User Manual

ManualsBrandsRoland ManualsSynthesizersSystem-8 (AIRA)

Owner’s Manual (this document)

Read this rst. It explains the basic things you need to know in order

to use the SYSTEM-8.

PDF Manual (download from the Web)

5 Reference Manual

This explains all functions of the SYSTEM-8.

To obtain the PDF manual

1. Enter the following URL in your computer.

http://www.roland.com/manuals/

2. Choose “SYSTEM-8” as the product name.

Contents

Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Placing the SYSTEM-8 on a Stand (KS-18Z) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

An Overview of the SYSTEM-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Turning On/O the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Selecting Sounds (Patches/Performances) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Editing the Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Editing a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Editing a Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Saving a Sound (WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Playing Arpeggios or Chords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Playing Arpeggios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Using Chord Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Entering a Chord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Step Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Playing the Step Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Recording on the Step Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Saving Step Sequencer Data (PATTERN WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Other Functions of the Step Sequencer (MENU) . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Using the SYSTEM-8 as a MIDI Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting an Analog Synthesizer via the CV/GATE

Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Inputting an External Audio Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting a Computer via USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Overall Settings for the SYSTEM-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Accessing the MENU Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Making System Settings (SYSTEM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Convenient Functions (UTILITY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Making the Power Automatically Turn O After a Time

(Auto O) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Main Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

USING THE UNIT SAFELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

IMPORTANT NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and

“IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and Owner’s

Manual p. 23–p. 24). After reading, keep the document(s)

including those sections where it will be available for immediate

reference.

Owner’s Manual

Summary of content (24 pages)

PAGE 1
Owner’s Manual Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and Owner’s Manual p. 23–p. 24). After reading, keep the document(s) including those sections where it will be available for immediate reference. Copyright © 2016 ROLAND CORPORATION Contents Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Connecting External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAGE 2
Panel Descriptions Top Panel 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 10 1 Common section Here you can make the following settings for the SYSTEM-8. Controller Explanation [VOLUME] knob Adjusts the volume. [INPUT] knob Adjusts the volume level of the INPUT R and L/MONO jacks. Indicates the analog input level of the rear panel INPUT R, L/MONO jacks. PEAK indicator The PEAK indicator lights if the input level is excessive.
PAGE 3
Panel Descriptions Controller Explanation [SHIFT] button When used in conjunction with other buttons or knobs, lets you view parameters or edit different parameters. [MENU] button Accesses the MENU screen (p. 19). Shows various information for the operation. Display * The explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what should typically be shown by the display. Note, however, that your unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g.
PAGE 4
Panel Descriptions 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 10 Controller Explanation (for variation 1) This is a ring modulator. It generates a complex waveform by multiplying OSC 1 and OSC 2. [RING] button (OSC 2 only) [SYNC] button (OSC 2 only) OSC 2 This is oscillator sync. It generates a complex waveform by forcibly resetting OSC 2 to the beginning of its cycle in synchronization with the OSC 1 frequency. OSC 1 4 OSC 3/SUB OSC Wave knob Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for pitch.
PAGE 5
Panel Descriptions Controller Explanation (for variation 1) This knob specifies the depth and direction of the cutoff frequency change produced by the [A], [D], [S], and [R] sliders. If the knob is turned toward the right, the cutoff frequency moves in the upward direction. [ENV] knob If the knob is turned toward the left, the cutoff frequency moves in the downward direction. Allows the filter cutoff frequency to vary according to the key that you play.
PAGE 6
Panel Descriptions Rear Panel Computer A B C CONTROL Option: D P series, BOSS FS-5U Option: EV-5 D E Headphones Connect an amplified speaker. HOLD F G H I J K L M Cord hook AC adaptor Power Cord Indicator AC Outlet * Place the AC adaptor so the side with the indicator (see illustration) faces upwards and the side with textual information faces downwards. The indicator will light when you plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.
PAGE 7
Placing the SYSTEM-8 on a Stand (KS-18Z) H TRIGGER IN jack K INPUT [GAIN] switch By connecting a rhythm machine or similar device equipped with a trigger out jack, you can advance through steps of the step sequencer by sending a trigger from the external device. * If a plug is connected to this jack, the step sequencer is disconnected from the internal clock, and waits for a trigger signal. In this state, the step sequencer cannot be operated from the SYSTEM-8 itself.
PAGE 8
Introduction An Overview of the SYSTEM-8 SYSTEM-8 Controller section Sound generator section Keyboard PATCH PATCH MODE Load Save Knob MODEL SYSTEM-8 Patch data: A1–H8 (64 memories) Slider PERFORMANCE MODE Pitch bend Modulation UPPER PART PATCH LOWER PART PATCH Save Arpeggio Chord memory Save Load Load Save PLUG-OUT 1 Patch data: A1–H8 (64 memories) PLUG-OUT 2 Patch data: A1–H8 (64 memories) Load PLUG-OUT 3 Performance data: A1–H8 (64 memories) Patch data: A1–H8 (64 memories) Step seq
PAGE 9
Introduction 1. Turn the power on in the following order: SYSTEM-8 0 connected devices. * This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after turning the unit on is required before it will operate normally. 2. Switch on power to the connected equipment, and raise the volume to an appropriate level.
PAGE 10
Editing the Sounds About the PERFORM EDIT: COMMON: PERFORM MODE parameter Editing a Patch With the “Dual” mode setting, you can perform using both the upper part and the lower part. The maximum polyphony of each part is four notes. 1. Press the MODE [PATCH] button. The SYSTEM-8 is in patch mode. 2. Select a patch as necessary (p. 9). 3. Move the top panel knobs and sliders. When you operate a knob or slider, the parameter name, and value appear. After a few seconds, the top screen reappears.
PAGE 11
Editing the Sounds Saving a Sound (WRITE) In patch mode Selecting a performance 1. Press the [WRITE] button. The WRITE screen appears. PATCH* Also when you’re editing a patch (upper, lower) in performance mode, you should first save the edited patch before saving the performance. [Ent] À When you edit a patch, the display indicates “PATCH*.” 2. Press the [ENTER] button. The PATCH NAME screen appears. PATCH NAME [Ent] User_Patch_Name 3.
PAGE 12
Editing the Sounds A confirmation message appears. Patch write? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y Perform write? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y 8. To save, press the [ENTER] button. If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button. When saving is finished, the screen indicates “Completed!” Completed! 9. Repeat steps 1–8 to save the performance or patch (upper, lower) that you want to keep. Repeat steps 1–8 to save the necessary edited data, in the order of first the patch(es) (upper, lower) and then the performance.
PAGE 13
Playing Arpeggios or Chords Playing Arpeggios An “arpeggio” is the performance technique of playing the notes of a chord one at a time. By using the SYSTEM-8’s arpeggiator, you can simply hold down a chord to produce an arpeggio consisting of the notes in that chord. 1. Press the [ARPEGGIO] button to make it light. The arpeggiator turns on. 2. Use the [ARP TYPE] knob to select the arpeggio type.
PAGE 14
Step Sequencer Playing the Step Sequencer Specifying the Note Value of a Step (SCALE) 1. Press the [EDIT/DISP] button to make it light. 1. Turn the [SCALE] knob. 2. Press the [START] button. The step sequencer data plays. Step Step Step Step 1–16 17–32 33–48 49–64 STEP SEQ T=120.
PAGE 15
Step Sequencer Erasing All Step Sequencer Data (PATTERN ERASE) Muting a Specific Part (PART MUTE) 1. In performance mode, use the PART SELECT [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to select a part that you want to erase. 2. Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the [REST (ERASE)] button. When you play the step sequencer in performance mode, the upper part and lower part play simultaneously. Here’s how to mute the performance of a specific part. 1.
PAGE 16
Step Sequencer MEMO 3. Press the [REAL TIME REC] button. 55 The note you play is recorded in step 1; you then automatically advance to step 2, and the [2] button blinks. 4. Press the [START] button to start recording. 55 By selecting multiple notes without releasing, you can record a chord. Keyboard recording screen Step number You can also start recording by pressing the [REAL TIME REC] button during playback. 5. Play the keyboard. You can also record chords. Knob operations are also recorded.
PAGE 17
Step Sequencer Saving Step Sequencer Data (PATTERN WRITE) Step sequencer data is saved within the patch data (p. 11). You can save (overwrite) just the step sequencer data without writing the sound settings of the patch. 1. In performance mode, use the PART SELECT [UPPER] [LOWER] buttons to select a part that you want to save. 2. Hold down the [EDIT/DISP] button and press the [WRITE] button. A confirmation message appears. STEP SEQ write? [Exit]:N [Ent]:Y 3. To save, press the [ENTER] button.
PAGE 18
Connecting External Devices Using the SYSTEM-8 as a MIDI Controller You can use the SYSTEM-8 as a controller for PC software without using its internal sound engine. 1. Press the [MENU] button. 2. Use the Cursor [K] [J] buttons to select “SYSTEM,” and then press the [ENTER] button. 3. Use the cursor [K][J] buttons to select “SOUND: Local Sw,” and use the [VALUE] knob to select “SURFACE.” * Pressing a key does not make the SYSTEM-8’s internal sound engine produce sound.
PAGE 19
Overall Settings for the SYSTEM-8 Accessing the MENU Screens 1. Press the [MENU] button. 2. Use the cursor [K] [J] buttons to select the item that you want to edit, and press the [ENTER] button. The corresponding edit screen appears. 3. Use the cursor [K] [J] buttons to select the parameter that you want to edit, and then use the [VALUE] knobs to edit the setting of that parameter. 4. When you have finished making settings, press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the top screen.
PAGE 20
Overall Settings for the SYSTEM-8 Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT) SD cards are sold separately. Please obtain a SD card separately. * Never turn off the power or remove the memory card during the execution of the “WRITE” or “BACKUP.” * Carefully insert the memory cards all the way in—until it is firmly in place. * Depending on the manufacturer or type of memory card, it might not be possible for the SYSTEM-8 to correctly save or read data on the card.
PAGE 21
Overall Settings for the SYSTEM-8 Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) 1. Press the [MENU] button. 2. Use the Cursor [K] [J] buttons to select “UTILITY,” and then press the [ENTER] button. The UTILITY screen appears. UTILITY BACKUP [Ent] À 3. Use the cursor [K] [J] buttons to select "REMOVE PLUG-OUT (PLUG-OUT REMOVE)," and press the [ENTER] button. 4. Press the [PLUG-OUT 1]–[PLUG-OUT 3] button of the plug-out that you want to remove. The plug-out name is shown.
PAGE 22
Error Messages Message Meaning Action The SD card is not inserted, or is inserted Turn off the unit, firmly incompletely. insert the SD card, and then The SD card was turn on the unit once again removed after you (p. 8). selected data that was on the SD card. SDCard NotReady! The format of the SD card is invalid. The file is damaged. Use the SYSTEM-8 to format the SD card (p. 20). SD Card Full! There is insufficient space on the SD card. Delete unneeded data.
PAGE 23
USING THE UNIT SAFELY WARNING To completely turn off power to the unit, pull out the plug from the outlet Even with the power switch turned off, this unit is not completely separated from its main source of power. When the power needs to be completely turned off, turn off the power switch on the unit, then pull out the plug from the outlet. For this reason, the outlet into which you choose to connect the power cord’s plug should be one that is within easy reach and readily accessible.
PAGE 24
IMPORTANT NOTES Placement • Do not allow objects to remain on top of the keyboard. This can be the cause of malfunction, such as keys ceasing to produce sound. • Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar the surface. Repairs and Data • Before sending the unit away for repairs, be sure to make a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to write down the needed information.