RC-20XL RC-20XL
Phrase Recorder Phrase Recorder
Realtime Phrase Recording and Sampling Realtime Phrase Recording and Sampling
Whether for use onstage or at home, the new RC-20XL will add depth and excitement to your performances Whether for use onstage or at home, the new RC-20XL will add depth and excitement to your performances by allowing you to layer phrases in real time as many stacks as you like until you fill up the 16 minutes of by allowing you to layer phrases in real time as many stacks as you like until you fill up the 16 minutes of ample recording space on the RC-20XL. Explore the expressive options of sound-on-sound performance ample recording space on the RC-20XL. Explore the expressive options of sound-on-sound performance by layering your own phrases to create a massive one-person band experience. Build the ultimate solo, by layering your own phrases to create a massive one-person band experience. Build the ultimate solo, and do it all live in real time. and do it all live in real time.
*Actual product appearance may be subject to change. *Actual product appearance may be subject to change.
*Actual product appearance may be subject to change.
Super long recording time: up to 16 minutes! Super long recording time: up to 16 minutes! Save up to 11 loops at a time Save up to 11 loops at a time Undo function makes it easy to create Undo function makes it easy to create perfect loops perfect loops
Built-in auto quantize for simple and Built-in auto quantize for simple and accurate loop timing accurate loop timing Change loop tempo without changing pitch Change loop tempo without changing pitch Footswitchable loop select (with optional Footswitchable loop select (with optional FS-5U/FS-6) FS-5U/FS-6)

2004 Roland Corp. U.S.

Faxback Number 10755

Page 1 of 2

The RC-20XL picks up where the popular RC-20 leaves off, as it... offers more recording time and more features, but at the same The RC-20XL picks up where the popular RC-20 leaves off, as it affordable price as its predecessor. The RC-20XL inherits the offers more recording time operation from the RC-20:the same same hands-free pedal and more features, but at Record, affordableOverdub can be done with the left pedal all the while Play, and price as its predecessor. The RC-20XL inherits the samehands are freepedal operation from the But now Record, your hands-free to play your instruments. RC-20: you get Play, and Overdub can be done with thetime pedal alland while approximately 16 minutes of recording left to capture the store your hands are free to play your instruments. But now and you loops or one-shot phrases (three times that of the RC-20), you get approximately 16 minutes of recording time to capture and store can work your way backward thanks to the new Undo function, loops or one-shot phrases (three times that of the RC-20), and you a necessity when making mistakes during overdub. can work your way backward thanks to the new Undo function, a necessity when making mistakes during overdub.
More, Better More, Better
The RC-20XL has 11 memory tracks, in which you have the... choice of storing either one-shot phrases or loop phrases. During The RC-20XL has you memory tracks, in which tracks with the your performance, 11 can switch between the you have an choice of FS-6 Dual Footswitch, or two loop phrases. During optional storing either one-shot phrases or FS-5U footswitches your performance,The Undo function can be a the tracks with an (momentary-type). you can switch between useful and musical optional for erasing your previous phrase and instantly layering function FS-6 Dual Footswitch, or two FS-5U footswitches (momentary-type).you have dazzled your be a useful and musical a new one. After The Undo function can crowd, now its time to function for erasing your previous phrase and instantly layering bring it to an end. The RC-20XL offers three stop options for this a new one. Afteryou hit thedazzled you can either immediately purpose. When you have pedal, your crowd, now its time to bringthe playback,Thethe phrase offersuntil the end, or fade it out. stop it to an end. let RC-20XL play three stop options for this purpose. When you hit the pedal, you can either immediately stop the playback, let the phrase play until the end, or fade it out.

Performance Tools Performance Tools
Total Control From the Floor
Complex, multi-layered performances can be created in real-time with RC-20XL. Tap Complex, multi-layered performances can into powerful performance features such as be creatednew Stop options,RC-20XL. Tap One-Shot, in real-time with and Two-Way into powerful performance features such as Phrase Shifting. One-Shot, new Stop options, and Two-Way Phrase Shifting.
You can control the direction of phrase-shift by using a pair of footswitch. You can control the direction of phrase-shift by using a pair of footswitch.

Setting Setting

Output Output

FS-5U FS-5U

FS-6 New FS-6 New

RC-20XL Specifications

Input Impedance Inst: 1 M, Mic: 1 k, Aux In: 47 k Nominal Output Level Output: -20 dBu Output Impedance 1 k Recommended Nominal Input 10 k or greater (variable), Mic: -40 dBu (variable), Aux In: Load ImpedanceLevel Inst: -20 dBuInternal Memory Recording time: 16 min. -10 dBu Input Impedance saved phrases 11 phrases (max.) Connectors (max.) Maximum number ofInst: 1 M, Mic: 1 k, Aux In: 47 k Nominal Output Level Output: -20 dBuMicOutput Impedance type), Recommended Inst jack (1/4 inch phone type), jack (1/4 inch phone 1 k Aux In jack (Stereo Load Impedance 10 k or greaterjack (1/4 inch TRS phone type), Reverse min. miniature phone type), Phrase Shift Internal Memory Recording time: 16 jack (max.) Maximum number of savedinch phone11 phrases Adaptor jack Power (1/4 inch phone type), Output jack (1/4 phrases type), AC (max.) Connectors

-10 dBu

Nominal Input Level Inst: -20 dBu (variable), Mic: -40 dBu (variable), Aux In: RC-20XL Specifications
Inst jack (1/4 inch phone type), Mic jack (1/4 inch phone type), Aux In jack (Stereo miniature phone type), Phrase Shift jack (1/4 inch TRS phone type), Reverse jack (1/4 inch phone type), Output jack (1/4 inch phone type), AC Adaptor jack Power
DC 9V: Dry battery (R6/LR6 (AA) type) x 6, AC Adaptor (PSA-series) Power Consumption 120 mA (9 V max.) Dimensions 173 (W) x 158 (D) x 57 (H) mm, 6-13/16 (W) x 6-1/4 (D) x 2-1/4 (H) inches Weight 1.2 kg / 2 lbs 11 oz (including DC 9V: Dry battery (R6/LR6 (AA) type) x 6, battery (AA (PSA-series) Library batteries) Accessories Owners Manual, DryAC Adaptor type) x 6, SoundPower Consumption 120 mA (9 V CD) Dimensions 173 (W) x 158 (D) x 57 (H) mm, for RC-20XL (Sample Phrase max.) Options AC Adaptor (PSA-series), Foot Switch 6-13/16 (FS-5U) (W) x 6-1/4 (D) x 2-1/4 (H) inches Weight 1.2 kg / 2 lbs 11 oz (including batteries) Accessories Owners Manual, Dry battery (AA type) x 6, Sound Library * 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms for RC-20XL (Sample Phrase CD) Options AC Adaptor (PSA-series), Foot Switch * Specifications are subject to change without notice. (FS-5U) * 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms * Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Easily record audio signals from a CD or MD
Its easy to record audio signals from a CD or MD connected to the AUX IN jack. Since the vocal or guitar solo can be erased from the audio signal while it is being recorded, its also easy to create minus-one data.
Pedal design for hands-free operation
You can use the pedals to start/stop the performance, switch phrases, and set the tempo without taking your hands off of your guitar.

Panel Descriptions

Front Panel

fig.02-01

1 LEVEL Knob This knob adjusts the play volume of the phrase. * This knob does not adjust the input level from the INST/MIC/AUX IN jacks or the volume of the guide tone. 2 GUIDE Knob This knob adjusts the volume of the guide tone that sounds according to the tempo while a phrase is being recorded or played. LOOP QUANTIZE Indicator This indicator lights when the Loop Quantize function (p. 32) is activated. 3 PHRASE SELECT Knob This knob selects the phrase track that will be saved or played. LOOP PHRASE Indicator This indicator will light if a phrase has been saved in the selected track. * The flashing light indicates there is not enough memory for recording or overdubbing (temporary memory; p. 28). 4
* The light flashes rapidly to indicate there is not enough memory to save the phrase. * The light flashes rapidly while the loop phrase is read from memory. Be careful not to turn off the power while this light is flashing rapidly. ONE SHOT PHRASE Indicator This indicator will light if a one shot phrase has been saved in the selected track. * The flashing light indicates there is not enough memory for recording or overdubbing (temporary memory; p. 28). * The light flashes rapidly to indicate there is not enough memory to save the phrase. * The light flashes rapidly while the one shot phrase is read from memory. Be careful not to turn off the power while this light is flashing rapidly. When both the LOOP PHRASE indicator and ONE SHOT indicator are flashing * If these indicators are flashing before recording, it indicates that there is insufficient memory for recording, so you will not be able to record. * If the indicators flash after recording, it indicates that there is insufficient memory to undo (p. 6) the recording, so you may not be able to execute the undo.

Making connections

fig.04-01
AC adaptor (sold separately)

PCS-31 Electric guitar

Guitar amp

Microphone

Headphones Jack (Stereo miniature phone)
Pedal switches (sold separately) Jack type AUX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone PHRASE SHIFT jack: 1/4 inch TRS phone other jacks: 1/4 inch phone

CD/MD player

* 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. * Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions. Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable. * The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the units power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type. * If you are using batteries, the power will be turned on when a connector plug for your amp or speaker is inserted into the OUTPUT jack. * For details on installing the batteries, refer to Installing batteries (p. 8). * For details on pedal switches that can be connected to the PHRASE SHIFT jack and REVERSE jack, refer to p. 24, 27. * Do not connect headphones to the OUTPUT jack. Doing so may damage the headphones.
Making connections * Howling could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to amp. This can be remedied by: 1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s). 2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers. 3. Lowering volume levels. * If the amp and microphone are close together, the sound played back from the amp may be picked up by the microphone. If you record or overdub in such a state, the amp playback picked up by the microphone will also be recorded. You should separate the amp and microphone so that the playback from the amp is not picked up by the microphone.

Turning the power on/off

Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. When turning the power on: Turn on the power of the amp or mixer last. When turning the power off: Turn off the power of the amp or mixer first. * Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power. Even with the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on, but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction. * If you are using batteries, the indicator will become darker when the batteries run down. Please replace the batteries as soon as possible. When turning on the power while a recorded track is being selected (the LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOT PHRASE indicator is lit), the indicators on the front panel flash in a sequential order, and the LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOT PHRASE indicator flashes rapidly for a few seconds.

Adjust the volume so that the PEAK indicator lights occasionally.
4. Set the tempo by pressing the TAP TEMPO button or the right pedal several times in time with the tempo of the phrase you wish to record.
* * For details on setting the tempo, refer to Setting the tempo (p. 33). If you are recording a phrase of a time signature other than 4/4, you must also set the time signature (p. 34).
8. If you wish to overdub onto the phrase, press the left pedal.
Each time you press the left pedal, the playback and overdubbing modes will alternate.
9. When you are finished with playback or overdubbing, press the right pedal.
If you want recording to begin the moment you start playing, turn the AUTO START button on (indicator lit). Press the left pedal to begin recording.
If Auto Start is on, recording will begin the moment you start playing. If you have specified the tempo, recording will begin one measure after you press the left pedal. If you have not specified the tempo, recording will begin the moment you press the left pedal.
10. Press the WRITE button, getting the indicator to start flashing. To save the data in the same phrase track, press the WRITE button once again.
If you wish to save the data to a different phrase track, press the WRITE button (so its indicator is flashing), use the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the desired save destination, then press the WRITE button once again. For details on saving, refer to Saving a phrase (p. 29). 13
Recording a phrase from CD/MD to create a loop phrase
You can create a loop phrase by recording a performance from a CD or MD connected to the AUX IN jack. For example, you can record phrases from a sampling CD and overdub guitar or vocal onto it, or even record an entire song from an audio CD and use it for practicing.

fig.06-01

6, 7, 10, 11

(4), 12

1. Select an empty phrase track 2. Select the recording method 3. Adjust the recording level 4. (Tempo setting) 6. Start recording 7. Stop recording, start playback 8. (Save the phrase) If you wish to keep the phrase 9. (Select the overdubbing method)If you wish to change the overdubbing method 10. Start playback 11. Start/stop overdubbing 12. Stop playback If you are recording to a tempo 5. (Auto Start setting)If you wish to start recording when the performance begins

Playing/overdubbing along with a saved phrase

fig.06-02

(4), 7
1. Select a phrase track 2. Select the recording method 3. Adjust the recording level 4. (Adjust the tempo) 5. Start playback 6. Start/stop overdubbing 7. Stop playback 8. (Save the phrase)
1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the phrase track in which the desired phrase is saved.
The LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOT PHRASE indicator flashes rapidly while the phrase is read from memory.
2. Press the MODE button to get the INST & MIC indicator to light.
3. Turn the MIC knob or INST knob to adjust the recording level. 4. If necessary, press the TAP TEMPO button several times to set the tempo.
You can also set the tempo by pressing the right pedal instead of the TAP TEMPO button. * * For details on setting the tempo, refer to Setting the tempo (p. 33). It is not possible to adjust the tempo beyond a certain limit.
5. Press the left pedal to begin playback. 6. When you wish to overdub along with the phrase, press the left pedal.
7. When you are finished playing or overdubbing, press the right pedal. 8. Press the WRITE button, getting the indicator to start flashing. To save the data in the same phrase track, press the WRITE button once again.
If you wish to save the data in a different phrase track, press the WRITE button (so its indicator is flashing), use the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the desired save destination, and then press the WRITE button once again. * * For details on saving, refer to Saving a phrase (p. 29). If you continue looping in Overdub mode, unwanted noise will also be recorded repeatedly. You should use Overdub mode only while recording a phrase.
Using the RC-20XL for practicingPhrase Trainer
When recording a song from CD or MD, you can erase vocals or guitar solos that locate at the center of the sound field. This function makes it easy to create minus-one data for practicing. You can also adjust the tempo while the phrase plays back. Changing the tempo of the song will not affect the pitch. This is convenient when you wish to slow down the tempo for practicing.

Creating minus-one data

fig.06-03
If you wish to play the recorded phrase through a monitor speaker, select CENTER CANCEL. If you wish to play through a guitar amp, select CENTER CANCEL+FLAT AMP SIMULATE. 20
Using the RC-20XL for practicingPhrase Trainer * If an effect such as reverb has been applied to the sounds localized at the center, it may not be possible to erase the sound completely.

4. If you want recording to begin at the moment the performance starts, turn the AUTO START button on (indicator lit). 5. Press the left pedal to start recording.
* If the internal memory is used up, recording or overdubbing may stop before you are finished. If this occurs, erase unnecessary phrases (p. 31), and try the operation again.
6. Press the right pedal to stop recording.
When recording ends, the tempo of the phrase will be assigned automatically. * The automatic tempo setting is calculated with a time signature of 4/4. If you are recording a phrase whose time signature is different, you must set the time signature before recording (p.34).
7. Press the WRITE button, getting the indicator to start flashing. To save the data in the same phrase track, press the WRITE button once again.
If you wish to save the data in a different phrase track, press the WRITE button (so its indicator is flashing), use the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the desired save destination, and then press the WRITE button once again. * For details on saving, refer to Saving a phrase (p. 29).
Practicing at a different tempo
To change the tempo while the phrase is playing, press the TAP TEMPO button several times at the desired interval. The tempo of the phrase will change temporarily. * * For details on changing the tempo, refer to Setting the tempo (p. 33). It is not possible to adjust the tempo beyond a certain limit. If you wish to keep the modified tempo, save the phrase (p. 29).
Playing back in various ways
Playing a phrase only once (One-shot Playback)
Phrases saved to Phrase Tracks 111 are initially set to loop playback (with the LOOP PHRASE indicator lit), but you can switch the phrase settings to one-shot playback by holding down the SHIFT (EXIT) button and pressing the LOOP/ONE SHOT (AUTO START) button. This feature is handy when, for example, you want to have one-shot playback of saved phrases used for playing live twin guitar solos or effects sounds. * When you want to have One-Shot Playback remain in effect constantly, switch to One-Shot Playback, then save the phrase (Saving a phrase (p. 29)).

1. Connect a pedal switch such as the FS-5U (sold separately) to the PHRASE SHIFT jack (p. 9).
* * * Pedal switches made by another manufacturer may operate in the opposite way. Such pedal switches cannot be used. If you are using the FS-5U, move the polarity switch toward the jack. The FS-5L cannot be used.
Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the phrase that you wish to play first.
* If the phrase has not been saved, it will be deleted when you switch to a different phrase. For more on saving phrases, refer to Saving a phrase (p. 29).
3. Press the left pedal to begin playing the phrase. 4. When you want to switch phrases, press the pedal switch.
The PLAY indicator flashes the same count as the number for the phrase to be played next, then flashes rapidly, and repeats this pattern. The unit switches to the phrase with the next number (or, if that is empty, the phrase after that) at the timing used in returning to the start of the loop. When the phrase is switched, the PLAY indicator flashes the same count as the number for the phrase currently being played, then remains lit, and repeats this pattern. * When the number of the next phrase to be played back matches the phrase number indicated by the PHRASE SELECT knob, the PLAY indicator flashes rapidly, then remains lit when the phrases are switched.
You can advance to any phrase while the current phrase is playing by pressing the pedal switch the corresponding number of times. * Empty phrase tracks are disregarded. For example, when you press the pedal switch one time while the Number 1 phrase is playing, if Number 2 is empty, the unit will switch to Number 3.
Playing back in various ways When you switch to a phrase set to One-Shot Playback, the phrase is played to the end, and then playback stops. If you use Phrase Shift during One-Shot Playback, the phrase is played to the end, then the unit switches to the next phrase. The unit may not switch to the next phrase if you carry out Phrase Shift while the end of the phrase is approaching. Use Phrase Shift while there is still ample time to carry it out. After carrying out the switch operation, you cannot change the tempo or switch to Reverse Playback until the phrases are switched.

Saving or deleting a phrase

About memory

The memory of the RC-20XL is divided into two areas: phrase tracks 111 and temporary memory.

fig.08-01

Memory

Temporary memory

Record/ Overdubbing

Save Phrase tracks

A phrase that you record or overdub is first stored in temporary memory. The phrase stored in temporary memory is temporary, and will be erased when the following operations occur. When you turn off the power When you select a different phrase track Before you perform any of these operations, make sure to save the phrase in a phrase track if you wish to keep it (p. 29). If the overdubbing produces a phrase that you like, save it to the phrase track before using the next procedure. Once the data is saved to the phrase tracks, it can be called up anytime afterwards. If you wish to erase (clear) only the phrase in temporary memory, press and hold the right pedal for two seconds or longer. What is a phrase track? A phrase track is an area of internal memory in which phrases are stored. Phrases that are saved here will not be lost when the power is turned off. Also, phrases that are saved here can be selected at any time by using the PHRASE SELECT knob. The phrases that can be saved in phrase tracks 111 can have a maximum total length of 16 minutes. You can only change the playback tempo (p. 33) of phrases saved to the phrase tracks. To change the playback tempo of a phrase stored in temporary memory immediately following overdubbing or recording, save it to a phrase track.

Saving a phrase

When you have finished recording/overdubbing, or after you have edited the tempo or other settings of a phrase, you can save it. All phrases that have not been saved are lost when you turn off the power or select a different phrase track.

fig.08-02

1. Press the WRITE button, getting the indicator to start flashing.
The RC-20XL will be ready to save. * * To copy the data, select the copy-source phrase track, and press the WRITE button. You cannot save the phrase if it differs from the phrase indicated with the PHRASE SELECT knob.
2. Use the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the unused or empty track.
* * It is not possible to save to a phrase track that already contains a phrase (the LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOT PHRASE indicator will be lit). The LOOP PHRASE and ONE SHOT PHRASE indicators flash when there is not enough memory to save the phrase.
3. Press the WRITE button once again to save the phrase. To cancel this operation, press EXIT button.
While the data is being saved, the indicator will light. When saving is complete, the indicator goes out. * * Depending on the length of the phrase, it may take some time for the save to be completed. If you decide not to save, press the EXIT button. However, if you have turned the PHRASE SELECT knob to select another phrase track, the recorded phrase will be lost when you press the EXIT button, and you will switch to the selected phrase.

Never turn off the RC-20XLs power while the WRITE indicator or the EXIT indicator is lit. Doing so will cause all data saved in the phrase tracks to be lost. Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important data you have stored in the units memory on an MD, or other device. During repairs, due care is taken to avoid the loss of data. However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible to restore the data. Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the units memory once it has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
Erasing a saved phrase (Delete)

fig.08-03

1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the phrase track that you wish to delete. 2. Simultaneously press the SHIFT (EXIT) button and the DELETE (WRITE) button to get both indicators to flash.
The RC-20XL will be ready to delete the data. * You cannot delete the phrase if it is not the phrase indicated with the PHRASE SELECT knob.
3. Press the DELETE (WRITE) button to delete the data. To cancel this operation, press the EXIT button.
The indicator will be lit while the data is being deleted, and will go out when the deletion is complete. Never turn off the RC-20XLs power while the WRITE indicator or the EXIT indicator is lit. Doing so will cause all data saved in the phrase tracks to be lost. * It is not possible to delete all phrase tracks in one operation.

Write Protect mode

You can temporarily prevent phrases from being saved or erased. This condition is called Write Protect mode. To select Write Protect mode, hold down the WRITE button as you turn on the power. Confirm that all four indicators to the right of the MODE button are lit, then release the button. This setting will be cleared when you turn off the power, so the next time power is turned on, you will once again be able to save or erase phrases. 31
About the tempo and time signature
The RC-20XL allows you to set the tempo and time signature separately for each phrase. These settings also determine how the guide tone will play, and how loop quantization will occur. This means that if the tempo and time signature are correctly set before recording, it will be easy to create a correct loop phrase. * The default time signature is 4/4. If you are recording a phrase with a 4/4 time signature, it is not necessary to set the time signature.

What is Loop Quantize?

The timing at which you stop recording the phrase is very important in order to create an accurately looped phrase. When using devices other than the RC-20XL, it was necessary to become skilled at operating the pedal, through much practice. The RC-20XL, however, has Loop Quantize function that automatically corrects the length of the phrase by referring to the information in the Tempo settings so that an accurately looped phrase can be created even if recording is stopped at a slightly inaccurate timing.

fig.09-01

Without LOOP QUANTIZE

LOOP QUANTIZE

Phrase

Loop Phrase

Loop Quantize is valid only when you have set the tempo before recording (the LOOP QUANTIZE indicator will be lit). If you have not set the tempo before recording, or during overdubbing, the Loop Quantize function is not active (LOOP QUANTIZE indicator extinguished).
About automatic tempo settings
When a phrase is recorded without a specific tempo setting, the tempo is then set automatically after the recording is finished. * The automatic tempo setting calculates the tempo premised on recording with a time signature (beat) of 4/4 and four beats per measure. If you are recording phrases with other beats, set the beat using the procedure on p. 34 before recording.

Setting the tempo

If you are recording a performance from an instrument or microphone connected to the INST or MIC jacks, set the tempo before recording. You can change the tempo for playing back the stored phrase. *

fig.09-02

If you change the playback tempo, then store the phrase, the modified tempo will be stored. If you do not save it, the tempo change will be lost.
1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the phrase track you wish to use.
If you are recording a new phrase, select the track you wish to record.
2. Press the TAP TEMPO button several times at the desired tempo.
The tempo will be set according to the intervals at which you press the button. * * * * The tempo can also be set by pressing the right pedal instead of the TAP TEMPO button. However, the right pedal cannot be used while a phrase is playing. You cannot set the tempo for phrases that are looped over an interval shorter than the minimum recording time (approximately 1.5 seconds). If you wish to record a new phrase at the same tempo and time signature as the previouslyselected phrase, press the TAP TEMPO button / right pedal once. By starting recording without setting the tempo, you can create a loop phrase without using the Loop Quantize function. You can only change the playback tempo of phrases saved to the phrase tracks. To change the playback tempo of a phrase stored in temporary memory immediately following overdubbing or recording, save it to a phrase track (p. 29).
Setting the time signature

If you are recording a phrase with a time signature of other than 4/4, set the correct time signature before recording. * *

fig.09-03

It is not possible to change the time signature after recording. It is not possible to set a time signature whose denominator is anything other than 4.
1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the phrase track you wish to record.
2. Press and hold the TAP TEMPO button for two seconds or longer.
The indicator will flash, then go out, and you will be able to set the time signature.
3. Press the TAP TEMPO button as many times as the time signature you wish to set.
When you have finished setting the time signature, the indicator will flash, and you will automatically return to the state in which you can make tempo settings. If you hold down the TAP TEMPO button to set the beat immediately after setting the tempo, the action of the button being pressed is interpreted as setting the tempo, and you may end up inadvertently changing the tempo as a result. Be sure to leave a brief interval between setting the tempo and setting the beat.

About the guide tone

A guide tone will sound while you are playing or recording a phrase.

fig.10-01

Changing the sound of the guide tone The volume of the guide tone can be adjusted with the GUIDE knob. If you do not wish to hear the guide tone, turn the GUIDE knob to the OFF position. If you wish to change the sound of the guide tone, hold down the SHIFT (EXIT) button and press the GUIDE SELECT (TAP TEMPO) button several times. Each time you press the GUIDE SELECT (TAP TEMPO) button, the guide tone will change (eight types). * When you save a phrase (p. 29), the currently selected guide tone will also be remembered. The guide tone will not be heard when you record a phrase for which no tempo has been set. However, the tempo will be calculated automatically when you have finished recording, and the guide tone will play during playback.

Troubleshooting

Power does not turn on
Is an amp or speaker connected to the OUTPUT jack? If you are using batteries, the power will not turn on unless an amp or speaker is connected to the OUTPUT jack. Check the connections (p. 9). Have the batteries run down? Install new batteries (p. 8). Is the correct AC adaptor (sold separately) connected? Check the connections once again (p. 9).

Unable to switch to Reverse Playback
You cannot switch to Reverse Playback under the following conditions. While phrases are being switched (while the PLAY indicator is flashing) While changing the tempo (while the LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOT PHRASE indicator is flashing)
Unable to change the playback tempo
You cannot change the playback tempo under the following conditions. If the phrase has not been saved If you are using overdubbing While phrases are being switched (while the PLAY indicator is flashing) While you are setting the tempo for phrases that are looped over an interval shorter than the minimum recording time (approximately 1.5 seconds).
Automatically set tempo is odd
When a phrase shorter than the minimum recording time (approximately 1.5 seconds) is recorded with more than five beats set, the guide sound may play half the beats. If this occurs, record the phrase over again with the recording lasting twice as long.

Specifications

Nominal Input Level INST: -20 dBu (variable) MIC: -40 dBu (variable) AUX IN: -10 dBu Input Impedance INST: MIC: AUX IN: 1M 1k 47 k Connectors INST Jack (1/4 inch phone type) MIC Jack (1/4 inch phone type) AUX IN Jack (Stereo miniature phone type) PHRASE SHIFT Jack (TRS 1/4 inch phone type) REVERSE Jack (1/4 inch phone type) OUTPUT Jack (1/4 inch phone type) AC Adaptor Jack Power DC 9V: Dry battery (R6/LR6 (AA) type) x 6 AC Adaptor (PSA-series) Power Consumption 120 mA (9 V max.)
* Expected battery life under continuous use: Carbon: 6 hours Alkaline: 16 hours These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Nominal Output Level OUTPUT: -20 dBu Output Impedance 1k Recommended Load Impedance 10 k or greater Internal Memory Recording time: 16 min. (max.) Maximum number of saved phrases: 11 phrases (max.) Controls REC/PLAY/OVERDUB Pedal, STOP/TAP TEMPO Pedal, INST Knob, MIC Knob, PHRASE SELECT Knob, GUIDE Knob, LEVEL Knob, REVERSE Button, TAP TEMPO Button, WRITE Button, EXIT Button, AUTO START Button, MODE Button Indicators POWER (serves also as battery check indicator), REC, PLAY, OVERDUB, PEAK, LOOP QUANTIZE, LOOP PHRASE, ONE SHOT PHRASE, TAP TEMPO, REVERSE, WRITE, EXIT, AUTO START, INST & MIC, NORMAL, CENTER CANCEL, FLAT AMP SIMULATE

Dimensions 173 (W) x 158 (D) x 57 (H) mm 6-13/16 (W) x 6-1/4 (D) x 2-1/4 (H) inches Weight 1.2 kg / 2 lbs 11 oz (including batteries) Accessories Owners Manual Leaflet (USING THE UNIT SAFELY, IMPORTANT NOTES, and Information) Dry battery (AA type) x 6 Sound Library for RC-20XL (Sample Phrase CD) Options AC Adaptor (PSA-series) Foot Switch (FS-5U) * * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

AUTO START.. 13, 16, 21

Pedal.. Phrase Shift... Phrase track.. Phrase Trainer... 28 20

Batteries... 8

CENTER CANCEL.. 15, 20 Clear... 17, 19, 28 Connections.. 9
Playback.. 13, 17 Playing... 19 Power... 10
Recording From a device connected to the AUX IN jack.. 14 From a device connected to the INST jack or MIC jack.. 12 Redo... 6, 17, 19 Retrigger playback.. 22 Reverse Playback... 27

Delete... 31

Erasing Data saved in the phrase tracks. 31 Only the phrase in temporary memory.. 28
FLAT AMP SIMULATE. 15, 20 Flat Amp Simulator.. 15
Saving.. 29 Sound-on-sound.. 12 STOP MODE.. 5 Stop Mode... 23

Guide tone... 35

Loop Playback... 22 Loop Quantize.. 13, 32 LOOP/ONE SHOT.. 5, 22
TAP TEMPO.. 21, 33 Tempo.. 21, 32 Temporary memory. 28 Time signature.. 32, 34
Minimum length of recording time. 37 Minus-one data.. 20

Undo.. 6, 17, 19

One-shot Playback.. 22 Overdubbing.. 1213, 17
Write Protect mode. 28, 31
For EU Countries This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC.

For the USA

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment. This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.