ME-80 Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Windows® 7 / Windows Vista®

(Note)
In no event shall Roland Corporation ("Roland") be liable to end-users for any damages whatsoever, including but not limited to financial damages for loss of business profits or business information arising from the use of, or inability to use this product. The foregoing provision is effective even if Roland has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

*All files and other material contained in this folder are copyrighted by the Roland. Any alteration, modification, duplication, distribution, or reproduction of this material is prohibited. Additionally, Roland reserves the right to make changes to these programs and files without prior notice.
* Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
*ASIO is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
*All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

About this driver

This is the ME-80 driver for Microsoft® Windows® 7 / Windows Vista®.
This driver also supports ASIO(Steinberg Audio Stream I/O Interface) 2.0.

System requirements

This driver has the following requirements.

Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® 7 64-bit Edition/32-bit Edition (Service Pack 1 or later)
Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64-bit Edition/32-bit Edition (Service Pack 2 or later)
Computer
Windows-compatible PC equipped with USB port
*Intel chipset is recommended.
*ME-80 may not perform to its full specs when used with an added USB 2.0 interface card.
*This product cannot be used with a USB 3.0 port that is not compatible with USB 2.0 specification.
*If this product does not work correctly when connected to a USB 3.0 port, you will need to connect it to a USB 2.0 port.
*Even if connected to a USB 3.0 port, the performance of the product will not change.
*This driver cannot be used in a virtual Windows environment, such as Windows XP Mode (Virtual Windows XP) or Virtual PC.
*Mac computers running Microsoft Windows are not supported.

Cautions and Limitations


Installation

*To reinstall or update the driver, refer to "To reinstall."
  1. Start up Windows with all USB cables disconnected.
    (except for keyboard and mouse)
  2. Exit all applications before you begin the installation.
  3. Double-click the Setup icon.
  4. A confirmation screen regarding User Account Control will appear, click [Yes] or [Continue].
  5. The message "ME-80 Driver will be installed on your computer. ---" will appear. Click [Next].
    *If any other message appears, follow the directions of the message.
  6. Click [Next] to begin installation.
  7. If a dialog box regarding Windows Security appears, click [Install].
  8. The message "Ready to install the driver. ---" will appear.
    *If any other message appears, follow the directions of the message.
  9. Use a USB cable to connect the ME-80 to your computer, then turn on the ME-80.
    The driver will be installed automatically.
  10. When the "Installation has been completed." message appears, installation has been completed.
    Click [Close] to close the "Driver Setup" dialog box.
  11. If the "System Settings Change" dialog box appears, click [Yes] to restart Windows.
  12. Refer to "Before you begin," and make the necessary settings for using the ME-80. You won't be able to use the ME-80 unless you make these settings.
    *If you are unable to use the ME-80 after connecting it, it's possible that a problem has occurred. Refer to "Troubleshooting."

Before you begin

Input/output device settings for your application

In order to obtain optimal performance from your applications, specify the input/output device for your applications as described below. (For details on making these settings, refer to the owner's manual for your application.)

*Ensure that the ME-80 and the application are set to the same sampling frequency. If the sampling frequency settings do not match, error messages may be displayed and recording/playback errors may occur.
*If you are unable to select the ME-80 device, a problem may have occurred. Refer to "Troubleshooting."

Audio input/output device

Of the total audio input/output channels provided by the ME-80, there are 2 INs and 2 OUTs

[WAVE OUT Devices]
OUT (ME-80)
*If you've specified a different name in the "Sound" settings of the Control Panel, the name you specified will be displayed.
 
[WAVE IN Devices]
IN (ME-80)
*If you've specified a different name in the "Sound" settings of the Control Panel, the name you specified will be displayed.
 
[ASIO device]
When using the ME-80 with an ASIO-compatible application, select "ME-80" as the ASIO setting for your application.
*To prevent an audio feedback loop or double monitoring, make settings on your application to turn monitoring off or use ASIO Direct Monitoring.
*When using the ME-80 with ASIO, we recommend that you set your application so that it does not use the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth. (In order to decrease the load, and for convenience when changing Audio Buffer Size of the driver.)

MIDI input/output device

*In the Windows Media Player, the MIDI input/output device of ME-80 cannot be used.
Please select the following device in your MIDI compatible application.
[MIDI OUT devices]
ME-80
ME-80 DAW CTRL
 
[MIDI IN devices]
ME-80
ME-80 DAW CTRL
 

Settings when ME-80 is used with the Windows Media Player

  1. Open "Control Panel," click "Hardware and Sound," and then click "Sound."
    *If the Control Panel is in the icon view or Classic View, then double-click the "Sound" icon
  2. In "Playback," right-click ME-80's "OUT," and choose "Set as Default Device."
    *If the above WAVE ports cannot be selected, a problem may have occurred. Refer to "Troubleshooting."
  3. Click [OK] to close "Sound."
  4. Open "Windows Media Player," select an Audio file, and then play back the file.

To change the settings

To change or verify settings

  1. When changing driver settings, always make sure to first quit all applications using the ME-80. This is unnecessary when only checking the settings.
    *<Windows 7>  If the Windows monitoring function is enabled, it won't be possible to change the driver settings. Refer to "Could the Windows monitoring function be enabled?" and disable monitoring.
  2. Open the "Control Panel," switch the display method to the icon view or Classic View, and then double-click the "ME-80" icon.
  3. The "ME-80 Driver Settings" dialog box will appear.
  4. To modify the settings, make the changes and click [OK]. To simply check the settings, be sure to click [Cancel] after viewing the settings.
    *For details on the setting items, refer to "About the items in the Settings dialog box."

About the items in the Settings dialog box

Audio Buffer Size
You can adjust the audio input/output buffer size. (By default, this will be the sixth position from the left.)
Decreasing the buffer size will shorten the latency and improve realtime performance, but might make it more likely that you will experience audio clicks and pops, depending on your computer's processing power and the song data load.
Increasing the buffer size will lengthen the latency, but will make audio streaming more stable, and it will be less likely for audio clicks and pops to occur.
In general, you'll probably want to decrease the buffer size for better realtime performance if you're playing a software synthesizer in real time, or if you're monitoring an audio input that's being passed through your DAW software.
Conversely, you can increase the buffer size to prevent audio clicks and pops if you're recording or playing back song data that contains numerous tracks and presents a heavy processing load.
By changing the buffer size as appropriate for your situation, you can obtain the right balance between realtime performance and audio streaming stability.

* Note!
If you use an application with an audio equipment test function, after changing the buffer size, carry out a test.

ASIO Buffer Size
This is the minimum buffer size that can be set by the ASIO application.
*Depending on the application you're using, there may be other buffer sizes that can be set in addition to the minimum buffer size, and the buffer size shown here might not match the actual buffer size.
For details on setting and checking the buffer size, refer to the owner's manual for your application.
 
"Use Smaller ASIO Buffer Size" check box
If this check box is selected, the buffer size when using ASIO-compatible applications will be made smaller.
If you experience pops or clicks when this check box is selected, deselect this check box.
*You must deselect this check box when adjusting the "Audio Buffer Size."
 
"Use ASIO Direct Monitor" check box
Check this if you are using the ASIO Direct Monitor function with an ASIO-compatible application.
 
The "Light Load" check box
Normally, you should leave this check box cleared.
*The modified setting will take effect after you turn the power of the ME-80 on/off.
 
"Show README" button
This button displays the README file (this document).
 
Information
This field shows the driver version.

To reinstall

  1. Delete the driver as described in "To uninstall."
    *When you uninstall, the settings of the Driver Settings dialog box will be initialized. For details on the setting items, refer to "About the items in the Settings dialog box."
  2. Install the driver as described in "Installation."

To uninstall

  1. Start up Windows with all USB cables disconnected.
    (except for keyboard and mouse)
  2. Exit all applications before you begin the uninstallation.
  3. Open "Control Panel" and click "Uninstall a program."
    *If the Control Panel is in the icon view or Classic View, then double-click the "Programs and Features" icon
  4. In the list, choose "ME-80 Driver", and click "Uninstall/Change."
  5. If a dialog box regarding User Account Control appears, click [Yes] or [Continue].
    *If you are asked to enter the password for an administrative account, log on to Windows as a user whose Account Type is Administrator, and then perform the uninstallation.
  6. The display will indicate "The installed ME-80 Driver will be uninstalled." and click the [OK].
  7. When the message "Uninstallation was completed." is displayed, click [OK] to restart Windows.

Troubleshooting

Cannot install/uninstall the driver

Are you logged onto Windows with the appropriate user rights?
You must log on to Windows as a user whose Account Type is Administrator.
*For more information regarding this, consult your computer system administrator.
 

Cannot select/use the ME-80 device

Was the driver installed correctly?
If you can't use the ME-80 even though you've installed the driver, the driver might not be installed correctly. Use the procedure described in "To reinstall" to reinstall the driver.
 
Could the ME-80 be in use by other software?
Exit all applications that are using the ME-80, and turn the power of the ME-80 off, then on again.
If this does not solve the problem, use the procedure described in "To reinstall" to reinstall the driver.
 
Is the ME-80 WAVE/MIDI device name displayed?
If the device name is not displayed, exit all applications that are using the ME-80, and turn the power of the ME-80 off, then on again.
If this does not solve the problem, use the procedure described in "To reinstall" to reinstall the driver.
 
Did the computer enter a Sleep mode while the ME-80 was connected with its power turned on?
If the ME-80 does not work correctly after resuming from Sleep mode, you should exit all applications that use the ME-80, and then turn the power of the ME-80 off and on again.
 
Was the USB cable disconnected and reconnected while the ME-80 was being used, or was the power of the ME-80 turned off, then on again?
If the USB cable is disconnected and reconnected while the ME-80 is in use, or if the power of the ME-80 is turned off, then on again, it may no longer operate correctly. If this occurs, exit all applications that are using the ME-80, and turn the power of the ME-80 off, then on again.
 
On some computers, if the ME-80 is connected while Windows starts up, the driver will not be loaded correctly, and it will not be possible to use the ME-80 via USB.
If this occurs, start up Windows before you turn on the power of the ME-80 or connect it.
 

A number such as "2-" is now displayed at the beginning of the device name

Could you have connected the ME-80 to a different USB port?
If you connect the ME-80 to a different USB port, the operating system may automatically add a number to the beginning of the device name.
Even if this occurs, it will not cause any problems with the operation of the ME-80.
*If you want to restore the device name that does not have this added number, connect the ME-80 to the same USB port as when you installed it, or reinstall the driver as described in "To reinstall."

The screen indicates "Device currently used by another application." and driver settings cannot be made

<Windows 7>  If the Windows monitoring function is enabled, it won't be possible to change the driver settings.
Refer to "Could the Windows monitoring function be enabled?" and disable monitoring.
 

No sound is heard; cannot playback or record

Was the driver installed correctly?
 
Could the ME-80 be in use by other software?
 
Did you make settings as described in "Before you begin" so that the ME-80 driver could be used?
The ME-80 cannot be used unless you make these settings. Refer to the sections on "Before you begin."
 
Could you have entered Sleep mode during playback or recording?
If the ME-80 does not work correctly after resuming from Sleep mode, you should exit all applications that use the ME-80, and then turn the power of the ME-80 off and on again.
 
During playback or recording, did you turn the power of the ME-80 on/off, or disconnect and reconnect the USB cable?
If you turn the power of the ME-80 on/off or disconnect and reconnect the USB cable during playback or recording, the ME-80 will no longer be able to play back or record. Stop playback or recording, and then start playback or recording once again. If you are still unable to play back or record, quit all programs that are using the ME-80, then turn the ME-80 off and then on again.
 
Try adjusting the audio buffer size of the driver
If the size of the driver's audio buffer is too small, sound may not be produced, or it may be impossible to carry out normal playback and recording.
In such cases, you should refer to "To change the settings," and increase the size of the buffer.
 

Sound played by your computer is inaudible or too soft

Could you have turned down the volume of the device or application in the Volume Mixer?
The system's Volume Mixer lets you adjust the volume for each device or application.
  1. Open the "Control Panel," and switch "View by:" to "Category."
    *When using Windows Vista, click "Control Panel Home" to exit Classic view.
  2. Click "Hardware and Sound," and then click "Adjust system volume."
  3. When the Volume Mixer appears, select the device that you are currently using for playback from the "Device" drop-down list box (Device menu in Windows Vista), and adjust the volume.
    *Alternatively, you can open the Volume Mixer by right-clicking the speaker icon located in the lower right of the screen, and choosing "Open Volume Mixer."
<Windows 7>  Are you using voice communications software?
If you're using voice communications software, the volume of the audio device might be automatically adjusted according to the status of communications.
If so, disable automatic volume adjustment as follows.
  1. Open "Control Panel," click "Hardware and Sound," and then click "Sound."
    *If the Control Panel is in the icon view or Classic View, then double-click the "Sound" icon
  2. In the "Communications" tab, change the setting of the item "When Windows detects communications activity" to "Do nothing."
  3. Click [OK] to close "Sound."

Part of the playback is wrong: e.g., notes are broken off prematurely, or some notes are lost

Problems may be solved by making the settings shown below.

Try adjusting the audio buffer size of your software
If your software allows you to adjust the audio buffer size, try changing the setting.
Normally, clicks and pops can be eliminated by increasing the buffer size.
 
Try adjusting the audio buffer size of the driver
If your software does not allow you to adjust the buffer size, or if adjusting the buffer size in your software does not solve the problem, you may be able to solve the problem by changing the driver’s audio input/output buffer size.
Try adjusting the buffer size as described in "To change the settings."
 
Try updating the driver of your display adaptor
You may be able to eliminate clicks and pops by updating the driver for the display adaptor installed in your computer.
 
Windows Update / Microsoft Update
You may be able to solve the problem by updating your system with "Windows Update" or "Microsoft Update" provided by Microsoft.
 
Check the power management settings
  1. Open "Control Panel," click "System and Security " or "System and Maintenance," and then click "Power Options."
    *If the Control Panel is in the icon view or Classic View, then double-click the "Power Options" icon
  2. In "Select a power plan," choose "High performance."
    *If the "High performance" plan is not shown, click "Show additional plans."
  3. In the High performance area, click "Change plan settings."
  4. Click "Change advanced power settings."
  5. In the Advanced Settings, click the “+” symbol for "Hard Disk," and click the “+”symbol for "Turn off hard disk after" to open it.
  6. Click "Setting (Minutes)," and click the down arrow to change the setting to "Never."
  7. Click [OK] to close the Power Options window.
  8. Close the "Edit Plan Settings" screen.
"Performance Options" settings of System Properties
  1. Open "Control Panel," click "System and Security " or "System and Maintenance," and then click "System."
    *If the Control Panel is in the icon view or Classic View, then double-click the "System" icon
  2. At the left, click "Advanced system settings."
  3. If a dialog box regarding User Account Control appears, click [Yes] or [Continue].
    *If you are asked to enter the password of an Administrator account, log on to Windows as a user whose Account Type is Administrator, then perform the settings again.
  4. Click [Settings] of the Performance section, and then click the [Advanced] tab.
  5. Select "Background services," and click [OK].
  6. Click [OK] to close "System Properties."
Do the sample rate settings match?
You must set the sampling frequency that's been specified through the audio settings of the application so it matches the ME-80's sampling frequency.
 
<Windows 7>  Could the Windows monitoring function be enabled?
If the Windows monitoring function is enabled, the input sound might be heard in duplicate (doubled), or a feedback loop (oscillation) might occur.
If so, disable the Windows monitoring function as follows.
  1. Open "Control Panel," click "Hardware and Sound," and then click "Sound."
    *If the Control Panel is in the icon view or Classic View, then double-click the "Sound" icon
  2. In "Recording," select ME-80's "IN," and click "Properties."
    *If the above WAVE ports cannot be selected, a problem may have occurred. Refer to "Troubleshooting."
  3. Open the "Listen" tab, and clear the check box "Listen to this device."
  4. Click [OK] to close "Properties."
  5. Click [OK] to close "Sound."
Audio clicks and pops occur in the playback or recording immediately after the system has started up, or immediately after the computer has been woken from a Sleep state
Wait a few moments before you perform playback or recording.
 
Clicks or pops may occur in the sound if a LAN is operating
Try disabling the LAN in the Device Manager.
 
Such problems may be solved if you check the "Light Load" check box in the Driver Settings dialog box.
If you wish to modify or verify the settings, use the procedure described in "To change the settings."
*The modified setting will take effect after you turn the power of the ME-80 on/off. Unless you experience problems, use the unchecked (initial) setting.

Playback or recording is interrupted, and then you cannot resume playback or recording

Was your computer experiencing a heavy processing load?
If your computer was experiencing a heavy processing load while the ME-80 was being used, the ME-80 may no longer operate correctly. If this occurs, stop the playback or recording, then try starting playback or recording over again.
If you are still unable to play back or record, quit all programs that are using the ME-80, then turn the ME-80 off and then on again.

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