Archive for roland
Back Up The Settings Of A Roland U-220 Sound Module
Posted by: | CommentsToday 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.
A Brief History Of ALL Roland Synthesizers?
Posted by: | CommentsHere’s an animated GIF put together by Das Kraftfuttermischwerk that displays 88 Roland synthesizers in about three seconds; perfect for a quick electronic history lesson or inducing a seizure at will.
Like our sun, you shouldn’t stare directly at this for any length of time.
Feel free to comment on any of the models you can recognize before you pass out. 
A Question About the Roland SH-1000
Posted by: | CommentsBill asks regarding the Roland SH-1000:
“Hi, 2 questions…I’m a ‘Cars’ fan and was wondering if you knew if Greg Hawkes used this keyboard? Would you happen to know if the long sweep sound that opens for the Cars “Moving in Stereo” was used on this?”
Bill, I don’t know.
If anyone knows the answer to this and would like to help Bill out and satisfy my curiosity too, leave a comment!
The Roland KR-33 Digital Piano – Sleeping Giant
Posted by: | Comments
The Roland KR-33 Digital Piano
If you’re looking for a good candidate for a digital stage piano, you would do well to check out the Roland KR 33. This useful keyboard is no longer made but can be found on the secondhand market. I’ve seen these on eBay going for between $300 and $400.
I only became aware of this keyboard because I was working in music retail when it first came out. Our store was shipped a palette of these by accident. When we opened them and set them up we just had a blast playing with them.
While the KR-33 originally intended to be a home digital piano, it works great on stage and in the studio. It has 76 synthesizer type keys, MIDI in and out, several voices including pianos, the ability to split and layer sounds, and just enough MIDI implementation to give it some power as a MIDI master controller.
As far as gigging with it, it’s light weight, easy to carry and is flat as a board on top; perfect for stacking another keyboard. Oh yes, I almost forgot… it also comes with a matching stand.
This would make an excellent piano/controller for any studio as well as being ready to go out and gig with you. And the going price on the used market ain’t bad either.
