Names and Functions
of the ControlsNames and Functions
of the Controls
[#1] VOLUME Control/POWER Switch
The VOLUME control [#1] also serves as the POWER switch. Turn
the
VOLUME control [#1] fully counterclockwise to turn the DR-55 off.
NOTE: The POWER switch function is interlocked to the OUTPUT
jack [#14].
If there is no connection at the OUTPUT jack [#14], the DR-55
can not be turned on.
[#2] TEMPO Control
Controls the tempo of the rhythm when played.
[#3] TEMPO Indicator LED
Flashes at the beginning of each measure.
In the PLAY mode, the TEMPO indicator [#3] gives a visual indication of the tempo.
In the WRITE mode, the TEMPO indicator [#3] indicates the point
where loading can begin,
and after loading the correct number of steps (12 or 16), it comes
on again to indicate that
loading is complete.
[#4] TONE Control
Controls the tone color of the percussion sounds.
[#5] ACCENT Control
Controls the dynamic range of the rhythm patterns. At MIN, the
programmed accents will be weak;
at MAX, strong. If accents are not programmed, this control has
no effect on the sound.
[#6] HI HAT Switch
This switch is for adding the hi hat sound to the programmed pattern.
At OFF, there is no hi hat sound.
At "8", the hi hat sound will occur eight times per
measure. At "12/16", the hi hat will occur twelve times
per measure in the 12-beat rhythm and sixteen times for the 16-beat
rhythm.
[#7] VARIATION Switch
For each position of RHYTHM SELECT [#10] it is possible to load
two rhythm patterns: "A" and "B".
In other words, using the "A" and "B" variations
and the eight positions of RHYTHM SELECT [#10],
it is possible to load sixteen separate rhythm patterns.
In the PLAY mode:
At "A" or "B", the "A" and "B"
variations are produced. At "AB", the "A"
and "B"
patterns are played one after the other in series: A, B. A, B,
etc.
In the WRITE mode:
The VARIATION switch [#7] determines which variation memory ("A"
or "B")
the pattern will enter when loaded. At "AB", two measures
can be loaded in series.
[#8] MODE Switch
Determines whether the DR-55 is in the PLAY mode or WRITE mode.
When not actually
programming rhythm patterns, this switch should always be left
in the PLAY mode position
to prevent accidental erasure of rhythm patterns.
[#9] SOUND Switch
Used to select sounds and accent when programming rhythm patterns.
BD=bass drum; SD=snare drum;A RS = rim shot; AC = accent
[#10] RHYTHM SELECT
In PLAY mode, determines which rhythm will be played.
In WRITE mode, determines where the rhythm will be written.
[#11] START Button
[#12] STOP Button
In the PLAY mode, these buttons control the start and stop of
the rhythm patterns.
Pressing START will always start the rhythm from the beginning
of the measure.
When the rhythm is not running, the STOP button [#12] can be used
to return the
rhythm sequence to the first beat in the measure.
In the WRITE mode, these buttons are used to load the sound selected
with the
SOUND switch [#9] The rhythm is loaded one step at a time. Press
[#11] for those
steps where the sound is to occur and press [#12] where no sound
is to occur.
[#13] FOOT SWITCH Jack
By connecting a foot switch (such as the Roland FS-1, sold separately)
to the FOOT SWITCH
jack [#13], it is possible to control the START/STOP function
of the DR-55 remotely when in
the PLAY mode.
[#14] OUTPUT Jack
For connection to an amplifier. A cord must be connected to this
jack to be able to turn on the POWER SWITCH [#1].
[#15] DBS Jack
[#16] CSQ Jack
For controlling external devices with the DR-55.
DBS: Outputs a pulse for each step in the rhythm pattern.
CSQ: Outputs a pulse at each step where an accent is programmed.
When this jack is used, accents no longer occur in the programmed rhythm patterns.
With new batteries, the output pulses are:
DBS: +5v, 8ms
CSQ: +4v, 10ms
Remember that these pulse levels will
become lower as the batteries age.
Back
to Previous Page / On to the
Next Page