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Roland A-88 User Manual

Roland A-88
64 pages
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Owners Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Roland A-88 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Control typeButtons, Rotary
Number of knobs2
MIDI-keyboard number of keys88 keys
Product colorBlack
InterfaceUSB
DC-in jackYes
Power source typeDC
Weight and Dimensions IconWeight and Dimensions
Depth273 mm
Width1443 mm
Height116 mm
Weight15900 g

Summary

What is MIDI?

Using the Unit Safely

Understanding Safety Notices and Symbols

Explains WARNING/CAUTION notices and safety symbols used in the manual.

General Operating and Handling Precautions

Lists essential safety rules for operation, handling, and placement of the unit.

Electrical Safety and Environmental Precautions

Details precautions related to power, environment, and preventing damage.

Usage, Cable Management, and Cleaning Safety

Covers safe usage, cable management, cleaning, and avoiding hazards.

Important Notes

Power Supply and Unit Operation Guidelines

Covers power supply connections, heat, auto-off, and placement considerations.

Environmental Considerations and Maintenance

Details on placement, materials, cleaning, and avoiding damage.

Usage Guidelines and Legal Information

Precautions for operation, handling, transport, and copyright details.

About the Ivory Feel Keyboard

Features of the Ivory Feel Keyboard

Describes the characteristics and tactile qualities of the Ivory Feel keyboard.

Handling and Care of the Keyboard

Instructions on writing, stickers, cleaning, and avoiding damage to the keyboard finish.

Placing the A-88 on a Stand

Using Roland KS-12 and KS-18Z Stands

Instructions for placing the A-88 on specific Roland stands, including adjustments.

How to Read Procedural Explanations

Understanding Numeric Entry and Icons

Explains how to enter values and interpret manual icons.

Contents of the Package

Included Accessories List

Lists all items included in the A-88 package, such as AC adaptor and USB cable.

Panel Descriptions

Front Panel Controls Overview

Details the functions of the D-BEAM, buttons, knobs, and levers on the front panel.

Front Panel Mode and Performance Controls

Explains DUAL/SPLIT buttons, TRANSPOSE, and OCTAVE/TRANSPOSE indicator.

Rear Panel Connectivity and Power Options

Describes rear panel ports, switches, and power source selection.

Driver Installation

Windows Driver Installation Procedures

Step-by-step guide for installing the A-88 driver on Windows.

Completing Windows Driver Installation

Steps to complete the driver installation and restart the computer on Windows.

Windows Driver Installation Verification

Instructions for completing installation and handling prompts on Windows XP and later.

Mac OS X Driver Installation Procedures

Step-by-step guide for installing the A-88 driver on Mac OS X.

Mac OS X MIDI Setup Configuration

Configures MIDI settings in Mac OS X after driver installation.

Connecting MIDI Devices in Mac OS X

Details how to connect MIDI devices using the 'Audio MIDI Setup' utility.

Verify Sound Output

Checking Sound in SONAR LE (Windows)

Verifies driver setup by testing sound output in SONAR LE.

Checking Sound in GarageBand (Mac OS X)

Verifies driver setup by testing sound output in GarageBand.

Troubleshooting No Sound Issues

Provides solutions for issues when no sound is heard after setup.

MIDI Signal Flow

About the Operating Modes

Switching Operating Modes

Explains how to switch between the four operating modes of the A-88.

PLAY Mode Functionality

Details the functionality and purpose of the PLAY mode for performance.

FUNCTION Mode Capabilities

Outlines the capabilities and settings available in FUNCTION mode.

SuperNATURAL Mode Functionality

Explains how to control a SuperNATURAL sound module using this mode.

MIDI Visual Control Mode Functionality

Describes controlling video devices with MIDI Visual Control in this mode.

Layering Two Parts

Two Parts (LOWER, UPPER) Concept

Introduces the concept of storing settings for LOWER and UPPER parts.

Indicating DUAL/SPLIT Status

Shows how button illumination indicates the DUAL/SPLIT mode status.

Layering Two Sounds (DUAL)

Explains how to play two sounds simultaneously using DUAL mode.

Playing Different Sounds with SPLIT

Describes dividing the keyboard into sections for different sounds (SPLIT).

Changing the Keyboard Split Point

Details how to set the key that divides the keyboard into sections.

Performing

Setting the MIDI Transmit Channel

Guides on matching the A-88's transmit channel to the MIDI sound module.

Switching Sounds Using S1/S2 Buttons

Explains how to use S1/S2 buttons to change sounds via program change messages.

Transmitting Bank Select MSB and LSB

Procedures for transmitting Bank Select messages to change sound banks.

Understanding MIDI Banks

Explains the concept of MIDI sound banks and their organization.

Transmitting a Program Number (PRGM CHANGE)

Instructions for sending program change messages to select sounds.

Changing Keyboard Pitch: Octave Shift

How to raise or lower the keyboard's pitch range using octave shift.

Changing Keyboard Pitch: Transpose

How to transpose the pitch in semitone steps using the transpose function.

Modifying Sound with Pitch Bend Lever

Explains how to use the pitch bend lever to alter note pitch.

Modifying Sound with Modulation (Vibrato)

Details how to use the lever for vibrato effects.

Using the D-BEAM Controller

How to use the D-BEAM controller for sound modification.

D-BEAM Controller Effective Range

Illustrates the operational range of the D-BEAM controller.

Modifying Sound with C1/C2 Knobs

Explains how to use C1 and C2 knobs to modify sound parameters like Cutoff and Resonance.

Using Pedals to Modify Sound

Details the functions of the damper, FC1, and FC2 pedal jacks.

Adding Expression with an Expression Pedal

How to use an expression pedal to vary volume and add expressiveness.

Modifying Sound with Aftertouch

How to use aftertouch (via D-BEAM or keyboard) to modify sound.

Halting Stuck Notes (PANIC Function)

Procedure to send reset messages to fix stuck notes or other sound issues.

Changing the A-88 Settings

Parameter Overview for Settings

Lists adjustable parameters common to UPPER/LOWER parts and their functions.

Changing the Velocity Curve (VELO CURVE)

How to select different velocity curves for touch response.

Specifying Keyboard Velocity Value (KEY VELO)

How to set a fixed velocity value for keys, overriding touch sensitivity.

Configuring Auto Off Power Setting

How to configure the auto-off feature to conserve power.

Switching [C2] Knob Function (SN SETTING)

How to assign functions to the [C2] knob in SuperNATURAL mode.

Assigning Program Change Message (PRGM CHANGE)

How to assign Program Change functionality to buttons and controllers.

Assigning Aftertouch Functionality

How to assign Aftertouch functionality to buttons and controllers.

Assigning Control Change Number (CC#)

How to assign MIDI Control Change numbers to buttons and controllers.

Frequently Used CC# Assignments

Lists common CC# numbers and their default assignments on the A-88.

Changing Value Direction (CTRL DIR)

How to set the direction of value increase for knobs and controllers.

Selecting Dedicated or Generic Driver

How to choose between the dedicated driver and the OS generic driver.

Returning Pedal Jacks to Factory Settings

How to reset pedal jack assignments to their original factory settings.

Restoring Factory Settings (FACT RESET)

How to restore all A-88 settings to their factory default state.

Troubleshooting

Driver Installation Problems

Solutions for issues encountered during driver installation.

Windows Driver Installation Issues

Specific troubleshooting steps for Windows driver installation problems.

Unit Operation and Connectivity Issues

Troubleshooting power, unit detection, and software usage problems.

Power Issues and Unit Detection

Troubleshooting power problems and unit recognition by the computer.

Audio and Recording Problems

Solutions for no sound, recording failures, duplicate notes, and sound interruptions.

Duplicate Notes Sound Troubleshooting

Addresses issues where duplicate notes are produced unintentionally.

Sound Interruption and Dropouts

Solutions for sound being interrupted or dropping out during playback/recording.

Latency and Time Lag Issues

Explains and offers solutions for time lag between playing and hearing sound.

Computer Settings for Problem Avoidance

Adjusting computer settings to prevent common issues.

Driver Signing Options Setting (Windows XP)

How to configure driver signing options to allow installation on Windows XP.

Power Management Settings for Performance

Adjusting power settings for optimal performance and preventing sound issues.

Reinstalling the Driver

Steps to remove and reinstall the A-88 driver to resolve installation problems.

Deleting the Driver (Windows)

Procedure for manually uninstalling the driver on Windows.

Deleting the Driver (Mac OS X)

Procedure for uninstalling the driver on Mac OS X using the uninstaller.

Lightening the MIDI Load (Windows)

How to reduce MIDI load by adjusting driver settings in Windows.

Main Specifications

Roland A-88 Specifications Overview

Lists the technical specifications of the A-88 MIDI Keyboard Controller.

MIDI Implementation Chart

MIDI Functionality Details

Details transmitted and recognized MIDI messages and settings for the A-88.

EU Country Compliance Information

China Compliance and Hazardous Substances

UK Mains Lead Information

FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement

Canadian Interference Regulations

California Proposition 65 Warning

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