VG-99- Setup Librarian/Editor Midi Setup? Backup Procedure Details?

Started by ILoveMadoka, September 11, 2016, 05:45:37 PM

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ILoveMadoka

I have had a VG-99 since it came out but I have never installed the software.
I have just picked up a second VG-99 and thought it would be a good idea
to back up everything from one and copy it onto the other.

Didn't realize what a convoluted mess it was going to be...  :(

First of all, when I ran the Librarian and the Editor I got an error/warning message:

MIDI Devices aren't setup.
Make sure the settings in the "Setup MIDI Devices" dialog box.


I'm not wanting to setup MIDI, just perform a backup at this time.
Looks like it's not an option that can be skipped..


Here are the options but I do not know what to pick or choose or if it matters or doesn't matter.

Setup -> Setup MIDI Devices

Input:                  Output:                                              Device ID
(none)                 (none)                                                 1 - 32
VG-99 Control        VG-99 Control
VG-99 Midi            VG-99 Midi
                          Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth


What do I pick for my Input, for my Output and for my Device ID?

Again (I ONLY want to back my data, patches, system, etc stuff so I have it just in case.)
I am not wanting to do ANYTHING ELSE at this time!

Part II (Backup Procedure)
(AFTER The MIDI Setup is Complete)

Are these the correct steps for making a backup (from other posts that I've gleaned)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1071.0.html
(Just wanting to verify)

01) Open Librarian
02) Under Mode: -> Pick Patch -> Under Read -> Pick All button (Wait while all User Patches are loaded)
03) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled1)
04) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY the PATCH)?

05) Under Mode -> Pick System -> Under Read, Pick All button
06) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled2)
07) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY the SYSTEM)?

08) Under Mode -> Pick GK Setting -> Under Read, Pick All button
09) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled3)
10) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY the GK Settings)?

11) Under Mode -> Pick GK Favorite Settings -> Under Read, Pick All button
12) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled4)
13) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY your Favorite Settings)?

At that point is my VG-99 ALL backed up?

Part III

In the VG-99 Editor, is there a way to just save ALL the patches or do you have to do them one at a time?
Do the previous steps (Using the Librarian) backup ALL of you patches too?



gumtown

Quote
First of all, when I ran the Librarian and the Editor I got an error/warning message:

MIDI Devices aren't setup.
Make sure the settings in the "Setup MIDI Devices" dialog box.

I'm not wanting to setup MIDI, just perform a backup at this time.
Looks like it's not an option that can be skipped..
I am not a VG-99 user,
but can recommend that you setup the midi driver,
as the patch and system data is transferred over midi (via the USB port).

Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

admin

Install the Roland VG-99 USB driver for your specific version operating system first. And read the VG-99's Editor Help file that explains all connections

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1170.0

ILoveMadoka

Guys...

I have no choice but to set it up....
I have installed the software and drivers, etc.

My question is:

What do I pick for my Input, for my Output and for my Device ID under MIDI setup?

Input:                  Output:                                              Device ID
(none)                 (none)                                                 1 - 32
VG-99 Control        VG-99 Control
VG-99 Midi            VG-99 Midi
                          Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth


Knowing what you know, what should I choose for each of the three options...
I don't know what difference choosing this or that for the Input or the Output or if the midi channel matters
if all I want to do at this time is create a good, dependable backup.

If you were setting this up for a clueless friend, what would you tell them to choose?



Elantric

QuoteI am in the editor now and I cannot get it to change patches....
Pick the Patch List drop down and select one, hit Ok and nothing...
I'm still on the same patch..
Read the VG-99 EDITOR  Help file




2. Connections and Settings

* Following the instructions in the VG-99 Owner's Manual, install the Roland VG-99 USB driver for your specific operating system
https://www.roland.com/us/products/vg-99/downloads/

* Following the instructions in the VG-99 Owner's Manual, connect the VG-99 and your computer with a USB cable. You cannot run VG-99 Editor if the VG-99 and the computer are not properly connected.

* Turn on the power to the VG-99, then start up VG-99 Editor.

* If you are using a USB connection and running VG-99 Editor for the first time, be sure to select "Set Up MIDI Devices..." from the "Setup" menu to open the dialog, then select "Roland VG-99 CONTROL" for "VG-99 Input/Output." If connecting through means other than USB, (5 pin MIDI I/O) specify the third party MIDI port connected to the VG-99.

* For "Device ID," select the same number as the "DEVICE ID" parameter on the VG-99 (SYSTEM -> MIDI -> DEVICE ID).

* Do not disconnect the USB cable connecting the VG-99 while VG-99 Editor is running.

* If the USB cable is disconnected and reconnected while the VG-99 is in use, or if the power of the VG-99 is turned off, then on again, it may stop operating correctly. If this occurs, after resuming, you should exit all applications that use the VG-99, and turn the power of the VG-99 off, then on again.

ILoveMadoka

Thank you, I read through that a couple times but it didn't jump out at me...

Next part...

I've just written out the parts contained in the video that someone else had posted...
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1071.0.html
Are these the correct steps for making a backup
(Just wanting to verify and I am hoping these written steps may help someone else in the future if they are correct)


01) Open Librarian
02) Under Mode: -> Pick Patch -> Under Read -> Pick All button (Wait while all User Patches are loaded)
03) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled1)
04) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY the PATCH)?

05) Under Mode -> Pick System -> Under Read, Pick All button
06) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled2)
07) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY the SYSTEM)?

08) Under Mode -> Pick GK Setting -> Under Read, Pick All button
09) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled3)
10) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY the GK Settings)?

11) Under Mode -> Pick GK Favorite Settings -> Under Read, Pick All button
12) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled4)
13) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
Q: (This creates a backup of ONLY your Favorite Settings)?

At that point is my VG-99 completely backed up?

I have an I.T. background and I can tell you from experience there is nothing worse than going
to a backup and finding out that it was not working the way that you intended...
ie: Your data... gone.
Like this guy:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1258.0

I wouldn't be posting this if I didn't have concerns that I may not have my steps correct.
I am admitting my inabilities and lack of knowledge about the software.
I have been playing for a long time but midi is not something that I understand...
In the past I have gotten midi devices to talk to each other but out more out of of trial and error,
not out of an understanding of how they work...

Also, What is the difference between doing these steps and doing a File/Export SMF/All Data (for each section)?


I am admitting my ignorance and just asking for mercy and help...


Thanks for your all of your efforts in trying to help me...


aliensporebomb

I still have a copy of Mooncaine's short video on how to use the librarian to save all your patches.

I saved it on my server because I felt it explained it better than I could verbally.  Moonie did a great job on this because I never would have guessed this is the way it works.  The video was done on a Mac computer but if you have a PC I'm pretty sure it's done similarly.  (Wow, looks like that video is 9 years old now).

The best way I can describe it is: I use the librarian to load/save entire banks of patches but when I'm working on variation patches or loading just one, I use the editor which is a much better application for that purpose.    In the editor I use import/export SMF to import/export the patch files singly.  This way I can audition single patches without overwriting my entire vg-99 library.

These days, I will use the librarian to back up entire banks of patches I've written for later retrieval and also I will back up my entire VG-99 configuration periodically as I get into modes where I'll work on patches for a few days and the next thing I know I have dozens of patches not backed up anywhere.

The librarian is also good for backing up the configuration state of your 99.

Link on my server:
http://pod.podzone.org/vg99/howtovideo/


More later...



My music projects online at http://www.aliensporebomb.com/

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

Elantric

You have listed all the correct steps


Quotecorrect steps for making a backup



01) Open Librarian
02) Under Mode: -> Pick Patch -> Under Read -> Pick All button (Wait while all User Patches are loaded)
03) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled1)
04) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
(This creates a backup of ONLY the PATCH)?

05) Under Mode -> Pick System -> Under Read, Pick All button
06) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled2)
07) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
(This creates a backup of ONLY the SYSTEM)?

08) Under Mode -> Pick GK Setting -> Under Read, Pick All button
09) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled3)
10) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
(This creates a backup of ONLY the GK Settings)?

11) Under Mode -> Pick GK Favorite Settings -> Under Read, Pick All button
12) File -> Duplicate (creates Duplicate Un-Named Library called Untitled4)
13) File -> SaveAs -> Enter name & Pick location for saved file
(This creates a backup of ONLY your Favorite Settings)?

At that point VG-99 is completely backed up

ILoveMadoka

So all that covers the Librarian....

What about the Editor?
Do you have to save out each Patch individually (does the Librarian backup get everything?)

I am in the editor now and I cannot get it to change patches....
Pick the Patch List drop down and select one, hit Ok and nothing...
I'm still on the same patch..

If I pick the Up or Down arrows by the Patch number, nothing... Same patch...

I apologize for being a total noob here but I am trying to learn...



Elantric

QuoteWhat about the Editor?
I am in the editor now and I cannot get it to change patches....
Pick the Patch List drop down and select one, hit Ok and nothing...
I'm still on the same patch..
Read the VG-99 EDITOR  Help file




2. Connections and Settings

* Following the instructions in the VG-99 Owner's Manual, install the Roland VG-99 USB driver for your specific operating system
https://www.roland.com/us/products/vg-99/downloads/

* Following the instructions in the VG-99 Owner's Manual, connect the VG-99 and your computer with a USB cable. You cannot run VG-99 Editor if the VG-99 and the computer are not properly connected.

* Turn on the power to the VG-99, then start up VG-99 Editor.

* If you are using a USB connection and running VG-99 Editor for the first time, be sure to select "Set Up MIDI Devices..." from the "Setup" menu to open the dialog, then select "Roland VG-99 CONTROL" for "VG-99 Input/Output." If connecting through means other than USB, (5 pin MIDI I/O) specify the third party MIDI port connected to the VG-99.

* For "Device ID," select the same number as the "DEVICE ID" parameter on the VG-99 (SYSTEM -> MIDI -> DEVICE ID).

* Do not disconnect the USB cable connecting the VG-99 while VG-99 Editor is running.

* If the USB cable is disconnected and reconnected while the VG-99 is in use, or if the power of the VG-99 is turned off, then on again, it may stop operating correctly. If this occurs, after resuming, you should exit all applications that use the VG-99, and turn the power of the VG-99 off, then on again.

ILoveMadoka

I was about to cry BS! as far as what the manual say and how it is working....

Powered everything down and reconnected everything and cranked it back up
and I can change patches via the drop down. It was not working...

Next...

If I am understanding what I am reading...
Is it correct that in the EDITOR you are saving one PATCH at a time?
So if I have 20 Preset that I want saved I have to:

Pick Patch 1 from the Patch List (Upper Left)
Export SMF -> Pick Patch
select a location and name the file
(Patch 1 is now backed up)
<Repeat for each individual Patch>

If I pick System what exactly am I backing up?  ???
If I pick Patch & System what exactly am I backing up?  ???

I've come far in just a few days (I do thank you for your assistance!)




Just saw this...

"To save the content of all of the User patches, use VG-99 Librarian"







Elantric

VG-99 Editor is for Editing one patch at a time
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=50.0;attach=19

VG-99 Librarian is for backup and re-ordering patches

Read this thread with details on all VG-99 operations and functions and download the attached docs on many posts here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=28.0

and VG-99 FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13.0



VG-99 Overview
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1055.0.html

Its absolutely crucial to review all the files included in the downloaded file from the Roland site. Bulk of user problems with no connectivity to the Editor or Audio/Midi problems can be all traced back to the user ignoring to read these installation instructions provided by Roland - but it seems many folks never see/read them. 

Many times they include a "Readme.htm" file that gets extracted when you un-archive the zip file. These are the Roland Installation Instructions and  Help Files and must be viewed in a web browser and the user must follow all the step by step instructions in the exact order they describe - else failure.

VG-99 Owners Manual
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=28.0

Installing USB Driver
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=49.0
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10090.0

Using the VG-99 Editor
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,50.0.html



Using the VG-99 Librarian
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1044.0.html
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=51.0

How to Back up all your Patches to a computer
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1071.0.html

How to install  the Patches in our database
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,64.msg92.html#msg92

VG-99 User Patch database
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/board,35.0.htm


Get all the VG-99 forum patches here!
www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2052.0

   
Optimal GK Hex Pickup Settings (Assigning different GK String Sensitivity Levels for specific patches) 
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1060.0.html


Roland COSM FX Reference Library
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,88.0.html



VG-99 File types:
===============
  *.G9E = VG-99 Editor

  *.G9L = VG-99 Librarian


  *.MID = SMF MIDI Patch files  exported from the VG-99 Editor ( we use these)

  *.MID = SMF MIDI Patch files  exported from the VG-99 Librarian ( we do not use these)


  *.MID = SMF MIDI Patch files exported from the VG-99 Editor - We use this file type when we share patches because it  "strips away"  the User Specific Parameters (string sensitivity, GK PU type, etc.)  - Basically most people became very upset when they lost their personal VG-99 setup parameters when they loaded  " *.G9E"  patches which we shared here in the early days ( 2007). So we now Use the *.MID files, and  VG-99 Editor's  File, IMPORT SMF function to load these. 

Here's a tip - The VG-99 Editor can run without the VG-99 being powered on or connected to your computer, and you can SMF Import any VG-99 patch you find in our Patch Database  into the VG-99 Editor, and review all the specific patch parameters for that patch "offline".   

**** Be sure to use the latest version 1.01 of the VG-99 Editor! and version 1.04 firmware installed in your VG-99

Brent Flash

Quote from: ILoveMadoka on September 19, 2016, 03:49:39 PM
If I pick System what exactly am I backing up?  ???
If I pick Patch & System what exactly am I backing up?  ???

I've come far in just a few days (I do thank you for your assistance!)

Just saw this...

"To save the content of all of the User patches, use VG-99 Librarian"
You may want to read this for more tips. https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=51.0