The manual is a 5.5mb PDF file, and available from the rolandus web site. As with other manuals for their stuff, you have to complete a form and the download link is emailed to you from rolandus customer services.

The MIDI implementation guide is 13 pages long, and a 276kb PDF file. Just as it says, it's purely a MIDI implementation guide. BUT it includes a shedload of data that is NOT in the manual, including some detailed Sysex information. You can download this direct and simple from the www.roland.uk web site. There is no need to give any details or use email, etc. I added the link for this to the links page today.

Sure, you can tweak and twiddle as soon as you take it out of the box, and have lots of fun. But that's like buying a Corvette but only driving it to the convenience store for a pint of milk and pack of cigarettes.

If you want to really, REALLY do something with this little box, you need to read the manual. I'll say it again: READ THE MANUAL. Most of the negative things or "I like it, but..."s are downright untrue, and only show that the person hasn't... again ... read the manual. For in its 122 pages are some nuggets waiting to be dug up and turned into solid gold sounds.

For those who are only used to synths that take standard MIDI programming and changes from a full keyboard, or computer, this is not the same thing as those at all. Fortunately it's not difficult to get your head around. There is a comprehensive MIDI Tx/Rx setting list in.... the manual.

It also gives: 8 pages describing the what/which/how of each effect. Lists of Patches, Rhythm Sets, Performances, Arpeggio Styles Rhythm Styles, Chord Forms, and various Parameters. And in the main 80-plus pages, it describes a quick start, creating sounds, etc. etc. etc. incluidng using it with external MIDI devices (a must).

All in all, this can be a toy for kids to play around with. But it is also serious gear for serious people. If you are into 80's pop, Trance, Rock, New Age, TaDream, Eno, yada yada yada through to relatively unstructured electronic music, this baby is a most useful tool. For what it's worth, I'm not a novice by any means, but I got the best from it by first playing around with it for a few days, then taking the manual bit by bit and getting my head into it.

Finally, another M.If you can buy this used, great. Make sure you get the manual. I'm not sure if it's available online.

I use it mostly from a full MIDI keyboard, with the usual controls and aftertouch, etc. etc., (only use the pitch wheel) and record direct to digital from the SH32. Rarely use Sonar to sequence it, just because I prefer it that way.

There is one honest niggle (groan), I wish the sliders/pot tracks were another inch longer, to give more fine control over them. But I can live with that because the rest of the box is marvellous.