Boss Audio Systems Boss Loop Station RC-300 - Manual (Page 38)

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Connecting an External MIDI Device or Another RC-300 Unit
What is MIDI?
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard specification that allows musical data to be transferred between electronic musical
instruments and computers. If a MIDI cable is connected between devices equipped with MIDI connectors, you’ll be able to play multiple
devices from a single MIDI keyboard, perform ensembles using multiple MIDI instruments, program the settings to change automatically as the
song progresses, and more.
About MIDI Connectors
The following types of connector are used to convey MIDI messages. MIDI cables are connected to these connectors as needed.
Connector Explanation
MIDI IN This connector receives messages from another MIDI device.
MIDI OUT This connector transmits messages from this device.
MIDI THRU
This connector re-transmits the messages that were received at
MIDI IN.
MIDI settings
For details on the RC-300’s various MIDI parameters, refer to the following pages.
Settings Page
System Settings “MIDI-Related Settings” (p. 34)
Settings for each phrase memory
“Synchronizing the Tempo of Two RC-300 Units (MIDI Sync)” (p. 21)
“Specifying the Controller (Assign Source)” (p. 23)
* Use of MIDI requires that the MIDI channels be matched with those of the connected device. Data cannot be transmitted to, nor received from
another MIDI device unless the MIDI channels are set properly.
Controlling an External MIDI Device from the RC-300
Operation Over View Explanation
Transmitting Tempo
Data and Data for
Starting and Stopping
Playback
The RC-300’s performance tempo data is
transmitted to external MIDI devices as MIDI
clock.
Playing Performances on External MIDI Devices at the Same Tempo as the RC-300’s Tempo
MIDI clock messages are output from the RC-300 at all times. Set the external MIDI device
beforehand so it is ready to receive MIDI Clock and MIDI Start and Stop messages. For details,
refer to the owner’s manual that came with the device.
Playback start and stop operations with the
RC-300’s pedals can be transmitted as MIDI
Start and Stop messages.
Transmitting Start/Stop
A MIDI Start message is transmitted at the moment that recording or playback of the track
begins, when all tracks had been stopped. This message is also transmitted when an All Start is
carried out.
A MIDI Stop message is transmitted when all of the tracks have stopped. This is also transmitted
when All Stop is in effect.
Transmitting Program
Change Messages
When a phrase memory is selected with the
RC-300, a Program Change message cor-
responding to the selected phrase memory
number is transmitted simultaneously.
Transmitting Program Changes
When phrase memories are switched on the RC-300, a MIDI Program Change message is
transmitted to the connected external MIDI device. You can transmit Program Change messages
numbered 1 through 99,corresponding to the 99 individual phrase memories 1–99.
* Set “MIDI Program Change Out” (p. 34) to ON beforehand.
* Program Change messages 100–128 cannot be transmitted.
* Bank Select MIDI messages (Control Change #0, #32) cannot be transmitted.
Transmitting Control
Change Messages
An ongoing description of all operations you
perform using the EXP pedal or externally
connected foot switch can be output in
the form of data called Control Change
messages. These messages can be used for
various purposes, such as controlling the
parameters of an external MIDI device.
Transmit a control change
By selecting a control change as the Assign Target (p. 23), you can use the RC-300’s [EXP 1] pedal,
or an external EXP pedal or external foot switch (connected to the CTL 1, 2/EXP 2 jack or CTL 3,
4/EXP 3 jack) to transmit MIDI control change messages.