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Many of you have just picked up an old synthesizer and it did not come with an owners manuel. Since there seems to be little info available online, we have been getting many requests for more info on how to load and save sounds into vintage synthesizers via the data cassette port. We’ve started things off with how to load & save sounds into the Roland Jupiter-6.

Tape recorder or computer interface connections; Connect cable from your tape recorders or computer audio interface “output” to the rear “input” on the Jupiter-6 (LOAD).

To load in new sounds:

1- Turn off the “memory protect” switch in the rear of the Jupiter-6.

2- Adjust the output level on your cassette player/software. The best loading levels are at “0” DB. Once the adjustment has been made, begin the tape/wav playback with the pilot tone and press the Jupiter-6 “load” switch.

3- The data will begin to load into your Jupiter-6. Each Bank light should flash one at a time as the data is loading in. If one or more begins to blink then an error has occured. In this case adjust your output levels and try again.

Jupiter-6 If none of the banks blink then all has loading in OK.

Tape recorder or computer interface connections; Connect cable from your Jupiter-6 “save output” to the “Line input or Mic Input” on the Tape recorder or computer audio interface.

To save your old sounds:

1- Press the Jupiter Dump or Save button. The Jupiter will send a pilot tone to your tape recorder/software. Adjust your recording levels on your tape recorder so that the tone reads at about “0 db”.

2- Begin recording with your tape recorder/software, beginning with a clear portion of the pilot tone. The Jupiter will soon produce a modulated tone and begin to save the banks one at a time.

3- When the Jupiter has dumped it’s entire memory, the pilot tone will appear again. Record a few seconds of the pilot tone.

We have found that the best tape recorders to use for this kind of data transfer are those small portable ones that you can get at radio shack for about $50. The ones that are usually used for recording voice lectures and that kind of stuff. The key feature is that the tape recorder must have an “adjustable output” so you can control how much signal the synthesizer will receive. That’s critical when transferring data this ancient way. Most of the old analog synths from the 80’s that use the cassette interface need to have everything just right or else you will get the dreaded “error” message.

Of course, if your using a computer to transfer the WAV file, that will make your life a bit easier. However, you still have to make sure that your output level is right to avoid getting errors. Simply adjust the output level of the wav file to suit your equipment.

Another important thing you should know is that cool old analog synthesizer that you just got may not make any sound at all! There is a good chance that your synths “internal battery” has died and you need to replace it before loading in any new sounds. For more info CLICK HERE

BTW: In case your not already aware of it, we have a cool collection of sounds for your old Juno-60. 112 Patches are available on data cassette or WAV file download. That will get your old Juno back on it’s feet again. More info can be found At The Roland Section Of Our Web Site