VG-99 F.A.Q.

Started by Elantric, January 23, 2008, 12:24:37 PM

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Elantric

#25
QuoteSome images on Elantric's super-informative lead-off post are missing. If you can replace them, that'd be great, because that post is full of very useful advice.

I wonder if Google cached those pics?

I simply moved them around in my photobucket account - they should be restored now:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13.msg12808#msg12808
See all pics here:

http://s412.photobucket.com/albums/pp208/elantric/

arkieboy

Thanks


Just got a VG99 and got going in super fast time thanks to this ...


Steve
Main rig: Barden Hexacaster and Brian Moore i2.13 controllers
Boss SY1000/Boss GKC-AD/Boss GM-800/Laney LFR112

Other relevant gear: Line 6 Helix LT, Roland GR-33, Axon AX100 MkII
Oberheim Matrix 6R, Supernova IIR, EMu E5000, Apple Mainstage, Apple Logic, MOTU M4

Elantric

#27
With ALL Roland COSM modeling systems that perform Alt Tunings - you MUST use headphones or play at band live gig volume.

The natural pitch vibration of the non amplified strings on your electric guitar are actually quite loud acoustically (explains why I can not practice electric guitar late at night when my girlfriend is sleeping in her small apartment-  even with Headphones ) 

- and your ear can be fooled into thinking any odd distortions or pitch errors you hear are emerging from the Output Jack of the Roland Gear. 

In most cases, there are no problems with the Roland Gear - but your ears will be hearing an acoustic mix of your speakers AND the natural pitch vibration of the non amplified strings on your electric guitar, and often these are NOT the same frequency.   

Rather like mounting a GK-3 to an Acoustic guitar, then complaining the Roland Gear is broken, because COSM Modeled Alt Tunings do not work!

Smash

Interesting you should post this as I do actually get some problems with bleed from neighbouring strings causing occasional "hunting" by the VG99 on Alt tunings.

Elantric

#29
QuoteInteresting you should post this as I do actually get some problems with bleed from neighbouring strings causing occasional "hunting" by the VG99 on Alt tunings.

That can be due to a phenomena called "adjacent string crosstalk".
One example, If you pluck the "D" string, yet  see a lot of signal energy on the adjacent A and G strings in the   hex Tuner window on your VG-99, or GR-55 - then you are suffering from adjacent string crosstalk.

IMHO - Adjacent string crosstalk is the root cause of the random mis-triggers on Roland gear  - when used by professional caliber guitar players .

It can plague most Piezo saddle Hex pickup systems, since each saddle is mechanically cross coupled at the bridge base.

Also from my personal experience Graph-Tech Ghost Hex Piezo guitars suffer the most from adjacent string crosstalk.



Solutions are:

* Lower the String Sensitivity on All strings in the GK Setup. Setting the GK string sensitivity values  too high will promote crosstalk
* Enable the "GK NS" ( = GK Noise Suppressor) on your GR-55 / VG-99


* If its  a GK-3 type pickup, be sure the pickup is as close to the strings as possible, while fretting all strings at your highest fret (21st, 22nd or 24th fret)


guitarnstuff

Elantric
I don't recall the GK-NS setting on the VG99. In which menu is this located?

aliensporebomb

On the VG-99 press the SYSTEM button.
Press F3 to select GK.
Press Page to the right 3 times until you get to GK setting.

If everything is 65 (the default) - that's WAY too high. 

Reduce these settings to something between 20-25.
I'm currently set to 22 but sometimes I'll bump it up as needed.
Sometimes I'll reduce it.

Press WRITE to save these updated settings.
My music projects online at http://www.aliensporebomb.com/

GK Devices:  Roland VG-99, Boss GP-10, Boss SY-1000.

Smash

I did try the low setting on sensitivity and I simply can't get the tones I want - effects, models and internal synths simply don't seem to me to respond as well for me anyway. I might well try a midway compromise and see how it goes. It is a good point though.

Elantric - the NS thing -is that the one in the COSM guitar set up page? Will try that. Will also try running as high as possible at 24th fret. Thanks for heads up.

Elantric

#33
QuoteElantric - the NS thing -is that the one in the COSM guitar set up page?

Correct - although 90% of the time i use the VG-99 Editor for changing things on the VG-99.

patincunito

Quote from: admsustainiac on January 24, 2010, 12:35:35 PM

* USB Audio I/O Rerouting - allowing use of mixing onboard VG-99 DSP processing and VST Plug in Processing. - Yes you can use VG-99 with NI Guitar Rig or IK Amplitube, etc.



Hi, Elantric. Great information. A have a question: I have the POD Farm by Line 6. I want to try the modeling type of my VG99 with the amps of POD Farm. I use the setup USB Audio I/O Rerouting that you recomended but I have a big noise on my PC. What am I doing wrong? Thanks a lot!
"Lo mejor que hizo la Vieja, es el Pibe que maneja"

Elantric

Describe the noise.
Is it only present when you launch PODFarm?
The  VG99 uses a switching power supply and when the VG99 is connected via USB to some Computers , you may experience lots of Hiss type noise. Its actually related to a Ground loop. If its a laptop try removing the laptop power supply.

patincunito

Thaks, Elantric. The noise is permanent and pretty ugly. Now I'm in my work but I will post some pictures about my configuration (and if I can, some recording). I'm very sure the problem is my configuration.
I have an old PC but I never have a problem with POD Farm or any software or hardware to make music. Thanks again, my friend! Regards from Argentina.
"Lo mejor que hizo la Vieja, es el Pibe que maneja"

Elantric

#37
If you are using the VG-99 with a Desktop PC, then you might want to locate a special USB Galvanic Isolator that supports USB 2.0



These pop up on Ebay time to time. One of the pins on all USB cables is Ground, and this creates Ground Loop problems when using the VG-99 as a clean audio I/O interface device for some computer systems.

Most of us assume Ground loop noise is always 50/60 Hz or 100/120Hz  - but with todays DC-DC switching power supplies, we get high frequency hash/hiss noise. Either the Computer or the VG-99 must be ground isolated - to eliminate the noise.
   

More here:
Hiss on guitar out.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3439.msg24767#msg24767
QuoteI did notice the hiss when the USB cable was connected..


This is due to a mix of  ground loops and the switching power supplies employed on all your devices , the anomalous noise manifests as Hiss and not the typical Hum.

If you are using a laptop,  - the hiss will go away if you run the laptop on its internal battery power.


Another solution is a USB Galvanic isolator

====

Every Computer Musician in a live situation will eventually run into this problem:

"Why does my new Computer based Guitar processing system  make so much noise when i connect my Audio Interface to my Amplifier or the House PA?"

The problem is typically traced to a Ground Loop problem between the Computer and the USB  / Firewire Audio Interface.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-speed-USB-2-0-isolator-build-power-transfer-/160983895675#vi-content


And here is product specifically designed to solve USB 2.0 Audio Ground Loop issues
http://www.olimex.com/dev/usb-iso.html

http://microcontrollershop.com/product_info.php?products_id=3769


http://www.acromag.com/products/isolators-splitters/usb-isolators/usb-usb-isolators/compact-usb-isolators/usb-isolator

This thread below is a good read for understanding the problem and finding a solution.
Apple has a reference doc on this issue here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2743




And this link below is good reading to understand the problems of Ground Loops in the Audio Processing path
http://www.epanorama.net/documents/groundloop/home_solving.html





patincunito

Thank you thank you thank you very much Elantric!
I have an old Macbook Black too, so I'll try ti use my VG99 with POD Farm. We'll see...
"Lo mejor que hizo la Vieja, es el Pibe que maneja"

Elantric

If you are using a laptop,  - the hiss/ noise should go away if you run the laptop on its internal battery power.

If noise doesn't go away when you  run the laptop on its internal battery power, then the noise you hear must be due to another problem

patincunito

Quote from: Elantric on March 27, 2013, 11:30:17 AM
If you are using a laptop,  - the hiss/ noise should go away if you run the laptop on its internal battery power.

If noise doesn't go away when you  run the laptop on its internal battery power, then the noise you hear must be due to another problem

Thank you again, Elantric! Best regards from Argentina!
"Lo mejor que hizo la Vieja, es el Pibe que maneja"

Yug

patincunito, I'm pretty sure your noise problem is ground induced. It is easily fixed by removing the ground connection on your mains power supply. I'm not sure what mains plugs you use but in the UK, we have the 3 square pin plugs and provided the socket is not too big, you can usually stick a screwdriver into the ground hole to lift the live and neutral isolation flaps so the mains plug can be plugged in upside down. Then remove screwdriver !
In my system, my laptop PSU is allways the offending item, even if I have it digitally interfaced to the mixing console with anaolg inputs from guitars, synths or whatever. The very presence of the laptop PSU ground on the mains ground creates nasty noise problems.
Ground lift on audio gear is a common fix to noise problems.

admin

Roland US  VG-99 Knowledge Base:
==========================
Selecting Patches with the S1/S2 buttons
Knowledge Base ID: 104759
Product: VG-99

Use the following steps to setup the VG-99 so that patches are changed when pressing the S1/S2 buttons on the GK pickup.

1. Press SYSTEM.

2. Press F3(GK).

3. Press F2(GKFUNC).

4. Turn the F6 knob to select "PATCH SEL DEC/INC."

5. Press EXIT three times. The new setting is saved automatically.




Normal Pickup Level
Knowledge Base ID: 104738
Product: VG-99

If you want to hear your guitar's original pickups in the VG-99, you need to increase the Normal PU level within each patch. Use the following steps to adjust the normal pickup level for a patch;

1. Select a patch to edit.

2. Press the "A" button.

3. Press PAGE right until you see "MIX LEVEL." (Depending on the setup of the patch, this is on page 6 or 7).

4. Turn the F2 knob to increase the NORMAL PU level.

5. Press WRITE twice if you want to save the new setting to the patch.

6. Repeat the steps for any other patches that you want to have the original pickup volume heard in.


Direct Patch
Knowledge Base ID: 104740
Product: VG-99

Direct Patch is a feature that lets you easily select 5 of your favorite patches by pressing the DIRECT PATCH buttons. Here's how to store your own Direct patches:

1. Press SYSTEM.

2. Press PAGE left to select page 1.

3. Press F2 (DIRECT).

4. Turn the F1-F5 knobs to select the desired patches for each DIRECT PATCH button.

5. Press EXIT twice when you're finished. The new selections are saved automatically.



Naming and Storing User Patches
Knowledge Base ID: 104734
Product: VG-99

It?s possible to custom name and store your own user patches in the VG-99 and there are 200 locations available to do so. Here?s how:

1. Press WRITE.

2. Press F1 (NAME).

3. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to select the desired first character.

4. Press PAGE right to select the next character location.

5. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to select a character.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you?ve named the patch.

7. Press WRITE.

8. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to choose a User location where you?d like to save the patch.

9. Press WRITE.



The Effect Chain
Knowledge Base ID: 104733
Product: VG-99

Changing the order of the effects is done within the Chain section of the VG-99. Positioning an effect before or after another can significantly change the sound character of a patch. Use the following steps to move an effect within the Chain:

1. Select a desired patch to edit.

2. Press CHAIN.

3. Press the F2 or F3 button to select the effect you want to move.

4. Press F4 or F5 to move the selected effect to a new location.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for any other effects.

6. Press EXIT when you?re finished.



Alternate Tunings
Knowledge Base ID: 104732
Product: VG-99

The Alternate Tuning capabilities are amazing in the VG-99. Each string can have its own desired tuning and can be instantly accessed from each patch. Here?s how to choose different tunings for each string. For this example, we?ll use patch 213 "Jazz combo."

1. Turn the VALUE dial to select 213 Jazz combo.

2. Press the ALTERNATE TUNING button.

3. Press F1 until A/B LINK is set to ON.

4. Turn the F3 knob clockwise to select ON.

5. Turn the F4 knob clockwise to choose USER.

6. Press F3 (USER).

7. Turn the F1 knob to adjust the tuning for the 1st (High E) string.

8. Now turn F2 to tune the 2nd (B) string.

9. Turn each of the remaining F knobs as desired.

10. Press EXIT twice when you?re finished.

Selecting Guitar Models
Knowledge Base ID: 104731
Product: VG-99

The VG-99 offers a stunning collection of different
guitar models to choose from. Two models can be
used simultaneously if desired. Use the following
steps to audition a few of them. Let?s use patch 204
"Acoustic" for our example:

1. Turn the VALUE dial to select preset patch "204 ACOUSTIC."

2. Press the "A" button.

3. Turn the F2 knob to select the desired modeling group.

4. Turn the F3 knob to select and audition the different models within the group.

Tip: You can also press the F2 or F3 buttons to select the various models.

5. Press EXIT when you?re finished.


Selecting Patches
Knowledge Base ID: 104730
Product: VG-99

There are 200 Preset and 200 User Patches in the VG-99. Here?s how to select them:

1. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to select a patch.

To select patches by category, you can;
1. Press CATEGORY.

2. Press F1 or F2 to select the category.

3. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial, or press F3 or F4 to select a desired patch.



The Output Select
Knowledge Base ID: 104729
Product: VG-99

It's a good idea to tell the VG-99 what you?re connected to for amplification; i.e. a guitar amp or PA system etc. This setting ? referred to Output Select ? allows the VG-99 to internally optimize its sound for the type of playback system you?re using.

1. Press GLOBAL.

2. Press PAGE left to select page 1.

3. Turn the F4 knob to select the output that best suits the amplifier or mixer you are connected to.

4. Press EXIT when you?re finished


Using the Tuner
Knowledge Base ID: 104728
Product: VG-99

The VG-99 features an on-board Tuner that lets you quickly and easily tune your guitar. Here's how to use the Tuner:

1. Press TUNER.

2. Play the 1st (high E) string unfretted repeatedly.

3. Tune the guitar until "E" shows in the center between the two pointing arrows ( >E< ). If a different letter shows in the display, continue to tune the string until the "E" shows up.

4. Repeat the tuning process for the remaining strings.

5. Press EXIT when you're finished


Making Connections
Knowledge Base ID: 104727
Product: VG-99

Making Connections

1. Confirm that the power is off on the VG-99.

2. Connect one end of the 13 pin cable to the GK pickup.
3. Connect the other end of the 13 pin cable to the GK IN on the VG-99.

4. With a standard guitar or instrument cable, connect the L(MONO) MAIN OUTPUT on the VG-99 to the INPUT on your amp, mixer, or PA. If you prefer, connect your headphones to the PHONES output.

Note: No modeling sound is produced at the GUITAR OUT on the VG-99. Use the GUITAR OUT to send your dry guitar signal to a different amp if desired.

5. Now turn on the VG-99 and your amp.

Setting Sensitivity
Knowledge Base ID: 104726
Product: VG-99

Setting the sensitivity for the divided pickup is crucial for optimum playing results. Use the following steps to adjust the pickup sensitivity in the VG-99:

1. Press the SYSTEM button.

2. Press the PAGE left or right buttons to select page one.

3. Press the F3 button (GK).

4. Press PAGE left or right to select page 2.

5. Press F1 repeatedly to select the type of pickup that you have - GK-3, GK-2A, PIEZO.

6. Press PAGE right twice to select page 4.

7. Play the high E string repeatedly with moderate force.

8. Turn the F1 knob while playing the string to adjust the sensitivity value so the box appears at the right side of the display.

9. Adjust the sensitivity for each of the remaining strings using the F2-F6 knobs.

Tip: For additional details about further adjustment of the GK settings, refer to pages 21and 22 in the VG-99 manual.

10. Press EXIT twice when you  re finished.

admin

VG-99 F1-F6 Settings. Observe these can not be assigned to MIDI CC# control.

amplayer

So the dealers don't have the VG-99 anymore, but Roland still actively lists it on their US page:
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/849/475

Elantric

Correct

We know that all production of the Roland VG-99 was discontinued in April 2013.

Elantric

#46
VG-99   "Guitar to MIDI" out to iPad Synths
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11097.msg81008#msg81008

Use Laptop as Virtual Expansion for Advanced Processing. ( VST/AU FX plugins)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1667.msg9135#msg9135



* 13 pin jack to 1/4 in guitar cable?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5252.msg35915#msg35915


* Recommended Amplification Systems
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9484.msg68273#msg68273


* VG-99 "VG-99 Guitar to MIDI " Tutorials from Roland Canada
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2970.0

VGuitar Forums > Other Related Gear > Guitar to MIDI - 5-Pin MIDI Out to Hardware
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=50.0


www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Roland_VG-99

Elantric

Roland / Boss VG/GT/GR gear has implemented Control Assigns for 25 years

To get the most from the latest Roland gear - Learn how to use those Control concepts from the start by reading the numerous user created docs for the earlier Roland units here:

Roland COSM Reference Library
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=88.0

Quotef you want to obtain more incite and better explanations of how Roland gear works - review the OWNERS MANUALS for the earliest examples of current gear.

For example the GR-55 and GP-10 Owners Manuals sinply list all the various FX functions and Control Features, but totally omit any explanation or examples of how to actually use these controls or how they interact.

Here is the 1999 Roland VG-88 Owners Manual  - ITS A MUST READ!  - it lays a better foundation with explanations of how the Internal Wave Pedal and Expression Pedal Min/Max FX range,Assign Hold, etc,  work.
http://lib.roland.co.jp/support/en/manuals/res/1811457/VG-88_e5.pdf
 






Boss_GT-8 Brilliance.pdf
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88.0;attach=464


Boss_GT-x_Set-up_v02.pdf
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88.0;attach=462

More tips which are equally useful on the VG-99 / GR-55 / GP-10
http://www.xycl.de/en/guitar-effects/boss-gt.html


Elantric


We do have several VG-99 user created patches which are focused on employing the Normal pickup.

see here:
VGuitar Forums > Roland VG-99 > VG-99 Mag PU Only Patch Exchange
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=48.0

Elantric

Fix your Audio Ground Loop Buzzes and Noises
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2078.msg11723#msg11723

USB Noise - audio output has enormous noise with USB cable connected
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=367.0