Roland Music Mixer SP 555 User Guide

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Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland SP-555.  
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT  
NOTES” (p. 4; p. 6). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the  
unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by  
your new unit, Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand  
as a convenient reference.  
Copyright © 2007 ROLAND CORPORATION  
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written  
permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.  
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USING THE UNIT SAFELY  
USING THE UNIT SAFELY  
The  
symbol alerts the user to important instructions or  
Used for instructions intended to  
warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is  
determined by the design contained within the triangle.  
In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general  
cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.  
alert the user to the risk of death or  
severe injury should the unit be used  
improperly.  
Used for instructions intended to alert the  
user to the risk of injury or material  
damage should the unit be used  
improperly.  
The  
symbol alerts the user to items that must never  
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that  
must not be done is indicated by the design contained  
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it  
means that the unit must never be disassembled.  
* Material damage refers to damage or  
other adverse effects caused with  
respect to the home and all its  
furnishings, as well to domestic animals  
or pets.  
The symbol alerts the user to things that must be  
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is  
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In  
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-  
cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.  
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the instructions  
• When using the unit a stand recommended by Roland, the  
stand must be carefully placed so it is level and sure to  
remain stable. If not using a stand, you still need to make sure  
that any location you choose for placing the unit provides a  
level surface that will properly support the unit, and keep it  
from wobbling.  
below, and the Owner’s Manual.  
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• Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC  
adaptor.  
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• Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit.  
Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches  
the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor’s body. Other  
AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for  
a different voltage, so their use could result in damage,  
malfunction, or electric shock.  
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it  
(except when this manual provides specific instructions  
directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the  
nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland  
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.  
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• Never use or store the unit in places that are:  
• Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also, the supplied  
power cord must not be used with any other device.  
Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in  
an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-  
generating equipment); or are  
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Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are  
Humid; or are  
Exposed to rain; or are  
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord, nor place  
heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord,  
producing severed elements and short circuits. Damaged  
cords are fire and shock hazards!  
Dusty; or are  
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Subject to high levels of vibration.  
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• This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and  
headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing  
sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not  
operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at  
a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing  
loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using  
the unit, and consult an audiologist.  
• This unit should be used only with a stand that is recom-  
mended by Roland.  
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USING THE UNIT SAFELY  
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins,  
pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to  
penetrate the unit.  
• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled.  
Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out  
of the reach of children.  
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• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.  
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• In households with small children, an adult should provide  
supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules  
essential for the safe operation of the unit.  
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• Never handle the AC adaptor or its plugs with wet hands  
when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.  
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• Protect the unit from strong impact.  
(Do not drop it!)  
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• Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor and all  
cords coming from external devices.  
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• Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share an outlet  
with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially  
careful when using extension cords—the total power used by  
all devices you have connected to the extension cord’s outlet  
must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the  
extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on  
the cord to heat up and eventually melt through.  
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• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the  
AC adaptor from the outlet (Quick Start Guide).  
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• Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your  
area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.  
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• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your  
retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized  
Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.  
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• Should you remove screws for CARD LOCK, keep them in a  
safe place out of children’s reach, so there is no chance of  
them being swallowed accidentally.  
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• DO NOT play a CD-ROM disc on a conventional audio CD  
player. The resulting sound may be of a level that could cause  
permanent hearing loss. Damage to speakers or other system  
components may result.  
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• Always turn the phantom power off when connecting any  
device other than condenser microphones that require  
phantom power. You risk causing damage if you mistakenly  
supply phantom power to dynamic microphones, audio  
playback devices, or other devices that don’t require such  
power. Be sure to check the specifications of any microphone  
you intend to use by referring to the manual that came with it.  
• The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their  
location or position does not interfere with their proper venti-  
lation.  
(This instrument’s phantom power: 48 V DC, 10 mA Max)  
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• This (SP-555) for use only with Roland stand PDS-10. Use  
with other stands is capable of resulting in instability causing  
possible injury.  
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• This stand for use only with specific Roland musical instru-  
ments. See apparatus instructions. Use with other models is  
capable of resulting in instability causing possible injury.  
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• Always grasp only the plug on the AC adaptor cord when  
plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.  
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• At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor and  
clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and other  
accumulations away from its prongs. Also, disconnect the  
power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to  
remain unused for an extended period of time. Any accumu-  
lation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet  
can result in poor insulation and lead to fire.  
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IMPORTANT NOTES  
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on p. 4, please read and observe the following:  
Power Supply  
Repairs and Data  
• Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is being used by  
an electrical appliance that is controlled by an inverter (such as a  
refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, or air conditioner),  
or that contains a motor. Depending on the way in which the  
electrical appliance is used, power supply noise may cause this unit to  
malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is not practical to use  
a separate electrical outlet, connect a power supply noise filter  
between this unit and the electrical outlet.  
• Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s memory may be  
lost when the unit is sent for repairs. Important data should always be  
backed up on a CompactFlash card, or written down on paper (when  
possible). During repairs, due care is taken to avoid the loss of data.  
However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory  
itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible to restore  
the data, and Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of  
data.  
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of  
consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.  
Additional Precautions  
• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost  
as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To  
protect yourself against the risk of loosing important data, we  
recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important  
data you have stored in the unit’s memory on a CompactFlash card.  
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the power to all  
units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers  
or other devices.  
Placement  
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing  
large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem,  
change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the  
source of interference.  
• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that  
was stored in the unit’s memory or CompactFlash card once it has  
been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such  
loss of data.  
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s buttons,  
sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors.  
Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.  
• This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not  
use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.  
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as  
cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could  
occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should  
you experience such problems, you should relocate such wireless  
devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them  
off.  
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector  
itself—never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts,  
or damage to the cable’s internal elements.  
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s volume at  
reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not  
need to be concerned about those around you (especially when it is  
late at night).  
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that  
radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject  
it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the  
unit.  
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including  
padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use  
equivalent packaging materials.  
• When moved from one location to another where the temperature  
and/or humidity is very different, water droplets (condensation) may  
form inside the unit. Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt  
to use the unit in this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you  
must allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation has  
completely evaporated.  
• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that  
incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables  
can cause the sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to hear.  
For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of  
the cable.  
• Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on which  
you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar the surface.  
You can place a piece of felt or cloth under the rubber feet to prevent  
this from happening. If you do so, please make sure that the unit will  
not slip or move accidentally.  
• The sensitivity of the D Beam controller will change depending on the  
amount of light in the vicinity of the unit. If it does not function as you  
expect, adjust the sensitivity as appropriate for the brightness of your  
location.  
• The explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what  
should typically be shown by the display. Note, however, that your  
unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g.,  
includes newer sounds), so what you actually see in the display may  
not always match what appears in the manual.  
Maintenance  
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that  
has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use  
a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards,  
be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.  
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid  
the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.  
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IMPORTANT NOTES  
Before Using Cards  
* Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft  
Corporation.  
• Carefully insert the CompactFlash card all the way in—until it is firmly  
in place.  
* Windows Vista is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.  
• Never touch the terminals of the CompactFlash card. Also, avoid  
getting the terminals dirty.  
* Windows® is known officially as: “Microsoft® Windows®  
operating system.”  
• This unit’s memory card slot accepts CompactFlash memory cards.  
Microdrive storage media are not compatible.  
* The screen shots in this document are used in compliance with the  
guidelines of the Microsoft Corporation.  
CompactFlash cards are constructed using precision components;  
handle the cards carefully, paying particular note to the following.  
* Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.  
To prevent damage to the cards from static electricity, be sure to  
discharge any static electricity from your own body before  
handling the cards.  
* Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.  
Do not touch or allow metal to come into contact with the contact  
* All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of their respective owners.  
portion of the cards.  
Do not bend, drop, or subject cards to strong shock or vibration.  
Do not keep cards in direct sunlight, in closed vehicles, or other  
such locations (storage temperature: -25 to 85˚ C).  
Do not allow cards to become wet.  
* VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies AG.  
Do not disassemble or modify the cards.  
* CompactFlash and  
are trademarks of SanDisk  
Corporation and licensed by CompactFlash association.  
Handling CD-ROMs  
• Avoid touching or scratching the shiny underside (encoded surface) of  
the disc. Damaged or dirty CD-ROM discs may not be read properly.  
Keep your discs clean using a commercially available CD cleaner.  
* Roland Corporation is an authorized licensee of the  
CompactFlash and CF logo (  
) trademarks.  
Copyright  
• Recording, duplication, distribution, sale, lease, performance, or  
broadcast of copyrighted material (musical works, visual works,  
broadcasts, live performances, etc.) belonging to a third party in part  
or in whole without the permission of the copyright owner is forbidden  
by law.  
* Fugue © 1999–2007 Kyoto Software Research, Inc. All rights  
reserved.  
• Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a copyright  
held by a third party. We assume no responsibility whatsoever with  
regard to any infringements of third-party copyrights arising through  
your use of this unit.  
The sounds, phrases and patterns contained in this product are sound  
recordings protected by copyright. Roland hereby grants to purchasers of  
this product the permission to utilize the sound recordings contained in this  
product for the creation and recording of original musical works; provided  
however, the sound recordings contained in this product may not be  
sampled, downloaded or otherwise re-recorded, in whole or in part, for  
any other purpose, including but not limited to the transmission of all or any  
part of the sound recordings via the internet or other digital or analog  
means of transmission, and/or the manufacture, for sale or otherwise, of  
any collection of sampled sounds, phrases or patterns, on CD-ROM or  
equivalent means.  
The sound recordings contained in this product are the original works  
of Roland Corporation. Roland is not responsible for the use of the  
sound recordings contained in this product, and assumes no liability  
for any infringement of any copyright of any third party arising out of  
use of the sounds, phrases and patterns in this product.  
SAMPLE PAD BANK A PAD13–16: Created by Tim Hüfken  
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Setting a sample’s volume .................. 28  
a sample.......................................... 28  
Exchanging samples between two pads30  
Converting to a sample that has  
Panel Descriptions .............................10  
Using effects..................................................18  
Effect knob control .............................19  
(Pattern Sequencer) ....................................... 33  
Playing and stopping a pattern ........... 33  
Sampling..........................................22  
Sampling with a specified tempo.........23  
Deleting a sample..............................23  
Resampling.......................................24  
Copying a pattern to another pad....... 37  
Trigger............................................. 39  
Loop Capture.................................................25  
Installing the driver and software......... 40  
Changing the signal flow  
when using USB audio....................... 42  
About SONAR LE (Windows only)....... 43  
About SP-555 Wave Converter........... 43  
Deleting the phrase recorded by Loop  
Capture............................................26  
Adjusting the playback level  
of the phrase.....................................26  
Recording with a specified tempo........26  
Layering sound onto a previously  
recorded phrase (Overdubbing) ..........26  
Saving a recorded phrase to a pad .....27  
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Effect list........................................... 54  
Error message list.............................. 64  
Troubleshooting ................................ 65  
Attaching the stand (sold separately).... 68  
CompactFlash cards...........................45  
Loading backup data (backup load).....48  
About MIDI....................................... 69  
Synchronizing the pattern  
Restoring the factory settings ...............50  
Adjusting the blinking speed  
of the display illumination...................51  
Checking the version number ..............51  
Setting the SP-555’s  
MIDI channel (Pad Base Ch.)  
and note numbers ............................. 71  
MIDI Thru setting............................... 71  
internal processing level .....................51  
About V-LINK ................................................52  
MIDI Implementation ..................................... 72  
Specifications................................................ 75  
Index............................................................ 76  
What is V-LINK?................................52  
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Introducing the SP-555  
Panel Descriptions  
Top panel  
1
2
3 4 5  
6
7
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
8
9
17  
18  
10  
1. Internal Mic  
* This instrument is equipped with balanced (XLR/TRS) type jacks.  
Wiring diagrams for these jacks are shown below. Make  
connections after first checking the wiring diagrams of other  
equipment you intend to connect.  
This is the SP-555’s built-in mic. If you connect your own  
mic (sold separately) to the MIC jack of the top panel, this  
internal mic will not function.  
GND(SLEEVE)  
2. External Input  
1:GND  
2:HOT  
MIC Jack  
HOT(TIP)  
3:COLD  
This is a microphone jack for analog audio signals. It  
supports both XLR and 1/4” phone type plugs. The XLR  
type jack can provide 48 V phantom power, allowing you  
to connect phantom-powered condenser microphones. In  
this case, turn the input select switch to the PHANTOM  
ON position.  
COLD(RING)  
MIC LEVEL Knob, MIC Button  
This adjusts the volume of the SP-555’s internal mic or a  
mic connected to the MIC jack. If you’re inputting audio  
from a mic, turn the MIC button on.  
* Turn the MIC button OFF before you operate the input select  
switch.  
* In order to protect the circuitry, there will be no sound for a short  
time after you operate the input select switch.  
The phone type jack also accommodates high-impedance  
inputs, allowing you to directly connect a guitar or bass.  
In this case, set the input select switch to the Hi-Z  
position.  
* Even if you turn the MIC LEVEL knob all the way down, the  
sound will not be muted completely. If you’re not using the mic,  
turn the MIC button off.  
LINE IN LEVEL Knob, LINE IN Button  
This adjusts the volume of the device connected to the rear  
panel LINE IN jacks. Turn on the LINE IN button if you’re  
sampling audio from the LINE IN jacks.  
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Introducing the SP-555  
PEAK Indicator  
LENGTH Button  
When recording a pattern, this specifies the length of the  
pattern.  
This indicator helps you adjust the MIC or LINE IN level.  
Adjust the level so that this indicator lights occasionally.  
QUANTIZE Button  
3. VOLUME Knob  
This specifies automatic timing adjustments (quantization)  
This adjusts the volume of the LINE OUT and PHONES  
output.  
when recording a pattern.  
8. EFFECTS Knobs (CTRL 1–3)  
4. METRONOME Button  
These control the parameters that are assigned to each  
When you press this button so it’s lit, the metronome will  
knob by the selected effect. You will also use these knobs  
“Using effects” (p. 18)  
sound at the BPM of the pattern sequencer. To adjust the  
“Effect list” (p. 54)  
You can’t sound the metronome while sampling.  
CTRL 1 Knob  
Use this to adjust the starting location of a sample, or to  
change the playback time of a sample.  
5.  
Display Illumination  
This will blink according to the audio signal level while  
CTRL 2 Knob  
sampling, or in sync with the pattern tempo while using the  
pattern sequencer.  
Use this to adjust the BPM (tempo) of the pattern, or to  
change the ending location of a sample.  
“Adjusting the blinking speed of the display  
illumination” (p. 51)  
MFX/CTRL 3 Knob  
Use this to select the type of MFX, or to adjust the sampling  
level or the volume of the sample.  
Display  
9. Effect Buttons  
values of various settings, and error messages. You can  
also view the remaining sampling time here (p. 21).  
Use these to select the effect you want to use. A button is  
TAP TEMPO Button  
* You can’t turn on more than one effect at the same time.  
By pressing this button several times at the desired tempo,  
* By holding down the EFFECT ASSIGN button and pressing  
one or more pads, you can turn on the effect for one or more  
pads.  
you can set the tempo to the corresponding interval.  
6. D BEAM (D Beam controller)  
10.LOOP CAPTURE  
You can apply a variety of effects to the sound by moving  
Here you can record the currently playing sample or  
your hand over this (p. 38). The following buttons will  
blink when the D Beam controller responds.  
pattern, or a phrase from an external input source (up to  
approximately 15 seconds).  
“Loop Capture” (p. 25)  
SYNTH Button  
Use the D Beam controller to play internal synthesizer  
sounds.  
MEASURE Button  
This specifies the number of measures to be recorded. If  
you specify FREE, you’ll be able to record up to  
approximately 15 seconds.  
FILTER Button  
Use the D Beam controller to control the cutoff frequency  
of the internal filter.  
AUTO START Button  
If you turn this button on, recording will begin  
automatically when sound is input.  
TRIGGER Button  
Use the D Beam controller to trigger the desired pad.  
If you hold down the TRIGGER button and press a pad, the  
D Beam controller will trigger that pad.  
SOURCE SELECT Button  
This selects what will be recorded. EXT ONLY will record  
only the signal from the mic, line input, or built-in  
sequencer controlled by the D Beam. EXT & PADS will  
record this sound mixed with the currently playing  
sample/pattern.  
7. PATTERN SEQUENCER (p. 33)  
PATTERN SELECT Button  
Press this when you want to play or record a pattern.  
While this button is lit, you can select a pattern by pressing  
a pad.  
REC Button  
Pressed to start recording. During recording, press this  
button to stop recording. You can also use this to layer an  
additional sample during LOOP CAPTURE playback.  
11  
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Introducing the SP-555  
PLAY Button  
alternately start or stop playing each time you press the  
trigger playback will occur if this button is extinguished.  
This plays the recorded phrase.  
SAVE TO PAD Button  
This saves a phrase recorded using LOOP CAPTURE to a  
pad.  
LOOP Button (p. 17)  
This switches you between “loop playback” in which the  
sample will play repeatedly when you press the pad, and  
“one-shot playback” in which the sound will play only  
once. Loop playback will occur if this button is lit, and one-  
shot playback will occur if this button is extinguished.  
11.  
CANCEL Button  
By pressing this button you can cancel an operation such  
as sampling or sample deletion. This button will also stop  
pattern playback or recording.  
By rapidly pressing this button four times, you can stop all  
currently playing sounds.  
REVERSE Button (p. 15)  
This selects “reverse playback” in which the sample will  
play backward. Reverse playback will occur if this button  
is lit, and normal playback will occur if it is extinguished.  
REMAIN Button  
When you press this button, the display will indicate the  
remaining time available for sampling. By holding down  
which the effect will apply, or the pad whose settings you  
want to edit (i.e., the current pad).  
14.BANK Buttons (A, B, C/G, D/H, E/I, F/J)  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished or when you are  
recording a pattern, these buttons select the sample bank.  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, these buttons select the  
pattern bank. Internal memory bank A or B will be  
selected if you press BANK [A] or [B] so one of the buttons  
is lit. CompactFlash banks C–F will be selected if you press  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] and light one of the buttons, and  
CompactFlash banks G–J will be selected if you press  
12.DEL Button  
Use this to delete a sample or pattern.  
13.SAMPLE  
SAMPLING Button  
Use this to start/stop sampling, or to record a pattern (➜  
p. 21).  
15.V-LINK Button  
RESAMPLE Button  
Use this to resample the sound of a sample processed by  
V-LINK (  
) is a function that lets you  
perform music and video in synchronization.  
By using MIDI to connect two or more V-LINK compatible  
devices, you can easily enjoy a wide range of visual  
effects that are linked to the expressive elements of a  
musical performance.  
an effect.  
START/END/LEVEL Button  
Use this to change the playback start/end point of a  
TIME/BPM Button  
Use this to specify the playback time or BPM (tempo) of a  
sample.  
“About V-LINK” (p. 52)  
16.EFFECT MEMORY Button  
MARK Button  
knob values) and call them up instantly by operating a  
pad.  
“Storing effect settings (EFFECT MEMORY)”  
sound to be heard. While this button is lit, only the  
specified portion will be heard.  
17.  
LO-FI Button (p. 22)  
is performed. Lo-fi sampling will occur if this button is lit,  
and standard sampling will occur if this button is  
extinguished.  
FIXED VELOCITY Button (p. 15)  
of how strongly you strike the pads.  
ROLL Button (p. 15)  
Use this when you want to play sounds as a “drum roll.”  
STEREO Button (p. 22)  
This specifies whether you will be sampling in monaural or  
in stereo. Stereo sampling will occur if this button is lit, and  
monaural sampling will occur if this button is extinguished.  
HOLD (p. 15)  
If you press a pad while holding down the HOLD pad, the  
sample will continue sounding even after you release your  
finger.  
GATE Button (p. 16)  
This switches you between “gate playback,” in which the  
sample will sound only while you continue holding down  
the pad, and “trigger playback,” in which the sound will  
SUB PAD (p. 15)  
You can use the SUB PAD to play the sample of the pad  
you pressed most recently.  
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Introducing the SP-555  
18.Pads 1–16  
When you press a pad that is lit red, the sample assigned  
Rear panel  
to that pad will sound. The pad will blink while the sample  
is playing.  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you can use the pads to  
select the pattern that will be played or recorded.  
Front panel  
1 2 3 4 5  
1. Cord Hook  
6
7
8
9
10 11  
Wrap the AC adaptor cord around this to prevent the AC  
adaptor’s plug from being accidentally unplugged.  
2. Grounding Terminal  
1
2
* Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may  
experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the  
surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device,  
microphones connected to it, or the metal portions of other  
objects, such as guitars. This is due to an infinitesimal electrical  
charge, which is absolutely harmless. However, if you are  
concerned about this, connect the ground terminal (see figure)  
with an external ground. When the unit is grounded, a slight  
hum may occur, depending on the particulars of your  
1. PHONES Jack  
You can connect stereo headphones here to listen to the  
same sound as from LINE OUT.  
You can insert a separately sold CompactFlash card here.  
By using banks C–J of the CompactFlash you can sample  
for a longer time than is possible using the SP-555’s  
internal memory.  
installation. If you are unsure of the connection method, contact  
the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland  
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.  
When the SP-555 is shipped from the factory, a card  
cover is attached to the MEMORY CARD slot. To detach  
the cover, pinch the left and right edges of the cover  
toward the middle, and pull it toward yourself.  
“About CompactFlash” (p. 44)  
Unsuitable places for connection  
•Water pipes (may result in shock or electrocution)  
•Gas pipes (may result in fire or explosion)  
•Telephone-line ground or lightning rod (may be dangerous  
in the event of lightning)  
3. DC IN Jack  
Connect the included AC adaptor here.  
4. POWER Switch  
This turns the power on/off.  
audio interface. You can also record the SP-555’s sound  
to your computer, or sample sounds from your computer  
to the SP-555.  
6. MIDI OUT Connector  
You can connect this connector to a MIDI device.  
“Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment” (p.  
69)  
7. MIDI IN Connector  
You can connect a MIDI device to this connector.  
“Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment” (p.  
69)  
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Introducing the SP-555  
audio player.  
8. PEDAL Jack  
You can connect a pedal switch (DP series; sold  
10.LINE OUT Jacks (L/R)  
separately) here and use it to perform loop capture or  
pattern play/stop operations (p. 68).  
Connect these jacks to your audio system, amp, or mixer.  
9. LINE IN Jacks (L/R)  
11.Security Slot (  
)
Connect these jacks to the audio source device from which  
you want to sample, such as a CD player or portable  
Signal flow (block diagram)  
SAVE TO PAD  
LOOP CAPTURE  
SAMPLING / RESAMPLE  
D BEAM SYNTH  
(*2)  
LINE OUT /  
PHONE  
D BEAM  
EFFECT  
SAMPLER  
FILTER  
(*3)  
USB AUDIO  
(*1)  
from PC  
METRONOME  
(*4)  
(*5)  
LINE IN / MIC  
USB AUDIO  
to PC  
*1: USB Audio Input. To mute this, hold down [CANCEL], press [MIC], and operate the CTRL 3 knob.  
*2: D Beam Synth send to Effect. To turn this on, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [SYNTH].  
*3: USB Audio send to Effect. To turn this off, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and [CANCEL], and press [MIC]/[LINE IN].  
*4: Mic/Line In send to Effect. To turn this off, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [MIC]/[LINE IN].  
*5: USB Audio output source SW. To change this setting, hold down [CANCEL], press [LINE IN], and operate the CTRL 3 knob.  
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Playing samples  
The SP-555 provides sixteen velocity-sensitive pads, which let you vary the volume according to the force with which you strike the  
pads. Striking a pad strongly will produce a louder sound, and striking it softly will produce a softer sound.  
BANK A–BANK J  
GATE  
Banks A/B are in internal memory, and the remaining banks are on  
the CompactFlash card. Press a button to switch to the corresponding  
bank. Sixteen samples can be assigned to each bank. Select banks  
C--F by pressing a bank C--J button, causing it to light; select banks  
G--J by pressing a button twice so it's blinking.  
If this is unlit, the sample will play to the end when you  
press a pad once. If you press this button so it's lit after  
pressing the desired pad, the sound will continue playing  
only while you continue pressing the pad.  
LOOP  
CANCEL  
If this is unlit, the sample will play to the end and then  
stop. If you press this button so it's lit after pressing the  
desired pad, the sound will play repeatedly as a loop.  
By pressing this four times  
in rapid succession, you  
can stop playback of all  
samples.  
REVERSE  
If you press this button so it's lit after pressing the desired  
pad, the sample will play backward.  
FIXED VELOCITY  
If you press this button so it's lit, the sample will play at  
the same volume regardless of how strongly you strike  
the pad.  
ROLL  
If you hold down this button and press a pad, the sample  
will play as a "roll" as long as you continue holding  
down the pad. This produces a "drum roll" effect. By  
holding down this button and pressing HOLD, you can  
maintain the state of the pad being held down.  
HOLD  
If you press this button while holding down a pad, the  
playback will continue even if you release the pad.  
(This is valid only for pads for which GATE is turned on.)  
The sound will stop when you press the pad once again.  
PAD 1–PAD 16  
Press a pad to play the sample assigned to that pad.  
Lit red: A sample is assigned.  
Unlit: No sample is assigned.  
Blinking: Currently playing.  
SUB PAD  
When you press this pad, the sample assigned to the  
previously struck pad will be heard. You can use this to  
play repeated strikes using both hands.  
About the banks  
About the polyphony  
The SP-555 has ten sample banks: A–J.  
The SP-555 can play up to twelve samples simultaneously.  
However, the polyphony is reduced as shown in the table  
below if you’re using stereo samples or if you’re resampling.  
Banks A and B use the SP-555’s internal memory. With the  
factory settings, bank A contains preloaded samples. If  
you’re using the SP-555’s internal memory, you can record  
a maximum of 32 samples with a total maximum of  
approximately five minutes.  
Monaural samples  
Stereo samples  
Normally  
While resampling  
12  
4
6
2
Banks C–J are located on the memory card (CompactFlash).  
You can record up to 128 samples on a memory card.  
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Playing samples  
Pad sensitivity  
Gate playback (GATE) and trigger  
playback  
You can adjust the relationship between the force used when  
striking pads and the volume of sample playback.  
Pads for which GATE is turned on will start playing when you  
press the pad, and will stop playing when you release the  
pad (Gate playback).  
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [FIXED VELOCITY].  
2. While viewing the display, use the CTRL 3 knob to  
Press the pad  
Release the pad  
adjust the sensitivity.  
“-L-”: A loud volume will be produced even if you strike  
the pads softly.  
“-M-”: Medium sensitivity.  
“-H-”: There will be no sound unless you strike the pads  
strongly.  
Sound starts  
Sound stops  
In contrast, pads for which GATE is turned off will start  
playing when you press the pad, and will continue playing  
even when you release the pad (Trigger playback). Playback  
will stop when you reach the end (End Point) of the sample  
(only if Loop is turned off).  
3. Press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.  
4. When you’ve finished making the adjustment, press  
[CANCEL] to return to normal operation.  
Press and  
Press and  
release the pad release the pad  
Playing samples at a fixed loudness  
If you turn [FIXED VELOCITY] on, the samples will play at a  
fixed volume regardless of how strongly you strike the pads.  
Here’s how to specify the volume that will be produced when  
[FIXED VELOCITY] is on.  
Sound starts  
Sound starts  
Sound stops at end  
of the sample  
1. Hold down [FIXED VELOCITY] and use the CTRL 3 knob  
to adjust the fixed velocity.  
If you want a long phrase to continue playing, you should use  
Trigger playback + Loop playback. If you are playing drum-  
type samples, you should use Trigger playback + One-shot  
playback. The sample will play to its end even if you press the  
pad for only an instant.  
Any value from 16 through 127 can be specified.  
2. While still holding down [FIXED VELOCITY], press  
[SAMPLING] to save the setting.  
After sampling, the following settings are made automatically.  
If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation(p. 32) is  
less than one measure: Trigger Playback  
If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation (p. 32) is  
one measure or greater: Gate Playback  
Adjusting the roll speed (ROLL)  
By holding down [ROLL] and turning the CTRL 3 knob you  
can adjust the speed of the roll. While viewing the display,  
hold down [ROLL] and press [SAMPLING] to save the setting  
as follows.  
If you have specified Trigger playback + One-shot playback  
for a long sample, the sound may continue playing for longer  
than you would like. In this case, you can stop the playback by  
pressing [CANCEL] four times in rapid succession.  
Gate on/off can be specified independently for each pad.  
4:  
Quarter notes  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.  
4.3:  
8:  
Quarter note triplets  
Eighth note  
If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] so its light is turned  
off.  
8.3:  
16:  
Eighth note triplets  
Sixteenth notes  
2. Press the pad whose Gate on/off setting you want to  
change, making it the current pad.  
16.3: Sixteenth note triplets  
32: Thirty-second notes  
32.3: Thirty-second note triplets  
The sample will play, and the pad will blink.  
If you press [REMAIN], the current pad will blink, allowing you  
to check which pad is the current pad.  
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Playing samples  
You can also change the current pad by holding down  
[REMAIN] and pressing a pad.  
Making the sample continue playing  
even after you release your finger from  
the pad (HOLD)  
3. Press [GATE] to switch on or off the button’s light.  
[GATE] lit: Gate playback  
[GATE] unlit: Trigger playback  
If you turn HOLD on, the sample will continue playing even  
after you release your finger from the pad. This function is  
convenient when you want to temporarily turn Gate off for a  
pad whose Gate is on.  
4. Make sure that [LOOP] is extinguished.  
If it is lit, press [LOOP] so its light is turned off.  
Loop playback  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.  
If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] so its light is turned  
off.  
You can use Loop playback if you want a sampled phrase of  
several measures to play repeatedly.  
2. While pressing a pad to play the sample, press  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.  
[HOLD].  
If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] so its light is turned  
off.  
[HOLD] will light, and the sound will be held. In this  
state, the sample will continue playing even after you  
take your finger off of the pad.  
2. Press the pad for which you want to specify Loop  
playback, making it the current pad.  
3. When you press [HOLD] once again, the sound will  
The sample will play, and the pad will blink.  
stop.  
If you press [REMAIN], the current pad will blink, allowing you  
to check which pad is the current pad.  
Hold is valid only for a pad whose Gate is turned on. You  
cannot turn Hold on for pads whose Gate is off  
You can also change the current pad by holding down  
[REMAIN] and pressing a pad.  
3. Press [LOOP] so the button is lit.  
Combining LOOP and GATE  
You can make Gate playback/Trigger playback  
settings even if Loop playback is on.  
When both LOOP and GATE are on  
Press the pad  
Sound starts  
Release the pad  
Sound stops  
When LOOP is on and GATE is off  
Press and  
release the pad  
Press and  
release the pad  
Sound starts  
Sound stops  
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Using effects  
The SP-555 contains 37 types of effects. However, you can  
use only one type of effect at a time. You can’t use a multiple  
number of effects at the same time.  
Storing effect settings  
(EFFECT MEMORY)  
You can use [EFFECT MEMORY] to store and instantly call  
up EFFECT settings (effect type and CTRL 1/2/3 knob  
values).  
By default, the effect will be applied only to the pad you  
pressed most recently (the “current pad”).  
You can directly select the five effects SUPER FILTER,  
VOICE TRANS (voice transformer), DELAY, ISOLATOR,  
and DJFX LOOPER by pressing a button. To choose one of  
the other effects, press the MFX button, then press a bank (A  
or B), and finally press a pad 1–16 to select the desired  
effect.  
Storing settings  
1. Make the necessary settings for the effect, so it’s in the  
state you want to store.  
The SP-555 has an effect memory function, which lets you  
use [EFFECT MEMORY] to store and instantly switch among  
up to sixteen effect settings.  
2. Press [EFFECT MEMORY].  
3. Press [SAMPLING]. Pads 1–16 will blink.  
4. Press the pad to which you want to store the effect  
settings. The pad you pressed will light, and  
[SAMPLING] will blink.  
Applying an effect to a sample  
1. Press the pads to find the sample to which you want to  
apply an effect. The effect will be applied to the pad  
you pressed last (the “current pad”).  
5. Press [SAMPLING] to store the current effect settings.  
Calling up settings  
2. Press the appropriate button for the effect you want to  
apply.  
1. Press [EFFECT MEMORY] so the button is lit.  
To select SUPER FILTER, VOICE TRANS, DELAY,  
ISOLATOR, or DJFX LOOPER, simply press the  
corresponding button. For MFX, hold down [MFX] and  
turn the CTRL 3 knob to select an effect while viewing  
the display.  
2. Press a pad 1–16 to call up the stored settings.  
The effect type and the values for the CTRL 1/2/3 knobs  
will be called up.  
Since the values for the CTRL 1/2/3 knobs that existed at the  
time you stored the effect are given priority, the current  
physical position of the CTRL 1/2/3 knobs will not match the  
effect that is applied.  
3. Turn the CTRL 1–CTRL 3 knobs to adjust the effect.  
The parameters that are controlled by the CTRL 1–CTRL  
3 knobs will depend on the effect type. Refer to “Effect  
list” (p. 54).  
Checking the settings  
Applying an effect to the  
mic/line input  
If you want to apply an effect to the mic/line input as well,  
hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [MIC] or [LINE IN].  
1. Press [EFFECT MEMORY] so the button is lit.  
2. Hold down [REMAIN], and press the pad that you want  
to check.  
While you hold down [REMAIN], the LED for the effect  
type stored at that pad will blink (if the effect is one of  
the five types that can be selected directly by a button),  
or the 7-segment LED will indicate the bank and number  
(A.1–B.16).  
* The effect will be applied to both the line input and mic. You  
can’t apply the effect to just one or the other.  
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Using effects  
Effect knob control  
Tips for using effects  
The SP-555 lets you choose either of the following two  
methods of operation to specify what will happen to the knob  
settings when you switch from one type of effect to another.  
Applying the same effect to more than  
one pad (EFFECT ASSIGN)  
To apply the same effect to one or more pads in addition to  
the current pad, hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press the  
desired pad.  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], press [SUPER FILTER].  
Each time you press [SUPER FILTER], the display’s  
indication will alternate between “C.nL” and “C.JP.”  
“C.JP” (Jump):  
The same effect is applied to each pad that lights when you  
press [EFFECT ASSIGN].  
The setting of the parameter will match the knob  
position the instant you turn the knob.  
“C.nL” (Null):  
When you start turning the knob, the setting will not  
actually change until the knob position passes  
through the current value of the setting.  
When you turn on the power, this is always set to  
“C.JP” (Jump).  
If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] while together pressing  
both [PAD 1] and [PAD 16], you can simultaneously turn the  
effect on/off for all pads in that bank.  
Effect  
Pad lit  
Pad unlit  
Current pad: blinking, lit longer  
Current pad: blinking, lit briefly  
on  
off  
on  
off  
In the “C.nL” (Null) state, the display will indicate the  
relation between the knob position and the value of the  
setting. This will help you match the knob position with  
the value.  
By default, if you select as the current pad a pad to which  
the effect is not applied, and then turn the effect on/off or  
change the effect settings, the effect assign settings will be  
cancelled, so that the effect is applied only to the current  
pad.  
When the value is lower than the knob position  
Effect assign mode  
If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [REMAIN],  
the [EFFECT ASSIGN] button will light. In this state, the  
even if you change the current pad.  
When the knob position is lower than the value  
If you once again hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press  
[REMAIN], the [EFFECT ASSIGN] button will go out, and the  
EFFECT ASSIGN setting will change when you change the  
current pad.  
You can also change the power-on default state. (“Effect  
Assign Mode” (p. 63) in “Parameters whose power-on  
default setting can be changed.”)  
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Using effects  
Applying an effect to all pads  
Here’s how to apply the effect to all pads of banks A–J.  
About the lit, extinguished, and  
blinking effect buttons  
• When the effect of the current pad is on, the button of  
the effect being used will light. (In the case of MFX, the  
[MFX] button will light.)  
• If the current pad’s effect is off, and the effect is turned  
on for a source other than the current pad (i.e., for  
another pad, EXT SOURCE, USB AUDIO, D BEAM),  
the effect button will blink.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
2. While holding down [EFFECT ASSIGN], press [SUB  
PAD]. All bank buttons and all pads will light (the  
current pad will blink).  
If you want to return to the state in which the effect is  
applied only to the current pad, once again hold down  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [SUB PAD] so that only the  
current pad blinks.  
• If the effect is turned on for all sources, the effect  
buttons will be extinguished.  
Checking the previously used effect  
If you press [EFFECT ASSIGN], the button of the previously  
used effect will blink.  
Turning on the effect only while you  
hold down the button (EFFECT GRAB)  
Normally, the effect will turn on when you press the button,  
and turn off when you press the button again.  
Presetting the parameters of the effect  
you’ll be using next  
While holding down [REMAIN], turn the CTRL 1–CTRL 3  
knobs to adjust the parameters. Next, press an effect button,  
and the effect will be applied with the parameter values you  
set in advance.  
If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press an effect  
button (or [MFX]), the effect will be on only while you  
continue pressing it, and turn off when you release it. This is  
convenient when you want to rapidly turn an effect on and  
off.  
Effect Limit mode  
About the effect tempo  
By using Effect Limit mode, you can prevent unintentionally  
loud sounds from being produced by an effect that uses  
feedback or resonance. Hold down [CANCEL] and press  
off if the Display indicates “L.oF.”  
Effect tempo mode  
The parameters of some effects, such as the delay time of a  
delay-type effect or BPM LOOPER, will synchronize to the  
By default, these are set to synchronize with the BPM of the  
current pad. However, if you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN]  
and press [PATTERN SELECT], the effect will synchronize to  
the tempo of the pattern sequencer, regardless of the BPM of  
the current pad.  
Some effects do not have a limit mode.  
This will be off when you turn on the power.  
You can also change the power-on default state. (“Effect  
Tempo Mode” (p. 63) in “Parameters whose power-on  
default setting can be changed.”)  
If you hold down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and press [TAP TEMPO],  
the effect will temporarily synchronize to the tempo of the  
pattern sequencer, and the pattern of effects that have a  
pattern (*1) will be reset.  
*1 SLICER+FLG (A-13), STEP FILTER (B-13), STEP RING MOD  
(B-14), BPM LOOPER (B-15)  
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Sampling (recording)  
Remaining sampling time  
When you press [REMAIN], the display will indicate the  
remaining time.  
About the available sampling times  
When using internal memory  
If you sample to bank A or B, the sample is stored in internal  
memory. Internal memory can hold up to 32 samples. If you  
reach 32 samples, you won’t be able to record further  
samples.  
Minutes Seconds  
STANDARD  
stereo (mono)  
LO-FI  
stereo (mono)  
Using internal  
memory  
Approx. 5 minutes  
(11 minutes)  
Approx. 11 minutes  
(22 minutes)  
* This includes the PRELOADED SAMPLES THAT ARE ASSIGNED to bank  
A when the SP-555 is shipped from the factory.  
Minutes (x10 seconds)  
* LO-FI: This mode provides the distinctive low-fidelity sound that  
is typical of early digital devices. It allows longer sampling  
times, but the sound quality is not as good as STANDARD.  
Once you record a sample using LO-FI, you can’t regain the  
original sound quality, even if you resample it using  
STANDARD.  
When using CompactFlash  
Minutes  
If you sample to banks C–J, the sample is stored on  
CompactFlash. A CompactFlash card can hold up to 128  
samples, regardless of the capacity of the card. If you reach  
128 samples, you won’t be able to record further samples.  
The remaining time in internal memory is shown if an internal  
memory bank is selected, and the remaining time on the  
CompactFlash is shown if a CompactFlash bank is selected.  
Card capacity  
128 MB  
256 MB  
512 MB  
1 GB  
STANDARD  
LO-FI  
stereo (mono)  
stereo (mono)  
The indication shows the time available for sampling in  
monaural/standard mode.  
Approx. 24 minutes  
(48 minutes)  
Approx. 48 minutes  
(96 minutes)  
Approx. 96 minutes  
(193 minutes)  
Approx. 193 minutes  
(386 minutes)  
Approx. 48 minutes  
(96 minutes)  
Approx. 96 minutes  
(193 minutes)  
Approx. 193 minutes  
(386 minutes)  
Approx. 386 minutes  
(772 minutes)  
The remaining time indication is an estimate.  
2 GB  
Approx. 386 minutes  
(772 minutes)  
Approx. 772 minutes  
(1544 minutes)  
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Sampling (recording)  
Standby mode  
Sampling  
* During this procedure, you can cancel the preceding steps by  
pressing [CANCEL].  
1. From standby mode, press [SAMPLING] to begin  
sampling.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is off (extinguished).  
If you’re sampling from a CD or MP3 player, put your  
CD or MP3 player in playback mode, and press  
[SAMPLING] at the appropriate moment. During  
sampling, the display will indicate “rEC.”  
2. Press [SAMPLING].  
3. Press a bank button to specify the bank into which you  
want to sample. When you press a bank button, the  
pads within that bank to which you can sample (i.e.,  
pads that do not contain a sample) will blink.  
2. Press [SAMPLING] once again to stop sampling.  
To hear the result, press the pad to which you sampled.  
Even if there is unwanted sound or silence at the  
beginning or end of the sample, you can adjust the start  
or end point so that these unwanted portions are not  
heard.  
4. Press one of the blinking pads to specify the sampling-  
destination pad.  
5. Only the specified pad will be lit, and [SAMPLING] will  
Since the BPM value that is displayed after sampling is an  
estimated value that is calculated from the sampled time, it  
may not be accurate. This means that even if two samples  
have the same BPM value, they may drift apart in timing if they  
are played as continuous loops for an extended time.  
blink.  
6. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling  
[LO-FI] unlit:  
[LO-FI] lit:  
STANDARD (high quality)  
LO-FI (low fidelity)  
Starting sampling automatically  
(Auto Sampling)  
The Auto Sampling function will cause sampling to begin  
automatically when the input signal (sound) exceeds a  
specified level. This is convenient when you want to begin  
sampling from the introduction of a song. Before you enter  
sampling standby mode, adjust the sampling trigger level as  
described below.  
LO-FI provides the distinctive low-fidelity sound that is typical of  
early digital devices. If you select LO-FI, you won’t be able to  
monitor the sampled result during sampling. When sampling is  
finished, you can press the pad to play back the sample for  
auditioning. Once you record a sample using LO-FI, you can’t  
regain the original sound quality, even if you resample it using  
STANDARD.  
7. Press [STEREO] to select either stereo or monaural  
sampling.  
[STEREO] lit:  
Stereo sampling  
[STEREO] unlit:  
Monaural sampling  
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [SAMPLING].  
[SAMPLING] will blink, and the display will indicate  
“-0-.”  
Now you’re ready to sample.  
2. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to set the level.  
The sampling trigger level will be the level at which the  
PEAK indicator lights. Turning the knob toward the right  
will raise the level. The display will indicate the level  
you specified (ten stages, 0–9).  
When “-0-” is indicated, conventional sampling will occur  
(i.e., auto sampling will not be used). Choose the “-0-” setting  
if you don’t want to use auto sampling.  
3. To check the sampling trigger level, press [SAMPLING]  
once again.  
When you start sampling with auto sampling specified,  
the display will indicate “rdY” until a signal exceeding  
the sampling trigger level is received.  
22  
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Sampling (recording)  
Sampling with a specified tempo  
Using a count-in  
If you specify the BPM (tempo) while you’re still in sampling  
standby mode, the end point (the timing at which the sound  
stops playing) will be automatically set after sampling to a  
beat of the BPM value you specified.  
You can add a count-in (1, 2, 3, 4) when you start sampling.  
This is convenient when you are sampling with a specific  
tempo or time signature in mind.  
1. Specify the tempo as described in steps 1–4 of  
1. Enter sampling standby mode.  
“Sampling with a specified tempo” (p. 23)  
2. Press [TIME/BPM] so the button is lit.  
2. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so the button is lit.  
3. Set the BPM, either by pressing [TAP TEMPO] in time  
with the beat, or by holding down [TAP TEMPO] and  
turning the CTRL 2 knob.  
3. When you press [SAMPLING], the metronome will  
sound, and the display will successively indicate  
“-1-” “-2-” “-3-” “-4-” “rEC.”  
Sampling will begin when the “rEC” indication  
appears.  
Permissible values for the BPM range from 40 up to 200.  
However, if the BPM is within the 40–60 or 160–180 ranges,  
it can be set only in even-numbered values. If the BPM is  
above 180, you can set it to either 180, 183, 186, 190,  
193, 196, or 200.  
Deleting a sample  
1. Before you continue, make sure of the sample you  
4. Press [TIME/BPM] to turn off the button’s light.  
2. Press [DEL].  
6. Press [SAMPLING] once again to stop sampling.  
3. The display will indicate “dEL,” and pads to which  
To hear the result, press the pad to which you sampled.  
samples are assigned will blink.  
If you specify the BPM (tempo) while in sampling standby  
point) will automatically be set to a beat of the BPM value you  
assigned before pressing the button. This means that [MARK]  
will light automatically to indicate that the end point has been  
set. For more about the end point, refer to “Adjusting the  
playback region of a sample” (p. 28).  
4. Press the pad of the sample that you want to delete.  
When you press a pad, the pad will change from  
blinking to lit.  
5. If you want to delete the samples from several pads,  
press the appropriate pads at this point. You can select  
bank.  
case, press [TIME/BPM] so the button is lit, then turn the CTRL  
2 (BPM) knob to set the desired value. Refer to “Changing a  
sample’s BPM” (p. 32).  
* If you decide to cancel the operations you’ve performed up to  
this point, press [CANCEL].  
6. When you press [DEL], the samples will start being  
deleted. When the deletion is complete, the “dEL”  
indication in the display will disappear.  
The displayed BPM value is an approximation derived from  
the sampled time, and may not be accurate.  
Depending on the BPM value, the time corresponding to the  
BPM may not precisely match the time from the start point to  
the end point. For this reason if you use “Loop playback” (p.  
17) to continuously play a sample for an extended time, the  
timing will gradually drift.  
* Never turn off the power before the deletion is complete. Doing  
so may destroy not only the samples being deleted, but also  
other samples, or damage the CompactFlash card itself.  
* Once you press [DEL] to begin deleting the samples, you won’t  
be able to cancel the operation by pressing [CANCEL].  
* If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 51), the display will  
indicate “Prt” (Protected), and you won’t be able to delete  
anything.  
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Sampling (recording)  
5. Adjust the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob so that the display  
illumination does not light red.  
Deleting all samples  
While [RESAMPLE] is lit, you can’t use the CTRL 3 knob to  
adjust the effect depth. If you want to use the CTRL 3 knob to  
adjust the effect depth, press [CANCEL] to make [RESAMPLE]  
go out.  
Here’s how to delete all samples from internal memory or the  
CompactFlash card.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.  
6. Press [SAMPLING] so the button is blinking. The bank  
buttons and pads to which resampling is possible will  
start blinking.  
If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
2. While holding down [CANCEL], press [DEL].  
The display will indicate “dAL,” and [DEL] will light.  
BANK [A]–[F/J] will blink.  
7. Press the pad to which you want to resample, so the  
pad is lit.  
If no CompactFlash card is inserted, BANK [C/G]–[F/J] will  
not blink.  
You can also resample to a different bank.  
3. Press one of the bank buttons to specify the memory  
You can’t resample to a pad to which a sample is already  
assigned.  
that you want to delete.  
BANK [A] or [B]:  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J]: CompactFlash  
Internal memory  
8. Press [LO-FI] to select standard grade.  
[LO-FI] unlit:  
[LO-FI] lit:  
STANDARD (high quality)  
LO-FI (low fidelity)  
* If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press  
[CANCEL].  
If you’ve recorded a sample at LO-FI, resampling it at  
STANDARD quality will not return it to its original quality.  
4. When you press [DEL], the samples will start being  
deleted. When the deletion is complete, the “dAL”  
indication in the display will disappear.  
9. Press [STEREO] to choose stereo or monaural sampling.  
[STEREO] lit:  
Stereo sampling  
* Never turn off the power before the deletion is complete. Doing  
so may destroy not only the samples being deleted, but also  
other samples, or damage the CompactFlash card itself.  
* Once you press [DEL] to begin deleting the samples, you won’t  
be able to cancel the operation by pressing [CANCEL].  
[STEREO] unlit:  
Monaural sampling  
10.Press [SAMPLING] so the button is lit. Resampling will  
not yet begin at this point.  
* If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 51), the display will  
indicate “Prt” (Protected), and you won’t be able to delete  
anything.  
11.Press the pad to which you want to resample. The  
sample will begin playing, and resampling will start.  
Never turn off the power during resampling. Turning off the  
power at this time may destroy not only the sample being  
resampled, but also other samples as well.  
Resampling  
You can play back a sample with an effect applied, and then  
newly sample the result. This is called “resampling.”  
12.When resampling is finished, press [SAMPLING].  
13.To hear the resampled sound, press the pad to which  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.  
you resampled.  
If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
2. Apply an effect to the original sample, and adjust the  
effect parameters.  
3. Press [RESAMPLE] so the button is lit. The display will  
indicate “LEV.”  
4. Play back the original sample.  
24  
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Loop Capture  
The SP-555’s Loop capture function lets you capture the  
currently playing sound as a loop phrase.  
Using Loop Capture to record from  
an external device  
* Here we explain how you can use Loop Capture to record from  
a playback device connected to LINE IN, such as a CD player  
or portable audio player. If you want to record from a mic,  
replace references to LINE IN with MIC in the explanation that  
follows.  
LINE OUT / PHONE  
LINE IN / MIC  
You can record for a maximum of approximately 15 seconds.  
1. Connect your playback device to LINE IN.  
2. Press [LINE IN] so it lights in red.  
3. Adjust the LINE IN LEVEL so that the PEAK indicator  
lights occasionally.  
Get your playback device to produce sound while you  
adjust the recording level.  
4. If desired, turn on the effect.  
You can record the sound processed by the effect.  
“Applying an effect to the mic/line input” (p. 18)  
5. Press [MEASURE] enough times to get FREE to light.  
6. Play back your external device.  
LOOP CAPTURE  
7. When you want to start recording, press [REC].  
SAVE TO PAD  
Saves the phrase recorded by Loop Capture to a pad as a sample.  
8. When you want to stop recording, press [PLAY].  
Recording will stop, and the recorded phrase will be  
played as a loop.  
PLAY  
Plays the phrase that was  
MEASURE  
recorded by Loop Capture.  
Specifies the length of the  
phrase that will be recorded.  
If you record with MEASURE set to FREE, and there is an  
extremely brief interval (less than 0.3 seconds) from when you  
press [REC] to start recording until you press [PLAY] (or [REC])  
to stop recording, nothing will be recorded.  
9. Press [PLAY] once again to stop the loop playback.  
If you want to re-record, you’ll need to delete the sample  
that was captured by Loop Capture.  
You can quickly delete the recorded phrase by holding down  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] and pressing [REC].  
AUTO START  
The BPM value displayed after recording is an approximation  
derived from the recorded time, and will not be precisely  
accurate.  
REC  
Automatically starts recording  
Starts recording.  
when input occurs.  
SOURCE SELECT  
EXT ONLY will record the signals from MIC/LINE IN, USB AUDIO,  
and the internal synthesizer controlled by the D Beam. EXT & PADs  
will record these signals mixed with the performance of the pads.  
25  
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Loop Capture  
Deleting the phrase recorded by  
Loop Capture  
Recording with a specified tempo  
If you know the BPM of the phrase you’re going to record, or  
if you’re going to record the playback of the pattern  
sequencer, you can record a specified length of measures.  
1. Press [DEL].  
2. The display will indicate “dEL” and [PLAY] will blink.  
1. Set the BPM, either by pressing [TAP TEMPO] in rhythm  
with the tempo, or by holding down [TAP TEMPO] and  
using the CTRL 2 knob.  
If you’ve selected a protected bank, the display will indicate  
“Prt,” but you’ll still be able to delete the phrase.  
3. In the LOOP CAPTURE section, press [PLAY].  
If you want to record while looping a pad, hold down [TAP  
TEMPO] and press a pad; the recording tempo will be set to  
the tempo of that pad.  
4. If you press [DEL], the phrase will be deleted. When the  
deletion is complete, [PLAY] will go out.  
* Never turn off the power before the deletion is complete.  
The BPM can be set to any value from 40 to 200. However, if  
the BPM is a value within the 40–60 or 160–180 ranges, it  
can be set only in even-numbered values. If the BPM is above  
180, you can set it to either 180, 183, 186, 190, 193, 196,  
or 200.  
Alternatively, you can quickly delete the recorded phrase by  
holding down [EFFECT ASSIGN] and pressing [REC].  
Below 64 BPM, four measures would exceed 15 seconds, so  
you wont be able to record four entire measures.  
Adjusting the playback level  
of the phrase  
2. Press [MEASURE] several times to select either 1, 2,  
or 4.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
3. Press [REC] to start recording.  
2. Press [PLAY] to play back the phrase.  
4. When the specified number of measures has elapsed,  
recording will end and the newly recorded phrase will  
play.  
3. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so the button is lit.  
4. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the phrase’s  
volume.  
The BPM value displayed after recording is an approximation  
derived from the recorded time, and will not be exact.  
5. When you’ve finished making adjustments, press  
[START/END/LEVEL] to turn off its light.  
Layering sound onto a previously  
recorded phrase (Overdubbing)  
Turning the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob toward the left will  
decrease the volume, and turning it toward the right will  
increase the volume. A setting of 127 is the maximum  
volume. The default value immediately after recording  
is 127.  
1. Press [PLAY] to play a previously recorded phrase.  
[PLAY] will blink.  
2. Press [REC] to begin recording (overdubbing).  
[REC] will light, and [PLAY] will blink in orange.  
3. Press [REC] to stop recording (overdubbing).  
[REC] will go out and [PLAY] will light in green, and the  
phrase will continue playing.  
4. Press [PLAY] to stop the phrase playback.  
26  
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Loop Capture  
Saving a recorded phrase to a pad  
Tips for using Loop Capture  
By using [SAVE TO PAD], a phrase recorded by Loop  
Capture can easily be sampled to a pad.  
Selecting the source for Loop Capture  
If [SOURCE SELECT] is set to EXT ONLY, you’ll be  
recording only the sound from the external input (MIC/  
LINE IN) and the sound from the monophonic  
* If you want to cancel the preceding steps during the following  
procedure, press [CANCEL].  
synthesizer controlled by the D Beam controller. This is  
useful when you want to play an instrument along with  
the pad performance or pattern sequencer.  
1. Press [SAVE TO PAD].  
2. Press a bank button to specify the bank of the save-  
destination pad. When you press a bank button, the  
pads in that bank to which sampling is possible (i.e.,  
pads in which nothing has been recorded) will blink.  
* If you use this setting, the effect will not be applied to the  
pad performance during recording.  
Effects for Loop Capture  
You can’t apply an effect to the phrase recorded by  
Loop Capture. If you want to apply an effect to the Loop  
Capture sound, use [SAVE TO PAD] to save the phrase  
to a pad.  
Loop Capture will record the sound processed by all  
effects.  
3. Press one of the blinking pads to specify the save-  
destination pad.  
4. Only the specified pad will be lit, and [SAVE TO PAD]  
will blink.  
5. Press [PLAY] to play back the phrase.  
Automatically starting sampling (Auto Start)  
The Auto Start function lets you automatically start  
recording when a signal (sound) greater than a  
specified level is received.  
If you’ve pressed [AUTO START], pressing [REC] will  
put the SP-555 in standby mode, and recording will  
begin when a signal is input.  
6. Use the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the level. Adjust  
the level so that the display indicator does not light red.  
7. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling grade.  
[LO-FI] unlit:  
[LO-FI] lit:  
STANDARD (high quality)  
LO-FI (low fidelity)  
8. Press [STEREO] to select stereo or monaural sampling.  
[STEREO] lit:  
Stereo sampling  
This function is independent of the sampling function  
Auto Sampling.  
[STEREO] unlit:  
Monaural sampling  
9. When you’ve adjusted the level, press [SAVE TO PAD]  
to begin saving the phrase.  
The indication in the display will change from “rdY” to  
“rEC.” When “rEC” disappears, saving is complete.  
Never turn off the power while saving is in progress. Turning  
saved, but also other samples as well.  
Since Loop Capture and Sampling use different internal  
processing, the length of a phrase recorded by Loop Capture  
will not precisely match the length of the sample saved in the  
pad. For this reason, the sample’s BPM may be slightly  
different, or even if the BPM values are the same, timing drift  
may occur if you loop the sound for an extended time.  
The sample will be saved in the pad with the GATE setting  
turned on. Its end point (p. 28) will be set at an appropriate  
location according to the BPM. If necessary, you can execute  
Truncate (p. 31) to delete any unwanted portion of the sample.  
27  
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Editing a sample  
Setting a sample’s volume  
Here’s how to adjust the volume of each pad.  
Adjusting the playback region of  
a sample  
For each sample, the SP-555 lets you specify the region  
within the sample’s waveform data that will actually play.  
The point within the waveform data at which playback will  
begin is called the Start Point, and the point at which  
playback will end is the End Point.  
If there is unwanted sound or silence at the beginning of a  
sampled sound, you can omit this by adjusting the Start  
Point. If the unwanted material is at the end, you can adjust  
the End Point.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
2. Press the pad to which the sample whose volume you  
want to adjust is assigned. The pad will light, and that  
sample will play.  
3. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so the button is lit.  
4. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the sample’s  
volume.  
Start sampling  
Stop sampling  
5. When you’ve finished making adjustments, press  
[START/END/LEVEL] to turn off its light.  
Turning the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob toward the left will  
reduce the volume, and turning it toward the right will  
increase the volume. A setting of 127 is the maximum  
volume. The default value immediately after sampling is  
127.  
Unwanted  
Unwanted  
End Point  
While [START/END/LEVEL] is lit, you can adjust not only the  
volume but also the start point and end point (p. 29) by using  
the CTRL 1 and 2 knobs. If you’ve moved the CTRL 1 or 2  
knobs by accident, set them back to the center position. The  
settings will return to their previous values. If you press  
[START/END/LEVEL] to turn off the button’s light without  
returning the knobs to the center, the modified start point and  
end point settings will be set.  
This region will sound  
When you specify the start point or end point, the BPM  
(tempo) will be automatically calculated according to the  
newly specified duration, and displayed. If the duration is  
multiple measures or less than one measure, the displayed  
BPM value may be half or double the actual value. To set the  
BPM to the desired value, refer to “Changing a sample’s  
BPM” (p. 32).  
In some cases, such as if the length of the region is three  
beats, it may not be possible to calculate or adjust the BPM  
value correctly.  
(deleting a marker)  
[MARK] will light if you’ve specified either the start point or  
end point. If you want to cancel these settings, press the lit  
[MARK] button during playback to turn off the button’s light.  
By carrying out the procedure explained in “Converting to a  
sample that has a modified playback region” (p. 31), you  
can delete the portions other than the specified playback  
region, so that the start point and end point are the beginning  
and end of the sample.  
28  
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Editing a sample  
Adjusting both the start point and end  
point  
Adjusting only the end point  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
2. Hold down [MARK], and press the pad whose  
playback region you want to adjust, making it sound.  
2. Press the pad whose playback region you want to  
adjust, making it sound.  
3. When the sound begins to play, release [MARK].  
4. While the sound plays, press [MARK] at the timing of  
If [MARK] is lit, the start point or end point has already been  
adjusted. In this case, cancel the start point/end point setting  
(p. 28) before you proceed with the steps below.  
the desired end point.  
3. While listening to the sound, press [MARK] at the  
If you press [MARK] to turn off its light while the sound is  
playing, the change in the start point and end point will be  
cancelled.  
timing of the desired start point.  
4. Press [MARK] again at the timing of the desired end  
point.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
Start sampling  
Stop sampling  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
2. Press the pad whose playback region you want to  
adjust, making it sound.  
Unwanted  
Unwanted  
If [MARK] is lit, the start point or end point has already been  
adjusted. In this case, cancel the start point/end point setting  
(p. 28) before you proceed with the steps below.  
Press [MARK]  
Press [MARK]  
3. While listening to the sound, press [MARK] at the  
This region will sound  
timing of the desired start point.  
4. Stop the pad playback.  
If you specify the BPM (tempo) between steps 3 and 4, the end  
point will automatically be set to the location of the beat that is  
closest to the timing at which you press [MARK] in step 4 (in  
units of beats of the BPM value, beginning at the start point).  
To specify the BPM, you can either press [TIME/BPM] so the  
button is lit and then turn the CTRL 2 knob, or press [TAP  
TEMPO] several times.  
Beat  
Beat  
Beat  
Beat  
Timing at which  
you press [MARK]  
Start point  
Adjusted  
Specified end point  
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Editing a sample  
Exchanging samples between two  
pads  
Making fine adjustments to the start  
point and end point  
You can exchange samples between two pads. This lets you  
bring together the desired samples into a single bank, or  
move samples from internal memory to a CompactFlash  
card.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
2. Play the pad whose playback region you want to  
adjust, making it the current pad.  
If you decide to cancel this operation during the procedure,  
press [CANCEL].  
3. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so the button is lit.  
4. Use the CTRL 1 knob to adjust the start point, and the  
1. While holding down [DEL], press [SAMPLING].  
CTRL 2 knob to adjust the end point.  
2. The display will indicate “CHG,” and [DEL] and  
5. When you’ve finished making adjustments, press  
[SAMPLING] will light.  
[START/END/LEVEL] to turn off its light.  
3. Press the pad for one of the samples you want to  
exchange.  
Start sampling  
Stop sampling  
4. Press the other pad.  
5. When the two pads have been pressed, [SAMPLING]  
will blink.  
6. When you press [SAMPLING], the exchange will begin.  
When the “CHG” indication in the display has  
disappeared, the exchange is complete.  
CTRL 1  
Start point  
CTRL 2  
End point  
If there is not enough free memory to perform the exchange,  
the display will indicate “FuL” and the exchange cannot be  
performed.  
This region will sound  
Never turn off the power before the exchange has been  
completed. Doing so will destroy not only the samples being  
exchanged, but may also destroy other samples or the  
CompactFlash card.  
You can press the pad to produce sound even while  
making adjustments.  
For both the CTRL 1 and 2 knobs, turning the knob toward  
the left will move the start point/end point toward the  
beginning of the sound, and turning the knob toward the  
right will move the point toward the end of the sound.  
You can’t adjust the playback region beyond the  
beginning or end of the sample.  
If you decide to cancel the adjustment, return the CTRL 1  
and 2 knobs to the center position so that the indication is  
“0.”  
The range of movement for a single operation is  
approximately 130 milliseconds before or after the current  
start point or end point. If you want to adjust the point by a  
greater amount, repeat the same procedure.  
You can’t set the start point and end point closer than  
approximately 100 milliseconds.  
If your adjustment results in the start point and end point  
being respectively at the beginning and end of the sample,  
[MARK] will go out.  
If [MARK] is extinguished (i.e., if the playback region has  
not been adjusted), adjusting the sample’s start point or  
end point will cause [MARK] to light.  
When you move the start point or end point, the sample’s  
BPM (tempo) will automatically change accordingly.  
However, there will be a small discrepancy in the BPM.  
30  
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Editing a sample  
Copying a sample to another pad  
You can copy a sample from one pad to another pad. This  
lets you create another sample based on an existing sample.  
Converting to a sample that has  
a modified playback region  
When you adjust the start point or end point, the unused  
portions of the sample will be unnecessarily occupying  
memory. By deleting (truncating) these unused portions, you  
can make efficient use of memory.  
If you decide to cancel this operation during the procedure,  
press [CANCEL].  
1. While holding down [DEL], press [RESAMPLE].  
2. The display will indicate “CPY.”  
Start sampling  
Stop sampling  
3. Press the pad for the copy-source sample.  
4. Press the copy-destination pad.  
When the two pads have been pressed, [SAMPLING]  
will blink.  
Unwanted  
Unwanted  
End point  
5. When you press [SAMPLING], the copy will begin.  
Start point  
6. When the indication of “CPY” in the display has  
This region will sound  
Truncate  
disappeared, the copy is complete.  
If there is not enough free memory to perform the copy, the  
display will indicate “FuL” and the copy cannot be performed.  
Never turn off the power before the copy has been completed.  
Doing so will destroy not only the samples being copied, but  
may also destroy other samples or the CompactFlash card.  
This operation cannot be undone.  
1. Play the pad that you want to convert, making it the  
current pad.  
2. Make sure that [MARK] is lit (indicating that the  
playback region has been adjusted).  
3. Press [DEL].  
4. Press [MARK]. The display indication will change to  
“trC.”  
5. Press [DEL] to begin the conversion. When “trC”  
disappears from the display, the operation is complete.  
Never turn off the power before this operation has been  
completed. Doing so will destroy not only the sample being  
truncated, but may also destroy other samples or the  
CompactFlash card.  
31  
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Editing a sample  
Changing a sample’s BPM  
Changing the length of  
a sample without changing  
the pitch (Time Modify)  
If you want to consecutively play samples of differing tempo,  
you can use the Time Modify function to create natural-  
sounding transitions so that the tempo is not interrupted.  
A sample’s BPM (tempo) is automatically determined by the  
length between the sample’s start point and end point.  
However, depending on this length, the calculated BPM  
value may be half or double the actual BPM. In this case, you  
can correct the BPM as follows.  
1. Play the pad that you want to change, making it the  
If you’ve specified Reverse Playback(p. 15), the Time Modify  
setting is disabled, and the effect won’t be obtained. If you  
want to use Time Modify, you must turn off Reverse Playback.  
current pad.  
2. Press [TIME/BPM] so the button is lit.  
3. Turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to change the BPM value.  
Turn the knob toward the left if you want to halve the  
displayed value, or toward the right if you want to  
double it.  
1. Play the pad that you want to change, making it the  
current pad.  
2. Press [TIME/MODIFY] so the button is lit.  
3. Turn the CTRL 1 (TIME) knob to change the length. The  
display will indicate the sample length in terms of the  
BPM.  
4. When you’ve made the change, press [TIME/BPM]  
once again to turn off the button’s light.  
While you’re performing this operation, the CTRL 1 knob will  
perform the Time Modify function. Be careful not to change it  
inadvertently.  
4. When you’ve finished making the change, press [TIME/  
BPM] once again to turn off the button’s light.  
Turning the CTRL 1 (TIME) knob all the way to the left will turn  
Time Modify off, so that the sample will play at its original  
length. (The display will indicate “oFF.”)  
Turning the CTRL 1 (TIME) knob all the way to the right will  
cause the sample to play at the tempo of the pattern. (The  
display will indicate “Ptn.”)  
The BPM can be adjusted to any value from half to  
approximately 1.3 times the original BPM. However, the BPM  
must fall within the 40–200 range.  
If Time Modify is set to “Ptn,” the tempo of the sample will  
change according to the pattern’s tempo within a range of  
between half and approximately 1.3 times the sample’s  
original BPM. If the pattern’s tempo is set outside this range,  
the sample’s tempo is limited to the maximum value (200) or  
minimum value (40).  
Please be aware that a sample for which you’ve specified  
Time Modify may sound quavery or noisy.  
32  
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Playing samples and recording your  
performance (Pattern Sequencer)  
The SP-555 provides a Pattern Sequencer, which lets you  
play samples and record your performance. You can play  
samples, record your performance as a “pattern,” and then  
play back the recorded pattern. You can create a song by  
putting together various phrase samples, or create a rhythm  
pattern by putting together rhythm samples.  
Playing and stopping a pattern  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, playback will start when you  
press a pad to which a pattern is assigned. Once playback  
starts, the pattern will continue playing even after you take  
your finger off the pad.  
To stop the currently playing pattern, press [CANCEL]  
(PATTERN STOP).  
How patterns are organized  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, one pattern each can be  
assigned to the sixteen pads (1–16) of the panel. After a  
pattern has been assigned to each pad, such a collection of  
sixteen patterns is called a “pattern bank.” The SP-555 lets  
you use ten pattern banks, A–J. Pattern banks A and B are  
located in the SP-555’s internal memory, and pattern banks  
C–J are on the CompactFlash card.  
You can also stop pattern playback by pressing the pad of  
the currently playing pattern (i.e., the pad that is lit).  
Switching patterns during  
playback  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate the currently playing measure  
and beat, and pads to which patterns are assigned will  
light.  
When the power is turned on, pattern bank A is selected.  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you can use BANK [A]–[F/J]  
to specify the pattern bank, and pads 1–16 to specify the  
pattern.  
2. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the  
bank containing the pattern you want to play next.  
To select a bank G–J, press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] once  
again so the button is blinking. If no CompactFlash card  
is inserted, you won’t be able to select pattern banks C–  
J.  
Specifying the pattern tempo  
The pattern tempo setting is shared by all patterns. You can’t  
3. Press the pad for the pattern that you want to play  
next.  
1. Set the BPM either by pressing [TAP TEMPO] at the  
desired tempo or by holding down [TAP TEMPO] and  
turning the CTRL 2 knob.  
If you press another pad while a pattern is playing, it  
will be reserved as the pattern to be played next. When  
the currently playing pattern has played to the end, the  
reserved pattern will automatically begin playing.  
[TAP TEMPO] will light when the display shows the pattern  
tempo.  
If you hold down [SUB PAD] while you press a pad, playback  
will switch immediately to the pattern of that pad.  
If the pattern tempo is synchronized to the tempo of your MIDI  
sequencer (p. 69), the display will indicate “Mid” and you  
won’t be able to perform the operations described below.  
If you press a pad to which no pattern is assigned (i.e., a pad  
that is not lit), nothing will happen.  
The BPM can be set to any value from 40 to 200. However, if  
the BPM is a value within the 40–60 or 160–180 ranges, it  
can be set only in even-numbered values. If the BPM is above  
180, you can set it to either 180, 183, 186, 190, 193, 196,  
or 200.  
33  
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Playing samples and recording your performance (Pattern Sequencer)  
for the range of 1–20 measures, and in four-measure  
units for longer patterns.  
Recording a pattern  
11.Press [QUANTIZE] so the button is lit.  
When you play samples and record your performance as a  
pattern, recording will occur repeatedly for the number of  
measures you specify (i.e., “loop recording”), allowing you  
to continue layering (overdubbing) additional samples onto  
the pattern.  
[LENGTH] will go out, and the display will indicate the  
quantize setting.  
What is quantization?  
Quantization is a function that automatically corrects the slight  
inaccuracies in timing that can sometimes occur when you are  
pressing pads and playing samples to produce a recording.  
Once you’ve specified a quantize setting, your performance  
will be recorded at accurate intervals of quarter notes, eighth  
notes, or sixteenth notes. This function is particularly useful  
when you’re creating groove-based music and need the timing  
to be tight. This is also useful when you’re creating rhythm  
patterns.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate “Ptn” and the pads to which a  
pattern is assigned will blink.  
2. Press [SAMPLING] so the button is lit.  
All pads to which no pattern is assigned will blink.  
12.Turn the CTRL 3 knob to specify the desired quantize  
3. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the  
setting.  
pattern bank into which you want to record.  
The display will indicate the quantize setting you  
specify.  
If no CompactFlash card is installed, you won’t be able to  
select pattern banks C–J.  
The indication has the following significance.  
S.8: Quantize to 8th notes using shuffle quantize.  
S.16: Quantize to 16th notes using shuffle quantize.  
4. Press the pad to which you want to assign the pattern  
you’re going to record.  
4:  
4.3: Quantize to quarter-note triplets.  
8: Quantize to eighth notes.  
8.3: Quantize to eighth-note triplets.  
16: Quantize to sixteenth notes.  
16.3: Quantize to sixteenth-note triplets.  
32: Quantize to thirty-second notes.  
Quantize to quarter notes.  
The pad you pressed will light, and the remaining pads  
will go out. [SAMPLING] will blink, and the metronome  
will begin sounding.  
5. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so the button is lit.  
6. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the metronome  
oFF: Quantize will not be used. The actual timing at  
which you pressed the pad will be recorded.  
volume.  
7. Press [TIME/BPM] so the button is lit.  
If you use shuffle quantize, use the CTRL 2 knob to specify the  
rate. The rate specifies the proportion by which the backbeats  
will be separated from the downbeats of the quantization  
you’ve specified. If this is set to “50,” each backbeat will be  
exactly between two adjacent downbeats. If this is set to “0,”  
each backbeat will be at the same timing as the preceding  
downbeat. If this is “100,” each backbeat will be at the same  
timing as the following downbeat.  
The display will indicate the pattern tempo (BPM).  
8. Specify the pattern tempo, either by holding down [TAP  
TEMPO] and turning the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob, or by  
pressing [TAP TEMPO] several times at the desired  
tempo.  
13.Press [QUANTIZE] to extinguish the button.  
BPM range: 40–200. If the BPM is in the 40–60 or 160–180  
ranges, it can be set only in even-numbered values. If the BPM  
is above 180, you can set it to either 180, 183, 186, 190,  
193, 196, or 200.  
14.Press [SAMPLING].  
[SAMPLING] will change from blinking to lit, and  
recording will begin.  
There will be a one-measure count before recording  
actually begins, so wait for one measure while listening  
to the metronome. During this time, the display will  
indicate a count of -4, -3, -2, -1.  
9. Press [LENGTH] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate the length (number of  
measures) of the pattern that will be recorded.  
10.Turn the CTRL 3 knob to specify the length of the  
When the count ends, recording will begin, and the  
display will indicate the measure and beat.  
pattern.  
The display will indicate the pattern length you specify.  
Range: 1–99  
If the pattern already contains data, you can’t make it  
shorter than its current length.  
You can specify the pattern length in one-measure units  
Pads you play during the count will not be recorded.  
34  
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Playing samples and recording your performance (Pattern Sequencer)  
15.Press the pads at the desired timing.  
During recording, you can use the pads to play  
samples. You can also press a bank button to switch  
sample banks.  
The samples of the pads you pressed will play, and will  
be recorded at the timing specified by the selected  
quantize setting.  
Erasing a mistake from your performance  
If you’ve played a sample by mistake while recording, you  
can use the corresponding pad to erase it from the recorded  
pattern.  
When the measure number shown in the display  
reaches the pattern length you specified, you will  
automatically return to measure one, and recording will  
continue (“loop recording”). The previously recorded  
performance will play back during this time.  
If you press [SAMPLING] once again so the button is  
blinking, the display will indicate “rEH” and you’ll be in  
Rehearsal mode. In this state, pressing the pads will  
play the corresponding samples, but they won’t be  
recorded. When you press [SAMPLING] once again so  
the button is lit, you’ll exit Rehearsal mode and return to  
the conventional recording mode. This gives you a  
convenient way to find the next sample that you want to  
play.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate “Ptn” and pads to which a  
pattern is assigned will blink.  
2. Press [SAMPLING] so the button is lit.  
3. Press the pad for the pattern containing the  
performance from which you want to delete the  
mistake.  
The pad you pressed will light, and the other pads will  
go out. [SAMPLING] will blink, and the metronome will  
begin sounding.  
4. Press [SAMPLING].  
[SAMPLING] will change from blinking to lit, and  
recording will begin.  
The recorded performance will play back. If you press  
the pad of a sample at this time, it will be recorded.  
16.Press the pads of samples that you want to overdub.  
The pad performance that you recorded on the previous  
pass will be recorded along with your newly added  
pad performance (overdubbed). You can use this  
method to gradually build up complex rhythms that  
would be impossible to play all at once.  
5. Press [DEL] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate “ErS.”  
6. Press the pad for the sample that you want to erase,  
During this recording process, you can change the  
quantization as follows.  
throughout the period where you want the erasure to  
take place.  
1. Press [QUANTIZE] so the button is lit.  
2. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to change the quantize setting.  
3. When you’ve made the desired setting, press  
[QUANTIZE] to extinguish the button.  
The new quantize setting will be applied  
immediately.  
The dot in the display will blink, and any occurrences of  
that sample will be erased from the pattern during the  
duration that you hold down the pad.  
By holding down [HOLD] you can erase the performances of  
all pads.  
17.When you want to stop recording, press [CANCEL].  
7. Repeat step 6 as desired.  
The dot in the display will blink. When the blinking  
stops, recording is complete.  
8. When you’ve finished erasing mistakes, press [DEL].  
[DEL] will go out, and the pattern will return to normal  
recording.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the pattern you recorded, but also other  
patterns or the CompactFlash card.  
If you press the pad of a sample at this time, it will be  
recorded.  
9. Press [CANCEL] to carry out the erasure.  
The dot in the display will blink while the erasure is  
being carried out. When the blinking stops, the erasure  
is complete.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the pattern you recorded, but also other  
patterns or the CompactFlash card.  
35  
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Playing samples and recording your performance (Pattern Sequencer)  
Deleting a pattern  
Deleting all patterns  
Here’s how to delete all patterns from internal memory or  
CompactFlash.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate “Ptn” and the pads that have  
been recorded will blink.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
2. Press [DEL] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate “Ptn,” and pads that are  
recorded will blink.  
The display will indicate “dEL.”  
If the display indicates “EMP,” that bank does not  
contain any pads to which a pattern is assigned.  
2. While holding down [CANCEL], press [DEL].  
The display will indicate “dAL,” and [DEL] will light.  
BANK [A]–[F/J] will blink.  
3. Press a bank button and a pad to specify the bank and  
pad of the pattern you want to delete.  
The selected pad will light, and [DEL] will blink.  
If no CompactFlash card is inserted, BANK [C/G]–[F/J] will  
not blink.  
Nothing will happen if you press a pad to which no pattern is  
assigned (i.e., a pad that is not lit).  
3. Press one of the bank buttons to specify the memory  
that you want to erase.  
BANK [A] or [B]:  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J]:  
Internal memory  
CompactFlash  
You can simultaneously select more than one pad if they are in  
the same bank.  
If you specify a protected bank (p. 51), the display will  
indicate “Prt” (Protected), and you won’t be able to delete the  
patterns.  
If you specify a bank that’s protected (p. 51), the display will  
indicate “Prt” (Protected) and you won’t be able to delete a  
pattern.  
If you decide not to delete the patterns, press [CANCEL].  
If you decide not to delete a pattern, press [CANCEL].  
4. Press [DEL] to carry out the deletion.  
4. Press [DEL] to carry out the deletion.  
During this process, [DEL] will change from blinking to  
lit, and the dot in the display will blink. When the dot  
stops blinking, the deletion has been completed.  
During this process, [DEL] will change from blinking to  
lit, and the dot in the display will blink. When the dot  
stops blinking, deletion has been completed.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the patterns you’re deleting, but also  
other patterns or the CompactFlash card.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the pattern you’re deleting, but also other  
patterns or the CompactFlash card.  
36  
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Playing samples and recording your performance (Pattern Sequencer)  
Exchanging the patterns of  
two pads  
You can change the patterns assigned to each pad by  
exchanging patterns between two pads.  
You can also exchange patterns between a pad to which an  
already-recorded pattern is assigned and a pad to which no  
pattern is assigned.  
Copying a pattern to another pad  
You can copy a pattern from one pad to another pad. This  
lets you create a new pattern based on an existing pattern.  
If you decide to cancel this operation midway through the  
procedure, press [CANCEL].  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate “Ptn.”  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
2. While holding down [DEL], press [RESAMPLE].  
3. The display will indicate “CPY.”  
4. Press the copy-source pad.  
The display will indicate “Ptn.”  
2. While holding down [DEL], press [SAMPLING].  
[DEL] and [SAMPLING] will light, the display will  
indicate “CHG,” and pads to which a pattern is  
assigned will blink.  
5. Press the copy-destination pad.  
The pads to which you can copy will blink.  
3. Press a bank button and pad to select one of the  
patterns that you want to exchange.  
The pad will light.  
6. When you’ve pressed the two pads, [SAMPLING] will  
blink.  
4. Press a bank button and pad to select the other pattern  
that you want to exchange.  
7. Press [SAMPLING] to start the copy. When the “CPY”  
indication disappears from the display, the copy has  
been completed.  
The pad will light, and [SAMPLING] will blink.  
5. Press [SAMPLING] to carry out the exchange.  
If there’s not enough memory to perform the copy, the display  
will indicate “FuL” and the copy will not be performed.  
[DEL] and [SAMPLING] will light, and the dot in the  
display will blink. When the dot stops blinking, the  
exchange has been completed.  
Never turn off the power before the copy operation has been  
completed. Doing so may destroy not only the patterns you’re  
copying, but also other patterns or the CompactFlash card.  
If you’re exchanging patterns between internal memory and  
the CompactFlash card, and there is insufficient internal  
memory or insufficient space on the CompactFlash card, the  
display will indicate “FuL” and you won’t be able to carry out  
the exchange.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the patterns you’re exchanging, but also  
other patterns or the CompactFlash card.  
37  
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D Beam controller  
Monophonic synthesizer (SYNTH)  
If you press [SYNTH] so the button is lit, you’ll be able to use  
the SP-555 as a monophonic synthesizer whose pitch is  
controlled by the position of your hand above the D Beam  
controller. Moving your hand closer to the controller will  
raise the pitch in steps of the scale you select. Use [SYNTH]  
+ CTRL 2 to change the scale.  
The SP-555 provides a D Beam controller, which lets you  
modify the sound in various ways by moving your hand  
above it. You can choose one of three modes: [SYNTH]  
(monophonic synthesizer), which lets you control the pitch by  
your hand position; [FILTER], which lets you control the cutoff  
frequency; and [TRIGGER], which lets you trigger the desired  
pad.  
There’s also a built-in delay that can be used to produce a  
variety of effects.  
[SYNTH] will blink when you’re within the effective range of  
the D Beam controller.  
The effective range of the D Beam controller  
The illustration below shows the effective range of the D  
Beam controller. Moving your hand beyond this range  
will not produce any effect.  
Synth settings  
Purpose  
Operation  
Tone setting  
[SYNTH] + pads 1–8  
[SYNTH] + pads 9–16  
[SYNTH] + CTRL 1  
[SYNTH] + CTRL 2  
[SYNTH] + CTRL 3  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [SYNTH]  
Delay setting  
Key shift setting  
Scale setting (*1)  
Volume setting  
Apply an effect  
*1: Select one of the following effects  
CHr:  
tCH:  
SPn:  
bLS:  
Cd:  
MAJ:  
Min:  
HMJ:  
HMi:  
dH:  
MMi:  
GPS:  
doM:  
Wt:  
HbL:  
AUG:  
rkY:  
Chromatic Scale  
Tcherepnin’s Scale  
Spanish Scale  
Blues Mixolydian Scale  
Combination of Diminished Scale  
Diatonic Major Scale  
Natural Minor Scale  
Harmonic Major Scale  
Harmonic minor Scale  
Double Harmonic Scale  
Melodic Minor Scale  
Gypsy Scale  
Dominant Scale  
Whole Tone Scale  
Hexatonic Blue Scale  
Augmented Scale  
Ryukyu Scale  
The effective range of the D Beam controller will be  
greatly reduced under strong, direct sunlight. Please be  
aware of this when using the D Beam controller  
outdoors.  
The sensitivity of the D Beam controller will change depending  
on the brightness of the environment. If it does not operate as  
you expect, please readjust the sensitivity (D Beam Sens) as  
follows.  
While holding down [CANCEL], press either [SYNTH],  
[FILTER], or [TRIGGER], and then use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust  
the sensitivity. Turning the knob toward the right will increase  
the sensitivity. When you’ve finished adjusting the sensitivity,  
you can press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.  
iSd:  
In Sen Scale, Decending  
In Sen Scale, Ascending  
Major Pentatonic Scale  
Minor Pentatonic Scale  
iSA:  
PMJ:  
PMi:  
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D Beam controller  
Filter  
Trigger  
If you press [FILTER] so the button is lit, you’ll be able to  
control the cutoff frequency of a filter by moving your hand  
above the controller.  
If you press [TRIGGER] so the button is lit, you’ll be able to  
play the desired pad by moving your hand above the  
controller.  
[FILTER] will blink when you’re within the effective range of  
the D Beam controller.  
To specify the pad, hold down [TRIGGER] and press the  
desired pad 1–16.  
Be aware that if you select Trigger and then switch the pad  
bank, the pad that will be triggered will not change, but the  
sample that will be played will be different.  
Filter settings  
Press [FILTER] + a pad to select the desired combination of  
filter type and resonance.  
You can use [TRIGGER] + CTRL 3 knob to specify the velocity  
at which the pad will play.  
If you’re using Roll to play the pad, and you turn the D Beam  
controller [TRIGGER] on, you’ll be able to use the D Beam  
controller to control the volume of the roll.  
High  
If the SP-555 is in a state in which pressing a pad does not  
play a sample (e.g., if [PATTERN SELECT] is lit or if [EFFECT  
ASSIGN] is lit), you won’t be able to use the D Beam controller  
to trigger pads.  
Zero  
LPF  
HPF  
BPF NOTCH  
• Pad 1: Low-pass filter  
• Pad 2: High-pass filter  
• Pad 3: Band-pass filter  
• Pad 4: Notch filter  
Higher pads select a filter with stronger resonance.  
39  
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Connecting the SP-555 to your computer  
The SP-555 provides USB audio/MIDI interface  
functionality.  
Installing SP-555 Wave Converter  
1. Navigate to the SP-555 UTILITY CD-ROM “Wave  
If you install a dedicated driver in your computer and use a  
USB cable (sold separately) to connect the SP-555 to your  
computer, you'll be able to output sound from your computer  
via the SP-555. By using the included SONAR LE software,  
you can use your computer to record sound from a guitar or  
mic connected to the SP-555.  
Converter” folder, and double-click Setup.exe.  
2. The “Welcome” screen will appear. Click [Next].  
3. Follow the on-screen directions to proceed with  
installing SP-555 Wave Converter.  
Installing SONAR LE  
You can also use SP-555 Wave Converter to convert WAV/  
AIFF format files that you created on your computer into SP-  
555 samples, or to convert SP-555 samples to WAV/AIFF  
format files.  
1. Place the installation CD-ROM into your computer’s  
CD-ROM drive.  
* If the auto-play dialog box appears, choose “Run Setup.exe”  
and proceed to step 4.  
You must install the driver before you connect the SP-555 to  
your computer.  
Computer.”  
3. The drives detected by your computer will appear;  
double-click the CD-ROM drive.  
Installing the driver and software  
4. The installer will start up. Proceed with the installation  
as directed by the on-screen instructions.  
* If SONAR LE automatically starts up after installation is  
completed, refer to “Starting SONAR LE and making  
settings” (p. 43).  
Windows XP users  
* In order to install the driver and the software, you’ll need to log  
on as a user who has administrative privileges.  
Installing the driver  
1. Start up your computer with all USB cables  
disconnected (except for a USB keyboard and/or  
mouse, if used).  
2. Navigate to the SP-555 UTILITY CD-ROM “Driver”  
folder “XP” folder, and double-click Setup.exe.  
3. When the display indicates “Roland SP-555 Driver will  
be installed on your computer....” click [Next].  
4. Follow the on-screen directions to proceed with the  
driver installation.  
* The SP-555 UTILITY CD-ROM Driver folder XP folder  
contains a Readme file that describes how to install the driver,  
and provides troubleshooting information. Be sure to read this  
before you use the system.  
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Connecting the SP-555 to your computer  
5. The installer will start up. Proceed with the installation  
as directed by the on-screen instructions.  
Windows Vista users  
* When the “Finished with setup” dialog box appears, clear the  
“Start up SONAR LE” check box, and click “Finish.” If you fail  
to clear this check box and the program starts up, exit SONAR  
LE.  
* In order to install the driver and the software, you’ll need to log  
on as a user who has administrative privileges.  
6. When installation is completed, right-click the “SONAR  
LE” icon on your desktop, and choose “Properties”  
from the menu that appears.  
Installing the driver  
1. Start up your computer with all USB cables  
disconnected (except for a USB keyboard and/or  
mouse, if used).  
7. Click the “Compatibility” tab to access the  
Compatibility page.  
2. Navigate to the SP-555 UTILITY CD-ROM “Driver”  
8. In “Privilege level,” select “Run this program as  
folder “Vista” folder, and double-click Setup.exe.  
administrator.”  
3. A user account control screen will appear; click  
9. Click “OK” to close the Properties.  
* When you start up SONAR LE, the display will indicate “An  
unidentified program is trying to access your computer.” Click  
[Allow].  
[Continue].  
4. When the display indicates “Roland SP-555 Driver will  
be installed on your computer....” click [Next].  
5. Follow the on-screen directions to proceed with the  
driver installation.  
* The SP-555 UTILITY CD-ROM Driver folder Vista folder  
contains a Readme file that describes how to install the driver,  
and provides troubleshooting information. Be sure to read this  
before you use the system.  
Installing SP-555 Wave Converter  
1. Navigate to the SP-555 UTILITY CD-ROM “Wave  
Converter” folder, and double-click Setup.exe.  
2. The screen will indicate “An unidentified program is  
trying to access your computer.” Click [Allow].  
3. The installer will start up. Follow the on-screen  
directions to proceed with installing SP-555 Wave  
Converter.  
Installing SONAR LE  
1. Place the installation CD-ROM into your computer’s  
CD-ROM drive.  
* If the auto-play dialog box appears, choose “Run Setup.exe”  
and proceed to step 5.  
2. From the Windows Start menu, choose “Computer.”  
3. The drives detected by your computer will appear;  
double-click the CD-ROM drive.  
4. The screen will indicate “An unidentified program is  
trying to access your computer.” Click [Allow].  
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Connecting the SP-555 to your computer  
Changing the signal flow  
when using USB audio  
Mac OS X users  
Installing the driver  
* If the “Authentication” dialog box appears during the  
installation, enter the password and click [OK].  
For the default state and the overall signal flow, refer to  
“Signal flow (block diagram)” (p. 14).  
1. Start up your computer with all USB cables  
disconnected (except for a USB keyboard and/or  
mouse, if used).  
To do this  
Operation  
Remarks  
Turn the USB audio  
input on/off from  
your computer  
Hold down [CAN-  
CEL] and use the  
CTRL 3 knob (“oFF”  
/ “on”)  
Default setting is on.  
This setting will re-  
turn to the default  
when you turn off  
the power.  
2. Navigate to the “Driver” folder on the CD-ROM, and  
double-click SP555USBDriver.pkg.  
Apply or bypass the  
effect for the USB au-  
dio input from the  
computer  
Whileholdingdown  
[EFFECT ASSIGN]  
and [CANCEL],  
press [MIC (or [LINE  
IN])  
Whileholdingdown  
[CANCEL], press  
[LINE IN] and use  
the CTRL 3 knob  
(“oFF” / “InP” /  
“out”)  
The effect is applied  
by default. This set-  
ting will return to the  
default when you  
turn off the power.  
The default setting is  
out (output the same  
signal as LINE  
OUT). InP will output  
only the LINE IN sig-  
nal and MIC IN sig-  
nal. This setting will  
return to the default  
when you turn off  
the power.  
3. In some cases you may see the message “A program  
must be executed by this installer package to  
determine whether installation is possible. Continue?”  
If so, click [Continue].  
Switch the source  
that is output to USB  
audio from the SP-  
555  
4. The screen will indicate “Welcome to the Roland SP-  
555 Driver installer.” Click [Continue].  
5. The screen will indicate “Select the installation  
destination,” so click the drive in which the system is  
installed, and then click [Continue].  
6. The screen will indicate “Easy installation,” so click  
either [Install] or [Upgrade].  
If you’re using software that has a recording monitor or input  
monitor function, and select “InP” as the source being output  
from the SP-555 to USB, it is possible that the audio signal will  
create a feedback loop. Either turn off the recording monitor  
or input monitor function in your software, or select “OFF” or  
“out” for the source being output from the SP-555 to USB  
audio.  
7. The screen will indicate “When you install this  
software, you’ll need to restart your computer when  
the installation is completed.” Click [Continue with  
installation].  
8. The screen will indicate “The software was installed  
successfully,” so click [Restart] to restart your  
computer.  
This completes installation of the SP-555 Driver.  
Installing SP-555 Wave Converter  
1. Navigate to the “Wave Converter” folder on the SP-  
555 UTILITY CD-ROM, and double-click “SP-555 Wave  
Converter Installer.pkg.”  
2. The installer will start up. Follow the on-screen  
instructions to proceed with installing SP-555 Wave  
Converter.  
This completes installation of SP-555 Wave Converter.  
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Connecting the SP-555 to your computer  
About SONAR LE (Windows only)  
About SP-555 Wave Converter  
SONAR LE is a DAW application for Windows. It allows you  
to perform a variety of operations ranging from music  
production using MIDI and audio, all the way to creating  
master data.  
SP-555 Wave Converter is a tool that converts samples on a  
CompactFlash card formatted for the SP-555 to WAV/AIFF  
files on your computer, and vice versa.  
In order for you to use SP-555 Wave Converter, you’ll need a  
CompactFlash card, and a CompactFlash card reader for your  
computer.  
Starting SONAR LE and making settings  
1. Double-click the SONAR LE icon on your desktop.  
Starting up SP-555 Wave Converter  
2. When the audio device confirmation dialog box  
appears, click Yes. When it completes successfully,  
click Close.  
1. Before you continue, format a CompactFlash card on  
the SP-555.  
* A CompactFlash card formatted by your computer can’t be  
used with the SP-555.  
3. When the online activation dialog box appears, select  
“Activate later” and click [OK].  
2. Connect the CompactFlash card reader to your  
computer, and insert the CompactFlash card into the  
reader.  
4. The hint of the day will appear. Click close.  
5. A dialog box indicating that you have not selected  
MIDI outputs will appear. Click Choose MIDI Output,  
and the MIDI Devices dialog box will appear.  
3. Start up SP-555 Wave Converter.  
On Windows, Start All Programs SP-555 Wave  
Converter SP-555 Wave Converter  
On Mac OS, Finder Applications Roland SP-555  
Wave Converter  
6. In the MIDI Devices dialog box, select the device  
containing the characters “SP-555” for both input and  
output, and click OK to close the dialog box.  
SP-555 Wave Converter will start up.  
For details on using SP-555 Wave Converter, refer to the  
online manual. The online manual is located in the Manual  
folder inside the folder in which SP-555 Wave Converter is  
installed.  
7. When the quick start dialog box appears, click Close.  
SONAR will now start up. Next, you’ll make audio device  
settings.  
1. With SONAR running, select the Option menu item  
Audio to open the Audio Device dialog box.  
2. Open the Devices tab, and for both the input device  
and the output device, select only the device containing  
the characters “SP-555.” Then click OK to close the  
dialog box. When the screen suggests that you restart  
SONAR LE, restart SONAR LE.  
This completes settings for SONAR LE.  
For details on using SONAR LE, refer to the online help.  
While SONAR LE is running, you can press the F1 key to  
access the online help.  
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About CompactFlash  
Recommended types of  
CompactFlash  
The SP-555 supports CompactFlash cards (type I) having a  
capacity of from 32 MB up to 2 GB.  
CompactFlash theft prevention  
When the SP-555 is shipped from the factory, special screws  
are attached to the bottom panel at the locations marked by  
. With the memory card cover attached, you can use a  
Phillips screwdriver to remove these screws and reinstall  
them in the CARD LOCK screw holes, making it impossible  
to remove the memory card cover, and helping to prevent  
theft of the CompactFlash card.  
* You can’t use Type II cards such as Microdrives.  
As of this date, Roland has verified that the SP-555 will work  
correctly with the following memory cards.  
Manufacturer  
Model  
Sandisk  
SDCFH-2048-903 (2GB)  
SDCFX3-1024-903 (1GB)  
IO Data  
Buffalo  
CF115-256M (256MB)  
CF115-512M (512MB)  
RCF-X128MY (128MB)  
RCF-X256MY (256MB)  
RCF-X512MY (512MB)  
RCF-X1GY (1GB)  
Hagiwara Sys-Com  
HPC-CF512ZP (512MB)  
HPC-CF2GZP (2GB)  
HPC-CF1GZ2F (1GB)  
HPC-CF2GZ2F (2GB)  
* Even cards of the identical model may be unusable due to  
differences in the specific design of the card or differences in  
the conditions of use. We cannot completely guarantee all  
operation with the above models.  
When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of  
newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four  
corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and  
controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or  
controls get damaged.  
When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to avoid  
dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.  
* You must use only these screws. Using any other screws will  
cause malfunctions.  
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About CompactFlash  
Inserting and removing  
CompactFlash cards  
Formatting a CompactFlash card  
(initializing)  
When you format a CompactFlash card, all data on that card  
will be erased.  
Never insert or remove a CompactFlash card while this unit’s  
power is on. Doing so may corrupt the unit’s data or the data  
on the CompactFlash card.  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], press [REMAIN].  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] will blink, and the display will  
indicate “FMt.”  
Inserting a CompactFlash card  
2. Press any one of the BANK [C/F]–[F/J] buttons.  
1. Switch off the SP-555’s power.  
BANK [C/F]–[F/J] will change from blinking to lit, and  
[DEL] will blink.  
2. Remove the memory card cover.  
3. Insert the CompactFlash card in the front panel card  
If you decide not to format the card, press [CANCEL].  
slot.  
3. Press [DEL].  
[DEL] will light, and formatting will begin.  
During the formatting process, the dot in the display will  
blink.  
4. Attach the memory card cover.  
Carefully insert the CompactFlash card all the way in–until it is  
firmly in place.  
When the blinking stops, formatting is complete.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may damage the CompactFlash card, rendering it unusable.  
If you’re using a CompactFlash card for the first time, you must  
format it using the SP-555. The SP-555 will not recognize a  
CompactFlash card that was formatted by another device.  
Don’t modify or delete the files or folders that are created  
when a CompactFlash card is formatted. The SP-555 will not  
recognize the card correctly if you do so.  
Removing a CompactFlash card  
1. Switch off the SP-555’s power.  
2. Remove the memory card cover.  
3. Push the eject button located beside the front panel  
card slot. The CompactFlash card will pop out partially.  
Grasp the CompactFlash card and pull it out toward  
yourself.  
4. Attach the memory card cover.  
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About CompactFlash  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished.  
If it is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
Importing audio files  
You can import audio files via CompactFlash card and  
assign them to pads.  
2. While holding down [CANCEL], press [RESAMPLE].  
The display will indicate “FiL” (File Import/Export), and  
[SAMPLING] and [RESAMPLE] will blink.  
3. Press [SAMPLING].  
Caution when importing audio files  
(WAV/AIFF)  
The display will indicate “iMP” (File Import),  
[SAMPLING] will light, and [RESAMPLE] will go out.  
Pads [1]–[16] will blink.  
• Use a CompactFlash card that was formatted by  
the SP-555.  
If there is no audio file in the CompactFlash card, the display  
will indicate “EMP” (Empty), and the Import operation cannot  
be performed.  
• When you use your computer or other device to  
copy or save audio files (WAV/AIFF) on a  
CompactFlash card, place the files in the root  
directory (top level) of the CompactFlash card.  
You won’’t be able to import the files into the SP-  
555 if they’re anywhere other than the root  
directory.  
• A maximum of 160 audio files can be handled  
when importing. If more than this number of  
audio files are on the CompactFlash card,  
unexpected operation may occur.  
• You can’t use the “.” (period) character at the  
beginning of a file name. Nor can certain other  
characters (\ / : , : * ? “ < > |) be used in a file  
name.  
• The extension of a WAV file must be WAV, and  
the extension of an AIFF file must be AIF. The file  
will not be recognized if its name has any other  
extension.  
• The audio files will be imported in the ASCII code  
order of their file names.  
• 8-bit and 16-bit are the only sample depths  
supported.  
• Sample rate conversion will not be performed.  
The data will be imported as if it had a sample  
rate of 44.1 kHz. If you import a file whose  
actual sample rate is other than 44.1 kHz, the  
playback pitch will be incorrect.  
4. Select the import-destination sample bank.  
Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons. The button you  
pressed will light, and that bank (A–F) will be selected.  
will change from lit to blinking, and the corresponding  
bank G–J will be selected.  
5. Select the import-destination pad.  
The pad you pressed will light, and the other pads will  
stop blinking.  
[SAMPLING] will also blink. If a sample is assigned to  
the selected pad (or subsequent pads if you selected  
more than one pad), it will be overwritten.  
If you specify a pad that is protected (p. 51), the display  
will indicate “Prt” (Protected), and you won’t be able to  
import the file.  
6. Press [SAMPLING] so the button is lit.  
If there are two or more files, they will be imported in  
order of their file name, starting at the pad you selected  
in step 5.  
During the import process, the dot in the display will  
blink. When the blinking dot has disappeared, the  
import process has been completed.  
• Loop point settings in an AIFF file will be ignored.  
• If you attempt to import a WAV/AIFF file whose  
format is not supported by the SP-555, the error  
message “UnS” (Unsupported) will appear, and  
you won’t be able to import the file.  
• Compressed audio files cannot be imported.  
• In some cases, it may not be possible to import  
audio files of an extremely short duration.  
• Importing will take approximately half as long as  
the playback time of the audio file.  
• Once you start the import process, you cannot  
cancel it before completion.  
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About CompactFlash  
Exporting audio files  
Naming of exported audio files  
A sample assigned to a pad can be exported to a  
CompactFlash card as an audio file.  
(WAV/AIFF)  
Audio files (WAV/AIFF) that have been exported to a  
CompactFlash card will be located in the root folder  
(top level) of the CompactFlash card.  
When you use a computer or similar device to look at  
the root folder of the CompactFlash card, the exported  
audio files (WAV/AIFF) will be named as follows.  
• If you’ve exported the sample of sample bank A  
pad 1:  
1. While holding down [RESAMPLE], turn on the power.  
2. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to select the format in which you  
want to export the files.  
WAV: WAV format  
AiF:  
AIFF format  
3. Press [SAMPLING] to confirm your choice of file type.  
WAV: A_01.WAV  
AIFF: A_01.AIF  
• If you’ve exported the samples of sample bank E  
This selection is maintained even when you turn off the power.  
4. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is extinguished. If it  
pads 6–16:  
WAV: E_06.WAV–E_16.WAV  
is lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to turn it off.  
AIFF: E_06.AIF–E_16.AIF  
5. While holding down [CANCEL], press [RESAMPLE].  
The display will indicate “FiL” (File Import/Export), and  
[SAMPLING] and [RESAMPLE] will blink.  
6. Press [RESAMPLE].  
The display will indicate “EXP” (File Export),  
[SAMPLING] will light, and [RESAMPLE] will go out.  
7. Select the export-source sample bank.  
Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons. The button you  
pressed will light, and that bank (A–F) will be selected.  
If you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] once again, that button  
will change from lit to blinking, and the corresponding  
bank G–J will be selected.  
Pads to which a sample is assigned will blink.  
If the selected bank contains no samples, the display will  
indicate “EMP” (Empty).  
8. Select the export-source pad.  
The pad you pressed will light, and the other pads will  
stop blinking.  
[SAMPLING] will also blink.  
You can select two or more pads if they are within the same  
sample bank. To select a pad, press a pad that was blinking  
in step 7, so it lights steadily.  
9. Press [SAMPLING] so the button is lit.  
During the export, the dot in the display will blink.  
When the blinking dot has disappeared, the export  
process is complete.  
If there are identically named audio files in the root folder of  
the CompactFlash card, they will be overwritten.  
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About CompactFlash  
Saving backup data (backup save)  
Here’s how to save a set of backup data (containing all of  
the SP-555’s internal data including sample banks and  
pattern banks) to a CompactFlash card. Up to sixteen sets of  
backup data can be saved on a card.  
Loading backup data (backup  
load)  
Here’s how to load a set of backup data (containing all the  
SP-555’s settings including sample banks and pattern banks)  
from a CompactFlash card.  
settings will be erased and overwritten by the newly loaded  
backup data.  
If you’ve saved numerous samples and patterns on a card, and  
it doesn’t have much space remaining, you’ll only be able to  
save a small number of backup sets.  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], press one of the BANK  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], press the BANK [A] or  
[C/G]–[F/J] buttons.  
[B] button.  
The display will indicate “SAV,” and the pads to which  
backup data has not been saved will blink.  
The display will indicate “Lod,” and the pads to which  
backup data has been saved will blink.  
2. Select the desired save-destination pad.  
If the memory is protected (p. 51), the display will indicate  
“Prt” (Protected) and the backup load operation cannot be  
executed.  
The selected pad will light, the other pads will go out,  
and [SAMPLING] will light.  
You can’t select a pad that is unlit in step 1 (i.e., a pad in  
which no data has been saved).  
If there is no backup data on the CompactFlash card, the  
display will indicate “EnP” and the backup load operation  
cannot be executed.  
If you decide to cancel, press [CANCEL].  
2. Press a pad to select the backup data that you want to  
load.  
3. Press [SAMPLING].  
The selected pad will light, and the other pads will go  
out. [SAMPLING] will blink.  
[SAMPLING] will light, and the backup save operation  
will be executed. During execution, the dot in the  
display will blink. When the blinking stops, the backup  
save operation has been completed.  
You can’t select a pad that was unlit in step 1 (i.e., a pad in  
which no data was saved).  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy the backup data or the CompactFlash card.  
If you decide to cancel, press [CANCEL].  
3. Press [SAMPLING].  
[SAMPLING] will light, and the backup load operation  
will be executed. During execution, the dot in the  
display will blink. When the blinking stops, the backup  
load operation has been completed.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy the SP-555’s internal memory data or the  
CompactFlash card.  
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About CompactFlash  
Deleting backup data (backup  
delete)  
Here’s how to delete a set of backup data (containing all the  
SP-555’s settings including sample banks and pattern banks)  
from the CompactFlash card.  
1. While holding down [DEL], press one of the BANK [C/  
G]–[F/J] buttons.  
The display will indicate “bdL,” and the pads to which  
backup data has been saved will blink.  
2. Press a pad to specify the backup data you want to  
delete.  
The selected pad will light, and the other pads will go  
out.  
[DEL] will blink.  
You can’t select a pad that is unlit in step 1 (i.e., a pad in  
which no data has been saved).  
If you decide to cancel, press [CANCEL].  
3. Press [DEL].  
[DEL] will light, and the backup delete operation will be  
executed. During execution, the dot in the display will  
blink. When the blinking stops, the backup delete  
operation has been completed.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy the backup data or the CompactFlash card.  
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Other settings  
Restoring the factory settings  
Here’s how to restore all settings of the SP-555, including the  
sample and pattern data (banks A and B) and effect memory  
settings to the factory-set state.  
Here’s how to erase all of the internal memory (bank A and  
B) sample and pattern data, as well as the effect memory  
settings, and initialize other internal settings to the default  
state.  
This operation will cause all internal memory data to be lost. If  
necessary, you should make a backup before you proceed.  
(“Saving backup data (backup save)” (p. 48))  
This operation will cause all internal memory data to be lost. If  
necessary, you should make a backup before you proceed.  
(“Saving backup data (backup save)” (p. 48))  
1. Switch off the SP-555’s power.  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], turn on the power of  
2. Copy the “FCTRY” folder from the SP-555 UTILITY CD-  
ROM into the “ROLAND” folder of a CompactFlash  
card that was formatted by the SP-555.  
the SP-555; this will turn off the internal memory  
protect setting.  
The display will indicate “P.oF,” indicating that  
protection has been disabled for the samples and pads  
of banks A–J.  
The FCTRY folder of the SP-555 UTILITY CD-ROM contains the  
factory preset data.  
2. Switch off the SP-555’s power.  
3. Insert the CompactFlash card into the SP-555, and  
while holding down [CANCEL], [REMAIN], and [DEL],  
turn on the power.  
The display will indicate “ini,” and [SAMPLING] will  
blink.  
3. While holding down [CANCEL], [REMAIN], and [DEL],  
turn on the power.  
The display will indicate “ini,” and [SAMPLING] will  
blink.  
If you decide to cancel the operation, simply turn off the  
power.  
If you decide to cancel the operation, simply turn off the  
power.  
4. If you are sure you want to restore the SP-555 to the  
4. If you are sure you want to initialize the SP-555, press  
factory settings, press [SAMPLING].  
[SAMPLING].  
[SAMPLING] will light, and the dot in the display will  
blink. When the blinking dot disappears, the operation  
has been completed.  
[SAMPLING] will light, and the dot in the display will  
blink. When the blinking dot disappears, the operation  
has been completed.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy the data.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy the data.  
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Other settings  
Protecting the memory  
You can protect the memory so that samples and patterns  
cannot be deleted accidentally.  
Adjusting the blinking speed  
of the display illumination  
Here’s how to adjust the speed of the illumination around the  
display.  
Protecting all samples and patterns  
1. While holding down [TAP TEMPO], turn on the power.  
The display will indicate “LEd.”  
1. While holding down [REMAIN], turn on the power.  
2. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the speed.  
The display will indicate “P.on,” and the samples and  
patterns of banks A–J will be protected.  
[SAMPLING] will blink when you turn the knob.  
Setting  
Explanation  
“oFF”  
The illumination will not blink.  
If you use a CompactFlash card with the same SP-555, the  
card banks will also be protected, but the card will not be  
protected when used with another device or computer.  
* It will not blink even during pattern playback.  
“1–9”  
“Ptn”  
The illumination will blink at a fixed speed. Higher set-  
tings produce faster blinking.  
* While a pattern is playing, the blinking will be synchro-  
nized to the tempo of the pattern.  
The illumination will blink in synchronization with the pat-  
tern tempo.  
This setting is retained even while the power is turned off.  
Protecting the preset samples and  
patterns (sample bank A and pattern  
bank A)  
3. Press [SAMPLING] to confirm the speed of blinking.  
If you decide to cancel, press [CANCEL].  
1. While holding down BANK [A] and [REMAIN], turn on  
This setting is retained even while the power is turned off.  
the power.  
The display will indicate “A.on,” and the samples and  
patterns of bank A will be protected.  
Checking the version number  
This setting is retained even while the power is turned off.  
1. While holding down [MARK], turn on the power.  
The display will indicate the version number.  
With the factory settings, sample bank A and pattern bank A  
are protected.  
Press [CANCEL] to return to the normal state.  
Canceling protection  
Setting the SP-555’s  
internal processing level  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], turn on the power.  
The display will indicate “P.oF,” and protection will be  
cancelled for the samples and patterns of banks A–J.  
Here’s how to adjust the overall volume of the SP-555 for  
internal processing.  
Protection will be cancelled for the factory-set samples and  
patterns.  
1. While holding down [CANCEL] and [START/END/  
LEVEL], turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob.  
Range: -3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB  
This setting is retained even while the power is turned off.  
The SP-555 has a maximum polyphony of twelve notes. There  
will be a major difference in the volume depending on  
whether one note or twelve notes are being produced. If you  
are playing only a few pads at a time, or if you have  
connected the SP-555 to a DJ mixer or other device, and are  
using it as an effects processor, raising this internal processing  
level will allow you to output a higher level. If you are playing  
a larger number of pads simultaneously and the sound is  
distorting, you should lower this internal processing level.  
When the power is turned on, this will always be set to 0 dB.  
51  
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About V-LINK  
What is V-LINK?  
Turning V-LINK on/off  
V-LINK (  
) is functionality promoted by  
1. Press the SP-555’s [V-LINK] button so it’s lit; V-LINK  
Roland that makes it easy to synchronize visual effects with  
music. By using video equipment that supports the use of V-  
LINK (such as Edirol motion dive .tokyo Performance  
Package), you can easily produce a variety of visual effects  
that are linked to the expressive elements of your  
performance.  
For example, if you use the SP-555 in conjunction with the  
motion dive .tokyo Performance Package, you’ll be able to  
do the following.  
will be on.  
When [V-LINK] is lit, you can operate the SP-555 to  
control images in synchronization with the SP-555’s  
performance.  
2. To turn off V-LINK, press [V-LINK] once again so its  
light goes out.  
Functions that you can control using CTRL  
1–3 and D Beam  
• Use the SP-555’s synthesizer to produce synchronized  
music and video performances.  
• Play the SP-555’s pads or sequencer (songs or  
patterns) to switch images on the motion dive .tokyo  
Performance Package.  
• Use the SP-555’s CTRL 1–3 knobs and D Beam  
controller to control the brightness or hue of an image.  
Display indication  
Value  
Response by motion  
dive .tokyo  
oFF  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Off  
ColorEQ Fore  
ColorEQ Back  
Scratch SW  
Speed Knob  
Total Fader  
Cross Fader  
BPM Sync SW  
Clip Loop SW  
Assign Knob  
Fade Time SW  
Visual Knob  
AB SW  
In order to use V-LINK between the SP-555 and the motion  
dive .tokyo Performance Package, you’ll need to make  
connections using a MIDI cable (sold separately).  
Connection example  
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
As an example, we will use a setup in which the SP-555 is  
connected to the motion dive .tokyo Performance Package.  
Use a MIDI cable to connect the SP-555’s MIDI OUT  
connector to the MIDI IN connector of the Edirol MD-P1.  
Tap SW  
Total Select  
FX Select  
Play Pos  
To prevent malfunction or speaker damage, minimize the  
volume on all your equipment and turn off the power before  
you make connections.  
Loop Start Pos  
Loop End Pos  
Layer Mode Sel  
Playback Speed  
Dissolve Time  
T Bar  
Color Cr  
Brightness  
VFX1  
VFX2  
MIDI OUT  
MIDI IN  
VFX3  
VFX4  
Output Fade  
Edirol motion dive .tokyo  
Performance Package  
SP-555  
* For details on how to change these functions, refer to “V-LINK  
settings” (p. 53).  
52  
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About V-LINK  
V-LINK settings  
You can set or edit the following functions that are related to V-LINK. With the exception of the pad mode, make the setting and  
then press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.  
Function  
Value (display indi-  
cation)  
Operation  
Remarks  
Pad mode  
Clip/Palette  
(“CLP”, “PLT”)  
[V-LINK] + [EFFECT MEMORY]  
Fixed at Clip at power-on.  
V-LINK Ctrl  
Ach  
1 – 16  
(“C. 1”–“C.16”)  
Specifies the MIDI channel that will control section A of mo-  
tion dive .tokyo. The factory setting is channel 4.  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Bank[A] ➜  
CTRL 3 knob (can also change using  
pad [1]–[16])  
V-LINK Ctrl  
Bch  
1 – 16  
(“C. 1”–“C.16”)  
Specifies the MIDI channel that will control section B of motion  
dive .tokyo. The factory setting is channel 10.  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Bank[B] ➜  
CTRL 3 knob (can also change using  
pad [1]–[16])  
V-LINK Ctrl  
Cch  
1 – 16  
(“C. 1”–“C.16”)  
Specifies the MIDI channel that will control the MIDI Note  
plug-in of motion dive .tokyo. The factory setting is channel 9.  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Bank[C/G]  
CTRL 3 knob (can also change us-  
ing pad [1]–[16])  
CTRL 1 Assign  
(*1)  
Off, 1 – 30  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“30”)  
Assigns a V-LINK function to CTRL 1. The factory setting is 4  
(Speed Knob).  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Sw below  
CTRL 1 CTRL 3 knob  
CTRL 2 Assign  
(*1)  
Off, 1 – 30  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“30”)  
Assigns a V-LINK function to CTRL 2. The factory setting is 2  
(ColorEQ Back).  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Sw below  
CTRL 2 CTRL 3 knob  
CTRL 3 Assign  
(*1)  
Off, 1 – 30  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“30”)  
Assigns a V-LINK function to CTRL 3. The factory setting is 6  
(Cross Fader).  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Sw below  
CTRL 3 CTRL 3 knob  
D Beam As-  
sign (*1)  
Off, 1 – 30  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“30”)  
Assigns a V-LINK function to D Beam. The factory setting is 1  
(ColorEQ Fore).  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] [SYNTH]/  
[FILTER]/[TRIGGER] CTRL 3 knob  
Seq Ach Ctrl  
Pad Bank  
Off, Bank A – J  
(“off”, “b. A”–“b. J”)  
Of the pad information included in the pattern data, the infor-  
mation of the specified bank will be used to control section A  
of motion dive .tokyo. The factory setting is bank A.  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Bank[D/H]  
CTRL 3 knob  
Seq Bch Ctrl  
Pad Bank  
Off, Bank A – J  
(“off”, “b. A”–“b. J”)  
Of the pad information included in the pattern data, the infor-  
mation of the specified bank will be used to control section B  
of motion dive .tokyo. The factory setting is bank B.  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Bank[E/I] ➜  
CTRL 3 knob  
Seq Cch Ctrl  
Pad Bank  
Off, Bank A – J  
(“off”, “b. A”–“b. J”)  
Of the pad information included in the pattern data, the infor-  
mation of the specified bank will be used to control the MIDI  
Note plug-in of motion dive .tokyo. The factory setting is bank  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] Bank[F/J] ➜  
CTRL 3 knob  
V-LINK Sw  
Mode  
Standerd, MD-P1  
(“Std”, “MdP”)  
Specifies what will happen when V-LINK is turned on/off.  
With the “Standard” setting, only a V-LINK On/Off message  
will be transmitted. With the “MD-P1” setting, a Reset Ctrl Pa-  
rameters message will be transmitted when V-LINK is turned  
on, and a message that sets Total Fader to 0 will be transmit-  
ted when V-LINK is turned off. The factory setting is MD-P1.  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] [FIXEDVE-  
LOCITY] CTRL 3 knob  
Devices such as the Edirol PR-50/80 use only V-LINK Ctrl Ach.  
*1 For details on the functions that can be controlled, refer to “Functions that you can control using CTRL 1–3 and D Beam” (p. 52).  
53  
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Appendix  
Effect list  
Effects that you can select by directly pressing a button  
Type  
SUPER FILTER  
CTRL 1 function (display)  
CUTOFF (CoF)  
CTRL 2 function (display)  
RESONANCE (rES) ✩  
CTRL 3 function (display)  
FILTER TYPE (LPF/HPF/bPF/ntF)  
A filter with an extremely  
steep slope (sharp attenua-  
tion). (-36 dB/octave)  
Adjusts the cutoff frequency.  
Adjusts the amount of peak at the  
cutoff frequency.  
Selects the type of filter. LPF: Passes  
the frequency region below the cut-  
off. HPF: Passes the frequency re-  
gion above the cutoff. BPF: Passes  
the frequency region around the cut-  
off. NTF: Passes the frequency re-  
gions other than the region near the  
cutoff.  
VOICE TRANS  
FORMANT (FrM)  
EFFECT LEVEL (EFF)  
DIRECT LEVEL (dir)  
Processes a human voice to  
create a variety of characters.  
Adjusts the character (formant) of  
the voice.  
Adjusts the volume of the effect  
sound.  
Adjusts the volume of the direct  
sound.  
DELAY  
DELAY TIME (t32–t1) *1  
FEEDBACK (Fdb) ✩  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Repeats the sound.  
Adjusts the interval of the repeats.  
Adjusts the number of the repeats.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and effect  
sound.  
ISOLATOR  
LOW (Lo) ✩  
MID (Mid) ✩  
HIGH (Hi) ✩  
Isolates or removes the low,  
mid, or high frequency rang-  
es.  
Isolates/removes the low-frequency  
range.  
Isolates/removes the mid-frequency  
range.  
Isolates/removes the high-frequen-  
cy range.  
DJFX LOOPER  
LENGTH (LEn) ✩  
SPEED (-1.0–1.0)  
LOOP SW (oFF/on)  
Loops a short portion of the in-  
put sound. You can vary the  
playback direction and play-  
back speed of the input sound  
to add turntable-type effects.  
Specifies the length of the loop.  
Specifies the playback direction  
and playback speed. Turning the  
knob to the left of 12 o’clock pro-  
duces backward playback, and  
turning the knob to the right of 12  
o’clock produces forward play-  
back. At 12 o’clock, the playback is  
stopped.  
If you turn this on while sound is  
playing, the sound at that point will  
be looped. Turn this off to cancel  
the loop.  
: The depth of these parameters will be limited if you turn on “Effect Limit mode” (p. 20).  
*1: Delay time is specified as a note value relative to the tempo of the longest sample of the samples to which the effect is  
being applied.  
Note values that you can specify:  
32nd note (t32) / 16th note (t16) / 8th note triplet (t8t) / dotted 16th note (t16.) / 8th note (t8) / quarter note triplet  
(t4t) / dotted 8th note (t8.) / quarter note (t4) / half note triplet (t2t) / dotted quarter note (t4.) / half note (t2) / dotted  
half note (t2.) / whole note (t1)  
However, you can’t select a setting that would cause the delay time to exceed approximately 2000 milliseconds. If a  
pattern is playing, the tempo of the pattern is used as the reference.  
54  
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Appendix  
MFX bank A  
Number  
Type  
CTRL 1 function (display)  
CTRL 2 function (display)  
CTRL 3 function (display)  
1
FLANGER  
DEPTH (dPt)  
RATE (rAt)  
FEEDBACK (Fdb)✩  
Creates modulation reminis-  
cent of a jet airplane taking  
off and landing.  
Adjusts the depth of modula-  
tion.  
Adjusts the speed of modula-  
tion.  
Adjusts the proportion of effect  
sound that is returned to the in-  
put.  
2
3
4
PHASER  
Creates modulation by add-  
ing a phase-shifted sound.  
WAH  
Produces a wah effect.  
DEPTH (dPt)✩  
Adjusts the depth of modula-  
tion.  
PEAK (PEk)  
Adjusts the width of frequencies  
to which effect is applied.  
RATE (rAt)  
Adjusts the speed of modula-  
tion.  
RATE (rAt)  
Adjust the speed of modulation.  
MANUAL (MAn)  
Adjusts the pitch of the effect  
sound.  
MANUAL (MAn)  
Adjusts the pitch of the effect  
sound.  
TREMOLO/PAN  
DEPTH (dPt)  
RATE (rAt)  
WAVEFORM (trM/PAn)  
Cyclically varies the volume  
or panning.  
Adjusts the amount of change in  
volume/panning.  
Adjusts the speed of volume/  
panning change.  
Specifies the volume/panning  
modulation curve. Turn knob to  
left to vary the volume, or to the  
right to vary the panning.  
5
REVERB  
REVERB TIME (tiM)  
REVERB TYPE (rM1–HL2)  
3 BALANCE (bAL)  
Adds reverberation to the  
sound.  
Adjusts the reverb time.  
Selects the type of reverb.  
ROOM 1 (rM1):  
Short, high-density reverber-  
ation.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
ROOM2 (rM2):  
Short, low-density reverbera-  
tion.  
STAGE1 (St1):  
More late reverberation.  
STAGE2 (St2):  
More early reflections.  
HALL1 (HL1):  
Clear reverberation.  
HALL2 (HL2):  
Rich reverberation.  
6
7
8
TAPE ECHO  
Simulates a tape-type echo  
unit of the past.  
RATE (rAt)  
Specifies the tape speed.  
INTENSITY (int)✩  
Specifies the amount of echo re-  
peat.  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
CHORUS  
Adds spaciousness and rich-  
ness to the sound.  
DEPTH (dPt)  
Adjusts the depth of modula-  
tion.  
RATE (rAt)  
Adjusts the rate of modulation.  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
FILTER+DRIVE  
CUTOFF (CoF)  
RESONANCE (rES)✩  
DRIVE (drV)✩  
A low-pass filter with over-  
drive. It cuts the high frequen-  
cies and adds distortion.  
Adjusts the frequency that will  
be cut.  
Adjusts peak frequency re-  
sponse at the cutoff frequency.  
Adds distortion.  
9
DISTORTION  
DRIVE (drV)✩  
TONE (ton)✩  
LEVEL (LEV)✩  
Intensely distorts the sound.  
OVERDRIVE  
Mildly distorts the sound.  
FUZZ  
Adjusts the degree of distortion.  
DRIVE (drV)✩  
Adjusts the degree of distortion.  
DRIVE (drV)✩  
Adjusts the tone.  
TONE (ton)✩  
Adjusts the tone.  
TONE (ton)✩  
Adjusts the volume.  
LEVEL (LEV)✩  
Adjusts the volume.  
LEVEL (LEV)✩  
10  
11  
Adds overtones and intense-  
ly distorts the sound.  
Adjusts the degree of distortion.  
Adjusts the tone.  
Adjusts the volume.  
12  
OCTAVE  
-2OCT LEVEL (oC2)  
-1OCT LEVEL (oC1)  
DIRECT LEVEL (dir)  
Adds a pitch at lower oc-  
taves.  
Adds a pitch two octaves be-  
low.  
Adds a pitch one octave below.  
Adjusts the volume of the direct  
sound.  
55  
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Appendix  
Number  
13  
Type  
SLICER+FLG  
CTRL 1 function (display)  
TIMING PTN (P01–P16) (*1)  
CTRL 2 function (display)  
RATE (t32–t1) (*2)  
CTRL 3 function (display)  
FEEDBACK (Fdb)✩  
Repeatedly cuts the sound. A  
flanger is added.  
The timing at which the sound is  
cut.  
Adjusts the length of TIMING  
PTN.  
Adjusts the flanger depth.  
14  
15  
16  
RING MOD  
Gives the sound a metallic  
character.  
FREQUENCY (Frq)✩  
Adjusts the pitch of the metallic  
sound.  
SENS (SEn)✩  
Adjusts the depth to which the  
frequency is modulated.  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
PITCH  
Changes the pitch.  
PITCH (Pit)  
Adjusts the amount of pitch  
change.  
FEEDBACK (Fdb)✩  
Adjusts the amount of pitch-shift-  
ed sound that is fed back.  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
CHROMATIC PS  
PITCH1 (- C– CC)  
PITCH2 (- C– CC)  
BALANCE (bAL)  
A two-voice pitch shifter that  
changes the pitch in semi-  
tone steps.  
Changes pitch 1 in semitone  
steps over a +/-1 octave range.  
Changes pitch 2 in semitone  
steps over a +/-1 octave range.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
: The depth of these parameters will be limited if you turn on “Effect Limit mode” (p. 20).  
For FLANGER and PHASER, you can use [MFX] + CTRL 1 knob to adjust the volume balance between the direct sound and effect sound.  
*
*1: You can select the following patterns by turning the CTRL knob.  
P01  
P09  
P10  
P11  
P12  
P13  
P14  
P15  
P16  
P02  
P03  
P04  
P05  
P06  
P07  
P08  
The TIMING PTN interval will synchronize to the tempo of the longest sample of the samples to which the effect is being applied. However,  
if a pattern is playing, the interval will synchronize to the tempo of the pattern.  
You can use RATE to adjust the synchronization speed as follows.  
RATE maximum (turn the CTRL 2 knob all the way to the right): One cycle of TIMING PTN corresponds to one measure.  
RATE minimum (turn the CTRL 2 knob all the way to the left): One cycle of TIMING PTN corresponds to a 32nd note.  
By turning the CTRL 2 knob you can change this to any value from a 32nd note up to one measure.  
*2: RATE is specified as a note value relative to the tempo of the longest sample of the samples to which the effect is being applied.  
Note values that you can specify:  
32nd note (t32) / 16th note (t16) / 8th note triplet (t8t) / dotted 16th note (t16.) / 8th note (t8) / quarter note triplet (t4t) / dotted 8th  
note (t8.) / quarter note (t4) / half note triplet (t2t) / dotted quarter note (t4.) / half note (t2) / dotted half note (t2.) / whole note (t1)  
If a pattern is playing, the tempo of the pattern is used as the reference. If a pattern is playing, or if “Effect tempo mode” (p. 20) is set  
to synchronize to the tempo of the pattern sequencer, the tempo of the pattern is used as the reference.  
56  
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Appendix  
MFX bank B  
Number  
Type  
CTRL 1 function (display)  
CTRL 2 function (display)  
CTRL 3 function (display)  
1
COMP  
SUSTAIN (SUS)  
ATTACK (Atk/rEL)✩  
LEVEL (LEV)✩  
Makes the sound more con-  
sistent.  
Adjusts the depth of the com-  
pressor.  
Adjusts the attack. If Limit mode  
is on (rEL), this adjusts the re-  
lease.  
Adjusts the volume.  
2
3
EQUALIZER  
Adjusts the volume of each  
frequency region.  
LOW (Lo )✩  
Adjusts the low-frequency vol-  
ume.  
MID (Mid)✩  
Adjusts the mid-frequency vol-  
ume.  
HIGH (Hi )✩  
Adjusts the high-frequency vol-  
ume.  
C.CANCELER  
L-R BALANCE (L-r)  
LOW BOOST (Lo )  
HIGH BOOST (Hi )  
Cancels the vocal or other  
sound located in the center.  
Adjusts the point at which maxi-  
mum cancellation occurs.  
Boosts the low-frequency  
sounds located in the center,  
such as the bass.  
Boosts the high-frequency  
sounds.  
4
5
6
SUBSONIC  
PITCH (Pit)  
Adjusts the frequency of the sine  
wave.  
THRESHOLD (tHr)  
Adjusts the volume at which the  
sine wave will begin sounding.  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Adds a low-frequency sine  
wave based on the volume  
being input to the effect (*2).  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
LO-FI COMP  
LO-FI TYPE (tyP)  
Adjusts the audio degradation.  
PRE FILTER TYPE (FLt)✩  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Degrades the audio quality.  
A compressor is also provid-  
ed.  
Selects the type of filter located  
before the input to the Lo-Fi ef-  
fect.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
NOISE GEN  
WHITE NOISE (WHt)  
DISC NOISE (diS)  
HUM NOISE (HUM)  
Applies a lo-fi effect, and  
also adds noises such as  
white noise and record  
noise.  
Adjusts the volume of the “hiss”  
noise.  
Adjusts the volume of the “pop”  
noise.  
Adjusts the volume of the “hum”  
noise.  
7
RADIO TUNING  
DETUNE (tUn)  
NOISE LEVEL (noS)  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Simulates sound heard from  
a radio.  
Adjusts the tuning drift of the ra-  
dio.  
Adjusts the volume of noise.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
8
VINYL SIM  
FREQUENCY RANGE (rnG)  
NOISE LEVEL (noS)  
WOW/FLUTTER (FLU)  
Simulates sound heard from  
an analog record.  
Adjusts the frequency response  
of the playback system.  
Adjusts the volume of noise.  
Adjusts the rotational instability  
of the analog record.  
9
DIST+PAN  
DRIVE (drV)  
TONE (ton)  
PAN (PAn)  
Monaural distortion, with ad-  
justable panning.  
Adjusts the degree of distortion.  
Adjusts the panning.  
Adjusts the panning.  
10  
11  
12  
13  
OD+PAN  
Monaural overdrive, with ad-  
justable panning.  
AMP SIM  
Simulates a guitar amp.  
DRIVE (drV)  
Adjusts the degree of distortion.  
TONE (ton)  
Adjusts the tonal character.  
PAN (PAn)  
Adjusts the panning.  
AMP TYPE (JC –FUZ)  
Selects the type of amp (*3).  
VOLUME (VoL)  
Adjusts the amp volume and de-  
gree of distortion.  
BIT (bit)✩  
Adjusts the bit depth.  
SPEAKER TYPE (SL1–3St)  
Selects the type of speaker (*4).  
BIT CRASH  
Produces an extreme lo-fi ef-  
fect.  
SAMPLE RATE (rAt)  
Adjusts the sample rate.  
FILTER (FLt)  
Adjusts the filter depth.  
STEP FILTER  
STEP PTN (P01–P16)  
RATE (t32–t1)*1  
RESONANCE (rES)✩  
A filter that varies the cutoff  
frequency in a stepwise man-  
ner.  
Selects the pattern in which the  
cutoff frequency will change.*6  
Adjusts the length of the STEP  
PTN.  
Adjusts peak frequency re-  
sponse at the cutoff frequency.  
14  
STEP RING MOD  
STEP PTN (P01–P16)✩  
RATE (t32–t1)*1  
BALANCE (bAL)  
A ring modulator that varies  
the modulated frequency in a  
stepwise manner.  
Selects the pattern in which the  
modulated frequency will  
change.*6  
Adjusts the length of the STEP  
PTN.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
57  
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Appendix  
Number  
15  
Type  
BPM LOOPER  
CTRL 1 function (display)  
LENGTH (LEn)✩  
CTRL 2 function (display)  
TIMING (oFF,1–8)  
CTRL 3 function (display)  
LOOP SW (oFF/on)  
Loops the input sound over a  
short period.  
Adjusts the length of the loop.  
looped sound will automatically  
start sounding (in 8th note inter-  
vals) (*5). Set this to “oFF” if  
you don’t want the loop to play  
automatically.  
If you turn this on while the  
sound is heard, the sound at  
that point will be looped. Turn  
this off to defeat looping.  
16  
REVERSE  
DELAY TIME (t32–t1)*1  
FEEDBACK (Fdb)✩  
Adds a delayed and re-  
versed version of the input  
sound.  
Adjusts the length of time that  
the reversed sound will be re-  
peated.  
Adjusts the number of times that  
the reversed sound will be re-  
peated.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and ef-  
fect sound.  
: The depth of these parameters will be limited if you turn on “Effect Limit mode” (p. 20).  
*1: RATE is specified as a note value relative to the tempo of the longest sample of the samples to which the effect is being applied.  
Note values that you can specify:  
32nd note (t32) / 16th note (t16) / 8th note triplet (t8t) / dotted 16th note (t16.) / 8th note (t8) / quarter note triplet (t4t) / dotted 8th  
note (t8.) / quarter note (t4) / half note triplet (t2t) / dotted quarter note (t4.) / half note (t2) / dotted half note (t2.) / whole note (t1)  
If a pattern is playing, the tempo of the pattern is used as the reference. If a pattern is playing or if “Effect tempo mode” (p. 20) has  
been set to synchronize to the tempo of the pattern sequencer, the tempo of the pattern is also used as the reference.  
*2: Turn the CTRL 3 balance toward 12 o’clock, turn the CTRL 1 pitch all the way to the right, and use CTRL 2 to adjust the threshold so that the  
sine wave is sounded appropriately according to the input source. When you’ve finished setting the threshold, adjust the pitch and balance.  
This is a convenient way to supplement the kick drum.  
*3: JC-120( JC)/ CLEAN TWIN(CLn)/ MATCH DRIVE(Mdr)/ BG LEAD( bG)/ MS1959(I MS1)/ MS1959II(MS2)/ MS1959I+II(MS3)/ SLDN  
LEAD(SLd)/ METAL 5150(Mt1)/ METAL LEAD(Mt2)/ OD-1(od1)/ OD2 TURBO(od2)/ DISTORTION(dSt)/ FUZZ(FUZ)  
*4: SMALL1(SL1)/ SAMLL2(SL2)/ MIDDLE(MID)/ JC-120( JC)/ BUILT IN1(bL1)/ BUILT IN2(bL2)/ BUILT IN3(bL3)/ BUILT IN4(bL4)/ BUILT  
IN5(bL5)/ BG STACK1(bG1)/ BG STACK2(bG2)/ MS STACK1(MS1)/ MS STACK2(MS2)/ METAL STACK(MtL)/ 2STACK(2St)/  
3STACK(3St)  
*5: The TIMING cycle will synchronize to the tempo of the longest sample to which the effect is being applied. However, if a pattern is playing,  
it will synchronize to the tempo of the pattern.  
*6: The pattern cycle will synchronize to the tempo of the longest sample to which the effect is being applied. However, if a pattern is playing,  
it will synchronize to the tempo of the pattern.  
You can use RATE to adjust the synchronization speed as follows.  
RATE maximum (turn the CTRL 2 knob all the way to the right): One cycle of TIMING PTN corresponds to one measure.  
RATE minimum (turn the CTRL 2 knob all the way to the left): One cycle of TIMING PTN corresponds to a 32nd note.  
By turning the CTRL 2 knob you can change this to any value from a 32nd note up to one measure.  
58  
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Appendix  
Quick reference of operations  
Sampling operations  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Play a sample  
Pad [1]–[16]  
Play the external input sound  
Set the volume of the external input  
Record a sample  
[MIC] /[LINE IN]  
MIC LEVEL knob / LINE IN LEVEL knob  
[SAMPLING]Pad [1]–[16][SAMPLING] (press [SAMPLING] to stop sampling)  
[CANCEL] + [SAMPLING]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
Make auto sampling settings  
Cancel auto sampling  
Set the BPM for sampling  
[CANCEL] + [SAMPLING]set CTRL3 knob to Min [SAMPLING]  
In sampling standby mode, [TIME/BPM]CTRL2 knob[TIME/BPM]  
Sampling standby  
Sample with a count-in  
Resampling  
In sampling standby mode [START/END/LEVEL][SAMPLING]  
[RESAMPLE]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]Pad [1]–[16] [SAMPLING]  
Pad [1]–[16] (press [SAMPLING] to stop resampling)  
Set the volume of a sample  
Pad [1]–[16][START/END/LEVEL]  
CTRL3 knob (press [START/END/LEVEL] to end the setting)  
Set the start/end points  
Set only the start point  
Set only the end point  
Adjust the start/end point  
Cancel the specified start/end points  
Truncate  
Pad [1]–[16][MARK][MARK]  
Pad [1]–[16][MARK]Pad [1]–[16] (same pad as initial one)  
[MARK] + Pad [1]–[16][MARK]  
Pad [1]–[16][START/END/LEVEL] CTRL1 knob (Start) / CTRL2 knob (End)  
(with [MARK] lit) Pad [1]–[16](during playback) [MARK]  
Pad [1]–[16][DEL][MARK][DEL]  
Specify a sample’s BPM  
Time Modify setting  
Pad [1]–[16][TIME/BPM]CTRL2 knob ( [TIME/BPM] ends the setting)  
Pad [1]–[16][TIME/BPM]CTRL1 knob ( [TIME/BPM] ends the setting)  
Exchange samples between pads  
[DEL] + [SAMPLING]Specify the exchange-source pad Specify the exchange-destina-  
tion pad [SAMPLING]  
Copy samples between pads  
[DEL] + [RESAMPLE]specify the copy-source pad specify the copy-destination pad  
[SAMPLING]  
Delete an individual sample  
Delete all samples  
[DEL]Pad [1]–[16][DEL]  
[CANCEL] + [DEL]Bank [A]–[B] (internal)/[C/G]–[F/J] (card)[DEL]  
View remaining sampling time  
View current pad  
[REMAIN]  
[REMAIN]  
Stop all sounding samples  
Rapidly press [CANCEL] four times  
Effect operations  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Select MFX type (1)  
Select MFX type (2)  
Effect grab  
Specify effect send for a sample  
Effect send for Mic or Line In  
[MFX] + CTRL3 knob  
While holding down [MFX], Bank [A]/[B]Pad [1]–[16]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + effect button  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + Pad [1]–[16]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [MIC]/[LINE IN]  
59  
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Appendix  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Specify effect send for USB  
Specify effect send for D Beam Synth  
Effect send for current bank  
Effect send for all samples  
Effect assign mode  
Check the previous effect  
Set the parameters of the effect to use next  
Effect limit mode  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [CANCEL] + [MIC]/[LINE IN]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [SYNTH]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + Pad [1] + [16]/ Pad [4] + [13]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [SUB PAD]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [REMAIN]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN]  
[REMAIN] + CTRL1 knob / CTRL2 knob / CTRL3 knob  
[CANCEL] + [MFX]  
Effect knob control  
[CANCEL] + [SUPER FILTER]  
Reset an effect’s tempo synchronization to the tempo of  
the synthesizer  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [TAP TEMPO]  
Effect tempo mode  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [PATTERN SELECT]  
Call up an Effect Memory  
Store an Effect Memory  
[EFFECT MEMORY]Pad [1]–[16]  
[EFFECT MEMORY][SAMPLING]Pad [1]–[16][SAMPLING]  
[EFFECT MEMORY][REMAIN] + Pad [1]–[16]  
Check the content of an Effect Memory  
Loop Capture operations  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Record Loop Capture  
Play back Loop Capture  
Overdub Loop Capture  
Specify the Loop Capture volume  
Delete a Loop Capture recording (1)  
Delete a Loop Capture recording (2)  
Sample a Loop Capture to a pad  
[REC] ( [REC] to stop recording, and [PLAY] to move to playback)  
(with a loop recorded) [PLAY] ( [PLAY] to stop)  
(with a loop recorded) [REC] ( [REC] to play back, [PLAY] to stop)  
[PLAY][START/END/LEVEL]CTRL3 knob ( [START/END/LEVEL] to end settings)  
[DEL][PLAY][DEL]  
[EFFECT ASSIGN] + [REC]  
[SAVE TO PAD]Pad [1]–[16][SAVE TO PAD]  
Pattern operations  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Play a pattern  
[PATTERN SELECT]Pad [1]–[16]  
During playback, select the pattern to play next  
During playback, switch the pattern immediately  
Stop the pattern (1)  
During pattern playback Pad [1]–[16]  
During pattern playback [SUB PAD] + Pad [1]–[16]  
[CANCEL]  
Stop the pattern (2)  
[PATTERN SELECT]Pad [1]–[16] (the pad of the currently playing pattern)  
[PATTERN SELECT][TIME/BPM]CTRL2 knob ( [TIME/BPM] ends the setting)  
[TAP TEMPO] + CTRL2 knob  
Press [TAP TEMPO] four or more times (display will temporarily show the pattern tempo)  
[TAP TEMPO] + Pad [1]–[16] (BPM of that pad’s sample is assigned)  
Sequencer tempo setting (1)  
Sequencer tempo setting (2)  
Sequencer tempo setting (tap tempo)  
Sequencer tempo setting (copy tempo from pad)  
Record a pattern  
[PATTERN SELECT][SAMPLING]Pad [1]–[16][SAMPLING]  
( [CANCEL] to stop recording)  
Quantize setting  
During pattern recording standby / during recording [QUANTIZE]CTRL3 knob  
( [QUANTIZE] ends the setting)  
Specify the length of the pattern  
Metronome on/off  
During pattern recording standby [LENGTH]CTRL3 knob ( [LENGTH] ends the setting)  
[METRONOME]  
Specify metronome volume  
[METRONOME] + CTRL3 knob  
60  
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Appendix  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Rehearse pattern recording  
Delete playback data  
While recording a pattern [SAMPLING]  
While recording a pattern [DEL]Pad [1]–[16]/[HOLD] (delete performances of all pads)  
Exchange patterns between pads  
[PATTERN SELECT][DEL] + [SAMPLING]specify exchange-source pad  
specify exchange-destination pad [SAMPLING]  
Copy patterns between pads  
[PATTERN SELECT][DEL] + [RESAMPLE]specify copy-source pad  
specify copy-destination pad [SAMPLING]  
Delete an individual pattern  
Delete all patterns  
[PATTERN SELECT][DEL]Pad [1]–[16][DEL]  
[PATTERN SELECT][CANCEL] + [DEL]Bank [A]–[B] (internal) /[C/G]–[F/J] (card)  
[DEL]  
Play/stop patterns in sync with external sequencer  
(when MIDI synchronization mode is Auto Sync)  
[PATTERN SELECT][HOLD] + Pad [1]–[16](start/stop the external sequencer)  
D-Beam controller operations  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
D Beam Synth settings  
[SYNTH] + Pad [1]–[8] (select a sound)  
[SYNTH] + Pad [9]–[16] (select the Delay)  
[SYNTH] + CTRL1 knob (specify the Key Shift)  
[SYNTH] + CTRL2 knob (specify the Scale)  
[SYNTH] + CTRL3 knob (specify the Level)  
D Beam Filter settings  
[FILTER] + Pad [1]/[5]/[7]/[13] (LPF)  
[FILTER] + Pad [2]/[6]/[10]/[14] (HPF)  
[FILTER] + Pad [3]/[7]/[11]/[15] (BPF)  
[FILTER] + Pad [4] (NOTCH)  
D Beam Trigger settings  
D Beam Sens setting  
[TRIGGER] + Pad [1]–[16] (select a pad)  
[TRIGGER] + CTRL3 knob (specify the Velocity)  
[CANCEL] + [SYNTH]/[FILTER]/[TRIGGER]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
System settings  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Specify the blinking speed of the display illumination  
Specify the MIDI channel  
MIDI Thru setting  
[TAP TEMPO] + Power On CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
[PATTERN SELECT] + Power On Bank [A]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
[PATTERN SELECT] + Power On Bank [B]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
[TIME/BPM] + Power On Bank [A]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
[TIME/BPM] + Power On Bank [B]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
[TIME/BPM] + Power On Bank [C]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
[CANCEL] + [DEL] + [REMAIN] + Power On [SAMPLING]  
MIDI synchronization mode setting  
MIDI synchronization source setting  
Tx MIDI Sync setting  
Initialize internal memory  
Disable protect  
Bank A–J protect  
[REMAIN] + Power On  
Bank A protect  
[REMAIN] + Bank [A] + Power On  
Check the version number  
Set the internal processing level  
Roll Resolution setting  
[MARK] + Power On  
[CANCEL] + [START/END/LEVEL] + CTRL3 knob  
[ROLL] + CTRL3 knob  
Pad Velocity setting  
[FIXED VELOCITY] + CTRL3 knob  
Pad Sens setting  
[CANCEL] + [FIXED VELOCITY]CTRL3 knob [SAMPLING]  
Pedal Assign setting  
[CANCEL] + Pedal CTRL3 knob[SAMPLING] (for details on each setting, refer to  
“About the pedal” (p. 68))  
61  
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Appendix  
CompactFlash card operations  
To accomplish this  
Format a CompactFlash card  
Import an audio file  
Export an audio file  
Settings for exported audio files  
Backup save  
Do this  
[CANCEL] + [REMAIN]Bank [C/G]–[F/J][DEL]  
[CANCEL] + [RESAMPLE][SAMPLING]Pad [1]–[16][SAMPLING]  
[CANCEL] + [RESAMPLE][RESAMPLE]Pad [1]–[16][SAMPLING]  
[RESAMPLE] + Power On CTRL3 knob[SAMPLING]  
[CANCEL] + Bank [C/G]–[F/J]Pad [1]–[16] (specify the area)[SAMPLING]  
[CANCEL] + Bank [A]–[B]Pad [1]–[16] (specify the area)[SAMPLING]  
[DEL] + Bank [C/G]–[F/J]Pad [1]–[16] (specify the area) [DEL]  
Backup load  
Backup delete  
USB MIDI/audio interface operations  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
USB Audio Input Sw setting  
USB Audio Output Source setting  
Hold down [CANCEL], and [MIC]CTRL3 knob  
Hold down [CANCEL], and [LINE IN]CTRL3 knob  
V-LINK operations  
To accomplish this  
Do this  
Turn V-LINK On/Off  
[V-LINK]  
Switch clips or palettes  
Switch the pad mode (Clip/Palette)  
Switch between V-LINK Ctrl Ach/Bch/Cch  
Reset the image  
Pad [1]–[16]  
[V-LINK] + [EFFECT MEMORY]  
[V-LINK] + Bank [A]–[C/G]  
[V-LINK] + [FIXED VELOCITY]  
V-LINK settings  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK] (for details on settings, refer to “About V-LINK” (p. 52))  
62  
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Appendix  
Parameters that can change the start-up state  
Parameter  
Range (display indication)  
Panel operation  
Remarks  
Fixed Velocity  
16–127  
(“ 16”–“127”)  
[FIXED VELOCITY] + CTRL 3 knob  
Specifies the velocity value when FIXED VELOCITY (p.  
16) is on. After making the setting, press [FIXED VE-  
LOCITY] + [SAMPLING] to save it.  
Pad Sens  
Light, Midium, Heavy  
(“-L-”, “-M-”, “-H-”)  
Specifies the pad sensitivity (p. 16). After making the  
setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
[CANCEL] + [FIXED VELOCITY]  
CTRL 3 knob  
Roll Resolution  
quarter note, quarter note triplet,  
8th note, eighth note triplet, 16th  
note, 16th note triplet, 32nd note,  
32nd note triplet  
(“ 4 “, “4.3”, “ 8 “, “8.3”, “16  
“, “16.3”, “32 “, “32.3”)  
[ROLL] + CTRL 3 knob  
Specifies the roll speed when ROLL (p. 16) is on. After  
making the setting, press [ROLL] + [SAMPLING] to save  
it.  
Effect Tempo  
Mode  
Standerd, Sequencer  
(“Std”, “SEq”)  
[CANCEL] + [TAP TEMPO]  
CTRL 3 knob  
Specifies whether the tempo of the effect will follow the  
pad or pattern sequencer (Standard) or will always fol-  
low the pattern sequencer (Sequencer) (p. 20). After  
making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
Effect Assign  
Mode  
Auto, Manual  
(“AUt”, “MAn”)  
Specifies whether a pad’s EFFECT ASSIGN will auto-  
matically switch to follow the current pad (Auto), or is  
changed only by [EFFECT ASSIGN] + Pad (Manual).  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
[CANCEL] + [EFFECT ASSIGN]  
CTRL 3 knob  
MIDI ch  
1–15  
(“C. 1”–“C.15”)  
Specifies the MIDI transmit/receive channel (p. 71). Af-  
ter making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
[PATTERN SELECT] + Power On  
Bank [A] CTRL 3 knob  
MIDI Through  
Sync Mode  
Sync Source  
Off/On  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
[PATTERN SELECT] + Power On  
Bank [B] CTRL 3 knob  
[TIME/BPM] + Power On  
Bank [A] CTRL 3 knob  
[TIME/BPM] + Power On  
Bank [B] CTRL 3 knob  
(“oFF”/“ on”)  
Auto Sync, Tempo Sync, Off  
(“AUt”, “tmP”, “oFF”)  
Specifies the MIDI synchronization mode (p. 69). After  
making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
MIDI, USB  
(“Mid”, “USb”)  
Specifies whether the SP-555 will synchronize to the  
MIDI clock from the MIDI connector (MIDI), or the MIDI  
clock from USB MIDI (USB). After making the setting,  
press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
Tx MIDI Sync  
D Beam Sens  
Off/On  
[TIME/BPM] + Power On  
Turns MIDI clock transmission on/off. After making the  
setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
(“oFF”, “ on”)  
Bank [C] CTRL 3 knob  
0–127  
(“ 0”–“127”)  
[CANCEL] + [SYNTH]/[FILETR]/  
[TRIGGER] CTRL 3 knob  
Adjusts the sensitivity of the D Beam controller. After  
making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
V-LINK Ctrl  
Ach  
1–16  
(“C. 1”–“C.16”)  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Bank [A] CTRL 3 knob  
This can also be changed by Pad [1]–[16]. After mak-  
ing the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
V-LINK Ctrl  
Bch  
1–16  
(“C. 1”–“C.16”)  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Bank [B] CTRL 3 knob  
This can also be changed by Pad [1]–[16]. After mak-  
ing the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
V-LINK Ctrl  
Cch  
1–16  
(“C. 1”–“C.16”)  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Bank [C/G] CTRL 3 knob  
This can also be changed by Pad [1]–[16]. After mak-  
ing the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
V-LINK Sw  
Mode  
Standerd, MD-P1  
(“Std”, “MdP”)  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
[FIXED VELOCITY]  
CTRL 3 knob  
Specifies what will happen when V-LINK is switched  
on/off. With the Standard setting, only the V-LINK On/  
Off message is sent. Set this to MD-P1 when using the  
“MD-P1.” After making the setting, press [SAMPLING]  
to save it.  
CTRL 1 Assign  
CTRL 2 Assign  
CTRL 3 Assign  
Off, 1–30  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Sw bellow CTRL 1  
CTRL 3 knob  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Sw below CTRL 2  
CTRL 3 knob  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Sw below CTRL 3  
CTRL 3 knob  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“ 30”)  
Off, 1–30  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“ 30”)  
Off, 1–30  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“ 30”)  
63  
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Appendix  
Parameter  
Range (display indication)  
Panel operation  
Remarks  
D Beam As-  
sign  
Off, 1–30  
(“oFF”, “ 1”–“ 30”)  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
[SYNTH]/[FILTER]/[TRIGGER]  
CTRL 3 knob  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
Seq Ach Ctrl  
Pad Bank  
Off, Bank A–J  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
(“off”, “b. A”–“b. J”)  
Bank [D/H] CTRL 3 knob  
Seq Bch Ctrl  
Pad Bank  
Off, Bank A–J  
(“off”, “b. A”–“b. J”)  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Bank [E/I] CTRL 3 knob  
[CANCEL] + [V-LINK]  
Bank [F/J] CTRL 3 knob  
[TAP TEMPO] + Power On  
CTRL 3 knob  
Seq Cch Ctrl  
Pad Bank  
Off, Bank A–J  
(“off”, “b. A”–“b. J”)  
Blinking  
Off, 1–9, Pattern  
(“off”, “ 1”–“ 9”, “Ptn”)  
speed of the  
display illumi-  
nation  
Sample Ex-  
port Type  
WAV, AIFF  
(“WAV”, “AIF”)  
[RESAMPLING] + Power On  
CTRL 3 knob  
Select the format for sample export. After making the  
setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
Pedal Assign  
Loop Capture Play/Overdub,  
Loop Capture Play/Stop, Seq  
Start/Stop, Fixed Velocity, Effect  
On/Off  
(“LC.1”, “LC.2”, “SEq”, “VEL”,  
“EF.S”)  
[CANCEL] + press the pedal  
CTRL 3 knob  
After making the setting, press [SAMPLING] to save it.  
For details on each setting, refer to “About the pedal”  
(p. 68).  
Error message list  
Message  
Explanation  
EJC(Eject)  
Processing is not possible because the memory card was removed.* Don’t remove the card while the pow-  
er is on.  
EMP(Empty)  
There is no sample, pattern, or backup data to delete.  
There is no backup data to load.  
There is no WAV or AIFF to import.  
There is no data to export as WAV or AIFF.  
Err(Error)  
Invalid data was found in internal memory, and it was repaired or deleted.  
FUL(Memory Full)  
Prt(Protected)  
Processing could not be performed because of insufficient memory.  
Processing could not be performed because Protect is enabled.  
UnS(Unsupported format)  
Processing was halted because the WAV or AIFF was in a format not supported by the SP-555.  
64  
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Appendix  
Troubleshooting  
This section lists some items to check and actions to take if  
you experience problems. Refer to the section appropriate  
for your situation.  
No sound or insufficient volume from  
equipment connected to LINE IN  
Is [LINE IN] lit?  
To play sounds from the line input, press [LINE IN] so it’s lit.  
Could the external input level be lowered?  
Turn the LINE IN LEVEL knob to adjust the level  
appropriately. (p. 22)  
No sound / Insufficient volume  
Has the power to the SP-555 and your connected  
equipment been turned on?  
Could the volume of the device connected to LINE IN be  
lowered?  
Adjust the level appropriately.  
Are the SP-555 and your external equipment connected  
correctly?  
Check the connections.  
Is the audio cable connected correctly?  
Check the connection.  
Could an audio cable be broken?  
Could the audio cable be broken?  
Could you be using an audio cable that contains a built-in  
resistor?  
Use a connection cable that does not contain a built-in  
resistor (such as one from the Roland PCS series).  
Could you be using an audio cable that contains a built-in  
resistor?  
Use a connection cable that does not contain a built-in  
resistor (such as the Roland PCS series).  
Could the volume of the connected amp or mixer be turned  
down?  
Adjust the volume to an appropriate level.  
No sound or insufficient volume from a  
mic  
Could the SP-555’s volume be lowered?  
Adjust the volume to an appropriate level.  
Is [MIC] lit?  
Check whether you hear sound in your headphones.  
If you hear sound in your headphones, the connection cable  
may be broken, or there may be a problem with the  
connected amp or mixer. Check the connections and the  
connected equipment.  
To play sound from the mic input, press [MIC] to make the  
pad light.  
Could the external input level be lowered?  
Turn the MIC knob to adjust the level appropriately.  
Is the mic cable connected correctly?  
Check the connections.  
If you’re using a CompactFlash card, is the card inserted  
correctly?  
Check the CompactFlash card.  
Could the mic cable be broken?  
The sample will play when you press a lit pad. No sample is  
assigned to a pad that is unlit.  
The mic picks up noise  
The MIC volume can’t be turned down to zero  
Could the sample level be lowered?  
If you’re not using the mic, turn [MIC] off.  
Adjust the level of the sample. (p. 28)  
Could the effect level be lowered?  
For some effect types, the level can be adjusted by a control  
knob. For details on effect types and the control knob  
assignments, refer to “Effect list” (p. 54).  
65  
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Appendix  
Can’t sample  
Sound is distorted when you save a Loop  
Capture phrase  
Could there be insufficient memory?  
If there is insufficient memory, the display will indicate “FUL”  
(Memory Full) when you attempt to sample. Delete unneeded  
samples to increase the amount of free memory. (p. 23)  
Did you save at an appropriate level?  
When you overdub repeatedly, the phrase level may  
increase, causing distortion when you save it to a pad.  
Adjust the level when saving the sound to a pad. (p. 27)  
Is the CompactFlash card inserted correctly?  
If you’re sampling to sample banks C–J, make sure that the  
CompactFlash card is inserted correctly. (p. 45)  
An inserted CompactFlash card is not  
recognized, or its data cannot be  
selected  
Is the CompactFlash card formatted correctly?  
Format the CompactFlash card using the SP-555. (p. 45)  
Are samples assigned to all pads?  
You can’t sample if there are no vacant pads. Delete  
unwanted samples to free up some pads. (p. 23)  
Check the CompactFlash card. (p. 45)  
Could [PATTERN SELECT] be lit?  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you’re recording patterns, and  
will not be able to sample.  
Is the CompactFlash card an appropriate type?  
You can use CompactFlash cards with a capacity between  
32 MB and 2 GB. Other cards cannot be used. (p. 44)  
Press [PATTERN SELECT] so its light is turned off.  
Is the CompactFlash card formatted correctly?  
CompactFlash cards formatted by a device other than the SP-  
555 cannot be used. Please format the CompactFlash card.  
(p. 45)  
Could [DEL] be lit or blinking?  
If [DEL] is lit or blinking, you are deleting samples, and will  
not be able to sample.  
Excessive noise or distortion in the  
sampled sound  
Data is not saved correctly in the SP-  
Is the input level appropriate?  
It is possible that the power was turned off while data  
was being written into internal memory (i.e., while the  
dot was blinking in the display). The lost data cannot  
be recovered.  
In this case, it is possible that all data in internal memory has  
been destroyed. Additional malfunctions may occur if you  
attempt to continue using the SP-555. Please initialize the  
internal memory. (p. 50).  
The sampled sound will be distorted if the input level is too  
high, and if the level is too low there will be excessive noise.  
Adjust the level so that the PEAK indicator lights  
occasionally.  
Are the effect settings appropriate?  
Some types of effect will make the level higher than the  
original sample, or may distort the sound itself. Some effects  
also emphasize the noise. Try turning the effect off, and  
check whether the noise or distortion is present in the original  
sample itself. Then adjust the effect settings appropriately.  
* When you initialize the memory, all data in internal memory  
will be lost.  
Could you be playing more than one sample  
simultaneously?  
Even if the level of each sample is appropriate, playing  
multiple samples simultaneously will raise the overall level  
excessively, possibly causing distortion. Lower the level of  
each sample to avoid distortion.  
66  
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Appendix  
Data is not saved correctly in the  
CompactFlash card  
It is possible that the power was turned off while data  
was being written into the CompactFlash card (i.e.,  
while the dot was blinking in the display). The lost data  
cannot be recovered.  
In this case, it is possible that all data in the CompactFlash  
card has been destroyed. Additional malfunctions may occur  
if you attempt to continue using the card. Please format the  
CompactFlash card. (p. 45).  
will be lost.  
Pattern sequencer does not synchronize  
to an external MIDI device  
Have you made the correct settings so that the pattern  
sequencer can synchronize?  
Check the settings. (p. 69)  
Is the external MIDI device set to transmit MIDI clock  
messages?  
Some devices have a setting that turns MIDI clock  
transmission on/off. Also, some external devices, such as  
sequencers, transmit MIDI clock only during playback.  
Does the tempo of the external MIDI device exceed the  
tempo range to which the SP-555 is able to synchronize?  
The SP-555 can synchronize to a tempo in the 40–200  
range. It may be unable to synchronize to a tempo that is  
outside this range.  
67  
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Appendix  
About the pedal  
If you connect a pedal switch (DP series; sold separately) to the rear panel PEDAL jack, you’ll be able to perform the following  
operations by pressing the pedal.  
Function  
Action  
Operation  
REC/OVERDUB/PLAY  
loop capture  
Press the pedal to cycle through the choices,  
which are: recordplayoverdubplay.  
Rapidly press the pedal twice to stop.  
While holding down [CANCEL], press the pedalturn the CTRL 3 knob  
to get the display to indicate “LC.1.” Press [SAMPLING] to confirm.  
PLAY/STOP loop cap-  
ture  
Press the pedal to cycle through the choices,  
which are: playstopplay.  
While holding down [CANCEL], press the pedalturn the CTRL 3 knob  
to get the display to indicate “LC.2.” Press [SAMPLING] to confirm.  
PLAY/STOP pattern se-  
quencer  
Press the pedal to cycle through the choices,  
which are: playstopplay.  
While holding down [CANCEL], press the pedalturn the CTRL 3 knob  
to get the display to indicate “SEq.” Press [SAMPLING] to confirm.  
Turn FIXED VELOCITY  
on/off  
Press the pedal to toggle between on/off for  
FIXED VELOCITY.  
While holding down [CANCEL], press the pedalturn the CTRL 3 knob  
to get the display to indicate “VEL.” Press [SAMPLING] to confirm.  
Turn the effect on/off  
Press the pedal to turn the effect on/off.  
While holding down [CANCEL], press the pedalturn the CTRL 3 knob  
to get the display to indicate “EF.S.” Press [SAMPLING] to confirm.  
Attaching the stand (sold separately)  
1. Using the screws located on the bottom of the SP-555,  
attach the stand holder of the PDS-10 pad stand (sold  
separately) as shown in the illustration.  
* You must use these screws. Using any other screws will cause  
malfunctions.  
When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of  
newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four  
corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and  
controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or  
controls get damaged.  
When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to avoid  
dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.  
2. Attach the SP-555 to the PDS-10 pad stand.  
For details on assembling the pad stand or attaching the  
stand holder, refer to the owner’s manual of the pad  
stand.  
If you attach the SP-555 to the PDS-10, you must spread the  
legs of the PDS-10 to their full extent. You must set up the stand  
so that the total height including the SP-555 itself does not  
exceed one meter.  
This stand for use only with specific Roland musical  
instruments. See apparatus instructions. Use with other  
models is capable of resulting in instability causing possible  
injury.  
68  
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Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment  
Synchronizing the SP-555  
with another MIDI device  
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and is a  
global standard that allows electronic musical instruments  
and computers to exchange performance data. The SP-555  
is compatible with MIDI, and provides two MIDI connectors,  
MIDI IN and MIDI OUT. By connecting these connectors to  
other MIDI devices you can create a wide range of setups.  
1. While holding down [TIME/BPM], turn on the power.  
2. Press bank [A].  
The display will indicate “Mod,” and then the MIDI  
synchronization mode will be displayed.  
Synchronization will operate according to the MIDI  
synchronization mode.  
“MIDI Implementation” (p. 72) is a chart that provides an  
easy way of checking which MIDI messages the SP-555 is  
able to receive. By comparing the MIDI implementation charts  
of the SP-555 and some other MIDI device, you can see which  
messages are compatible between the two devices.  
MIDI synchroni-  
zation mode  
Explanation  
“Aut”  
(Auto Sync)  
When MIDI clock is received, the SP-555 will au-  
tomatically synchronize its own tempo to it. If  
MIDI start/stop/continue messages are received,  
the pattern will start/stop playing.  
* MIDI start/stop/continue will not be received  
during pattern recording.  
“tMp”  
(Tempo Sync)  
When MIDI clock is received, the SP-555 will au-  
tomatically synchronize its own tempo to it. MIDI  
start/stop/continue messages will not be re-  
ceived.  
* Select this mode of operation if you want to  
play the SP-555’s patterns later at the desired  
timing in synchronization with the perfor-  
mance of your external MIDI sequencer, so  
that the two performances do not begin at the  
same time.  
“oFF”  
(Sync OFF)  
MIDI clock and start/stop/continue messages  
will not be received.  
* Select this mode of operation if you only want  
to play the SP-555’s samples using note mes-  
sages sent by your external MIDI sequencer.  
3. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to select the MIDI synchronization  
mode.  
With the factory settings this is set to “Aut.”  
4. Press [SAMPLING] so its light is turned off.  
This completes the MIDI synchronization mode setting.  
This setting will not change when you turn off the power.  
69  
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Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment  
Synchronizing the pattern  
Transmitting MIDI clock at  
the pattern tempo  
If you make this setting, the SP-555’s MIDI IN connector will  
transmit timing clock in synchronization with the pattern  
tempo, as well as synchronization-related MIDI messages  
(start, stop, continue).  
tempo and playback start/stop  
with an external MIDI sequencer  
With the factory settings, the SP-555 (whose MIDI  
synchronization mode will be set to “Aut”) can be connected  
to your external MIDI sequencer, and the external MIDI  
sequencer can control the start/stop and tempo of the  
pattern playback.  
If the SP-555 is synchronized to an external MIDI device, it will  
not transmit timing clock or synchronization-related MIDI  
messages.  
1. Use a MIDI cable to connect your external MIDI  
sequencer’s MIDI OUT connector to the SP-555’s MIDI  
IN connector.  
1. While holding down [TIME/BPM], switch on the SP-  
555’s power.  
2. Press BANK [C].  
2. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so the button is lit.  
The display will indicate “tH.”  
3. Press a BANK [A]–[F/J] button to select the bank of the  
3. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to turn MIDI clock transmission  
pattern you want to play.  
on/off.  
To select a pattern bank G–J, press BANK [C/G]–[F/J]  
once again so the button is blinking.  
If you turn this “on,” synchronization messages will be  
transmitted from the MIDI OUT connector and from the  
USB’s MIDI OUT.  
If no CompactFlash card is inserted, you won’t be able to  
select pattern banks C–J.  
4. Press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.  
4. While holding down [HOLD], press the pad of the  
pattern you want to play.  
In order to synchronize an external MIDI device to the SP-555,  
the MIDI device must be set to follow these synchronization  
messages. For details on these settings and how to make them,  
refer to the owner’s manual for your MIDI device.  
The pad of the specified pattern will light.  
If you simply press the pad without pressing [HOLD], the  
pattern will begin playing immediately.  
5. Start your external MIDI sequencer.  
The specified pattern will begin playing in  
synchronization with your external MIDI sequencer.  
The pattern tempo will synchronize to the tempo of your  
external MIDI sequencer.  
6. When you stop your external MIDI sequencer, the  
pattern will stop playing.  
If the pattern playback does not start when you start your  
external MIDI sequencer, or if the tempo does not synchronize  
to your external MIDI sequencer, it is possible that your  
external MIDI sequencer is not transmitting MIDI clock or start/  
continue/stop messages.  
Refer to the owner’s manual of your external MIDI  
sequencer and check its settings.  
70  
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Using the SP-555 with other MIDI equipment  
MIDI channel (Pad Base Ch.) and  
note numbers  
Use the following MIDI channels and note numbers when  
playing the SP-555’s samples from an external MIDI device,  
or when using the SP-555’s pads to play an external MIDI  
device.  
MIDI Thru setting  
1. While holding down [PATTERN SELECT], switch on the  
SP-555’’s power.  
2. Press BANK [B].  
The display will indicate “trU.”  
3. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to turn MIDI Thru on/off.  
If this is “on,” MIDI messages received at the MIDI IN  
connector or the USB MIDI input will be retransmitted  
(“thru-ed”) from the MIDI OUT connector.  
MIDI messages from the MIDI IN connector will be “thru-  
ed” to the USB MIDI output.  
MIDI Ch  
Note  
Note #  
Pad Base Ch  
Pad Base Ch+1  
B1  
:
D3  
35(23h)  
:
50(32h)  
[A] Pad1  
[F] Pad1  
:
:
Pad16  
Pad16  
The “thru-ed” MIDI messages will be merged with the  
pad performance and pattern sequencer performance,  
and sent to each MIDI output.  
Eb3  
:
F#4  
51(33h)  
:
66(42h)  
[B] Pad1  
[G] Pad1  
:
:
Pad16  
Pad16  
G4  
:
Bb5  
67(43h)  
:
82(52h)  
[C] Pad1  
[H] Pad1  
4. Press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.  
:
:
Pad16  
Pad16  
B5  
:
D7  
83(53h)  
:
98(62h)  
[D] Pad1  
[I]  
Pad1  
:
Pad16  
:
Pad16  
Eb7  
:
F#8  
99(63h)  
:
114(72h)  
[E] Pad1  
[J] Pad1  
:
:
Pad16  
Pad16  
Changing the MIDI channel (Pad Base  
Ch.)  
1. While holding down [PATTERN SELECT], switch on the  
SP-555’s power.  
2. Press BANK [A].  
The display will indicate “C.1.”  
3. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to specify the MIDI channel.  
4. Press [SAMPLING] to save the setting.  
You can’t change the MIDI channel used for transmission by  
the pattern sequencer. The pattern sequencer always operates  
under the assumption that Pad Base Ch. = 1.  
71  
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MIDI Implementation  
Model:  
Date:  
Version:  
SP-555  
May 01, 2007  
1.00  
System Realtime Message  
Timing Clock  
Status  
F8H  
1. Receive data  
*
This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO or TEMPO.  
Channel Voice Messages  
Start  
Status  
FAH  
*
For the correspondence between note numbers and pad banks, refer to “MIDI  
channel (Pad Base Ch.) and note numbers” (p. 71).  
Note Off  
Status  
8nH  
*
This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.  
2nd byte  
kkH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
Continue  
9nH  
kkH  
00H  
Status  
FBH  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
kk = note number: 23H - 72H (35 - 114)  
vv = note off velocity: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127)  
*
This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.  
Note On  
Status  
9nH  
Stop  
Status  
FCH  
2nd byte  
kkH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
kk = note number: 23H - 72H (35 - 114)  
vv = note on velocity: 01H - 7FH (1 - 127)  
*
This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.  
Active Sensing  
Status  
FEH  
Channel Mode Messages  
*
If the following channel mode message is received during realtime recording,  
note-off messages will be generated for all notes on the corresponding channel  
that are currently on, and those note-off messages will be recorded.  
2. Transmit data  
*
For details on the messages that are transmitted during V-LINK operation, refer to  
“About V-LINK” (p. 52).  
All Sounds Off (Controller number 120)  
Status  
BnH  
2nd byte  
78H  
3rd byte  
00H  
Channel Voice Messages  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
*
For the correspondence between note numbers and pad banks, refer to “MIDI  
channel (Pad Base Ch.) and note numbers” (p. 71).  
*
If the All Sound Off message is received, all notes will be silenced regardless of  
their channel.  
Note Off  
Status  
8nH  
2nd byte  
kkH  
3rd byte  
40H  
System Common Message  
Song Position Pointer  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
kk = note number: 23H - 72H (35 - 114)  
Status  
F2H  
2nd byte  
mmH  
3rd byte  
llH  
(mm ll: 00 00H - 7F 7FH (0 - 16383))  
*
This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.  
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MIDI Implementation  
Note On  
Status  
9nH  
Active Sensing  
Status  
FEH  
2nd byte  
kkH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
kk = note number: 23H - 72H (35 - 114)  
vv = note on velocity: 01H - 7FH (1 - 127)  
Control Change  
CTRL1 (Controller number 13)  
Status  
BnH  
2nd byte  
0DH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - EH (ch.1 - ch.15)  
vv = Control value: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127)  
CTRL2 (Controller number 14)  
Status  
BnH  
2nd byte  
0EH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - EH (ch.1 - ch.15)  
vv = Control value: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127)  
CTRL3 (Controller number 15)  
Status  
BnH  
2nd byte  
0FH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - EH (ch.1 - ch.15)  
vv = Control value: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127)  
System Realtime Message  
Timing Clock  
Status  
F8H  
*
This message is transmitted only if Tx MIDI Sync is ON.  
Start  
Status  
FAH  
*
This message is transmitted only if Tx MIDI Sync is ON.  
Continue  
Status  
FBH  
*
This message is transmitted only if Tx MIDI Sync is ON.  
Stop  
Status  
FCH  
*
This message is transmitted only if Tx MIDI Sync is ON.  
73  
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MIDI Implementation  
Model SP-555  
Date : May 01,2007  
Version : 1.00  
MIDI Implementation Chart  
Function...  
Default  
Transmitted  
Recognized  
Remarks  
Basic  
1–16  
1–16  
1–16  
1–16  
Channel Changed  
Default  
Messages  
Altered  
X
X
Mode 3  
X
Mode  
**************  
Note  
Number :  
35–114  
**************  
35–114  
35–114  
True Voice  
Note On  
Note Off  
O
X
O
X
Velocity  
After  
Touch  
Key's  
Channel's  
X
X
X
X
Pitch Bend  
X
X
13  
14  
15  
O
O
O
X
X
X
CTRL 1  
CTRL 2  
CTRL 3  
Control  
Change  
Program  
Change  
X
X
X
**************  
: True Number  
System Exclusive  
X
: Song Position  
: Song Select  
: Tune Request  
X
X
X
O
X
X
*2  
System  
Common  
System  
Real Time : Commands  
: Clock  
O
O
*1  
*1  
O
O
*3  
*2  
X
X
X
X
O
X
O
X
X
X
O
X
: All Sound Off  
: Reset All Controllers  
Aux  
Messages  
: Local On/Off  
: All Notes Off  
: Active Sensing  
: System Reset  
*1 Transmitted if Tx MIDI Sync is ON.  
*2 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO.  
Notes  
*3 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO or TEMPO.  
Mode 1 : OMNI ON, POLY  
Mode 3 : OMNI OFF, POLY  
Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO  
Mode 4 : OMNI OFF, MONO  
O : Yes  
X : No  
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Specifications  
Signal Processing  
AD Conversion: 24 bits  
SP-555: Sampler  
DA Conversion: 24 bits  
Maximum Polyphony  
12 voices  
Pads  
16 with velocity sensitivity  
Sampling Frequency  
44.1 kHz  
Controllers  
Control Knobs x 3, D Beam Controller  
Data Format  
SP-555 original format  
(WAV/AIFF import/export possible)  
Display  
7 segments, 3 characters (LED)  
Sampling Mode  
STANDARD, LO-FI  
Onboard Mic  
Mono x 1  
Maximum Sampling Time (mono, approx.)  
Connectors  
LINE INPUT Jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)  
LINE OUTPUT Jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)  
Headphones (PHONES) Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type)  
MIC Jack (1/4 inch phone type / XLR type, Hi-Z, phantom power)  
Pedal Jacl (1/4 inch phone type)  
Internal Memory  
* Including Pre-loaded Samples  
STANDARD  
11 min.  
LO-FI  
22 min.  
MIDI Connector (IN, OUT)  
USB Connector (supports USB MIDI and USB Audio)  
AC Adaptor Jack  
Memory Card (CompactFlash)  
Card capacity  
128 MB  
256 MB  
512 MB  
1 GB  
STANDARD  
48 min.  
96 min.  
193 min.  
386 min.  
772 min.  
LO-FI  
96 min.  
193 min.  
386 min.  
772 min.  
1544 min.  
Memory Card Slot (CompactFlash)  
Power Supply  
DC 9 V (AC Adaptor)  
Current Draw  
800 mA  
2 GB  
Internal Memory  
Samples: 32 (16 samples x 2 banks) * Including Pre-loaded Samples  
Patterns: 32 (16 patterns x 2 banks) * Including Pre-loaded Patterns  
Dimensions  
280.0 (W) x 263.7 (D) x 73.7 (H) mm  
11-1/16 (W) x 10-7/16 (D) x 2-15/16 (H) inches  
Memory Card (CompactFlash)  
Samples: 128 (16 samples x 8 banks)  
Patterns: 128 (16 patterns x 8 banks)  
Weight  
1.8 kg  
4 lbs  
(excluding AC Adaptor)  
Loop Capture  
Accessories  
Maximum recording time: approx. 15 sec.  
CD-ROM x2 (SONAR LE, WAVE CONVERTER/USB DRIVER)  
AC Adaptor  
Owner’s Manual  
Quick Start Guide  
Pattern Sequencer  
Maximum recordable  
notes  
Internal Memory:  
Approx. 8,000 notes  
* Including Pre-loaded Patterns  
Options  
Pedal Switch (DP-2)  
Foot Switch (BOSS FS-5U)  
Pad Stand (PDS-10)  
Memory Card (CompactFlash):  
Approx. 8,000 notes  
96 ticks per quarter note  
1–99 measures  
Realtime Loop Recording  
(with quantize function)  
Resolution  
Pattern Length  
Recording method  
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/  
or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior  
notice.  
Effects  
37 types  
75  
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A
backup data ........................................................................ 48  
pattern ............................................................................... 36  
AIF ........................................................................................... 64  
AiF ........................................................................................... 47  
Assign  
Effect ................................................................................. 19  
Preloaded samples .............................................................. 21  
AUt .......................................................................................... 63  
Auto  
FILTER ....................................................................................... 11  
FIXED VELOCITY .................................................................. 12, 16  
B
C
C.nL ......................................................................................... 19  
Card Slot .................................................................................. 13  
CHG ........................................................................................ 30  
Bank .................................................................................. 15  
Slot .................................................................................... 13  
Current  
L
LINE IN ..................................................................................... 10  
D
Delete  
on/off ................................................................................ 60  
pattern ............................................................................... 34  
MIC .......................................................................................... 10  
Mid .................................................................................... 33, 63  
MIDI ......................................................................................... 13  
Mod ......................................................................................... 69  
E
Effect ........................................................................................ 18  
Button ................................................................................ 11  
D BEAM ............................................................................. 11  
Knob ................................................................................. 11  
Limit mode .......................................................................... 20  
EFFECT GRAB ........................................................................... 20  
EFFECT MEMORY ...................................................................... 12  
EMP ......................................................................................... 46  
O
oFF ........................................................................................... 63  
out ............................................................................................ 42  
76  
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Index  
SUB PAD ............................................................................. 12, 33  
P
Pad  
Pattern  
Sequencer .......................................................................... 11  
switch ................................................................................ 33  
tempo ................................................................................ 33  
PEDAL ...................................................................................... 14  
PHONES .................................................................................. 13  
TAP TEMPO ....................................................... 11, 20, 23, 26, 29  
Tempo  
TIME/BPM ................................................................................. 12  
Auto Smpling ...................................................................... 22  
D BEAM ............................................................................. 11  
Q
R
rdY .................................................................................... 22, 27  
REC .......................................................................................... 11  
rEC ............................................................................... 22–23, 27  
U
Line In ................................................................................ 10  
Line Out .............................................................................. 11  
S
Sample  
Delete ................................................................................ 23  
Exchange ........................................................................... 30  
Loop .................................................................................. 17  
Playback region .................................................................. 28  
Polyphony .......................................................................... 15  
Resampling ......................................................................... 24  
Tempo ............................................................................... 20  
Volume .............................................................................. 28  
SAMPLING ............................................................................... 12  
WAV .................................................................................. 47, 64  
SAVE TO PAD ........................................................................... 12  
SEq ..................................................................................... 63–64  
77  
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For EU Countries  
For China  
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For the U.K.  
IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.  
BLUE:  
NEUTRAL  
BROWN: LIVE  
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying  
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:  
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.  
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.  
Under no circumstances must either of the above wires be connected to the earth terminal of a three pin plug.  
For EU Countries  
This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC.  
For the USA  
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION  
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential  
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in  
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee  
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.  
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.  
For Canada  
NOTICE  
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
AVIS  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
For the USA  
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY  
Compliance Information Statement  
Model Name :  
Type of Equipment :  
Responsible Party :  
Address :  
SP-555  
Sampler  
Roland Corporation U.S.  
5100 S. Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938  
(323) 890-3700  
Telephone :  
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Information  
When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland  
distributor in your country as shown below.  
PHILIPPINES  
CURACAO  
URUGUAY  
NORWAY  
JORDAN  
AFRICA  
G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc.  
339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue  
Makati, Metro Manila 1200,  
PHILIPPINES  
Zeelandia Music Center Inc.  
Orionweg 30  
Todo Musica S.A.  
Francisco Acuna de Figueroa  
1771  
Roland Scandinavia Avd.  
MUSIC HOUSE CO. LTD.  
Kontor Norge  
FREDDY FOR MUSIC  
P. O. Box 922846  
Amman 11192 JORDAN  
TEL: (06) 5692696  
EGYPT  
Al Fanny Trading Office  
9, EBN Hagar Al Askalany  
Street,  
ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis,  
Cairo 11341, EGYPT  
TEL: 20-2-417-1828  
Curacao, Netherland Antilles  
TEL:(305)5926866  
Lilleakerveien 2 Postboks 95  
Lilleaker N-0216 Oslo  
NORWAY  
C.P.: 11.800  
Montevideo, URUGUAY  
TEL: (02) 924-2335  
TEL: (02) 899 9801  
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  
Instrumentos Fernando Giraldez  
Calle Proyecto Central No.3  
Ens.La Esperilla  
Santo Domingo,  
Dominican Republic  
TEL:(809) 683 0305  
TEL: 2273 0074  
SINGAPORE  
SWEE LEE MUSIC  
COMPANY PTE. LTD.  
150 Sims Drive,  
SINGAPORE 387381  
TEL: 6846-3676  
KUWAIT  
EASA HUSAIN AL-YOUSIFI  
& SONS CO.  
Abdullah Salem Street,  
Safat, KUWAIT  
TEL: 243-6399  
VENEZUELA  
Instrumentos Musicales  
Allegro,C.A.  
Av.las industrias edf.Guitar  
POLAND  
ROLAND POLSKA SP. Z O.O.  
UL. Gibraltarska 4.  
PL-03 664 Warszawa  
POLAND  
REUNION  
Maison FO - YAM Marcel  
25 Rue Jules Hermann,  
Chaudron - BP79 97 491  
Ste Clotilde Cedex,  
import  
#7 zona Industrial de Turumo  
Caracas, Venezuela  
TEL: (212) 244-1122  
TEL: (022) 679 4419  
ECUADOR  
Mas Musika  
Rumichaca 822 y Zaruma  
Guayaquil - Ecuador  
TAIWAN  
ROLAND TAIWAN  
ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.  
Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung  
Shan N.Road Sec.2, Taipei,  
TAIWAN, R.O.C.  
LEBANON  
Chahine S.A.L.  
George Zeidan St., Chahine  
Bldg., Achrafieh, P.O.Box: 16-  
5857  
Beirut, LEBANON  
TEL: (01) 20-1441  
PORTUGAL  
Roland Iberia, S.L.  
Portugal Office  
Cais das Pedras, 8/9-1 Dto  
4050-465, Porto, PORTUGAL  
TEL: 22 608 00 60  
REUNION ISLAND  
TEL: (0262) 218-429  
TEL:(593-4)2302364  
SOUTH AFRICA  
T.O.M.S. Sound & Music  
(Pty)Ltd.  
2 ASTRON ROAD DENVER  
JOHANNESBURG ZA 2195,  
SOUTH AFRICA  
EUROPE  
EL SALVADOR  
OMNI MUSIC  
75 Avenida Norte y Final  
Alameda Juan Pablo II,  
Edificio No.4010 San Salvador,  
EL SALVADOR  
TEL: (02) 2561 3339  
AUSTRIA  
Roland Elektronische  
Musikinstrumente HmbH.  
ROMANIA  
FBS LINES  
Piata Libertatii 1,  
535500 Gheorgheni,  
ROMANIA  
OMAN  
THAILAND  
TALENTZ CENTRE L.L.C.  
Malatan House No.1  
Al Noor Street, Ruwi  
SULTANATE OF OMAN  
TEL: 2478 3443  
Theera Music Co. , Ltd.  
330 Soi Verng NakornKasem,  
New Road, Sumpantawongse,  
Bangkok 10100, THAILAND  
TEL: (02) 224-8821  
Austrian Office  
TEL: (011)417 3400  
Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 8,  
A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA  
TEL: (0512) 26 44 260  
TEL: 262-0788  
Paul Bothner(PTY)Ltd.  
Royal Cape Park, Unit 24  
Londonderry Road, Ottery 7800  
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA  
TEL: (021) 799 4900  
TEL: (266) 364 609  
GUATEMALA  
BELGIUM/FRANCE/  
HOLLAND/  
LUXEMBOURG  
Roland Central Europe N.V.  
Houtstraat 3, B-2260, Oevel  
(Westerlo) BELGIUM  
RUSSIA  
MuTek  
Dorozhnaya ul.3,korp.6  
117 545 Moscow, RUSSIA  
TEL: (095) 981-4967  
QATAR  
Al Emadi Co. (Badie Studio &  
Stores)  
P.O. Box 62, Doha, QATAR  
Casa Instrumental  
Calzada Roosevelt 34-01,zona 11  
Ciudad de Guatemala  
Guatemala  
AUSTRALIA/  
NEW ZEALAND  
TEL:(502) 599-2888  
TEL: 4423-554  
ASIA  
CHINA  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
SLOVAKIA  
HONDURAS  
Almacen Pajaro Azul S.A. de C.V.  
BO.Paz Barahona  
3 Ave.11 Calle S.O  
San Pedro Sula, Honduras  
TEL: (504) 553-2029  
AUSTRALIA/  
SAUDI ARABIA  
aDawliah Universal  
Electronics APL  
Corniche Road, Aldossary  
Bldg., 1st Floor, Alkhobar,  
31952 SAUDI ARABIA  
TEL: (014) 575811  
DAN Acoustic s.r.o.  
Povazská 18.  
NEW ZEALAND  
Roland Corporation  
Australia Pty.,Ltd.  
38 Campbell Avenue  
Dee Why West. NSW 2099  
AUSTRALIA  
CROATIA  
ART-CENTAR  
Degenova 3.  
HR - 10000 Zagreb  
TEL: (1) 466 8493  
SK - 940 01 Nové Zámky  
TEL: (035) 6424 330  
Co.,Ltd.  
5F. No.1500 Pingliang Road  
Shanghai 200090, CHINA  
TEL: (021) 5580-0800  
SPAIN  
Roland Iberia, S.L.  
Paseo García Faria, 33-35  
08005 Barcelona SPAIN  
TEL: 93 493 91 00  
MARTINIQUE  
Musique & Son  
Z.I.Les Mangle  
97232 Le Lamantin  
Martinique F.W.I.  
TEL: 596 596 426860  
P.O.Box 2154, Alkhobar 31952  
SAUDI ARABIA  
TEL: (03) 898 2081  
CZECH REP.  
CZECH REPUBLIC  
DISTRIBUTOR s.r.o  
Voctárova 247/16  
CZ - 180 00 PRAHA 8,  
CZECH REP.  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
Co.,Ltd.  
(BEIJING OFFICE)  
10F. No.18 3 Section Anhuaxili  
Chaoyang District Beijing  
100011 CHINA  
For Australia  
Tel: (02) 9982 8266  
For New Zealand  
Tel: (09) 3098 715  
SYRIA  
Technical Light & Sound  
Center  
Rawda, Abdul Qader Jazairi St.  
Bldg. No. 21, P.O.BOX 13520,  
Damascus, SYRIA  
SWEDEN  
Roland Scandinavia A/S  
SWEDISH SALES OFFICE  
Danvik Center 28, 2 tr.  
S-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN  
TEL: (0)8 702 00 20  
Gigamusic SARL  
10 Rte De La Folie  
97200 Fort De France  
Martinique F.W.I.  
TEL: 596 596 715222  
TEL: (2) 830 20270  
TEL: (010) 6426-5050  
CENTRAL/LATIN  
AMERICA  
DENMARK  
HONG KONG  
Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd.  
Service Division  
22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen  
Wan, New Territories,  
HONG KONG  
TEL: (011) 223-5384  
Roland Scandinavia A/S  
Nordhavnsvej 7, Postbox 880,  
DK-2100 Copenhagen  
DENMARK  
SWITZERLAND  
Roland (Switzerland) AG  
Landstrasse 5, Postfach,  
CH-4452 Itingen,  
SWITZERLAND  
TEL: (061) 927-8383  
ARGENTINA  
Instrumentos Musicales S.A.  
Av.Santa Fe 2055  
(1123) Buenos Aires  
ARGENTINA  
TEL: (011) 4508-2700  
TURKEY  
ZUHAL DIS TICARET A.S.  
Galip Dede Cad. No.37  
Beyoglu - Istanbul / TURKEY  
TEL: (0212) 249 85 10  
MEXICO  
Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v.  
Av. Toluca No. 323, Col. Olivar  
de los Padres 01780 Mexico  
D.F. MEXICO  
TEL: 3916 6200  
TEL: 2415 0911  
FINLAND  
Roland Scandinavia As, Filial  
Finland  
Elannontie 5  
FIN-01510 Vantaa, FINLAND  
TEL: (0)9 68 24 020  
Parsons Music Ltd.  
TEL: (55) 5668-6699  
U.A.E.  
Zak Electronics & Musical  
Instruments Co. L.L.C.  
Zabeel Road, Al Sherooq Bldg.,  
No. 14, Ground Floor, Dubai,  
U.A.E.  
UKRAINE  
EURHYTHMICS Ltd.  
P.O.Box: 37-a.  
Nedecey Str. 30  
UA - 89600 Mukachevo,  
UKRAINE  
8th Floor, Railway Plaza, 39  
Chatham Road South, T.S.T,  
Kowloon, HONG KONG  
TEL: 2333 1863  
BARBADOS  
NICARAGUA  
Bansbach Instrumentos  
Musicales Nicaragua  
Altamira D'Este Calle Principal  
de la Farmacia 5ta.Avenida  
1 Cuadra al Lago.#503  
Managua, Nicaragua  
A&B Music Supplies LTD  
12 Webster Industrial Park  
Wildey, St.Michael, Barbados  
TEL: (246)430-1100  
GERMANY  
Roland Elektronische  
Musikinstrumente HmbH.  
Oststrasse 96, 22844  
Norderstedt, GERMANY  
TEL: (040) 52 60090  
INDIA  
Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd.  
411, Nirman Kendra  
Mahalaxmi Flats Compound  
Off. Dr. Edwin Moses Road,  
Mumbai-400011, INDIA  
TEL: (022) 2493 9051  
TEL: (04) 3360715  
TEL: (03131) 414-40  
BRAZIL  
Roland Brasil Ltda.  
Rua San Jose, 780 Sala B  
Parque Industrial San Jose  
Cotia - Sao Paulo - SP, BRAZIL  
TEL: (011) 4615 5666  
UNITED KINGDOM  
TEL: (505)277-2557  
Roland (U.K.) Ltd.  
Atlantic Close, Swansea  
Enterprise Park, SWANSEA  
SA7 9FJ,  
NORTH AMERICA  
PANAMA  
SUPRO MUNDIAL, S.A.  
Boulevard Andrews, Albrook,  
Panama City, REP. DE  
PANAMA  
GREECE/CYPRUS  
STOLLAS S.A.  
Music Sound Light  
155, New National Road  
Patras 26442, GREECE  
TEL: 2610 435400  
CANADA  
Roland Canada Ltd.  
(Head Office)  
5480 Parkwood Way  
Richmond B. C., V6V 2M4  
CANADA  
UNITED KINGDOM  
TEL: (01792) 702701  
INDONESIA  
PT Citra IntiRama  
Jl. Cideng Timur No. 15J-15O  
Jakarta Pusat  
INDONESIA  
TEL: (021) 6324170  
CHILE  
Comercial Fancy II S.A.  
Rut.: 96.919.420-1  
Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor  
Santiago - Centro, CHILE  
TEL: (02) 688-9540  
TEL: 315-0101  
PARAGUAY  
Distribuidora De  
Instrumentos Musicales  
J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira  
Asuncion PARAGUAY  
TEL: (595) 21 492147  
MIDDLE EAST  
TEL: (604) 270 6626  
HUNGARY  
KOREA  
Roland East Europe Ltd.  
Warehouse Area ‘DEPO’ Pf.83  
H-2046 Torokbalint,  
HUNGARY  
BAHRAIN  
Moon Stores  
No.1231&1249 Rumaytha  
Building Road 3931, Manama  
339 BAHRAIN  
COLOMBIA  
Centro Musical Ltda.  
Cra 43 B No 25 A 41 Bododega 9  
Medellin, Colombia  
Roland Canada Ltd.  
(Toronto Office)  
170 Admiral Boulevard  
Mississauga On L5T 2N6  
CANADA  
Cosmos Corporation  
1461-9, Seocho-Dong,  
Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA  
TEL: (02) 3486-8855  
TEL: (23) 511011  
PERU  
Audionet  
Distribuciones Musicales SAC  
Juan Fanning 530  
Miraflores  
TEL: (574)3812529  
TEL: 17 813 942  
TEL: (905) 362 9707  
IRELAND  
Roland Ireland  
G2 Calmount Park, Calmount  
Avenue, Dublin 12  
Republic of IRELAND  
TEL: (01) 4294444  
MALAYSIA  
COSTA RICA  
JUAN Bansbach Instrumentos  
Musicales  
Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado  
10237,  
San Jose, COSTA RICA  
TEL: 258-0211  
Roland Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.  
45-1, Block C2, Jalan PJU 1/39,  
Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling  
Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA  
TEL: (03) 7805-3263  
IRAN  
MOCO INC.  
No.41 Nike St., Dr.Shariyati Ave.,  
Roberoye Cerahe Mirdamad  
Tehran, IRAN  
U. S. A.  
Roland Corporation U.S.  
5100 S. Eastern Avenue  
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938,  
U. S. A.  
Lima - Peru  
TEL: (511) 4461388  
TRINIDAD  
AMR Ltd  
Ground Floor  
Maritime Plaza  
Barataria Trinidad W.I.  
TEL: (868) 638 6385  
TEL: (021) 285-4169  
TEL: (323) 890 3700  
ITALY  
Roland Italy S. p. A.  
Viale delle Industrie 8,  
20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY  
TEL: (02) 937-78300  
VIET NAM  
Suoi Nhac Company, Ltd  
370 Cach Mang Thang Tam St.  
Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City,  
VIET NAM  
ISRAEL  
Halilit P. Greenspoon & Sons  
Ltd.  
8 Retzif Ha'alia Hashnia St.  
Tel-Aviv-Yafo ISRAEL  
TEL: (03) 6823666  
TEL: 9316540  
As of May 1, 2007 (ROLAND)  
04672023  
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