The Two Types of Patterns
The XR20 introduces exciting new Song construction techniques. The XR20 excels at live performancesomething usually not associated with drum machines. The key to using these advanced features is to understand the different types of available Patterns. Preset Patterns provide a variety of hip-hop rhythms programmed by professional producers. User Patterns are Patterns you can program, edit, and save. The PRESET/USER button selects between these two master banks of Presets. It is important to note that the only way to modify a Preset Pattern is to copy it to a User Pattern, where it can be edited.
The Four Types of Sub-Patterns
There are 100 of each type of Pattern, numbered 00-99. However, each numbered Pattern actually contains four different "Sub-Patterns": A pair of independent Main Patterns (A and B, selected by their respective buttons). A pair of associated Fill Patterns (A Fill and B Fill, selected by pressing the FILL button when either A or B is selected). The Fills primarily provide transitional Patterns between Main Patterns, which makes for more realistic drum parts. The associated Fill Patterns share the same length, Drum Set, and name as their Main Patterns (e.g., if A is 16 beats, A Fill is 16 beats). Otherwise, they are independent. The reason for pairing the two different A and B Patterns together is simply so that you can switch back and forth between them rapidly in live performance or while improvising. Note that a Patterns A, B and FILL Sub-Patterns have equal lengths and use the same Drum Set (collection of drum, 1-shot and synth sounds, as well as effects parameters). Note that even though there are "only" 100 Patterns, the A and B variations double that to 200 Patterns, and the Fills double that again to 400 Patterns. Added to the Preset Patterns, 800 total Patterns are available.
How "Looping" Simplifies Recording
To simplify recording, a Pattern will "loop" over and over again. Example: Suppose you want to record an 8-beat pattern. While recording, the pattern will record through all 8 beats, then immediately jump back to the beginning and continue recording through all 8 beats again. The XR20 will remain in record mode, and continue to loop, until you press STOP or switch over to Pattern Play mode. You will hear any previously-played parts as you record new parts. You can also erase drum hits while the pattern is looping to correct for errors.

What's a Voice?

Each of the 12 large pads triggers a voice. A voice is a sound-generating element with several variable parameters: sound assignment, tuning, volume, output assignment (the voice's audio output can go to either one of two sets of stereo outputs, and furthermore, to anywhere within the stereo field of the chosen set of outputs), MIDI note number, etc. Each pad is velocity-sensitive: the harder you hit the pad, the louder the sound assigned to the pad will play. Thanks to the dynamic articulation techniques mentioned earlier, the timbre will often change as well, just like the way that "real" instruments produce sound when played with different amounts of force. There are eight levels of pad volume resolution, from soft to loud. However, when using the XR20 as a drum sound expander and triggering sounds via MIDI, they respond to all 127 MIDI volume levels.

CONNECTION DIAGRAM

As you hook up the XR20, the volume control on your power amp and the XR20 should be all the way down, and power to both units should be off.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10.
Plug TS cables from the MAIN OUTPUTS to an amplifier, mixer, or speaker system. For mono sound, you can connect only one output. Alternatively, you can connect a pair of TRS headphones to the PHONES OUTPUT to practice quietly. Connect your microphone to the MICROPHONE input. Connect a MIDI device, such as a sampler or sound module, to the MIDI OUT of the XR20. Connect a MIDI device, such as a percussion controller, to the MIDI IN of the XR20. If you have TS footswitches, connect them to the START / STOP and COUNT / A / B / FILL jacks. Plug the included power adapter (12V DC 600mA) into the adapter jack and the adapter into a power source. Alternatively, you may choose to power the unit by inserting 6 AA batteries into the bottom compartment. Press the POWER switch to turn on the unit. Tap the pads to hear sounds. You can switch among the three different sound categories for the pads by pressing the corresponding button (DRUMS, 1-SHOT, SYNTH). Adjust the volume control on the rear panel to a suitable listening level. Note that you may also connect the stereo Aux output to a speaker system or amplifier, using a TRS cable. The XR-20 can be setup to output sounds through the Main or Aux connections (Main by default). See Creating and Editing Drum Sets / Page 12: Output for more information.
TOP PANEL PHYSICAL LAYOUT
GENERAL CONTROLS 1. 2. LCD The display helps you keep track of system parameters and settings as you use the XR20. PADS The 12 pads are used to trigger sounds on the XR20. The pads can address 3 different types of sounds: drums, 1-shot and synth. To select which sounds are controlled by the pads, press one of the three Pad Play buttons (DRUM, 1-SHOT, SYNTH). In addition, the pads can be used to trigger entire Patterns while in Pattern Play Mode. PAD PLAY BUTTONS These 3 buttons select which sounds are triggered when you hit the pads. Press the corresponding button to control the following sounds with the pads: SYNTH Selects the Synth sounds associated with the current Drum Set. In addition, you can hold down this button and use the INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial to transpose the synth sounds up or down an octave. DRUMS Selects the Drum sounds associated with the current Drum Set. 1-SHOT Selects the 1-Shot sounds associated with the current Drum Set. 4. NOTE REPEAT While programming Patterns, hold down this button and press a pad to create a roll. The roll will last for as long as the pad is being held down. This lets you play a series of drum hits without having to repeatedly press the pads, and is typically used to create steady 16th note hi-hat parts, quarter note kick drum parts, snare rolls, etc. The timing of the Note Repeat sequence is specified by the Quantization and Swing settings in the Record Setup menu. TAP TEMPO You can use this button to tap in a tempo. The XR20 will average the time between successive taps and will derive a tempo. You can also change the tempo by holding down the TAP TEMPO button and using the VALUE dial or the INC / DEC buttons. The LED will blink at a rate equal to the tempo displayed on the screens bottom right corner.

2. 3. 4.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

DISPLAY LAYOUT

The LCD is divided into several "windows." Each window contains information that helps you monitor the XR20's status, and/or indicates what type of data should be entered. 1. Name, "dialog" box, real time Song/Pattern readout, beat counter. - This is the most commonly-used area of the display. It shows Pattern and Song names, the beat counter if a Pattern or Song is playing, and the Pattern (including A/B/Fill/Preset or User designators) that is currently playing in Song mode. When acting as a "dialog box," it lists parameters and the value to be edited (e.g., MIDI channel and the channel number). 2. Pattern/Song readout (also Drum Set edit and drum pad readout) - This shows the selected Song or Pattern number; with Patterns, the A/B/Fill/Preset or User designators are also shown. In operations that require selecting a drum pad, this window displays the drum pad number. 3. Drumset Edited indicator - If you have edited a Drum Set to which a particular Pattern was assigned, the display also shows DRUMSET EDITED. This is a reminder that you need to save your changes if you would like to be able to recall them at a later time. 4. Page number and tempo display - When stopped or running, this shows the current tempo. For functions that have multiple "pages" of parameters (Record Setup, System Setup, etc), this portion of the display shows the currently selected page number. 5. Pattern Play indicator - This segment is lit when in Pattern Play Mode. 6. Synth and Octave Transposition indicators SYNTH indicates that the pads are controlling synth sounds, while the OCTAVE indicators (+1/-1) let you know whether the sounds are transposed up or down an octave (no indicator will be present when there is no transposition). 7. Swing - Shows the current swing rhythm, expressed as a percentage (or OFF if swing is off). 8. Drums / 1-Shot indicator These indicators let you know which Pad Play Mode is currently selected (i.e. which sounds the pads are controlling, or which instrument layer you are currently editing). 9. Quantize - Shows the current quantization setting in standard music notation (or OFF if quantization is off). 10. Selected function - Shows which function is currently selected: Drum Set, System Setup, Record Setup, etc.
Throughout the text, button names are shown in UPPER CASE and words that appear on the display are shown in BOLD. When referring to a numbered step in a set of steps, the step number will be in parenthesisfor example, step (4)to prevent confusion with Song steps or step edit mode.

BASICS

HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE XR20
The Cursor When the XR-20 wants you to enter a number in the "Dialog" box, the display will show the previously-entered number (or the default number), and the first digit will have a small underline called the cursor. If the cursor is not present, the number is there for reference only. You are expected to enter something only if the cursor is present. The INC / DEC Buttons The two small buttons with the up arrow and down arrow symbols (next to the number keys) are called the INC / DEC buttons respectively. Pressing the INC button once increases the value of the entire number indicated by the cursor (not just a single digit) by one. Pressing the DEC button once decreases the value of the entire number indicated by the cursor (not just a single digit) by one. Example: If the display shows 00 and you want to enter 01, tap the INC button once. These buttons, as well as the PAGE buttons, also have a "scroll" feature. If you press and hold a button, after a short pause the display will either increment or decrement at a rapid rate. The VALUE dial In addition to the INC / DEC buttons, you may also use the large VALUE dial to quickly increment and decrement through values and settings. Turn the dial clockwise to increment through the available values, or turn the dial counter-clockwise to decrement. The NUMBER buttons The number buttons (0-9) can also be used to directly input values into the XR20. Please note that when using the number buttons it is important to enter leading zeros, if necessary. If a value to be edited is a two-digit number, you must enter a two-digit number. If the number is a three-digit number, you must enter a three-digit number. If necessary, enter a leading 0 (i.e., a zero at the beginning of the number) to fill out the required number of digits. Example: The beat length is a three-digit number. To enter a beat length of 16, enter 016. Automatic Revert This feature may confuse you at first, but save you from potential problems as you become more familiar with the machine. If all the required digits of a number aren't entered within two seconds, the display will revert back to the previous number, with the cursor under the first digit of the previous number. This is handy because if you start to enter a new number, but then change your mind halfway through, you don't have to key in (or remember) the original number againjust wait two seconds, and the display will revert to the original setting. Buttons that Toggle Some buttons (SYSTEM SETUP, RECORD SETUP, PATTERN/SONG, PRESET/USER, EFFECTS) "toggle" between two states. Each button press sets the switch to its alternate state. Example: Press the PATTERN/SONG button once to change from Pattern to Song; press again to change from Song to Pattern. Example: Press RECORD SETUP to call up the Record Setup menu; press RECORD SETUP again to exit the Record Setup menu.

10 STEPS TO INSTANT GRATIFICATION (SETUP AND CHECKOUT)
1. Connect the Main outputs (either left or right for a mono monitoring system, or both for stereo) to a musical instrument amplifier, PA, or plug headphones into the headphone output on the back of the XR20. The amp and XR20 volume control (on back) should be all the way down (counter-clockwise). Leave the MIDI OUT jack (rear panel) disconnected for now. Plug the XR20's AC adapter into the wall. The smaller plug inserts in the 12V DC Power jack on the back. Turn on the rear panel ON/OFF switch, and then turn on the amplifier. The LCD will illuminate. The upper right of the display should say PATTERN and not SONG; if it shows SONG, press the PATTERN/SONG button so the display shows PATTERN. Start hitting the pads. Adjust the volume control for a comfortable listening level, and check out the sounds. Try pressing one of the Pad Play Mode buttons (DRUMS, 1-SHOT, SYNTH) to access the different instrument layers and play the pads. To hear the built-in demo, hold down the PATTERN/SONG button and press PLAY. To stop the demo, press STOP. If you want to play along with the demo, feel free to bash away on the pads. To hear a Preset Pattern, stop the XR20 and press the PRESET / USER button to select Preset Patterns (the display should show PRESET). Then, press PLAY to hear the Preset Pattern. Try the following: While in Preset Patterns, enter a twodigit number between 00-99 using the number keys, then press PLAY. Press the INC button to select the next higher-numbered Preset Pattern. It will play at the end of the current Pattern. Press the DEC button to select the next lower-numbered Preset Pattern. Press the B button to select the B variation of the selected Pattern. Press the A button to select the A variation of the selected Pattern. Press FILL briefly while a Main (A or B) Pattern is playing. Note how the Main Pattern switches from either A to B or B to A after the Fill has played. Press FILL and hold it down until after the Fill has played. If the FILL button is held down past the next downbeat, the Fill's associated Main Pattern (A or B) continues to play rather than switch from A to B or B to A. Hold down TAP TEMPO and use the VALUE dial (or INC / DEC buttons) to change the tempo.

The MUTE Button The MUTE button can be used to mute the different instrument layers while the XR20 is playing. To Mute Parts: 1. 2. 3. Play a Pattern. Press and hold the MUTE button Press one of the Instrument buttons (DRUM, 1-SHOT or SYNTH). That particular instrument sound will be muted. To un-mute the instrument layer, press the corresponding button (DRUM, 1SHOT, SYNTH) while holding down MUTE.
Playing Songs 1. To play a Song, press the PATTERN / SONG button until SONG is displayed in the upper corner of the screen. Select the Song you want to play with the INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial. After you select the Song press the PLAY button. To stop playback, press the STOP button.

RECORDING PATTERNS

Note: An empty Pattern defaults to an 8 beat length (2 Bars), with 16th note quantization and swing off (50%). If you need to change the length, it is best (though not essential) to do so before recording. Other parameters can be changed while you're recording. STEPS TO RECORDING A PATTERN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. First, begin by selecting User Patterns (the display should indicate PATTERN and USER). Next, select an empty User Pattern with the INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial (the display should show EMPTY PATT). Press the RECORD and PLAY buttons simultaneously. The XR20 will begin recording. Play the sounds on the pads. As you record, the display will show the current beat number. The Pattern will "loop" during the record process so that you can overdub different drums on different passes. To stop recording, press STOP. Press PLAY to audition the Pattern from the beginning.
When recording your pattern its a good idea to locate the drum set that you want to use for the pattern ahead of time. You can change this later. For instructions on selecting a Drum Set, see the section 'SELECTING, EDITING AND CREATING DRUM SETS'. Note that a Drum Set is a collection of sounds such as the Drums, 1-Shot and Synth sound. Therefore, if you would like to change the Synth sound in a Pattern, for example, you will need to modify the Drum Set to contain a different synth instrument. Note: Instead of playing on the pads, you can also record remotely by sending MIDI notes to the XR20. Make sure that MIDI device you are playing has settings that correspond to XR20s sounds (MIDI Channel and note numbers.) Note: When sending MIDI data into the drums when the XR20 is not recording (i.e., the XR20 serves as a drum sound expander module), the drum sounds respond to 127 different levels of dynamics. However, if MIDI is used as a trigger during the recording process, the Pattern will "quantize" the incoming level to the nearest of eight levelsthe same eight levels produced by tapping the pads at various levels. PRACTICE MODE If you want to practice your beat with a metronome (the XR20 only plays the metronome when recording) you can use Practice Mode. While in Pattern Mode (User Patterns should be selected), press the REC button and you will hear the metronome sound, but the XR20 will not record what you play on the pads. RECORDING OTHER PARTS (1-SHOT AND SYNTH) After recording your Drum part (or if you want to start with a different part) you may want to add more instruments to your Patterns arrangements. To record a 1-Shot or Synth part to your Pattern: 1. Press the 1-SHOT or SYNTH button and play the sounds on the pads in the same manner as the DRUM mode. The SYNTH mode will have a pitched sample that will play across the pads (the notes corresponding to each pad are indicated in the upper right corner of the pad). Press the REC and PLAY buttons. The Pattern will start recording. Play your synth or 1-shot part. Press STOP when completed.

PATTERN PLAY MODE

Pattern Play mode allows you to play sequences of Patterns by triggering Patterns with the pads. To enter Pattern Play Mode, press the PATTERN PLAY button. PLAYING PATTERN SEQUENCES WITH THE PADS 1. 2. Press the PATTERN PLAY button. Press a pad and the Pattern associated with the pad will begin playing. As the Pattern reaches its end, it will continue to loop from the beginning. Now press a different pad. The Pattern associated with the pad will begin playing as soon as the previously selected Pattern reaches its end.
RECORDING PATTERN SEQUENCES INTO A SONG 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Press the PATTERN / SONG button to get into Song Mode (the display should indicate SONG in the upper right corner). Press the PATTERN PLAY button. Press REC and PLAY simultaneously to begin recording. Press the pads to trigger the sequence of Patterns you wish to record. You can also trigger the A, B or FILL parts of the selected pattern. Press STOP when you are finished. Note that you can only record a Pattern Play sequence into an empty Song. Make sure that you select an empty Song or erase an existing song prior to recording. To listen to the sequence you just recorded in Pattern Play Mode: 1. 2. Press the PATTERN / SONG button to get into Song Mode (the display should indicate SONG in the upper right corner). Press PLAY to play the recorded sequence.
ASSIGNING PATTERNS TO THE PADS 1. 2. Press the PATTERN PLAY button to get into Pattern Play Mode. Press the PAGE RIGHT button. The display will show the last pad which was pressed and the pattern number to which it is assigned. Press the pad you wish to modify. The pad number will be displayed on the top line. Use the INC / DEC buttons, the VALUE dial or the number buttons to choose the Pattern assignment for the selected pad. The assigned Pattern will be displayed on the bottom line. You can also press A or B to choose whether the selected patterns A or B part will be played when the pattern is triggered. Press another pad to select it and then adjust the Pattern assignment in a similar fashion. After you have assigned the pads press the PATTERN PLAY button to exit the assignment mode.

3. 4. 5.

Select the instrument layer which you would like to edit (drums, 1-shot, synth) by pressing the corresponding button. Adjust values on pages, if necessary, as described for each page. After making all needed changes, save the Drum Set if desired (see Saving Your Drum Sets section), then press DRUM SET again to exit.
Note: To select sounds for the 1-Shot or Synth section of the kit, press the corresponding button for these sections and then edit the parameters the same way you would for the Drums.
PAGE 2: INSTRUMENT LAYER VOLUME This page allows you to adjust the volume of each instrument layer (drums, 1-shot, synth). Adjusting this level will affect all the sounds in the selected layer. To adjust the volume of an instrument layer: 1. Select the instrument layer which you would like to edit by pressing DRUM, 1-SHOT or SYNTH. Adjust the overall volume with the INC / DEC buttons, the VALUE dial or the number buttons (99 = MAXIMUM VOLUME, 0 = OFF)
PAGE 3: ASSIGNING SOUNDS TO PADS You can assign any of the XR20's sounds to any of the pads, or to more than one pad. Each individual Drum Set can have its own drum sound assignment. However, please note that Synth sounds can only be selected as a group (i.e. you cannot assign different Synth sounds to different pads). To assign a sound to a pad: 1. 2. 3. Select the instrument layer which you would like to edit by pressing DRUM, 1-SHOT or SYNTH. (Note that Synth sounds can only be modified as a group). Press the pad (the display will show the pad number in the upper right corner and the name of the sound assigned to the pad on the top line). Enter the desired sound number with the number buttons, the INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial. When using the number buttons, enter a leading zero if necessary.
PAGE 4: PAD VOLUME Each pads volume can be adjusted on this page. To change a pads volume: 1. Select the sound set which you would like to edit by pressing DRUM or 1-SHOT. Note that this parameter is not available for Synth sounds. The volume of the Synth sounds can only be adjusted as a group (see Instrument Layer Volume above). Press the pad (the display will show the selected pad number in the upper right corner and the volume setting for the pad on the top line). Enter the desired volume, from 00 (off) to 99 (maximum volume), with the number keypad, INC / DEC buttons or VALUE dial.
PAGE 5: PANNING Each pad can also be assigned to one of seven positions within the stereo spectrum. To change a pads panning position: 1. Select the sound set which you would like to edit by pressing DRUM, 1-SHOT or SYNTH. Please note that the Panning setting will affect all Synth sounds similarly. In other words, changing one Synth pads Panning setting will affect all the other Synth sounds in the Drum Set. Press the pad (the display will show the pad number and the pads panning position on the top line). Enter the desired pan position, from full left to full right, using the number keypad, INC/DEC buttons or VALUE dial. The seven available pan positions correspond to the number buttons shown in parenthesis: hard left (1), soft left (2), left of center (3), center (4), right of center (5), soft right (6), and hard right (7). The display will show <> when panning position is center. Background The XR20 has two pairs of stereo outputs. Drum sounds can be assigned to either pair of outputs (see page 11 of the Drum Set menus), and be placed anywhere within the stereo field of the assigned outputs via the pan function.

REVERB TYPES

Off AmbBrite BdSpring BigGate CloseMic FxGate HugeSpac LgSpacy Md80sRm MdHardRm MdSoftRm MetalCav RmSmlDrk RoomGate SeaWolf Slapper SmBathRm SmPlate SmlBrite Studio Warehous WoodRM WrmStudo

COMPRESSION AND EQ TYPES

Off Master 1 Radio 1 Radio 2 SoftHype Bright Country Crunch Dance Hip Hop Jazz Lo Boost Roc1 Roc2 Roc3

SAVING YOUR DRUM SETS

After changing parameter settings it is important to save the Drumset otherwise your settings will not be retained. 1. To save your set, press and hold the SAVE / COPY button. The display shows SAVE SET?, the currently selected Drum Set number (location), and a two-digit number that's the same as the currently selected Drum Set. You will notice the REC LED begin to blink. To save the Drum Set to the current location, press REC. To save the Drum Set to a different location, enter the new Drum Set number with the INC/DEC buttons, number buttons (allowable range is 00-99), or the DATA dial. Finally, press REC to save to the selected location.
If you were editing a Preset Drum Set and want to save it, you will be given the option to save it to a User Drum Set since you cannot overwrite a Preset Drum Set. This technique can also copy one Drum Set to a different Drum Set. Also, remember that if you change Patterns before saving your Drum Set, all of your edits will be lost.

RECORD SETUP

Several parameters, such as quantization, swing, metronome options, Pattern length, are often adjusted prior to recording a Pattern, General instructions are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Press the RECORD SETUP button. Use the PAGE buttons to select different "pages" of functions; the display's lower right window shows the page number. These pages are described below. Adjust values on pages, if necessary, as described for each page. After making all needed changes, press RECORD SETUP again to exit, or choose another page.
PAGE 1: SELECT THE QUANTIZATION VALUE (QUANTIZE SELECT) Background As you record a Pattern, quantization shifts all drum events to the nearest selected rhythmic value to eliminate small timing errors. For example, with a quantization value of 1/16, all drum events you play will be shifted to the nearest 16th note. Quantization shifts your playing to the specified beat while you play, so choose the desired value before playing out your rhythms. Remember that you can also change quantization while recording if, for example, you want to record snare with eighth note quantization but high-hats with 16th note quantization. The note icon displays the quantization value in standard rhythmic notation. See the chart below. Enter the desired quantization value with the INC/DEC buttons, VALUE dial, or number buttons (1 = quarter note, 2 = quarter note triplet, 3 = 8th note, 4 = 8th note triplet, 5 = 16th note, 6 = 16th note triplet, 7 = 32nd note, 8 = 32nd note triplet, 9 and 0 = Off, equivalent to 1/384th note resolution).

Tip: Quantization is most effective when used sparingly. If you're recording a drum part, quantize the kick and snare, but try recording the hi-hat in real time (or quantize the hihat, and record the snare in real time). Another trick is to combine both quantized and non-quantized parts. Example: hand claps often sound too mechanical when quantizedwhen humans clap hands, you end up with a bunch of different sounds happening within a few milliseconds of each other. A good way to simulate this effect (yet still have a rock-solid rhythm) is to record a quantized hand claps part, then turn off quantization and try to double the part. Sometimes what you overdub will be right on the beat, but sometimes it will be off by just enough to add that human touch. Note: The quantize value also sets the step length in Step Edit mode.
KEYPAD NOTE VALUE DISPLAY NOTE NAME 9, 0 = = = = = = = = = 1/4 1/6 1/8 1/12 1/16 1/24 1/32 1/48 1/384 = = = = = = = = =
= QUARTER NOTE = QUARTER NOTE TRIPLET = EIGHTH NOTE = EIGHTH NOTE TRIPLET = 16th NOTE = 16th NOTE TRIPLET = 32nd NOTE = 32nd NOTE TRIPLET = 384th NOTE
PAGE 2: GATE When entering Synth parts in Step Edit Mode, the Gate parameter specifies the duration of notes, as a percentage of the quantization value. For example, if you have selected a gate time of 99 (which is equivalent to 100% of the quantization value) and a quantization value of note, the synth notes will be note in duration. PAGE 3: SELECT THE SWING VALUE (SWING SELECT) Background: Swing affects the timing of pairs of equal-value notes. Each note normally defaults to taking up 50% of the total duration of both notes; adding swing lengthens the first note of the pair, and to keep the total duration of both notes the same, shortens the second note of the pair. This imparts the kind of feel found in most shuffles and jazz tunes, as well as a laid-back, rhythm and groove often found in hip-hop, RnB and pop music. For example, with Swing set to 62%, the first note of the pair takes up 62% of the total duration of the pair of notes, while the second note takes up 38% of the total duration. Swing shifts notes as specified while you record, so choose the desired value before playing out your rhythms. Enter the desired swing percentage with the INC/DEC buttons, VALUE dial or number buttons (1 = 54%, 2 = 58%, 3 = 62%, 4-0 = Swing Off).
PAGE 4: ENABLE CLICK AND SET RHYTHM (CLICK SELECT) The metronome is designed to help you keep track of time while recording. On this page, you can enable or disable the metronome, as well as select the rhythm of the click. Enter the click value with the INC/DEC or number buttons (1 = quarter note, 2 = quarter note triplet, 3 = 8th note, 4 = 8th note triplet, 5 = 16th note, 6 = 16th note triplet, 7-0 = Click Off). Note that the click is audible only when recording.
PAGE 5: SET CLICK VOLUME (CLICK VOL) This page allows you to adjust the volume of the metronome. The display shows CLICK VOL and a two-digit number representing click volume (00 = inaudible, 99 = maximum volume). Enter the desired click level with the INC/DEC, number buttons, or by turning the VALUE dial.

ERASE ALL INSTRUMENT EVENTS IN SUB-PATTERN
This operation allows you to erase all instrument events (for example, all Drum events) in the selected sub-pattern. The Drum Set's parameters will not be affected.
1. 2. 3. The XR20 should be in Pattern mode and stopped. Press and hold ERASE. While holding down ERASE, press and hold the button corresponding to the layer which you would like to erase (DRUMS, BASS, PERC). While holding down the 2 buttons, press REC (ENTER) to erase all instrument events in the selected sub-pattern.
EDITING PATTERNS COPY/SAVE FUNCTIONS

SAVING A PATTERN

The following operation will save the selected Pattern, including all sub-patterns (A, B and FILL) to a specific location, overwriting any data which may already exist. Please note that you need to save your Patterns if you wish to access them after you power-cycle the unit.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The XR20 should be in Pattern mode and stopped. Select the Pattern you wish to save. Press and hold the SAVE / COPY button, and keep holding it down until step (6). The display says SAVE TO PATT. Enter the destination Pattern number with the INC / DEC buttons, number buttons or the VALUE dial. Press REC (DO IT). The display says SAVE DONE. Release the SAVE / COPY and REC (DO IT) buttons.

COPYING A PATTERN

The following operation will copy only the selected sub-pattern (A, B, or FILL) to another destination. If the current Pattern is shorter than the destination, the part will be copied to the beginning, leaving the remainder blank. Copying a sub-pattern longer than the destination Pattern will automatically lengthen the destination Pattern (128 Beat maximum).
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The XR20 should be in Pattern mode and stopped. First, select a Pattern. Then select A, B or FILL sub-pattern to be copied by pressing the corresponding button. Press and hold the SAVE / COPY button, and keep holding it down until step (6). While holding the SAVE / COPY button, press PAGE RIGHT. The display says COPY TO PATT. Enter the destination Pattern number into which the current sub-pattern will be copied with the INC / DEC buttons, number buttons or the VALUE dial. Now select which sub-pattern you would like to copy the data into by pressing A, B or FILL. Press REC (DO IT). The display says COPY DONE. Release the SAVE / COPY and REC (DO IT) buttons.

7. 8. 9.

APPENDING A PATTERN
This operation adds the current Pattern, including all sub-patterns (A, B and FILL) to the end of a selected Pattern. Note that Patterns can only be appended to Patterns of the same time signature (i.e. a 3 / 4 Pattern can only be appended to another 3 / 4 Pattern).
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The XR20 should be in Pattern mode and stopped. Select the Pattern you would like to append. Press and hold the SAVE / COPY button, and keep holding it down until step (6). While holding the SAVE / COPY button, press PAGE RIGHT twice. The display should say APPND TO PATT. Enter the destination Pattern number where you would like to append the original Pattern with the INC/DEC buttons, number buttons or the VALUE dial. Press REC (DO IT). The display says APPEND DONE. Release the COPY and REC (DO IT) buttons.
EDITING PATTERNS TRANSPOSITION
Each Pattern on the XR20 has a Pattern Transposition setting (0 by default). This setting allows you to quickly transpose the selected Patterns Synth content. The Pattern Transposition setting will be stored along with all other Pattern parameters once the Pattern is saved into memory (See Editing Patterns Save/Copy Functions section for information on saving Pattern data). To change Pattern Transposition: 1. 2. 3. 4. The XR20 should be in Pattern mode. Press and hold SYNTH. While holding down SYNTH, press the PAGE RIGHT button. The screen will display PATTRANS on the top line, along with the current transposition setting on the bottom line. Use the DATA dial or INC / DEC buttons to select the transposition in semitones (-12 to +12 semitone range).
Please note: Pattern Transposition affects all sub-patterns contained in the selected Pattern. Please note: Pattern data needs to be saved to memory for the Pattern Transposition setting to be recalled the next time you load the Pattern.
PATTERN STEP EDITING (STEP EDIT MODE)
Step editing is an approach of entering notes and other values for a Pattern in a non-realtime method. Step mode provides detailed Pattern editing. (Note that "step" does not refer to Song steps, but to the steps in a Pattern that hold drum events.) You can move through a Pattern one step at a time, stop at each event as desired, and delete the event, add an event, or change an event's volume. While occasionally somewhat tedious, Step Edit mode allows editing drum parts to your exact specifications. Each step (also called a sub-beat) is 1/96th of a beat in duration, so at maximum resolution it takes 96 steps to "move through" a quarter note. To save time, you can step through the Pattern at various note values, as set by the quantization value (which is why it's preferable to select the quantization rate at which the Pattern was recorded). Example: A 16th note consists of 24 sub beats, so setting the quantization value to 1/16 lets you step through the Pattern 24 sub-beats at a time. The following chart relates the number of sub-beats to note/quantization values.

Page 8 / SELECT DRUM SETS VIA MIDI PROGRAM CHANGES (PRG CHNG) A Program Change is a message sent to devices which causes them to switch to a new program, or bank of sounds. Drum Set selection on the XR20 can be controlled externally at any time (even during playback) through the use of Program Change messages. To have the XR20 receive Program Change messages, use the INC/DEC buttons or VALUE dial to select ON. Select OFF to have the XR20 ignore Program Change messages. Program Change (PC) 00 selects User Drum Set 00; PC 01 selects User Drum Set 01; PC 02 selects User Drum Set 02; etc. However, be aware that some devices number Program Changes as 1-128, others as 0-127, and some as banks of programs.
Tip: If the device generating Program Changes follows a non-standard protocol, it's a good idea to make up a conversion chart which shows which Program Changes call up which Drum Sets.
Please note that in order to access User kits, you will need to send a Bank Select message along with the Program Change. Refer to the table below for information on how to access different kits.
BANK MSB BANK LSB PROG CHANGE 00-99 00-99 00-99 00-99 00-99 00-99 SELECTION PRESET DRUM KITS USER DRUM KITS PRESET 1-SHOT KITS USER 1-SHOT KITS PRESET SYNTH KITS USER SYNTH KITS
Page 9 / TEMPO SELECTION (TEMPO) This function describes how the XR20 will use tempo data when playing back Patterns. If you choose GLOBAL, the XR20 will use a global tempo setting and will ignore any tempo data associated with a Pattern. If you choose PERPAT, the XR20 will use the tempo data stored with each Pattern. For example, if Pattern 01s tempo is set to 90 and Pattern 02s tempo is set to 120, the XR20 will increase the tempo when switching from Pattern 01 to Pattern 02.
Page 10 / MAP DRUM NOTES (NOTE MAP) Within each Pattern, MIDI notes can either be mapped to 12 different sounds in NORMAL mode, or they can be mapped to any of five drumset groups (User Drumsets 00-09, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, etc ) in MULTI-DRUMSET mode. Any of these drumset groups can cover MIDI notes 000 through 119. This makes the XR20 ideal for use as a drum sound module, triggered by either an electronic drum kit or set of electronic drum pads, or by notes from a sequencer. Note that while in this mode, you cannot record notes into a Pattern via MIDI. It is assumed that you will be using the XR20 strictly as a drum sound expander module. The chart on the following page shows which drum pads of which drum sets are triggered by which MIDI notes. The logic to this assignment is that there are 12 drum pads per octave of notes, so pad 1 always starts on a C note (MIDI notes 000, 012, 024, 036, 048, 060, 072, 084, 096, and 108). Remember that these drum assignments must be saved as Drum Sets in order to retain the note map assignments.

Drum note map in MULTI-DRUMSET mode. NOTE: In this chart, Pad and MIDI note number values for drumset 00 also apply to drumsets 10, 20, 30, and 40; values for drumset 01 also apply to drumsets 11, 21, 31 and 41, etc.

DRUM SET 03 03

PAD # 3 4

MIDI NOTE 038 039

DRUM SET 06 06

PAD # 7 8

MIDI NOTE 078 079

DRUM SET 09 09

PAD # 11 12

MIDI NOTE 118 119

PAGE 11 / MANUAL DRUMSET OVERRIDE (SET MODE) Each Pattern has an associated, assigned Drum Set. However, you can tell the XR20 to ignore these stored assignments, and retain the currently selected Drum Set regardless of whether or not you change Patterns. This is useful if you want to hear how a Pattern would sound with a different Drum Set (just set one up manually) as opposed to the one stored with the Pattern. Use the INC/DEC buttons or the VALUE dial to select PATT (each Pattern uses its assigned Drum Set) or MANUAL (the XR20 will retain the currently selected drum assignments regardless of which Pattern is chosen). Note: If changing Patterns doesn't call up different Drum Sets, this parameter is probably set to MANUAL instead of PATT. Page 12 / LEDs (LEDS OFF) On this page you can specify whether the LEDs on the XR20 will be lit, or turned off to preserve battery life. Use the INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial and select OFF to turn off the LEDs. Select ON to turn on the LEDs.
Page 13 / BACKLIGHT BRIGHTNESS (BACKLITE) On this page, you can adjust the brightness of the display. Note that lower brightness settings will help preserve battery life. Use the INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial to adjust the brightness setting (OFF, 1-9 or FULL for maximum brightness).
Page 14 / BATTERY LEVEL (BATT LVL) This page indicates the remaining battery charge.
Page 15 / LOW BATTERY WARNING (LO BATT) On this page you can specify the threshold the battery should reach before warning of low battery. This warning will let you know when it is time to replace the batteries or plug in the power adapter. Use the number buttons, INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial to select a percentage of the full battery charge.
Page 16 / CHECK AVAILABLE MEMORY (MEM FREE) This page shows the approximate amount of free memory available (expressed as a percentage of the total amount). It is important to check memory from time to time because the XR20 always requires some free memory for proper operation. If the available memory falls below 15% or so, immediately save the XR20's data as described below. Some operations may not be possible even if a small amount of memory is left. This is because the XR20 duplicates a Pattern before it is modified (length change, offset change, etc.). If you try to alter a Pattern that takes up more memory than is available, the display will tell you that there is no more memory left. Immediately save the XR20's data, and determine whether you can erase any unwanted Patterns or Songs to free up some memory. Page 17 / SEND SONG AND PATTERN DATA TO MIDI SYS EX STORAGE DEVICE (SEND OUT MIDI?) This page allows you to convert the XR20's Pattern and Song information into MIDI system exclusive data and send this data through the MIDI out. This data can be transferred to software and hardware devices which support MIDI SysEx storage. There are two main reasons to save your work: Although the XR20 can typically store many events, eventually it will run out of memory. You can save the memory contents, fill up the memory with new Patterns and Songs, and re-load the old data when needed. It is vitally important to back up what's in the XR20's memory! A mechanical problem (surge on the power line, a quick zap of static electricity) or operator error could alter the data in memory. Save your data whenever you've done enough work on something that you wouldn't want to lose that work. If possible, make two backups, and store the second backup in a different physical location from the primary backup. While on this page, press REC (DO IT) to send XR20 Pattern and Song data as SysEx data. The display will say SENDING MIDI to confirm that data is being sent. Note: Typically, the MIDI OUT would connect to another XR20's MIDI IN or a system exclusive data storage device such as MIDI sequencer.

30 September 2008

By: Florin Tibu, Audio Editor
Akai Professional and Their New XR20 Beat Production Station
Your portable, programmable, zero-mistake drummer
How about a drummer that never misses a beat and will never mess up a song during your performance? Sounds cool, right? Well, as cool as it might sound, I'm afraid that no human drummer could become that perfect as to never miss a bar in live situations. Some cannot afford a drummer (or simply won't play with one) and rely on programmable drum machines; and for a drum machine to be a good piece of audio technology, some features are direly needed. We're talking portability&nbsp;- it's no point in carrying with you large and heavy equipment, especially if you're moving from club to club or worse, from home to the studio or rehearsing place. At the same time, this tool must definitely serve your purposes, and this means advanced programmability and customized functions, to let you explore your wildest creative side and be able to obtain what you're looking for. Well, you can now find all of the above and even more inside the XR20 beat station from Akai Professional. This nifty piece of electronics could easily become you drummer of choice, no matter whether you're in the R&B or Hip-Hop fields, even soft rock and so many more. Designed from the start to offer complex and complete solutions for those in search of a portable and easy-to-use tool for their beat needs, the Akai Professional XR20 boasts more than 700 independent sounds especially produced by Chronic Music and comes with an impressive 198 presets, divided in two&nbsp;- 99 factory presets and 99 user-defined presets. You can even access functions like reverb, compression or EQ to trim the response of your XR20; and if you need vocal parts, just plug in a microphone and mix that voice with your custom beats. Bright backlit glowing pads will give you instant data on what's cooking inside the Akai Professional XR20 right as you play and at the same time will make your gear look cooler in the dark. The Akai Professional XR20 supports Pattern Play Mode that can be triggered from different pads as you need. Drum roll and note repeat functions add to all the above; you also get 32-note polyphony, MIDI in and out ports, dual Aux ports to be used with standard 1/4" (TRS) jacks, and a headphone output. This drum box can be powered using a wall adapter but it will also run on batteries thus giving you even more freedom and letting you explore your creativity in more places, at any given moment you feel inspired. The MSRP for the Akai Professional XR20 is a dollar short of $500 but the street price will most likely be lower, especially after the first weeks go by. We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is.
The Akai Professional XR20,a beat station you can really rely on Akai
Page 1 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.