User manual ROLAND AX-1

[. . . ] · . . . use the word "button" for all keys on the front panel, and only use "key" when referring to the AX-1's keyboard. · . . . say "sequencer" when referring to both hardware sequencers (like the Roland MC-80) and computers with sequencer software. · . . . talk about "MIDI instruments" to signify both isolated ("monotimbral") instruments and parts/timbres/voices/multi channels of a multitimbral module or synth. The contents of the illustrations appearing in this manual may differ slightly from what you see when you start using your instrument. [. . . ] This allows you to control two ENGLISH 9 Configuring the AX-1 5. Configuring the AX-1 Your AX-1 comes with a great many MIDI parameters, or message types, that can be transmitted so as to control your MIDI rig to your liking. Most of the following parameters can be set for the Upper and Lower sections independently ­ and most of them can be saved to a Patch memory (see p. 17). Note: The available EDIT parameters will be presented in the order they can be selected. See page 14 if all you want to do for the time is being is assign different MIDI channels to the Upper and/or Lower sections. You will also find a list of the available parameters on the AX-1's bottom panel. Selecting the parameter to be edited The AX-1's Edit parameters can be accessed via three buttons: (3) Use the [0]~[9] buttons or [DOWN]/[UP] to select a parameter. Button Function [CONTROL] Provides access to all parameters related to (page 11) the available performance functions, like Expression Bar, Touch Controller, Data Entry, etc. [DATA] (page 14) Provides access to more specific and static MIDI parameters: transmit channel, volume, etc. , but also the Dump function. [PRGCHG] Allows you to set and transmit memory (page 16) selection clusters (Bank Select, Program Change) and to set the MIDI tempo. When none of the above buttons lights, you are in "play mode" (i. e. That also means that the PATCH SELECT keypad ([A/B], [1]~[8]) can be used for selecting Patch memories. After pressing [CONTROL], [DATA], or [PRGCHG], however, the buttons [0] (A/B) [1]~[8] and [9] (TRANSPOSE) allow you to select the desired parameter. These numbers appear below the buttons and are printed in grey Here is how to select the desired parameter: (1) Look at the list on the bottom panel to find out which EDIT button you need to press. After about three seconds, the display shows the value currently set for the selected parameter. (4) Press [LOWER] or [UPPER] to select the keyboard section whose settings you wish to change. Note: It is now no longer possible to select a different KEYBOARD MODE. H (heavy), is the way to go if the external MIDI instrument is too loud/bright when you play normally. ENGLISH ENGLISH 1 1 Configuring the AX-1 Select LL if all note messages of the section in question are to be transmitted with more or less the same velocity value. Extreme differences in dynamics (hitting very hard and very soft) will, however, allow you to trigger velocity switches if the receiving MIDI instrument supports that feature. This setting is thus not the same as "off" on other instruments ­ but it is very similar. [5] oct (Octave) Upper, Lower This parameter is especially useful in Split mode (see p. 9), when you wish to use your left hand for a chord backing whose register is close to the part you play with your right hand. Of course, you can also transpose (or "shift") the Upper part in octave steps, which may be useful in Layer mode. Note that the AX-1's keyboard can also be transposed in semitone steps. See page 17. [6] dbm (D Beam) Upper, Lower The D Beam Controller allows you to control various aspects of your performance, or to add something to the music, by moving your hand, head, etc. , in the air. You only need to make sure that you do so over the two "eyes" and within a 40cm (±16") range. (1) Press the D BEAM [ON/OFF] button (indicator must light). (2) Move your hand towards and away from the D Beam's "eyes". The active section now transmits the assigned messages. Here are the functions that can be assigned to the D Beam controller (after selecting the dbm parameter): Ar1, Ar2, Ar3: The D Beam can be used for playing arpeggios on the external MIDI instrument. The number (1, 2, 3) refers to the number of octaves that are covered by the arpeggio function. [. . . ] This value will be transmitted if clt is set to 0n. 16 r AX-1 Owner's Manual ENGLISH 6. Miscellaneous Transpose Your AX-1 comes with a TRANSPOSE function you may want to use for playing songs in difficult keys. To set the desired transposition interval: You can also set the interval with the [DOWN]/ [UP] buttons. Pressing them simultaneously (1) Hold down the [TRANSPOSE] button and wait recalls the default value (1). [. . . ]