Midi Functions, Midi Channels, Midi Parameters

MIDI Functions

The GW-7 can transmit and receive performance data when connected to an external MIDI device, which enables the two devices to control each other’s performance. For example, one device can play or switch sounds on the other device.

MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface.” It is a universal standard for exchanging musical performance data among electronic musical instruments and computers.

The GW-7’s MIDI connectors allow it to transmit performance data to, and receive such data from other devices. You can use the GW-7 in a wide range of ways by connecting external devices to these connectors.

*A separate publication titled "MIDI Implementation" is also available. It provides complete details concerning the way MIDI has been implemented on this unit. If you should require this publication (such as when you intend to carry out byte-level programming), please contact the nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor.

Connection Example

Before making connections with other devices, you must turn down the volume of all devices and turn off the power to avoid malfunctions or speaker damage.

Play the GW-7's sounds from your MIDI sequencer

GW-7						MIDI sound module/
GW-7						sequencer

Use the GW-7 to play your MIDI sound module

MIDI Channels

MIDI provides sixteen channels, numbered 1–16. Even if two MIDI devices are connected, you won’t be able to select or play sounds on the other device unless both devices are set to the same MIDI channel. The GW-7 is capable of receiving on all channels, 1–16.

1	Backing 1
2	Backing bass *1
3	Backing 2
4	Main (Keyboard) *2
5	Backing 3
6	Dual (Keyboard) *3
7	Backing 4
8	Backing 5
9	Backing 6
10	Backing drums
11	Split (Keyboard) *4
12	Chord Bass (Keyboard) *5
13
14
15
16	(Main (Keyboard)) *6

*1: The bass that sounds when the backing is playing

*2: Main mode, the Upper Tone of Split mode, or the first Tone of Dual mode

*3: Second Tone of Dual mode

*4: Lower Tone of Split mode

*5: The bass that sounds according to the chord you play in the left hand when [BACKING TRACK] is lit and the backing is stopped

*6: If you assign a drum set for Main mode, the Upper Tone of Split mode, or the first Tone of Dual mode

MIDI Parameters

For details on how to make these settings, refer to “System Settings” (p. 24).

MIDI parameters other than “Local Ctrl” will be saved as soon as you exit System Edit mode.

Local Ctrl (Local Control)

(On/Off, default: On)

If the notes you play on the keyboard are sent to the sound generator via both of the two routes (1) and (2) as shown in the diagram, the notes will be duplicated or interrupted. To prevent this, you can disconnect route (1) by using the “Local Off” setting.

You should turn this setting Off if you’ve connected a MIDI sequencer to the GW-7.

(1) Local on

		Sequencer
	MIDI	MIDI
Sound	IN	OUT
generator		Memory
		Memory
	MIDI	MIDI
	OUT	IN

(2) Thru setting turned on Play a note once;

it's sounded twice

The setting of this parameter is cleared when you switch off the GW-7’s power.

MIDI TxRx (MIDI Transmission/Reception)

This specifies the part(s) that will receive and transmit MIDI.

Option	Meaning

ALL	All parts
KBD	• The keyboard part (refer to “(Keyboard)” in the
	“MIDI channel” table in the left column of this
	page)
	• The song parts (1–16)
STL	• The backing parts (Backing 1–6, Backing bass,
	Backing drums)
	• The song parts (1–16)
SNG	Only the song parts (1–16)
OFF	None of the GW-7’s parts will transmit or receive
	MIDI messages.

Sync Rx (MIDI Synchronization)

This specifies how the GW-7 will synchronize to an external MIDI device. Synchronization is available if the MIDI OUT connector of your external MIDI device is connected to the GW- 7’s MIDI IN connector. (If you’ve made the opposite connection, refer to the owner’s manual for your external device.)