Roland A-37 User Manual

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A-37
MIDI Controller
Owner’s Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland A-37 MIDI Controller. The A-37 is a powerful, easy-to-oper-
ate, dedicated keyboard controller for MIDI sound modules (whether or not they are GM2/GM/GS compatible). Please take
the time to read through this Owner’s Manual. That way, you can feel assured that you understand every feature the A-37
offers, and will enjoy many years of trouble-free operation.
The Roland A-37 is a MIDI keyboard controller. It does not contain any sound-generating circuitry. It is designed to trans-
mit note messages, program changes, bank select messages as well as a variety of other MIDI messages (such as Reverb
and Chorus Send levels) to an external sound module.
To avoid confusion, let’s agree to…
• …use the word “button” for all keys on the front panel, and only use “key” when referring to the A-37’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.
Before using this instrument, carefully read the sections entitled “Using the unit safely” and “Important notes”. These sec-
tions provide important information concerning the proper operation of the A-37. Be sure to keep this manual in a safe
place for future reference.
Copyright ©2001 ROLAND EUROPE. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Europe s.p.a.
A-37_GB.book Page 1 Tuesday, July 24, 2001 11:42 PM

Roland A-37 Specifications

General

Brand	Roland
Model	A-37
Category	Recording Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Using the Unit Safely

Warning and Caution Notice Meanings

Explains the purpose and interpretation of WARNING and CAUTION notices in the manual.

Understanding Safety Symbols

Defines the meaning of various safety symbols used throughout the document.

Essential Safety Precautions

Lists critical safety measures for instrument operation, handling, and environment.

Important Notes and Precautions

Power Supply Options

Details powering the A-37 via batteries or the optional AC adaptor.

Placement and Environment Guidelines

Advises on optimal placement to avoid interference, heat, and vibration.

Instrument Cleaning and Maintenance

Provides instructions for safe and effective cleaning of the instrument.

Repair and Data Backup Advice

Warns about potential data loss during repairs and recommends data backups.

Additional Handling Precautions

Offers further advice on care, cable management, and transportation.

A-37 Product Overview

Keyboard Modes Explained

Explains the Layer, Split, and Whole keyboard modes for versatile playing.

Advanced MIDI Control Features

Details velocity, Aftertouch, Modulation, Pitch Bend, and Data Entry slider control.

Patch Memory and Bulk Dump

Covers the 128 internal Patch memories and the MIDI bulk dump function.

MIDI Connectivity for Sequencers

Describes controlling external sequencers and MIDI rigs via MIDI OUT A/B.

Roland GS Format Compatibility

Explains compatibility with Roland's GS Format and General MIDI System.

Panel Layout and Controls

Lever and Slider Controls

Describes the Bender/Modulation lever and Data Entry slider for expressive control.

Mode and Parameter Buttons

Explains Keyboard Mode, Edit, Transpose, Enter, Exit, and value adjustment buttons.

Memory and Sequencer Buttons

Details the Write button for saving and the Sequencer Start/Stop button.

Input/Output Connection Ports

Identifies FOOT PEDAL, HOLD SWITCH, MIDI, and DC IN sockets for connectivity.

Power Switch Operation

Explains the switch for powering the A-37 on and off.

Basic Operations and Setup

Battery Installation and Replacement

Details the procedure for inserting and replacing AA batteries for power.

AC Adaptor Connection Guide

Provides instructions for connecting and using the optional AC adaptor safely.

Connecting to External MIDI Devices

Explains how to connect the A-37 to external MIDI instruments for sound.

System Power-Up Sequence

Outlines the correct sequence for powering up the A-37 and connected MIDI devices.

Understanding Keyboard Modes

Whole Upper Mode Operation

Explains the Whole Upper mode where the upper section controls all keys.

Whole Lower Mode Operation

Explains the Whole Lower mode where the lower section controls all keys.

Split Mode Configuration

Details the Split mode, dividing the keyboard into lower and upper sections.

Layer Mode for Dual Control

Explains the Layer mode for simultaneous control of two MIDI channels.

Configuring the A-37 Settings

Selecting Parameters for Editing

Guides users on how to select parameters within the A-37's edit menus.

CONTROL Parameters Overview

Details parameters related to performance functions like Pitch Bend, Modulation, and Velocity.

DATA Parameters Overview

Explains how to configure MIDI parameters like channel, volume, and effects.

PRG CHG Parameters Overview

Configures Bank Select and Program Change messages for memory selection.

Miscellaneous Functions

Keyboard Transpose Function

Explains how to set and use the keyboard transposition function.

MIDI Thru Functionality

Describes the MIDI THRU socket and its message merging capability.

Storing and Managing Patches

Details how to store and manage settings in the A-37's Patch memories.

Selecting Saved Patches

Guides users on how to select saved Patch memories.

Restoring Factory Settings

Explains how to reset the A-37 to its original factory settings.

Technical Specifications

Lists the technical specifications of the Roland A-37.