Roland GR-30 - Setting the Key (h-key)

Connecting an external sound generator to the GR-30
makes it possible to play sounds not included the 384
built-in tones, and to create fatter sounds by combin-
ing notes from the GR-30 and the external device.
The GR-30 can also serve as a convenient input tool
for a MIDI sequencer (a device for recording perfor-
mances). This chapter explains how to make such
steps using external devices (and how to use MIDI
functions).
About MIDI
MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital
Interface,” a worldwide standard that enables elec-
tronic instruments and peripherals to share informa-
tion about performances, sound switching, and other
functions.
MIDI is a standard that is shared by a wide range of
instruments from different manufacturers. For
instance, you could use a MIDI controller from com-
pany A to play a sound module from company B or
send data to a sequencer from company C.
MIDI connectors (IN and OUT) are a standard feature
of the GR-30. With MIDI, you can use the guitar to
control external sound generators (such as synthesiz-
ers and samplers), or play the music you want to
input into a MIDI sequencer. Also, as we’ve already
seen on p. 31, you can send data such as patch data to
other equipment for performance or storage.
What follows is a list of some of the different types of
MIDI messages that the GR-30 can handle.
❍ Note On messages provide information on what
string was played, and its pitch and force.
❍ Note Off messages provide information on when a
string stops vibrating.
❍ Bend messages provide information for changing
the pitch smoothly, such as when bending, sliding,
or hammering.
❍ Program Change messages transmit commands for
switching patches.
❍ Control Change messages provide information on
changes in volume and effects.
❍ System Exclusive (SysEx) messages provide infor-
mation for exchanging patch data with external
instruments.
Chapter 10: Connecting to External Sound Generators and Sequencers
70
MIDI
Controlling an External MIDI Sound Device
Connecting to an External MIDI Sound Device
Follow the figure below to connect the GR-30 to an external MIDI sound device.
<<fig. 10-1>>
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
External MIDI Sound Device