Roland XV-88 owner manual Entering GM Mode, Playing Back GM Scores, 192

Chapter 11. Using the XV-88 as a GM Sound Module (GM Mode)

The XV-88 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

GM mode can be likened to a Performance for which the sound generator has been set to comply with General MIDI system, and to which GM-compliant Patches and Rhythm Sets have been assigned.

fig.11-01.e

GM Patch/Rhythm Set (number, group)

Part number

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

Each time you enter GM mode, the GM2 STANDARD 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.Hold down [SHIFT] and press [PERFORM] to call up the GM PLAY page.

When you switch the XV-88 into GM mode, the sound generator initializes itself for basic General MIDI 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 General MIDI system settings. The XV-88’s sound generator is initialized in the General MIDI settings.

•When Switching to GM Mode

•When it receives a General MIDI/General MIDI 2 System On message from an external MIDI device

•When the music data being played back on an external MIDI device contains a General MIDI/General MIDI 2 System On message

•When the XV-88’s power is turned on

•When you execute the GM/GM2 Initialize function (p. 198)

General MIDI/General MIDI 2 System On Message

The General MIDI/General MIDI 2 System On messages put the unit in a state that conforms to the General MIDI System and initializes a General MIDI-compatible sound generator.

If the Rx GM On/Rx GM2 On parameter (SYSTEM/ MIDI/SYSTEM MIDI) is set OFF, General MIDI/ General MIDI 2 System On messages cannot be received.

Playing Back GM Scores

When the XV-88 is in GM mode, it plays back GM scores correctly. But beyond this, the XV-88 provides extended features not defined in General MIDI specifications, and if you create music files using these extended features, your song may not play back correctly on other General MIDI- compatible sound modules.

General MIDI/General MIDI 2 System On messages are normally placed at the beginning of a GM score. This means that if a GM score is played back from the middle of the song, the XV-88 will not switch to GM mode, and playback may not be correct. So to be safe, it’s recommended to manually set the XV-88 to GM mode before playing back a GM score.

When the XV-88 receives a GS Reset message, the XV-88 is enabled for the GS format (a shared set of specifications proposed by Roland for standardization of multi-timbral sound modules). This permits playback of music data bearing the GS logo (GS music data). However, Roland’s Sound Canvas Series (including the SC-8850 and SC-8820 models) feature a different sound module format and expanded tone map, so data created exclusively for the Sound Canvas Series may not play back properly on the XV-88.

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