Contents

Important Notes
How to Read This Owners Manual
- Quick Start
- Advanced Use
- Appendices
  - Notation Used in This Owners Manual
Contents
Main Features
- High-Performance Synthesizer Sound Source
- Expandability
- Quick and Intuitive Operation
- Computer Interface Connector
Front and Rear Panel
- Front Panel
- Rear Panel
Quick Start
- Getting Ready
- Listening to the Demo Song
- Playing the Sounds
Advanced Use
- Chapter 1. Overview of the XP-30
  - XP-30 Configuration
    - Basic Configuration
    - Classification of XP-30 Sound Types
    - Number of Simultaneous Voices
  - Basic Operation
    - Switching Modes
    - About the Function Buttons
    - About the Cursor Buttons
    - Modifying a Value
    - Assigning a Name
- Chapter 2. Playing
  - Playing in Patch Mode
    - Selecting a Patch
    - Using Phrase Preview to Play Patches
    - Making a Patch Sound Thick or Thin (Turning a Tone On/Off)
    - Playing Single Notes (Solo)
    - Creating Smooth Pitch Changes (Portamento)
    - Using the Sliders to Modify the Sound in Realtime (Sound Palette Function)
  - Playing in Performance Mode
    - Selecting a Performance
    - Playing Fatter and Richer Sounds by Combining Patches (Layer)
    - Splitting the Keyboard to Play Separate Patches in Different Sections (Split)
    - Playing Along with a Song Playback (XP-30 Used as a Multitimbral Sound Source)
    - Assigning a Different Patch to a Part
    - Using the Sliders to Modify the Sound in Realtime (Sound Palette Function)
  - Playing in Rhythm Set Mode
    - Selecting a Rhythm Set
    - Playing Percussion Instruments
  - Playing an Arpeggio
    - Playing an Arpeggio Over a Preset Keyboard Area
    - Holding an Arpeggio
    - Simulating a Guitar Cutting Technique
    - Playing an Arpeggio from an External MIDI Device
    - Creating an Arpeggio Pattern
  - Convenient Functions for Performance
    - Transposing the Keyboard in Octave Units (Octave Shift)
    - Transposing the Keyboard in Semitone Steps (Transpose)
    - If Stuck Notes Occur or a Note Does Not Sound (Panic)
- Chapter 3. Creating Your Own Sounds
  - Regarding Effects
    - How Effects Units Work in Different Modes
    - Turning Effects On/Off
  - Sound Editing Procedures
    - Editing a Patch
    - Editing a Performance
    - Editing a Rhythm Set
  - Keeping Edited Sound
    - Memory and Data Storage
    - Storing a Sound You Modify into User Memory
  - Functions of Patch Parameters
    - Settings Common to the Entire Patch (COMMON)
    - Setting Effects for a Patch (EFFECTS)
    - Using Controllers to Change How Sounds Are Played (CONTROL)
    - Modifying Waveform (WAVE)
    - Modulating Sounds (LFO)
    - Modifying Pitch (PITCH)
    - Modifying the Brightness of Sound with a Filter (TVF)
    - Changing the Sounds Volume and Stereo Location (TVA)
  - Functions of Performance Parameters
    - Settings Common to the Entire Performance (COMMON)
    - Setting Effects for a Performance (EFFECTS)
    - Making MIDI Settings for a Part (MIDI)
    - Making Settings for Each Part (PART)
    - Confirming MIDI Information for Each Part (INFO)
  - Functions of Rhythm Set Parameters
    - Naming a Rhythm Set (COMMON)
    - Setting Effects for a Rhythm Tone (EFFECTS)
    - Controlling How a Rhythm Tone will Sound with Controllers (CONTROL)
    - Modifying Waveform of a Rhythm Tone (WAVE)
    - Modifying Pitch of a Rhythm Tone (PITCH)
    - Changing the Tone (Filter) of a Rhythm Tone (TVF)
    - Changing the Volume and Stereo Location of a Rhythm Tone (TVA)
  - Multi-Effects Types (EFX Parameter)
  - XP-30 Operating Environment Setup (System Parameters and Their Functions)
    - Display Screen Contrast and Clock Settings (SETUP)
    - Arpeggio Settings (ARPEGGIO)
    - Keyboard and Controllers Settings (CONTROL)
    - MIDI Settings (MIDI)
    - Phrase Preview Settings (PREVIEW)
    - Adjusting Tuning (TUNE)
    - Program Change (PGM CHNG)
    - Checking Things Such as the Installation Status of Wave Expansion Boards (INFO)
- Chapter 4. Memory Settings (Utility/Card Mode)
  - About Utility/Card Mode
  - Basic Procedure in Utility/ Card Mode
  - Storing Sound Data in User Memory (WRITE)
    - Performance Write
    - Patch Write
    - Rhythm Set Write
  - Copying Sound Source Settings (COPY)
    - Performance Copy
    - Patch Copy
    - Rhythm Set Copy
  - Initializing Sound Source Settings (INIT)
    - Performance Initialize
    - Patch Initialize
    - Rhythm Set Initialize
  - Transmitting Sound Settings (XFER)
    - Transmitting Data to an External MIDI Device
    - Transmitting Data to User Memory
  - Preventing User Memory Writing Operation (PROTECT)
  - Memory Card-Related Settings (CARD)
    - Formatting the Memory Card for the XP-30 (FORMAT)
    - Renaming a File (RENAME)
    - Deleting Unwanted Files (DELETE)
    - Checking the Contents Memory Card (INFO)
  - Loading a File from Memory Card into the XP-30 (LOAD)
  - Saving Data to Memory Card (SAVE)
  - Recalling Factory Default Settings (FACTORY RESET)
- Chapter 5. Using the XP-30 as the GM Sound Module
  - Entering GM Mode
    - Initializing the Sound Source for GM System Basic Settings
    - Playing Back a GM Score
  - Modifying GM Mode Settings
    - Making Effects Settings in GM Mode (EFFECTS)
    - Setting a Part (PART)
    - Confirming MIDI Information of Each Part (INFO)
  - Convenient Functions in GM Mode (GM Utility)
    - Copying Effects Settings (COPY)
    - Initializing GM Mode (INIT)
    - Transmitting GM Mode Settings (XFER)
- Chapter 6. Getting the Full Potential of the XP-30
  - Techniques for Using Patches
    - Reinforcing Filter Characteristics
    - Making the Up-Beat Note Sound at the Same Time You Play a Down-Beat Note
    - Holding a Note with Modulation Retained
    - Syncing the LFO Cycle to System Tempo
    - Modifying Multi-Effects to Match the Systems Tempo
    - Using a Pedal Switch to Modify the Rotary Speed of the Rotary Effect
    - Playing Phrase Loops at a Systems Tempo
    - Using the Slider to Pan Sounds in Real Time
  - Using the XP-30 to Play Live
    - Changing Multiple Sounds of an External MIDI Device Simultaneously
    - Changing Sounds with a Pedal Switch
  - Using External MIDI Devices
    - Using the XP-30 to Control External MIDI Devices
    - Playing the XP-30s Sound Source from an External MIDI Device
    - Selecting XP-30 Sounds from an External MIDI Device
  - Enjoying Desktop Music
    - Connecting to Your Computer
    - Disconnecting the Keyboard from the Internal Sound Source (Local OFF)
Appendices
- Troubleshooting
- Error Messages
- Quick Reference of Procedures
  - Patch Mode
  - Performance Mode
  - Controller Settings
  - Saving and Loading Data
  - Controlling External MIDI Devices
  - Controlling the XP-30 from an External MIDI Device
  - Other
- Parameter List
  - Patch Parameters
  - Performance Parameters
  - Rhythm Set Parameters
  - GM Mode Parameters
  - EFX Parameters
  - System Parameters
- Waveform List
- Patch List
  - B.P.M. CONVERSION TABLE
- Rhythm Set List
- Performance List
- Arpeggio Style List
- MIDI Implementation
- Specifications
- Computer Cable Wiring Diagrams
- Index

Roland XP-30 Owner's Manual

Pages 216

Year 1999

Language(s)

of 216

Roland XP-30 Specification

The Roland XP-30 Synthesizer is a versatile, professional-grade keyboard designed for musicians seeking robust sound capabilities and expansive tonal variety. This synthesizer features a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, delivering expressive performance opportunities suitable for both studio and live environments. It incorporates 64-voice polyphony, allowing complex layering and sequencing without note dropouts. The XP-30 is equipped with a comprehensive sound engine derived from Roland's acclaimed JV/XP series, boasting over 1,400 high-quality patches that span a wide range of genres and styles.

The unit includes onboard effects, such as reverb, chorus, and a multi-effects processor, providing musicians with the tools to sculpt their sounds creatively. It offers three expansion slots, compatible with Roland's SR-JV80 series expansion boards, enabling users to further customize their sound library. The XP-30 also contains the full contents of the "Session," "Orchestral," and "Techno" expansion boards, pre-installed, giving immediate access to an extensive palette of sounds.

Connectivity options include MIDI In/Out/Thru, allowing seamless integration into larger setups, and stereo outputs for direct connection to audio interfaces or amplifiers. The user interface is intuitive, with a backlit LCD display and an array of dedicated buttons and knobs for real-time control, making sound editing and performance adjustments straightforward. The XP-30 is encased in a durable chassis, combining portability with robust construction, making it ideal for gigging musicians. Overall, the Roland XP-30 Synthesizer stands out for its expansive sound library, flexible expansion options, and user-friendly interface, catering to a wide range of musical applications.

Roland XP-30 F.A.Q.

How do I perform a factory reset on the Roland XP-30?

To perform a factory reset on the Roland XP-30, press and hold the 'Utility' button and then press '8' (the 'Initialize' function). Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

How can I layer sounds on the Roland XP-30?

To layer sounds, enter Performance mode by pressing the 'Performance' button. Use the 'Part' buttons to select the parts you want to layer, then assign different patches to each part. Adjust volume and other parameters as needed.

Why is there no sound coming from my Roland XP-30?

Ensure the volume is turned up and check that the headphones or speakers are properly connected. Verify that the Local Switch is set to 'On' in the system settings and that MIDI connections are correct if applicable.

How do I connect the Roland XP-30 to a computer?

To connect the XP-30 to a computer, use a MIDI interface. Connect the MIDI OUT of the XP-30 to the MIDI IN of the interface and vice versa. Install necessary drivers on your computer and configure your DAW to recognize the XP-30.

How can I save my custom patches on the Roland XP-30?

To save a custom patch, press 'Write', select the destination where you want to save, and confirm your selection. Ensure you choose a user memory slot to avoid overwriting factory presets.

What should I do if my XP-30 keys are not responding?

Check if the keyboard is in 'Local Off' mode and switch it to 'Local On'. If the problem persists, it may require cleaning or professional servicing to address any hardware issues.

How do I update the firmware on my Roland XP-30?

The Roland XP-30 does not support user-updatable firmware as it is a hardware-based synthesizer. Ensure to keep the instrument in good maintenance condition to avoid software glitches.

How do I assign effects to a patch on the XP-30?

Press 'Effects', choose the effect type using the cursor buttons, and adjust parameters as needed. Save the patch to retain the effect settings.

Is it possible to expand the sound library of the Roland XP-30?

Yes, the XP-30 has expansion slots for SR-JV80 expansion boards. Insert the board into the slot and follow the instructions to access new sounds.

How do I troubleshoot MIDI connection issues with the XP-30?

Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that MIDI channels match between devices. Check the MIDI settings on the XP-30 and any connected hardware or software for mismatches.