Roland KC-550/KC-350 - Keyboard Amplifier Manual

Introduction

These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner's manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• USING THE UNIT SAFELY
• IMPORTANT NOTES

PHONES
PHONES VOLUME Knob
This knob adjusts the headphone volume.
* The PHONES VOLUME knob affects only the headphone output.

PHONES Jack
This is for connecting headphones.
* The amplifier's speakers work even when headphones are connected.
* Before plugging in or unplugging headphones, be sure to place the PHONES VOLUME knob at 0.
* The MASTER CONTROL (Equalizer, SHAPE switch and VOLUME knob) do not affect the headphone output.

2. MASTER CONTROL
   EQUALIZER
   The KC-550/KC-350 comes with a three-band equalizer.
   LOW Knob
   This adjusts the tone of the bass range.
   MIDDLE Knob
   This adjusts the tone of the middle range.
   HIGH Knob
   This adjusts the tone of the treble range.
   * The equalizer (controlled with the LOW, MIDDLE, and HIGH knobs) affects only the output from SUBWOOFER OUT and the speakers.
   SHAPE Switch
   When switched on, this provides a boost in the upper and lower ranges.
   It can be conveniently used to improve the sound quality at low volumes, or to give the sound a greater sense of clarity.
   * The SHAPE switch affects only the output from the speakers.
   VOLUME Knob
   This adjusts the total volume level of the unit's internal speaker. The SUBWOOFER OUT output is also changed.
   * The VOLUME knob do not affect the line outs.
3. POWER Indicator
   This indicator lights when the unit is turned on.
4. POWER Switch
   This switches the power on and off.
   * If you need to turn off the power completely, first turn off the POWER switch, then unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Refer to "Power Supply".
   * Before turning the power on or off, be sure to put the VOLUME knob at 0.
   * 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.
   * Refer for the order in which to turn the power to connected devices on and off.

Jack Panel

CHANNEL INPUT

5. CH 1 Input Jacks
   In addition to a standard jack, this channel is equipped with a balanced XLR connector, useful for connecting mics. Use this for connecting mics, keyboards, sound modules, and other devices.
   Input levels ranging from mic input (-50 dBu) to line level (-20 dBu) are accepted.
6. CH 2, CH 3 and CH 4 Input Jacks
   Use these for connecting keyboards, sound modules, and other devices.
   They accept line level input (-20 dBu).
   You can select the output for signals input to CH 4.
7. LINE OUT
   LINE OUT Jacks
   (XLR-type connectors are featured only on the KC-550)
   Connect a mixer or recording device to either (or both) of these pairs of outputs. There are two types of connectors: an XLR type and an unbalanced TRS 1/4" phone jack on the KC550. The TRS 1/4" phone jack are unbalanced type. Use the one appropriate for the equipment you're connecting. This output jack provides +4 dBu line level output.
   If you're making a mono connection, connect to the L (MONO) phone jack.
   * MASTER CONTROL (equalizer, SHAPE switch and VOLUME knob) do not affect LINE OUT.
8. GND LIFT Switch (KC-550 only)
   This selects whether the XLR-type LINE OUT jacks are grounded or not.
   If you encounter noise problems that are possibly caused by a ground loop, try changing the switch position to alleviate the problem.
9. STEREO LINK
   Stereo playback is enabled simply by connecting two KC-550 or KC-350 units with a single audio cable (phone type).
   * For details on the Stereo Link function, refer to "Stereo Link".
   STEREO LINK OUT Jack
   Connect this jack to the STEREO LINK IN jack on a sub (L) KC-550/KC-350 when using a Stereo Link configuration.
   This output jack provides 0 dBu line level output.
   When a cable is connected to the STEREO LINK OUT jack, the right-channel input signals are output from the internal speakers. The left-channel input signals are output from the STEREO LINK OUT jack to the other KC-550/KC-350.
   STEREO LINK IN Jack
   Connect this jack to the STEREO LINK OUT jack on the main (R) unit (the other KC-550/KC-350) when using a Stereo Link configuration.
   This accepts level input of 0 dBu.
   Only the STEREO LINK IN input signals are output from the internal speakers.
   Panel Descriptions
10. SUBWOOFER OUT Jack
    This lets you play even more powerful bass by connecting a powered subwoofer.
    Provides full-range output, at an output level of +4 dBu.
    You can use the MASTER CONTROL knobs (LOW, MIDDLE, HIGH, and VOLUME) to adjust the tone and volume level.
    * SHAPE switch do not affect SUBWOOFER OUT.
11. AUX IN Jacks
    These are RCA phono type input jacks. You use these to connect equipment such as CD and MD players, and have them sound along with the equipment connected to CH 1 through CH 4. They accept level input of -10 dBu.
    * To adjust the volume level of equipment connected to the AUX IN jacks, use the controls on such equipment.

* When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume level of equipment connected to the inputs (CH 1 through CH 4, AUX IN and STEREO LINK IN) may be low.
If this happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors, such as those from the Roland PCS series.
* Howling could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:

1. Changing the orientation of the microphone.
2. Relocating microphone at a greater distance from speakers.
3. Lowering volume levels.

Switching the Power On and Off

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.
* Before switching off the power, lower the volume on each of the devices in your system and then TURN OFF the devices in the reverse order to which they were switched on.

1. Make sure that all volume controls on the KC-550/KC350 and connected devices are set to 0.
2. Turn on all the devices connected to the KC-550/KC350's input jacks (CH 1 through CH 4 and AUX IN).
3. Turn on the KC-550/KC-350.
4. Switch on any equipment connected to the KC-550/KC350's LINE OUT or SUBWOOFER OUT jacks.
5. Adjust the volume levels for the devices.

* 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. For protection from sudden big sound, 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.
* If you need to turn off the power completely, first turn off the POWER switch, then unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Refer to "Power Supply".

About the Volume-level Settings

In order to get optimum sound from the KC-550/KC-350 when performing, set the volume as described below.

1. Operate the CH 1 through CH 4 volume knobs to adjust the volume level for CH 1 through CH 4.
   
   Adjust the volume balance for CH 1 through CH 4 at this time.
   * To adjust the volume level of equipment connected to the AUX IN jacks, use the controls on such equipment.
2. Adjust the LOW, MIDDLE and HIGH knobs to obtain the sound quality you want.
3. Use the VOLUME knob to adjust the overall volume level.
   
   * If the sound is distorted, lower the CH 1 through CH 4 volume knobs, VOLUME knob and/or the volume knobs for devices connected to the input jacks (CH 1 through CH 4 and AUX IN).

1. Turn on the devices connected to CH 1 through CH 4.
2. Turn on the main KC-550/KC-350 amplifier.
3. Turn on the sub KC-550/KC-350 amplifier.
4. Turn on the devices connected to LINE OUT or SUBWOOFER OUT.
5. Adjust the volume levels on all devices.
   Before switching off the power, lower the volume on each of the devices in your system, then TURN OFF the devices in the reverse order of that used when switching them on.

About the Volume and Tone Settings
Adjust the Main (R) and Sub (L) volume levels separately using their VOLUME knobs.
* You can make each unit's equalizer (LOW, MIDDLE and HIGH knobs), SHAPE switch, VOLUME knob, and MAIN (R) and SUB (L) settings independently.
Basically, they should be set to the same positions, but you can adjust each one as necessary to suit the needs of a particular setup.

Proper Use of the Casters

The KC-550 is equipped with casters, which make it easier to transport.

Attaching and Removing the Casters
You can attach or remove the casters as shown in the following figure.
Be sure to remove all the casters when accidental movement may be dangerous, such as when setting up the KC-550/ KC-350 on stage, or when transporting it in a vehicle.
This is a heavy piece of equipment. To prevent injury caused by the unit overturning or being dropped, two or more people should work together when carrying the unit.
If casters have been attached to the amp, make sure it is used only on a stable, level surface.

Block Diagram

Main Specifications

KC-550:
STEREO MIXING KEYBOARD AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Power Output
180 W

Nominal Input Level (1 kHz)

Nominal Output Level (1 kHz)

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Speakers
38 cm (15 inches) x 1
Tweeter x 1

Controls
CHANNEL CONTROL
CH 1
VOLUME Knob
CH 2
VOLUME Knob
CH 3
VOLUME Knob
CH 4
VOLUME Knob
OUTPUT SELECT Switch
PHONES VOLUME Knob
MASTER CONTROL
EQUALIZER
LOW Knob
MIDDLE Knob
HIGH Knob
SHAPE Switch
VOLUME Knob
POWER Switch
GND LIFT Switch

Indicator
POWER

Connectors
CH 1 INPUT Jack (XLR type)
CH 1–4 INPUT L (MONO) Jacks (1/4" phone type)
CH 1–4 INPUT R Jacks (1/4" phone type)
LINE OUT L (MONO) Jacks (XLR type, 1/4" phone type)
LINE OUT R Jacks (XLR type, 1/4" phone type)
AUX IN Jacks (RCA phono type)
SUBWOOFER OUT Jack (1/4" phone type)
STEREO LINK OUT Jack (1/4" phone type)
STEREO LINK IN Jack (1/4" phone type)
PHONES Jack (Stereo 1/4" phone type)

Power Supply
AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V

Power Consumption
135 W

Dimensions
590 (W) x 445 (D) x 590 (H) mm
23-1/4 (W) x 17-9/16 (D) x 23-1/4 (H) inches (including casters)
590 (W) x 445 (D) x 536 (H) mm
20-1/4 (W) x 21-5/16 (D) x 21-1/8 (H) inches (excluding casters)

Weight
34.0 kg
75 lbs

Accessory
Owner's Manual
Casters

* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

Nominal Output Level (1 kHz)

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Speakers
30 cm (12 inches) x 1
Tweeter x 1

Controls
CHANNEL CONTROL
CH1
VOLUME Knob
CH2
VOLUME Knob
CH3
VOLUME Knob
CH4
VOLUME Knob
OUTPUT SELECT Switch
PHONES VOLUME Knob
MASTER CONTROL
EQUALIZER
LOW Knob
MIDDLE Knob
HIGH Knob
SHAPE Switch
VOLUME Knob POWER Switch

Indicator
POWER

Connectors
CH 1 INPUT Jack (XLR type)
CH 1–4 INPUT L (MONO) Jacks (1/4" phone type)
CH 1–4 INPUT R Jacks (1/4" phone type)
LINE OUT L (MONO) Jack (1/4" phone type)
LINE OUT R Jack (1/4" phone type)
AUX IN Jacks (RCA phono type)
SUBWOOFER OUT Jack (1/4" phone type)
STEREO LINK OUT Jack (1/4" phone type)
STEREO LINK IN Jack (1/4" phone type)
PHONES Jack (Stereo 1/4" phone type)

Power Supply
AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V

Power Consumption
100 W

Dimensions
490 (W) x 385 (D) x 470 (H) mm
19-5/16 (W) x 15-3/16 (D) x 18-9/16 (H) inches

Weight
24.5 kg
54 lbs 1 oz

Accessory
Owner's Manual

* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

Copyright © 2003 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.