User manual ROLAND SP-303

Owner's Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS SP-303 Dr. Sample. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: · USING THE UNIT SAFELY (page 2­3) · IMPORTANT NOTES (page 10) These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner's manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference. Copyright © 2001 BOSS CORPORATION All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION. USING THE UNIT SAFELY Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly. Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly. * Material damage refers other adverse effects respect to the home furnishings, as well animals or pets. to damage or caused with and all its to domestic The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger. The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled. The q symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specific thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet. 001 009 · Before using this unit, make sure to read the instructions below, and the Owner's Manual. .......................................................................................................... 002c · Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adaptor. .......................................................................................................... 003 · Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord, nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord, producing severed elements and short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock hazards! .......................................................................................................... 010 · 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. .......................................................................................................... 004 · Never use or store the unit in places that are: · Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are · Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are · Humid; or are · Exposed to rain; or are · Dusty; or are · Subject to high levels of vibration. .......................................................................................................... 007 · This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult an audiologist. .......................................................................................................... 011 · Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit. .......................................................................................................... 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; or · Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the unit; or · The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet); or · The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance. .......................................................................................................... · Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces. .......................................................................................................... 008c · Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor's body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock. .......................................................................................................... 2 013 101b · In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit. .......................................................................................................... 014 · The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation. .......................................................................................................... 102d · Protect the unit from strong impact. (Do not drop it!) .......................................................................................................... 015 · Always grasp only the plug or the body of the AC adaptor when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit. .......................................................................................................... 103b · Do not force the unit's power-supply cord to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially careful when using extension cords--the total power used by all devices you have connected to the extension cord's outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through. .......................................................................................................... 016 · Whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time, disconnect the AC adaptor. .......................................................................................................... 104 · Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children. .......................................................................................................... 106 · Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit. .......................................................................................................... 107d · 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. .......................................................................................................... · Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit. .......................................................................................................... 108b · Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor and all cords coming from external devices. .......................................................................................................... 109b · Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet. .......................................................................................................... 110b · Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet. .......................................................................................................... 118 · Should you remove the screws, make sure to put them in a safe place out of children's reach, so there is no chance of them being swallowed accidentally. .......................................................................................................... 3 Contents USING THE UNIT SAFELY........... 2 Main Features.......................... 6 Panel Descriptions ................... 7 IMPORTANT NOTES ................ 10 QUICK START ......................... 11 Making Connections ...............................................11 Turning On the Power.............................................12 Turning Off the Power ............................................12 Listen to the Samples .............................................13 Adding Effects to Samples.....................................14 Try Playing a Pattern ..............................................15 Playing with the Tempo Changed.................................... 15 Chapter 3. Sampling ..............27 Before Sampling..................................................... 27 Selecting Higher Quality Sampling, Extended Sampling, or Lo-Fi Sampling (Sampling Grade)...................................... 27 Selecting Between Stereo and Mono Sampling .............. 27 About Sampling Time ........................................................ 27 Sampling from a Microphone................................ 28 Sampling from a CD or MD.................................... 29 Sampling With the Tempo Specified Beforehand ....... 30 Starting Sampling Automatically (Auto Sampling) ..................................................... 31 To stop auto sampling ........................................................ 32 Making Samples with Effects Added (Resampling) .......................................................... 32 Deleting an Individual Sample .............................. 33 Deleting All Samples Together ............................. 34 Changing the Assignment of Samples to the Pads..... 34 Checking the Remaining Sampling Time............. 35 Sampling Your Own Sounds..................................16 Lifting the SP-303's Memory Protection .......................... 16 If you don't like the sampled sound ................................ 17 Chapter 4. Changing the Sampling Settings ..36 Playing Phrases Repeatedly (Loop Playback)/ Playing the Sound Only Once (One Shot Playback).... 36 Chapter 1. Playing Samples ... 18 Composition of Samples ........................................18 Switching Sample Banks........................................18 Number of Samples That Can Be Played Simultaneously (Polyphony)..................................18 Having a Sample Continue to Play Even When the Pad is Released (Hold) ..........................19 Playing Sounds Input From External Devices (EXT SOURCE Pad).................................................19 Adjusting the Volume of the External Input Sounds..... 20 Having Samples Play Only While the Pad Is Pressed (Gate Playback)............................ 36 Having Samples Play Even If the Pad Is Not Held Down (Trigger Playback)............ 36 Playing Samples in the Reverse Direction (Reverse Playback) ................................................ 37 Setting the Sample Volume ................................... 38 Preventing Unneeded Portions from Being Played (Markers/Start Point/End Point) ................................. 38 Adjusting both the Start and End points ......................... 38 Adjusting only the End Point ............................................ 39 Adjusting only the Start Point (End Point is the end of the sample) ................................ 39 Finely Adjusting the Start Point and End Point ............. 40 Chapter 2. Using the Effects ... 21 Adding Effects to Samples.....................................21 Turning Effects On and Off Rapidly (Effect Grab)......... 22 Selecting an Effect From MFX ........................................... 22 Deleting Unwanted Portions (Truncate)............... 41 Changing the Sample's BPM ................................ 41 Changing the Length of a Sample Without Changing the Pitch (Time Modify)......... 42 Applying Effects to Multiple Samples ...................22 Applying Effects to All Samples Simultaneously.........23 Effects List...............................................................24 4 Contents Chapter 5. Recording Sample Performances (Pattern Sequencer) .................. 43 Composition of Patterns ........................................43 Changing the Tempo of a Pattern..........................43 To Synchronize with a CD's or Turntable's Tempo....... 43 Chapter 7. Using the SP-303 With Other MIDI Devices ........53 Using the SP-303 With a MIDI Keyboard .............. 53 How to Change the MIDI Channel ......................... 53 Note On Operating With MIDI ................................ 54 Using the SP-303 With a MIDI Sequencer (Tempo Sync) ......................................................... 54 Synchronizing the Pattern's Tempo and Start/Stop to the MIDI Sequencer........................................................ 54 Synchronizing Only the Pattern Tempo with a MIDI Sequencer....................................................... 55 Playing Samples Without Synchronizing the Tempo.... 55 Stopping Patterns ...................................................44 Switching Patterns While Playback Is in Progress ......44 Recording the Pattern.............................................44 Erasing the Data for Mistakes in Performances.............. 46 Deleting Patterns.....................................................46 Specifying and Deleting a Single Pattern ........................ 46 Deleting All Patterns Together.......................................... 47 Using the SP-303 as a Rhythm Sound Module.... 56 Using the SP-303 With a Rhythm Machine .......... 56 Synchronizing the Performance of the SP-303's Patterns with a Rhythm Machine's Tempo ..... 56 Using the Note Messages from the Rhythm Machine to Play the SP-303's Samples ............................................. 57 Changing the Assignment of Patterns to the Pads ......47 Chapter 6. Using Memory Cards ............. 48 Memory Cards .........................................................48 Inserting a memory card .................................................... 48 Restoring the MIDI Settings to the Factory Settings ... 58 Initializing Memory Cards (Format) .......................49 Saving Samples to Memory Cards (Sample Save)..........................................................49 Loading Sample from a Memory Card (Sample Load) .........................................................50 Saving Patterns to Memory Cards (Pattern Save) ..........................................................50 Loading Pattern from a Memory Card (Pattern Load)..........................................................51 Protecting the Data on Memory Cards (Protect) ...................................................................51 Importing Wave Data to the SP-303 From a Computer ....................................................52 Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-303 ....59 Using Pattern Sequencer to Create a Rhythm Pattern ...................................................... 59 Using the SP-303 with MIDI Devices .................... 61 Using the SP-303 as a rhythm sound module ................. 61 Using the SP-303 With a Turntable....................... 62 Adding Effects to the Turntable Sound ........................... 62 Playing a Sample Along With the Sound From a Turntable .............................................................................. 63 Appendices ............................64 Chart of Operations ............................................... 64 Troubleshooting ..................................................... 66 Initializing the SP-303's Memory .......................... 68 Message List........................................................... 69 MIDI Implementation Chart.................................... 71 Specifications ......................................................... 72 Index .....................................73 5 Main Features High-Capacity Memory Cards (SmartMedia) for Extended Sampling Times The SP-303 itself provides up to three minutes and twelve seconds of sampling. In addition, by using optional memory cards (SmartMedia: 8 MB­64 MB) you can sample for much longer lengths of time. For example, using a 64 MB SmartMedia card in Standard mode gives you 33 minutes of samples, and in Lo-Fi mode, you can get up to 200 minutes. * 1 MB, 2 MB, and 4 MB SmartMedia cards cannot be used. * SmartMedia is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation. Resampling? No Problem Resampling the playback of sampled sounds with internal effects added lets you create even more new sounds. And since the process is entirely digital, there is no degradation in sound quality. This makes it convenient to create different variations from sounds that have already been sampled. Automated Playback of Sampled Sounds (Pattern Sequencer) You can run a playback of some sampled sounds, and then play back the sequence of sounds as a single pattern. This lets you easily create combinations of rhythms and samples, and combine different phrases to create a single song. 26 Internal Effects Perfect for Groove Music The SP-303 features twenty-six internal effects that are indispensable for creating and performing Groove music, including a Vinyl Simulator that mimics the sonic qualities of analog records, filter effects that are essential in Techno music, an Isolator effect­a must for remixing­a powerful voice transformer for vocal effects, and more. You can also use these effects on sounds input from external sources as well. Eight-Voice Polyphony Using mono samples, you can have up to eight voices playing simultaneously. What's more, you can use effects and memory cards with no reduction in polyphony, so you get plenty of room to work with, even in performances using layered samples with effects added. ........................................................................................................... s Printing Conventions in This Manual q Text or numerals enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicate bottons or pads. [REC] BANK [A] [1] [HOLD] q REC button Bank A button Pad 1 Hold pad Reference such as (p. **) indicate pages in this manual to which you can refer. ........................................................................................................... 6 Panel Descriptions fig.P01 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 23 25 24 26 19 20 21 22 1 VOLUME Knob Adjusts the volume level of the LINE OUT and headphones jacks. 4 Display Displays sample and pattern BPM (tempo), settings values, error messages, and other information. You can also have the remaining time available for sampling displayed. 2 EFFECTS CONTROL Knobs Control the parameters assigned to each of the knobs associated with the selected effect. Also use the knobs in the following situations. 5 EFFECTS Buttons Select the effects you wish to use. A button is lit when its effect is on; the light goes out when the effect is turned off. * It is not possible to apply two or more effects simultaneously. CTRL 1(Control 1) Knob Use this to change the sample's starting point and the playback time of the sample. CTRL 2 (Control 2) Knob Use this when changing the BPM (tempo) of the pattern or when changing the point when the sound of the sample is to stop. 6 START/END/LEVEL Button Use this to change the point where the sample is to start and end, and to adjust the level. CTRL 3/MFX (Control 3/MFX) Knob Use this when selecting the MFX type, or when changing the sampling level or sampling volume. 7 TIME/BPM Button Use this to set the length of the playback time and the BPM (tempo). 3 PEAK Indicator This indicator helps you to adjust the level when sampling. For optimal sampling, adjust the level so that this indicator lights occasionally. 8 PATTERN SELECT Button Press this when playing back or recording patterns. When this button is lit, you can select patterns by pressing the pads. 7 Panel Descriptions 9 LENGTH (Pattern Length) Button Specifies the length of the pattern. 18 REVERSE Button This switches the SP-303 to "Reverse Playback," where samples are played backwards. Reverse Playback is in effect when the button is lit; when not lit, normal Playback is in effect. 10 QUANTIZE Button Corrects (quantizes) the timing of the pattern recordings automatically. 11 TAP TEMPO Button Tap this button a number of times to change the tempo so it accords with the timing you used while tapping it. 19 DEL (Delete) Button Use this button to delete a sample or pattern. The button lights up while the deletion is in progress. 12 CANCEL Button By pressing this button you cancel sampling or erasing samples in progress. You can also stop playback of the pattern in progress. 20 REC (Recording) Button Use this when starting and stopping sampling, and when starting and stopping recording patterns. 21 RESAMPLE (Resampling) Button Use this when creating new samples made by playing back previous samples with effects added (resampling). 13 REMAIN Button When this button is pressed, the display will indicate the remaining time available for sampling. Additionally, by pressing pads while holding down this button, you can select the samples for which you want to add effects or change settings. 22 MARK Button Use this button when you wish to sound only a portion of a sampled sound. While this button is lit, only the specified portion will sound. 14 LONG/LO-FI Button Switches the sampling grade (high-quality/extended time/Lo-Fi). Extended time is selected when the button is lit, highquality when the button is not lit, and Lo-Fi when the button is blinking. 23 BANK Buttons A/B/C/D When the PATTERN SELECT button is not lit, these switch sample banks; when PATTERN SELECT is lit, the buttons switch pattern banks. The SP-303's internal Bank A or B is selected by pressing A or B. Press C or D to select Bank C or D on the memory card. 15 STEREO Button Specifies whether sampling will be mono or stereo. When the button is lit, sampling is in stereo; when not lit, sampling is mono. 24 Pads (1­8) When [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit, pressing a pad plays the sample assigned to that pad. The pad is lit while the sample plays. When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, pressing the pad plays back and stops the playback of patterns. 16 GATE Button This switches between "Gate Playback," where samples play only while the pad is held down, and "Trigger Playback," whereby the pad is pressed to toggle between play and stop of the sample. Gate Playback is in effect when the button is lit; when not lit, Trigger Playback is in effect. 25 HOLD Pad If you hold down this pad while pressing another pad, the sample will continue to play even after you release the pad. 17 LOOP Button This switches between "Loop Playback," where samples play repeatedly when the pad is pressed, and "One Shot Playback," in which the sample is played only one time. Loop Playback is in effect when the button is lit; when not lit, One Shot Playback is in effect. 26 EXT SOURCE (External Source) Pad By using this pad you can sound/silence the sound from an external input without having to sample it, and can apply effects to the sound. 8 Panel Descriptions fig.P02 fig.P03 36 32 33 34 35 27 28 29 30 31 32 PHONES (Headphones) Jack A set of headphones can be connected here to hear the same sound as the line outputs. The jack accepts stereo 1/4 inch phone plug. 27 AC Adaptor Jack Connect the AC adapter to this connector. * Be sure to use only the specified AC adaptor. Doing so may damage the unit. 28 Power Switch Turns the power on/off. 33 MEMORY CARD Slot A memory card (SmartMedia: optional) can be inserted here. It is also possible to use card banks C/D to record long samples that the internal memory could not accommodate. A card can be used to store (backup) the data from internal memory. 29 MIDI IN Connector You can connect an external MIDI device (such as a sequencer, keyboard, or rhythm machine), and use the device to control the SP-303. Use MIDI cable (sold separately) to make connections. 34 MIC LEVEL Knob Adjusts the volume of the mic sound. 30 LINE OUT Jacks (L/R) These audio outputs are RCA phono type jacks for connection to an amp or mixer through which you wish to play the sampled sounds. 35 MIC Jack Connect a microphone. 31 LINE IN Jacks (L/R) RCA phono type audio input jacks for connecting a CD player or other source device used for taking samples. 36 Security Slot ( ) Web:www.kensington.com 9 IMPORTANT NOTES 291a In addition to the items listed under "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" on page 2­3, please read and observe the following: Power Supply 301 554 · Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display. 556 · Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system). 302 · The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern. 307 · When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itself--never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable's internal elements. 558a · Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices. · To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit's volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially when it is late at night). 559a Placement 351 · 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. 562 · Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference. 352 · This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers. 354a · Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions. · Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable. · Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit. 355 Before Using Cards Using Memory Cards · Never insert or remove a memory card while the power to the SP-303 is on. 704 · To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture. Maintenance 401a · Carefully insert the Memory card all the way in--until it is firmly in place. fig.00-01 · For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth. 402 · Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation. The surface without gold contacts must face upward 705 Additional Precautions 551 · Never touch the terminals of the DATA card. Also, avoid getting the terminals dirty. · Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important data you have stored in the unit's memory on a Memory card (SmartMedia). 552 Copyright 851 · Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the unit's memory, and on a Memory card (SmartMedia) once it has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data. 553 · Unauthorized recording, distribution, sale, lending, public performance, broadcasting, or the like, in whole or in part, of a work (musical composition, video, broadcast, public performance, or the like) whose copyright is held by a third party is prohibited by law. 853 · Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit's buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions. · Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a copyright held by a third party. Roland assumes no responsibility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party copyrights arising through your use of this unit. 10 QUICK START Making Connections The SP-303 does not contain an amp or speaker. To hear sound, either connect an amplifier and speakers or use headphones. Refer to the following diagram and connect the SP-303 to the other equipment. * Audio cables, MIDI cables, stereo headphones, and microphones are not included. These may be purchased separately from your dealer. * To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections. fig.Q01 Audio Set / Amplified Speaker etc. LINE IN Audio Cable CD/MD player AC Adaptor (ACI or ACB series) to an AC Outlet OUTPUT Stereo Headphones Quick Start MIDI cable MIDI OUT Microphone MIDI Sequencer etc. DJ system setup fig.Q02 LINE IN LINE OUT CH 1: CH 2: LINE IN PHONO IN EFFECT SEND SP-303 Turntable When sampling from a record, set the mixer fader to the Turntable position (maximum). The volume level during sampling is adjusted by the SP303's REC level (p. 28, 30) and by the mixer's effect send level. Mixer settings CH 1 Input: line CH 2 Input: PHONO Effect: OFF Effect: ON * Settings may be different depending on the mixer. For details refer to the owner's manual for your mixer. 11 QUICK START Turning On the Power Once the connections have been completed (p. 11), turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. 1. Before you turn the power on, check the following points. · Are peripheral devices connected correctly? · Are the volume levels on the SP-303 and any amp or mixer that is connected turned down to the lowest settings? 2. Turn the SP-303's power switch ON. "303" appears on the display for a few seconds. The dots will also blink. fig.Q03 Turning Off the Power 1. Before you turn off the power, make sure that the volumes of the SP-303 and the connected amp/mixer are set to their minimum position. 2. Turn off the power of the amp/mixer etc. 3. Turn off the power switch of the SP-303. Never turn off the power while the dots are blinking. This may result in corruption of data in the SP-303's internal memory or on memory cards. fig.Q04 Dots 3. Turn on the power of your amp/mixer etc. 4. Rotate the VOLUME knob to adjust the SP-303's volume. fig.Q05 5. Also adjust the volume of the connected amp/mixer etc. * This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally. * If you turn on the power with a memory card already inserted, the dots will blink until the memory card is detected. The unit will not operate during this time. Never turn off the power while the dots are blinking. 12 QUICK START Listen to the Samples When the SP-303 is shipped from the factory, 1­8 of bank A already contain samples. Let's listen to these samples. q What is a sample? A sample is a piece of sampled sound (a "waveform") together with various settings that determine how it can be played during a performance, which has been assigned to a pad. q What Is a Sample Bank? The samples that are assigned to each of the eight pads are collectively referred to as a bank. The SP-303 has four sample banks: A­D. * The SP-303 is able to sound up to eight pads simultaneously. If you press additional pads in an attempt to play more, the sound of the first-pressed pad will be turned off (pad dark) to make way for the newly-pressed pad (last-note priority). However depending on the settings, it may not be possible to sound eight pads simultaneously. For more detailed instructions, refer to "Number of Samples That Can Be Played Simultaneously (Polyphony)" (p. 18). * Once deleted, the samples assigned in the factory settings cannot be recovered. If there is any data you wish to retain, purchase a memory card (SmartMedia: 8 MB­64 MB) separately, then save the pattern to the memory card. For instructions on saving samples to memory cards, refer to "Saving Samples to Memory Cards (Sample Save)" (p. 49). fig.Q06 Quick Start 1 2 3 1. Confirm that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit. If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, press it so that the button's light goes out. 2. Press pad 1. The pad will remain lit while the sample is playing. 3. After verifying that you hear the sound, try pressing pads 2­8 as well. * If pressing a pad does not produce sound, make sure that sample bank A is selected (BANK [A] is lit). If a different bank is selected, press the BANK [A] button to switch to bank A. * The volume does not change in response to playing dynamics. Applying excessive force to a pad will cause malfunctions. For more on how to adjust sample volume levels, refer to "Setting the Sample Volume" (p. 38). 13 QUICK START Adding Effects to Samples The SP-303 has 26 effects which can add special characters to the sound. Here's how to try out these effects and hear what they can do. 4. Turn the CTRL 1­3 knobs to adjust the amount of Filter + Overdrive to be applied. CTRL 1 (CUTOFF): Adjusts the filter cutoff frequency. The more the knob is turned to the left the darker the sound becomes; conversely, turning this to the right (clockwise) gives the sound a brighter, clearer feeling. CTRL 2 (RESONANCE): Adjusts the filter resonance. The more the knob is turned to the right, the more the sound's particular characteristics are emphasized. CTRL 3 (DRIVE): Adjusts the amount of distortion in the filter. The more the knob is turned to the right, the greater the amount of distortion, creating a wilder sound. 5. To turn the Filter + Overdrive off, press [FILTER+DRIVE]; the light goes out. Of the twenty-six effects, you can select five of them­ Filter + Overdrive, Pitch Shifter, Delay, Vinyl Simulator, and Isolator­by directly pressing their buttons. The other twenty-one effects are grouped together in MFX (the multi-effects). Hold down [MFX] and turn the CTRL 3/MFX knob to select which of these twenty-one effects is to be used. Here, try applying Filter + Overdrive to the sample. fig.Q07 4 3,5 1 For explanations of the Pitch Shifter, Delay, Vinyl Simulator, and Isolator effects, as well as instructions for selecting effects used in MFX and the workings of these effects, refer to "Chapter 2 Using the Effects" (p. 21). 2 1. Confirm that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lit. If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, press it so that the button's light goes out. 2. Press the pad which contains the sample to which you wish to apply Filter + Overdrive effect. The pad will light, and the sample will sound. 3. Press [FILTER+DRIVE], and confirm that the button has lit. The Filter + Overdrive are applied to the sample sound. 14 QUICK START Try Playing a Pattern With the SP-303, you can press a number of pads in sequence to play a series of samples, and record that sequence as played. Such a sequential arrangement of performed samples is called a "pattern." At the factory settings, a demo pattern is assigned to Pad 1 in Pattern Bank A. Try listening to this pattern. * All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this material for purposes other than private, personal enjoyment is a violation of applicable laws. * Once deleted, the demo pattern cannot be recovered. If you want to keep the demo pattern, purchase a memory card (SmartMedia: 8 MB­64 MB) separately, then save the pattern to the memory card. For instructions on saving samples to memory cards, refer to "Saving Patterns to Memory Cards (Pattern Save)" (p. 50). 2. Press pad 1. Pad 1 momentarily lights, then goes off, and the [PATTERN SELECT] light goes out. The performance of the demo pattern begins. * If a pattern fails to start playing even when the pad is pressed, check to make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, and that Bank A is selected (BANK [A] is lit). If a different bank is selected, press [PATTERN SELECT], illuminating the button, then press BANK [A] to select Bank A. 3. After verifying that you hear the sound, try pressing pads 2­8 as well. The sample for the pad that is pressed is played. * After the pattern starts playing, play of samples is enabled when the pads are pressed. You can then play samples along with the performance of the pattern. 4. Press [CANCEL] (PATTERN STOP). q Pattern Banks Just as with the samples, patterns are assigned to the pads. A set of patterns assigned to the eight pads is treated collectively as a "pattern bank." The SP-303 has four pattern banks: A­D. Pattern banks and sample banks are different. For example, you do not necessarily need to use Bank A samples in Pattern Bank A. The pattern is stopped. * After playing or switching patterns, the play of samples is automatically enabled when the pads are pressed. Quick Start Playing with the Tempo Changed Here's how to change the tempo at which a pattern will be played. fig.Q09 3 fig.Q08 2,4 1 1 4 2 3 1. Press [PATTERN SELECT], and confirm that the button has lit. 2. Press [TIME/BPM], and confirm that the button has lit. 3. Turn the CTRL 2 knob. The performance tempo of the pattern changes. The performance tempo is indicated by the BPM in the display. 1. Press [PATTERN SELECT], and confirm that the button has lit. "Ptn" appears in the display. BPM is short for "beats per minute," or the number of quarter notes played in a one-minute interval. 4. Press [TIME/BPM] once more, and confirm that the button has turned off. 15 QUICK START Sampling Your Own Sounds Here, let's try sampling to Pad 1 in Sample Bank B, which has had no samples assigned to it at the factory. 1. Refer to p. 11 for instructions on connecting CD and MD players, microphones, and other devices. 2. Press BANK [B], and confirm that the button has lit. 3. Press [REC] and confirm that the button has lit. Unauthorized sampling from a CD, record, tape, video production, or broadcast whose copyright is owned by a third party is forbidden by law, with the exception of special cases such as private use. The SP-303 switches to sampling standby mode, and a pad that has no sample assigned to it is automatically selected and begins blinking. * If you now decide not to sample, press [CANCEL]. [REC] light goes out. 4. Press pad 1. When Pad 1 is pressed, the other pad lights go out. [REC] will blink. 5. Adjust the sampling level. q While playing back the sampled sound, then turn the CTRL 3/MFX (LEVEL) knob, adjusting the level so that the PEAK indicator lights up only from time to time. * If the PEAK indicator does not light even when the CTRL 3/ MFX (LEVEL) knob is turned fully clockwise, it may be that the volume level of the device connected to the input is too low. While there is no particular problem with sampling under these conditions, we recommend that the volume of the connected input device be turned up until the PEAK indicator lights up from time to time. q When sampling with a mic, turn the MIC LEVEL knob completely to the right (clockwise), then adjust the level so that the PEAK indicator lights up only from time to time. * If the sound input is distorted, turn the MIC LEVEL knob to the left (counterclockwise) until the sound is no longer distorted. 6. Playback of the sound you want to sample, then press [REC] at the point where you want the sampling to begin. The [REC] button will blink, and sampling will start. 7. Press [REC] at the point you want the sampling to end. This completes the sampling, and the pad and [REC] lights go out. Lifting the SP-303's Memory Protection The SP-303's "Protect" (memory protection) is turned on at the factory to prevent accidental overwriting or deletion of the samples and demo pattern stored in the SP-303's memory. If you attempt to sample, delete, record patterns, or carry out other such operations while Protect is left on, "Prt" appears in the display, and no further operations are permitted. When you first sample or record after purchasing the SP-303, use the procedure below to lift the Protect function. 1. Turn off the power. 2. Hold down [CANCEL] and slide the POWER switch to ON. This removes the protection (Protect Off). * The Protect setting is stored even after the power is turned off, so once you turn off the protection after purchase of the SP303, it remains off afterwards. * If you want to turn Protect on again, hold down [REMAIN] while switching ON the POWER switch. fig.Q10 5 3,6,7 4,8 2 * If the available sampling time is exceeded, "FuL" appears in the display, and sampling stops automatically. Refer to the "Message List" (p. 69) for an explanation of the message content. 8. Press pad 1, and you will hear the sound that you just sampled. 5 16 QUICK START If undesired sound or silence was recorded at the beginning or end of the sample, you can make settings so that only the desired portion is played back. For more detailed information, refer to "Preventing Unneeded Portions from Being Played (Markers/Start Point/End Point)" (p. 38). If you don't like the sampled sound Delete the sound that you sampled, and start again from step 3. The procedure is as follows. fig.Q11 a,c b Quick Start a. Press [DEL] and confirm that the button has lit. The pad to which the sample is assigned blinks. "dEL" appears in the display. b. Press the pad to which the unwanted sample is assigned. The pad light stays on, and [DEL] blinks. c. Press [DEL]. [DEL] changes from blinking to steadily lit, and the dots in the display blink. The deletion is complete when the dots remain off. * The deletion process may take anywhere from several seconds up to around a minute to complete; please wait until the process is completed. Never turn off the power while the dots are blinking. Turning off the power at this point may result in corruption of data not only in the sample that was being deleted, but in other samples as well. 17 Chapter 1. Playing Samples On the SP-303, you can play samples by pressing pads 1­8 and the BANK buttons. The pad will remain lit while the sample is playing. The pad most recently pressed to play a sample is called the "current pad." The settings information for the current pad is indicated on the panel. When you insert an unused (i.e., unformatted on the SP303) memory card, and press BANK [C] or [D], then BANK [C] and [D] blink, and "FMt" appears in the display. If you want to format at this time, press BANK [C] or [D]. BANK [C] and [D] then remain lit, and [DEL] begins to blink. When you press [DEL], formatting then begins. Formatting the memory card erases all data on the card and allows the card to be used with the SP-303. Furthermore, do not turn off the power or remove the memory card during formatting (while [DEL] is lit). Whenever sample settings are changed, it is the sample assigned to the current pad that is affected. Composition of Samples One sample can be assigned to each of the Pads 1­8 on the panel. The eight samples assigned to the eight pads are collectively referred to as a "sample bank," and the SP-303 allows you to use four banks, A­D. Banks A and B are the SP303's own internal banks, and Banks C and D are banks stored on memory cards. * Sample Bank A is selected when the power is turned on. fig.r01-01 Number of Samples That Can Be Played Simultaneously (Polyphony) The SP-303 can play up to eight samples simultaneously (eight-voice polyphony). However, when a sample is set to stereo, the sample uses two of these voices. * A sample's stereo/mono setting can only be made when sampling, and cannot be changed later on. For instructions on making settings when sampling, refer to "Sampling from a CD or MD" (p. 29). Sample Bank Sample Bank Sample Bank Sample Bank D C Two banks on a memory card (total of 16 Samples) Two banks in an internal memory (total of 16 Samples) B A Also note that the maximum polyphony during resampling is four voices. * For more information on resampling, refer to "Making Samples with Effects Added (Resampling)" (p. 32). Number of Samples That Can Be Played Simultaneously Pads 1­8 (Samples) Mono Sample Stereo Sample 4 2 Switching Sample Banks To switch sample banks, press one of the BANK buttons [A]­ [D]. The button that is pressed lights up, and the SP-303 switches to that bank. * If there is no memory card inserted in the slot, you will be unable to select either Bank C or Bank D, even by pressing BANK [C] or BANK [D]. At Normal Use During Resampling 8 4 Never remove a memory card while samples in Bank C or D are being played. This can produce unexpected noises that may result in damage to speakers and amps. It can also damage the card itself. 18 Chapter 1. Playing Samples Having a Sample Continue to Play Even When the Pad is Released (Hold) You can use the Hold function to cause the sample to continue sounding even after you release the pad. This is convenient for continuous repeat play of samples (Loop Playback: p. 36). In the following procedure, we will explain how to use the Hold function with the sample on Pad 1 of Bank A as an example. fig.r01-02 Playing Sounds Input From External Devices (EXT SOURCE Pad) Just as with samples, you can use the SP-303 to control the start and stop of sound from external sources, including CD or MD players and other device connected to the AUX IN jack, and miked sounds input from the MIC jack; you can also add effects to these sounds. fig.r01-03 Chapter 1 1 1 2,3 4 3 1. Make sure that BANK [A] is lit, and press pad [1] to sound the sample. 2. Press [HOLD] before releasing the pad. This turns on Hold, and the sample will continue to sound even after you release the pad. * Even though Hold is in effect, [HOLD] does not light. 3. Press the [HOLD] pad once again to stop the sound. * The pad will remain lit while the sample is playing. 2 1. Start playback of the CD or MD. Alternatively, input vocals from the mic. 2. Press [EXT SOURCE], and confirm that the pad has lit. The external input sounds while the pad remains lit. If [GATE] is lit, the sound will be heard only while you press the [EXT SOURCE] pad, and it will be silenced when you release the pad (the pad will go dark). If [GATE] is not lit, you can press [EXT SOURCE] to toggle between sounding the sounds (pad lighted), and muting them (pad extinguished). GATE is illuminated/extinguished by pressing [GATE]. 3. Press [STEREO], and confirm that the button has turned on or off, to switch between stereo and mono external input. [STEREO] lit: Sounds from the external input are heard in stereo. [STEREO] not lit: Sounds from the external input are heard in mono. With CDs, MDs, and other input originally recorded in stereo, you will want to have [STEREO] lit. 4. You can add effects to the external input sounds by pressing one of the effects buttons, lighting that button. * If pressing an effects button still does not add effects to the external input sounds, hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and press [EXT SOURCE]. This should apply the effect to the external input. Hold is valid only for samples set for Gate Playback (when [GATE] is lit). With samples set for Trigger Playback ([GATE] not lit), there will be no change in function even if [HOLD] is pressed. Gate playback/Trigger playback can be specified independently for each pad. For more detailed information, refer to p. 36. 19 Chapter 1. Playing Samples Adjusting the Volume of the External Input Sounds If excessive input volume levels causes the sound to be distorted, or if noise becomes noticeable because levels are too low, use the following procedure to adjust the volume. fig.r01-04 3 2,4 1 1. Press [EXT SOURCE], and confirm that the pad has lit. The external input sounds are played. 2. Press [START/END/LEVEL], and confirm that the button has lit. 3. Turn the LEVEL knob (the CTRL 3/MFX knob) to adjust the volume of the external input sounds. Rotating it toward the left will decrease the volume, and rotating it toward the right will increase the volume. Adjust the level so that the PEAK indicator lights occasionally. * If the input volume of the external source does not change even when you rotate the LEVEL knob (the CTRL 3/MFX knob), hold down [REMAIN] and press [EXT SOURCE] (this selects the external input as the target for volume adjustment). Afterwards, press [START/END/LEVEL] again, and make the adjustment with the LEVEL knob. 4. Press [START/END/LEVEL] again. The [START/END/LEVEL] light goes out, and the volume setting is stored. * At times, the volume level of sounds from a CD, MD, or other such source may be too high, or if you are using a mic, distortion may still be audible even after adjusting the volume, or conversely, that you cannot get enough volume in the sound. In such situations, adjust the volume of the CD or MD player, or if using a microphone, turn the MIC LEVEL knob, adjusting the volume until you achieve the proper level. 20 Chapter 2. Using the Effects The SP-303 features twenty-six internal effects, so you can add effects to samples to alter the sounds, just with this one unit. q Of the twenty-six effects, you can select five of them­ Filter + Overdrive, Pitch Shifter, Delay, Vinyl Simulator, and Isolator­by directly pressing their buttons. The other twenty-one effects are grouped together in MFX (the multi-effects). By holding down [MFX] and turning the CTRL 3/MFX knob, you can select which of these twenty-one effects that is to be used. q You can have any one effect turned on at a given time. Multiple effects cannot be on simultaneously. If you do want to use multiple effects on a sample, or if you need to have a different effect applied to each individual effect, then use "resampling." Resampling allows you to use a sample that has effects added to it as a new sample. For more detailed information, refer to "Making Samples with Effects Added (Resampling)" (p. 32). Adding Effects to Samples fig.r02-01a 4 1,3 Chapter 2 2 1. Confirm that none of the effect buttons is lit. If any of these buttons is lit, press it so that the light goes off. 2. Press the pad which contains the sample to which you wish to apply effects. The pad will light, and the sample will sound. This pad becomes the current pad. 3. Press one of the effects buttons. The pressed button will light. An effect is on when the button is lit, and off when it is dark. * With certain effects, there may be a slight delay after the effect is turned on before the effect is applied. 4. Turn the CTRL 1­3/MFX knobs to adjust the application of the effect. The settings adjusted by turning the CTRL 1­3/MFX knobs change according to the selected effect. For more detailed information, refer to "Effects List" (p. 24). 21 Chapter 2. Using the Effects Turning Effects On and Off Rapidly (Effect Grab) When using the regular effects buttons, since the effects are turned on or off each time these buttons are pressed, it means that if you want to have an effect repeatedly turned on and off, you then have to press the button many times. This can be difficult, particularly when repeatedly turning the effect on and off over a short interval. In such cases, use the Effect Grab function. To use the Effect Grab function, hold down [TAP TEMPO] (EFFECT GRAB) and press the effect button. fig.r02-01b Applying Effects to Multiple Samples Normally, when an effect is turned on, the effect is applied only to the sample assigned to the current pad, with no other samples using the effect. However, with the procedure described below, you can apply effects to multiple effects, including that of the current pad. fig.r02-04 1 while holding With [TAP TEMPO] (EFFECT GRAB) held down, the effect is on only while the effect button is pressed, thus allowing you to turn effects on and off rapidly in time with what you are playing. 2,4 3 Selecting an Effect From MFX Use the following procedure to select the effect from MFX (the MFX type) that you want to use. fig.r02-02 1. Press the button for the effect to be used, and confirm that the button has lit. 2. Press [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD). 1 2 The current pad blinks. 3. While holding down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD), press the pads for which you want to apply the effect, in order. The pressed pad blinks and becomes the new current pad. All pressed pads other than the current pad remain lit. 1. Hold down [MFX] and turn the CTRL 3/MFX knob. The number indicating the MFX type, from 1 to 21, appears in the display. Rotating the knob toward the right will increase the number, and rotating it toward the left will decrease the number. 2. When the number for the MFX type you want to select is displayed, release [MFX]. [MFX] lights up, and the MFX is turned on. Pad Lit Pad Not Lit Current Pad: Long blinks Current Pad: Short blinks Effect O X O X The effect for a pad is alternately switched on and off each time the same pad is pressed while [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) is held down. 4. When you have pressed the pads for all samples to have the effect applied, release [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD). * You cannot apply a different effect to each pads. 22 Chapter 2. Using the Effects Applying Effects to All Samples Simultaneously If you want an effect to be applied to all of the pads at once, it would be time consuming if you needed to press all the pads. Thankfully, though, a simple procedure you can use when applying an effect to all of the pads has been provided. * This operation applies the effect to all pads in Banks A­D. fig.r02-05 Chapter 2 1