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Using the XV-2020 as a General MIDI Sound Module
The XV-2020 features a GM mode–a convenient way to play back or create GM score data (music files for
General MIDI sound module). You’re able to play back commercial GM score data releases and even
modify various parameter settings for enhanced musical expression.
Entering GM Mode
Basically GM mode is similar to a special kind of Performance in which a General MIDI System Rhythm
Set is assigned to Part 10, and General MIDI System Patches are assigned to other Parts.
But however, you can’t store GM mode settings in user memory.
Each time you enter GM mode, the GM Drum Set is assigned to Part 10, and Piano 1 is assigned to other
Parts. You can also select other GM Patches and GM Drum Sets for each Part to match the performance.
You cannot use the included XV Editor to edit the parameters in GM mode.
Initializing the Sound Generator for General MIDI System Basic Settings
To play back a GM score correctly, the sound generator must first be initialized to basic GM system
settings. The XV-2020’s sound generator is initialized in the following situations:
• When the XV-2020 is switched to GM mode
• When it receives a GM System On message from an external MIDI device
• When a GM System On message is encountered in the song data being played back
• When you execute the GM Initialize function
Procedure
1. Press [VALUE], causing the GM indicator to light up, to switch to GM mode.
2. While holding down [VOLUME], press [VALUE].
3. Turn [CATEGORY/BANK] to choose “UTILITY (PIANO).”
4. Press [VALUE] to choose “ini.”
5. When you press [VALUE], “Sur” is displayed, and a confirmation screen appears.
6. Press [VALUE].
Initialize is executed.
Playing Back a GM Score
When the XV-2020 is in GM mode, it plays back GM scores correctly. But beyond this, the XV-2020
provides many extended features not defined in GM System specifications, and if you create music files
using these extended features, your song may not play back correctly on other GM-compatible sound
modules.
The beginning of a GM score normally contains a GM System On message. So if you play back a GM score
starting in the top of a song, XV-2020 will switch itself to GM mode. But if you play back a GM score
starting in the middle of a song, XV-2020 may not switch itself to GM mode, and the GM score may not
play back correctly. So to be safe, it’s recommended to manually set the XV-2020 to GM mode before
playing back a GM score.
although the XV-2020 can also be compatible with the GS format by receiving a GS Reset MIDI message,
Roland’s Sound Canvas Series (including the SC-8850 and SC-8820) features a different sound module
system and extended tone map, you may be unable to get MIDI data (GS music data) created especially
for use only with the Sound Canvas series of devices to play back properly.
GM/GM2 System On Message
The GM/GM2 System On messages put the unit in a state that conforms to the General MIDI System
and initializes a General MIDI-compatible sound generator.