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.

Page 2 of 2 25

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: USING THE UNIT SAFELY and IMPORTANT NOTES (separate sheet). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owners manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
* The Mini Guide on the back of the RC-20XL provides a simple explanation of use. You can use it as a reminder of operational procedures.

Main Uses

Here are some ways in which the RC-20XL can be used. You can use your own creativity to come up with other ways to enjoy using the RC-20XL. Sound On Sound performance New sound on sound possibilities let you combine performances not only of guitar, but also vocals, percussion, and drum pads.. Create loop phrases You can record phrases from a sampling CD or MD, and overdub guitar or vocals. Switch loops while you perform live Multiple R&B or techno phrase loops can be stored, and selected successively while you perform (Phrase Shift)... As a phrase trainer Play your guitar while playing back phrases recorded from a CD or MD. Practice at a different tempo without changing the pitch.. Erase the guitar solo or vocal when recording, to create minus-one data for practicing (Center Cancel).... As a backing device Phrase trainer with a pedal that lets you start/stop or select phrases (One-shot Playback).... Special effects during a live performance Reverse-playback of a recorded phrase....

p. 12 p. 14

p. 24 p. 18 p. 21 p. 20

p. 22 p. 27

Contents
Contents.... 2 Main features... 3 Panel Descriptions... 4
Front Panel.... 4 Rear Panel.... 7
Installing batteries... 8 Making connections.... 9
Turning the power on/off... 10 Important <Caution when turning off the power>.. 11
Recording a guitar or vocal performance to create a loop phrase. 12 Recording a phrase from CD/MD to create a loop phrase. 14 Playing/overdubbing along with a saved phrase.. 18 Using the RC-20XL for practicingPhrase Trainer.. 20
Creating minus-one data.... 20 Practicing at a different tempo... 21
Playing back in various ways... 22
Playing a phrase only once (One-shot Playback).. 22 Selecting the Method of Stopping Playback (Stop Mode).. 23 Using the pedal to switch phrases (Phrase Shift).. 24 When connecting two FS-5U.. 26 Play back a phrase backward (Reverse Playback).. 27
Saving or deleting a phrase.. 28
About memory.... 28 Saving a phrase... 29 Erasing a saved phrase (Delete)... 31 Write Protect mode.... 31
About the tempo and time signature... 32
What is Loop Quantize?.... 32 Setting the tempo.... 33 Setting the time signature... 34
About the guide tone... 35 Troubleshooting... 36 Specifications... 38 Index.... 39
Copyright 2004 BOSS CORPORATION All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

Main features

Simple and reliable loop play
The new loop quantize function automatically adjusts the timing of the loop end. This makes it easy for anyone to create looped phrases of an accurate length.
Up to 16 minutes of extended phrase recording
You can save up to eleven different loop phrases for a total of 16 minutes of recording.
Overdubbing undo/redo capability
If you make a mistake in overdubbing, you can cancel the action and restore the data to its condition before the overdub (undo). And if after undoing the overdub you decide that you want to use it after all, you can cancel the undo and restore the data to the state it was in right after the overdub (redo).
Control the phrase tempo in real time
The tempo of a phrase can be controlled in real time without affecting its pitch. A phrase recorded into internal memory can be made to match the tempo of a live performance, opening up new possibilities during a gig. This feature is also useful when you wish to slow down the tempo of a guitar phrase to learn and practice it.

Panel Descriptions 4 MIC Knob This knob adjusts the input level from the MIC jack. INST Knob This knob adjusts the input level from the INST jack. PEAK Indicator This indicator will light when the level of the input is excessively high. 5 REVERSE Button Turn this button on (indicator lit) when you want the phrase to play back in reverse (p. 27). 6 TAP TEMPO Button This button is used to set the tempo or time signature. The indicator will light to indicate the current tempo and time signature (red on the first beat, green on subsequent beats). Tempo Specify the tempo by the interval at which you press the button (p. 33). Time signature When you press and hold the button for two seconds or longer, it will switch to time signature setting mode. Then press the button the number of times that is equivalent to the numerator of the desired time signature (p. 34). When this button is pressed while the SHIFT (EXIT) button is held down, it functions as the GUIDE SELECT button, allowing you to switch the guide sound (p. 35). 7 WRITE Button This button is used to save a recorded phrase into internal memory (p. 29). When this button is pressed while the SHIFT (EXIT) button is held down, it functions as the DELETE button, allowing you to delete the phrase on the selected track (p. 31). 8 EXIT (SHIFT) Button This button is used to halt a phrase save or delete operation. This is also used as a SHIFT button for switching the functions of other buttons. 9 AUTO START Button Turn this button on (indicator lit) if you want recording to begin simultaneously when the performance begins. When this button is pressed while the SHIFT (EXIT) button is held down, it functions as the LOOP/ONE SHOT button, allowing you to switch between phrase playback and one-shot playback for phrases saved to the selected track (p. 22). * You cannot switch anything if there is no phrase saved (both the LOOP PHRASE and ONE SHOT PHRASE indicators are off). The unit remains set to loop playback. 10 MODE Button This button selects the recording method. When this button is pressed while the SHIFT (EXIT) button is held down, it functions as the STOP MODE button, allowing you to select the stop mode (p. 23).

fig.02-02

POWER Indicator This indicator will light when the power is on. * When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator will become dim. When this occurs, please replace them with new batteries. 12 REC Indicator This indicator will light during recording. PLAY Indicator This indicator will light while a phrase is playing. OVERDUB Indicator This indicator will light during overdubbing.

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.

Important <Caution when turning off the power>
Before you turn off the power, make sure that the following conditions are met. All saved data may be lost if the power is turned off inappropriately. You must not be playing/recording/overdubbing a phrase (The REC, PLAY, and OVERDUB indicators must not be lit) The WRITE indicator or EXIT indicator must not be lit The LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOT PHRASE indicator is not flashing rapidly If you are using batteries, the power will be turned off automatically when the connector plug to your amp or speaker is unplugged from the OUTPUT jack. Before unplugging this connector, make sure you check for the above states. To avoid problems, select an empty phrase track whenever possible, and turn off/ on the power.
Recording a guitar or vocal performance to create a loop phrase
On the RC-20XL, the process of recording an additional performance while a recorded performance plays back is called overdubbing. The performance from an instrument or microphone connected to the INST jack or MIC jack can be recorded to create a loop phrase. This lets you enjoy new types of sound-on-sound playing that combine guitar, percussion, or drum pad performances.

fig.05-01

6, 7, 8

(4), 9

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, and start playback 8. Start/stop overdubbing 9. Stop playback 10. (Save the phrase) If you wish to save the phrase If you are recording to a tempo 5. (Auto Start setting) If you wish to start recording when the performance begins
1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select an empty phrase track 111.
If there are any empty phrase tracks, both the LOOP PHRASE and ONE SHOT PHRASE indicators remain off. If there are no empty phrase tracks, or when the LOOP PHRASE and ONE SHOT PHRASE indicators flash, indicating that the memory is full, delete any unnecessary phrases to free up some memory (p. 31).
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.
Press the left pedal to stop recording.
Simultaneously, the recorded phrase will begin playing. Regardless of the timing at which you press the left pedal, the length of the phrase will be automatically adjusted in units of a measure, so that the loop phrase can be created correctly (Loop Quantize p. 32). This means that a certain amount of time may be required from when you press the left pedal until recording stops. The minimum length of time required for a loop phrase is approximately 1.5 seconds. If the phrase youve recorded is shorter than that, the length of the phrase will be adjusted automatically, and then recording will stop (p. 37).

2. Press the MODE button to get the INST & MIC indicator to light. 3. While you produce sound on your microphone or instrument, turn the MIC knob or INST knob to adjust the recording level.
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
2. Press the MODE button to select the recording method.

NORMAL+FLAT AMP SIMULATE Apply the Flat Amp Simulator effect to the sound being recorded. CENTER CANCEL+FLAT AMP SIMULATE Sounds localized at the center will be erased, and then the Flat Amp Simulator effect will be applied to the sound being recorded. * 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.
NORMAL The performance from the CD or MD will be recorded as is. CENTER CANCEL Sounds localized at the center (such as vocals or guitar solo) will be erased from the sound being recorded. The Flat Amp Simulator effect Guitar amps are designed with a frequency response that is optimized for guitar playing. For this reason, when a phrase recorded from CD or MD is played back through a guitar amp, the low-frequency and high-frequency ranges will be emphasized in comparison to the mid-range. The Flat Amp Simulator compensates the frequency response during recording, so that the recorded (i.e., non-guitar) performance will sound correct when played through your guitar amp.
3. While playing back the CD/MD, use the volume control of the CD/MD player to adjust the recording level.
If you set the tempo before recording, press 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 specify the time signature (p. 34).
5. To have recording start simultaneously with playback of a CD or MD, set the AUTO START button to ON (with the indicator lit).
When AUTO START button is on, stop the CD/MD player for now, and put it in playback-ready mode.
6. Press the left pedal to begin recording.
If the AUTO START button is on, recording will begin the moment the CD/MD begins to play. If the AUTO START button is off, recording will begin the moment you press the left pedal. Listen to the sound of the CD/MD, and press the left pedal at the appropriate time. * 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.
7. Press the left pedal to stop recording.
Simultaneously, the recorded phrase will begin playing. The tempo of the phrase will also be set 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 specify the time signature before recording (p. 34). The minimum length of time required for a loop phrase is approximately 1.5 seconds. If the phrase youve recorded is shorter than that, the length of the phrase will be adjusted automatically, and then recording will stop (p. 37).
8. Press the WRITE button, getting the indicator to start flashing. When you do so, playback will stop automatically. 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). We recommend that you save the phrase at this point. If you are not content with the results of subsequent overdubbing, you can then cancel only the overdubbing.
9. Press the MODE button to select how overdubbing will occur.
As you did in step 2, select the overdubbing method. If you wish to overdub a performance from guitar or mic, select INST & MIC.
10. Press the left pedal to begin playback. 11. When you wish to overdub (p. 12) along with the phrase, press the left pedal.
Each time you press the left pedal, you will switch between playback and overdubbing modes. To cancel (undo) the most recently recorded overdub, hold down the left pedal for at least two seconds. When you undo an overdub, the OVERDUB indicator flashes. * You cannot undo if the unit only has a slight amount of memory left (the OVERDUB indicator does not flash even if the left pedal is held down for two seconds or more).
To restore (redo) a cancelled overdub, hold down the left pedal again for at least two seconds. When you redo an overdub, the OVERDUB indicator flashes. To undo all overdubbed sounds (clear), hold down the right pedal for at least two seconds. Cleared overdubs cannot be restored. * If the internal memory is used up, overdubbing may stop before you are finished. If this occurs, erase unnecessary phrases (p. 31), and try the operation again.
12. To stop playback and overdubbing, press the right pedal.

<CAUTION>

Unauthorized recording, distribution, sale, lending, public performance, broadcasting, or the like, in whole or in part, of a work (musical composition, video, broadcast, public performance, or the like) whose copyright is held by a third party is prohibited by law. Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a copyright held by a third party. We assume no responsibility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party copyrights arising through your use of this unit. Use of the Sound Library for RC-20XL (Sample Phrase CD) supplied with this product for any purpose other than private, personal enjoyment without the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited by law. Additionally, this data must not be copied, nor used in a secondary copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright holder.
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.

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.
5. Press the right pedal to stop playback.
When you start playback again, the phrase played back last is replayed. If you want to play the sequence over again, use the PHRASE SELECT knob or foot switch to return to the start of the sequence. * You cannot save or delete a phrase if it differs from the phrase indicated with the PHRASE SELECT knob. You can also use Phrase Shift with the PHRASE SELECT knob. If, while a phrase is playing back, you turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the phrase track that will be played next, the next phrase will begin at the moment that the currently playing phrase returns to the loop start. You can use the foot switch while playback is stopped to select the next phrase you want to play. If you select a phrase other than the one indicated with the PHRASE SELECT knob, the indicator first flashes the number of times corresponding to the currently selected phrase, after which it flashes rapidly, then repeats this pattern. * You cannot save or delete a phrase if it differs from the phrase indicated with the PHRASE SELECT knob. When you want to save the results from overdubbing, first select the phrase with the PHRASE SELECT knob, then overdub.
When connecting two FS-5U
You can connect two FS-5U pedals using the special connection cable (the optional Roland PCS-31). Pressing the FS-5U to which the plug with the white stripe has been connected switches phrase tracks as follows: 123.111. (switches to the next higher track number). Pressing the FS-5U to which the plug with the red stripe has been connected switches phrase tracks as follows: 11109.111. (switches to the previous lower track number).

PCS-31

Set the polarity switch as shown in the figure.

Number up

Number down
Play back a phrase backward (Reverse Playback)
Playing a recorded phrase from the end toward the beginning is called reverse playback. The result is similar to playing a tape in reverse. By pressing the REVERSE button, lighting its indicator, you can use reverse playback. To return to normal playback, extinguish the indicator. Since this can produce unexpected results, it may be useful as a gimmick during a live performance. * If you save a phrase with the REVERSE button turned on, the state of the button will also be memorized. If you will always want a certain phrase to play back in reverse, you should save it with the REVERSE button turned on. (Saving a phrase (p. 29)) If you overdub onto a phrase that plays back in reverse, the sound youve overdubbed is recorded as being for normal playback. When you switch to reverse playback while playback is in progress, the phrase begins to play in the opposite direction, starting from the point in the loop that maintains the loop's duration. This allows you to switch to reverse playback at any point in the phrase you like without changing the duration of the loop. Example: When you switch to reverse playback one measure from the start of the phrase, reverse playback then starts one measure from the end of the phrase. 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) You can also control reverse playback by using the pedal switch instead of the REVERSE button. Connect a pedal switch such as the FS-5U (sold separately) to the REVERSE jack (p. 9). * Pedal switches made by some other 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.
Saving or deleting a phrase

About memory

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

No sound/not loud enough

Have the connections to other devices been made correctly? Check the connections once again (p. 9). Has the volume been turned down on the connected guitar amp or other device? Check the settings of the connected device. Could you be using a connection cable that contains a resistor? Use a connection cable that does not contain a resistor.
The LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOT PHRASE indicator flashes even though there should be time remaining for recording
In the situations listed below, temporary memory for overdubbing (p. 28) is allocated separately from the phrase. Since any calculation of available recording time must take such temporary memory into account, the LOOP PHRASE or ONE SHOOT PHRASE indicator may flash. When a phrase is selected When the playback tempo is changed When a phrase is saved
Recorded/overdubbed sound cannot be heard or is too quiet
Use the LEVEL knob to adjust the volume.
Guide tone cannot be heard/is not loud enough
Use the GUIDE knob to adjust the volume. The guide tone will sound when: youve set the tempo before recording to an empty phrase you play back a phrase
Recording/overdubbing ends prematurely
You have run out of memory. Delete unneeded phrases (p. 31), and perform the recording/overdubbing once again. 36
Recorded a short phrase, but the length of the phrase has changed
The minimum length of time required for a loop phrase is approximately 1.5 seconds. If the phrase youve recorded is shorter than that, the length is automatically multiplied by a factor of two, four, eight, or more until it reaches an acceptable length.
PLAY indicator is flashing while playback is stopped
If you use the foot switch connected to the PHRASE SHIFT jack to select a phrase that differs from the one indicated with the PHRASE SELECT knob, the phrase number is indicated by the PLAY indicator flashing the same number of times as the selected phrase number. In this case, you can overdub, but you will be unable to save or delete the phrase. When you want to save or delete a phrase, select the phrase with the PHRASE SELECT knob.
Unable to switch to Reverse Playback

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.