MC-50MKII

Micro Composer Its a Fact
The MC-50mkII Micro Composer is a dedicated sequencer featuring professional-level sequencing (S-MRC), MIDI data storage (40,000 events), live performance capabilities (S-MRP) and tape sync, all in one compact unit. Each of its 8 tracks holds 16 MIDI channels for a total of 128 parts. It can output 32 channels simultaneously, via its two MIDI OUT connections. It can load and save Standard MIDI Files and uses a 3.5 disk drive for storage.

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Erasing Measures
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Press EDIT, then ENTER. Select the track, then ENTER. Select the MIDI channel, then ENTER. Select the events (ex. ALL), then ENTER. Select the first measure to be erased, then ENTER. Select total amount of measures to be erased, then ENTER. Press REC.

Formatting a Disk

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Insert a 3.5 double-density disk. Hold SHIFT, press MODE, then #4. Press ENTER three times. When completed, press STOP. Hold SHIFT, press MODE, then ENTER.
Creating an Individual Event
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Press MICROSCOPE. Press a TRACK button to select a track. Select the measure-beat-clock position where the event will go (ex. 1-1-000), then ENTER. Press EDIT, #3, then ENTER. Dial the event type (ex. NOTE), then ENTER. Select the value for each section, then ENTER.

Realtime Recording

1. 2. 3. Press REC, then PLAY. After the two-measure count-in, start playing. When finished, press STOP, then RESET. To record another track, press REC, then any TRACK button 2-8 (since youve already recorded on Track 1).
Editing an Individual Event
1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the above Steps 1-2. Hold SHIFT and dial to an event. Press EDIT, then ENTER. Select the value for each section, then ENTER.

Quantizing

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Press EDIT, #9, then ENTER. Turn the dial to select the track to be quantized, then press ENTER. Turn the dial to select which track the quantized data will go to, then ENTER. Select the datas MIDI channel, then ENTER. Select a Quantize Resolution, then ENTER. Select a Quantize Rate, to set how close a note is pulled to the point of resolution (the normal setting is 1.0), then ENTER. Select the measure you want to start at, then the number of measures you want to quantize. Press ENTER, then REC.

Tempo Settings

To set a songs basic tempo: 1. Press FUNC, #9, then ENTER. 2. Dial the basic tempo for the song. To insert individual tempo changes: 1. Press MICROSCOPE, then TEMPO. 2. Press EDIT. 3. Dial [CREATE EVENT], then ENTER. 4. Dial the tempo, then ENTER. To record tempo changes in real-time: 1. Press REC, then TEMPO. 2. Press PLAY to begin recording. 3. Dial tempo changes while the music is playing.
1999 Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., Los Angeles CA 90040

Faxback # 20033

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Micro Composer Loading Files: S-MRC or Standard MIDI Files
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Insert DOS- or S-MRC-formatted disk with S-MRC Files or Standard MIDI Files (SMF). Hold SHIFT, press MODE, #2, then ENTER. S-MRC: Press ENTER two more times. Standard MIDI Files: Dial LOAD [MIDI FILE], then ENTER twice. Dial a song, press ENTER, then LOAD. Hold SHIFT, press MODE, then ENTER.
Saving Files: S-MRC or Standard MIDI Files
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Insert DOS- or S-MRC-formatted disk. Hold SHIFT, press MODE, #2, then ENTER. S-MRC: Dial [SAVE], then ENTER twice. Standard MIDI Files: Dial SAVE [MIDI FILE], then ENTER twice. Create song name with the dial or 10-key pad. Press ENTER, then SAVE. Hold SHIFT, press MODE, then ENTER.

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Micro Composer Its a Fact
The MC-80 Micro Composer builds upon the successful MC-50mkII as a stand-alone MIDI sequencer. Its enhanced by features typically found in many of todays computer-based sequencers. Features include: Stand-alone professional MIDI sequencer with powerful composing, arranging, and realtime performance capabilities Enhanced 480 TPQN resolution for greater feel Several storage options: internal floppy drive, hard drive/ ZIP drive, or external hard drive via optional SCSI port MARK and JUMP buttons provide quick realtime arrangement of songs during practice and performance Advanced Quantize, Realtime Phrase Sequencing (RPS) and Arpeggiator functions Large backlit LCD for quick song selection and easy sequencing operations Assignable footswitch options such as Mark/Jump, Play/Stop, and Fade Out. Optional VE-GSPro Voice Expansion Board turns the MC-80 into an independent workstation adding over 1,000 high quality GS sounds and powerful effects MMC and MTC compatible with two independent MIDI Outs offering 32 independent parts and 64voices of polyphony (with the optional VE-GSPro Voice Expansion Board).

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Playing the Demo Songs
Use the following procedure to listen to the MC-80 demo song featuring tones from the VE-GSPro: Note: The VE-GSPro must be installed in order to hear the MC-80 demo song. 1. Press TOOLS. 2. Press F3 [MIDI], then press F6 [EXPBOARD]. 3. Press F6 [DEMOPLAY] to play the demo song. 4. Press F5 [DEMOSTOP] to stop playback. 5. Press EXIT to return to Song Play mode.

Selecting/Playing Songs

The MC-80 allows you to quickly dial up a song and play it
without any load time. Use the following procedure to select and playback a song: 1. Place the disk with the song data into the floppy drive. 2. Press SELECT and turn the VALUE dial to select the desired song. 3. Press PLAY to begin playback. 4. Press STOP when youre finished.

Selecting VE-GSPro Tones

Installing the VE-GSPro equips the MC-80 with 1117 tones and 42 rhythm kits. The VE-GSPro emulates the tones of the SC-55, SC-88, and SC-88Pro modules. It is necessary to select a tone map before you
select a tone, and then load the song into internal memory. Use the following procedure to select tones:
Connecting External MIDI Devices
The MC-80 features two MIDI Outs and two MIDI Ins for flexible routing of external MIDI devices. Use the following procedure to connect a MIDI keyboard and/or module to the MC-80: 1. 2. 3. Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of the MC-80 to the MIDI IN of your MIDI keyboard. Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of the MIDI keyboard to the MIDI IN of the MC-80. Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of the MC-80 to the MIDI IN of the MIDI module.
Use the CURSOR buttons to select the track to the right of Rec. 2. Turn the VALUE dial to select Trk 1. 3. Press F4 [MICRO] and press F1 [CREATE]. 4. Use the CURSOR buttons to select Program Change. 5. Press F5 [LIST] to view the tone maps: 88 PRO, 88 MAP, 55 MAP. 6. Press F5 [88 PRO] to select the SC-88Pro map. 7. Use the CURSOR buttons to select the desired tone. 8. Press F6 [CREATE] to confirm your selection. 9. Repeat Steps 1-8 to select additional tones as desired. 10. Press EXIT to return to Song Play mode.
1999 Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., Los Angeles CA 90040

Faxback # 21080

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Micro Composer Recording MIDI Tracks
The MC-80 can record MIDI data on 16 tracks. Use the following procedure to record to a track: 1. Refer to Selecting VE-GSPro Tones to select sounds. 2. Use the CURSOR buttons to select Rec. 3. Turn the VALUE dial to select Trk 1, and press REC. 4. Use the CURSOR buttons and turn the VALUE dial to select the desired values for Tempo, Count In, Rec Mode, and Quantize. 5. Press PLAY to begin recording. 6. Press STOP to return to Song Play mode.

Using Realtime Phrase Sequencing (RPS)
RPS enables your MIDI keyboard to trigger sections of a song with different keys. For example, you can copy the verse, chorus, or solo sections of a song to individual keys. Then you can experiment with different arrangements by triggering different keys in realtime. Use the following procedure to load a demo song with RPS patterns: 1. Insert the MC-80 Demo Disk into the floppy drive. 2. Press SELECT. 3. Turn the VALUE dial to select PhraseSeqDemoGs. 4. Press F6 [LOAD] to load the file. Then, press EXIT. 5. Press F1 [SETUP]. 6. Press F3 [PHRASE] to display the Phrase Sequence page. 7. Use the CURSOR buttons to select Key(Note). 8. Turn the VALUE dial to select 37(C#2). 9. Hold down C#2 on your MIDI keyboard to hear the brass pattern. 10. Press other keys in the key range from C#2-C4 to hear other patterns.

Using the Arpeggiator

The MC-80s arpeggiator allows you to play notes simply by holding a chord on your MIDI keyboard. Use the following procedure to select an arpeggio pattern: 1. Press F1 [SETUP], then press F4 [ARPEGGIO]. 2. Use the CURSOR buttons to select Style. 3. Turn the VALUE dial to select SEQUENCE B, and hold down a chord on your keyboard to listen to the selected style. 4. Repeat Steps 3-5 to select and listen to other styles.

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