RolandED
Sound Canvas
SC-8850
A Music Production Centerpiece
with Specs to Spare!
1,640 Tones
Loaded with a surprising number of instrument sounds. 1,640 high quality, expressive tones are luxuriously
sampled in stereo to realistically express instrument nuances heard during live performance. Use with the
wide range of sound effects that can be applied to each scene.
128 Voices
Conventional two-voice composition has been upgraded to four-voices for more realistic
sound reproduction. For instance, 128 voices are available for the gorgeous four-voice
piano sound during an actual performance.
64 Parts
Enough for a splendid ensemble that requires a wide variety of parts.
Use the plethora of parts to realistically express acoustic signatures
of instruments heard during a performance. Up to 64 parts can be
used for overwhelming power of expression.
63 Drum Sets
Completely renewed, from basic drum set waves on up.
New features include a “random” effect that sounds like a human
of the drumhead. These drum sets
64 Insertion Effects
The SC-8850 has built-in insertion effects that enable
complete freedom during musical composition and
which dedicated effectors can’t beat. High quality
reverb and chorus are also included. This single
machine fulfills all expectations, from sound processing
to acoustic expression.
USB
The world’s first MIDI sound source with USB. Provides
simple operation with the convenience of Plug & Play on
USB compliant Windows boxes as well as iMacsTM and
blue and white G3 towers.
Realistic Sounds for a New Dimension
in Musical Expression
An All-time First: 1,640 Sounds, 128 Voices, and 64 Parts
Since its debut, Sound Canvas has been the faithful industry standard in sound modules for aspiring musicians, live
performers, producers, and professionals alike. At the leading edge, the SC-8850 provides sound so real that one can
virtually hear the performer breathing and see the fingertips moving. Far outdistancing conventional MIDI sound modules
in expressive capabilities, this instrument puts 1,640 sounds and 63 drum sets at your disposal. Sounds can be used in
endlessly creative ways with up to 128 simultaneous voices and 64 parts. Sound Canvas has again taken music one
giant leap forward.
1640 Great Sounds
Give the Word “Real”
a Whole New Meaning
The SC-8850 comes with
an unbelievable stock
of 1,640 sounds and
63 drum sets. But the
amazing capabilities
of this model go way beyond
the numbers. This
instrument makes music
come alive with its
immense scope of expression,
subtle nuances, and
intricate sound combinations.
And all sounds store
in memory with uncompromising
fidelity. Your music
will be polished to
never-before-realized degrees
of sophistication
and performance realism.
The SC-8850 expands on the basic
Sound Canvas principles
of high quality and wide
range of use to satisfy
all your needs in a
single, elegant piece
of machinery
Stereo Sampling Adds Real-life
Ambience to Sounds
Stereo sampling waves
are used for piano
and string sounds in
a revolutionary new
way that doubles the
volume of data to
create an overwhelming
realness in breadth
and spatial depth.
In the SC-8850, the
highly-acclaimed piano
sound of the SC series
has been taken one
step further in terms
of ambience and expressive
qualities. It is so
close to a concert grand
that listeners will
be hard put to tell
the difference. This
sound not only features
the low-pitch range,
borrowed from the
SC-88Pro, that’s used
in classical piano,
but also the higher
pitch ranges characteristic
of pop music in order
to appeal to a broader
range of user preferences.
With a generous 4-voice piano
configuration and
the ability to handle large
numbers of sounds
in a rich, full-bodied performance.
the SC-8850 puts an overwhelming
128 voices at the
performer’s disposal
with the high sound
quality called for in
a professional instrument.
Stereo Velocity Switching of Four-voice Configuration
Playing Noises and Other
Background Effects for Realistic
Performance Ambience
Background rustling
and other playing
noises that arise during
performances are an important
element in creating
a feeling of realism.
Take guitar performances,
for example. where
you can hear fingers
gliding over the
strings and the strings
being plucked. With wind
instruments, the breath
and similar shadings
can be heard. Noise
components can be overlapped
with parts for a realism
that brings a live performance
right into your room. With
an incredible 64 parts
at your disposal, multiple
parts can be used on
a single instrument
to create sound so
real that you'll have
to open your eyes to
believe your ears.
Playing Noise List
Gt. Fret Noise
Gt. Cut Noise
String Slap
Gt. Cut Noise2
Dist.CutNoiz
Bass Slide
Pick Scrape
Gt. FX Menu
Bartok Pizz.
Guitar Slap
Chord Stroke
Biwa Stroke
Biwa Tremolo
| A.Bz.Nz Menu
D.Gt.Nz Menu
E.Gt.Nz Menul
E.Gt.Nz Menu2
G.StrokeMenu
Gt.SlideMenu
A.Bs.MuteNz
A.Bs.TouchNz
A.Bs.AtackNz
TC Up Nz
TC DownMt.Nz
TC UpMt.Nz
| TC Dowm Nz
DstGT.Up Nz
DstGT.DwnNz1
DstGT.DwnNz2
DstGT.MuteNz
Gt.StrokeNz5
StlGt.SldNzl
StlGt.SldNz2
StlGt.SldNz3
StlGt.SldNz4
Gt.StrokeNzl
Gt.StrokeNz2
| Gt.StrokeNz3
Gt.StrokeNz4
Breath Noise
Fl.Key Click
Brth Nz Menu
Fl Breath 1
Fl.Breath 2
Fl.Breath 3
Vox Breath 1
Vox Breath 2
Trombone Nz
Trumpet Nz
|
Numerous Sounds Combine for
Incredible Instrumental Expression
Programming all the
filters and parameters that
was such hard work
much easier with the
SC-8850 And the results
are even more realistic!
Sound variations of
special instrumental
techniques, such hand
flexing during harmonica
and blues harp performances,
are faithfully reproduced. When
an instrument such
as the harmonica is used,
tone is not expressed
by a single wave, but
rather, is created
by a combination of tones.
For instance, when
using a sound that is
inherently bright,
a dark sound with completely
different character
can be allocated to
a different part, and
the volume between the
two parts controlled
to achieve a harmonica
sound far more natural
than anything possible
to date. Then, adding
a human breath (playing
noise) component at the
beginning brings to
the instrument a whole new
dimension of realism.
•Multiple Parts Enable Realistic Sound Making
(Sequencer screen example)
As seen above, the SC-8850 uses multiple parts and expresses various
tones of the blues harp to achieve realistic sound.
True-to-life Voice Changes
Using Velocity
Brass voices such as trumpet and trombone,
and also the oboe, clarinet, and acoustic bass,
all feature different waves that are evoked
depending on the velocity. This enables the nuances
inherent in each voice to be reproduced
Voice Switching by Varying Velocity
in the stronger and
less emphatic sounds. The
result is superb musical
expression that far
surpasses the straightforward
sound variations of
conventional sound
boxes.
Sounds with Up to Four Voices
Four-voice sound configurations
have been significantly
enhanced. The synthesizer
sound is a rich, full-bodied
sound with four layers
of voices, in which
sounds of different
pitch have been overlapped
and then de-tuned and re-oriented
for greater breadth.
The organ sound applies
harmonic overtones
for full-bodied richness.
Impossible until now,
the brass section consists
of two trumpets. a
trombone, and a tuba
for a powerful four-voice
unison that can even
be used for solo lines.
These and the many other
impressive sounds contribute
to the diverse spectrum
this amazing instrument
has to offer.
in the past has become
Four-voice Composition with More Realness
High-quality Human Voices
A large number of human
voice sounds are available,
based on high-quality
sampling. The Jazz Scat
voice is so real that
it can be used, as is,
in realtime performances
with complete credibility.
By varying the velocity,
the tones “Dahs”, “Dat”,
“Bap", or “Dow", can
be played individually.
The choir voice can
also be used in many
different ways for
compositions that require
a vocal component.
Choir sounds are available
in numerous variations
and are perfect for
divergent styles such
as womens choral, mens
choral, youth choral,
and jazz choral music.
•Four Scat Voices Using Varied Velocity
Abundant Memory for Broad
Range of Sounds
The SC-8850 comes with
numerous high-quality sounds,
such as Harpsichord,
Clavinet, Brass, Orchestra,
and Guitar, that use
generous amounts of
memory. An astounding
64 MB* is allotted for
wave memory giving
you, the composer, enormous
freedom to explore
all the possibilities
of the SC-8850 as a
musical
instrument.
*16-bit linear conversion values
Diverse Ethnic Instruments Added
A lavish number of musical
instruments. including
Indian, Indonesian,
and Irish. have been
added. Unusual instruments
such as the gamelan
and Celtic instruments
were specially selected
and sampled. and can
be chosen for performances
and other uses.
Create “Sound Scenes”
with Numerous Effects
The range of built-in
sound effects will
stretch the imagination.
Included are such sounds
as ice dropping on glass.
beer being poured,
a railroad crossing,
a steam locomotive,
factory site noises,
insect sounds, and
many others. These can
be used in musical
performances. videos,
and other art forms
to create a realistic
ambience.
Drums that Sound Real
A revolutionary new
method in drum expression actually
recreates the difference
in force between the
right and left hands
and simulates the fine nuances
in different areas
of the drum being struck.
Drum roll inflections
vary naturally over time
just like a real drummer.
Monotonous “computer”
drumming is a thing
of the past, these drums
will keep toes tapping
and audiences entranced.
Enriched Drum Set Sounds
Drum set sound quality
has been boosted and plenty
of variation added.
From acoustic sets such
as Standard, Room,
and Jazz, to groove sets
such as Hip Hop, Jungle,
and Techno, the high
quality of these drums
will shine in any genre
you choose.
Amazing Performances at
Your Command
The SC-8850 features
an effects system so advanced
it’ll put stand-alone
effects to shame. This
amazing, all-in-one,
stand-alone instrument gives
you all the musical
expression you will ever
need.
Abundant Performance Layering
and Part Number Control
The SC-8850 provides
more sound groups than
you ever imagined possible
and backs them up with
control capabilities
that takes them all
to new heights.The
SC-8850 empowers you
to create incredible
ensemble performances with
up to 128 simultaneously
articulated voices and
64 parts that can be
played at the same time.
Plenty of Built-in Effects
Insertion effects let
you add effects to
each part individually.
System effects allow
you to add spatial ambience.
Insertion effects are
a powerful tool that
cover everything from
guitar
multi effects to a 3D effect that mimics
the venue itself. For instance, if the
Clean Guitar voice is played and
distortion added, the distortion will be
reproduced with astonishing realism.
System effects, used mainly to enhance
the spatial feel, include eight types of
reverb and chorus, as well as ten types
of delay and a dual-band digital equalizer.
These effects can be used to re-create
the immediacy and resonance of an
actual concert hail or club, and to add a
spatial ambience to the sound.
USB Supported
With abundant connectors, the SC-8850
was designed to be the centerpiece of
your sound system. The first MIDI sound
module in the world to offer USB, the
SC 8850 is fully compatible with the
PC, the iMacTM and the blue and white
G3 towers. Straightforward plug-and-play
operation is a given, and it’s geared to
musical enjoyment from the instant it’s
plugged in, even when the computer is
still booting. And, of course, a standard
serial port is also provided so the
SC-8850 can be connected to any PC
or Mac® that does not have USB.
Dual-port MIDI Interface
Two sets of in/out MIDI ports are
provided. When USB connections are
used, these ports can be used to
connect other peripheral devices in
addition to the four built in sound ports
of the SC-8850. This means the
SC 8850 can function as a MIDI interface
for a total of 96 parts. Direct expansion
of the SC-8850 is also possible by
connecting an expansion sound module
or MIIDI keyboard. Also, when using the
serial port in addition to the four built in
sound ports, the SC-8850 can be used
as a MIDI interface that embraces a
total of 80 parts.
Audio Terminals to Spare
Audio terminals for one stereo input and
two stereo outputs are provided. This
means that audio signals can be mixed
and output to a monitor or another
device without using a mixer, even if an
expansion sound module or external
effects device has been added.
User Friendliness to
Facilitate Musical
Expression
Sophisticated features demand the
access and control that will allow them
to be tapped quickly and easily. With
that in mind, the user interface provided
with the SC-8850 has been significantly
upgraded.
Notice
Use one of the following PCI-to-USB controllers* on PCs when using the USB
port of the SC-8850.
- Intel 82371AB PC to USB Universal Host Controller
- Intel 82371SB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
- Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
- ALi PCI to USB Open Host Controller
To check the USB Host Controller in your computer: Select Control Panel in the Setting group from the Start menu of Windows®
Double click the System icon in the Controi Panel and click the Device Manager tab in the System Properties
Extra Large Graphical LCD
In keeping with
the shift from the text-based
displays of yesterday, the
SC-8850 features
a large-sized, graphical
LCD. Sounds can
be displayed graphically,
as icons, all grouped
by sound category.
Screen displays
are arranged for
easy viewing and
selection.
Rotary Encoder for
Easy Input and Selection
The Rotary Encoder
is provided for smooth,
effortless control.
Performance parameters
can be selected
and executed, and
numeric values as
well as tones can
be changed quickly
and easily
with one finger.
The editing of
user sounds and
user drum sets
is simple and convenient.
Phrase Preview
A phrase preview
function lets you
check sounds selected
for short performance phrases.
This enables precise
selection of sounds
for optimum realism.
GM2 Now Supported
GM2 (General MIDI System
Level 2). which
expands upon the
sounds and functions
of GM, is now supported.
You can enjoy GM2
performances at
a level of reproduction
that goes beyond
what the maker originally
had in mind.
Features of the Next Generation USB (Universal Serial Bus) Interface
- The USB interface makes it possible to
connect a personal computer and peripheral
equipment using a single USB cable.
- USB devices are hot-swappable. which means they
can be plugged in and unplugged with the computer on. and without having to
reboot.
- Up to 127 peripheral devices can be connected, with none of the
problems that plagued users iii the past, such as a shortage of serial ports and IRQ conflicts.
- Higb-speed data transmission makes it possible to send large
quantities of data is real time.
The SC-8850 is One of the First to be Compliant with GM2
GM2 (General MIDI System Level 2) is a set of standards for editing voices not
covered by GM1. GM2 also defines the operation specifications of effects and
other elements in detail, and enables more sophisticated performance espresnion
and greater compatibility, by expanding the range of voices.
Moreover, the GS Format shares the same specifications as those of Roland sound modules. Not only in the
GM system used, but the number of voices has been expanded, and music editing, effects (such as Reverb
and Chorus), and other functions are defined in detail, for heightened compatibility. Sepects such as the
addition of new voices and Function espansion have also been taken into consideration, to provide greater
flexibility is accommodating future needs.
Tone List and Specs
Reprinted from Roland literature.
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Box 311, Weatogue, CT 06089-0311 USA
Order: 800-787-6434
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Copyright © 1999, MIDI Classics®, Revised 9/18/99