# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Roland A-88MKII MIDI Keyboard Controller Settings Editing Guide from a Computer

Summary

Unlock complex MIDI possibilities with detailed guidance for the A-88MKII controller keyboard. This manual teaches you how to utilize Control Maps to assign a vast range of customized MIDI messages—including notes, CCs, and Program Changes—to every pad and controller bank. Ideal for professional musicians, producers, and sound designers who require deep integration and limitless customization when performing with DAW software. Mastery of this system empowers advanced studio control.

📄 Preview PAGE OF 9

Page 1 Text Content

Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer

© 2020 Roland Corporation 01

A-88MKII Control is software that lets you create control maps for the

A-88MKII on your computer, and make settings for the keyboard.

Saves the control map currently being edited.

The graphical screen makes it easy to edit the values (settings). The A-88MKII has a total of 39 controllers. You can freely assign any MIDI message to be controlled by each controller. Initialize Parameters

Initializes the control map that you’re editing.

About Control Maps A Control Map is an object that describes how MIDI settings are assigned to the various controllers. By using Control Maps, you can easily switch to the settings you need for a particular environment, making it easier for you to use a variety of different software programs.

Switch banks 1–16 Value Explanation

Initializes all parameters of the A-88MKII.

* Snapshots saved in the unit are not initialized.

Pads [1]–[8]

Assign Initializes the controller assignments.

Switch PC/CC/Note

Initializes the system settings (owner’s manual p. 13).

System * The pad/bank and layer/split status is also

initialized. Initializes the zone settings (owner’s manual p. 7).

Layer

[R1]–[R8] knobs * Split status and transpose are not initialized.

Quit Exits the software.

[S1] [S2] buttons Edit layer parameters

Modulation / Pedals View parameters

Edit menu

If you’re using this on Windows together with your DAW software, choose dedicated driver mode (owner’s manual “Selecting the USB Driver (DRIVER)” p. 13). On Windows 10, the dedicated driver is automatically downloaded from the internet, but on Windows 7/8 you will need to download it from the Roland website and install it. & https://www.roland.com/support/

Explanation of the Menus Click a target to select it.

File menu

Copy Copies the setting of the selected controller to the clipboard.

Paste Pastes the setting from the clipboard to the selected controller.

Open Loads a control map that was saved in SMF format.

Page Summary Contents For Roland A-88MKII MIDI Keyboard Controller Settings Editing Guide from a Computer

Page 1 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer © 2020 Roland Corporation 01 A-88MKII Control is software that lets you create control maps for the A-88MKII on your computer, and make settings for the keybo...
Page 2 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Option menu Pad Assignments (Pad Assign) To each of the eight pads you can assign three types of message: program change, control change, and note-on. You can...
Page 3 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Using the Pads to Switch Sounds COLOR (Assigning Program Changes) Specify the color of the controller. 1. In the main window, double click the pad to which yo...
Page 4 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Using the Pads to Operate Controllers Max Value (Assigning Control Changes) Set the upper limit of the value. Value Edit the value. Value Explanation The valu...
Page 5 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Using the Pads to Play Notes (Assigning Notes) [t] button Press the record button to specify notes from the keyboard. To enter a chord, play the keys simultan...
Page 6 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Knob Assignments (VR Assign) Using the Knobs to Operate Controllers (Assigning Control Changes) Only control changes can be assigned to the knobs. 1. In the m...
Page 7 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Type Explanation [S1][S2] Switch Assignments Assigns the program change increment function. (Switch Assign S1/S2) The program change that follows the program ...
Page 8 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Pedal Assignments (Pedal/Module Assign) Max Value Set the upper limit of the value. Frequently used CC# CC number Explanation A-88MKII factory settings Modula...
Page 9 Editing A-88MKII Settings from a Computer Specifying Zones and Key Ranges MIDI CH Specify the MIDI channel for each zone. (Layer Edit) Here you can graphically make zone and key range settings for the...

Manual Details

Brand Roland
Pages 9
File Size 1.06 MB
Published June 05, 2026
29 views

Enter the captcha to get the download link:

captcha

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Control Map?

A Control Map describes how MIDI settings are assigned to the various controllers, allowing you to easily switch between required settings for different software programs.

How can I assign different types of MIDI messages to the pads?

To each pad, you can assign three message types: Program Change (PC), Control Change (CC), and Note On (NT). This allows 16 banks with 8 pads, totaling 384 assignments.

How do I set up the key range for a specific Zone or Layer?

Use the LOW knob and HIGH knob in the layer edit window to specify the lower and upper limits of the desired key range.

Which driver mode should be used when connecting on Windows with DAW software?

When using this unit with your DAW software on Windows, you must choose dedicated driver mode.