Roland Sound Canvas SK-500 Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Roland Manuals
  4. Synthesizer
  5. Sound Canvas SK-500
  6. Owner's manual

Roland Sound Canvas SK-500 Owner's Manual

64 voice synthesizer
Hide thumbs Also See for Sound Canvas SK-500:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: Service Notes
201a
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: "USING THE
UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT NOTES" ( p. 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 © 2000 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Owner's Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Sound Canvas SK-500 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Roland Sound Canvas SK-500

Summary of Contents for Roland Sound Canvas SK-500

  • Page 1 The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a conve- nient reference. Copyright © 2000 ROLAND CORPORATION All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

  • Page 2: Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement

    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 3: 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 4 • 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 5: Important Notes

    • Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-5; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit. • Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions.

  • Page 6: Gm (General Midi)/Gm2 (General Midi 2)/Gs Format-Compatible Sound Generator Built In

    Equipped with USB Connector In addition to the serial port, the SK-500 is equipped with a USB connector, thus allowing you to connect the instrument to a computer simply and easily with a single USB cable.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Setting the MIDI Output Destination... 36 Uninstalling the Windows 2000 USB MIDI Driver ... 37 Installing the Windows 2000 Serial MIDI Driver ...39 Connecting the SK-500 and the Computer ... 39 Installing Serial MIDI Driver ... 40 Setting the MIDI Output Destination... 43 Uninstalling the Windows 2000 Serial MIDI Driver...
  • Page 8 Contents Setting OMS... 48 Installing OMS and Serial MIDI Driver on Macintosh...52 Connecting the SK-500 and the Macintosh ... 52 Installing the MIDI Driver (OMS) ... 53 Installing the SK-500 Driver ... 54 Setting OMS... 56 Installing GS Advanced Editor ...61 Installing...
  • Page 9 Sounds are cut off ... 107 Exclusive messages are not being received... 107 The SK-500 does not transmit MIDI data (you cannot perform using sequencer software) .. 108 The SK-500 does not play correctly when operating the controller..108 I want to apply delay to a drum part, but cannot do so...

  • Page 10: Names And Functions

    Display Shows the current settings. USB Indicator Lights when the SK-500 is connected to a computer using a USB cable, and it is ready to send and receive data. FUNCTION Indicator (Function Mode Indicator) Lights when the SK-500 is in Function mode (when functions are assigned to the [DATA ENTRY] wheel or a pedal).

  • Page 11: Rear Panel

    USB Connector Serial Connector Use the USB cable included with the SK-500 or an optional serial computer cable when connecting to these connectors. The particular cable you need may differ according to the computer being connected. * The USB and Serial connectors cannot be used when the computer switch is set to “MIDI OUT.”...

  • Page 12: Making Connections

    Making Connections Try Listening to Some Sounds The SK-500 is not equipped with an amplifier or speakers. To listen to sounds with the SK-500, connect headphones or speakers. Connecting Headphones and Speakers * To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers, make sure to move the [VOLUME] slider towards you to lower the volume.

  • Page 13: Connecting To Midi Sound Modules

    Connecting to MIDI sound modules Use a MIDI cable to connect the SK-500 to a external MIDI sound module when using the SK-500 as a master keyboard to play sounds from the sound module. fig.MIDI-connect.e Set the computer switch to “MIDI OUT.”...

  • Page 14: Producing Sound

    USB or Computer Cable Computer Although you can play the SK-500 as a stand-alone instrument, by connecting it to a computer, you can listen to commercially available SMF (Standard MIDI File) music data and record your performances with sequencer software.
  • Page 15 How to Uninstall Serial MIDI Driver...p. 30 When Connecting to a Serial Port on a Computer Running Windows NT First, refer to the Connecting the SK-500 and the Computer section in Installing Serial MIDI Driver In Windows 95/98 (p. 23), connect the SK-500 with a serial cable.

  • Page 16: Installing The Usb Midi Driver In Windows 98

    Installing the USB MIDI Driver In Windows 98 Connect the SK-500 and the computer. You will need the items listed below, so take a moment to remove them from the package before you begin. • USB Cable • AC Adaptor •...
  • Page 17 * If “The driver is already installed. –” appears, refer to If You Cannot Install/ Uninstall/Use the Driver (p. 84) and reinstall the driver. * If you are unable to use the setup even with the SK-500 connected, it may be that some other problem exists. Refer to Troubleshooting (p. 84).
  • Page 18 Installing the USB MIDI Driver In Windows 98 Connect the SK-500 and the computer with a USB cable. fig.pc-usb-e Set the computer switch to "USB." * The computer switch settings go into effect the next time the power is turned on.
  • Page 19 After the “New Hardware Found” dialog box appears, enter the name of the folder indicated in the “SETUPINF” dialog box (p. 17 Step 6) in the “Copy files from” box and click “OK.” fig.10 * If you happen to close the “SETUPINF” dialog box, enter the driver’s folder name in the “Copy files from”...

  • Page 20: Setting The Midi Output Destination

    Click on the “MIDI” tab and select “Roland SK-500 PART A” in the “MIDI output” box. fig.12_90 * If you are unable to select “Roland SK-500 PART A,” it may be that some other problem exists. Refer to Troubleshooting (p. 84).

  • Page 21: Uninstalling The Usb Midi Driver

    Select “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” from the list, then click the “Remove” button. * If “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” does not appear in the list, see If You Cannot Install/Uninstall/Use the Driver (p. 84). In the “Confirm Device Removal” dialog box, click “OK.”...
  • Page 22 Installing the USB MIDI Driver In Windows 98 After confirming that “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” does not appear below “Sound, video and game controllers,” click “Close.” Disconnect the USB cable from the SK-500. If “Folder Options” appears in the “Start - Preferences” Menu Click “Start”...

  • Page 23: Installing Serial Midi Driver In Windows 95/98

    Installing Serial MIDI Driver In Windows 95/98 Connect the SK-500 and the computer. You will need the items listed below, so take a moment to remove them from the package before you begin. • Computer Cable (Sold Separately) • AC Adaptor •...

  • Page 24: Installing Serial Midi Driver

    Installing Serial MIDI Driver In Windows 95/98 Installing Serial MIDI Driver Turn on the computer and start up Windows. Place the SK-500 CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. Click the Windows Start button, and click “Run” from the menu that appears.
  • Page 25 “Next.” fig.16_90 Select the MIDI OUT port number in the “Select MIDI OUT Port Number” dialog. Check “SK-500” and click “Next.” fig.17_70 When the “Installation information” dialog box appears, verity the contents and click [Next] to proceed to the installation of the driver.

  • Page 26: How To Set Serial Midi Driver

    Using Serial MIDI Driver requires the correct settings for the computer being used as well as the MIDI sound module connected to the computer. First, use the following procedure to open the Roland Serial MIDI Driver settings dialog. Double-click on “Multimedia” in “Control Panel.”...

  • Page 27: Which Serial Port Should Be Used

    Computers normally may use up to four serial ports (COM1–COM4). In “COM Ports,” select the serial port (COM port) to be used for transmitting data to and from the sound module. At this time, note the following two points: • You can only use a serial port that is not in use by another device.

  • Page 28: How Many Midi Out Ports May Be Used

    Placing a check mark at “Use multiple ports” along with Roland Serial MIDI Driver allows you to use multiple SK-500 ports with your computer. Select “SK-500” for the “Sound generator.” By doing this, you can use three MIDI OUT ports with your computer.
  • Page 29 When Using the SK-500 With Computer Programs Select the devices you are using from the following list. MIDI OUT Device • Roland Serial MIDI Out A • Roland Serial MIDI Out B • Roland Serial MIDI Out C MIDI IN Device •...

  • Page 30: Uninstalling Serial Midi Driver

    Click on the “Device” tab. Double-click on “MIDI Devices and Instruments” from the list. Click on “Roland Serial MIDI Out A” then click on “Properties” at the lower right inside the dialog. Click on “Uninstall” at the lower right inside this dialog.

  • Page 31: Installing The Usb Midi Driver In Windows 2000

    * Installation of this driver requires that an Administrator or other authorized user log on to Windows. For more details, consult your computer system administrator. Connect the SK-500 and the computer. You will need the items listed below, so take a moment to remove them from the package before you begin.
  • Page 32 Afterwards, reinstall according to the instructions in Does “? USB Device” appear in “Device Manager?” (p. 93) in Troubleshooting. Click on the “OK” button to close “System Properties.” Place the SK-500 CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. Click the Windows Start button, and click “Run” from the menu that appears.
  • Page 33 * If the message “The driver is already installed. –” appears, you can then use the setup after connecting the SK-500 to the computer. If you are unable to use the setup even with the SK-500 connected, it may be that some other problem exists. Refer to Troubleshooting.
  • Page 34 Installing the USB MIDI Driver In Windows 2000 * If the “File signature verification” setting in Step 6 above is not set to “Ignore,” the “Digital Signature Not Found” dialog box appears. If this occurs, then refer to the notes in Step 6 and take the appropriate measures to continue. fig.27 The “Insert Disk”...
  • Page 35 * The drive name that appears may vary depending on your computing environment. Go to the name used for your CD-ROM drive. When “Found New Hardware Wizard” appears, confirm that “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” is selected, then click on the “Finish” button. fig.30_80 The “System Settings Change”...

  • Page 36: Setting The Midi Output Destination

    Click on the “Audio” tab and select “Roland SK-500 PART A” in the “MIDI Music Playback” box. fig.32 * If you are unable to select “Roland SK-500 PART A” above, it may be that some other problem exists. Refer to Troubleshooting (p. 84).

  • Page 37: Uninstalling The Windows 2000 Usb Midi Driver

    Log on to Windows with the Administrator name or name of a user belonging to the Administrators group. Set the SK-500’s computer switch to “USB.” Connect the SK-500 and the computer with a USB cable. Turn the SK-500’s [POWER] switch to “ON.” Before uninstalling the driver, quit all applications.
  • Page 38 Click to select “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” from the list, then right-click and select “Uninstall” from the menu that appears. * If “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” does not appear in the list, see If You Cannot Install/Uninstall/Use the Driver (p. 92).

  • Page 39: Installing The Windows 2000 Serial Midi Driver

    * Installation of this driver requires that an Administrator or other authorized user log on to Windows. For more details, consult your computer system administrator. Connect the SK-500 and the computer. You will need the items listed below, so take a moment to remove them from the package before you begin.

  • Page 40: Installing Serial Midi Driver

    Installing the Windows 2000 Serial MIDI Driver Installing Serial MIDI Driver * Installation of this driver requires that an Administrator or other authorized user log on to Windows. For more details, consult your computer system administrator. Open the Control Panel and double-click on “System.” Click on the “Hardware”...
  • Page 41 Place the SK-500 CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. Click the Windows Start button, and click “Run” from the menu that appears. Type “D:\Eng\Driver\RS2000\Setup.exe” in the dialog’s name box, then click “OK.” fig.35 Follow the instructions on the screen to carry out the installation.
  • Page 42 • Use multiple ports When using a sound module that support multiple ports, such as Roland’s SC-88, SC-88Pro, SC-8850, SC-8820, or SK-500, placing a check in this check box allows you to use multiple MIDI ports with a single computer cable.

  • Page 43: Setting The Midi Output Destination

    When Using Windows Media Player Double-click on the “Sound and Multimedia” tab in “Control Panel.” Click on the “Audio” tab and select “Roland SK-500 PART A” in the “MIDI Music Playback” box. Click the “OK” button to close “Sound and Multimedia Properties.”...

  • Page 44: Installing Oms And Usb Midi Driver On Macintosh

    Installing OMS and USB MIDI Driver on Macintosh Connecting the SK-500 and the Macintosh You can easily connect the SK-500’s USB connector and a Macintosh’s USB port with a single USB cable. You will need the following: • The SK-500 •...

  • Page 45: Installing The Midi Driver (Oms)

    When you turn on the SK-500, the following messages appear, but as the driver (software) required by the sound module will be installed afterwards from the included CD-ROM, use the procedures described below in response to each of the messages that come up.
  • Page 46 Installing OMS and USB MIDI Driver on Macintosh fig.40_70 The following dialog appears. If you have Opcode Studio 4 or 5, or the X Series MIDI Interface, click [Yes]. Otherwise, click [No] to proceed. fig.60 When you have finished the installation, a dialog appears. Click [Restart] to restart your Macintosh.

  • Page 47: Installing The Sk-500 Driver

    Installing the SK-500 Driver On the SK-500 CD-ROM, open “English” - “OMS” and double- click on the “SK-500 OMS USB Installer-E” icon in the folder. fig.41 Confirm that OMS has been installed where you are going to install the SK-500 driver, then click “Install.”...

  • Page 48: Setting Oms

    Installing OMS and USB MIDI Driver on Macintosh Press the [POWER] switch on the SK-500’s rear panel to the ON position to turn on the power. Setting OMS On the SK-500 CD-ROM, open “English” - “OMS” and drag the “Settings” folder to the Macintosh’s hard disk to copy the folder.
  • Page 49 In the “Create a New Studio Setup” dialog, click on “Cancel.” fig.47_70 Select “Open” from the “File” menu, select the “SK-500 USB” file in the “Settings” folder copied in Step 1, then click on [Close]. fig.usbprt The following screen appears.
  • Page 50 Installing OMS and USB MIDI Driver on Macintosh Select “OMS MIDI Setup” from the “Edit” menu, check “Run MIDI in background” in the “OMS MIDI Setup” dialog, then click “OK.” fig.51_70 Select “Make Current” from the “File” menu. If you are unable to select “Make Current,”...
  • Page 51 ( ); move the cursor over the sound module icons with circle marks in the figure below. If sounds from the SK-500 are being played, the settings are correct. If MIDI is not being transmitted, you will hear the alert sound from the Macintosh.

  • Page 52: Installing Oms And Serial Midi Driver On Macintosh

    Installing OMS and Serial MIDI Driver on Macintosh Connecting the SK-500 and the Macintosh You can easily connect the SK-500’s Serial connector and a Macintosh’s modem port or printer port with a single cable. You will need the following. • SK-500 •...

  • Page 53: Installing The Midi Driver (Oms)

    Installing the MIDI Driver (OMS) Install the MIDI Driver (OMS) on the Macintosh. Place the SK-500 CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. On the SK-500 CD-ROM, open “English” - “OMS” - “OMS2.3.8” and double-click on the “Install OMS 2.3.8” icon in the folder.

  • Page 54: Installing The Sk-500 Driver

    Click [Restart] to restart your Macintosh. fig.70_70 Installing the SK-500 Driver On the SK-500 CD-ROM, open “English” - “OMS” and double- click on the “SK-500 OMS Serial Installer-E” icon in the folder. fig.71 Although an error dialog may appear when the...
  • Page 55 Confirm that OMS has been installed where you are going to install the SK-500 driver, then click “Install.” fig.72_70 If the message below appears, click “Continue” to click open applications and proceed with the installation. fig.73_70 A dialog with the message “Installation was successful. –”...

  • Page 56: Setting Oms

    Installing OMS and Serial MIDI Driver on Macintosh Setting OMS On the SK-500 CD-ROM, open “English” - “OMS” and drag the “Settings” folder to the Macintosh’s hard disk to copy to the hard disk. fig.74 Go to where OMS has been installed, open “Opcode,” and then double-click on “OMS Setup”...
  • Page 57 Step 1, then click on [Close]. fig.serprt1 The following screen appears. fig.serprt2 Opening the SK-500 Modem Port file Installing OMS and Serial MIDI Driver on Macintosh Opening the SK-500 Printer Port file If you mistakenly click on “OK,” click on “Cancel” in the screen that follows.
  • Page 58 500. Also check “Run MIDI in background” then click “OK.” fig.03-omsser5ab+ Opening the SK-500 Modem Port file Select “Make Current” from the “File” menu. If you are unable to select “Make Current,” it is because it is already in effect, so you may just leave it at that.
  • Page 59 ( ); move the cursor over the sound module icons with circle marks in the figure below. If sounds from the SK-500 are being played, the settings are correct. If MIDI is not being transmitted, you will hear the alert sound from the Macintosh.
  • Page 60 Installing OMS and Serial MIDI Driver on Macintosh Select “Quit” from the “File” menu to quit “OMS Setup.” The settings made up to this point complete the connection of the SK-500 and the Macintosh and the installation of setting of the MIDI driver. You are now ready to input and output (record and play back) MIDI data.

  • Page 61: Installing Gs Advanced Editor

    The “MIDI Port Setup” dialog box appears. Make necessary settings for the following items. Using USB MIDI Driver Model: SC-8850 * Since the SC-8850 Map is employed by the SK-500, select “SC-8850.” Number of Parts: [32 (choose two output ports.)] MIDI INPUT: [Roland SK-500]...

  • Page 62: Macintosh Users

    Installing GS Advanced Editor fig.89_70 Using Serial MIDI Driver Type of Sound Module: * The SC-8850 Map is employed by the SK-500. Number of Parts: MIDI INPUT: MIDI OUTPUT A: MIDI OUTPUT B: fig.90_70 After making the above settings, click [Close].
  • Page 63 Select “SC-8820” for the “Type of Sound Module” and click [OK]. fig.91_70 * Since the SC-8820 Map is employed by the SK-500, select “SC-8820”. Select “32 Parts” for the “Number of Parts to use,” and click [Next]. fig.92_70 Installing GS Advanced Editor...

  • Page 64: Additional Information On Ports To Use

    Select the following for the “MIDI Ports” setting. Input Port: Roland SK-500 Output Port A: Roland SK-500 Port A Output Port B: Roland SK-500 Port B fig.93_70 * Items you set in the OMS Setup will be available from the pull-down menu.
  • Page 65 * The “(s)” in “SK-500 keyboard (s)” and “Roland SK-500 (s)” denote the serial MIDI driver. It appears only when the serial driver is installed. MIDI OUTPUT SK-500 Port A Data is output from Part Group A SK-500 Port B...

  • Page 66: Installing Acrobat Reader

    When the installation is complete, the “Information” dialog box will appear. Click [OK]. Macintosh Users Quit all applications that may be running. In the “English”-”Adobe Acrobat Reader” folder of the SK-500 CD-ROM, double-click the “Reader Installer” icon. Once the starting screen of the installer appears, click [Continue].
  • Page 67 Installing Acrobat Reader When the installation is complete, the message “Installation was successful.–” will appear. Click [Quit] and restart the Macintosh. This completes the installation of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

  • Page 68: Controlling Sounds

    Hold down [-] and press [+] to go back faster. * Refer to the chart on page 121 for the list of instruments available on the SK-500. Also, the list of numbers printed on the SK-500 can be used as a reference to find instrument groups.

  • Page 69: Changing To The Drum Set

    To select a different drum set, press [+] or [-]. Switching to a different part The SK-500 offers 32 parts, any of which can be freely selected for play by the keyboard. Check if the Function Mode is selected. If not, hold down the [SHIFT] button and press [-].

  • Page 70: Modifying Tones

    Controlling Sounds Press a numbered key on the keyboard to select the part number. Go back to the Play Mode. Modifying Tones When you wish to bend a guitar sound or brass instrument sound, use pitch bend or modulation. • Bending a guitar sound (changing the pitch of the sound) Pitch Bend Move the Pitch Bender •...

  • Page 71: Connecting To A Computer Or Other Device (Local On/Off)

    When the sound module and the keyboard are connected, it is called “local on.” Connect the SK-500 to a computer with a USB cable or a computer cable to “record” MIDI information using a sequencer software. The MIDI information can be transmitted from the software to be played back with the computer, and it is called “software thru.”...

  • Page 72: Assigning Functions To The Controller. (Function Mode)

    ENTRY slider to determine the degree of this effect to add to the note being played. * As a default, the sound generating section of the SK-500 is set to ignore Channel Aftertouch messages. However, it can be changed in the software depending on the sequencer software you have.
  • Page 73 When the pedal is pressed (when Hold is ON), the sound continues. When you step on the pedal and the SK-500 receives the “Hold On” message, the note will be sustained. For instruments such as piano, the sound will decay slowly until you release the pedal or the sound module receives the Hold Off message.

  • Page 74: How To Assign Functions Using Keyboards

    Controlling Sounds How to assign functions using keyboards Check if the Function Mode is on. If not, hold down the [SHIFT] button and press [-]. To assign functions for DATA ENTRY, press the [DATA ENTRY] key on the keyboard. To assign function on pedal, press the [PEDAL] key. Note that the function you select for DATA ENTRY or PEDAL will be shown in the display.

  • Page 75: Sound Module

    Sound Module The SK-500 is able to produce 32 different sounds at once. An instrument such as the SK-500, which can simultaneously produce a multiple number of sounds (even though it is a single unit) is called a multitimbral sound module.

  • Page 76: Tones And Parts

    Tones and Parts Types of Part The SK-500 has 32 Parts. Parts are organized into Group A (A01-A16) and Group B (B01-B16), with sixteen in each group. There are two types of Parts: Normal Parts and Drum Parts. We refer to this difference as the Part Mode.

  • Page 77: Parts And Tones

    Make sure that the numbers are correct, because the list starts with different numbers depending on the software you have. On the SK-500, the instrument number starts at 0 and the variation number starts at 1.

  • Page 78: Actual Midi Messages Transmitted

    Each drum sound (Drum Instrument) is assigned to a different note of the Drum set. The Drum Sets that are available on the SK-500 are listed in Drum Set List (p. 127), which gives the number and name of the sound in each Drum set.

  • Page 79: Changing Drum Sets From The Sequencer Software Using Midi Messages

    Transmit a Program Change message to the channel to which the Drum Part is assigned. With the factory pre-set, Part 10 is assigned to the Drum Part (MIDI receive channel:10). On the SK-500, Drum Set numbers (displayed under “INST.”) correspond to Program numbers (p. 127).

  • Page 80: How The Number Of Simultaneous Notes And Voices Are Related

    How the Number of Simultaneous Notes and Voices Are Related On the SK-500, the sounds are made up of voices, the smallest unit of sound generation. There is a limit to how many of these Voices can sound at once, and in the case of the SK-500, up to 64 simultaneous voices can be used.

  • Page 81: Altering The Notes Being Played (How To Use Effects)

    Altering the notes being played (How to use effects) There are two types of effects available on the SK-500 – System Effects and Insertion Effects. What Are System Effects? Of the System effects, the reverb/chorus/delay effects take part of the sound from each Part to create a new effect-processed sound (such as reverberation), and then add this to the original sound.

  • Page 82: System Effect

    Altering the notes being played (How to use effects) System Effect As System effects, the SK-500 provides 8 types of reverb to add reverberation to the sound, 8 types of chorus to add depth, 10 types of delay to add echo-like effects, and a two-band equalizer to modify the tonal character by boosting or cutting the frequency ranges of the sound.
  • Page 83 User Drum Displays the user drum editor window. Effect Displays the effect editor window. Sets the level of effects such as reverb or chorus. Keyboard Displays the keyboard window. Click the keys in the keyboard window to monitor the sound. Press [Effect] on the tool bar to start up the effect editor window.

  • Page 84: Troubleshooting

    Windows95/98 Driver Issues If You Cannot Install/Uninstall/Use the Driver Is the driver installed correctly? If you cannot use the SK-500 even after installing the driver, it may be that the driver was not installed correctly. Use the following procedure to check.
  • Page 85 If the driver has not been installed in accordance with the procedure described in “Installing the USB MIDI Driver In Windows 98,” then Windows will not properly recognize the SK-500, so it cannot operate it. Use the following procedure to reinstall the driver.
  • Page 86 Follow the procedure described in Installing the USB MIDI Driver In Windows 98 (p. 16) to reinstall the driver. Is “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” in “Device Manager” accompanied by a yellow “!” or red “x?” Follow the procedure below to check.
  • Page 87 “!” or red “x” is present. If a yellow “!” appears, quit all applications being used by the SK-500, turn off the SK-500’s power, and then turn it on again. If this does not resolve the problem, or if the red “x” is still present, follow Steps 13 and after in Uninstalling the USB MIDI Driver (p.
  • Page 88 Windows. Before installing the driver, quit all applications. Confirm that the power to the SK-500 is off, then set the SK- 500’s computer switch to “USB.” Connect the SK-500 and the computer with a USB cable.
  • Page 89 [OK]. Click on [OK] after this as well. The “Device Selection” dialog box appears; after confirming that “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” is displayed, click on [OK]. When “Windows driver file search for the device: Roland SK- 500 USB Driver” appears, click on [Next]. The driver file is copied.

  • Page 90: The Sk-500 Device Cannot Be Selected

    If while the SK-500 is in use the USB cable is disconnected and reconnected or the SK-500’s power is turned off and then on again, the system may begin to operate incorrectly. In such instances, quit all applications using the SK-...

  • Page 91: Cannot Play Back Or Record

    When changing or confirming settings, follow the procedure described in How to Set Serial MIDI Driver (p. 26). * Changes in settings become effective after the SK-500’s power is turned off and then on again. If not experiencing any particular problems, use with this unchecked (initial setting).

  • Page 92: Same Device Name Appears Multiple Times

    Installing Serial MIDI Driver (p. 40) to confirm the settings. Is the USB driver installed correctly? If you cannot use the SK-500 even after installing the driver, it may be that the driver was not installed correctly. Use the following procedure to check the installation.
  • Page 93 If it doesn’t appear, refer to Does “? USB Device” appear in “Device Manager?” (p. 93). If it is present, but with a yellow “!” or red “x” with it, refer to Is “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” in “Device Manager” accompanied by a yellow “!”...
  • Page 94 Log on to Windows with the Administrator name or name of a user belonging to the Administrator’s group. Turn off the power to the SK-500 and set the SK-500’s computer switch to “USB.” Connect the SK-500 and the computer with a USB cable.
  • Page 95 “!” or red “x” is present. If a yellow “!” appears, quit all applications being used by the SK-500, turn off the SK-500’s power, and then turn it on again. If this does not resolve the problem, or if a red “x” is present, click on this, then right-click and select “Uninstall”...
  • Page 96 Troubleshooting Is “Roland SK-500 USB Driver” in “Device Manager” accompanied by a yellow “!” or red “x?” Has the driver been completely uninstalled? Follow the procedures in Uninstalling the Windows 2000 USB MIDI Driver (p. 37) to reinstall the driver.
  • Page 97 Click on the [OK] button to close “System properties.” Check to make sure the power to the SK-500 is off, and set the computer switch to “USB.” Connect the SK-500 and the computer with a USB cable. Turn on the SK-500’s power.

  • Page 98: The Sk-500 Device Cannot Be Selected

    Has the computer been put into standby mode (Suspend) or sleep mode with the SK-500’s power turned on? If the SK-500’s power is turned on and the computer is put into standby mode (Suspend) or Sleep mode, the system may begin to operate incorrectly.

  • Page 99: You Cannot Play Back/Record

    If while the SK-500 is in use the USB cable is disconnected and reconnected or the SK-500’s power is turned off and then on again, the system may begin to operate incorrectly. In such instances, quit all applications using the SK- 500, turn off the SK-500’s power, and then turn it on again.

  • Page 100: Portions Of Performances Are Strange; Sounds Drop Out Or Parts Are Missing

    Double-click on “Sound, video and game controllers.” Double-click on “Roland SK-500 USB Driver.” Click on “Properties,” double-click on “MIDI Devices and Instruments.” Click on “Roland SK-500 Serial Driver,” then click on “Properties.” Click on [Settings]. Change the settings, then click on the [Preferences] button.

  • Page 101: Driver Was Installed, But Driver File Is Still Requested

    You Cannot Use Two or More SK-500s Simultaneously This driver can only be used by one SK-500 at a time. You cannot use a second or any additional SK-500. Carry out the procedure described in Are two or more SK-500s connected? (p. 98) Other Issues “The currently installed device driver does not support Plug and...

  • Page 102: Macintosh Driver Issues

    • Turn the SK-500’s power off then on again. • If using a serial connection, confirm that the SK-500’s computer switch is set to “Mac.” If it is not, set the switch to “Mac,” then turn the SK-500’s power off then on again.

  • Page 103: No Sound In The Oms Test

    Set the switch to “USB” when using a USB connection, and to “Mac” when using a serial connection. The SK-500 does not recover correctly from sleep mode. After your Macintosh has been in sleep mode, exit the software and re-start it.
  • Page 104 (p. 12) Check the following. • Are the SK-500 and your computer connected correctly, and is the Computer switch of the SK-500 set correctly? Refer to Connecting to a computer, and check the connections. (p. 15) * The new setting of the Computer switch will take effect when the power is turned on.
  • Page 105 Check the following points. • Are the output jacks of the SK-500 correctly connected to the input jacks of your audio device? If the driver is not installed, you will not be able to use the SK-500 from your computer.

  • Page 106: You Cannot Play Back More Than 16 Parts

    Cannot select the desired sound • Are you sending an incorrect Program Change number? To see which tones can be used with the SK-500, refer to the PDF file on the SK-500 CD-ROM (“Eng” - “Appendix”; on the Macintosh, “English” - “Appendix”).

  • Page 107: Notes Sound Twice

    • Is the Device ID number for the Exclusive data being transmitted set to “17”? • Is the check sum wrong? For more on Exclusive messages, refer to the PDF file on the SK-500 CD- (“Eng” - “Appendix”; on the Macintosh, “English” - “Appendix”). Troubleshooting...

  • Page 108: The Sk-500 Does Not Transmit Midi Data (You Cannot Perform Using Sequencer Software)

    Troubleshooting The SK-500 does not transmit MIDI data (you cannot perform using sequencer software) • When sending data from the SK-500 while connected to a computer, set the computer switch on the SK-500’s rear panel. Connection USB connection Serial connection...

  • Page 109: Certain Keys On The Keyboard Do Not Sound When Certain Instrument Sounds (Such As Timpani) Are Selected, Even Though The Same Keys Do Sound With Other Instruments

    Windows or Mac sequencer software • Have you installed the driver? In order to operate the SK-500 from a computer, you need to first install the appropriate driver. Refer to Before Connecting to a Computer (p. 14) and install the driver for the computing environment you use.

  • Page 110: About Midi Data

    “play back” MIDI data. MIDI files you create can be played back using other makes/models of sound module. However, the way the sound module plays the data may be different due to differences in the specifications of the modules.

  • Page 111: What Is Gs

    About MIDI data What is GS? The GS Format, devised by Roland, is a set of standard specifications for sound generating devices. While being fully compliant with the GM1 specifications, the GS Format attempts to enhance compatibility by defining a number of additional details. These include unique specifications for sounds, and for the functions available for tone editing and effects (chorus and reverb).

  • Page 112: About Midi

    How MIDI Messages are Transmitted and Received First, we will briefly explain how MIDI messages are transmitted and received. MIDI Connectors MIDI messages are transmitted and received using MIDI connector on the SK-500. Connect MIDI cables to these connectors as appropriate for your setup. fig.11-1e...

  • Page 113: What Is General Midi 2

    MIDI functionality of sound modules that would allow certain types of com- patibility between manufacturers. It defines basic sound module specifications such as the number of parts, polyphony, and the sound map. Principle differences between General MIDI 2 and the GS Format (SK-500) • Initialization message for sound source parameters [GS]...
  • Page 114 <Example> * The General MIDI 2 sound map differs from the GS format. The SK-500 will normally operate in the GS format, but if a GM2 System On message is received, it will enter General MIDI 2 mode, and will use the special sound map.

  • Page 115: Midi Messages That Can Be Received By The Sk-500

    Reverb Send Level* Chorus Send Level* Active Sensing MIDI Messages That Can Be Received by the SK-500 MIDI uses many different types of message to transmit musical performance data, and there are many types of MIDI message. For example, information indicating “which key was played how strongly”...
  • Page 116 These messages are used to select sounds. Sounds are selected by a Program num- bers 1–128. On the SK-500, these messages will select sounds (Instruments). By using Bank Select messages (which are a type of Control Change message), an even wider variety of sounds can be selected.
  • Page 117 Pan (control change number 10) This message controls the stereo position of a Part. Hold (1) (control change number 64) This message conveys the up/down movements of the damper pedal, causing the currently sounding notes to be sustained. When a Hold On message is received, notes will be sustained.
  • Page 118 NRPNs with GS Sound Modules (The PDF file on the SK-500 CD-ROM). With the initial settings, Aftertouch messages will have no effect when received by the SK-500. In order for Aftertouch messages to do something, you need to set Aftertouch- related parameters.
  • Page 119 In order to recognize the device for which the data is intended, Roland Exclusive messages contain a manufacturer ID, device ID and model ID. The SK-500 manufacturer’s ID is 41H. The device ID is 10H. The model ID is 42H. GM1 System On...
  • Page 120 GS Reset (GS Format System Exclusive) When a GS Reset is received, the SK-500 will be set to the basic GS settings. Also, NRPN messages defined by the GS format are recognized after a GS Reset has been received. A GS System Reset message is located at the beginning of song data bear- ing the GS logo.

  • Page 121: Appendix

    Appendix Instrument List * The SC-8820 Map is employed by the SK-500. Piano CC00 SC-8820 Map Voices Piano 1 UprightPiano Mild Piano Upright P w Mild Piano w European Pf Piano + Str. Piano + Str2 Piano+Choir1 Piano+Choir2 Piano 2...
  • Page 122 Appendix CCC00 PC SC-8820 Map Voices Overdrive Gt Overdrive 2 Overdrive 3 More Drive Guitar Pinch Attack Drive LP OverDrvGt LP OverDrv: LP Half Drv LP Half Drv2 LP Chorus DistortionGt Dist. Gt2: Dazed Guitar Distortion: Dist. Fast: Attack Dist Feedback Gt.
  • Page 123 CC00 SC-8820 Map Voices Syn.Strings1 OB Strings StackStrings JP Strings Chorus Str. Syn.Strings3 Syn.Strings4 Syn.Strings6 Syn.Strings7 LoFi Strings High Strings Hybrid Str. Tron Strings Noiz Strings Syn.Strings2 Syn.Strings5 JUNO Strings FilteredOrch JP Saw Str. Hybrid Str.2 DistStrings JUNOFullStr. Air Strings Atk Syn Str.
  • Page 124 Appendix Pipe CC00 SC-8820 Map Voices Piccolo Piccolo: Nay Tremolo Flute Flute 2: Flute Exp. Flt Travelso Flute + Vln Pipe & Reed Tron Flute Indian Flute Recorder Pan Flute Kawala Zampona Zampona Atk Tin Whistle TinWhtsle Nm TinWhtsle Or Bottle Blow Shakuhachi Shakuhachi:...
  • Page 125 CC00 SC-8820 Map Voices Bowed Glass SoftBellPad JP8 Sqr Pad 7thBelPad Steel Glass Bottle Stack Metal Pad Tine Pad Panner Pad Steel Pad Special Rave Metal Pad 2 Halo Pad Vox Pad Vox Sweep Horror Pad SynVox Pad SynVox Pad 2 Breath&Rise Tears Voices Sweep Pad...
  • Page 126 Appendix CC00 SC-8820 Map Voices Steel Drums Island Mlt Woodblock Castanets Angklung Angkl Rhythm Finger Snaps 909 HandClap HandClapMenu Taiko Small Taiko Concert BD ConcertBD Mt Jungle BD Techno BD Bounce KendangWadon Bebarongan Pelegongan Dholak 1 Dholak 2 Jngl BD Roll Kick Menu 1 Kick Menu 2 Kick Menu 3...

  • Page 127: Drum Set List

    Drum Set List The drum sets of this unit are organized as follows. The SC-8820 drum sets are employed by the SK-500.) SC-8820 map STANDARD 1 STANDARD 2 STANDARD L/R ROOM HIP HOP JUNGLE TECHNO ROOM L/R HOUSE POWER ELECTRONIC...
  • Page 128 Appendix SC-8820 Drum Set (1) * About Notes 0–21, and 95–127, refer to p.136. STANDARD 1 STANDARD 2 MC-500 Beep 1 <– MC-500 Beep 2 <– Concert SD <– Snare Roll <– Finger Snap 2 Finger Snap High Q <– Slap <–...
  • Page 129 SC-8820 Drum Set (2) * About Notes 0–21, and 95–127, refer to p.137. PC 11 PC 12 JUNGLE TECHNO <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– Scratch Push 2 [EXC7] Scratch Push 2 Scratch Pull 2 [EXC7] Scratch Pull 2...
  • Page 130 Appendix SC-8820 Drum Set (3) * About Notes 0–21, and 95–127, refer to p.137, p.138. PC 25 PC 26 ELECTRONIC TR-808 <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– Finger Snap 2 <– <– <– <– <– Scratch Push 2 [EXC7] Scratch Push 2 Scratch Pull 2...
  • Page 131 SC-8820 Drum Set (4) * About Notes 0–21, and 95–127, refer to p.138. PC 30 PC 31 TR-707 TR-909 <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– Scratch Push 2 [EXC7] Scratch Push 2 Scratch Pull 2 [EXC7] Scratch Pull 2...
  • Page 132 Appendix SC-8820 Drum Set (5) * About Notes 0–21, and 95–127, refer to p.139. PC 42 PC 43 BRUSH 2 BRUSH 2 L/R <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– Finger Snap 2 Finger Snap 2 <– <– <– <–...
  • Page 133 SC-8820 Drum Set (6) * About Notes 0–21, and 95–127, refer to p.139. PC 52 PC 53 KICK & SNARE 2 ASIA CR-78 Kick 1 Gamelan Gong 1 CR-78 Kick 2 Gamelan Gong 2 TR-606 Kick Gamelan Gong 3 TR-707 Kick Gamelan Gong 4 TR-808 Kick 1 Gamelan Gong 5...
  • Page 134 Appendix SC-8820 Drum Set (7) * About Notes 0–21, and 95–127, refer to p.139, p.140. PC 57 MC-500 Beep 2 Guitar Slide Guitar Wah Guitar Slap Chord Stroke Down Chord Stroke Up Biwa FX Phonograph Noise Tape Rewind Scratch Push 2 [EXC1] Scratch Pull 2 [EXC1]...
  • Page 135 SC-8820 Drum Set (8) PC 61 SFX 2 Acoustic Bass Mute Noise Acoustic Bass Touch Noise Acoustic Bass Attack Noise Distortion Guitar Mute Noise Steel Guitar Slide Noise 1 Steel Guitar Slide Noise 2 Steel Guitar Slide Noise 3 Steel Guitar Slide Noise 4 Guitar Stroke Noise 1 Guitar Stroke Noise 2 Guitar Stroke Noise 3...
  • Page 136 Appendix SC-8820 Drum Set (9) * Notes 0–21 and 95–127 are as follows. STANDARD 2 PC17 STANDARD 1 POWER Standard 1 Kick 1 <– Standard 1 Kick 2 <– Standard 2 Kick 1 <– Standard 2 Kick 2 <– Kick Drum 1 <–...
  • Page 137 SC-8820 Drum Set (10) * Notes 0–21 and 95–127 are as follows. PC 11 PC 12 JUNGLE TECHNO Electric Kick 2 Electric Kick 2 Electric Kick 1 Electric Kick 1 CR-78 Kick 1 CR-78 Kick 1 CR-78 Kick 2 CR-78 Kick 2 TR-606 Kick1 TR-606 Kick1 TR-707 Kick 1...
  • Page 138 Appendix SC-8820 Drum Set (11) * Notes 0–21 and 95–127 are as follows. PC 28 CR-78 PC 29 TR-606 PC 30 TR-707 PC 27 PC 31 DANCE TR-909 Electric Kick 2 Electric Kick 2 Electric Kick 1 Electric Kick 1 CR-78 Kick 1 CR-78 Kick 1 CR-78 Kick 2...
  • Page 139 SC-8820 Drum Set (12) * Notes 0–21 and 95–127 are as follows. PC 42 PC 43 BRUSH 2 BRUSH 2 L/R <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <– <–...
  • Page 140 Appendix SC-8820 Drum Set (13) * Notes 0–21 and 95–127 are as follows. PC 57 PC 60 RHYTHM FX 3 Reverse Bass Mute Noise Reverse Bass Touch Noise Reverse Bass Attack Noise Reverse Clean Guitar Cut Noise Up MC-500 Beep 1 Reverse Clean Guitar Cut Noise Down Big Shot Reverse Clap Hit...

  • Page 141: Specifications

    Specifications Model: Digital Keyboard Sound Canvas SK-500 (General MIDI System/GS Format) • Number of parts • Maximum Polyphony 64 (voices) • Internal Sounds Sound Maps: 4 (SC-8820, SC-88Pro, SC-88, SC-55) Preset Sounds: 1608 Drum sound sets: User sounds: None User drum sound sets: None •...

  • Page 142: Index

    INDEX AC Adaptor Socket ... 11 Active Sensing ... 119 Aftertouch ... 118 All Notes Off ... 118 All Sounds Off ... 118 Audio INPUT Jack ... 11 Audio OUTPUT Jack ... 11 Bank Select ... 116 Bend ... 116 Channel Pressure ...
  • Page 143 * GS ( ) is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation. * Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 206b * Windows® 95 is known officially as: “Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system.” 206c * Windows® 98 is known officially as: “Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system.”...
  • Page 144 Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland/EDIROL Service Center or authorized Roland/EDIROL distributor in your country as shown below. SINGAPORE AFRICA AFRICA CRISTOFORI MUSIC PTE EGYPT Blk 3014, Bedok Industrial Park E, #02-2148, SINGAPORE 489980 Al Fanny Trading Office TEL: 243 9555 P.O.

Table of Contents