==========================================================================
ROLAND MUSICAL EQUIPMENT DIGEST      - RECENT QUESTIONS/FEATURES AND SPECS
==========================================================================

NEW!
====
This digest is an excerpt from the Roland FAQ/Equipment Specs master
file. New items and revised items from the master file are included in
this digest. If you want the complete master file, it can be File
Requested (FREQ'd) from the Fidonet location below. Ask your sysop
for assistance as necessary.

Publication Data
================
Edited and published by Tom Honles, who can be reached by e-mail on:
  Internet:   tdh@f945.n102.z1.fidonet.org
  Fidonet :   Tom Honles @ 1:102/945
  Familynet:  Tom Honles @ 8:77/28
  OS2Net  :   Tom Honles @ 81:307/6

The FAQ is the latest edition of a collection of information, specs and
commentary on Roland musical gear. The FAQ Digest is posted on the first
Wednesday of every month on the following:
(Usenet) comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard.music, rec.music.makers.synth
(Fidonet) MIDI-NET

USENET Users:
A trial FTP site is now available. Please comment to me on
any problems you encounter in trying to FTP this FAQ from the FTP site.
Ftp location: ftp.netcom.com
full path: /pub/jo/jonin/soundcards
file/path name: /pub/jo/jonin/soundcards/faqs/roland.faq
            OR  /pub/jo/jonin/midi/docs/roland.faq
This FAQ and others can always be found at the soundcards FTP at
ftp.netcom.com in the /pub/jo/jonin/midi/soundcards directory. The FTP site
was created because there seems to be no general location for soundcard FAQs
and users really need a one-source location of faqs, spec sheets, and opinions
on the various cards ou
t there.
(Thanks to: jonin@netcom.com )

FIDONET Users:
For the complete master file:
Fidonet  FReq  :   ROLAND.FAQ         from  1:102/945
or BBS Download:   EQUBE (213)367-3715

For the digest only:
Fidonet  FReq  :   ROLAND.DIG         from  1:102/945
or BBS Download:   EQUBE (213)367-3715

Information that you would like to include in this list is welcome. E-Mail
is preferred, but if you do not have netmail access, then a message
addressed in this conference addressed to me is acceptable.
Please refer to the section at the end of this document,
"How to Submit Corrections & Additions" for suggested format.

==========================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS: (and publication sequence)
==========================================================================

(+)Publication Data / Introduction
(+)Table of Contents

   Equipment Specs, Descriptions and Comments
   1. EFFECT AND PROCESSING UNITS
   2. GUITARS AND STRINGED CONTROLLERS
    - Guitar and Bass Guitar "Controllers"
    - Guitar and Bass Guitar Synthesizers
   3. KEYBOARDS, KEYED CONTROLLERS
    - Polyphonic Synthesizers
    - Monophonic Synthesizers
    - Sequencer/Programming Units, MIDI controllers
   4. MODULES AND MIDI COMPUTER PERIPHERALS
   5. RHYTHM UNITS / DRUM MACHINES
(+)6. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
   Q. How do I contact Roland Corporation?
   Q. What is the "Roland GS" standard?
   Q. What drum sounds are available in Roland MIDI equipment?
   Q. What drum sounds are available in the "Standard" General MIDI kit?
   Q. What is Roland's SysEx Data ID and what is SysEx?
   Q. Can the RAP-10 [soundcard] record a .WAV from a .MID file?
   Q. Why is this FAQ published? "About the Roland FAQ"
(+)More Info (Appendices):
(+) - How to submit corrections & additions to this document.
(+) - Credits
(+) - Disclaimer

(+) = indicates information published in every edition of the Digest.
==========================================================================

(*) ROLAND CORP. EQUIPMENT SPECS AND DESCRIPTIONS
==========================================================================

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*) [1.] EFFECT UNITS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analog and Digital effects processors, BOSS or Roland.

(*) [2]. GUITARS AND STRINGED CONTROLLERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guitar synthesizers, controllers, MIDI units, digital effect units.
Note: The guitar synthesizers are listed chronologically.

(*) Section 2 - Table of Contents (*) Renumbered 4-5-95
-----------------------------
.(-) [2.01] GR/GS-500 Non-MIDI Analog Guitar Synthesizer System
.(*) [2.02] GR-100 Non-MIDI Hex Fuzz Unit
.(-) [2.03] GR-300    Non-MIDI Analog Synth Unit
.(-) [2.04] GR-700    MIDI (out only) Digital Synth Unit
.(*) [2.05] GR-50     Guitar Synth
.(-) [2.06] GM-70     GR-MIDI Converter
.(-) [2.07] GR-09     MIDI Digital Synth Unit
.(-) [2.08] GR-1      MIDI Digital Synth Unit/Sequencer
.(-) [2.09] GI-10     Rackmount Guitar-MIDI Converter
.(-) [2.31] VG-8      Guitar System
.(-) [2.41] GK-1      Hexaphonic Pickup
.(-) [2.42] GK-2      Hexaphonic Pickup
.(-) [2.43] GK-2a     Hexaphonic Pickup
.(-) [2.53] G-202     Guitar Synth Controller
.(-) [2.54] G-303     Guitar Synth Controller
.(-) [2.55] G-505     Guitar Synth Controller
.(-) [2.56] G-707     Guitar Synth Controller
.(*) [2.57] G-808     Guitar Synth Controller
.(-) [2.90] JC-120    Guitar Amplifier

(*) [2.02] GR-100 Non-MIDI Hex Fuzz Unit
------------------------------------
(requires GR-300 series controller)
No additional data available.

(*) [2.05] GR-50 Guitar Synth (uses GK-2 Hex Pickup Unit)
---------------------------------------------------------
GK-2 pickup, rackmount synthesizer, 128 sounds, MIDI in/out, tuner,
many features for blending synth and guitar sounds.
L/A Synthesis.  Same engine as found in the Roland D-10.

Comments:
Q. Can anyone point me to a computer based editor for the Roland GR50?
A. Well, in theory (i.e. according to Roland) the GR50 has the same sysex
as the D5, D10, D20, and D110. Therefore, you might try my program,
Wmw. Just yesterday I posted an announcement of a new version. The
best place to find it (for the time being) is wuarchive.wustl.edu, in
/pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS/midi/wmw118.zip. (program only runs on Windows.)"
From: asharpe@gaia.ucs.orst.edu (Andrew Sharpe)

"Patches can be arranged in a patch chain, with 5 or 6 (I forget)
patch chains available... this allows the player to organize patches
that are stored randomly in the patch banks in order, and the player
can quickly go up and down the patches while playing, all controllable
from the GK-2. Accepts memory cards, but I have been told that "strange
things" might happen if I try to load a D-10 card into my GR-50.
Nothing damaging, but things might be laid out differently between the
two even though they share the same engine."  (Source: lost)

"Although not perfect...the GR50 is much more useful that everyone here is
describing. Mine tracks perfectly (is your pickup set up correctly?). I
use it for sequencing and I've driven many synth modules (Sound Canvas,
Wavestation SR, M1, D70) with it with excellent results. Are you using
enough pitch bend..I use 12, both send on the GR and receive on the
modules (they must match!). I have not noticed any problems with the
internal tones when also using midi out. What modules are you trying to

drive? And if you think the GR50 sounds good behind your guitar..try
driving a real synth module...Korg pads are unbelievable underneath a
guitar! In fact, I'd say that the internal tones on the GR50 is about the
least useful thing about it!"  From: isimon@aol.com (ISimon)

(*) [2.06] GM-70 GR-MIDI Converter (uses GK-1 Hex Pickup Unit)
--------------------------------------------------------------
GR-MIDI Converter. 1u Rack Mount Interface box for guitar/MIDI control
via the GK-1 pickup, one of the Roland GR series guitars, or the Steinberger
Controller. EXTENSIVE MIDI control. Each string can have six simultaneous
outputs with different characteristics (pitch/channel/etc.). NO INTERNAL
SOUNDS -- REQUIRES AN ADDITIONAL BOX (Sound Module).

Comments:
"Very versatile. Has the inherent MIDI delay in triggering. (All the new ones
only get around it by using direct control of their internal sounds instead
of MIDI.... the use of their MIDI outs will shortly confirm that! <g>)"
"The GM-70 is a guitar-to-MIDI converter. It takes the signal from the GK-1
pickup (mountable on just about any steel-string guitar) and converts it to
MIDI output. The GM-70 does NOT have any sound generation capability; you
must route the MIDI output to your own sound module. It has two operating
modes--poly (all six strings go to one MIDI channel) and mono (each string
has its own channel). Since it uses pitch-to-MIDI technology it has a short
tracking delay, more noticeable on the lower strings. MIDI Guitarist magazine
(Summer 1991) gave it a B+ in timing, the best grade of the 11 pitch-to-MIDI
devices they compared. My only complaint is that it has the worst manual I've
ever seen, which is really amazing considering how bad Roland manuals are in
general."  From: SteveG1119@aol.com

" >    I recently dug my old GR-707/700 out of the cupboard an I have an
  >interesting question for this abundant supply of guitar information out
  >here on the net
  >  DOES ANYONE "ACTUALLY USE" THERE GUITAR SYNTH
  >and if so, I would really like to know for what.
  Sure do, even in my Hippy Dippy Headbanging RnB Band!
  "Did ya see the guy playing that there fancy Guitar with the Organ sounds?"
  "They must be using tapes, I don't see no keyboard player."
  But it really shines in an improvizational soundscape format, which I also
  participate in.  In this band, the new sounds possible with my setup
  can fill up a lot of spaces where few fear to tred.
  I use a Roland GM-70 Gr-Midi Converter and a Korg Wavestation Ex.  I play
  a Roland G-808 Neck through Body Synth Guitar because, quite simply, it
  looks great and tracks better than any of the other Roland Guitars, the
  Ibanez Guitar or the Newer Addon Pickups."
From: Mark J. Sarisky (sarisky@a.chem.upenn.edu)

(*) [2.57] G-808    Guitar Synth Controller
-------------------------------------
Solid-body, thru-body neck, dual neck/bridge humbucking
pickups with 3-position pickup selector, built-in hexaphonic pickup,
onboard synth controller electronics, controls: guitar volume, tone,
synthesizer VCF cutoff, guitar/synth mix, VCF resonance (feedback) and LFO
depth (synth vibrato). Fully adjustable bridge.
Manufactured for Roland Corporation by Ibanez, this is the one you saw
Robert Fripp play.
(Data source: Roland Users Group Magazine, owner-submitted information)

(*) [3.] KEYBOARDS, KEYED CONTROLLERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keyboard and Rack-mount Synthesizers, MIDI keyboard controllers,
modular synth units, and programming modules.

(*) Section 3 - Table of Contents
-----------------------------
(*) [3.1] - Polyphonic Synthesizers
.(*) D-5       Multi Timbral Linear Synthesizer
.(*) D-10      Multi Timbral Linear Synthesizer
.(*) D-20      Multi Timbral Linear Synthesizer Workstation
.(*) D-50      Keyboard  Multi Timbral Linear-Arithmetic Synthesizer
.(-) D-70      Keyboard  Multi Timbral Linear-Arithmetic Synthesizer
.(-) D-110     Digital Rackmount
.(-) D-550
.(-) HP-1000s  Digital Piano
.(-) Juno-6    Digital/Analog hybrid, Non-MIDI
.(-) Juno-60   Analog/Digital hybrid synth., non-MIDI
.(-) Juno-106  MIDI
.(-) Alpha-Juno-1  Analog/Digital hybrid synth.
.(-) Alpha-Juno-2  Analog/Digital hybrid synth.
.(-) Jupiter-6 Analog
.(-) Jupiter-8 Analog
.(-) JX-3P     Analog/Digital hybrid
.(-) JX-8P     Analog/Digital hybrid
.(-) JX-10     Hybrid Digital/Analog
.(-) JD-800    Digital synthesizer
.(-) JD-990    Rack-mount super-upgrade of the JD-800
.(-) JV-30     Digital sample-playback keyboard (Sound Canvas with keybd)
.(*) JV-35     Upgrade of the JV-30, expandable via ROM or RAM cards.
.(-) JV-80     Digital synthesizer and sample-playback synth.
.(-) JV-90     A 76-key version of the JV-80.
.(-) JV-880    Rackmount version of JV-80
.(-) JV-1000   The super JV flagship keyboard.
.(-) JV-1080   Rackmount version of the JV-1000
.(-) JV Expansion boards
.(-) MKS-50    Rackmount
.(-) MKS-80    Super Jupiter - Rackmount Jupiter with MIDI.
.(*) MS-1 Digital Sampler
.(-) Roland Rhodes Model 660
.(-) Roland Rhodes Model 760
.(-) S-10      Digital Sampling Keyboard  (MIDI)
.(-) S-220     Rackmount Sampler
.(-) S-330     Rackmount Sampler
.(-) U-20      Digital synthesizer
.(-) U-110     Rackmount Digital Synthesizer module
.(*) U-220     Rackmount Digital Synthesizer module
.(-) W-30      Synthesizer/Workstation

(*) [3.2] - Monophonic Synthesizers
.(-) MC-202   Analog, Non-MIDI, monophonic
.(-) SH-0x Series
.(-) SH-101   Analog, Non-MIDI, monophonic
.(-) TB-303  Analog, monophonic Bass line synthesizer (Non-MIDI)

(*) [3.3] - Sequencer/Programming Units, MIDI controllers
.(*) MC-50 Sequencer
.(-) MKB-300 MIDI Keyboard Controller
.(-) MPG-80 (programmer for MKS-80 Super Jupiter)
.(-) MSQ-100 MIDI sync/sequencer box
.(-) MSQ-700 MIDI/DCB Multi-track Digital Keyboard Recorder
.(-) PG Series Synthesizer Programmers (see also MPG Series)
.(-) PG-100 programmer box
.(-) PG-200 (programmer box for JX-3P, MKS-30 Planet S)
.(-) PG-300 (programmer box for Alpha Juno 1 & 2, MKS-50)
.(-) PG-800 (programmer for JX-8P, JX-10, MKS-70 Super JX)
.(-) PG-1000 (programmer for D-50, D-550)
.(-) System 100 Sequencer Module 104
.(-) A-30 Master Controller Keyboard (verify?)
.(-) A-50 Master Controller Keyboard (verify?)
.(-) PC-100 MIDI Keyboard Controller
.(-) PC-200MKII MIDI Keyboard Controller

(*) [3.1] Polyphonic Synthesizers
===========================

(*) D-5 Multi Timbral Linear Synthesizer
-------------------------------------------
The D-5 is a member of the D-10/20/110 family. It can share ROM cards,
patches, and tones with these other models (although it's missing a few tone
parameters). It lacks the built-in effects of the other units, but has four
performance mode features that the others don't have: Chord Play, Harmony,
Chase, and Arpeggio.

-Keyboard: 61 keys, velocity sensitive, pitch bend/modulation controller
-Sound Source: LA Synthesis, 32 maximum voices
-Internal Memory: Synthesizer Section (128 Patches, 128 Timbres,
 128 Preset Tones, 64 Programmable Tones),
 Rhythm Section - 63 Preset Rhythm Tones
 (256 Instrument Patches, 128 Patches completely programmable)
-Ports: 1/4" Left and Right Outs, Headphone jack, sustain pedal,
 Midi IN/OUT/THRU, Memory card
-Accepts RAM and ROM cards for additional patches

-Roland MT-32 compatible (works with most games)
-Display: 2 lines, 16 letter (backlit)
-Weight: 15 pounds

Owner comments:
"-can be made compatible with MT32 patch numbers, but has  newer samples
-works well as a MIDI controller for other modules, soundcards, etc."

"We own one and it is NOT compatible with MT-32 sysex messages.  We
have a converter that can convert the timbre banks to D series format
though.  Also, the D-5 timbre map is different from the MT-32, although
the sounds can be rearranged to look like an MT-32.  I wrote such a timbre
bank, it is on the CI$ midiforum.  This is no decendant of the MT-32, it
was the last and cheapest of the D series aynths.  For instance the MT-32
only has 128 PCM sounds, the D-5 has 256.  The MT-32 has a reverb
processor, the D-5 has no effects at all.  The MT-32 is very noisy (we
own one as well), the D-5 is very quiet.  You could call them first
cousins though <grin>."   (From:    Gary Fisher)

"My partner Edgar Allen Joe and I have performed together under "The
Project."  We use only two keyboards, a mixer and no sequencers at all. My
Roland D-5 has an arpeggiator so I can loop three or four notes by just
holding them down on the keyboard.  So that's how we get the groove.  To
keep it going, I go into the memory bank and change all the different
parameters like TVF, envlopes, wavelength, etc..  Joe does the same thing
except he does not  arpegiate anything, so all of his sounds are
totally free-form." From: Prasad Bidaye


(*) D-10 Multi Timbral Linear Synthesizer
-------------------------------------------
-Keyboard: 61 keys, velocity sensitive, pitch bend/modulation controller
-Multi-timbral: 8 parts plus a drum part.
-Sound Source: 16 bit samples and PCM, 32 note polyphony.
-Synthesis engine: L/A synthesis (linear arithmetic)
-Internal Memory: Synthesizer Section (128 Patches, 128 Timbres,
      128 Preset Tones, 64 Programmable Tones)
-Ports: 1/4" Left and Right Outs, Headphone jack, sustain pedal,
      Midi IN/OUT/THRU, Start/Stop pedeal for drum machine, Memory card
-Display: 2 lines, 16 letter (backlit)
-Drum Sounds: 16 bit sampled drums sounds (excellent), pattern programming
      available, 64 drum pattern, 32 presets and 32 programmable. 1/4 thru
      8/4 time.
-Metronome: Built in metronome, tempo adjustable, as well as loudness in
      comparison to the synth output.
-Effects: Adjustable Pan, Volumne, and Reverbs (which include halls, plates,
      and Delays.
Comments:
"You have 13 structures (sorta like the algorithms in DX synths)
you can use samples or a synth wave (square,triangle only (?)) or both
in any combination with/without a ring modulator (sorta like modulation
carriers in DX synths)  128 x 2 internal PCM samples.  believe it or
not, some(most) of the samples are the same samples in the D50.  There
is a company called Real World (?) based in australia that upgrades the
D5/D10/D20/D110/MT32 with more reverb programs, extra outputs,
better S/N ratio.  They have a representative in the US.  Call Keyboard
magazine for their number."

"I've had a D-10 for quite a while now. It can take data on eight MIDI
channels simultaneously, plus a rhythm channel. (multitimbral mode, which
is what you want for sequencing.). Each channel has one preset.
The number of simultaneous notes depends on how many partials each
preset uses, and how many notes are in each track. Practically speaking,
you can have three or maybe four different tracks playing at the same
time, plus the rhythm part. Much beyond that and you start having notes
get cut off, or not play to begin with. In general, I'd say that the D-10
is a good choice for a sound card extension, though it does show the
mileage if you compare it to a modern unit. It's noisier than today's
synths, and the sounds, while useful, aren't as crisp as we're used to
today. The rhythm section is OK, particularly some of the cymbals,
which actually sound quite good." From: Pete Dunn


(*) D-20 Keyboard Multi Timbral Linear Synthesizer Workstation
--------------------------------------------------------------
32 note polyphony, 8 part multitimbral + 1 rhythm track onboard sequencer.

Comments:
"The D-20 shares the same tone and patch programming features as the
D-10, and adds a 16,000 note sequencer and a disk drive for storing
patch libraries. The only case where the D-20 seems more attractive
[than the D-50], is to compromise the sound quality to gain the sequencer
and multi-timbral features for live performance." From: Tom Honles

"the sounds on the D20 are good, but the D50 is more punchy. The D20
also has an 8-track limit on sequencing. If that's not a problem, then
get one and start recording a gold record..." From: Tony Chevalier

(*) D-50 Keyboard  Multi Timbral Linear-Arithmetic Synthesizer
---------------------------------------------------------------
Comments:
"Without boring you with all the D-20 or D-50 specifics, Roland
literature of the period (late, late 80's) billed the D-20 as a home
studio workstation, and the D-50 as a professional performance keyboard.
The Roland rag review itself stated that the D-10 and the D-20 had
multitimbrality and a host of great pro-level features, but that they
did not compare to the sound quality of the ir 'big brother', the D-50,
even though the D-50 is not multi-timbral, nor does it have a sequencer.
So in looking into this, I realize that they were targeted at 2
distinctly different markets. Since I already have the GM multitimbral
capability in my RAP-10, I don't really need the D-20 for home studio
use, it's better to have the higher quality external synth option I get
with the D-50." From: Tom Honles

"to obtain truly unique sounds anyway. But on the bright side, just about
any D50 pad patch will fatten up a mix. And there are millions of PD
sounds available that you can tweak to make your own contribution to
society. The problem with some of the PD libraries is varying computer
formats." From: Tony Chevalier

(*) D-550
----------
Rackmount version of the D-50.
(no data)


(*) Roland JD & JV Series
-------------------------

(*) JV-35
------
An upgrade of the JV-30, which is expandable via ROM or RAM cards
I think.  Maybe a few other features as well.

Comments:
Comparing the JV-35 and the Korg X-5:
"I was looking at these a few months ago.  The JV-35 is built
much better than the X5 is, for one.  The X5 looks cool but
it's aimed squarely at the home market (even a mini headphone
jack is included).  The keys on the X5 are spongy feeling.
I didn't like them at all.  I didn't try the JV-35's keys,
but FWIW my JV-90's keys feel very nice (for a nonweighted
keyboard of course).
The sound quality differences are an interesting issue.  I've
compared both extensively.  I've owned a Sound Canvas for a
year now (SCC-1 internal PC card) and I recently bought
a Korg 05/RW (the X5 in a half-space unit w/o keys).  The 05/RW
has very impressive, fat presets.  They have some weight towards
rock, techno, acid, etc.  but there are servicable orchestral
sounds.  The effects processors (2 of 'em) are phenomenal and
blow away the Rolands, with 47 effects to choose from.
However, the raw samples on the Korg are a little weak and not
as clean as the Roland set.  The Roland sounds as if it can
perform better in a complex sequence, since the sounds rely
less on effects.  The Roland sounds are also thinner, brighter and
crisper; the Korg has a little grit and grain in the sound but
they're both clean overall.  The Roland drums are okay -- D4
quality, useable for rock, orchestra, and jazz.  The Korg
drums KICK ass and take names, for all of the above plus techno,
rap, etc.  Finally, the general MIDI set on the Roland sounds
better to me than the Korg set.  I did this comparison primarly
by hooking them all up to my computer and playing some games,
choosing "General MIDI" for sound.  The Roland consistently
sounded a little punchier and cleaner than the Korg."
From: jrl8@inibara.cc.columbia.edu (James R Lendino)

(*) MS-1 Digital Sampler
--------------------
Comment(s):

From: flux@PEAK.ORG (Gregory Gaub)
" Roland Ad copy:
  The MS-1 puts famous Roland S-Series, 16-bit stereo sampling into your
  hands and out of doors, with battery operation!! Recording and playback
  are simple and practical right from the front panel. Great for "fly-ins"
  for performance and studio work, the MS-1 provides 17.8 seconds of mono
  sampling time at 44.1kHz and a maximum of 49.2 seconds (mono) at 16kHz.
  It doesn't matter if you've got MIDI applications or not with the MS-1,
  it can function fully with or without MIDI control. Packaged with the
  MS-1 is a 75-minute CD of loops and sounds to get you started. You can
  literally plug a mic or a tape deck, or a drum machine, or a guitar
  processor into the MS-1 and create your first sample. Ease of use is
  paramount in the MS-1, the sampler for just about anyone. The MS-1 can
  also be powered by a BOSS PSA-120 adapter. (not included)

  This sounds like a decent unit IF other things are true:
  Is it polyphonic at all? or is it one sample at a time?
  Does it sample in stereo only with a shorter time? (8.9-24.6 secs)
  Does it have SYSEX capability? Bulk dumps at least?
  Thanks in advance,
  Greg"

(*) U-220     Rackmount Digital Synthesizer module
----------------------------------------------
Single space, MIDI module. 30 voice, 6-part multitimbral plus drums
rhythm channel (7 parts total), 128 high quality PCM sampled instruments
ranging from piano, guitar, bass, brass, strings, flute, etc. to analog
synth samples.
2 simultaneous digital FX thru the main stereo output (4 other outputs
available + headphones, 6 independent outputs). Accepts two simultaneous
PCM cards from the Roland U-110/220 Library. Built-in chorus, reverb
and delay effects.

Comment(s):

From: Paul Petersen
"The U-20 will read both parts of the D-110 sound cards."

From: twangr@aol.com (Twangr)
"In his post of 5/4, vern@nest.dungeon.com (vern egbert) wrote:
  > DOES ANYONE "ACTUALLY USE" THERE GUITAR SYNTH
  > and if so, I would really like to know for what
  (I've omitted much to save space.)
  Yeah, I use a Casio controller and a Roland U-220 quite a bit in my top 40
  band. I play a lot of horn, string and percussion parts. It really fleshes
  out the sound of the band, although I find MIDI to be a pain in the ass at
  times. But I do enjoy seeing the occasional onlooker scratching his head
  trying to figure out where that B-3 solo came from or who's doing the
  tympani roll."


(*) 3.2 Monophonic Synthesizers
===========================

(*) 3.3 Sequencer / Programming Units and MIDI Controllers
======================================================

(*) MC-50 Sequencer
---------------
From: Khang Nguyen <megaman@u.washington.edu>
Features:
1) Built-in 3.5" disk drive
2) Memory capacity of 40,000 notes internal and 150,000 on disk
3) 8 Phase tracks with 16 midi channels per track (128 channels total)
4) Rhythm track & Tempo track
5) Quantize function
6) Two MIDI OUT connectors for a total of 32 midi channels simultaneously
7) SUPER-MRC recording system

(*) 4. MODULES AND MIDI COMPUTER PERIPHERALS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIDI soundcards, peripherals, external synth modules and adapters.

(*) Section 4 - Table of Contents
-----------------------------
4.01 CA-30 Intelligent Arranger
4.02 CM-32L External Module
4.03 CM-32P PCM Sound Module
4.04 CM-64
4.05 CM-300
4.06 CM-500
4.07 LAPC-1 Soundcard
4.08 MT-32 MIDI Sound Module
4.09 Roland MT-100
4.10 RAP-10/AT Roland Audio Producer Soundcard
4.11 SCC-1        GS Sound Card
4.12 SCC-1B   GS Sound Card
4.13 SC-7(PC),SC-7(MAC) Sound Modules
4.14 SCD-10 and SCD-15 Sound Canvas Daughter Boards
4.15 SC-55
4.16 SC-88 Roland Sound Canvas 88
4.20 Super MPU/AT, MPU-IMC, MPU-IPC MIDI Interfaces


(*) 5. RHYTHM UNITS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhythm sequencers, drum machines, bass line sequencers,  electronic drum
kits and accessories.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected questions and answers on general Roland equipment features.
Specific equipment questions would soon be too numerous to include in
this document, and should be part of another, equipment-specific FAQ.

Q. How do I contact Roland Corporation?

A. ROLAND CORPORATION US
   ---------------------
   Roland "Super Store"
   Source for Roland equipment accessories, including videos, books,
   and paraphenalia ...  (800) 386-7575

   Warranty Repair Service
   7200 Dominion Circle
   Los Angeles, California 90040-3696

   (213)722-0911 FAX
   (213)685-5141 Main Technical Support (extension 770)
   (213)726-8865 Main Technical Support FAX

   CompuServe Forum
   In addition to the above numbers, technical information articles,
   technical support messaging and Help files uppdates are provided
   online via Compuserve. To access the Roland forum, type
   GO ROLAND
   at any CompuServe prompt.

   To contact Roland US online:
   72662.376@compuserve.com
   This is for US residents only!

   CompuServe E-Mail Account
   The account number is RolandTech,72662,376

   ROLAND CORPORATION OUTSIDE USA:
   -------------------------------
   Roland Canada Music Company
   5480 Parkwood Way
   Richmond, B.C. V6V 2M4
   Phone (604) 270-6626
   FAX (604) 270-6552

   (THERE ARE OTHERS, WILL BE LISTED IN FAQ IF REQUESTED)


Q. What is the "Roland GS" standard?

A. The groundbreaking GS standard was created to standardize the Tone
   map and MIDI parameters for Roland instruments, providing consistent
   rules for defining MIDI Program Change number assignments and sound
   modification parameters. Developed in conformity with the General
   MIDI format adopted by the MIDI Manufacturer's Association, any GS-
   compatible sound source will be able to utilize the same sequencing
   data without having to reset MIDI Program Change numbers, Receive
   channels, or other parameters. The SB-55 Sound Brush and the SC-55
   Sound Canvas were the first instruments to incorporate the GS Standard.
   (Source: Roland Users Group)

Q. What drum sounds are available in Roland MIDI equipment?

A. The General MIDI specification designates a 'standard' drum kit ("sounds").
   A drum kit is a collection of percussive instruments (snare drum, bass
   drum, hi-hats, etc.) laid across the entire MIDI keyboard. Under General
   MIDI, MIDI channel 10 is reserved for percussion instruments. General
   MIDI defines only one drum kit, which is the Standard Kit. Extensions
   to the General MIDI spec allow additional drum sounds, of which the
   Roland GS is a well-known extension used in many Roland synthesizers.

   Roland GS Mode "drum kits"
   --------------------------

   Under the "GS" synth mode there are additional (including the
   Standard Drum Kit) drum kits you can use on MIDI Channel 10.
   Actually, you can set any channel (part) to drum mode
   and you can even use two drum kits at the same time.
   A part/channel can be either in melodic mode or in one
   of two drum modes.

   Some common alternate drum kits are:

    Name                    Description

    Standard/Jazz           Standard General MIDI drum kit.

                            Jazz is similar to the Standard drum kit.

    Room                    Similar to that of the Standard
                            kit except that it has more room
                            ambiance.

    Power                   Again similar to that of the
                            Standard kit, but with more power
                            kick and snare drums.

    Electronic              Electronic drum kit. Most of the
                            percussion instruments in this
                            drum kit are reminiscent of old
                            analogue and digital rhythm
                            machines (such as the Roland
                            TR-707 and TR-909 rhythm machine)


    TR-808                  Electronic drum kit, reminiscent
                            of the Roland TR-808 rhythm
                            machine.

    Brush                   Similar to the Standard kit except
                            that brushes have been added. This
                            kit is mostly used for Jazz MIDI
                            pieces.

    Orchestra               An immense collection of concert
                            drums and timpani.

    SFX                     A collection of Sound Effects.

    CM-64/32L               Same as the CM-32L and CM-64 drum kit
                            This drum kit contains standard
                            percussion at the lower range of
                            the keyboard, and sound effects
                            at the higher range of the
                            keyboard.

   Drum kits are very easy to access under MIDI. Each drum kit is essentially
   an instrument and you select a drum kit by selecting an instrument, just
   as if you would select a melodic instrument. For example, if you want to
   select the TR-808, all you have to do is to perform a program change to 25
   on MIDI channel 10. After the program change, all percussion sounds will
   be played back through the TR-808 drum kit.
   (Source: Roland Users Group,SBAWE32.FAQ)

Additional Comments on GS Drum Kits
-----------------------------------
From: dcole@ub.d.umn.edu (david cole)
Subject: Info: the Roland GS drum sets

Roland's GS standard allows for up to 128 drum kits.  These are selected
by sending a midi program number on the percussion or drum midi channel;
the default midi channel for drums is 10.  At powerup, and if a midi
program 1 is sent, gives the standard General Midi drum set (or "kit").

This General Midi kit is similar to the MT32 kit, but on the
upper notes it adds various infrequently used instruments (jingle bell,
Latin instruments), many in locations which were used by Sound Effects in
the CM32l and LAPC-1.
No GS module has anywhere near 128 different drum kits.  The following
information comes from the CM500 manual, and should apply to the SCC-1 card,
SC55, SC155, CM300, and, I believe, the JV30 keyboard.  The SC-7, RAP10
and SCD10 have fewer, and the SC55 MkII and SCD15 appear to have more,
drum kits.

The other drum kits in the various original Sound Canvas GS models make a
few changes to the basic General Midi kit.  In the following, I list
Rolands name for the set, the program number on channel 10 that calls up
the kit, and a description of what is different.

Room set, program number 9:
replaces the 6 Toms with Room Toms.

Power set, program number 17:
uses the room Toms, and also adds "MONDO kick" and Gated Snare drum.

Electronic set, program number 25:
electronic Bass Drumm, Snare Drum, and 6 electronic Toms, and reverse
cymbal replaces Chinese cymbal.

TR808 set, program number 26 (TR808 is a poplular Roland drum machine):
808 versions replace the Bass Drum 1, rim shot (side stick), senare, the
toms, hihats and cymbal, cowbell, 3 congas, maracas and claves.

Brush set, program number 41:
replaces the GM hand clap, snare drum 1 and 2 with brush slap, tap, and
swirl respectively.  For Jazz, presumably.

Orchestra set, program number 49: concert bass drums 1 and 2, concert
snare, castanets and cymbals.  Big change is the high hats are moved and
note numbers 41 thru 53 produce an octave of Timpani.
Applause is note number 88.  It is, of course, polite appluse, no hooting.

SFX set, program number 57:
46 sound effects, most are the same effect (if not same quality, I
haven't compared) as in the CM32l and lapc-1: door creaks, slams,
screams, gunshots, jets, laser guns, laughs, etc.  New are slap, guitar
sliding finger, guitar cutting noise (down), guitar cutting noise (up),
string slap of double bass, fl. (flute?) key click.

CM64/32L set, program number 128:
nothing new here, but combined differently for backward compatibility.
Notes 35 to 75 are percussion (7 notes are skipped along the way and have
no instruments), notes 75 to 108 are sound effects.

GS EFFECTS for percussion: percussion parameters are set via midi exclusive
messages.  Each instrument can have a level setting, a pan postion in the
stereo field, and a settable amount of reverb and chorus.  Also, as I
interpret Roland's somewhat cryptic MIDI Imprementation charts, you have
some control over the pitch of each percussion instument.  And, as I read
it, you can create 2 maps of these drum parameters.  Haven't tried this;
don't see how you switch between the maps.

Hope this helps make clearer just what "GS" comes down to -- and maybe
will inspire some to compose using the additional capabilities.  The
information here should allow using the brush, room, and power sets, but
for the others you will need to consult the charts in the manual for one
of Roland's many GS instruments.


Q. What drum sounds are available in the "Standard" General MIDI kit?

A. The General MIDI specification designates a 'standard' drum kit
   ("sounds") which includes the following percussion tones:

STANDARD GM DRUM SET TABLE (From: ROLAND RAP-10 GM SOUNDCARD MANUAL)
PC#    NOTE    8VA  STANDARD SET
----   ------  ---- ---------------
       C
       C#
       D
27     D#      1    High Q
28     E       1    Slap
29     F       1    Scratch Push
30     F#      1    Scratch Pull
31     G       1    Sticks
32     G#      1    Square Click
33     A       1    Metronome Click
34     Bb      1    Metronome Bell
35     B       1    Kick Drum 2
36     C       2    Kick Drum 1
37     C#      2    Side Stick
38     D       2    Snare Drum 1
39     D#      2    Hand Clap
40     E       2    Snare Drum 2
41     F       2    Low Tom 2
42     F#      2    Closed HiHat[EXC1]
43     G       2    Low Tom 1
44     G#      2    Pedal HiHat [EXC1]
45     A       2    Mid Tom 2
46     Bb      2    Open HiHat [EXC1]
47     B       2    Mid Tom 1
48     C       3    High Tom 2
49     C#      3    Crash Cymbal 1*
50     D       3    High Tom 1
51     D#      3    Ride Cymbal 1
52     E       3    Chinese Cymbal
53     F       3    Ride Bell*
54     F#      3    Tambourine
55     G       3    Splash Cymbal*
56     G#      3    Cowbell
57     A       3    Crash Cymbal 2*
58     Bb      3    Vibra-Slap
59     B       3    Ride Cymbal 2
60     C       4    High Bongo
61     C#      4    Low Bongo
62     D       4    Mute High Conga
63     D#      4    Open High Conga
64     E       4    Low Conga
65     F       4    High Timbale
66     F#      4    Low Timbale
67     G       4    High Agogo
68     G#      4    Low Agogo
69     A       4    Cabasa
70     Bb      4    Maracas
71     B       4    Short Hi Whistle[EXC2]
72     C       5    Long Low Whistle[EXC2]
73     C#      5    Short Guiro [EXC3]
74     D       5    Long Guiro [EXC3]
75     D#      5    Claves
76     E       5    High Wood Block
77     F       5    Low Wood Block
78     F#      5    Mute Cuica [EXC4]
79     G       5    Open Cuica[EXC4]
80     G#      5    Mute Triangle*[EXC5]
81     A       5    Open Triangle[EXC5]
82     Bb      5    Shaker
83     B       5    Jingle Bell
84     C       6    [empty]
85     C#      6    Castanets
86     D       6    Mute Surdo*[EXC6]
87     D#      6    Open Surdo*[EXC6]
88     E       6    [empty]
Notes:
1    "The blank positions have the same instruments as
     the ""Standard Set""."
2    Instruments with the same [EXC#] (Exclusive Group
     Number) will mute each other when played in
     combination.
3    Instruments marked with "*" can have their TVF's
     (Time-Variant Filter) modified by Channel Aftertouch


Q. What is Roland's SysEx Data ID and what is SysEx?

A. Should be "41". SysEx is a means of storing/retrieving synthesizer
   system patch data. This is for advanced MIDI users. In many MIDI
   sequencer software packages, the bytes are edited as hexadecimal
   numbers, separated by spaces.  The sysex data will look something
   like this example: 'F0 41 10 42 12 40 11 02 10 1D F7' . Each sysex
   message should start with 'F0' and end with 'F7'.


Q. Can the RAP-10 [soundcard]record a .WAV from a .MID file?

A. The only way I have found around it is to wire the RAP-10's output to
   its input. Which means I can not listen to it while it is recording.
   Basically what you're doing is taking the audio out of the MIDI-controlled
   synthesizer and routing it to the input to the A/D converter.  Most sound
   cards have an audio mixer of sorts that allows you to mix the outputs of
   the MIDI and audio side (plus maybe audio from a CD or other external
   input) but I didn't know there was a default connection from the
   gozouta to the gozinta. So what's wrong with not hearing what you're
   recording when doing the MIDI-to-WAV transfer?  You can hear that
   sequence play any time you want.  Or are you trying to mix some other
   audio, like a vocal, in at the same time, like in an overdub situation?
   To do that, you'd probably want an external mixer so you'd have some
   control, and you can always monitor off a mixer. (Mike Rivers)


Q. Why is this FAQ published?

A. About the ROLAND.FAQ: This is a 'work in progress'. I have seen questions
   on the Usenet and FTSC nets many times asking what Roland equipment
   features are. I hope this effort will help the situation.
   I have attempted to gather information from spec sheets wherever possible.
   Because the price of equipment changes rapidly, I have made no effort to
   track average selling prices, etc. There are other sources out there that
   attempt to track current prices of new and used equipment, and I suggest
   that you look for them if that is what you need.

==========================================================================
MORE INFO - APPENDICES
==========================================================================

How to submit information to the ROLAND FAQ
===========================================
Please submit comments, corrections, and additions to:

Tom Honles       Internet:   tdh@f945.n102.z1.fidonet.org
                 Fidonet :   Tom Honles @ 1:102/945
                 Familynet:  Tom Honles @ 8:77/28
                 OS2Net  :   Tom Honles @ 81:307/6

Submissions should include specs where possible. Data obtained from Roland
product literature or magazine reviews is preferred, but hands-on owner's
experiences and comments are welcome. Specs are most readable when listed
in a line-by-line, item-by-item style. Comments and reviews are typically
in a running prose. For an example see the entry for the RAP-10/AT soundcard
in the MIDI COMPUTER PERIPHERALS section of the FAQ.

Credits
=======
Equipment data obtained from manufacturer's literature where possible.
Other sources include public postings of descriptions by owners of
equipment via Usenet conferences or e-mail, including but not limited to:

From: talb@zeus.datasrv.co.il (Tal Barenboim)
From: dcole@ua.d.umn.edu (david cole)
From: John Corrigan (Fidonet MIDINET)
From: dalgic@Xenon.Stanford.EDU (Ismail Dalgic)
From: EATON%STL@CRF.CUIS.EDU (Dan Eaton)
From: Kenn Fink (Fidonet MIDINET)
From: Andrew W Gamlen <awg691@huxley.anu.edu.au>
From: SteveG1119@aol.com (Steve Grace)
From: Don Guy (Fidonet MIDINET)
From: William Hsu:  hsu@acuson.com
From: Mike Kent <73073.2707@CompuServe.COM>
From: George Kotsopoulos(Fidonet MIDINET)
From: andrew.maclean@rose.com (andrew maclean)
From: Adam Mirowski <mir@chorus.fr>
From: Markell Moss (Fidonet MIDINET)
From: nhan@bnr.ca (Gia Nhan)
From: Paul Petersen(Fidonet MIDINET)
From: JT <jmilhoan@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
From: mo@kreftreg.no (Mads Olsen)
From: Jon Rose (Fidonet MIDINET)
From: yswening@nermal.santarosa.edu (Yarrow Sweningsen)
From: (Alf) Thomas Sjoeland <alf@sics.se>
From: "Cesare Tirabassi  (NSI)" <CTIRABAS@vmprofs.estec.esa.nl>
From: urbain@lion.de (Juri Urbainczyk)
From: velhart@epas.utoronto.ca (Nicholas Velharticky)
From: mwinton@uclink.berkeley.edu (Michael Winton)
From: 3JMD2@QUCDN.QueensU.CA (Gooey)
From: Irdial-Discs <irdial@irdialsys.win-uk.net>
From: quest@panix.com (Quest)
From: RICKATZ@delphi.com
From: rjbakker@et.tudelft.nl (ROBERT)
From: analogue@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Analog Heaven mailing list)

- Thanks to all.

==========================================================================
DISCLAIMER
==========================================================================
I am in no way connected with or compensated by Roland Corporation or
any affiliates in production of this document. This document has been
created solely for the purpose of providing a convenient service to
other owners of Roland equipment. The information contained within
this document is as accurate as has been presented to me, and may contain
significant errors. You are encouraged to verify the details on the
particular equipment you are purchasing or comparing with the seller
or with Roland Corporation.
                                                   Tom Honles
==========================================================================

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