The SD-80 can be connected to a computer so it can be integrated with music software applications. There are two ways to make this connection:
- Direct USB connection. This will use a standard USB cable connected to the square "USB COMPUTER" port on the back of the SD-80 and then to a standard USB port on your computer.
or
- Connection using a MIDI interface. This will use the MIDI In and MIDI Out ports on the back panel of the SD-80, which will connect to the interface, and the interface will then connect to a standard USB port on your computer. This is useful it you already have a MIDI or Audio/MIDI interface connected to your system.
The functionality and operation of the SD-80 and your computer-based application(s) will be the same no matter which type of connection you are using - the only difference is how the MIDI signals are routed.
Note: if you wish to route the sound (audio) of the SD-80 into a computer, you will need to use an Audio Interface.
Connecting your SD-80 to a computer using the direct USB connection
1. On the SD-80, press SYSTEM.
2. Use the Page </> buttons to select "USB Driver."
3. Use Value Dial set this to "VENDOR."
4. Press INST to return to the main screen, then power the SD-80 off, then back on.
Note: if you have a newer computer for which there is not a Roland USB driver available, you can set the USB Driver to "GENERIC." In this case, restart the SD-80 and connect the USB cable to the computer, then skip to step 6.
5. Download and install the SD-80 USB driver for your computer and connect the USB cable. You can download the latest drivers from our website here.
Make sure you download the driver that corresponds to the type of computer you have (Mac or Windows-based) and the version of operating system you are using. Once downloaded, you will need to run the setup application to install the driver into your system. This may include re-starting your computer.
6. Confirm that the USB driver is installed correctly and that the computer is communicating correctly with the SD-80.
- On a Macintosh, look in the Audio MIDI Setup utility and confirm that the SD-80 is listed in the MIDI Studio window.
- On a PC, open the Device Manager and confirm that the SD-80 is listed under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
7. Activate or enable the SD-80 in your music software. You will need to consult with the documentation for your specific application for this, but usually there is a preferences menu where you will need to enable the SD-80 so it can be used by your software.
This will allow you to transfer MIDI between the SD-80 and your computer.
Connecting your SD-80 to a computer using a separate MIDI or Audio/MIDI interface
1. Download and install the USB driver for your the interface (if necessary).
2. Confirm that the USB driver is installed correctly and that the computer is communicating correctly with the interface.
- On a Macintosh, look in the Audio MIDI Setup utility and confirm that the interface is listed in both the Audio and MIDI Studio windows if it is a Audio and MIDI interface, or only in the MIDI Studio window if it is a MIDI interface.
- On a PC, open the Device Manager and confirm that the interface is listed under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
3. Activate or enable the interface in your music software. You will need to consult with the documentation for your specific application for this.
4. Connect the SD-80 to the interface.