Roland GR-33 User Manual
86
Chapter 9 Connecting to External Sound
Generators and Sequencers
Connecting an external sound generator to the GR-33 makes
it possible to play sounds not included the 384 built-in tones,
and to create fatter sounds by combining notes from the GR-
33 and the external device.
it possible to play sounds not included the 384 built-in tones,
and to create fatter sounds by combining notes from the GR-
33 and the external device.
The GR-33 can also serve as a convenient input tool for a
MIDI sequencer (a device for recording performances). This
chapter explains how to make such steps using external
devices (and how to use MIDI functions).
MIDI sequencer (a device for recording performances). This
chapter explains how to make such steps using external
devices (and how to use MIDI functions).
About MIDI
What follows is a list of some of the different types of MIDI
messages that the GR-33 can handle.
messages that the GR-33 can handle.
❍
“Note On messages” provide information on what string
was played, and its pitch and force.
was played, and its pitch and force.
❍
“Note Off messages” provide information on when a
string stops vibrating.
string stops vibrating.
❍
“Bend messages” provide information for changing the
pitch smoothly, such as when bending, sliding, or
hammering.
pitch smoothly, such as when bending, sliding, or
hammering.
❍
“Program Change messages” transmit commands for
switching patches.
switching patches.
❍
“Control Change messages” provide information on
changes in volume and effects.
changes in volume and effects.
❍
“System Exclusive (SysEx) messages” provide
information for exchanging patch data with external
instruments.
information for exchanging patch data with external
instruments.
Controlling an External MIDI Sound Device
Connecting to an External MIDI
Sound Device
Sound Device
Follow the figure below to connect the GR-33 to an external
MIDI sound device.
MIDI sound device.
fig.9-01
Setting MIDI Channel/Bend Range
(BASIC CHANNEL, BEND RANGE)
(BASIC CHANNEL, BEND RANGE)
Once you’ve made the connections, make the required
settings on the GR-33.
settings on the GR-33.
❍
MIDI CHANNEL (BASIC CHANNEL)
When exchanging MIDI performance message with an
external device, the GR-33 and the external device must be
set to the same MIDI channel.
external device, the GR-33 and the external device must be
set to the same MIDI channel.
The channels available with MIDI range from 1 to 16. On the
GR-33, you can choose to use one channel per string, for a
total of six channels (Mono mode); or you can exchange
information for all six strings on a single channel (Poly
mode). In the case of Mono mode, you must specify the first
channel (BASIC CHANNEL) of the six consecutive channels
that will be used. Follow the steps described later to make
the BASIC CHANNEL setting.
GR-33, you can choose to use one channel per string, for a
total of six channels (Mono mode); or you can exchange
information for all six strings on a single channel (Poly
mode). In the case of Mono mode, you must specify the first
channel (BASIC CHANNEL) of the six consecutive channels
that will be used. Follow the steps described later to make
the BASIC CHANNEL setting.
<About MIDI>
MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface,”
a worldwide standard that enables electronic
instruments and peripherals to share information about
performances, sound switching, and other functions.
MIDI is a standard that is shared by a wide range of
instruments from different manufacturers. For instance,
you could use a MIDI controller from company A to play
a sound module from company B or send data to a
sequencer from company C.
a worldwide standard that enables electronic
instruments and peripherals to share information about
performances, sound switching, and other functions.
MIDI is a standard that is shared by a wide range of
instruments from different manufacturers. For instance,
you could use a MIDI controller from company A to play
a sound module from company B or send data to a
sequencer from company C.
MIDI connectors (IN and OUT) are a standard feature of
the GR-33. With MIDI, you can use the guitar to control
external sound generators (such as synthesizers and
samplers), or play the music you want to input into a
MIDI sequencer.
the GR-33. With MIDI, you can use the guitar to control
external sound generators (such as synthesizers and
samplers), or play the music you want to input into a
MIDI sequencer.
Also, as we’ve already seen on p. 37, you can send data
such as patch data to other equipment for performance
or storage.
such as patch data to other equipment for performance
or storage.
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
External MIDI Sound Device