●How simultaneous note numbers and Voices are related

The sounds of this unit consist of units called “Voices”. There is a limit to how many of these “Voices” can sound at once, and in the case of this unit, up to 64 simultaneous voices can be used. Some sounds (Instruments) use 1 voice and others use 2 voices (Instrument list, p.154). The main reason that some sounds use 2 voices is to allow different timbres to be produced by different velocity values.

If more than 64 voices are used at once, later-sounded notes will be given priority, and notes sounded previously will be turned off starting from the oldest. If you use only single-voice instruments, you will be able to play 64 notes simultaneously, but if some of the instruments are 2-voice, you will be able to play less than 64 simultaneous notes. Even if a MIDI Note Off message (p.131) is received, voices will be used for as long as the sound is heard. Be aware of this especially in the case of sound with a long release (p.33).

*If song data created with 64 voice playback in mind is played back on a sound source with fewer voices, some notes will drop out, and the musical result will not be as it should. The SC-55 has 24 voices, and the SC-55mkII has 28 voices.

●Concerning legato-enabled sounds

This unit provides legato-enabled sounds that are ideally suited to legato playing, and which can realistically simulate this instrumental performance technique.

To understand this feature, consider how most string instruments produce sound. Usually, a brief attack-like sound will be heard only at the very instant the string is made to vibrate. After that a much mellower, attack-free sound continues to emanate during the string’s vibration. The legato-enabled sounds simulates such variable attack-portion characteristics of string sounds by switching on or off certain special voices within an

Instrument according to the way the keyboard is played.

Instrument which has a “:” at the end of its name (such as “Violin:”) is the legato -enabled sound.

Try out one of these Patches to hear how it works. If you are using a keyboard, play a note and keep your finger on that key while playing another note.

You should hear a distinct attack portion with the first note you play, while the second one contains almost no attack components, and sounds much smoother.

At this time, “L” will be displayed following “:” of the instrument name.

If you want to sound the attack portion each time, simply release your finger from a key before playing the next note.

At this time, “L” will not be displayed following “:” of the instrument name.

*Legato Control cannot be switched on and off on an Instrument basis. You should choose and edit an Instrument that meets your intended usage.

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Chapter 2. Parts and paramters