SP-FORUMS

I haven't got my SP-555 yet but I'm reading the literature and am a bit confused already...
If I use a USB connection, do I still have to use the compact flash mechanism to convert formats ?
I would expect to be able to import/export wav files via USB-computer link with any necessary format conversion performed automagically, rather than carrying a disk from one machine to another and back again - like in the 80s .
Can anyone put me straight ?
Thanks.

Sure.

Unfortunately, you'll have to use a CF reader if you want to copy samples directly onto your CF inside your SP-555 for import. It doesn't work as a 'mass storage device' through USB.

However (!) and this is a big plus, you can always set your SP-555 as the playback device (audio interface) of your favorite music player on your PC.

That way you CAN actually sample directly over the USB cable. No need to take your CF cards out. Back when I still had my SP-555, that method was ALL I was using and it works great.

Kind of weird though that Roland decided not to make it possible to just drag 'n drop samples through a 'mass storage device' feature. I mean, the USB cable's there, the SP-606 has this options.. so why not on the SP-555?

Oooooooh. Manual's vacant on this subject, please elaborate on the "how-to" for this. Thanks!

Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. That machine can do so much already, so I can't even imagine all the little tricks there are to find like the 404 and it's pattern copying trick.

Bellsauce wrote:Oooooooh. Manual's vacant on this subject, please elaborate on the "how-to" for this. Thanks!

Sure thing.

The easiest method to explain is using a Windows PC with Windows Media Player. You'll have to connect your SP-555 with a USB cable to your PC and then start up Windows Media Player.

Then go to the tab 'Extra' (it's on the top of the player right next to the 'help' tab. Then select 'Options'. Then you'll get a screen with a whole bunch of tabs on them, you should be looking for 'Devices' there and click it. Then there's usually 3 things visible or so in a list, one of them being 'speakers' or 'sound devices' or something like that.

(I'm using a Dutch version, so the translations of these names won't be perfect, sorry).

Double click 'speakers' and a new window pops up. Then you'll see on the top area something called 'Sound devices that's used' or something along those lines. Usually something like 'DirectSound: RealTek HD Audio Output' or whatever sound card you're using for your PC.

Click that area and select your SP-555, it should be visible in the list whenever connected to your PC.

That's all there is to it, you now should be able to sample anything your Windows Media Player can play.

If you're using a SP606, make sure the [EXT] pad is on when sampling, and the same trick will work for that machine as well.

Wow, thanks! This is huge.

Yes, truly huge.
I haven't got it out of its box yet but it's great to know the know-how is out there...
Did someone mention a pattern copying trick ...?

And thanks !!!

You guys are welcome. If you've got more questions, just go ahead and shoot. There are enough people here willing to share some knowledge.

What is the pattern copying trick?