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Roland RD-800 - User Manual

Roland RD-800
64 pages
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Owner’s Manual (this document)
Read this rst. It explains the basic things you need to know in order to use
the RD-800.
PDF Manual (download from the Web)
• Eect Parameter Guide
This explains the eect parameters of the RD-800.
• Sound List
This is a list of the sounds built into the RD-800.
• MIDI Implementation
This is detailed information about MIDI messages.
To obtain the PDF manual
1.
Enter the following URL in your computer.
http://www.roland.com/manuals/
2. Choose “RD-800” as the product name.

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Roland RD-800

Questions and Answers

  • D
    Denise MillerSep 7, 2025
    Why is there no modulation when the modulation lever is moved on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • B
      Brittney ChangSep 7, 2025
      If there is no modulation when the modulation lever is moved on your Roland Electronic Keyboard, you may have selected an organ tone. For some organ tones, the modulation lever switches the rotary efefct between slow and fast instead of applying modulation.
  • B
    Bruce MaysAug 22, 2025
    Why is there no sound coming from my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • M
      Michael MillerAug 22, 2025
      If your Roland Electronic Keyboard produces no sound, check the following: * Ensure connected amps and speakers are powered on and the volume isn't turned down. * Verify the [VOLUME] knob is not turned all the way down. * Make sure your amp, speakers, or headphones are connected correctly. * If sound is audible through headphones, inspect audio cables for shorts or amp/mixer issues. * Confirm LAYER switches are not set to OFF. * Check if a Part’s volume is turned off with the LAYER LEVEL slider. * If the sound for a pressed key is not being played, go to MENU, then Utility, and turn Local Switch ON. * Verify that the efefct settings are correct, including ON/OFF settings for Modulation FX and Tremolo/Amp Simulator, as well as efefct balance and level.
  • A
    Angela RothSep 4, 2025
    Why is the rhythm not sounding on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • A
      Anthony ArmstrongSep 5, 2025
      If the rhythm is not sounding on your Roland Electronic Keyboard, check if a song is currently playing.
  • B
    benjaminatkinsSep 3, 2025
    What to do if buttons don't work on Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • P
      Paula MyersSep 3, 2025
      If the buttons on your Roland Electronic Keyboard aren’t working, check if panel lock is active and disable it.
  • M
    Mark MurraySep 2, 2025
    What to do if there is no sound in a specific range on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • C
      Carol MooreSep 2, 2025
      If there's no sound in a specific range on your Roland Electronic Keyboard, check the following settings: * LAYER EDIT settings for the key range of each layer (KR.LWR, KR.UPR) * Settings for the KR.LWR and KR.UPR Layers in the MIDI CONTROL screen Also, if MIDI VISUAL CONTROL is switched on, set Local ON/OFF to LOCAL ON under MIDI VISUAL CONTROL to enable sounds to be played on the keyboard.
  • D
    Donald WilliamsAug 31, 2025
    Why is there no sound from the connected MIDI device on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • K
      kimberly37Aug 31, 2025
      If there's no sound from a connected MIDI device on your Roland Electronic Keyboard, ensure the device is enabled to transmit MIDI messages by pressing the [MIDI CONTROL] button so the indicator is lit, and turn the LAYER switch on (MIDI messages cannot be transmitted if LAYER switch is set to OFF). Also, verify that the MIDI Transmit channel of the RD-800’s controller section matches the connected MIDI device’s MIDI Receive channel in the MIDI CONTROL screen.
  • R
    Rebecca HahnAug 30, 2025
    Why are the efefcts not applied or sounding wrong on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • J
      Jacqueline BurnsAug 30, 2025
      If efefcts are not being applied or sound incorrect on your Roland Electronic Keyboard, ensure that Modulation FX is not set to OFF. Also, if the delay timing selected in the DELAY settings in Efefcts is set to a note value, the delay sound may not be heard. Adjust the tempo or change the numerical value of the delay timing.
  • P
    Phillip StephensonAug 29, 2025
    Why is the pitch odd on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • B
      beckkevinAug 29, 2025
      If the pitch sounds odd on your Roland Electronic Keyboard, check these settings: * Layer EDIT Coarse Tune, Fine Tune * Coarse Tune and Fine Tune setting in MIDI CONTROL screen * System Master Tune settings * System Temperament settings * Tuning settings in Individual Note Voicing It may be due to specific Layer Coarse/Fine Tune settings or if the RD-800 has gone out of tune.
  • J
    jacob77Aug 27, 2025
    Why is the sound distorted on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • L
      lawrenceelijahAug 27, 2025
      If the sound from your Roland Electronic Keyboard is distorted, adjust the following settings: * LAYER LEVEL sliders * Equalizer Input Gain settings * [DRIVE] knob (AMP SIM section) Distortion can occur due to equalizer, multi-efefct, and Part volume settings.
  • E
    ellisgabrielAug 27, 2025
    Why won't the tone change on my Roland Electronic Keyboard?
    • S
      Savannah LittleAug 27, 2025
      If the tone isn't changing or your Roland Electronic Keyboard isn't switching to Split, check if the [MIDI CONTROL] button is lit. When lit, the external sound generator is controlled. To change the RD-800’s Tones and make settings in Keyboard mode, press the [MIDI CONTROL] button to extinguish it. Also, ensure the Layer containing the Tone you want to change is set to ON.

Summary

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General Safety Precautions

Lists essential safety precautions for operating the unit, covering power, environment, and usage.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

About WARNING and CAUTION Notices

Explains the meaning of warning and caution symbols used in the manual.

About the Symbols

Explains the meaning of common symbols used in the manual for warnings and instructions.

Environmental and Usage Precautions

Details safe operational practices, including avoiding extreme environments and proper ventilation.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Power Supply and Placement

Covers electrical connection guidelines and optimal unit placement for performance and longevity.

Maintenance and Handling

Provides guidance on cleaning, repairs, and careful handling to prevent damage or malfunction.

Keyboard Care and Intellectual Property

Details how to care for the keyboard and outlines intellectual property rights regarding product content.

Placing the RD-800 on a Stand

Basic Operation

Navigating and Editing Values

Explains how to move the cursor and edit parameter values using various controls.

Understanding Screens and Controls

Describes the Tone screen, Live Set screen, and knob/slider operations.

Overview of the RD-800

Basic Organization of the RD-800

Explains the Controller and Sound Generator sections and their interaction.

Units of Sound

Defines "Tone" and "Live Set" and how they are structured and used.

About Memory

Types of Memory

Describes temporary, rewritable, and non-rewritable memory types and their uses.

Operation Guide

Adjusting Volume and Pitch

Covers overall volume, layer volume, and pitch bend/modulation controls.

Panel Lock and Transpose

Explains how to disable panel buttons and transpose the keyboard performance.

Accessing Screens and Assigning Functions

Details how to access the MENU and MIDI Control screens and assign functions to buttons.

Selecting Sounds (Tone;Live Set)

Selecting a Tone

Guides users on how to select individual sounds (tones) using category buttons and selection controls.

Layering and Splitting Tones

Explains how to combine multiple tones (layering) and divide the keyboard into sections (split).

Editing Sound Effects

Adding Reverb and Modulation Effects

Details how to add and adjust reverb, modulation FX, tremolo, and distortion effects.

Sound Shaping Parameters

Equalizer and Delay Effects

Explains how to adjust EQ settings and add delay effects to shape the sound.

Assigning Knobs and Effect Signal Flow

Covers assigning functions to knobs and illustrates the signal flow for reverb and delay.

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel Controls

Identifies and describes the functions of the main controls on the RD-800's top panel.

RD-800 Control Identification

Display and Cursor Controls

Explains the display functions and the cursor/value dial for navigation and editing.

Performance and Editing Buttons

Describes the function of Live Set, Tone, Rhythm/Song, and other editing-related buttons.

Panel Descriptions

Rear Panel Connections

Details all rear panel ports for connecting external equipment like computers, pedals, and audio devices.

Powering On;Off and Demo Songs

Turning the RD-800 On and Off

Provides the correct procedure for powering the unit on and off to prevent malfunction.

Listening to Demo Songs

Explains how to access and play the instrument's built-in demonstration songs.

Editing the Sound

Adjusting Tone Color and Character

Guides users on modifying the tonal character and sonic image using the Tone Color knob.

Using Knobs for Sound Adjustment

Demonstrates how to adjust sound parameters like EQ, Tremolo, and Amp Sim using various knobs.

Editing a Live Set

Live Set Edit Menu and Layer Editing

Explains how to navigate the Live Set Edit Menu and adjust layer-specific settings.

Tone Editing with the Designer

Introduces the Designer function for making detailed adjustments to individual tones.

Creating Organ Tones

Understanding Organ Tone Creation

Explains the concept of harmonic bars and "feet" in creating organ sounds.

Adjusting Organ Tone Parameters

Details how to use sliders and knobs to shape organ sounds, including rotary effects.

Saving and Managing Live Sets

Saving Live Sets (Live Set Write)

Guides on how to save current settings as a Live Set and specify startup sounds.

Changing Live Set Order (Live Set Swap)

Explains how to rearrange the order of Live Sets for efficient performance use.

Using Convenient Functions in Performances

Playing and Changing Rhythms

Covers how to play rhythms, change patterns, tempo, and volume.

Recording and Auditioning Audio

Details how to record audio performances to a USB flash drive and listen back.

Playing Audio Files from USB Flash Drive

Changing Audio File Playback Settings

Explains how to modify playback speed, transpose, and volume for audio files.

Managing Audio Files

Covers selecting, renaming, and deleting audio files from a USB flash drive.

Various Settings

Accessing Menu Screens and System Parameters

Guides on how to access the menu and adjust system-wide settings.

Controlling External MIDI Devices

Explains how to use the RD-800 to control external MIDI sound generators.

System Settings Management

Formatting Memory and Auto Off

Details memory formatting procedures and configuring the auto power-off function.

Restoring Factory Settings

Explains how to reset the RD-800 to its original factory default settings.

Detailed Settings for a Live Set (Live Set Edit)

Live Set Edit Menu and Layer Editing

Guides on making detailed settings for each layer within a Live Set.

Live Set Parameter Customization

Adjusting Keyboard Touch Response

Explains how to customize the keyboard's touch sensitivity for different playing styles.

Assigning Functions to Pedals

Details how to assign functions to connected pedals like damper, expression, and footswitches.

Function Assignment Options

Assigning Functions to ASSIGN Knobs and Buttons

Explains how to assign specific functions to the ASSIGN knobs and the ASSIGN [5] button.

Assigning Functions to S1;S2 Buttons

Guides on assigning functions to the [S1] and [S2] buttons for quick access.

Sound Effects Configuration

Reverb Settings

Details how to adjust reverb type, level, and other parameters to add spaciousness.

Delay Effect Settings

Explains how to configure delay effects, including type, level, and feedback for sonic depth.

Detailed Tone Settings (Designer)

Piano Designer Parameters

Guides on adjusting piano-specific parameters like stereo width, nuance, and resonance.

Tone Customization with Designer

Tone Designer Overview and E. Piano Settings

Explains the Tone Designer and details settings for electric piano tones.

Clav and Other Tone Settings

Covers specific parameters for clav tones and general settings for other tone types.

Fine-Tuning Individual Notes

Editing Individual Keys

Explains how to adjust tuning, level, and character for each key.

Advanced Tone Effects Control

Sympathetic Resonance and Tremolo;Amp Sim

Details sympathetic resonance and editing tremolo/amp simulator effects.

Modulation FX Parameters

Guides on adjusting modulation effects like chorus, flanger, and phaser.

Creating Organ Tones

Understanding Organ Tone Creation

Explains how to create organ sounds using harmonic bars and tone wheel settings.

Using the RD-800 As a Master Keyboard

MIDI Connectivity and Control

Explains MIDI basics, connectors, and controlling external devices via MIDI.

Selecting MIDI Output and Adjusting Layer Volume

Details how to select MIDI output ports and adjust individual layer volumes.

MIDI Transmit and Sound Selection

Setting MIDI Transmit Channels

Guides on setting the MIDI transmit channel for each layer to control external devices.

Selecting External Sounds and Transmitted Parts

Explains how to select sounds on external devices and set detailed transmit parameters.

MIDI Control Parameter Reference

MIDI Control Parameters

Lists and explains various MIDI control parameters for keyboard range, velocity, and pedals.

Detailed Settings for Each Function

System Parameter Settings

Explains system functions like Master Tune, EQ, Button, and Pedal modes.

Function Settings and Live Set Behavior

Live Set and Tone Setting Retention

Details settings for retaining Reverb, Rhythm, Key Touch, and Tone states when switching Live Sets.

USB and MIDI Connection Settings

Covers USB driver selection, MIDI Thru switch, and MIDI OUT2 port mode configuration.

Pedal, Tuning, and Part Settings

Pedal Polarity and Tuning Methods

Explains how to set pedal polarity and select various tuning methods (temperaments).

Part Selection and Synchronization

Details how to select parts for sound production and transmit clock messages for synchronization.

System Function Configuration

MIDI Output and Audio Settings

Covers MIDI output ports for rhythm, audio volume, and display brightness.

Knob Illumination, Display Theme, and Auto Off

Details settings for knob LED illumination, display themes, and the auto power-off feature.

Detailed Settings for Each Function

System Compressor Settings

Explains how to configure the stereo compressor (limiter) for the final output.

Live Set File Management

Introduces Live Set files and how to save them.

Managing Live Set Files

Saving Live Set Files to Memory or USB

Guides on saving Live Set files to user memory or a USB drive.

Loading Live Set Files

Explains how to load previously saved Live Set files into the RD-800.

Live Set File Operations

Deleting Live Set Files

Details the procedure for deleting unwanted Live Set files from memory or USB.

Copying Live Set Files

Explains how to copy Live Set files between user memory and a USB flash drive.

Convenient Functions (Utility)

Disconnecting Controller and Sound Generator (Local Switch)

Explains the Local Switch function for isolating controller and sound generator sections.

Recording Settings and Memory Formatting

Covers Rec Mode for external sequencers and memory formatting operations.

System and Live Set Initialization

Factory Reset and Live Set Import

Guides on restoring factory settings and importing Live Sets from files.

Initializing a Live Set

Explains how to reset the currently selected Live Set to its default state.

About MIDI Visual Control (V-LINK;MVC)

MIDI Visual Control ON;OFF and Settings

Explains how to turn MIDI Visual Control on/off and configure its basic settings.

Wireless LAN Function Settings (Wireless)

Basic Wireless Connection (WPS)

Details the WPS procedure for connecting to a wireless LAN access point.

Wireless LAN Status and Icons

Explains how to check wireless LAN status and understand display icons.

Wireless LAN Configuration

Selecting and Connecting to Access Points

Guides on selecting and connecting to specific wireless LAN access points.

Wireless Status and Options

Covers viewing wireless status and configuring wireless ID and Ad-Hoc mode.

Advanced Wireless Connectivity

Connecting in Ad-Hoc Mode

Explains how to connect directly to devices without an access point.

Checking Network Information

Guides on checking IP and MAC addresses and network status.

Connecting to Your Computer

Connecting via USB COMPUTER Port

Details how to connect the RD-800 to a computer using a USB cable for data transfer.

Using RD-800 as a USB MIDI Interface

Explains how to use the RD-800 as a USB MIDI interface for MIDI data transmission.

Troubleshooting

Power and Sound Issues

Addresses problems with power, button operation, and no sound output.

Layer and MIDI Device Sound Issues

Troubleshoots issues related to specific layers, connected MIDI devices, and sound ranges.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Effects and Pitch Bend Issues

Addresses problems with effects not applying, pitch bend lever not working, and sound distortion.

Key Range, Pitch, and Cutoff Issues

Troubleshoots problems with key range, pitch inconsistencies, and sound cutoff.

Troubleshooting Advanced Issues

Pedal, Button, and Effect Assignment Issues

Addresses problems with pedals, buttons, and effect assignments not working as expected.

Display, Sound, and Connection Troubleshooting

Troubleshoots display irregularities, sound anomalies, and pedal/connection issues.

Troubleshooting and Error Messages

Wireless Connection and Application Issues

Addresses problems with wireless LAN connectivity and application recognition.

Understanding and Resolving Error Messages

Lists common error messages and provides actions to resolve them.

Effect List

Modulation FX and Combinations

Lists available Modulation FX, Filter, Dynamics, and combination effects.

Tremolo, Amp Simulator, Delay, and Reverb Effects

Lists available Tremolo, Amp Simulator, Delay, and Reverb effects.

Main Specifications

Keyboard and Sound Generator Specifications

Lists key specifications for the keyboard, sound generator, polyphony, and tones.

Effects, Audio Player, Connectors, and Options

Details specifications for effects, audio player, connectivity, power, and included accessories.

Compliance Information

FCC and Regulatory Statements

Provides FCC compliance information and other regulatory statements for the device.

Roland RD-800 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Keyboard88 keys (PHA-4 Concert Keyboard: with Escapement and Ebony/Ivory Feel)
Polyphony128 voices
DisplayGraphic LCD 320 x 240 dots
Power SupplyAC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (50/60 Hz)
External StorageUSB Flash Memory
Sound GeneratorSuperNATURAL Piano
TonesOver 1100 tones
EffectsReverb
Weight21.7 kg / 47 lbs 14 oz
Dimensions1, 400 (W) x 367 (D) x 140 (H) mm
SMF File PlayerStandard MIDI Files (Format 0/1) support
Audio File PlayerWAV
RecorderSMF (Format 0)
ConnectorsINPUT jacks (L/MONO, R)

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