Do you have a question about the TD-6 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Mark
April 13, 2025
How do I set up one single pad to a certain drum sound
1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
April 13, 2025
To set up a single pad to a specific drum sound on the Roland TD-6:
1. Press [KIT], then press [EDIT]. 2. Strike the pad you want to set. The setting screen for that pad appears. 3. Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select the desired instrument (drum sound). 4. Adjust other parameters if needed (e.g., level, pan, decay). 5. When finished, press [KIT] to exit and save the settings.
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Owner's Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland Percussion Sound Module TD-6. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 2–3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 4–5). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.
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 “Infor- mation” page. •...
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• Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when: • The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has been damaged;...
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. Memory Backup 501b •...
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials. • Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions.
Front Panel ... 16 Rear Panel ... 18 Making the Settings...19 Mounting the TD-6 to the Stand ... 19 Connecting the Pads and the Pedals ... 20 About Polarity Switch... 21 Connecting Two Pads to Trigger Inputs 5/6 (TOM2/AUX) and 7/8 (TOM3/4)... 21 Connecting Two Kick Trigger Units ...
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Using the Pads to Play Songs...52 Playing with a CD, Tape, or MD (Using MIX IN Jack) ...53 Using the TD-6 As a General MIDI Sound Module...54 Advanced Use ... 55 Chapter 1 Creating Your Own Drum Kit ...(Kit Edit) ...56 About Drum Kits and the Drum Kit Screen ...
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Cancelling Incorrect Triggering...(Retrigger Cancel) ... 75 Double Triggering Prevention...(Mask Time)... 75 Setting Rim Sensitivity on the PD-120 and PD-80R...(Rim Sens) ... 76 Using the TD-6 with Acoustic Triggers ... 76 Chapter 3 Global Settings for the TD-6 ...(SETUP/UTILITY, Making the Global Settings ...(UTILITY)... 77 Display Contrast Adjustment ...(LCD Contrast) ...
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Backing Instruments Volume Control...(Backing Level)... 78 Muting Parts of a Song...(Mute) ... 78 Tuning the TD-6...(Master Tune) ... 78 Preview Volume Control...(Preview Velocity) ... 79 Checking the Remaining Amount of Memory...(Available Memory) ... 79 Restoring the Factory Settings ...(Factory Reset)... 79 Chapter 4 Setting the Metronome ...(Click Edit)...80...
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Chapter 8 Features Using MIDI and Setting Examples ...105 About Transmitting/Receiving Program Changes ... 105 Triggering an External Sound Device by Playing the TD-6 ... 105 Combining with an External MIDI Sequencer... 106 Importing Sequence Data from an External MIDI Device to the TD-6’s Internal Sequencer ...
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Pad Does Not Sound As Intended ... 113 Song Does Not Sound As Intended ... 114 Sound is distorted... 114 Problems Operating the TD-6 ... 115 Display Is Too Light Or Too Dark ... 115 Messages and Error Messages ...116 System and Battery Error Messages...
You also get 100 internal songs that you can use to record your own drum performances (User songs). 262 Backing Instruments The TD-6’s abundance of backing instruments allow you to record in a variety of musical genres. Rich Expression Cross Stick Technique Available (p. 37) Play Rim Shots (p.
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Sequencer (p. 106) Support for General MIDI (p. 54, p. 100) The TD-6 has a GM mode that can play back GM scores. This mode includes a function allowing you to mute the sound only of a specified part during playback of GM scores.
Preset songs. Advanced Use (p. 55) The TD-6 allows you use the drum kits you like to create new drum kits and to create songs from recordings of what you play. This section provides detailed explanations of all of the TD-6’s functions.
The screen displays information, indicating the drum kit name, song name, and settings etc. VOLUME Knob Adjusts the volume of the TD-6 (p. 25). Even when headphones are connected, sound will still be output from the various output jacks. Sequencer Section •...
[CLICK (TEMPO)] screen (p. 45, p. 49) [SHIFT] + For making overall settings for [EDIT (SETUP)] the TD-6 (Setup; p. 71, p. 77, p. [SHIFT] + [SONG] Displays the volume settings screen for the backing instruments (melodic and other instruments) (p. 48)
Use these connectors when using a MIDI sequencer, MIDI keyboard, or other MIDI device to play sounds with the TD-6, when using the TD-6 and pads to play sounds from an external MIDI sound generator, or when saving the TD- 6’s settings to, or loading settings from a MIDI...
Using the screws attached to the bottom panel, attach the holder so the unit is oriented as shown in the diagram. Use the 8 mm screws (M5 x 8) provided with the TD-6. Use of other screws may result in damage to the unit.
Using the provided cables, connect the pads, cymbal pads, hi-hat control pedal, and kick trigger unit. Carefully refer to the numbers shown in the illustration and connect to the appropriate TRIGGER INPUT jacks on the TD-6's rear panel. Setting Example fig.P-011.e...
About Polarity Switch If you are using the PD-7, PD-9, or KD-7, move the pad’s polarity switch to the “- (Roland)” position. For more detailed information regarding the polarity switch, refer to your PD-7, PD-9, or KD-7 owner’s manual. fig.P-011a.e...
In this case, raise the sensitivity for the trigger inputs to which the KD-7’s are connected (SETUP/TRIG BASIC/Sensitivity; p. 73). fig.P-013.e Output Jack TD-6 Rear Panel Output Jack Mix In Jack Kick Trigger Units (KD-7) Kick Pedals...
AC adaptor jack, anchor the power cord using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration. Using the TD-6’s MIX IN Jack, allows you to play along with a CD or other such sound input (p. 53).
Turning On/Off the Power Once the connections have been completed (p. 23), turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. fig.P-001 Turn the [VOLUME] knob completely to the left to lower the volume to the minimum level.
When Using an Amp or Audio System • Is the amp or audio system volume setting correct? • Are the TD-6 and the amp or audio system connected correctly? • Is there a problem with any connector cable? • Have the input select settings of your audio system or amp been...
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) This restores the pad and instrument settings, song data, and other information stored in the TD-6 to the original factory settings. fig.P-003 While holding down [SHIFT], press [EDIT (SETUP)]. [EDIT (SETUP)] lights. fig.P-004ai Press [ ] to select “FactoryReset.”...
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Only the settings for the currently selected drum kit are restored to the factory settings. ALL DRUM KITS: The settings for all of the TD-6’s internal drum kits are restored to the factory settings. ALL SONGS: All of the TD-6’s internal song data is restored to the factory settings.
Listening to the Demo Songs The TD-6 features four demo songs demonstrating the TD-6’s sounds and expressive capabilities. The drums played on the demo songs were played in real time into a sequencer. fig.P-029 While holding down [KIT], press [SONG].
Selecting the Pad Type Make the settings for the type of pads to be used (trigger type) to ensure that the TD-6 accurately receives what is being played on the pads. Set each trigger input as described below. Settings optimized for the TD-6K are provided in factory settings on the TD-6.
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Strike the pad you wish to set. The setting screen for the struck pad appears. Select the most suitable trigger type from the following chart for the pad you are using. Trigger Type PD-5 PD7/9 PD-6 PD-7 PD7/9 PD-9 PD7/9 PD-80 PD80/100 PD-80R...
Adjusting the Sensitivity of the Pad You may wish to adjust the sensitivity of the pads to accommodate your personal taste and style of performing. Adjusting the TD-6’s sensitivity allows you to change the correlation between your playing velocity (strength) and the response and volume of the sound.
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Press [ ] to select “Sensitivity.” fig.P-020_50 Strike the pad you wish to set. The setting screen for the struck pad appears. Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to adjust the sensitivity of the pads. Here you can make a setting of 1–16. Higher settings result in higher sensitivity, so that the pad will produce a loud volume even when struck softly.
Trigger Inputs and the Pads You Can Use Although you can use previous model pads, kick trigger units, and other such devices with the TD-6, there may be incompatibilities between pads and trigger inputs, which may prevent you from being able to perform on some pads.
Combinations of Pad and Trigger Type To enjoy full use of all the functionality offered by the TD-6 and your pads, be sure to review the following chart and select the pads best suited for your aims. fig.P-024a.e (KIK) KD-5...
(SETUP/TRIG BASIC/Xtalk Cancel; p. 74). • For details about “Other 1” and “Other 2,” refer to p. 72. • Use the “AcDrTrig” setting when you use acoustic drums to sound the TD-6. For details refer to “Using the TD-6 with Acoustic Triggers” (p. 76).
Playing the Pads Pad Head Shots and Rim Shots When you perform a head shot, the head instrument is played; rim shots produce the sound of the rim instrument. To play a rim shot, you must strike both the head and the rim of the pad simultaneously.
About the Pads Cymbal Bow Shots/Edge Shots/Bell Shots When you perform a bow shot, the head instrument is played; edge shots and bell shots produce the sound of the rim instrument. CY-6, CY-12H, CY-14C: Capable of bow shots and edge shots. CY-15R: In addition to bow shots, either edge shots or bell shots can be played.
Cymbal Choke By striking a pad and then squeezing the rim portion of the pad, you can mute the note while the note is still sounding. This performance technique is known as choking. fig.P-027.e Hi-Hat Control Pedal By connecting a hi-hat control pedal (the optional FD-7; or for the TD-6K exclusively, the FD-6), you can obtain consecutive control of the hi-hat’s opening and closing.
Choosing a Drum Kit The TD-6 comes with 99 preset drum kits. Now’s probably a good time for you to try out the drum kits by selecting and playing them. fig.Q-001 Press [KIT]. [KIT] lights, and the “DRUM KIT” screen appears.
Playing While Listening to the Metronome/Click Switching the Click On and Off Try using metronome (click). You can switch the click sound on and off by pressing [CLICK]. [CLICK] lights when set to play the sound. fig.Q-003.e Click is played Click is not played fig.Q-004a Press [CLICK].
Playing While Listening to the Metronome/Click Adjusting the Click Volume (Level) fig.Q-004 Confirm that [EDIT] is not lit. If [EDIT] lights, you can press [KIT] or [SONG] to turn it off. fig.Q-005 Press [CLICK]. [CLICK] lights, and the click sound begins to play. fig.Q-006 Press [EDIT].
Adjusting the Click Tempo fig.Q-008 Press [CLICK]. [CLICK] lights, and the click sound begins to play. fig.Q-006 While holding down [SHIFT], press [CLICK (TEMPO)]. The Tempo screen appears. fig.Q-009_50 Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select the tempo. When you finish making settings, press [EXIT] to end the procedure. The “Tempo”...
Playing Along with Songs Choosing a Song and Playing Back The TD-6 features a sequencer that can record and play back accompaniment tracks and drum performances. This sequencer comes loaded with 150 Preset (internal) songs. fig.Q-010 Choosing a Song Press [SONG].
Playing Back a Song Press the [PLAY ] button, and the song will begin playing. [PLAY ] lights. fig.Q-012 To stop playback of the song, press [STOP The [PLAY ] light goes out. fig.Q-013 When playback of a song is stopped, you can do the following. •...
Playing Along with Songs Adjusting the Song Volume You can adjust the song volume to correct the drum kit volume balance. Song volume consists of the two following adjustments. Backing Volume: Adjusts the volume of melodic instruments etc. other than percussion. Percussion Part Volume: Adjusts the volume of the drums and percussion sounds.
Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select the volume. When you finish making settings, press [SONG] to end the procedure. Temporarily Changing the Tempo of a Song You can temporarily change the tempo of a song while playback is in progress. The song returns to its preset tempo when a different song is selected.
Playing Along with Songs Muting the Pre-programmed Drums in Songs You can mute just the drums recorded in a song. So you can play along. Try this using Song #8, “URBAN.” fig.Q-019 4, 5 Press [SONG]. [SONG] lights, and the SONG screen appears. fig.Q-020ai Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select Song #8.
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Press the [PLAY ] button, and the song will begin playing. [PLAY ] lights. fig.Q-022 Press [PART MUTE]. [PART MUTE] lights, and the drum sound are muted. fig.Q-023 To hear the drums, press [PART MUTE] once more. The [PART MUTE] light goes out. fig.Q-023a Playing Along with Songs At the factory settings,...
Using the Pads to Play Songs The pads can also be set so that they start the performance of songs when struck (Pad Pattern function). This function is available only with electronic drums. The Pad Pattern function is already selected in Drum Kit #14, “1ManBand.” Use this kit to try out this function.
Playing with a CD, Tape, or MD (Using MIX IN Jack) Using the TD-6’s MIX IN jack allows you to play along with a CD or other external audio sources. Make the connections as shown in the following figure. fig.Q-027.e Headphones, audio equipment, amp, etc.
Using the TD-6 As a General MIDI Sound Module The TD-6 features GM mode, allowing it to play back GM scores (music data for GM sound generators) from an External Sequencer. The TD-6 has a function that lets you mute only the drum sounds in GM mode, making this a very useful feature.
Chapter 1 Creating Your Own Drum Kit Parameters That Can Be Set Here fig.01-001.e INST (Instrument Settings) (p. 60) Inst Level Pitch Decay AMBIENCE (Ambience Settings) Ambience Switch Ambience Send Level Studio Type Wall Type Room Size Ambience Level EQUALIZER (Equalizer Settings) Master Equalizer Switch...
You can make settings preventing the display from switching to the instrument’s settings screen even when the pad is struck. When the TD-6 is set so that the screen does not switch, the trigger input number appears in brackets ([ ]). For more detailed information, refer to “Locking the Setting Screen...
Helpful Functions for Edit Listening the INST (Instrument) assigned to a Pad (Preview) Even when no pad is connected to the TD-6, you can select trigger input numbers and make settings while checking out instrument sounds. The preview velocity is set in “Preview Velo (Preview Velocity)”...
Chapter 1 Creating Your Own Drum Kit (Kit Edit) Choosing an Instrument About the Instruments The TD-6 features 1,024 different instruments which are categorized into 13 separate groups, such as KICK, SNARE, and TOM. You can individually adjust the Level, Pan, Pitch, and Decay settings for instruments set to the pads.
Chapter 1 Creating Your Own Drum Kit (Kit Edit) Choosing an Instrument (Inst) Select the instrument you want to sound when the pad is struck. To see which instruments can be selected here, refer to “Drum Instrument List” (p. 120). No sound is played if the pads are struck when the instrument is set to “1024 OFF.”...
Adjusting the Volume of the Pad (Level) Adjusts the volume of the instrument. Raising the value will increase the volume. With a setting of “0,” no sound is produced. Make the adjustment here when correcting the volume balance between instruments. The pedal hi-hat volume is set in “Pedal HH Vol (Pedal Hi- Hat Volume)”...
AmbSendLevel (Ambience Send Level):0–127 Choose “Location” Where the Drums are Played (Studio Type) The TD-6 includes nine different internal Studio Types you can select for the drum “location.” Before you make detailed settings, use this setting to select the basic type of acoustic Value environment in which you will be playing.
Changing the Wall Surface Material (Wall Type) Select the surface material of the walls in the room in which the drums are played. fig.01-027_50 WallType (Wall Type): WOOD, PLASTER, GLASS WOOD: Simulates the sound of a wood-walled room producing a warm sound.
Chapter 1 Creating Your Own Drum Kit (Kit Edit) Equalizer Settings (EQUALIZER) A two-band equalizer (for high and low frequency ranges) is used to adjust the sound of each drum kit. An equalizer lets you boost or cut specified frequency ranges to adjust the tone.
Value by playing back with the song’s velocity changed (KIT/ CONTROL/Pad Ptn Velo; p. 65). • The TD-6 features auxiliary functions for songs set to One Shot Playback and Tap Playback. For more details, refer to “Quick Play” (SONG/COMMON/Quick Play; p. 87), “Reset Time”...
Playing Pads Connected to the TD-6 Specify the MIDI note numbers (key numbers on a keyboard) that will be transmitted by the TD-6 when the pads are struck. Set this to the note number of the sound that you wish to play on the external sound module or sampler.
99). When Setting Multiple Pads to the Same Note Number When using an external MIDI device to play TD-6 drum kits, if overlapping note numbers are received, the instrument assigned to the pad connected to the lowest-numbered trigger input is sounded.
Chapter 1 Creating Your Own Drum Kit (Kit Edit) Overall Drum Kit Settings (COMMON) Make the settings for each drum kit. 1. Confirm that [CLICK] is not lit. If this lights, press [CLICK] to extinguish it. 2. Press [KIT], then [EDIT]. [KIT] and [EDIT] light.
Naming the Drum Kit (Kit Name) Each kit can be given a name of up to 8 characters. Press [ ] or [ ] to move the cursor (under bar) to the character you want to change, then press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select the character.
Chapter 1 Creating Your Own Drum Kit (Kit Edit) Restoring the Factory Settings for the Edited Drum Kit You can restore reconfigured drum kits to their original factory conditions. Drum Kit Copy Function Follow the procedure described on p. 69 to select a drum kit marked with “...
Indicator (Maximum) Selecting the Pad Type (Trigger Type) To ensure that the TD-6 accurately receives signals sent from the pads, be sure to specify the trigger type (the type of pads being used). Set each trigger input as described below.
PD-120 PD120 • Use the “AcDrTrig” setting when you use acoustic drums to sound the TD-6. For details refer to “Using the TD-6 with Acoustic Triggers” (p. 76). • When using a pad made by another manufacturer, first select “PD7/9” and try playing the pad. (For a kick, select “KD Type.”) If, with this setting, the pad striking force...
Adjusting the Pad Sensitivity (Sensitivity) Adjust the sensitivity of the pad to regulate the pad response. Higher settings result in higher sensitivity, so that the pad will produce a loud volume even when struck softly. Adjust the “Sensitivity” value so that the strongest strikes cause the input indicator (p.
Chapter 2 Making the Pad and Trigger Settings (SETUP/TRIG) SPLINE: Extreme changes are made in response to the force used to strike the pad. fig.02-013.e Volume Striking Force SPLINE LOUD1, LOUD2: Changes made in response to the striking force are minor, maintaining a volume level at which it is easy to play.
Adjusting the Trigger Signal Detection Time (Scan Time) Since the rise time of the trigger signal waveform may differ slightly depending on the characteristics of each pad or acoustic drum trigger (drum pickup), you may notice that identical hits (velocity) may produce sound at different volumes.
Set this to as low a value as you can. 10. Set the “TrigCurve (Trigger Curve).” (SETUP/TRIG BASIC/TrigCurve; p. 73) If changes in playing dynamics do not produce a natural change in the volume of the TD-6 instrument, adjust this parameter.
(SETUP/UTILITY, Factory Reset) Display Contrast Adjustment (LCD Contrast) The display contrast is strongly influenced by the location of the TD-6 and the lighting of the room it’s in. Adjust this parameter when needed. A larger value results in a brighter screen. fig.03-004_50 LCD Contrast: 1–16...
• Note numbers for muted drum instruments are predetermined and cannot be changed. For more on muting note numbers, refer to the “Preset Percussion Set List” (p. 124). • Performances using the TD-6 and pads are recorded as a drum kit part. fig.03-006_50 Mute:...
TD-6 to the original factory settings. All data and settings stored in the TD-6 are lost in carrying out this operation. Use the “Bulk Dump” operation to save crucial data and settings to an external MIDI device (SETUP/BULK DUMP/Bulk Dump;...
Chapter 4 Setting the Metronome Parameters That Can Be Set Here fig.04-001.e CLICK (Click Settings) (p. 80) Click Level Time Signature Interval Inst Play Count In Rec Count In Switching the Click On/Off (Click) You can switch the click sound on and off by pressing [CLICK]. [CLICK] lights while the click sound is set to be played.
Setting the Time Signature (Time Signature) Specify the time signature of the click sound.When the numerator is set to “0,” no accent is added to the first beat. The metronome click sound then plays at a fixed volume. It is not possible to change the time signature of the metronome clicks while a song is playing back.
About Songs and the Song Screen About Songs The TD-6’s sequencer organizes music into six parts. The Drum Kit part is used to record/play back what is played on the pads. Additionally, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 are the four backing instrument parts (backing parts), and there is another Percussion part.
fig.05-001.e Song #250 Song #1 Overall Settings Tempo, Play Type, Song Lock, Song Name Part Settings Drum Kit Part (p. 56) Percussion Part Backing Part Part1 Part2 Part3 Part4 Part Settings Inst, Level, Pan*, Ambience Send Level, Bend Range* *: This setting cannot be made for percussion part Performance Data Drum Kit Part...
Chapter 5 Editing Songs (SONG Edit) Choosing a Song Part settings are switched when a song is selected. To see which songs can be selected here, refer to “Preset Song List” (p. 128). Choosing from a Category (Song Category) Select songs by searching the category names. 1.
Even when “9 Perc Only” or “10 Special” is selected for the percussion set, the buttons still light up according to the note numbers. • The correspondence between the lighted buttons and note numbers is predetermined and cannot be changed. •...
Chapter 5 Editing Songs (SONG Edit) Overall Song Settings (COMMON) Make the settings for each song. • If you want to save any changes made to Preset song settings, first copy the song to a User Song before making the changes (SONG/COPY; p. 90). Changes made to a Preset song are only temporary, so when you select a different song, the song reverts to its predetermined part settings.
[STOP ]. Since you can also lock unused User Songs, then in situations such as when using the TD-6 as a sound module, it’s a good idea to lock songs when you want to save their settings. ] appears in the Song screen when a User Song is locked.
Chapter 5 Editing Songs (SONG Edit) Naming a Song (Song Name) You can use up to eight characters when naming a User song. Press [ ] or [ ] to move the cursor (under bar) to the character you want to change, then press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select the character.
Select a percussion set for the percussion part and instruments for Parts 1–4. Percussion Part The TD-6 features ten Preset percussion sets that are ready to use. You cannot change the content of the Preset percussion sets. To see which percussion sets can be selected here, refer to the “Preset Percussion Set List”...
Chapter 5 Editing Songs (SONG Edit) Adjusting the Stereo Position (Pan) Adjusts the pan (the perceived location of the sound between the left and right speakers). The effect set here applies only when connected in stereo. Percussion parts do not feature the Pan setting. fig.05-027_50 Pan: L15–Center–R15 L15:...
7. Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select copy destination song. You can select a song that has not yet been used by holding down [SHIFT] and pressing [STOP User songs are indicated by “ ” in the display. fig.05-031ai.e Copy destination song 8.
Chapter 5 Editing Songs (SONG Edit) Erasing Performance Data in a Song (ERASE) This erases the User song. Only the performance data is erased, and the beat, measure length, parts, and the song’s other settings are left intact. You can also erase specific parts. 1.
The performance of the hi-hat control pedal is also recorded. • Sequencer cannot be used in GM mode (p. 100). • The amount that can be recorded to the TD-6 is limited. Please keep in mind that even though there are 100 user songs, the amount of memory available will be determined by how much data is recorded into each song.
Chapter 6 Recording a Song (Realtime Recording) How To Record (RECORDING STANDBY) 1. Prepare for recording using the procedure described in “Preparations for Recording” (p. 93). 2. Press [SONG] [REC [PLAY ] flashes, while [SONG], [REC [CLICK] light up. • If a Preset song is selected when you press [REC then a new User song is selected automatically.
Quantize During Recording (Quantize) “Quantize” is a function that corrects mistakes or discrepancies in the timing of the performance being recorded. Timing problems almost always occur when recording performances using pads, a MIDI keyboard, or other instruments. This function corrects timing mistakes and allows you to make recordings with accurate timing.
While using only pads with the TD-6, there is no need to have any detailed knowledge of MIDI. For those who wish to use MIDI keyboards to record patterns on the TD-6, use it as a...
Sound Module B Receive Channel: 2 When used as a sound module, the TD-6 can receive on up to six of the sixteen MIDI channels (16 channels in GM mode). Sound modules like the TD-6 which can receive multiple MIDI channels simultaneously to play different sounds on each channel are called “multi-timbral sound modules.”...
The TD-6’s tempo setting is used in playback and recording. EXT (EXTERNAL): The TD-6’s sequencer operates in accord with external tempo data. REMOTE: Playback begins, pauses, and stops in accord with data from the external device, but the TD-6’s tempo setting is used for the playback tempo.
When recording MIDI keyboard performances (p. 93) or loading external sequencer data to the TD-6 (p. 106), the data is stored to the sounded part according to this setting. fig.07-012.e...
GM score data (music files for General MIDI sound module). For more on the GM system, refer to p. 13. To ensure proper playback of GM scores, set the TD-6 to GM mode. Setting this to “ON” initializes the TD-6’s internal sound...
When saving data using Bulk Dump (p. 103), save using “17” as the TD-6 Device ID. When re-transmitting this data back to the TD-6, it won’t receive if the Device ID is set to something other than “17.” Even if you happen to have another TD-6 connected, data will not be received if the Device ID is set to something other than “17.”...
MIDI device. MIDI Channel Settings for a Part (MIDI PART) For each part, you can specify the channel on which the TD-6 will receive and transmit MIDI messages. At a setting of “1” through “16,” MIDI messages will be transmitted and received on that channel.
MIDI sequencer. use the external sequencer as you would when recording musical data, and perform the following steps on the TD-6 as shown in the following diagram. Bulk Dump is one kind of System Exclusive message. Be sure to use an external MIDI sequencer that is capable of recording System Exclusive messages.
This returns settings that have been saved to a sequencer or other external MIDI device back to the TD-6. At this time, the TD-6’s data is overwritten. Save any data you need to an external MIDI device before carrying out this operation.
Triggering an External Sound Device by Playing the TD-6 This sets the TD-6 so that the external MIDI sound module is sounded when the pads are struck. With this setting, both the TD-6 and the external sound module can play simultaneously.
4. Set “Sync Mode” to “EXT” in order to synchronize the TD-6 to the external sequencer. (SETUP/MIDI COMMON/Sync Mode) 5. Select one of the TD-6’s new User songs (p. 84). You can select a new User song by holding down [SHIFT] and pressing [STOP New User songs are indicated by “...
TD-6 is played. Using the TD-6 As a Sound Module Here, the TD-6 is used as a sound module. You can connect an external MIDI sequencer and play back songs or connect a MIDI-compatible keyboard or pads for performance.
Troubleshooting This section outlines points to check if you experience problems, and what to do about them. No Sound No Sound Has the [VOLUME] been lowered? Rotate the [VOLUME] knob to be sure. Is Local control set to “OFF?” (SETUP/MIDI COMMON/LocalControl; p. 98) Local Control should be set to “ON”...
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Precautions When Turning On the Power When the TD-6 is turned on, it carries out a check of the pads. If you strike a pad or press the pedal anytime during this process, the pads cannot be checked properly, resulting in incorrect functioning of the pads.
Is the volume level for each part set to “0?” (SONG/PART/Level; p. 89) Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to make the setting. TD-6 Not Playing Even During Performance of External Sequencer or Keyboard Is the part’s MIDI channel correct? Or is the channel set to “OFF?”...
(SETUP/TRIG BASIC/Sensitivity; p. 73) Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to make the setting. For fullest expression in performance, we recommend the exclusive use of Roland pads. Is the KD-80, KD-120, PD-80, PD-80R, PD-100 or PD-120 head tightened uniformly? Refer to the owner’s manual for the pad you are using, then adjust the head tension.
Troubleshooting Song Does Not Sound As Intended Song Sounds Odd Have the part settings been changed? (SONG/PART; p. 88) Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to make the settings. Playback Stops Immediately After Beginning Is the song playback type set to “TAP?” (SONG/COMMON/Play Type;...
Is GM Mode set to “ON?” (SETUP/MIDI COMMON/GM Mode; p. 100) Press [DEC/-] to set this to “OFF.” The sequencer does not function when the TD-6 is in GM mode. Cannot Record or Edit User Song Is Song Lock set to “ON?”...
2. Press [ENTER ] once again. Factory Reset is executed, enabling you to use the TD-6 temporarily. Carrying out a Factory Reset deletes all of the current TD-6’s data and settings, and returns them to the original factory settings. Backup Battery Low! fig.e-004_50...
Confirm that the external MIDI device is properly connected (p. 105). If this does not resolve the problem, reduce the amount of MIDI messages being transmitted to the TD-6. Data Transmitting... Please, Wait. fig.e-017_50 ] in the song screen Bulk data is being transmitted in response to an external request for transmission.
Drum Kit List Drum Kit Name Remark AcuStick Rock It! Groove Jazzy * x-stick Ballad X * x-stick TR-808 Brushes Tekno LatnPerc * Pad Pattern Orch Set HipHop JazzFunk Syn&Bass * Pad Pattern 1ManBand * Pad Pattern DryTight Guitars * Pad Pattern Mexi-Mix DrumSolo * Pad Pattern...
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Drum Kit Name Remark Club JzTheatr * x-stick TileRoom Garage GigaHall Cave Timbongo LowFi Scary Fibre Birch RoseWood Oyster Melody Kids Gospel PedalEFX Gate Science! CopprSnr No.: Drum Kit Number (Program Number) * x-stick: A velocity switching “snare rim” sound, that when played softly produces a cross stick sound, and when played harder produces a rim shot sound.
Drum Instrument List Name Remark KICK DblHeadK Sharp Acous Meat R8 Low K R8 Dry K WdBeatrK Open VintageK 26"DeepK ThickHdK Round Medium K BigRoomK BigLow K Studio1K Studio2K Studio3K Studio4K Studio5K Studio6K Studio7K Studio8K Buzz 1 K Buzz 2 K Buzz 3 K Buzz 4 K Buzz 5 K...
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Std2 1 S Std2 2 S Room 1 S Room 2 S Power1 S Power2 S Gate Jazz 2 S Jazz 3 S Funk Funk Picolo5S Pco5 Picolo6S Pco6 Medium5S Med5 Medium6S Med6 Medium7S Med7 Medium8S Med8 Fat3 Fat3 Fat4 Fat4 DynamicS Dynmc RS...
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Drum Instrument List Name Remark Elec Elec Elec Elec Elec Elec TR808 T1 TR808 T2 TR808 T3 TR808 T4 TR808 T5 TR808 T6 HI-HAT Pure PureEgHH BrightHH BritEgHH Jazz JazzEgHH RIDE Thin ThinEgHH Heavy HH HevyEgHH Light HH LigtEgHH Dark DarkEgHH 12"...
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KungFoo Pistol Gun Shot Glass Hammer Bucket Barrel TrashCan Af Stomp Bounce CuicaHit Monster AirDrive Car Door Car Cell CarEngin Car Horn MELODIC Helicptr Thunder Bomb Sticks Click Tamb FX Tek Clik Beep Hi Beep Low MetroBel MetroClk Snaps Clap NoizClap Tek Noiz Mtl Slap...
Backing Instrument List CC0 Name Voices PIANO Piano 1 Piano 1w Piano 1d Piano 2 Piano 2w Piano 3 Piano 3w Honky-tonk Honky-tonk w E. PIANO E.Piano 1 Detuned EP 1 60’s E.Piano FM+SA EP Hard Rhodes E.Piano 2 Bright FM EP CLAVI Harpsichord Coupled Hps.
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• To switch instruments from the external MIDI device, send “0” on the CC32# (Control Change Bank Select) from the external MIDI device to the TD-6. • The value of the CC32# (Control Change Bank Select) that the TD-6 transmits is always “0.”...
Preset Song List Name Time Sig Length Tempo DRUMS DRUMS ROCK 8BT’ROK1 8BT’ROK2 SHFL ROK FUNK ROK SLOW ROK URBAN UPBEAT TRIPLETS 16BT’ROK CYBER HARDROCK FNKYHR BOOGIE HARD POP METAL EARLYMTL SPEED1 SPEED2 THRASH BALLAD 6/8BLD POPBLD ROCK BLD PIANOBLD 16BT’BLD R&B OLD R&B1...
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Name Time Sig Length Tempo DANCE HIPHOP EUROBEAT HOUSE FUNK1 FUNK2 FUNK3 808HPHOP JAZZFUNK ACIDFUNK HPHPJAZZ TEKPOP DRUM’NBS REGGAE REGGAE1 REGGAE2 REGGAE3 REGGAE4 LATIN LATIN1 LATIN2 LATIN3 MAMBO MERENGUE SALSA1 SALSA2 SALSA3 SONGO TJANO BRAZIL BOSSA SAMBA1 SAMBA2 BASICPTN 8BEAT1 8BEAT2 8BEAT3 SHUFFL1...
KIT/COPY Parameter Src (p. 69) Copy Source Dst (p. 69) Copy Destination KIT/EXCHANGE Parameter Src (p. 70) Exchange Source Dst (p. 70) Exchange Destination Song Parameters SONG Parameter Song (p. 84) Song Song Category (p. 84) Song Category This setting cannot be made in GM mode. SONG/COMMON Parameter Tempo (p.
Parameter List SONG/COPY Parameter Src (p. 90) Dst (p. 90) This setting cannot be made in GM mode. SONG/DELETE Parameter Song (p. 91) This setting cannot be made in GM mode. SONG/ERASE Parameter Song (p. 92) Part (p. 92) This setting cannot be made in GM mode. Setup Parameters SETUP/UTILITY Parameter...
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SETUP/MIDI COMMON Parameter Note Chase (p. 98) Note Chase Local Control (p. 98) Local Control Sync Mode (p. 98) Sync Mode CH10Priorty (p. 99) Channel 10 Priority PdlDataThin (p. 99) Pedal Data Thin GM Mode (p. 100) GM Mode Rx GM ON (p. 100) Rx GM On Soft Thru (p.
Parameter List Click Parameters CLICK Parameter Click Level (p. 80) Time Sig (p. 81) Interval (p. 81) Inst (p. 81) Pan (p. 81) PlyCountIn (p. 81) RecCountIn (p. 81) This setting cannot be made in GM mode. Song Recording Recording Standby Parameter Time Sig (p.
= The value of the parameter specified by RPN. * Only the channel assigned to the backing part can be received. * Not recorded in the sequencer. On the normal mode of TD-6, RPN can be used to modify the following parameters. Data entry...
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Refer to "Examples of actual MIDI messages" <Example 4> (page 146). On the normal mode of TD-6, RPN can be used to modify the following parameters. Regarding the value of each parameter, refer to Data Entry (Controller number 6).
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= data: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127) F7H: EOX (End Of Exclusive) The System Exclusive Messages received by the normal mode of TD-6 are; Universal Non-realtime System Exclusive Messages, Data Requests (RQ1), and Data Set (DT1). System Exclusive Message...
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* When a song is selected or adjust SONG/PART/Bend Range setting, the pitch bend sensitivity of the sequencer song data will be transmitted. Values for the RPN parameter, on the normal mode of TD-6, are as follows. MSB LSB 00H 00H...
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00H - 7FH (0 - 127) 0-63 = OFF 64-127 = ON * Only the channel assigned to the backing part are sent. * Transmitted only when the TD-6 is in play for song in which Hold 1 is recorded. Effect 1 (Reverb Send Level) (Controller number 91)
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= The value of the parameter specified by RPN. mm = upper byte (MSB), ll = lower byte (LSB) * In the rhythm part (ch.10), ignored this message. On the GM mode of TD-6, RPN can be used to modify the following parameters. MSB LSB 00H 00H...
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* Regarding the RPN please refer to page 136. On the GM mode of TD-6, RPN can be used to modify the following parameters. Regarding the value of each parameter, refer to Data Entry (Controller number 6, 38).
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"OFF".(Initial Value is ON) * There must be an interval of at least 50 ms between this message and the next. Turn General MIDI System Off When a "GM System Off" is received, the TD-6 is switched to normal mode. Status Data byte...
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All the numbers of address, size, Data, and Default Value are indicated in 7-bit Hexadecimal-form. Addresses marked at "#" cannot be used as starting addresses. Parameter Address Block TD-6 (Model ID = 00H 3FH) +———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————+ | Start | address | Description |—————————————+—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————|...
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Parameter Address Block Map An outlined address map of the Exclusive Communication is as follows; Address(H) Block Sub block =========== =================== ==================================== 00 00 00 00 +-----------------+...+---------------------+...+--------+...+--------+ | SETUP | TRIGGER +-----------------+. +---------------------+. : . +---------------------+...+--------+ : . | MIDI : .
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Example of an Exclusive message and calculating a Checksum Roland Exclusive messages (RQ1, DT1) are transmitted with a checksum at the end (before F7) to make sure that the message was correctly received. The value of the checksum is determined by the address and data (or size) of the transmitted exclusive message.
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About tuning * Tuning by sending RPN#1 is only possible in GM mode. In MIDI, individual Parts are tuned by sending RPN #1 (Channel Fine Tuning) to the appropriate MIDI channel. In MIDI, an entire device is tuned by either sending RPN #1 to all MIDI channels being used, or by sending a System Exclusive MASTER TUNE (address 00 0A 00 00H).
PERCUSSION SOUND MODULE Model TD-6 Function... Basic Default Channel Changed Default Mode Messages Altered Note Number : True Voice Note On Velocity Note Off After Key's Touch Channel's Pitch Bend 0, 32 Control Change 100, 101 Program : True Number...
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PERCUSSION SOUND MODULE MIDI Implementation Chart Model TD-6 Function... Basic Default 1–16, OFF Channel Changed 1–16, OFF Default Mode 3 Mode Messages Altered ************** Note 0–127 Number : True Voice 0–127 Note On O 9nH, v = 1–127 Velocity Note Off...
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PERCUSSION SOUND MODULE Model TD-6 Function... Basic Default Channel Changed Default Mode Messages Altered Note Number : True Voice Note On Velocity Note Off After Key's Touch Channel's Pitch Bend 0, 32 Control Change 100, 101 Program : True Number...
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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. SINGAPORE AFRICA AFRICA Swee Lee Company 150 Sims Drive, EGYPT SINGAPORE 387381 TEL: 6846-3676 Al Fanny Trading Office...
Apparatus containing Lithium batteries ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren. ADVARSEL Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the TD-6 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
How do I set up one single pad to a certain drum sound
To set up a single pad to a specific drum sound on the Roland TD-6:
1. Press [KIT], then press [EDIT].
2. Strike the pad you want to set. The setting screen for that pad appears.
3. Press [INC/+] or [DEC/-] to select the desired instrument (drum sound).
4. Adjust other parameters if needed (e.g., level, pan, decay).
5. When finished, press [KIT] to exit and save the settings.
This answer is automatically generated