18
Chapter 1. Playing Samples
On the SP-303, you can play samples by pressing pads 1–8
and the BANK buttons.
The pad will remain lit while the sample is playing.
The pad most recently pressed to play a sample is called the
“current pad.” The settings information for the current pad
is indicated on the panel.
Whenever sample settings are changed, it is the sample
assigned to the current pad that is affected.

Composition of Samples

One sample can be assigned to each of the Pads 1–8 on the
panel. The eight samples assigned to the eight pads are
collectively referred to as a “sample bank,” and the SP-303
allows you to use four banks, A–D. Banks A and B are the SP-
303’s own internal banks, and Banks C and D are banks
stored on memory cards.
* Sample Bank A is selected when the power is turned on.
fig.r01-01

Switching Sample Banks

To switch sample banks, press one of the BANK buttons [A]–
[D]. The button that is pressed lights up, and the SP-303
switches to that bank.
* If there is no memory card inserted in the slot, you will be
unable to select either Bank C or Bank D, even by pressing
BANK [C] or BANK [D].
Never remove a memory card while samples in Bank C
or D are being played. This can produce unexpected
noises that may result in damage to speakers and amps.
It can also damage the card itself.

Number of Samples That Can Be

Played Simultaneously (Polyphony)

The SP-303 can play up to eight samples simultaneously
(eight-voice polyphony). However, when a sample is set to
stereo, the sample uses two of these voices.
* A sample’s stereo/mono setting can only be made when
sampling, and cannot be changed later on. For instructions on
making settings when sampling, refer to “Sampling from a
CD or MD” (p. 29).
Also note that the maximum polyphony during resampling
is four voices.
* For more information on resampling, refer to “Making
Samples with Effects Added (Resampling)” (p. 32).
Number of Samples That Can Be Played Simultaneously
Two banks on a
memory card
(total of 16 Samples)
Two banks in an
internal memory
(total of 16 Samples)
Pads 1–8 (Samples)
Sample Bank B
Sample Bank A
Sample Bank D
Sample Bank C
Mono
Sample Stereo
Sample
At
Normal Use 8 4
During
Resampling 4 2
When you insert an unused (i.e., unformatted on the SP-
303) memory card, and press BANK [C] or [D], then BANK
[C] and [D] blink, and “FMt” appears in the display.
If you want to format at this time, press BANK [C] or [D].
BANK [C] and [D] then remain lit, and [DEL] begins to
blink. When you press [DEL], formatting then begins.
Formatting the memory card erases all data on the card
and allows the card to be used with the SP-303.
Furthermore, do not turn off the power or remove the
memory card during formatting (while [DEL] is lit).