MT-90U

MUSIC PLAYER

HANDBOOK

MT-90U - the perfect partner for music lessons
The new MT-90U Music Player is a must have companion for musical instrument and vocal lessons. Its compatible with music data (Standard MIDI Files) and audio data (WAV, MP3, CD audio), and offers high-quality playback of all file types. The MT-90Us built-in functions for practicing are ideal for music classrooms, rehearsal studios, and homes.
For piano lessons and practice For all instrumentalists

In rehearsal studios

At home

In musical classrooms

Practice specific ensemble parts

For karaoke parties

With the Tempo Change feature, you can slow down the playback speed to suit your comfort level. The A-B Repeat feature allows intensive practice by repeatedly playing back a specific section over and over. Together with music teachers, MT-90U helps advance skills rapidly.
Not just for piano, the MT-90U is a great partner for any instrument. Its portable size lets you enjoy lessons and practice sessions anywhere. The optional footswitch allows you to operate MT-90U by foot great when both hands are occupied while playing.
Let's practice ensemble songs using SMF playback. This allows you to solo or mute any part (minus-one style) so you can enjoy practicing along with the accompaniment tracks, just like being in a band.
Let's sing with MT-90U as it plays SMF music + lyric display. You can connect a microphone to the MT-90U, which can also display song lyrics on its LCD.
For vocal lessons and practice
As the lead instrumentalist of an ensemble
As a background-music player

For language lessons

Minus-One playback of SMF music data allows vocalists to feel as if they are singing with a band. A microphone can be plugged into MT-90U with a voice-enhancing reverb effect added to the vocal. Key signatures of songs can even be transposed for comfortably suiting the singers vocal range.
Play a song from audio CD with the MT-90Us Center Cancel activated. You can play along with the ensemble as the lead instrument player.
The MT-90U is a versatile multi-format music player. It can play MP3, wav, and even audio-CD tracks (with optional CD drive). Its perfect as a background music player at parties, etc.
For enhanced learning, you can record language lessons with EDIROL's R-09HR recorder (optional). Connect the R-09HR to the MT-90U via USB, and use the MT-90U's Tempo Change feature to slow the pace of the dialog. You can also use the A-B Repeat feature to loop specific phrases for memorization.

Key Features

The MT-90U accepts music files in a variety of formats
Load and play music files in a variety of formats, including Standard MIDI Files and audio data (MP3, WAV, CD audio*). Download music data and lesson material from the Internet to your computer, and easily transfer the files to the MT-90U with a USB memory key (optional). An optional USB Floppy disk drive unit allows you to load SMF music data saved on floppy disks.
* Optional CD-01A required for CD audio playback.
USB Flash Memory M-UF1G(optional) Floppy Disk Drive FD-01A(optional)
Piano lessons are more fun and effective with music data
Get on the fast track to piano-skill development with music data enhancement. Explore new forms of single-hand practice (e.g. play right-hand parts along with left-hand accompaniment, or vice versa). Continuously loop specific sections of songs to overcome weak spots. You can also change tempo from slow to fast as you progress. Practice piano with built-in orchestral accompaniment. What is music data?

Music Data

Music data comprises the pitch, length, and strength of each note in a song, and more. MT-90Us onboard music player plays the music precisely according to the music data you select. Audio data differs from
music (MIDI) data in that its actual recordings of audio waveforms. With music data, you can do things that are difficult or impossible to do with audio. You can mute, solo, or change the instrumentation a song, for example, or instantly change the key or tempo. Its great for vocal or instrument lessons. SMF (Standard MIDI File) is the most popular standard file format of music data.
Music playback with natural, high-quality sound
The MT-90U has 348 realistic MIDI instruments onboard. These great sounds let you enjoy SMF music-data playback with stunning realism. The MT-90U's compact body fits well on top of most pianos and keyboards. Its lightweight (just 2.5kg) and easy to carry. The onboard powered speaker provides instant and convenient monitoring.
Audio data adds an another exciting element to lessons and performance.
practice piano with their favorite songs. MT-90U provides convenient functions such as Key Transpose, Tempo Change, and Center Cancel for audio data. Change the tempo of a song without affecting its pitch. Audio CDs can be played back on the MT-90U by connecting an optional USB CD drive CD-01A. The Center Cancel* feature lets you mute the principal part of an ensemble, letting you simulate the feeling of playing along with the band.
*Depending on the source material, you may not be able to mute the principal part completely.

Audio Data

In addition to music data, MT-90U is compatible with audio data such as WAV and MP3 so students can
USB CD Drive CD-01A(optional)
Easy, intuitive operation
Operating the MT-90U is easy thanks to its clean, clear panel layout and easy-to-read LCD. The MT-90Us user interface is similar to the previous model (MT-90S), making it easy for those who upgrade. A remote controller (included) lets you start and stop playback and adjust the volume remotely. By connecting a footswitch (optional), you can enjoy hands-free control of start / stop when your hands are occupied during performance.

Remote Controller

What is audio data?
Audio data is recorded audio waveforms, such as vocals, acoustic guitars, etc. Recordings on audio CD are also categorized as audio data.
Playing piano with a full backing ensemble makes practice more fun.
At piano-student concerts, for example, it can be more exciting to have students play with a music-data backing ensemble. The MT-90Us Center Cancel feature lets you enjoy karaoke with your favorite audio CDs. With the MT-90U, the creative applications for performances and lessons are vast.
*Depending on the source material, you may not be able to mute the principal part completely. 5
Get ready for the lesson. Let's select a song.
Find a song from the music-data library

From the Internet

Access your favorite download site for music data Select and buy a song, then download it Copy the music data from computer to USB memory key Plug the USB memory key into the USB port on the MT-90Us front panel Press the button, then select a song using the buttons. Press the button, then select a song using the buttons.
Load a song from floppy disk
Connect a USB cable from the USB floppy disk drive to the USB port on the MT-90Us front panel Insert a floppy disk (containing the music data) into the slot of the floppy disk drive
Loop parts of a song repeatedly
From the VIMA TUNES library
Let's play in a slower tempo Let's activate the metronome function Let's play just backing ensemble (with Center Cancel) Let's play
Connect a CD drive to MT-90U Insert the VIMA TUNES CD-ROM into the CD drive Press the button, then select a song using the buttons.
See page 8-9 for info on how to use music data in the lessons
Let's plug-in the USB memory key, USB CD drive, etc.
Find a song from the audio-data library
Save an audio file from Internet download site to your computers hard drive Transfer the audio data from computer hard drive to the USB memory key Plug the USB memory key into the USB port on the MT-90Us front panel Press the button, then select a song using the buttons. Press the button, then select a song using the buttons.
Mark the positions where you want to practice intensively Change the key of a song Select a song
Select a song from audio CD
Connect the CD drive to the MT-90U Insert the audio CD into the CD drive
Select a song from the R-09HR Recorder

Options

USB Flash Memory Floppy Disk Drive CD Drive Dynamic Microphone Pedal Switch 24bit 96kHz WAVE/ MP3 RECORDER
Let's record songs using the Edirol R-09HR

M-UF1G

FD-01A

CD-01A

R-09HR
Connect the R-09HR to the MT-90U using the USB cable (included with the R-09HR)

Press the button, then select a song using the buttons.
See page 10-11 for info on how to utilize audio data in the lessons * When you connect USB memory, USB FDD, or USB CD, you must first power down and restart the MT-90U. 6 7
Let's experience lessons with SMF music data
For piano lessons / practice sessions For vocal training
Understand and memorize the song by listening repeatedly
Press the Press the Press the button and select a song with the button and listen to the song button followed by the button to listen to the selected song repeatedly buttons
Right-hand practice: Play the right-hand part while listening to the left
Press the Track buttons and mute every part except for the right-hand part (muted parts will not be lit) Press the button; only the selected track (lit) will play back. Play the right-hand part along with the guide it plays.
Press the the Press the Press the button and select a song using buttons button and listen the song button, then press the button to listen
to the selected song repeatedly
Listen to the song while reading the lyrics
You can listen to the song while following the lyrics on the display (SMF with lyrics or VIMA TUNES)
Play at a slow tempo first, gradually speed up
Press button and decrease the tempo with the button key When you master the song, increase the tempo gradually with the
Connect a microphone and practice your vocal parts by singing along with the music-data guide melody
Left-hand practice: Play the left-hand part while listening to the right
Now play the left-hand part while listening to the right-hand part as it plays back
Plug a microphone into the Mic In jack on the rear panel Adjust the microphone's volume using the Mic Volume knob Keep pressing the Use buttons Press button & button and press the button
Part On (Play) Part Off (Mute)
to select a part. Find the parts that is playing the melody.
(Depending on the SMF, more than one part may be playing the melody.) to set the parts off (mute). Play the music data and sing along with the guide melody
Practice a difficult section of a song by looping it
Press the button, then move to the location you want to mark with the buttons Insert Marker A and Marker B with the buttons By setting Marker A and Marker B locate points, you can jump to either point immediately or you can play the region between the two points repeatedly

Sing in your favorite key with voice-enhancing echo
Keep pressing the Change the key with button and press the button buttons. Let's sing!
Let's master perfect timing using the metronome
Press the button and activate the metronome The onboard metronome plays the correct tempo automatically according to the selected Standard MIDI File
You can adjust the amount of echo with the Mic Echo knob
Press the button, then move to the location you want to mark with the buttons buttons Insert Marker A and Marker B with the
Play the piano with orchestral backing ensemble
Choose a piano etude-type Standard MIDI File with orchestral backing Keep pressing the using button and press the button You can choose which parts to play or mute button and buttons Play the music data with the piano part muted. Let's play the piano part on top of the orchestral backing.
By setting Marker A and Marker B locate points, you can jump to either point immediately or you can play the region between the two points repeatedly
This time, mute the music-data melody guide and sing along with the backing tracks, karaoke-style
Keep pressing the Use buttons Press button & button and press the button
Part Off (Mute) Part On (Play)
to select a part. Find the parts that is playing the melody. to set the melody part off (mute).
(Depending on the SMF, more than one part may be playing the melody.) Play the music data with the melody guide muted. Let's sing along with the music-data backing tracks
Let's experience lessons with audio data
When practicing instruments such as flute, violin, accordion, etc. For vocal lessons / training
Press the Press the Press the button and select a song using the button and listen to the song button, then press the button to listen to the buttons

selected song repeatedly

Connect a microphone and practice vocal parts by singing along with the music-data guide melody
Plug a microphone into the Mic In jack on the rear panel Adjust the microphone's volume using the Mic Volume knob Play the music data with the melody guide muted. Let's sing along with the music-data backing tracks

Press the Press the Press the button and select a song using button and listen to the song button; press the button to play the song buttons
youve selected repeatedly
To get comfortable with the song, practice the main part at a slow tempo and sing along with the audio data Press button and decrease the tempo with the button key

buttons

Press the button repeatedly, then press the buttons. Let's sing! button Change the key with
When you master the song, increase the tempo gradually with the
Play an audio file with Center Cancel
Press button and activate the Center Cancel function The volume of the lead part of the ensemble becomes low, so you can play the lead part over the top of the ensemble
Press the button and activate the Center Cancel function The volume of the lead part of the ensemble becomes low, so you can sing the lead part over the top of the ensemble
Press the button, then move to the location you want to mark with the buttons Insert Marker A and Marker B with the
Music Data vs Audio Data Comparison
Playable Data Standard MIDI Files (format 0/1), Roland Digital Piano original format (i-format), VIMA TUNES Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes*2
Audio Files (WAV; 44.1kHz, 16-bit Linear format, MP3; 44.1kHz 128-320kbps), Audio CD (USB CD Drive CD-01A required) Yes Yes Yes*1 No No No No Yes No No
Transpose Tempo Change Center Cancel Mute / Minus-one Tuning Count-In Metronome Mark Reverb Lyrics Display
*1 For some songs, the vocal sound may not be eliminated completely. *2 SMF with Lyrics, VIMA TUNES

Setup Example

MIDI Keyboard
External Amplifier(stereo)
Computer Footswitch (Start/Stop) Microphone

USB Memory

USB FD Drive

Headphones

USB CD Drive

Specifications

<Playback Composer> External Memory USB Memory (sold separately), Floppy Disk * Read only * USB 3.5 in. floppy disk drive (FD-01A) required (sold separately), CD-ROM, Audio CD * Read only * USB CD drive (CD-01A) required (sold separately) Supported Data Standard MIDI Files (format 0/1), Roland Original Format, Audio files (WAV; 44.1 kHz, 16bit linear format, MP3; 44.1 kHz, 128 to 320 kbps), Audio CD *USB CD drive (CD-01A)required Tracks 16 tracks Control Reset, Stop, Play, Bwd, Fwd, Repeat, Marker, Song, Tempo, [+], [-], Track Selection, Count In, Metronome (MIDI only), Center Cancel (audio only) Tempo Quarter note = 10 to 500 (MIDI only), 75 to 125% (audio only) Resolution 120 ticks per quarter note (MIDI only) Transpose Transpose: -6 to +5 (semitones) Demo Songs 14 songs <Sound Generator> Max. Polyphony 128 voices (MIDI only) Tones 348 tones (including 8 drum sets, 1 effects set) Internal Sounds Conforms to GM2 system/GS format/XGlite supported Master Tuning 415.3 Hz - 466.2 Hz (0.1 Hz units) Effects Reverb (MIDI only), Chorus (MIDI only), Sound Control: Sharp, Clear, Power <Sequencer> Metronome Time Signatures: 2/2, 0/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 3/8, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, Volume: 11 levels, Pattern: 11 patterns <Other Functions> Infrared Transmission, Mic Echo, Song List, Floppy Disk Backup <Others> Display Beat Indicator, 122 x 32 dot Graphic LCD (with backlight) Language Japanese (song title, lyrics), English Lyric Display Yes (LCD display) Controls Volume, Mic volume, Mic echo, Speaker switch Rated Power Output 5 W Speakers 10 cm x 1 Connectors External memory connector: USB type A, USB connector: USB type B, Output jack (R/L): RCA pin type, Microphone jack (Mono): Standard type Headphones jack: Stereo, mini type MIDI In connector Start/Stop jack Power Supply DC 9 V: AC adaptor Current Draw 2000 mA Measurements 165 (W) x 186 (D) x 270 (H) mm 6-1/2 (W) x 7-3/8 (D) x 10-11/16 (H) inches Weight 2.5 Kg / 5 lbs. 9 oz. Accessories Owners manual, Power cord, AC adaptor, Remote control, Lithium battery (CR2025) Options (sold separately) USB Memory (M-UF1G), Floppy Disk Drive (FD-01A), CD Drive (CD-01A), Roland Microphone (DR-10/20/30), Pedal Switch (DP-2)

* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/ or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.
All specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. All trademarks used in this catalog are the property of their respective companies. Visit us online at www.Roland.com Printed in Japan Dec. '08 RAM-4342 EE-2 GR-UPR-P