Roland SC-88 Pro - Manual (Page 26)

● How simultaneous note numbers and Voices are related
The sounds of this unit consist of units called “Voices”. There is a limit to how many
of these “Voices” can sound at once, and in the case of this unit, up to 64 simultaneous
voices can be used. Some sounds (Instruments) use 1 voice and others use 2 voices
(Instrument list, p.154). The main reason that some sounds use 2 voices is to allow dif-
ferent timbres to be produced by different velocity values.
If more than 64 voices are used at once, later-sounded notes will be given priority,
and notes sounded previously will be turned off starting from the oldest. If you use only
single-voice instruments, you will be able to play 64 notes simultaneously, but if some of
the instruments are 2-voice, you will be able to play less than 64 simultaneous notes.
Even if a MIDI Note Off message (p.131) is received, voices will be used for as long as
the sound is heard. Be aware of this especially in the case of sound with a long release
(p.33).
* If song data created with 64 voice playback in mind is played back on a sound source with fewer
voices, some notes will drop out, and the musical result will not be as it should. The SC-55 has
24 voices, and the SC-55mkII has 28 voices.
● Concerning legato-enabled sounds
This unit provides legato-enabled sounds that are ideally suited to legato playing, and
which can realistically simulate this instrumental performance technique.
To understand this feature, consider how most string instruments produce sound.
Usually, a brief attack-like sound will be heard only at the very instant the string is made
to vibrate. After that a much mellower, attack-free sound continues to emanate during
the string’s vibration. The legato-enabled sounds simulates such variable attack-portion
characteristics of string sounds by switching on or off certain special voices within an
Instrument according to the way the keyboard is played.
Instrument which has a “ : ” at the end of its name (such as “ Violin: ”) is the lega-
to-enabled sound.
Try out one of these Patches to hear how it works. If you are using a keyboard, play a
note and keep your finger on that key while playing another note.
You should hear a distinct attack portion with the first note you play, while the second
one contains almost no attack components, and sounds much smoother.
At this time, “ L ” will be displayed following “ : ” of the instrument name.
If you want to sound the attack portion each time, simply release your finger from a
key before playing the next note.
At this time, “ L ” will not be displayed following “ : ” of the instrument name.
* Legato Control cannot be switched on and off on an Instrument basis. You should choose and
edit an Instrument that meets your intended usage.
Chapter 2. Parts and paramters 24