Owner’s Manual Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and the Owner’s Manual (p. 28)). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference. © 2020 Roland Corporation Owner’s Manual (this document) Read this first. It explains the basic things you need to know in order to use the RD-88. PDF Manual (download from the Web) 55 Parameter Guide This explains all parameters of the RD-88.
Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Making Detailed Settings for Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Placing the RD-88 on a Stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turning the Power On and Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Editing a Scene . . . . . . .
Introduction Placing the RD-88 on a Stand If you want to place the RD-88 on a stand, use the Roland KS-10Z or KS-12. Be careful not to pinch your fingers when setting up the stand. KS-10Z Align the horizontal centers of the RD-88 and of the stand. Align the front of the RD-88 with the front of the stand. Adjust the width of the stand to the second stage or wider. It cannot be used in the narrowest screw hole position.
Panel Descriptions Top Panel 1 2 4 5 [ASSIGN] button 1 WHEEL 1/2 Turn the wheels to modify the sound. You can specify the type of change that occurs (p. 15). 2 You can assign desired parameters to the knobs for adjustment. When this button is on (lit), the knobs adjust the values of the assigned parameters (p. 20). [COMPRESSOR] button Turns the compressor on/off (p. 15). [L] switch Turns the power on/off. [VOLUME] knob Adjust the overall volume of the RD-88.
Panel Descriptions [MIC/LINE IN SETTING] button [SPEAKER ON] button Accesses the MIC/LINE input setting screen. You can apply EQ and reverb to the MIC/LINE input (p. 7). Turns the internal speakers on/off. Display The internal speakers turn off when headphones are plugged into the headphone jack, but pressing this button turns on the speakers even if headphones are connected. You can also turn off the speakers even if headphones are not connected.
Panel Descriptions Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment) 6 7 8 USB flash drive Mic External MIDI Device AC Adaptor Power Cord Audio player AC Outlet headphones Pedal unit (RPU-3) Expression pedal (EV Series) or Pedal switch (DP Series) Monitor speakers (powered) Mixer etc. * To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections. MEMO 6 DC IN jack Connect the included AC adaptor here.
Panel Descriptions 7 MIDI OUT connector Transmits MIDI messages to an external MIDI device connected here. PEDAL jacks (DAMPER/R, FC2/C, FC1/L) Connecting the pedal switch provided with the RD-88 to the DAMPER jack allows you to use the switch as a damper pedal. With a pedal connected to the FC1 or FC2 jack, you can then assign a variety of functions to the pedal (p. 20). * Use only the specified expression pedal.
Overview of the RD-88 Basic Organization of the RD-88 Controller Section RD-88 can be divided into two sections: a controller section and a sound generator section. This section includes the keyboard, the modulation wheels, the panel knobs, the sliders, and any pedal connected to the rear panel. Actions such as pressing and releasing of keys on the keyboard, depressing a damper pedal, and so forth, are converted to MIDI messages and sent to the sound generator section, or to an external MIDI device.
Overview of the RD-88 Basic Operation Main Screens About the Cursor Buttons The cursor buttons are used for switching screens, and for moving to an item whose setting you want to change (by moving the cursor). Scene screen (Basic Screen) The currently selected Scene is displayed (p. 11). You can edit this Scene. Moving between display pages When arrow symbols (“ ” and “ ”) appear at the upper right of the display screen, it indicates that there are additional pages in the directions shown by the arrows.
Performance Listening to the Demo (DEMO PLAY) Piano Performances Here’s how to listen to the demo songs. Now, try performing with the piano. NOTE 55 No data for the music that is played will be output from MIDI OUT connectors. 55 The RD-88’s keyboard will not produce sound while the demo songs are playing. The RD-88 lets you call up the ideal settings for piano performance at any time simply by pressing a button.
Performance Performing with a Variety of Scenes Playing Multiple Tones with the Keyboard The RD-88 comes with a many built-in Sounds. The RD-88 features three Internal zones (UPPER 1, UPPER 2, and LOWER), and one tone can be assigned to each of these zones. Each one of these individual sounds is called a “Scene.” Scenes are assigned to the Scene category buttons according to the tone category selected. Each category has several Scenes. Try selecting and performing with a number of different Scenes.
Performance Playing Different Tones in Two Different Sections of the Keyboard (Split Mode) Such a division of the keyboard into right- and left-hand sections is called a “Split,” and the key where the division takes place is called the “Split Point.” While in Split mode, a sound played in the right side is called an “UPPER part,” and the sound played in the left side is called a “LOWER part.” The split-point key is included in the LOWER section. The Split Point has been set at the factory to “F#3.
Performance Parameter Value Explanation SCENE The key touch settings specified by the Scene are enabled. The key touch settings specified for the system are enabled. MEMO Source SYS If you want the key touch to be the same for multiple Scenes, set Source to “SYS.” You can access the shared key touch settings via [MENU]0[SYSTEM]0[KEY TOUCH]. To save the settings, execute the system write operation (p. 27).
Performance Transposing the Key of the Keyboard (TRANSPOSE) You can transpose performances without changing the keys you are playing. This feature is called “Transpose.” This is a convenient feature to use when you want to match the pitch of the keyboard performance to a vocalist’s pitch, or perform using the printed music for trumpets or other transposed instruments. You can adjust the transpose setting in semitone steps over a range of -5–0–+6 relative to C4.
Performance Adding Breadth to the Sound (CHORUS/DELAY) Adding Liveliness to the Sound (COMPRESSOR) You can apply a chorus and delay effect to the notes you play on the keyboard. Switching on the Compressor suppresses differences in volume for a more consistent sound. By adding the chorus and delay effect, you can give the sound greater dimension, with more fatness and breadth. 1 1 1. Turn the [CHORUS/DELAY] knob. The depth of the chorus/delay effect changes.
Performance Adjusting the Character of the Sound (TONE COLOR) Applying Various Effects to the Sound (MFX) Turning the [TONE COLOR] knob will modify an aspect of the sound, such as its character or acoustic image. In addition to chorus (p. 15) and reverb (p. 14), the RD-88 lets you apply a “multi-effect.” The multi-effect lets you choose from a variety of effect types including distortion and rotary. 1 With the factory settings, an effect appropriate for each tone is assigned. 1 1.
Performance Adjusting the Levels of Each Frequency Range (EQUALIZER) The RD-88 is equipped with an equalizer. Disabling the Buttons (Panel Lock) The panel lock function allows you to temporarily disable the buttons so that their settings will not be accidentally changed, for example while you’re on stage. You can use the EQ [LOW] knob, [MID] knob, and [HIGH] knob to adjust the level of each frequency range. 1 NOTE Equalization is applied to the overall sound output from the OUTPUT jacks. 1.
Using the Convenient Functions in Performances Registering Frequently-Used Sounds (Scenes) to Buttons (FAVORITE) “Favorite” is a function that lets you register frequently-used sounds (Scenes) so that they can be recalled by a single button. The Favorite registers the number of the Scene. Favorite Bank 9 Switching the Favorite Bank 1. Press the FAVORITE [BANK] button to make the indicator light. The button ([0]–[9]) corresponding to the currently selected bank blinks. 2.
Using the Convenient Functions in Performances Changing Rhythm Tempos Playing Rhythm The RD-88 features internal drum patterns complementing Jazz, Rock, and other various musical genres. These drum patterns are referred to as “Rhythms.” 1 2 3 1. Press the [SELECT] button to make the button indicator light. 1. In the RHYTHM screen, press the cursor button to move the cursor to the tempo indication in the top line of the screen. 2. Use the [DEC] [INC] buttons to change the tempo.
Using the Convenient Functions in Performances Playing Songs Assigning the Function of Each Controller You can copy an audio file (MP3 or WAV) from your computer to a USB flash drive, and perform on the RD-88 while that audio file plays back. You can change the parameters that are controlled by the [1]–[8] knobs, WHEEL 1/2, and pedals FC1/FC2. 1. Format your USB flash drive on the RD-88. “Formatting a USB Flash Drive (FORMAT USB MEMORY)” (p. 27) MEMO 55 Use a commercially available USB flash drive.
Using the Convenient Functions in Performances Using the RD-88 as a Master Keyboard You can control the external MIDI device from the RD-88. The RD-88 normally transmits note messages from the MIDI OUT connector, but you can make settings to control an external device so that not only note messages, but a variety of settings can be controlled on your external MIDI device. You can control internal and external sound generators independently.
Using the Convenient Functions in Performances Connecting a Computer (USB COMPUTER Port) MIDI and audio data can be transferred via the RD-88’s USB COMPUTER port to and from your computer. * For details on operating requirements and supported operating systems, refer to the Roland website. USB cable Installing the USB Driver In order to use the RD-88 connected with your computer, you must install a driver on your computer. 1. From the product support page, download the RD-88 Driver.
Making Detailed Settings for Tones The RD-88 has two types of sound-related editing. NOTE Scene edit When you save, the Scene of the selected save-destination is overwritten, and the previous data is lost. Here you can edit parameters for a Scene. These parameters include the on/off setting and level adjustment of each zone, effect settings for each Scene. 10. To execute, use the cursor [>] buttons to select “WRITE,” and then press the [ENTER] button.
Other Functions Convenient Functions (UTILITY) Restoring Backup Data (RESTORE) Here you can back up the RD-88’s data to a USB flash drive, or restore data from a USB flash drive back into the RD-88. You can also use the “UTILITY” functions to return the RD-88 to its factory-set condition, or format a USB flash drive. Here’s how user data that you backed-up on a USB flash drive can be returned to the RD-88. This operation is called “restore.
Other Functions Importing Tones into the RD-88 1. Press the [MENU] button. 2. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to select “UTILITY,” and then press the [ENTER] button. 3. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to select “IMPORT TONE,” and then press the [ENTER] button. 4. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to select the file that contains the tone(s) that you want to import, and then press the cursor [>] button. 7.
Other Functions Selecting an Imported Tone 1. In the Scene screen, use the cursor buttons to select the zone whose tone you want to change. Move the cursor to the tone name. Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) Here’s how the settings that you edited and saved on the RD-88 can be returned to their factory-set condition. * When you execute this operation, all the settings that you modified after purchasing the RD-88, including the sound parameters, are lost.
Other Functions If no sound packs or wave expansions are imported or installed Editing the System Settings (SYSTEM) Here’s how to edit system parameters. A confirmation message appears. If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button. 1. Press the [MENU] button. 8. To execute, use the cursor [>] buttons to select “OK,” and then press the [ENTER] button. 2. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to select “SYSTEM,” and then press the [ENTER] button. 9. When the screen indicates “Completed.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY WARNING Concerning the Auto Off function The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto Off function). If you do not want the power to be turned off automatically, disengage the Auto Off function (p. 3). Use only the stand that is recommended This unit should be used only with a stand that is recommended by Roland.
Main Specifications Roland RD-88: Digital Piano Keyboard 88 keys (PHA-4 Standard Keyboard: with Escapement and Ivory Feel) Power Supply AC Adaptor Current Draw 1,500 mA Dimensions 1,284 (W) x 258 (D) x 159 (H) mm 50-9/16 (W) x 10-3/16 (D) x 6-5/16 (H) inches Weight Accessories Options (sold separately) 13.
