9] or by holding down [SHIFT] and pressing [1]–[6]. 8. Press PAGE/CURSOR [ Use VALUE [-]/[+] to specify the copy-destination part.

  • Page 61: Transmitting Performance Settings From The Midi Out Connector (Xfer To Midi)

    When the display indicates “COMPLETED,” the transmission operation has been completed. If you want to restore the stored data into the RS-50 once again, send the data to the RS-50's MIDI IN. Do not operate the RS-50 while this data is being received.

  • Page 62: Using The Phrase/Arpeggio Function

    Using the phrase/arpeggio function The RS-50 provides arpeggio templates that use phrases suitable for each category of instrument. Some of the arpeggio templates are phrase templates, which let you produce arpeggios with a single finger, without having to hold down a chord.

  • Page 63: Accent Rate (Arpeggio Accent Rate)

    For a phrase template, this setting will be “PHRASE.” Accent Rate (Arpeggio Accent Rate) Modifies the strength of accents and the length of the notes to adjust the “groove” feel of the arpeggio. A setting of “100%” will produce the most pronounced groove feel. Value: 0–100% Shuf Rate (Arpeggio Shuffle Rate) This setting lets you modify the note timing to create shuffle...

  • Page 64: Using Chord Memory Function

    Using chord memory function “Playing a chord at the touch of a finger (Multi-chord Memory)” (p. 24) 1. Press [CHORD MEMORY] so it is lit. fig.r06-30a_40 2. Select the desired chord set. When you play the keyboard, a chord of the specified structure will sound according to the key you press.

  • Page 65: Adding Effects

    The On/Off settings for each Effect affect the RS-50 as a whole (i.e., are system settings). This setting remains stored in memory even while the power is off.

  • Page 66: The Effect Signal Path

    Adding effects The effect signal path The following figure shows the path followed by the effects signals. fig.r08-03.e Performance Mode (Patch) Tone Tone MFX Part MFX Tone Cho Part Cho Send Level Send Level Tone Rev Part Rev Send Level Send Level Performance Mode (Rhythm) Tone...

  • Page 67: Making Effects Settings

    Making effects settings Selecting effect parameters Select multi-effect, chorus, or reverb parameters as shown below. fig.r08-08.e Master Effect Switch PAGE/ CURSOR [ [SHIFT] PAGE/ CURSOR [ PAGE/ CURSOR [ PAGE/ CURSOR [ Multi-Effects Parameters [SHIFT] PAGE/ CURSOR [ PAGE/ CURSOR [ PAGE/ CURSOR [ Chorus Parameters...

  • Page 68: Setting Multi-Effects Parameters

    Adding effects 1. Press [EFFECTS] so it is lit. The on/off state of each effect (multi-effect, chorus, reverb) will be displayed. fig.r08-04_40 2. When the cursor is located at “Rev,” press PAGE/CURSOR ], and the effect parameters will be displayed one after another starting with the multi-effect (MFX) parameters.

  • Page 69: Send Lvl To Cho

    Value: 0–127 Ctrl 1, 2 (Multi-Effects Control 1, 2) On the RS-50, certain multi-effect parameters can be assigned to the modulation lever, knobs, pedal or D Beam. Of the parameters explained in Multi-effect parameters, the assignable parameters are marked with a “#” symbol. (Parameters marked with “#1” or “#2”...
  • Page 70 Adding effects 03: DISTORTION This effect produces a more intense distortion than Overdrive. fig.MFX-03 L in 2-Band Distortion Simulator R in Parameter Value Description Drive # 0–127 Adjusts the degree of distortion. The volume will change togeth- er with the degree of distortion. Pan # L64–63R Adjusts the stereo location of the...
  • Page 71 07: AUTO WAH The Auto Wah cyclically controls a filter to create cyclic change in timbre. fig.MFX-07 L in L out Auto Wah R in R out Parameter Value Description Filter Type LPF, BPF Selects the type of filter. LPF: The wah effect will be ap- plied over a wide frequency range.
  • Page 72 Adding effects 10: LIMITER The limiter compresses signals that exceed a specified volume level, preventing distortion from occurring. fig.MFX-10 L in 2-Band Limiter R in Parameter Value Description Threshold 0–127 Adjusts the volume at which compression will begin. Release 0–127 Adjusts the time from when the volume falls below the Thresh- old Level until compression is...
  • Page 73 13: SPACE-D Space-D is a multiple chorus that applies two-phase modulation in stereo. It gives no impression of modulation, but produces a transparent chorus effect. fig.MFX-13 Balance D 2-Band L in Balance W Space-D Balance W Space-D 2-Band R in Balance D Parameter Value...
  • Page 74 Adding effects Parameter Value Description Balance D100:0W– Adjusts the volume balance be- D0:100W tween the direct sound and the flanger sound. With a setting of D100:0W only the direct sound will be output, and with a setting of D0:100W only the flanger sound will be output.
  • Page 75 Parameter Value Description HF Damp 200–8000 [Hz], Adjusts the frequency above BYPASS which sound fed back to the ef- fect will be cut. If you do not want to cut the high frequencies of the feed- back, set this parameter to BY- PASS.
  • Page 76 Adding effects Parameter Value Description Low Gain -15– +15 [dB] Adjusts the gain of the low fre- quency. High Gain -15– +15 [dB] Adjusts the gain of the high fre- quency. Balance # D100:0W– Adjusts the volume balance be- D0:100W tween the direct sound and the modulation delay sound.
  • Page 77 Parameter Value Description HF Damp 200–8000 [Hz], Adjusts the frequency above BYPASS which sound fed back to the ef- fect will be cut. If you do not want to cut the high frequencies of the feed- back, set this parameter to BY- PASS.
  • Page 78 Adding effects Parameter Value Description Level Balance A100:0B– Adjusts the volume balance be- A0:100B tween the Pitch Shift A and Pitch Shift B sounds. Balance D100:0W– Adjusts the volume balance be- D0:100W tween the direct sound and the pitch shift sound. With a setting of D100:0W only the direct sound will be output, and with a setting of D0:100W only the...
  • Page 79 26: GATED REVERB Gate Reverb is a special type of reverb in which the reverberant sound is cut off before its natural length. fig.MFX-26 2-Band L in Balance D Balance W Gated Reverb Balance W 2-Band R in Balance D Parameter Value Description...
  • Page 80 Adding effects Parameter Value Description Flg Balance # D100:0W– Adjusts the volume balance be- D0:100W tween the overdrive sound that is sent through the flanger and the overdrive sound that is not sent through the flanger. With a setting of “D100:0W,” only the overdrive sound will be output.
  • Page 81 33: ENH>CHORUS (Enhancer This effect connects an enhancer and a chorus in series. fig.MFX-33 L in Enhancer Balance D Chorus R in Enhancer Balance D Parameter Value Description Enhancer Sens # 0–127 Adjusts the sensitivity of the en- hancer. Enhancer Mix 0–127 Adjusts the ratio with which the overtones generated by the en-...
  • Page 82 Adding effects 36: CHORUS>DELAY This effect connects a chorus and a delay unit in series. fig.MFX-36 Balance D L in Balance D Balance W Chorus Delay Balance W Feedback R in Balance D Balance D Parameter Value Description Cho Delay 0.0–100 [ms] Adjusts the time delay from when the direct sound begins...
  • Page 83 38: CHO>FLANGER (Chorus This effect connects a chorus and a flanger in series. fig.MFX-38 Balance D Balance D L in Feedback Balance W Chorus Flanger Balance W R in Balance D Balance D Parameter Value Description Cho Delay 0.0–100 [ms] Adjusts the time delay from when the direct sound begins until the chorus sound is heard.
  • Page 84 Adding effects 43: SLICER By applying successive cuts to the sound, this effect produces what are heard as backing phrases, even though you’ve played something much simpler. This is especially effective when applied to sustain- type sounds. fig.MFX-43 L in Slicer R in Slicer...
  • Page 85 Parameter Value Description Reset OFF, ON This setting determines whether the period for the pattern is reset (ON), or not (OFF) when sounds are played. While the rhythm guide is play- ing, the period for the pattern is not reset even if you set this ON. LEVEL Low Gain -15–...

  • Page 86: Making Chorus Settings

    Adding effects note *1 fig.note_MFX1 (Eighth-note triplet), (Sixteenth note), (Dotted sixteenth note), (Eighth note), (Quarter-note triplet), (Dotted eighth note), (Half-note triplet), (Half note), (Dotted quarter note), note *2 fig.note_MFX2 (Sixty-fourth-note triplet), (Sixty-fourth note), (Sixteenth-note triplet), (Thirty-second note), (Eighth-note triplet), (Sixteenth note), (Dotted sixteenth note), (Quarter-note triplet), (Eighth note),...

  • Page 87: Making Reverb Settings

    Depth (Chorus Depth) Sets the depth at which the chorus sound is modulated. Higher values result in deeper modulation. Value: 0–127 Send Lvl to Rev (Chorus send level to reverb) Sets the amount of chorus sound that will be sent to the reverb. Higher values result in more sound being sent.

  • Page 88: Settings Common To All Modes (System Function)

    Settings common to all modes (System Function) Settings that affect the entire operating environment of the RS-50, such as tuning and MIDI message reception, are referred to as system functions. This section explains how to make settings for the System functions and describes the functions of the different System parameters.

  • Page 89: Functions Of The System Parameters

    (keyboard, pitch bend/modulation lever, knobs, buttons, D Beam controller, pedal, and so on); or not disconnected (ON). Normally, this is left “ON”, but if you wish to use the RS-50’s keyboard and controllers to control only external sound modules, set it to “OFF.”...

  • Page 90: Settings Related To Midi (Midi)

    MIDI receive channel of a part, priority will be given to switching the performance. If this is set to 1–16, the RS-50 will transmit MIDI messages (program change/bank select) on that channel when the performance is switched.

  • Page 91: Making Scale Tune Settings For A Patch (Patch Scale)

    Tx Edit Data (Transmit Edit Data Switch) Specify whether changes you make in the settings of a patch or performance will be transmitted as system exclusive messages (ON), or will not be transmitted (OFF). VALUE: OFF, ON Tx Active Sens (Transmit Active Sensing Switch) Specifies whether Active Sensing messages will be transmitted (ON) or not (OFF).

  • Page 92: Performing With An External Midi Device

    Example: Set the RS-50 to send on Channel 1 and Channel 2, then set sound module A to receive only Channel 1, and sound module B to receive only Channel 2. With this setup, you can get an ensemble performance, with, for example, a guitar sound from sound module A and bass from sound module B.

  • Page 93: Using The Rs-50 To Play An External Midi Sound Module

    D Beam, Modulation lever, a pedal, or a knob. Program Change This message changes the instrument sound. You can switch Patches and Rhythm Sets on the RS-50 using program numbers 1–128 (p. 95). Control Change These are messages used for increasing performance expression. By...

  • Page 94: Set The Keyboard Transmit Channel

    MIDI sound generator’s Parts. Here we will explain the settings for using the RS-50 in Patch mode. * If you are using the RS-50 in Performance mode, the part and channel numbers will be the same unless you change the settings.

  • Page 95: Setting The Patch Receive Channel

    Here we will explain the settings for using the RS-50 in Patch mode. * If you are using the RS-50 in Performance mode, the part and channel numbers will be the same unless you change the settings. 1. Press [SYSTEM] so it is lit.

  • Page 96: Using An External Midi Controller To Change The Rs-50'S Tones

    Local Control setting is turned off to separate the keyboard controller section from the sound generating section. * If your sequencer does not have a Thru function, set the RS-50’s Local Control to ON. 1. Press [SYSTEM] so it is lit.

  • Page 97: Recording

    To determine whether or not your sequencer features a MIDI Thru function and for instructions on making the Thru function setting, refer to the owner’s manual for your sequencer. * If your sequencer does not have a Thru function, set the RS-50’s Local Control to ON. Setting the performance...

  • Page 98: Playing Together With The Playback Of A Recorded Performance

    (patches, performances, system, etc.) from the MIDI OUT connector. By recording these messages on your external MIDI sequencer and saving them, you can back up all of the RS-50's data. If you want to restore the backed-up data into the RS-50 once again, send the data to the RS-50's MIDI IN.

  • Page 99: Performing With A Computer

    MIDI OUT Installing the included editor software To help you get more out of your RS-50, it comes with RS Editor software. Use RS Editor to freely create your own original sounds. Detailed instructions on installing the software can be found in the online manual contained on the RS Editor CD-ROM.
  • Page 100 Memo...

  • Page 101: Appendix

    Appendix...

  • Page 102: Troubleshooting

    Parts on the external MIDI sound generator (p. 93). • If using an external MIDI device to sound the RS-50, each Part’s reception channel needs to be set so it matches the channels that will be used for transmission by the external MIDI device (p. 94).

  • Page 103: An External Sequencer

    The RS-50 contains some patches that are intended for live playing in Patch mode; these include tones that use four voices for each note, or patches that use the Dual function to produce rich sounds. If you are...
  • Page 104 Set the system so that the MIDI clock is received from the external MIDI device. Certain MIDI devices you may have connected may not send the MIDI clock to the RS-50 except during recording or playback. Sound does not stop when key is pressed Is the Hold Pedal Polarity reversed? (p.

  • Page 105: Error Messages/Messages

    The checksum of a received System Exclusive mes- sage was incorrect. MIDI Buffer Full Due to an inordinate volume of MIDI messages re- ceived, the RS-50 has failed to process them properly. MIDI Communication Error A problem has occurred with the MIDI cable connec- tions.

  • Page 106: Parameter List

    Parameter list Patch parameters Patches Patch Common parameters (p. 45) Parameters Name Patch Name Category Key Mode Patch Level Tone Balance Split Point Split Arp Split Arpeggio Solo Switch ModulationDst Modulation Destination PitchBend Dst Pitch Bend Destination Modify Dest Modify Destination ExpressionDst Expression Destination Active Exp Sw...

  • Page 107: Performance Parameters

    Parameters Feedback Chorus Feedback Level Delay Chorus Delay Time Rate Chorus Rate Depth Chorus Depth Send Lvl to Rev Chorus send level to reverb Reverb effects group Type Reverb Type Character Reverb Character Pre-LPF Reverb pre-low pass filter Level Reverb Level Time Reverb Time Delay Feedback...
  • Page 108 Parameter list Parameters Send Lvl to Rev Chorus send level to reverb Reverb effects group Type Reverb Type Character Reverb Character Pre-LPF Reverb pre-low pass filter Level Reverb Level Time Reverb Time Delay Feedback Reverb Delay Feedback Performance Part Setup parameters (p. 56) Parameters Level Part Level...

  • Page 109: Original Tone List

    Original tone list Name Voice Name 0001 Piano 1 0071 SA Vibe 0002 Piano 1w 0072 Marimba 0003 European Pf 0073 Marimba w 0004 RS Grand 1 0074 Xylophone 0005 RS Grand 2 0075 Tubular-bell 0006 Piano F 0076 Church Bell 0007 LA Piano 0077...
  • Page 110 Original tone list Name Voice Name 0351 St.Orch Brs2 0421 Pan Flute 1 0352 St.Orch Brs3 0422 Bottle Blow1 0353 Henry IV 0423 RS Sicu Pipe 0354 Brass 1 0424 RS Calliope 0355 Brass 2 0425 Bottle Blow2 0356 Brite Brass 0426 Shakuhachi 1 0357...

  • Page 111: Patch List

    Patch list [1] PIANO NAME Cate- Patch Select gory MSB = 87 Pf01 RS Grand Pf02 RS Grand 2 Pf03 Bright Grand Pf04 Mono Piano Pf05 Rock Piano 1 Pf06 Rock Piano 2 Pf07 Dance Piano Pf08 Brite Piano Pf09 EL.Grand Pf10 Honky-tonk 3...
  • Page 112 Patch list NAME Cate- Patch Select gory MSB = 87 Ky73 Chorus Or.2 Ky74 Perc. Organ Ky75 Organ 3 Ky76 Church Org.1 Ky77 Church Org.2 Ky78 Church Org.3 Ky79 Reed Organ Ky80 Puff Organ Ky81 Accordion Fr Ky82 Accordion It Ky83 Harmonica Ky84...
  • Page 113 NAME Cate- Patch Select gory MSB = 87 Or65 Syn.Strings3 Or66 OrchestraHit Or67 Bass Hit Or68 6th Hit Or69 Euro Hit Or70 Oboe Or71 English Horn Or72 Bassoon Or73 Clarinet Or74 Piccolo Or75 Flute Or76 Recorder Or77 Pan Flute Or78 Bottle Blow Or79 Whistle...
  • Page 114 Patch list NAME Cate- Patch Select gory MSB = 87 Vo11 ChaosChoir 2 Vo12 AEx StackVox Vo13 Heaven Pad Vo14 D-50 Retour Vo15 Warm Sqr Pad Vo16 Hollow Pad Vo17 RS Hollow Vo18 JP8 Hollow Vo19 JP8Haunting Vo20 OB2 Pad 1 Vo21 OB2 Pad 2 Vo22...
  • Page 115 [9] BASS NAME Cate- Patch Select gory MSB = 87 Bs01 RS Ac.Bass 1 Bs02 RS Ac.Bass 2 Bs03 Upright Bs Bs04 RS Fng Bs 1 Bs05 RS Fng Bs 2 Bs06 RS Fng Bs 3 Bs07 RS Jazz Bs Bs08 Bright Bass Bs09...

  • Page 116: Rhythm Set List

    Rhythm set list Rh01:Standard Kit Rh02:Rock Kit (PC:001) (PC:002) Voice ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- R&B Snr 1 RS Snr 3 Sharp Kick Old Kick Old Kick Sharp Kick...
  • Page 117 Rh06:R&B/HHop Kit Rh07:Techno Kit (PC:006) (PC:007) Voice ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Elec Snare 2 Dry Snr 2 Sharp Kick PlasticKick1 Old Kick House Kick Jazz Rim Elec Snare 1...
  • Page 118 Rhythm set list Rh11:Drums Menu Rh12:GM2 STANDARD (PC:011) (PC:001) Voice ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- RS Kick 1 ----- RS Kick 2 ----- RS Kick 3 ----- StandardKick ----- Jazz Kick 1 ----- Jazz Kick 2 ----- Jazz Kick 3 High-Q...
  • Page 119 Rh16:GM2 ANALOG Rh17:GM2 JAZZ (PC:026) (PC:033) Voice ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- High-Q High-Q Slap Slap Scratch Push [EXC7] Scratch Push Scratch Pull [EXC7] Scratch Pull Sticks...

  • Page 120: Performance List

    Performance list Name Pop 1 Pop 2 Pop 3 Pop 4 Pop 5 Rock 1 Rock 2 Contmporary1 Contmporary2 Funk 1 Rhythm guide list Name Pop 1 Pop 2 Pop 3 Pop 4 (Bld) Pop 5 (Shfl) Pop 6 (Shfl) Pop 7 (Vari) Pop 8 (Vari) Pop 9 (Vari)
  • Page 121 Category Button Name Category Orchestra Orch Phr 1 Ac.Brass Orch Phr 2 Orch Phr 3 Orch Phr 4 Orch Phr 5 Orch Arp 1 Orch Arp 2 Orch Arp 3 Orch Arp 4 Category Button Name Category Hit & Stab Hit Phr 1 Synth Brass...

  • Page 122: Arpeggio Style List

    Arpeggio style list Name Variation Note Values * 1/8 Basic 1 1/8 Basic 2 1/8 Basic 3 1/8 Basic 4 1/8 Sync 1-1 1/8 Sync 1-2 1/8 Sync 1-3 1/8 Sync 1-4 1/8 Sync 2-1 1/8 Sync 2-2 1/8 Sync 2-3 1/8 Sync 2-4 1/8 Drive 1 1/8 Drive 2...
  • Page 123 7. Trad Min 1 Assign Chord Name Constituent Notes of Chord Forms C3, D#4, G4, C5 C#3, C#4, F4, G#4 Ddim D3, D4, F4, G#4 D#3, D#4, G4, A#4 Edim7 E3, C#4, G4, A#4 F2, C4, F4, G#4 Gbdim7 F#2, C4, D#4, A4 G2, A#3, D4, G4 G#2, C4, D#4, G#4 A-7(b5)

  • Page 124: Midi Implementation Chart

    * A separate publication titled “MIDI Implementation” is also available. It provides complete details concerning the way 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.

  • Page 125: Specifications

    32 M bytes (16-bit linear equivalent) Preset Memory Original Tones: 640 Patches: 640 (RS-50 original: 384, General MIDI 2: 256) Rhythm Sets: 20 (RS-50 original: 11, General MIDI 2: 9) Performances: 32 User Memory Patches: 128 * Two Tones can be assigned to each Patch.

  • Page 126: Index

    Index Accent Rate (Arpeggio Accent Rate) ... 63 Active Exp Sw (Active Expression Switch) ... 46 ACTIVE EXPRESS (Active Expression) ... 32 Aftertouch ... 93 Arpeggiator ... 23, 62 Arpeggio Accent Rate ... 63 Arpeggio Hold Switch ... 63 Arpeggio Key Trigger ... 63 Arpeggio Keyboard Velocity ...
  • Page 127 Lower tone ... 40 MASTER EFFECT SWITCH ... 65 Master Effects Switch ... 35, 58 Master Key Sft (Master Key Shift) ... 89 Master Level ... 89 Master Tune ... 89 Maximum Polyphony ... 41 Memory ... 41 MFX Source ... 56 MFX Switch Patch Tone Parameters ...
  • Page 128 Index Patch Tone Parameters ... 46 Performance Part Effects ... 58 Rhythm Tone Parameters ... 53 Reverb Time ... 87 Reverb Type ... 87 RHY INITIALIZE ... 54 RHY PRM COPY ... 53 RHY REMOVE ... 54 Rhythm Common Parameters ... 52 Rhythm Set ...
  • Page 129 Memo...
  • Page 130 Memo...
  • Page 131 This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 132 Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below. PHILIPPINES AFRICA AFRICA G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc. 339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue EGYPT Makati, Metro Manila 1200,...

Table of Contents