Never open the case of the RT-223 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit. Warning • Volume Do not use the RT-223 at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment. Caution Usage Precautions •...
Thank you for selecting the ZOOM RhythmTrak RT-223 (hereafter simply called the “RT-223”). The RT-223 is a sophisticated product with the following features. • Highly compact drum/bass machine The RT-223 is small enough to fit in the pocket of a guitar case. But it has enough muscle to play a full rhythm accompaniment with super realistic drum and bass sounds.
MIDI sequencer/computer MIDI interface To synchronize the RT-223 with an external sequencer or to control operation of the RT-223 from an external MIDI component, link the MIDI OUT connector of the equipment with the [MIDI IN] connector on the RT-223.
Using the Unit on Batteries The RT-223 can be powered from four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Follow the steps below to insert the batteries. Turn the unit over and open the battery compartment cover. Insert four fresh IEC R6 (size AA) alkaline batteries.
This Quick Guide demonstrates how to operate your RT-223, using a few representative examples. Some of the terms and concepts used in this manual are also explained here. Quick Guide 1 The RT-223 comes with a demo song already built in. Hear for yourself what RT-223 can do.
These are combined to create backing tracks for a wide range of music genres. The RT-223 comes with 127 drum kits of which 70 are preprogrammed. You can also create your own original drum kits.
Quick Guide Quick Guide 2 Playing the Pads The top panel of the RT-223 has 13 pads which serve to play drum kits and bass programs. Turn the power on. Press the [PATTERN] key. The [PATTERN] key lights up and the RT-223 is in pattern mode.
Page 11
VALUE [-] key Selects the next lower kit/program number. ZOOM RT-223 You will notice that different pads produce bass sound of a different pitch. You can use the 13 pads like the keys of a keyboard. The illustration below shows an example for the notes produced by the pads when a bass program is selected.
Quick Guide Quick Guide 3 Playing a Pattern The RT-223 already contains many preprogrammed patterns (backing sequence of several bars), using the drum kits and bass programs. Here's how you can play such a pattern. Turn the power on. Press the [PATTERN] key.
Page 13
VALUE [+] key Selects next higher pattern number. VALUE [-] key Selects next lower pattern number. ZOOM RT-223 Press one of the VALUE [+]/[-] keys. VALUE [+] key Increases the tempo value. VALUE [-] key Decreases the tempo value.
This function lets you assemble patterns for a song in real time, complete with fill- ins and breaks. Turn power on. Press the [SONG] key. The [SONG] key lights up and the RT-223 goes into song mode. The display shows the name and number of the currently selected song.
Page 15
When pad 4 (FILL A), pad 8 (FILL B), or pad [+] (BREAK) is pressed, the fill-in or break pattern plays, and then the RT-223 switches automatically to the pattern of another pad. When you press one of these pads, a new pattern will start playing at the beat, even if the previous pattern is not finished.
Quick Guide 5 Using Groove Play Groove play is a special feature of the RT-223 which lets you switch among various patterns simply by tapping the pads. This makes it easy to play with patterns like a DJ spinning records.
Page 17
ZOOM RT-223 To stop groove play Press the [SONG] key or [PATTERN] key. RT-223 switches to pattern mode. RT-223 switches to song mode. To keep playing the pattern without pressing the pad Hold down the [REPEAT/STEP] key while pushing the pad.
Playing the Pads (Manual Play) The RT-223 lets you not only play back existing patterns and songs, it also allows you to manually play the unit by tapping the pads. This section describes how to manually play the unit. Playing by tapping the...
Selecting a kit/program The RT-223 lets you select among 127 drum kits (70 preprogrammed) and 12 bass programs. Try changing the setting as follows. Press the [PATTERN] key. The [PATTERN] key lights up and the RT-223 goes into pattern mode.
Playing the Patterns (Pattern Mode) This section describes how to play patterns of the RT-223. Playing a pattern The RT-223 incorporates 511 accompaniment patterns. In the factory default condition, the patterns 0 - 439 are preprogrammed. Press the [PATTERN] key.
Tempo value To return to the condition before the [TEMPO] key was pressed, press the [EXIT] key or simply wait a while. ZOOM RT-223 Playing the Patterns (Pattern Mode) To set the tempo directly by manual ] key input, tap the [TEMPO] key twice while the indication "TEMPO"...
Entering Patterns in Real Time The RT-223 lets you enter your own accompaniment patterns. Creating and recording a pattern is possible in two ways: by actually playing the pattern on the pads (real-time recording), or by entering each sound individually (step recording). The procedure for real-time recording of a drum track and bass track is described below.
Page 23
HINT The [FUNCTION] key is used to make various settings for the RT-223. For details, please refer to page 63. Use the VALUE [+]/[-] keys to set the quantize value (shortest note to be recorded).
Page 24
[REPEAT/STEP] key. By holding down the [REPEAT/STEP] key while hitting a pad, a percussion sound can be recorded. When real-time input of the drum track is completed, press the STOP ] key. Pattern recording stops. ZOOM RT-223...
The sound of the newly selected bass program can now be played in pattern mode. Example for BASS KEY setting of "E" ZOOM RT-223 Entering Patterns in Real Time Press the [FUNCTION] key and then pad 0 (BASS KEY).
Page 26
BASS KEY setting (p. 64) is used to set the root information for the patter n. For patterns that are not to be used in a song ] key or for patterns where the bass track is empty, making the setting is not required. B2 pad ZOOM RT-223...
Entering Patterns Using Step Input This section describes step recording, which is another recording type that is possible with the RT-223. What is step recording? Step recording allows you to enter and record each sound separately, step by step, while the RT-223 is in the stop condition.
You can check the current position in the pattern on the display (measure/beat/tick). To enter a rest, press the [REPEAT/ STEP] key only. If you press the [REPEAT/STEP] key without pressing a pad, no note is entered, and the input ZOOM RT-223...
During step input, it is not possible to erase the entire track in one go. When step input of the drum track is finished, press the STOP [ ZOOM RT-223 Entering Patterns Using Step Input The REC [ terminates. Step recording of bass track Now let’s add a bass track to the drum track...
Page 30
To advance to the next step, press the [REPEAT/STEP] key. If you press the [REPEAT/STEP] key without pressing a pad, the position advances by one step without note entry. ZOOM RT-223...
Page 31
STOP [ The REC [ ] key goes out, and step input is completed. ZOOM RT-223 Entering Patterns Using Step Input HINT If necessary, specify a root for the pattern that suits the entered bass phrase. The BASS KEY setting (p.
Use this function with care. Press the [PATTERN] key. The RT-223 goes into pattern mode, and the pattern selection screen appears. Use the VALUE [+]/[-] keys to select the pattern to use as copy source.
Letters: A - Z Symbols: (space), ( ) + – / Repeat step 3 until the name is complete. When name input is completed, press the [EXIT] key. The name is accepted, and the RT-223 returns to the pattern mode.
Creating Songs (Song Mode) This section explains what a song in the RT-223 is and how to create songs. What is a song? A song in terms of the RT-223 is a sequence of patterns (a number of measures of drum track and...
Page 35
If the selected number is higher than the original number of measures for the pattern, the same ZOOM RT-223 pattern will be repeated. If a smaller number is selected, the sound will switch to the next pattern partway through.
This allows you to play the accompaniment to a performance by hitting the pads to switch patterns. It can also be used to line up patterns for a song in real time, as described below. Erase PATTERN C Delete one measure PATTERN C ] key. ZOOM RT-223...
Page 37
A screen for making various pad settings appears. PADFUNC Press the pad for which pattern should be assigned. The pad lights up, and a pattern can be selected. ZOOM RT-223 Creating Songs (Song Mode) INTRO01 → Use the VALUE [+]/[-] keys to select a pattern to assign to the pad.
Page 38
As soon as you hit the pad, real-time recording starts, and the pattern plays. The current measure and beat and the current song number are shown on the display. ] key while ] key. ] key and PLAY [ ] key light up, ZOOM RT-223...
Creating a song using FAST input The FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) method developed by ZOOM uses simple formulas to specify patterns for an entire song, which is then written in a single operation. →...
Page 40
PATTERN 3 HINT If the formula exceeds seven digits, earlier character/symbol entries are scrolled off the display. To see the scrolled part, use the cursor left/right keys to move the display position. 0+(1_ 0+(1+_ 0+(1+2_ 0+(1+2) (1+2)X_ 1+2)X3_ ZOOM RT-223...
Page 41
Then an underline cursor appears at the first character position. FAST input is now possible. FAST Underline ZOOM RT-223 Creating Songs (Song Mode) Use the pads to enter a formula. The input method is explained on page 40. 112+(2_ If you make a mistake during input, you can correct it as follows.
Press the [EDIT] key. You can now select the event type to enter/edit. DR VOL Currently selected event name "EVENT" indication "EVENT" indication "EVENT" indication Event setting "EVENT" indication ZOOM RT-223...
Page 43
The following illustration shows an example for the display when the TEMPO event is selected. ZOOM RT-223 HINT • If you enter tempo information at the beginning of a song, the song will always...
This section shows how you can select and play a song that you have created. Press the [SONG] key. The [SONG] key lights up and the RT-223 goes into song mode. The display shows the currently selected song name and number.
Copy PATTERN A PATTERN B PATTERN A PATTERN B PATTERN A PATTERN B Press the [SONG] key. The RT-223 goes into song mode, and the song selection screen appears. Use the VALUE [+]/[-] keys to select the song to edit.
[INSERT/COPY] key, you can cancel the process and return to the previous step. To terminate editing, press the STOP ] key. Song step input is terminated, and the RT-223 returns to song mode. Copying a song The currently selected song can be copied onto another song number.
“DONE” appears, and the RT-223 returns to the song mode. If you press the [EXIT] key instead of the [INSERT/COPY] key, the process is canceled and the RT-223 returns to the song mode. Erasing a song You can erase the contents of the currently selected song, returning it to the blank state.
Press the [SONG] key and [PATTERN] key simultaneously. The RT-223 switches to groove play mode. The [SONG] key and [PATTERN] key are both lit. The display shows the name and number of the currently selected song.
Page 49
Shortest note set with quantize setting Song playback ZOOM RT-223 Using Pads to Play Patterns (Groove Play Mode) HINT During groove playback, pad operation (press/release) is detected using the quantize value (shortest note) as the detection interval.
Various Drum Kit Functions (Kit Mode) The RT-223 incorporates 70 types of drum kits. This section describes how you can create your own drum kit or edit an existing kit. Creating an original drum To create your very own drum kit, you select...
Page 51
If the KICKDRY parameter in the patch currently selected for the REVERB effect is ON, changing the send level of a pad to ZOOM RT-223 Various Drum Kit Functions (Kit Mode) which the kick drum sound is assigned (pad 0 of pad bank 1/2) has no effect. To...
Use this function with care. Press the [PATTERN] key. The [PATTERN] key lights up and the RT-223 goes into pattern mode. Press the [DRUM] key and then the [KIT/PROG] key.
To give a name to a drum kit or change an existing name, proceed as follows. Press the [PATTERN] key. The [PATTERN] key lights up and the RT-223 goes into pattern mode. Press the [DRUM] key and then the [KIT/PROG] key.
The sum of these edited effect settings is called a patch. Storing and recalling patches makes it possible to instantly switch among different effect settings. The RT-223 allows you to use 40 patches each for the COMP EQ effect and REVERB effect.
In pattern, song, or groove play mode, press the [COMP EQ] key several times, so that the key lights The RT-223 switches to effect mode, and the COMP EQ effect becomes ON. The display changes as follows. BOTTOM COMP EQ effect...
Page 56
When the send level patch has been adjusted, press the [EXIT] key. The RT-223 returns to the condition of step 1. Save the current patch. For information on how to save an effect patch, see page 58.
COMP EQ effect) or the [REVERB] key (to edit the REVERB effect) several times, so that the key lights up. The RT-223 switches to effect mode, and the patch select screen appears. Use the VALUE [+]/[-] keys to select the patch to edit.
" F A C T O R Y " a n d " R E V E R T " a r e s h o w n alternately on the display. To continue with the initialize procedure, go directly to step 5. If you have selected "STORE >" or "SWAP >", use the VALUE [+]/[-] keys to select the store/swap target patch number. ZOOM RT-223...
The patch name/patch number are shown. MIDHALL Press the [EDIT] key. The patch edit screen appears. The display shows ZOOM RT-223 Using Effects (Effect Mode) the effect type. Use the cursor left/right keys to bring up the indication "PATNAME"...
Using the Metronome (Metronome Mode) The RT-223 incorporates a metronome function that is ideal to provide a guide rhythm for practice. The metronome also lets you use mixed beat patterns, such as 2 + 3 or 3 + 4 beat combinations.
Page 61
In pattern, song, or groove play mode, press the [METRONOME] key. The [METRONOME] key lights up, and the RT-223 goes into metronome mode. The display shows the metronome pattern name and pattern number. The pattern name consists of a numeral/symbol...
Page 62
When a foot switch is connected to the RT-223 and the foot switch function is not s e t t o “ TA P ” , t h e f o o t s w i t c h w i l l automatically be set to control start/stop when the metronome is activated.
Changing Various Settings of the RT-223 The [FUNCTION] key is used to make various settings for the RT-223. The basic steps for using the [FUNCTION] key and the setting items are described below. Basic function setting procedure The [FUNCTION] key is used in the same way for most setting items.
Changing Various Settings of the RT-223 new setting becomes effective immediately. To return to the previous setting, perform the setting procedure again. Press the [FUNCTION] key once more, or press the [EXIT] key. The function setting mode is terminated. HINT The [FUNCTION] key is also used for demo →...
The setting applies to all patterns. ZOOM RT-223 Changing Various Settings of the RT-223 ■ Setting the number of measures for a pattern (BAR LENGTH) Setting range: 1 - 99 Sets the length of the pattern in the range from 1 - 99 measures.
Page 66
• Using the FS01 to control jam play (song mode only) When the RT-223 is in song mode, the FS01 can be used for the jam function that allows switching between multiple patterns simply by pressing the foot switch. To make the setting, press the [FUNCTION] key followed by pad 8 (FOOT SW), and then press the [SONG] key.
Page 67
Changing Various Settings of the RT-223 ■ Setting MIDI synchronization message input on/off (MIDI) Setting range: int, Ext (Default: int) When this item is set to “Ext”, the RT-223 accepts the following MIDI messages: • MIDI clock • Start/Stop/Continue • Song Select NOTE When this item is set to “Ext”, real-time...
Other Functions This section describes examples for combining the RT-223 with optional equipment and external components. Using the jam function The jam function lets you use the foot switch to play multiple patterns assigned to pads in song mode. This is convenient when you want to use...
ZOOM RT-223 Other Functions NOTE When the jam function is assigned to the foot switch, and the RT-223 is in a mode other than song mode, the foot switch will control playback/stop of the pattern/song. Press the [FUNCTION] key. The foot switch setting is completed. In this condition, you can use the jam function.
“Ext” on the display. MIDI Press the [FUNCTION] key. In this condition, play operation of the RT-223 is synchronized to the external MIDI equipment. Select the pattern or song to play in sync. Start playback at the external MIDI equipment.
Other Functions Returning the RT-223 to the factory default condition (initialization) You can return all data in the RT-223 to the factory default condition. NOTE Use this function with care, because it will erase all patterns and songs that have been recorded by the user.
Troubleshooting Check the following items first if there seems to be a problem with the RT-223. Symptom No sound or very low volume Hitting a pad produces no sound or very low level sound Sound is distorted or intermittent Cannot record song/pattern...
RT-223 Appendix RT-223 Product Specifications Sampling Frequency D/A Conversion Maximum Polyphony Resolution Tempo Range Number of Recordable Note Events Drum Sounds Bass Sounds Drum Kits Rhythm Patterns Songs Number of Pads Display Display Type External Connectors External Control Connector MIDI...
RT-223 Appendix Reverb Module EFFECT PRE DLY DECAY HALL ON/OFF Produces concert hall type reverberation. PRE DLY DECAY EFFECT ROOM ON/OFF Produces room type reverberation. EFFECT PRE DLY DECAY SPRING ON/OFF Simulates a spring reverb. EFFECT PRE DLY DECAY PLATE ON/OFF Simulates a plate reverb.
1 - 30 [Table 1 Synchronization setting for RATE and TIME parameter ] Setting value Frequency Thirty-second note Sixteenth note Quarter note triplet Dotted sixteenth note Eighth note ZOOM RT-223 Parameters SENS SENS TONE EQ H EQ M TYPE RESO...
RT-223 Appendix PATCH LIST COMP EQ NO. SECTION NAME Standard compressor STANDRD sound Strong compression of low BOTTOM range Strong compression of full FULLRG frequency range Strong compression of mid CRUSH range Enhance overall punch POWER Compressor sound for EQBOOST...
ZOOM Classic SNAP ZM MOD ZM FUNK ZM HIPHOP STREET HipHop HOMIE RAPPER SYNTECH POWER Dance ELECTRO KICKER REZNANZ ZOOM RT-223 Category BRUSH1 BRUSH2 Jazz BRUSH3 BRUSH4 BRUSH5 POPROCK LITEPOP DRY POP HIT POP AMBIPOP SUPRPOP HARDROK RESOROK Hard Rock...
RT-223 Appendix PRESET PATTERN LIST Name DrKit BassPG ROCK HARDROK FUNK BEATBOX HOUSE DemoPattern FUSION BLUS BRUSH JAZZ AFRO MIDEAST 8BEAT01 8BEAT02 8BEAT03 8BEAT04 8BEAT05 8BEAT06 8BEAT07 8BEAT08 8BEAT09 8BEAT10 8BEAT11 8BEAT12 16BEAT1 16BEAT2 16BEAT3 16BEAT4 16BEAT5 16BEAT6 16BEAT7 16BEAT8...
Page 81
POP 09 POP 10 POP 11T POP 1VA POP 1FA SONG POP 1VB POP 1FB POP 2VA POP 2FA SONG POP 2VB ZOOM RT-223 SONG SONG SONG SONG SONG RT-223 Appendix Name DrKit BassPG POP 2FB POP 3VA POP 3FA...
Page 82
RT-223 Appendix Name DrKit BassPG HIP 10 HIP 11 HIP 12 HIP 13 HIP 14 HIP 15 HIP 16 HIP 17 HIP 18 HIP 19 HIP 20 HIP 21 HIP 22 HIP 1VA HIP 1FA HIP 1VB SONG HIP 1FB...
Page 83
BALD11T BALD1VA BALD1FA SONG BALD1VB BALD1FB BLUSE01 BLUSE02 BLUSE03 BLUSE04 BLUSE05 BLUS1VA BLUS1FA SONG BLUS1VB BLUS1FB CNTRY01 CNTRY02 ZOOM RT-223 SONG SONG SONG SONG RT-223 Appendix Name DrKit BassPG CNTRY03 CNTRY04 CNTRY05 CNTR1VA CNTR1FA CNTR1VB CNTR1FB BRUSH1 BRUSH2 BRUSH3 BRUSH4...
RT-223 Appendix MIDI Implementation 1. Recognized Messages Status ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: n = MIDI Channel Number ( 0000 - 1111 ) 1. Relationship between Program Numbers and Kit Numbers are assigned as "Kits and Program List" attached. 2. SongPositionPointer for a pattern , new location is wrapped around the bar length of the pattern.
Page 88
• 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. ZOOM CORPORATION ITOHPIA Iwamotocho 2chome Bldg. 2F, 2-11-2, Iwamoto-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0032, Japan Web Site: http://www.zoom.co.jp RT-223 - 5000-4...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the RhythmTrak RT-223 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers