Roland GR-55 > Roland GR-55 Discussion
GR-55 FAQ: TOP THINGS TO KNOW (Start Here)
mooncaine:
Another top thing to know, especially if you haven't decided whether to buy a GR-55 yet:
It only has one MIDI pitch bend range setting: 24 semitones. You can't adjust that.
Great for some, terrible for others. I find that some of the soft synths in Ableton Live only have a 12 semitone bend range (Analog, for example, and Simpler).
Elantric:
--- Quote ---How do I use the GR-55 as a midi control in programs like garageband so I can trigger garage band sounds with the guitar?
--- End quote ---
Use the GR-55 as a Guitar To MIDI Controller
From the Owners manual:
MIDI Settings
You can make MIDI settings that apply to the entire GR-55, such as
specifying the MIDI channel. For the procedure, refer to “Settings for
the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM)” (p. 69). For details on each setting, refer to
“MIDI/USB” (p. 79).
See GR-55 Owners Manual page 79
You Must enable GTR to MIDI and set the Mode assignment type:
To Send MIDI Notes from the GR-55
Knowledge Base ID: 105346
Product: GR-55
By default, the GR-55's Guitar-MIDI switch is turned off. To send MIDI notes from the GR-55's USB port or MIDI output, this switch must be turned on.
Here's how to do this.
1. Press EDIT.
2. Press the right-hand PAGE button to the select the SYSTEM tab.
3. Use the cursor buttons to highlight "MIDI/USB," and then press ENTER.
4. Use the PAGE buttons to display the GTR-MIDI tab.
5. Use the cursor buttons to highlight "SWITCH."
6. Turn the dial clockwise to select "ON."
7. Press EXIT when you're finished—the new setting is saved automatically.
Watch the Videos here:
Tutorial: make GUITAR a MIDI CONTROLLER using the GR-55 GUITAR SYNTHESIZER (Fruity Loops specific)
Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer : MIDI
Then :
connect the GR-55 to your Mac (you did install the GR-55 OSX USB Driver AND READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS right?)
http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3050.0
http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3050.0;attach=2856
then:
How to create a software (midi) instrument in Garageband:
1. Open Garageband
2. Select "Open a New Project"
3. Navigate to the "Track" section in the menu bar and select "New Track"
4. Make sure "Software Instrument" is selected and click create
5. From here, navigate through the Software Instrument midi sounds that are displayed on the right toolbar.
6. Load in the sound that you want to use, make sure the volume is turned up, and start to jam!
Advanced GR-55 Guitar to MIDI tracking advice is on this thread here:
http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5220.msg35887#msg35887
More GR-55 Training Videos are here
http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7327.0
Elantric:
Roland US Knowledge Base articles on the GR-55 (July 2012)
http://www.rolandus.com/support/knowledge_base/?HD_ID=105241
--
Hearing Your Normal (Guitar) Pickup Signal
If you want to hear your guitar's original pickup sound in the GR-55, you need to activate the NORMAL PICKUP switch within each patch. Here's how.
1. Choose a patch to edit.
2. Press the EDIT button.
3. Press PAGE left until you select the TONE menu.
4. Press the down-cursor button to select NORMAL PICKUP.
5. Turn the dial to highlight the NORMAL PICKUP box.
6. Set the GK select switch to the MIX position.
Note: If you want to hear only the guitar sound, de-select the PCM1, PCM2, and Model boxes as well.
If desired, press WRITE to save the new setting as a User patch, and then repeat the process for any patch in which you want to hear the original pickup sound.
--
Setting the Pickup Sensitivity
Adjusting the GK pickup sensitivity settings in the GR-55 is crucial for optimum tracking results. Use the following steps to adjust the string sensitivity.
1. Press the EDIT button.
2. Press the PAGE right arrow button to the select the SYSTEM tab.
3. Cursor to "GK SETTING," and then press ENTER.
Selecting the pickup type:
1. Press PAGE left or right to select the PU (for "Pickup") tab.
2. Cursor to "PU TYPE."
3. Turn the dial select the type of 13-pin pickup system that's installed in your guitar—GK-2, GK-3 etc.
Note: If you're using a piezo pickup system, select the appropriate piezo manufacturer:
Fishman—Piezo F
Graphtech—Piezo G
LR Baggs—Piezo L
RMC—Piezo R
General Piezo—Piezo
--
Adjusting string sensitivity:
1. Press PAGE left or right to select the SEN tab.
2. Cursor to "1ST STRING SENS."
3. Play the first string (High E) repeatedly with the maximum amount of force you would use during your actual performance. Observe the level meter as it moves from left to right.
4. Turn the dial to increase or decrease the sensitivity. The level should reach up to about the "NUA" tab at the top of the display.
5. Cursor down to the second string and repeat Step 4.
6. Repeat the process for each of the remaining strings.
Note: It's normal to have different sensitivity number values for each string. Just be sure that the strings' level meters are even with each other.
7. When you're finished, press EXIT twice—the new settings are saved automatically.
Additional details regarding the sensitivity are available on page 10 and 75 in the GR-55 Owner's Manual.
The GR-55 Owner's Manual can be downloaded from our website here:
http://www.rolandus.com/support/owners_manuals/?group=3
--
Working with the Velocity Parameters
After setting the sensitivity and pickup parameters properly, you can also adjust the velocity parameters. These parameters can help with ghost notes and improve inconsistent tracking results:
1. Press the EDIT button.
2. Press PAGE right to the select the SYSTEM tab.
3. Cursor to "GK SETTING," and then press ENTER.
4. Press PAGE left or right to the VEL (for "velocity") tab.
5. Cursor to one of the velocity parameters: Velocity Dynamics, Play Feel, Low Velocity Cut.
6. Turn the dial to adjust the value as desired.
Default settings:
Velocity Dynamics—5
Play Feel—3
Low Velocity Cut—5
For piezo pickup systems:
Godin SG
Velocity Dynamics—1
Play Feel—1
Low Velocity Cut—8
Godin LGXT
Velocity Dynamics—3
Play Feel—2
Low Velocity Cut—7
Brian Moore
Velocity Dynamics—2
Play Feel—2
Low Velocity Cut—8
Additional details regarding setting sensitivity and velocity parameters are listed on pages 10 and 75 in the GR-55 Owner's Manual.
The GR-55 Owner's Manual can be downloaded from our website for free at:
http://www.rolandus.com/support/owners_manuals/?group=3
--
User Parameters not Saving within a Patch
Some of the factory Preset patches in the GR-55 have the CTL pedal and/or EXP SW assigned to control various functions, for example, the PCM Tone On/Off switch.
An assignment of this nature can make it appear that User parameters are not being stored in a patch. To turn off the pre-assigned CTL and/or EXP SW functions, follow these steps.
1. Select the desired User patch.
2. Press the EDIT button.
3. Press PAGE left or right to select the MASTER tab, and then press ENTER.
4. Cursor left to "PEDAL/GK CTL," and then press ENTER.
5. Cursor down to "CTL FUNCTION," and then turn the dial counterclockwise to select "OFF."
6. Press PAGE right to select the EXP SW tab.
7. Cursor down to "EXP SW FUNCTION," and then turn the dial counterclockwise to select "OFF."
8. Save this new setting into the patch by pressing WRITE twice.
Note: Some patches may also contain assignments in the ASSIGN section that can effect custom stored parameters. If the above steps don't help with your patch, go to the ASSIGN menu, turn off each assignment in the patch, and then save the settings.
--
GR-55 Specifications
The following are specifications for the GR-55:
Sound Generator
PCM: 2 tones
Modeling: 1 tone
Tones
PCM: 910 types
Modeling: 23 types (guitar mode)
17 types (bass mode)
Effects
MFX (Multi-Effects): 20 types
AMP (Preamp): 42 types
MOD (Modulation): 14 types
DELAY: 7 types
REVERB: 5 types
CHORUS: 4 types
EQ: 1 type
Patch Memory
Guitar mode
Preset: 270 + User: 297
Bass mode
Preset: 90 + User: 297
AD Conversion
24-bit (GK Pickup)
24-bit + AF method ** (Normal Pickup)
DA Conversion
24-bit
Sampling Frequency
44.1 kHz
Nominal Output Level
OUTPUT jacks: -10 dBu
GUITAR OUT jack: -10 dBu
Output Impedance
OUTPUT jacks: 2 k ohms
GUITAR OUT jack: 2 k ohms
USB Memory Audio Player
File Format: WAV, AIFF
Display
Graphic LCD 240 x 64 dots
Connectors
GK IN connector (13 pins DIN type)
GUITAR OUT jack (1/4-inch phone type)
OUTPUT L/MONO, R jacks (1/4-inch phone type)
PHONES jack (Stereo 1/4-inch phone type)
MIDI connectors (IN, OUT) (5-pin DIN type)
USB COMPUTER connector (supports Hi-Speed USB, USB MIDI and
USB Audio)
USB MEMORY connector (supports Hi-Speed USB Flash Memory)
DC IN jack
Power Supply
DC 9 V
Current Draw
700 mA
Accessories
AC adaptor
Owner's manual
Divided pickup - GK-3 (only for GK included model)
GK cable (5 m) (only for GK included model)
Options (sold separately)
Divided pickup: GK-3 (for guitar), GK-3B (for bass guitar)
GK cable: GKC-5 (5 m), GKC-10 (10 m)
MIDI foot controller: FC-300
Unit selector: US-20
Size and Weight
Width
405 mm
(16 inches)
Depth
244 mm
(9-5/8 inches)
Height
78 mm
(3-1/8 inches)
Weight
3.3 kg
(7 lbs. 5 oz.)
Maximum height: 106 mm 4-3/16 inches (When the expression pedal is moved to the minimum)
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
** AF (Adaptive Focus) method is a proprietary method from Roland
In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.
--
Transmitting a MIDI Sustain Message from the CTL Pedal
Knowledge Base ID: 105528
Product: GR-55
It's possible to assign the on-board CTL pedal on the GR-55 to transmit a MIDI sustain message (CC-64). Here's how.
1. Press EDIT.
2. Press PAGE right to select the SYSTEM tab, and then press ENTER.
3. Press the cursor left or right buttons to select the MIDI/USB icon, and then press ENTER.
4. Press PAGE left or right to select the GUITAR-MIDI tab.
5. Press cursor up or down to select CTL PDL CC.
6. Turn the dial to select 64.
7. Press EXIT twice when you're finished. The new setting is saved automatically.
Note: By default, the GR-55's MIDI channel is set to channel 1. You will most likely need to match the MIDI channel in the GR-55 with your external device for the sustain message to function properly.
--
Viewing the Current Version (GR-55)
Knowledge Base ID: 105498
Product: GR-55
Use the following steps to view the current version in the GR-55.
1. Press and hold the PAGE left and PAGE right buttons and turn on the power.
2. The GR-55’s current version number will be displayed next to “MAIN.”
3. When you're finished, turn off the power.
Caution: Never perform an update if the product is already up-to-date.
--
PC RX (Program Change Receive) Switch
Knowledge Base ID: 105387
Product: GR-55
If you want the GR-55 to receive MIDI Program Change (PC) messages from an external device, its PC RX switch must be turned on.
1. Press EDIT.
2. Press the right or left PAGE button to select "SYSTEM," and then press ENTER.
3. Press the left or right cursor button to select "MIDI/USB," and then press ENTER.
4. Press PAGE left to select the GENERAL tab.
5. Use the up or down cursor button to select "PC RX SWITCH."
6. Turn the dial to select "ON."
7. Press EXIT twice when you're finished—the new setting is saved automatically.
--
PC TX (Program Change Transmit) Switch
Knowledge Base ID: 105386
Product: GR-55
If you want to transmit MIDI Program Change (PC) messages to an external device from the GR-55, its PC TX switch must be turned on.
1. Press EDIT.
2. Press the right or left PAGE button to select "SYSTEM," and then press ENTER.
3. Press the left or right cursor buttons to select "MIDI/USB," and then press ENTER.
4. Press PAGE left to select the GENERAL tab.
5. Use the up or down cursor buttons to select "PC TX SWITCH."
6. Turn the dial to select "ON."
7. Press EXIT twice when you're finished—the new setting is saved automatically.
--
Factory Reset (Initialize)
Knowledge Base ID: 105348
Product: GR-55
Use the following procedure to clear the GR-55's internal memory and reload its factory settings.
Caution: All User information is lost during a Factory Reset. Be sure to first back up anything you wish to keep before proceeding.
1. Press EDIT.
2. Press the right-hand PAGE button to select the SYSTEM tab.
3. Cursor to "BACKUP/INIT," and then press ENTER.
4. Cursor to "FACTORY RESET," and then press ENTER.
5. Cursor to "OK," and then press ENTER—"FACTORY RESET..." appears in the display.
6. When "PLEASE RESTART" appears, turn the GR-55's power off and back on.
--
To Send MIDI Notes from the GR-55
Knowledge Base ID: 105346
Product: GR-55
By default, the GR-55's Guitar-MIDI switch is turned off. To send MIDI notes from the GR-55's USB port or MIDI output, this switch must be turned on.
Here's how to do this.
1. Press EDIT.
2. Press the right-hand PAGE button to the select the SYSTEM tab.
3. Use the cursor buttons to highlight "MIDI/USB," and then press ENTER.
4. Use the PAGE buttons to display the GTR-MIDI tab.
5. Use the cursor buttons to highlight "SWITCH."
6. Turn the dial clockwise to select "ON."
7. Press EXIT when you're finished—the new setting is saved automatically.
--
Changing the GK Pickup Direction
Knowledge Base ID: 105330
Product: GR-55, GR-55S
Depending on how you've mounted the GK pickup on your guitar, you need to adjust the Pickup(PU) Direction parameter so the GR-55 can function properly. Here's how.
1. Press EDIT.
2. Press PAGE right to select the SYSTEM tab.
3. Press ENTER.
4. Press the cursor left button to select the "GK SETTING" icon and then press ENTER.
5. Press PAGE left to select the "PU" tab.
6. Cursor to "PU DIRECTION" and then turn the Value dial to select "NORMAL" or "REVERSE."
If the GK pickup is mounted with the cable lead extending near the low E string, choose "NORMAL." This is the default setting.
If the GK is mounted with the cable extending from the high E string, choose "REVERSE."
7. Press EXIT when you're finished—the new setting is saved automatically.
--
Using the GR-55 with the BK-7M (Setup)
Knowledge Base ID: 105554
Product: GR-55, BK-7M
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=1141
It's possible to use the GR-55 as a "controller" for the BK-7M. Here's how to setup the two devices.
1. Turn on the power for the GR-55.
2. Press EDIT.
3. Press the PAGE right button to select the SYSTEM tab.
4. Press cursor left or right to select the MIDI/USB icon and then press ENTER.
5. Press PAGE left or right to select the GUITAR-MIDI tab.
6. Press cursor up to select "SWITCH."
7. Turn the dial to choose "ON." This turns on the Guitar to MIDI feature.
8. Press cursor down to select MODE, and then turn the dial to select "POLY."
9. Turn on the BK-7M's power.
10. With a MIDI cable, connect the MIDI OUT of the GR-55 to the MIDI IN of the BK-7M.
11. On the BK-7M, press MENU.
12. Turn the dial clockwise to select "Wizard Connection."
13. Press the dial.
14. Turn the dial to select "GUITAR."
15. Press the dial - "Play a guitar string" appears in the display.
16. Play a string on the guitar - "Wizard Settings will be saved" appears.
17. Press the dial to save the new setting.
The GR-55 is now setup to change the chords in the BK-7M. Try it out:
1. On the BK-7M, press a desired RHYTHM FAMILY button to select a music style.
2. Press the START/STOP button to begin playback.
3. Play desired chords on the guitar. As you're playing, the chord appears in the BK-7M's display.
Note: When triggering the BK-7M with the GR-55, many factors can effect the performance of the chord changes. If you experience inconsistencies, try experimenting with different sensitivity values for the stings as well as working with the Velocity Parameters in the GR-55. In the end, your playing technique is crucial for optimum performance.
--
Recommended Power Supply
Knowledge Base ID: 105313
Product: GR-55, GR-55S
The following is the recommended power supply for the GR-55:
Roland PSB-1U
http://shop.rolandus.com/home/index/614.0
Caution: The use of any other power supply can cause malfunctions and/or permanent damage to the product.
--
Auditioning PCM Tones Within a Patch
Knowledge Base ID: 105311
Product: GR-55
Within each patch in the GR-55, you can have up to two PCM tones turned on simultaneously, each of which can be assigned to a string as desired. There are 910 different PCM tones to choose from in the GR-55. Follow these steps to audition them.
For this example we'll use the patch LEAD 02-2 Flute Solo.
1. Press the LEAD button.
2. Turn the dial to select "02-2 Flute Solo."
3. Press EDIT.
4. Press PAGE left repeatedly to select the TONE tab.
5. Press the left or right arrow buttons to highlight "PCM1 :393 Flute 1."
6. Turn the dial to scroll through the different tones. As we mentioned earlier, there are a whopping 910 of them to choose from!
7. When you're finished, press EXIT.
Tip: A detailed GR-55 PCM tone list is available for download from our website here:
http://www.rolandus.com/support/owners_manuals/?group=3
--
Selecting Patches
Knowledge Base ID: 105310
Product: GR-55
A patch is a collection of effects, tones, and settings stored into one location. In Guitar mode, the GR-55 has 270 Preset and 297 User patches. In Bass mode, there are 90 Preset and 297 User patches.
To select a patch, press one of the SOUND STYLE buttons—LEAD, RHYTHM, OTHER, or USER—and then turn the dial to select a patch in that category.
--
MikeTranch:
"* For the lowest latency when triggering external Soft synths with the GR-55, avoid using the GR-55's USB Driver and USB cable. Instead, use a 5 pin DIN MIDI cable from GR-55 MIDI Out to an external MIDI adapter. all agree that using this type hardware setup will deliver the lowest latency."
I'm looking for an "external MIDI adaptor" for my Mac. I've found some that plug into the USB on the MAC. It's not obvious to me that would be better, but I'll certainly defer to the wisdom and experience of this group. You guys are awesome and saving me a ton of trial and error (mostly error, LOL)
Can anyone recommend a specific external MIDI to USB adaptor for the MAC that will work well with the GR-55? It's a fairly new iMac, dual core etc, so I think it's got plenty of MIPS etc.
Thanks in advance!
Elantric:
--- Quote ---"* For the lowest latency when triggering external Soft synths with the GR-55, avoid using the GR-55's USB Driver and USB cable. Instead, use a 5 pin DIN MIDI cable from GR-55 MIDI Out to an external MIDI adapter. all agree that using this type hardware setup will deliver the lowest latency."
--- End quote ---
Due to many variables, I believe the jury is still out on the best / lowest latency method for connecting the GR-55 to your computer to drive soft synths.
If its a Mac you are using - avoid OSX 10.8 Mountain Lion if you can.
(Details here)
http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6678.0
But if your iMac is running OSX 10.7 Lion, the Roland GR-55 USB driver works well.
Many Mac folks running OSX 10.5 thru 10.7 report good results using the Roland GR-55 USB Driver for your version OSX and a good USB cable with RF rejection Ferrite cores to a USB 2.0 port on your Mac.
http://www.pccables.com/70509.html
But some systems (not all) do get sluggish and even make the GR-55 Controls run slow after a USB connection is made to a Computer.
A separate Audio / MIDI Interface will typically always be preferred.
If you want a recommendation for a low latency MIDI Interface -the iConnectivity iConnect MIDi is good
http://iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI-Overview
Also the MOTU 828MKIII with a Firewire connection is good too
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828mk3/
So I will re-phrase that statement to:
"* For the lowest latency when triggering external Soft synths with the GR-55, many factors are involved and other options exist beyond simply using the GR-55's USB Driver and USB cable.
Instead, try a 5 pin DIN MIDI cable from GR-55 MIDI Out to an external MIDI adapter. "
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