It is not possible to directly assign one of the zone sliders on the RD-2000 to control the volume of the Rhythm Part / Rhythm Patterns, but there is a way to create this functionality using a MIDI cable. You can use one of the assignable part sliders to output a volume message on MIDI channel 10 (which is routed to the MIDI OUT jacks on the back panel of the RD-2000), and then use a MIDI cable to route this signal back into the RD-2000.
In our example we will use zone slider #8 and route it to MIDI OUT 1, which will then then be routed back to the MIDI IN jack.
First we will make the connection:
- Use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT 1 jack on the back panel of the RD-2000 to the MIDI IN jack on the back panel of the RD-2000.
Next, we will assign the Zone Slider:
- Hold SHIFT and press the button above the #8 zone slider repeatedly so it is green (this assigns the slider to an external zone.
- Press EDIT.
- Cursor to "Zone Edit" and press ENTER.
- Cursor to the "External tab at the top of the screen.
- Cursor to the "OUT/PC" tab.
- Cursor down to zone 8 and set OUT to "OUT 1" and TX Ch to "10."
- Cursor to the "KBD" tab and set both "Rng Lo" and Rng Up" to "A0."
- Press EXIT twice.
At this point, you should be able to press PLAY to start the rhythm pattern, and the #8 slider should control the volume. You will notice that the sound is flanging, which is caused by double notes be played. We have one more setting we have to change to take care of this.
Change the MIDI OUT setting for the Rhythm Part:
- Press MENU.
- Cursor to "System" and press ENTER.
- Cursor down to "Rhythm MIDI Output Port" and use the dial to change this to either "OUT2" or "USB."
- Press WRITE to save this system setting, then press MENU to confirm.
- Press EXIT twice.
Now you should be able to control the volume of the Rhythm Part using slider #8. The Zone settings above (part 2) will need to be saved in a Program, so press the WRITE button again and save your settings as a Program. Each program can have different settings, so if you plan on using this setup often, you will need to either duplicate this program several times, or just use these settings again when you are creating your next Program(s).