Back Up The Settings Of A Roland U-220 Sound Module

Today features another question from a reader. Vic asks…

“Could you please provide me with instructions to backup the sounds on my U220 via MIDI to my computer before I load other SysEx files on this unit?”

The Roland U220 Sound Module

This involves a transfer of system exclusive (SysEx) data from the Roland U-220 to a MIDI recording device that has SysEx recording capability. Most MIDI sequencer programs have this ability these days, but check your owners manual to be sure. There may be some options you need to set in order to enable this functionality in your program.

Roland uses the term “Bulk Dump” for this operation. This is a one-way transmission of data from the U-220. This means that it will transmit its data regardless of the condition or connection of a receiving device. In this respect the U-220 is “dumb”, it just blasts the data on command and has no idea where, or if, it went.

NOTE: Make sure to set the U-220 and the receiving device to the same device ID number (use 17). If they aren’t matched on both devices the transfer will fail.

Okay, assuming all the prerequisite setup is done, here’s how to proceed…

1. On the front panel push the “Data” button.

2. Use the cursor buttons to make the word “Bulk” flash.

3. Push “Enter” once.

4. Use the cursor buttons to start the word “All” flashing.

5. Push “Enter” once, and only once at this point.

6. Make sure your recording device is armed and start it recording.

7. Push “Enter” once. The U-220 will now begin transmitting (Bulk Dumping) all of it’s memory. While in progress the display will read “Transmitting SysEx.” When the dump is complete the display will read “Function Completed.”

8. Stop your MIDI recording device and save the file.

That’s it, you’ve successfully backed up the data in your Roland U-220 sound module.

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