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RD-600
Digital Piano
Supplemental
Notes
December 2, 1997
© 1997 Roland Corporation U.S. Sequencing with the RD-600 Digital Piano Page 1 of 4
Sequencing with the RD-600 Digital Piano
The RD-600 features 128 high quality sounds including Patches from our popular voice expansion board, the
VE-RD1. In addition to the many live performance parameters included in the RD-600, it can also function as a
16-Part multi-timbral synthesizer for sequencing applications. This allows you to create elaborate arrangements
using the rich sounds and effects built into the RD-600 with an external sequencer. This document will focus on
sequencing with the RD-600 and also using and editing the effects parameters. First, we will go over the
connections and setup necessary to operate the RD-600 with your sequencer. Next, we will select instruments for
your sequence and begin the recording process. Finally, we will discuss how to apply effects to the instruments
and save these settings. This document is intended to be a supplement to the Owner's Manual. The manual
contains detailed explanations and instructions for all functions of the RD-600. It is highly recommended that you
read the manual in its entirety in order to use the RD-600 to its fullest potential.
I. Connections
Before we start to sequence, there are a couple of setup procedures to complete so the RD-600 can properly
communicate with your sequencer. First, connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of the RD-600 to the MIDI IN
of the sequencer or MIDI interface. Then, connect another MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of the sequencer or
MIDI interface to the MIDI IN of the RD-600.
II. Setting up for Sequencing
Before you start sequencing, it is a good idea to initialize the current setup so all of the parameters are at a
default setting. It is also necessary to turn the local off to disable the internal sound source of the RD-600. This
will alleviate any problems of duplicate notes when recording your sequenced parts. Use the following procedure
to initialize the current setup and turn local control off:
1) Press EDIT.
2) Press both GROUP buttons simultaneously. Press PAGE E three times followed by YES twice to initialize
the current setup.
3) Press the INT LOWER and UPPER buttons above the sliders in the PART SWITCH/LEVEL section so they
are not lit.
NOTE: Now that we have turned off the local control for the RD-600, you will need to enable MIDI Thru
(sometimes referred to as Soft Thru or MIDI Echo) on your sequencer. Without this setting, you will not be
able to hear any sound when you play the RD-600.
III. Selecting Instruments for the Parts
The RD-600 is 16 part multitimbral meaning it can play 16 different instruments (Parts) at one time. A sequencer
can be used to record these Parts. Any of the RD-600’s 128 instruments can be assigned to each of the 16 Parts.
Use the following procedure to select instruments for the Parts:
1) While holding EDIT, press SPLIT.
2) Press the PAGE F button.
3) Use the INC/DEC buttons to select Part 1.
4) Press GROUP A or B followed by the TONE CATEGORY and VARIATION buttons to select the desired
instrument. The instrument that you select will be briefly displayed on the LCD.
5) Repeat steps 3 and 5 to select additional instruments for Parts 2 through 16.
NOTE: Most sequencers will allow you to choose instruments directly from the sequencer with a message
referred to as program change. Please refer to the back cover of your RD-600 Owner’s Manual for the Patch
names and corresponding program change numbers. In addition, some programs even contain the Patch
names of various Roland products. Contact the manufacturer of your software program for more information.