Roland owner manual Using the XV-3080 as a General Midi Sound Module, Entering GM Mode

Chapter 9 Examples of Applications Using the XV-3080

Using the XV-3080 as a General MIDI Sound Module

The XV-3080 features a GM mode—a convenient way to play back or create GM score data (music files for General MIDI sound module). You’re able to play back commercial GM score data releases and even modify various parameter settings for enhanced musical expression.

Entering GM Mode

Basically GM mode is similar to a special kind of Performance in which a General MIDI System Rhythm Set is assigned to Part 10, and General MIDI System Patches are assigned to other Parts.

But however, you can’t store GM mode settings in user memory.

The GM PLAY page shows a Patch or Rhythm Set assigned to each Part.

Each time you enter GM mode, the GM Drum Set is assigned to Part 10, and Piano 1 is assigned to other Parts. You can also select other GM Patches and GM Drum Sets for each Part to match the performance.

1.Press [GM] in MODE to call up the GM PLAY page.

When you switch the XV-3080 into GM mode, the sound generator initializes itself for basic GM System settings.

2.To change the current Part, press [ ] or [ ].

3.To change the GM Patch or GM Rhythm Set assigned to the Part, perform the same procedure as you do when you select a Patch or Rhythm Set.

Initializing the Sound Generator for General MIDI System Basic Settings

To play back a GM score correctly, the sound generator must first be initialized to basic GM system settings. The XV-3080’s sound generator is initialized in the following situations:

•When the XV-3080 is switched to GM mode

•When it receives a GM System On message from an external MIDI device

•When a GM System On message is encountered in the song data being played back

•When the XV-3080’s power is turned on.

•When you execute the GM Initialize function (p. 145).

Playing Back a GM Score

When the XV-3080 is in GM mode, it plays back GM scores correctly. But beyond this, the XV-3080 provides many extended features not defined in GM System specifications, and if you create music files using these extended features, your song may not play back correctly on other GM- compatible sound modules.

In addition, although the XV-3080 can also be compatible with the GS format by receiving a GS Reset MIDI message, Roland’s Sound Canvas Series (including the SC-8850 and SC-8820) features a different sound module system and extended tone map, you may be unable to get MIDI data (GS music data) created especially for use only with the Sound Canvas series of devices to play back properly.

The beginning of a GM score normally contains a GM System On message. So if you play back a GM score starting in the top of a song, XV-3080 will switch itself to GM mode. But if you play back a GM score starting in the middle of a song, XV-3080 may not switch itself to GM mode, and the GM score may not play back correctly. So to be safe, it’s recommended to manually set the XV-3080 to GM mode before playing back a GM score.

Muting a Specific Part

When you switch over to GM mode, all Parts will be set to receive MIDI messages. To turn off a specific Part so that it will not sound, set the Receive Switch to OFF for the Part.

First, press [RX] to make its indicator light.

At this time, the on/off setting of each Part will be shown by the indicators of PART SELECT [1/9]–[8–16]. When the [1-8/ 9-16] indicator is dark, the function button indicators will indicate the status of Parts 1–8. When the [1-8/9-16] indicator is lit, the function button indicators will indicate the status of Parts 9–16. Lit is on, and dark is off.

Press PART SELECT [1/9]–[8/16] to turn the Part on/off.

Turning Effects On/Off

1.Press [EFFECTS ON/OFF].

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