1 - Roland

Chapter 5. Using the XP-30 as the GM Sound Module
The XP-30 features a GM mode—a convenient way to play
back or create GM score data (music files for GM sound
module). You’re able to play back commercial GM score data
releases and even modify various parameter settings for
enhanced musical expression.
Entering GM Mode
Use GM mode to place the XP-30’s sound source in GM
System compatible mode. Basically GM mode is similar to a
special kind of Performance in which a GM System Rhythm
Set is assigned to Part 10, and GM System Patches are
assigned to other Parts. But however, you can’t store GM
mode settings in user memory.
fig.5-01.e
GM Patch/Rhythm Set (number, group)
The GM PLAY display shows a Patch or Rhythm Set
assigned to each Part. Each time you enter GM mode, the GM
Drum Set is assigned to Part 10, and Piano 1 is assigned to
other Parts. You can also select other GM Patches and GM
Drum Sets for each Part to match the performance.
1. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [PERFORM] to call up the
GM PLAY display.
When you switch the XP-30 into GM mode, the sound source
initializes itself for basic GM System settings.
2. To change the current Part, press [ ] or [ ].
Part number
3. To change the GM Patch or GM Rhythm Set assigned to
the Part, perform the same procedure as you do when
you select a Patch or Rhythm Set.
■ Initializing the Sound Source
for GM System Basic Settings
To play back a GM score correctly, the sound source must
first be initialized to basic GM system settings. The XP-30’s
sound source is initialized in the following situations:
- When the XP-30 is switched to GM mode
- When it receives a GM System On message from an
external MIDI device
- When a GM System On message is encountered in the
song data being played back
At power on
- When you execute the GM Initialize function (p. 128).
GM System On Message
The GM System On message puts the unit in a state that
conforms to the GM System and initializes a GMcompatible
sound module.
* If the Rx GM parameter (SYSTEM/MIDI/SYS-EXC
MIDI) is set OFF, GM System On messages cannot be
received.
■ Playing Back a GM Score
When the XP-30 is in GM mode, it plays back GM scores
correctly. But beyond this, the XP-30 provides many
extended features not defined in GM System specifications,
and if you create music files using these extended features,
your song may not play back correctly on other GMcompatible
sound modules.
* The XP-30 is not compatible with the GS format (standard
format for multitimbral sound sources advocated by Roland).
Music files bearing the GS logo (GS music data) may therefore
not play back correctly on the XP-30.
* The beginning of a GM score normally contains a GM System
On message. So if you play back a GM score starting in the top
of a song, XP-30 will switch itself to GM mode. But if you play
back a GM score starting in the middle of a song, XP-30 may
not switch itself to GM mode, and the GM score may not play
back correctly. So to be safe, it’s recommended to manually set
the XP-30 to GM mode before playing back a GM score.
Muting a Specific Part
When you switch over to GM mode, all Parts will be set to
receive MIDI messages. To turn off a specific Part so that it
will not sound, set the Recieve Switch to OFF for the Part.
1. Make sure that [EDIT] indicator is dark. If it is lit, press
[EDIT] to turn it off.
At this time, the function button indicators will indicate the
on/off status of each Part. When [1-8/9-16] indicator is dark,
the function button indicators will indicate the status of Parts
1-8. When [1-8/9-16] indicator is lit, the function button
indicators will indicate the status of Parts 9-16. Lit is on, and
dark is off.
2. Press the function button to switch Parts on/off.
* Because effects settings are not defined in the GM System, they
will not initialize to factory settings unless the GM Initialize
(DEFAULT) or Factory Reset is executed.
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