BOSS SY-200 Synthesizer Owner's Manual

Introduction

Before using this unit, carefully read "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and Owner's Manual (p. 17)). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.

© 2021 Roland Corporation

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel

A photograph of the BOSS SY-200 synthesizer pedal. It is a blue rectangular pedal with a display screen showing "001 SAW LEAD J=120". It features several knobs labeled "TONE", "RESONANCE", "DEPTH", "D. LEVEL", "E. LEVEL", "VARIATION", and "MEMORY/CTL 1". There are also buttons labeled "MENU" and "EXIT".

Rear Panel

Note: To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

Powering Up and Down Procedures:

• Once everything is properly connected (p. 4), be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.
• Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
• When powering up: Turn on equipment such as your guitar amp last.
• When powering down: Turn off equipment such as your guitar amp first.

Side Panel

Saving and Switching Between Memories

Saving to a Memory

You can save the settings you've edited.

1. Press the [MENU] and [EXIT] buttons at the same time. The WRITE UTILITY screen appears.
2. Use the [1] knob to select "WRITE."
3. Use the [1] knob to select the memory (1–128) to which you will save the settings, and press the [MEMORY] knob. You can also edit the name here.
4. Press the [MEMORY] knob. The current settings are saved.

Name Editing Controls:

Switching Between Memories

Here's how to recall a saved memory.

1. Turn the [MEMORY] knob. The memory number changes in ascending order (1 → 2 → 3 → 4... 128).

MEMO: Hold down the [MEMORY] knob to switch between screen displays.

Memory name displayed larger:

001 SAW LEAD J=120

Memory number displayed larger:

001 J=120

Turn the [MEMORY] knob to move the cursor and edit the tempo.

Exchanging Memories

You can change the order of saved memories by exchanging them.

1. Turn the [MEMORY] knob to select the memory to exchange.
2. Press the [MENU] and [EXIT] buttons at the same time. The WRITE UTILITY screen appears.
3. Press the [2] knob and select "EXCHANGE."
4. Turn the [1] knob to select the memory to exchange.
5. Press the [MEMORY] knob. This exchanges the memories you selected in steps 1 and 4.

Initializing a Memory

You can return (initialize) a memory to its standard settings. This is useful when you want to create a new tone from scratch.

1. Turn the [MEMORY] knob to select the memory to initialize.
2. Press the [MENU] and [EXIT] buttons at the same time. The WRITE UTILITY screen appears.
3. Use the [3] knob to select "INITIALIZE." The memory is initialized.

Various Settings (Menu)

Basic Operations

1. Press the [MENU] button. The unit enters MENU mode.
2. Press knobs [1], [2] and [3] to select the item to edit. Hold down the [MEMORY] knob to switch between the setting pages.
3. Use the [1], [2], [3] and [MEMORY] knobs to edit the settings for each item.
4. When editing parameters besides "SYSTEM" (p. 13), "MIDI" (p. 13), and "MIDI PC MAP" (p. 14), operate the unit as shown in "Saving to a Memory" (p. 7). * If you do not do this, the changes are lost when you switch memories.
5. Press the [EXIT] button. The unit exits MENU mode.

Assigning functions to an external pedal

You can connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6 or FS-7, sold separately) to the CTL 2, 3/EXP jack, and use it to tap-input the tempo or to switch memories. The settings for this are in the "CTL FUNCTION," found in the menu (p. 10).

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the BOSS SY-200's CTL 2,3/EXP jack connecting to various footswitches (FS-5U, FS-5U x 1, FS-5U x 2, FS-6 or FS-7) via 1/4" phone type cables. It illustrates different connection configurations and the polarity switches found on some pedals.

Parameter List

ON/OFF FUNCTION

These parameters specify the function of the [ON/OFF] switch.

CTL FUNCTION

Use this to configure the functions of the [MEMORY/CTL 1] switch and the footswitch connected to the CTL 2, 3/EXP jack.

MEMO: Hold the [MEMORY/CTL 1] switch down to switch between settings for two functions.

• MEM‡/HLD: Increment memory, sound hold
• MEM‡/PT: Increment memory, pitch bend
• MEM‡/TAP: Increment memory, tap tempo
• MEM‡/TMP: Increment memory, tempo (BPM)
• MEM‡/ON: Increment memory, effect on/off
• MEM∇/HLD: Decrement memory, sound hold
• MEM∇/PT: Decrement memory, pitch bend
• MEM∇/TAP: Decrement memory, tap tempo
• MEM∇/TMP: Decrement memory, tempo (BPM)
• MEM∇/ON: Decrement memory, effect on/off

EXP PDL FUNCTION

Specifies the function of the expression pedal connected to the CTL 2, 3/EXP jack.

Here's how to set the multi settings:

1. Set the minimum (MIN) value using the [1], [2], [3], [D. LEVEL] and [E. LEVEL] knobs.
2. Press the [MEMORY] knob.
3. Set the maximum (MAX) value using the [1], [2], [3], [D. LEVEL] and [E. LEVEL] knobs.
4. Press the [MEMORY] knob.

SEND/RETURN

Sets the function for the SEND/RETURN jack.

SYSTEM

MIDI

MIDI THRU

Specifies whether MIDI messages received at the MIDI IN connector are retransmitted as-is from the MIDI OUT connector (ON) or are not retransmitted (OFF). ON, OFF

MIDI PC MAP

Use the program change map to customize which memories on the SY-200 correspond to which program change messages sent from an external MIDI device, switching to the memory in question.

Appendix

Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset)

Here's how to restore the SY-200 to its factory defaults. You can also restore just the system settings or part of the memories. Select the range to initialize using the "FROM" and "TO" parameters.

1. Press the [MENU] button. The unit enters MENU mode.
2. Select "FACTORY RESET."
3. Turn knobs [1] and [3] to edit the range you wish to initialize.
4. Use the [MEMORY] knob to select "OK," and then press the [MEMORY] knob.

Changing the Batteries

Insert the batteries facing the correct way, as shown in the illustration.

Illustration Description: A diagram showing the correct orientation for inserting AA (LR6) alkaline batteries into the battery compartment of the BOSS SY-200. It depicts two batteries with their positive (+) ends facing upwards, aligning with the '+' markings inside the compartment.

• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.
• If operating this unit on batteries, please use alkaline batteries.
• Even if batteries are installed, the unit will turn off if you connect or disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet while the unit is turned on, or if you connect or disconnect the AC adaptor from the unit. When this occurs, unsaved data may be lost. You must turn off the power before you connect or disconnect the power cord or AC adaptor.
• When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.
• If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and the Owner's Manual).
• "BATTERY LOW" will appear on the display if the batteries are low. Replace them with new ones.

Attaching the Rubber Feet

You can attach the rubber feet (included) if necessary. Attach them in the locations shown in the illustration.

Illustration Description: A diagram showing the underside of the BOSS SY-200 synthesizer pedal with four circular rubber feet being attached to the designated circular indentations at each corner.

• When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.
• Using the unit without rubber feet may damage the floor.

Main Specifications

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

* This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

Website: https://roland.cm/sy-200_spec

USING THE UNIT SAFELY/IMPORTANT NOTES

CAUTION

Keep small items out of the reach of children

To prevent accidental ingestion of the parts listed below, always keep them out of the reach of small children.

• Accessories: Rubber foot x 4 (p. 16)

Handle the ground terminal carefully

If you remove the screw from the ground terminal, be sure to replace it; don't leave it lying around where it could accidentally be swallowed by small children. When refastening the screw, make that it is firmly fastened, so it won't come loose.

⚠️

Repairs and Data

• Before sending the unit away for repairs, be sure to write down the needed information. Although we will do our utmost to preserve the data stored in your unit when we carry out repairs, in some cases, such as when the memory section is physically damaged, restoration of the stored content may be impossible. Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.

Additional Precautions

• Any data stored within the unit can be lost as the result of equipment failure, incorrect operation, etc. To protect yourself against the irretrievable loss of data, try to make a habit of writing down the needed information.
• Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
• When disposing of the packing carton or cushioning material in which this unit was packed, you must observe the waste disposal regulations that apply to your locality.
• Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

Intellectual Property Right

• This product includes third party open source software. Copyright (c) 2009-2017 ARM Limited. All rights reserved. Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); You may obtain a copy of the License at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
• Roland and BOSS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.