Roland DJ Equipment SL 20 User Guide

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS SL-20 Audio Pattern Processor.  
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”  
and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet).  
These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.  
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good understanding of every  
feature provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual  
should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.  
Main Features  
Continuously cuts input audio sounds and create a wide variety of slice patterns.  
Includes a “HARMONIC” slice pattern that produces melodies from the chords you play.  
This feature provides you with a new way to express your musical ideas.  
Includes a recording function. You can record up to forty seconds of the phrases you play,  
then play these back with loop playback. This lets you enjoy performing solos backed by  
your recorded phrases.  
The SL-20 is equipped with a MIDI IN connector, allowing you to synchronize tempos with  
external MIDI devices.  
The unit provides six different types of stereo effects, including three-dimensional sound  
field effects, which are available when the SL-20 is used in stereo output.  
An expression pedal (optional) can be connected and used for hands-free control of the  
direct level, effects level, and other parameters.  
The TEMPO indicator provides a clear confirmation of the current tempo, even on dimly lit stages.  
Copyright © 2008 BOSS CORPORATION  
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in  
any form without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.  
 
 
Panel Descriptions  
Front Panel  
TEMPO Indicator  
BANK Knob  
PATTERN Knob  
Turn to switch the  
slice pattern.  
The slice pattern is  
composed of one  
measure.  
This flashes in sync with the tempo.  
Turn to switch the  
slice pattern variation.  
The indicator flashes red on the slice pattern’s first  
beat and green on the second, third, and fourth beats.  
*
TEMPO Knob  
This sets the tempo. Turn the knob to the  
right to increase the tempo, and to the left  
to slow the tempo down.  
EFFECT LEVEL Knob  
Adjusts the volume of  
the effect sound. The  
volume of the effect  
sound increases as the  
knob is turned to the  
right.  
You can adjust the tempo more precisely  
by turning the knob slowly.  
*
You cannot set the tempo with the SL-20  
while MIDI clock is being received.  
PEDAL MODE Button  
This selects the behavior of the START/  
STOP pedal when it’s pressed.  
LATCH:  
Pressing the START/STOP  
pedal toggles the effect on/off.  
*
When switching effects off, the effect  
switches off at the time the pedal is released.  
MOMENTARY  
:
The effect is switched on only as  
long as the START/STOP pedal  
is held down. Releasing the  
pedal switches off the effect.  
DIRECT LEVEL Knob  
Adjusts the volume of  
the direct sound when  
the effect is on. The  
volume of the direct  
sound increases as the  
knob is turned to the  
right.  
DUTY Knob  
Adjusts the duration of the slice pattern  
sound. The sound is played longer the  
further the knob is turned to the right.  
ATTACK Knob  
Adjusts the volume of the slice pattern’s attack.  
The volume of the attack is boosted as the knob is turned to the right.  
OUTPUT MODE Button  
This switches the output mode.  
*
You can select the output mode only when connected for stereo output. MONO is selected when the  
SL-20 is connected in monaural.  
OUTPUT MODE List  
OUTPUT MODE  
MONO  
Function  
The same signal is output from both the OUTPUT R/MONO jack and the L jack.  
Output with fixed left and right positions.  
STEREO FIXED  
RANDOM  
The output randomly alternates between left, right, and center.  
The output bounces between the left and right channels.  
The location of the sound shifts smoothly between the left and right channels.  
PING-PONG  
AUTO  
The location of the sound moves forward and back as well as left and right.  
This produces a swirling, three-dimensional type of sound.  
(3D Cross)  
(3D Panner)  
3
 
           
Panel Descriptions  
POWER Indicator  
This indicator shows whether the power is on or off,  
and also functions as a battery-check indicator.  
*
When the indicator starts to dim or fails to light, the  
batteries are exhausted. When this occurs, install new  
batteries. For instructions on replacing the batteries, refer  
to “Installing Batteries” (p. 6).  
*
The power comes on when a plug is inserted into the  
INPUT R/MONO jack, and goes off when it is  
unplugged.  
TAP Indicator  
This lights up when the TAP pedal  
is pressed.  
START/STOP Indicator  
This lights up when the ef-  
fect is on.  
REC Indicator  
This flashes when the SL-20  
is in recording standby and  
lights steadily during  
recording.  
PLAY Indicator  
This lights up during loop  
playback of phrases.  
TAP Pedal  
START/STOP Pedal  
You can set the tempo by tapping it in  
with this pedal.  
This alternately switches the effect on or  
off each time the pedal is pressed.  
The slice pattern plays when the effect is  
switched on.  
You can jump back to the beginning of  
the slice pattern measure by pressing the  
TAP pedal while the TAP indicator is off.  
When this is pressed during playback of  
a slice pattern or phrase, the SL-20  
returns the slice pattern or phrase to the  
beginning and starts playback from there.  
Pressing and holding down the pedal for  
at least two seconds switches the SL-20 to  
recording standby. After recording, the  
SL-20 switches to loop playback.  
“Recording/Loop Playback” (p. 13)  
*
You cannot set the tempo with the SL-  
20 while MIDI clock is being received.  
*
*
When switching effects off, the effect  
switches off at the time the pedal is  
released.  
“Using the TAP Pedal to Cue the  
Slice Pattern” (p. 12)  
“Setting the Tempo with the TAP  
Pedal” (p. 12)  
When the effects are off, sound arriving at  
the INPUT jack is output without change.  
“Recording/Loop Playback” (p. 13)  
4
 
Panel Descriptions  
Rear Panel  
INPUT Jacks (INPUT R/MONO, L)  
These input jacks are used for connecting  
electric guitars, bass guitars, other  
instruments, and effects processors.  
If using monaural input, connect only to the  
R/MONO jack.  
EXP Pedal Jack  
Connect an optional expression pedal (such as the  
Roland EV-5; optional) to this jack.  
Once connected, the pedal can be used to control the  
direct level and effect level in real time.  
*
Use only the specified expression pedal (such as the  
Roland EV-5; optional). By connecting any other  
expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or  
damage to the unit.  
“Making the Connections” (p. 7)  
*
The INPUT R/MONO jack also doubles as  
the power switch. The power comes on when  
a plug is inserted into the INPUT R/MONO  
jack, and goes off when it is unplugged.  
Unplug any connected plugs when the unit  
is not in use.  
“Controlling Functions with an Expression  
Pedal” (p. 15)  
DC IN (AC Adaptor) Jack  
This jack is for connecting an AC  
adaptor (BOSS PSA series;  
long performances without  
worrying about the batteries  
going dead.  
*
specified type (PSA series;  
optional). Using an adaptor  
other than the specified type may  
cause the unit to malfunction, or  
cause damage to the unit.  
OUTPUT Jacks (OUTPUT R/MONO, L)  
Use these jacks to connect the SL-20 to a guitar amp,  
a keyboard amp, or to an effects processor, mixer,  
multitrack recorder, or other such device.  
Connecting to both the R/MONO and L jacks  
allows you to achieve a variety of stereo effects.  
If using monaural output, connect only to the R/  
MONO jack.  
MIDI IN Connector  
This connector receives the MIDI clock from  
a connected external MIDI device to  
synchronize the devices’ tempos.  
“Synchronizing Performances with  
External MIDI Devices” (p. 18)  
“OUTPUT MODE Button” (p. 3)  
“Making the Connections” (p. 7)  
“Setting the Output Mode” (p. 17)  
5
 
 
Installing Batteries  
Insert the batteries as shown below, being careful to orient the batteries correctly.  
fig.010  
• When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and  
place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons  
and knobs. Also, you should try to orient the unit so that no buttons or knobs get  
damaged.  
• When turning the unit upside-down, handle it with care to avoid dropping it, or  
allowing it to fall or tip over.  
• Make sure the “+” and “–” ends of the batteries are oriented correctly.  
• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited,  
however, since their primary purpose is to enable testing.  
• When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator grows dim. If this happens, install  
new batteries.  
• When replacing the batteries, use six AA-type batteries.  
• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different  
types of batteries. Doing so may result in fluid leakage that can damage the unit.  
• Battery life can vary depending on the battery type.  
Continuous usage time under battery power is about 18 hours with alkaline batteries  
and about 7 hours with carbon batteries. (This may vary according to usage  
conditions.)  
6
 
   
Making the Connections  
• When using an AC adaptor, be sure to use only the specified type (PSA series;  
optional). Using an adaptor other than the specified type may cause the unit to  
malfunction, or cause damage to the unit.  
• To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn  
down the volume and turn off the power to all devices before making any connections.  
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are  
operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating  
a call, or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate  
such wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them  
off.  
• Some connection cables contain resistors. When connection cables with resistors are  
used, the sound level may be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on  
cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.  
• The INPUT R/MONO jack doubles as a power switch. Inserting a plug in the INPUT  
R/MONO jack turns on the power; the power is switched off when the plug is  
disconnected. Be sure to unplug the cable from this jack when the SL-20 is not in use.  
• If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation  
will continue should the line voltage be interrupted (such as from a power blackout or  
power cord disconnection).  
• Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in  
the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing  
malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.  
When powering up:  
Turn on the power to your guitar amp last.  
When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp first.  
• Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power.  
Even with the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the  
power is switched on, but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.  
• When operating on battery power only, the POWER indicator will become dim when  
battery power gets too low. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.  
• This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power-  
up is required before the unit will operate normally.  
7
 
   
Making the Connections  
Mono Input Connection  
Guitar or Bass  
fig.020  
AC Adaptor  
PSA series  
(optional)  
Guitar  
(Bass)  
Guitar Amp  
(Bass Amp)  
This works well when used in combination with distortion and modulation effects  
processors.  
Keyboard  
fig.030  
AC Adaptor  
PSA series  
(optional)  
Keyboard  
MTR  
Mixer  
8
 
 
Making the Connections  
Stereo Input Connection  
Guitar or Bass  
fig.060  
AC Adaptor  
PSA series  
(optional)  
Effector  
Guitar Amp  
(Bass Amp)  
Guitar  
(Bass)  
Keyboard  
fig.070  
AC Adaptor  
PSA series  
(optional)  
Keyboard  
MTR  
Mixer  
9
 
 
Operating the SL-20  
Basic Operation  
3
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
1. Set the knobs as shown in the figure above.  
10  
2. Press the START/STOP pedal  
to switch the effect on (the START/STOP  
indicator lights).  
1
3. Turn the EFFECT LEVEL knob  
to adjust the volume of the effect.  
4
4. Turn the TEMPO knob  
to adjust the tempo.  
*
7
5. Turn the ATTACK knob  
to adjust the volume of the attack level.  
8
6. Turn the DUTY knob  
to adjust the length of time the sound plays.  
5
7. Turn the DIRECT LEVEL knob  
to adjust the volume of the direct sound when  
to set the output mode.  
the effect is on.  
6
8. Use the OUTPUT MODE button  
*
You can set the output mode only when the SL-20 is connected for stereo output. MONO mode is  
selected when the SL-20 connected for monaural output. For more detailed information about the  
output mode, refer to “OUTPUT MODE Button” (p. 3).  
2
9. Turn the BANK knob  
to change the slice pattern variation.  
3
10. Turn the PATTERN knob  
to switch the slice pattern.  
*
You can set the action performed when slice patterns are switched. For details, refer to “Setting the  
Tempo Response When Slice Patterns Are Switched” (p. 16).  
9
11. Use the PEDAL MODE button  
to set the function that the START/STOP pedal  
executes when it’s pressed.  
*
For more detailed information about the pedal mode, refer to “PEDAL MODE Button” (p. 3).  
10  
 
   
Operating the SL-20  
Panel Operation  
Setting the Tempo  
Switching the Output Mode  
4
6
Turn the TEMPO knob  
to the right to  
Use the OUTPUT MODE button  
switch the output mode.  
to  
increase the tempo; to slow the tempo down,  
turn the knob to the left.  
*
*
You can select the output mode only when  
connected for stereo output. MONO is selected  
when the SL-20 is connected in monaural.  
You can adjust the tempo more precisely by  
turning the knob slowly.  
For more detailed information about the output  
mode, refer to “OUTPUT MODE Button” (p. 3).  
*
*
The tempo setting is stored in memory.  
You cannot set the tempo with the SL-20 while  
MIDI clock is being received.  
Switching the Pedal Mode  
Use the PEDAL MODE button  
the pedal mode.  
Switching the Slice Pattern  
9
to switch  
2
Use the BANK knob  
and PATTERN  
*
For more detailed information about the pedal  
mode, refer to “PEDAL MODE Button” (p. 3).  
3
knob  
to switch slice patterns.  
The HARMONIC (BANK knob positions 4  
and 5) contains slice patterns with melodic  
content.  
Adjusting the Attack and  
Duty  
To increase the volume of the attack, turn the  
7
ATTACK knob  
to the right.  
To increase the length of the sound, turn the  
8
DUTY knob  
to the right.  
Adjusting the Effect Level  
1
Use the EFFECT LEVEL knob  
to adjust  
the volume levels of the effect sound.  
Adjusting the Direct Level  
5
Use the DIRECT LEVEL knob  
to adjust  
the volume levels of the direct sound when  
the effect is on.  
11  
 
               
Operating the SL-20  
Using the TAP Pedal to Cue the Slice Pattern  
You can jump back to the beginning of the current slice pattern by pressing the TAP  
pedal while the TAP indicator is off.  
Lit  
*
The slice pattern is not played when the effect is switched off.  
Setting the Tempo with the TAP Pedal  
You can set the tempo for the slice pattern by pressing the TAP pedal in time with the  
tempo.  
*
You cannot set the tempo with the SL-20 while MIDI clock is being received.  
1. Press the TAP pedal two or more times at the tempo you want to set.  
This sets the tempo. The TEMPO indicator flashes in sync with the tempo.  
Blink  
Press two or more times  
*
The tempo setting is stored in memory.  
12  
 
       
Operating the SL-20  
Recording/Loop Playback  
The SL-20 lets you record up to forty seconds of sounds played with slice patterns.  
After the recording is completed, loop playback of the sound begins. This allows you  
to perform with backing from the recorded sound.  
*
*
You cannot record while the pedal mode (p. 3) is set to MOMENTARY.  
Recorded phrase lengths are automatically adjusted to measure units.  
1. Put the SL-20 in recording  
standby.  
2. Recording begins.  
Play.  
Lit  
Blink  
Off  
Lit  
Hold down at least  
two seconds  
Press when the TEMPO  
indicator lights steadily  
4. Loop playback stops.  
3. Recording stops (after it stops,  
the sounds are loop played back).  
Play.  
Off  
Lit  
Off  
Press when the TEMPO  
indicator lights steadily  
1. Press and hold down the START/STOP pedal for at least two seconds to put the SL-  
20 in recording standby mode.  
The START/STOP indicator lights up, and the REC indicator starts flashing.  
*
You can cancel the recording standby status by pressing and holding down the START/STOP pedal  
for at least two seconds while the SL-20 is in recording standby.  
2. Press the START/STOP pedal to begin recording.  
The START/STOP indicator goes out, and the REC indicator lights steadily, instead of  
flashing.  
*
Recording begins from the start of the beat.  
13  
 
   
Operating the SL-20  
3. Press the START/STOP pedal to stop recording.  
The PLAY indicator lights up; loop playback of the recorded phrase begins.  
*
Pressing the TAP pedal during loop playback of a phrase causes the SL-20 to return the phrase to the  
beginning and play it back from that point.  
You can enjoy performing solos using recorded phrases as backing sounds.  
The volume level of the backing can be adjusted with the EFFECT LEVEL knob, while  
you can use the DIRECT LEVEL knob to adjust the volume of the solo performance.  
4. Press the START/STOP pedal to stop loop playback.  
The PLAY indicator goes out.  
*
*
Changing tempo by the SL-20 is not available while recording or loop playing back.  
Recorded phrases cannot be permanently stored onboard the SL-20. Loop playback stops, and the  
recorded phrase is deleted.  
*
*
You cannot change the tempo of the recorded phrases.  
This feature does not permit overdubbing.  
14  
 
Operating the SL-20  
Controlling Functions with an Expression Pedal  
You can connect an expression pedal (such as the Roland EV-5; optional) to the EXP  
jack and use the pedal to control a variety of functions.  
Function  
Direct Level  
Effect Level  
Explanation  
Controls the volume of the direct sound when the effect is on.  
Controls the volume of the effect sound.  
Output Level Controls the output level when the effect is on.  
Attack  
Duty  
Controls the volume of the attack.  
Controls the duration of the sound.  
*
*
With the Direct Level, Effect Level, Attack, and Duty functions, moving the pedal all the way back to  
the heel position sets the minimum value; moving the pedal all the way forward to the toe position sets  
the value to the current setting of the corresponding front-panel knob.  
Set the minimum volume for the connected expression pedal to the “0” position.  
Setting the Function of the Expression Pedal  
1. While holding down the TAP pedal, connect the expression pedal.  
The TAP indicator flashes.  
Expression pedal  
Hold Down  
(Roland EV-5, etc)  
2. After confirming that the TAP indicator has flashed, release the TAP pedal.  
3. Select the desired expression pedal function with the PATTERN knob.  
PATTERN  
Function  
Direct Level  
Effect Level  
Output Level  
Attack  
1
2
3
4
5
Duty  
4. Press the TAP pedal.  
The TAP indicator flashes rapidly, and the setting is saved to the SL-20’s memory.  
Be sure not to turn off the power while the TAP indicator is flashing rapidly.  
This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off.  
The factory default setting for the expression pedal function is Direct Level.  
*
*
*
15  
 
     
Operating the SL-20  
Setting the Tempo Response When Slice  
Patterns Are Switched  
When switching slice patterns, you can have all the patterns play at a set tempo,  
without the tempos switching to the ones set in each individual pattern.  
1. While holding down the PEDAL MODE button, turn on the power to the SL-20.  
The upper part of the TEMPO indicator lights in green.  
*
Plugging into the INPUT R/MONO jack switches on the power.  
2. When the TEMPO indicator starts flashing, release the PEDAL MODE button.  
3. Use the PATTERN knob to select the method used for setting the slice patterns.  
PATTERN  
Explanation  
Each time the slice patterns are switched, the tempo changes to that  
of the pattern you are switching to.  
When the slice pattern is switched, playback of the new pattern be-  
gins immediately.  
1
The tempo does not switch when the slice patterns are switched.  
When a new slice pattern is selected, the current slice pattern plays  
to its end, after which the new slice pattern starts playing.  
2
4. Press the PEDAL MODE button.  
The TEMPO indicator flashes three times, and the setting is saved to the SL-20’s  
internal memory.  
Once the setting is saved, and the SL-20 returns to its normal operating status.  
*
*
*
Be sure not to turn off the power while the TEMPO indicator is flashing.  
This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off.  
The factory default setting for this action is PATTERN 1.  
16  
 
 
Operating the SL-20  
Setting the Output Mode  
You can have the output mode stereo effect (p. 3) applied to the direct sound when the  
effect is switched on.  
1. While holding down the PEDAL MODE button, turn on the power to the SL-20.  
The upper part of the TEMPO indicator lights in green.  
*
Plugging into the INPUT R/MONO jack switches on the power.  
2. When the TEMPO indicator starts flashing, release the PEDAL MODE button.  
3. Use the PATTERN knob to set the output mode.  
PATTERN  
Explanation  
3
4
The stereo effect is applied to the direct sound.  
The stereo effect is not applied to the direct sound.  
4. Press the PEDAL MODE button.  
The TEMPO indicator flashes three times, and the setting is saved to the SL-20’s  
internal memory.  
Once the setting is saved, and the SL-20 returns to its normal operating status.  
*
*
*
Be sure not to turn off the power while the TEMPO indicator is flashing.  
This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off.  
The factory default setting for this action is PATTERN 3.  
17  
 
   
Operating the SL-20  
Synchronizing Performances with External  
MIDI Devices  
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a universal standard that allows for the  
exchange of performance data and other information among electronic musical instruments  
and computers. Once MIDI cables are used to connect together devices equipped with MIDI  
connectors, each device can send data to, or receive data from any of the others. You can  
synchronize the SL-20 with performances played on an external MIDI device.  
Data Synchronized with the SL-20  
The following MIDI messages are handled during synchronization with the SL-20.  
• Timing Clock  
• Start  
• Continue  
Timing Clock corresponding to the tempo is transmitted from the master device  
(external MIDI device). The slave device (SL-20) synchronizes its performance to the  
transmitted Timing Clock. Start and Continue MIDI messages are also transmitted  
when these operations are carried out with the master device (external MIDI device).  
Upon receiving the Start message from the external MIDI device, the SL-20 starts its  
slice pattern from the top. Upon receiving the Continue message, the SL-20 continues  
to playback from the current position in sync with the external MIDI device.  
*
For more information on the MIDI messages handled by the devices you are connecting, refer to the  
owner’s manual for each device.  
1. Connect the external device to the MIDI IN connector.  
MIDI OUT  
MIDI IN  
Master  
Slave (SL-20)  
2. Transmit the MIDI messages from the external MIDI device.  
The SL-20’s performance is synchronized according to the MIDI messages from the  
external MIDI device.  
*
*
You cannot set the tempo with the SL-20 while MIDI clock is being received.  
In some cases, when the SL-20 receives the MIDI Clock and synchronization of the performance begins,  
the SL-20 may pause for several seconds. Afterwards, the performance is synchronized to the  
transmitted Timing Clock.  
*
If the MIDI cable is disconnected during a synchronized performance, the SL-20’s performance stops playing.  
Approximately one second after that, the slice pattern begins playing at the SL-20’s internal tempo setting.  
18  
 
   
Operating the SL-20  
Setting the Retrigger Mode  
The Retrigger Mode setting determines whether or not the slice pattern will be cued to  
the beginning when the START/STOP pedal is pressed during reception of MIDI Clock.  
1. While holding down the PEDAL MODE button, turn on the power to the SL-20.  
The upper part of the TEMPO indicator lights in green.  
*
Plugging into the INPUT R/MONO jack switches on the power.  
2. When the TEMPO indicator starts flashing, release the PEDAL MODE button.  
3. Use the PATTERN knob to set the retrigger mode.  
PATTERN  
5
Retrigger Mode  
Off  
Explanation  
The slice pattern won’t be cued to the beginning  
when the START/STOP pedal is pressed.  
Pressing the START/STOP pedal cues the slice  
pattern to the beginning.  
6
On  
4. Press the PEDAL MODE button.  
The TEMPO indicator flashes three times, and the setting is saved to the SL-20’s  
internal memory.  
Once the setting is saved, and the SL-20 returns to its normal operating status.  
Be sure not to turn off the power while the TEMPO indicator is flashing.  
This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off.  
*
*
*
With the factory default settings, Retrigger Mode is set to Off.  
19  
 
 
Returning Settings to Their Factory Defaults  
You can return the following settings to their original factory defaults.  
• Slice Pattern tempos  
• Expression Pedal Function setting (p. 15)  
• The tempo response when slice patterns are switched (p. 16)  
• Output Mode setting (p. 17)  
• Retrigger Mode setting (p. 19)  
*
Carrying out the following procedure completely clears the content currently stored in the memory.  
1. Switch off the power.  
2. While holding down the OUTPUT MODE button, switch on the power.  
The MONO indicator flashes.  
*
Plugging into the INPUT R/MONO jack switches on the power.  
3. Press the OUTPUT MODE button.  
The MONO indicator flashes rapidly, the setting is stored in memory and the unit  
returns to its normal state.  
*
*
To cancel the setting change and the unit returns to its ordinary state, then before you press the  
OUTPUT MODE button, operate the START/STOP pedal or TAP pedal.  
Be sure not to turn off the power while the MONO indicator is flashing rapidly.  
20  
 
 
Troubleshooting  
Power doesn’t come on  
The POWER indicator has gone dim  
Is the guitar or keyboard connected correctly  
to the INPUT R/MONO jack?  
Is the specified adaptor (PSA series; optional)  
properly connected?  
*
Check the connections again (p. 7–p.9).  
The power will not turn on without a plug connected to  
the INPUT R/MONO jack.  
*
Never use any AC adaptor other than one specified for use  
with the SL-20.  
*
Have the batteries run down?  
Replace them with new batteries (p. 6).  
The batteries included with the SL-20 are meant only to  
confirm that the unit is functional at the factory.  
*
Have the batteries run down?  
Replace them with new batteries (p. 6).  
When the indicator goes dim or no longer lights  
while the effect is on, it means that the batteries  
must be replaced.  
*
To reduce batteries consumption, be sure to disconnect  
the plug connected to the INPUT R/MONO jack  
whenever the unit is not in use.  
*
The batteries included with the SL-20 are meant only to  
confirm that the unit is functional at the factory.  
Is the specified AC adaptor (PSA series;  
optional) connected correctly?  
Check the connections again (p. 7–p.9).  
Never use any AC adaptor other than the  
adaptor specified.  
Sound is distorted  
Are the EFFECT LEVEL knob, DIRECT LEVEL  
knob, and ATTACK knob positioned correctly?  
Sounds may become distorted when the knobs are  
knob, DIRECT LEVEL knob, and ATTACK knob to  
the sound is still distorted, lower the output level of  
the device connected to the INPUT jacks.  
No sound/volume is low  
Is the other equipment connected correctly?  
Check the connections again (p. 7–p.9).  
Is the volume turned down on the connected  
guitar, keyboard, effects processor, or other  
device?  
Check the settings on the connected equipment  
(p. 7–p.9).  
The volume level of the  
instrument connected to the  
INPUT jacks is too low  
Could you be using a connection cable that  
contains a resistor?  
Could the ATTACK knob or DUTY knob be  
turned down?  
Use the ATTACK knob or DUTY knob to adjust  
the level.  
Use a connection cable that does not contain a resistor.  
Cannot save recorded slice sound  
Recorded slice sounds cannot be saved in the  
SL-20’s internal memory.  
Could the connected expression pedal be in  
the raised position?  
When the expression pedal's function is set to  
Direct Level, Effect Level, or Output Level the  
effect sound is not output unless the pedal toe  
is pressed down completely (p. 15).  
Unable to overdub  
You cannot overdub during recording.  
Sounds input in stereo are output  
in mono  
*
Have the batteries run down?  
Replace them with new batteries (p. 6).  
The batteries included with the SL-20 are meant only to  
confirm that the unit is functional at the factory.  
In order to apply effects suitable for the pattern,  
some slice patterns mix the input, then output  
this in mono.  
Unable to switch output mode  
The output mode setting is fixed at MONO  
when the output is connected in mono.  
21  
 
 
Setting Memo  
22  
 
 
Setting Memo  
23  
 
Main Specifications  
SL-20: Audio Pattern Processor  
Nominal Input Level  
-20 dBu  
Input Impedance  
1 MΩ  
Connectors  
INPUT jacks R/MONO, L (1/4 inch phone type)  
OUTPUT jacks R/MONO, L (1/4 inch phone type)  
EXP PEDAL jack (1/4 inch TRS phone type)  
MIDI IN connector  
DC IN jack (DC 9 V)  
Nominal Output Level  
-20 dBu  
Output Impedance  
1 kΩ  
Recommended Load Impedance  
10 kΩ or greater  
Tempo  
30–250 bpm  
Maximum Recording Time  
40 seconds  
Power Supply  
DC 9 V: Dry battery LR6/R6 (AA) type x 6, AC  
Adaptor (PSA series)  
Current Draw  
110 mA (9 V max.)  
*
Expected battery life under continuous use:  
Carbon: 7 hours  
Alkaline: 18 hours  
These figures will vary depending on the actual  
conditions of use.  
Dimensions  
173 (W) x 158 (D) x 57 (H) mm  
Controls  
START/STOP pedal  
TAP pedal  
6-13/16 (W) x 6-1/4 (D) x 2-1/4 (H) inches  
Weight  
EFFECT LEVEL knob  
DIRECT LEVEL knob  
BANK knob  
1.1 kg / 2 lbs 7 oz (including batteries)  
Accessories  
Owner’s Manual  
PATTERN knob  
ATTACK knob  
Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,”  
“IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”)  
Dry battery R6 (AA) type (carbon) x 6  
DUTY knob  
TEMPO knob  
Options  
OUTPUT MODE button  
PEDAL MODE button  
AC Adaptor (PSA series)  
Expression pedal (Roland EV-5)  
Indicators  
POWER indicator  
*
0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms  
(serves also as the battery check indicator)  
START/STOP indicator  
REC indicator  
*
In the interest of product improvement, the specifications  
and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change  
without prior notice.  
PLAY indicator  
TAP indicator  
MONO indicator  
MIDI Implementation Version: 1.00  
1. Receive Data  
System Real-Time Message  
FIXED indicator  
RANDOM indicator  
PING-PONG indicator  
AUTO indicator  
Timing Clock  
Start  
Status  
Status  
F8H  
FAH  
3D PANNNER indicator  
3D CROSS indicator  
LATCH indicator  
MOMENTARY indicator  
TEMPO indicator  
*
Upon receiving the Start (FAH), the slice pattern  
returns to the start of the pattern.  
Continue  
Status  
FBH  
*
Upon receiving the Continue (FBH), the SL-20  
continues to playback in sync with the external  
MIDI device.  
24  
 
 
MEMO  
25  
 
 
MEMO  
26  
 
For EU Countries  
UK  
DE  
FR  
IT  
ES  
PT  
NL  
DK  
NO  
SE  
FI  
HU  
PL  
CZ  
SK  
EE  
LT  
LV  
SI  
GR  
 
For EU Countries  
For the USA  
This product complies with the requirements of EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.  
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION  
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in  
a
residential  
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in  
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee  
that interference will not occur in  
a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.  
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.  
For Canada  
NOTICE  
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
AVIS  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
*
G
6
0
2
7
1
3
1
-
0
1
*
G6027131R0 1RTC  
 

RCA Portable Radio RP7664 User Guide
Realistic Scanner PRO 39 User Guide
RIDGID Water Pump SP 330 User Guide
Roland Drums TD 8KV User Guide
Sagem Cell Phone myC 1 User Guide
Samsung Cooktop SCD103 215 User Guide
Sanus Systems Indoor Furnishings EFSat User Guide
Schumacher Battery Charger PSC 12500A User Guide
Sears Lawn Mower 143974506 User Guide
Sennheiser Headphones CX 95 User Guide