Roland FP-3 Connecting Midi Devices, Connectors, Making the Connections, How to Enjoy Midi

Chapter 4 Other Functions

Connecting MIDI Devices

About MIDI

MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface,” and is a worldwide standard for the exchange of performance data (MIDI messages) and other information among electronic instruments and computers.

The FP-3 features a MIDI connector and a computer connector to allow performance information to be exchanged with external devices. Connecting the keyboard to other devices with these connectors provides you with an even greater variety of ways to use your keyboard.

*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.

■Connectors

OutIn

MIDI

MIDI Out Connector

Sends data about what is being played on the keyboard and other performance data.

Connect to the MIDI in connector on the external MIDI device.

MIDI In connector

Receives messages sent from external MIDI devices.

Connect to the MIDI Out connector on the external MIDI device.

■Making the Connections

*To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.

1.Turn the volume all the way down on the FP-3 and on the device you’re about to connect.

2.Turn off the power to the FP-3 and to the device being connected.

3.Connect a MIDI cable (sold separately) between the MIDI connectors on each device.

4.Switch on the power to the FP-3 and the connected device.

5.Adjust the volume level on the FP-3 and the connected device.

6.You should also set the MIDI settings as needed.

Make the settings for the MIDI send and receive channels (p. 43) and for Local On/Off (p. 43).

■How to Enjoy MIDI

Recording Data of Performances Played on the FP-3 to a

Sequencer* and Automatically Playing Recorded

Performance Data on the FP-3

Connection example:

Connecting to a sequencer (the Roland MT series, etc.)

Sequencer

	* The MT-80s has no MIDI
	Out connector.
Out MIDI	In
			FP-3
Damper Soft	R	L (Mono)	R L (Mono)
Out	In	Stereo	Stereo
Pedal	MIDI	Line In	Line Out

→When connecting a sequencer, we recommend using it with the settings described below.

•Local Control off (p. 43)

•MIDI Out Mode 1 (p. 44)

When the instrument is turned on, MIDI Out Mode is set to “1.”

Performing on the FP-3 Using Sounds from Another

Sound Module*

Connection Example: Connecting to a MIDI Sound Module

Sound Module

MIDI

THRU OUT IN

FP-3

Damper	Soft	R	L (Mono)	R	L (Mono)
	Out	In	Stereo		Stereo
Pedal		MIDI	Line In		Line Out

→When connecting to a MIDI sound module, we recommend using the system with MIDI Out Mode set to “2” (p. 44). When the instrument is turned on, MIDI Out Mode is set to “1.”

What is a Sequencer?

A sequencer is a device that records the stream of MIDI messages that is sent out by an instrument. These messages convey all the details of what has occurred while the instrument is played; including the timing of notes, their sound, the force used to play them, and for how long. Afterwards, you can send the recorded MIDI information back to the instrument, and it will play automatically.

What is a MIDI Sound Module?

Inside a synthesizer or electronic piano is the section that actually produces sound, known as the sound module. A MIDI sound module produces sounds as the result of MIDI messages sent to it by other devices.

42