All your Makeup edits are to be found in a big chunk of sysex at the start of the SMF. But, being sysex, it is channel specific and can’t be rechannelized by changing the output channel on a DAW. Best practice is to not change channels on Song Parts.

There is also a ‘Freeze’ function, that changes the edits to their final form, but it only works for stuff like CC values, transpositions, velocity offsets and stuff like that. You can’t really use it on MFX edits, drumkit edits and the like. Those are sysex no matter what.

One of the primary differences between Roland arrangers and some others is that there are no ‘User Tones’. So if you want to use an edited Tone, or edit its MFX etc, there’s nowhere to store it so a sequence can recall it all in one go. Roland chose simplicity of live operation over studio complexity (the opposite of Korg!). It makes it easier for casual users but more of a PITA for advanced users!

My workflow in the past used to mostly be use the Recorder to ‘capture’ the arranger Parts but don’t play a Keyboard Part (chord recognition works even with the Parts turned off). And to get the best capture, slow down the tempo as far as you can and then speed it back up, which makes any slight timing problems MUCH smaller!

Then transfer to the DAW, do any edits there (change the notes for more variety, whatever) then record YOUR Parts, focus on the notes, not the perfect sound (that comes later!). When finished, transfer BACK to the arranger and do the detailing in the Makeup Tools. Adjust MFX, voice edits, whatever you need and then save.

Next step depends on if you want to take it further, or it’s done. If you want to add vocals, acoustic instruments, other keyboards/VSTi etc I used to record each Part as a stereo AUDIO Track (sync the DAW to MIDI clock and solo each Part while you record). This allows some quality compression, or better effects (I used to often record the Parts ‘dry’ so I could use better reverbs) and use the DAW’s automation to fine tune the mix.

Then a final 24bit audio export, and off to the mastering software…

There really are no shortcuts to a quality sound, it’s a slow laborious process no matter what you use. Roland haven’t exactly gone out of their way to make it easier, but that’s not the focus of an arranger. Try doing a live gig solo with a workstation! The work to set it up to do that is a nightmare compared to an arranger… 😱

You’re at the ‘running before you can walk’ stage right now, but it DOES get easier once you’ve figured out your workflow. 🎹😎