Top things to know about the VG-99

Started by Elantric-fgn, June 17, 2009, 07:13:49 AM

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Elantric-fgn

If you need a VG-99 or FC-300 or PDS-10 Stand:

http://www.altomusic.com/
johnnyz@altomusic.com
http://altomusic.com//components/guitars/guitarsynths.html


VG-99 - Top things to know
====================
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**DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE THAT SHIPPED WITH YOUR VG-99

*  Download latest USB Driver and VG-99 Editor / Librarian Version 1.01 from Roland Corp. (English site)

http://www.roland.com/PRODUCTS/en/_support/dld.cfm?ln=en&dsp=0&iCncd=2179

If you want a sneak peak at the newest VG-99 firmware or USB drivers - they always hit the web here first (Japanese)

http://www.roland.co.jp/GK/download.html

* VG-99 ships with CD-ROM containing stale drivers and older VG-99 Editor / Librarian version 1.00

**DO NOT USE THE OLD Version 1.00 VG-99 SOFTWARE THAT SHIPPED WITH YOUR VG-99  VERSION !.))
   It is outdated and not compatible with anything on this Site.  Use that disk for coffee coaster.


* Latest VG-99 Editor / Librarian Version 1.01 is required to share patches.


** Print all your VG-99 Patches - use these custom Utilities created for YOU by VGuitar Forum Members.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=381.0

* Piezo PU Users, Update to VG-99 Firmware 1.04 which adds 4 new GK Piezo modes for major brands of Piezo Hex PUs

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=14.0

* GK String Sensitivity - Its crucial this adjustment is made before you begin using the VG-99. The VG-99 default setting (65) is too high, follow steps in the Knowledge Base to properly adjust this setting.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=28.msg54#msg54

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=138.msg367#msg367


* How do I tell which version Firmware my VG-99 is running?

VG-99 Firmware version verification procedure
==================================

1) Disconnect all cables from the VG-99.

2) Connect power cable

3) With power off, Hold down both [CATEGORY] and [<PAGE] buttons while powering up the VG-99.

4) Note what Firmware version you currently have, its on the left under Boot: 1.00

Example:

BOOT: 1.00
FIRM: 1.02


5) Power down

6) Unit will power up normally and continue normal functions.
   

* Current Versions (Oct, 28, 2009)
---------------------------
VG-99: Firmware 1.04, Boot 1.00
FC-300: Firmware 1.02
WinXP USB Driver: 1.00
Vista USB Driver: 1.0.0
Mac OSX USB Driver: 1.01
Mac OSX Snow Leopard Driver: 1.01
Win VG-99 Editor / Librarian: 1.01
Mac VG-99 Editor / Librarian: 1.01A
http://www.roland.co.jp/GK/download.html


* FC-300 can be edited using the VG-99 editor, and a VG-99. Seeking a standalone FC-300 editor.

* Be sure to use the latest Ver 1.01 VG-99 Editor (see our Software section for download links)
* VG-99 patches created with the prior version 1.00 are incompatible and can not be shared.

* MAC OS-X -  Use latest download VG-99 USB OSX Driver Ver.1.01 for Mac OS X

* Piezo Compatibility - Update to VG-99 Firmware Rev 1.04 solves issues of "boomy sound".

* Nylon Type Guitar Bug - the model has dynamic hysterysis issues - the top three strings may drop out during soft legato playing and require aggressive attack to bring them back to life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysterysis

* VG-99 Guitar to MIDI output is fixed at +/- 12 semitones of pitch bend - not +/- 24 like other Roland Guitar to MIDI gear.

Vista 64 / Win7 64 USB Driver
===========================
the Roland VG-99 will work using the Edirol UA-4FX (USB audio/MIDI interface) Vista 64 drivers  http://www.rolandus.com/support/downloads_updates/eula.php?FileName=UA_4FX_win_vista_x64.zip

1.  Download and install driver for UA-4FX
2.  Plug in USB cable for 99
3.  Cancel out of driver install wizard
4.  Open device properties for VG99 in device manager
5.  Click on driver tab, click update driver
6.  Select browse
7.  Select Let me pick from a list of drivers
8.  Select Sound, Video And Game Controllers
9.  Select Roland in Manufacturer list
10. Select UA-4FX, click continue on "may not be compatible" warning

And it works!  I select UA-4FX for my MIDI IO in the editor and I can work with the 99, and it also worked for audio in Sonar.  I've only tested on my machine, so no guarantees.  Good Luck!


Use the VG-99 ASIO Driver!
Have you enabled "Advanced Mode" on the VG-99 Driver Control page?

See your Windows control panel, this allows use of the ASIO driver - and much lower latency than WDM driver.

Mac OSX ASIO Controls are in your "System Preferences, Other" area.



* How to mix GK + Normal PU sounds with the VG-99


Using a Strat with GK-3A as an example, be sure the short 1/4" inch cable is installed between the Strat's normal output jack, and GK-3A's  1/4" Guitar Input. This is a crucial component as it provides a signal path to the VG-99 for your Normal pickups via the 13 pin cable,  and it effectively grounds the GK-3A to your guitar strings, to control noise, and safely protect you from shock hazards. .

To process your Normal Guitar Pickups with the VG-99,  the steps are:

1) Connect the short 1/4" inch cable is installed between the Strat's normal output jack, and GK-3A's  1/4" Guitar Input.  Connect the 13pin cable between GK-3A and VG-99.

2) On the VG-99 , Press the "Modeling Type" switch.

3) Then press the Page button 6 times - which takes you to Page 6 and there's two knobs for mixing the "COSM Gtr" and "Normal PU" sound.

4) The "Normal PU" is the signal fed into the rear "GUITAR INPUT" jack. By default the "Normal PU" Level control is set to zero, so turn it up to your taste, as you should begin to hear your Guitar you plugged in at Step #1. You may apply VG=99 COSM Amp Modeling processing to your Normal Guitar pickup signal, and combine these sounds with the GK-3A's COSM Guitar sounds.

5) Save your setting by writing to the patch in the User Patch Range.



We want to host the largest VG-99 Patch repository here.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=35.0

Prior to submitting your patch,  you should export to SMF (.MID) from the Editor with PATCH Info Only. You dont have that option with .g9e files.  The other options are SYSTEM, and BOTH.  Selecting PATCH Info Only keeps other people from getting your system info.  That can be a PITA, especially if the patch you just downloaded has multiple System/GK Settings.  Does that make sense?


Prior to trying ANY Downloaded Patches  - SAVE ALL YOUR CURRENT PATCHES FIRST!!

VG-99 patches you share must be created by exporting SMF / and select export PATCH DATA ONLY  in the VG-99 Editor's File Export function.  Please do not include system info as you will mess up others VG-99s settings  If you see a patch that is not 6 KB it probably has system info in it so always back up your patches before loading any you find online.

* Missing Features:
================
* No Gretsch Filtertron PU like VG-88

* No "Autotune" feature like VG-8.

* FC-300 wish it had more than two built in control footswitches

* Roland Japan VG-99 updates!
Fresh update source - check daily!
http://www.roland.co.jp/GK/download.html

* V-Link Info:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=37.0

Roland Workshop PDF Guides:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1170.msg6033.html#msg6033
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

#1
Roland has been active with new Drivers for Mac OSX Snow Leopard 64
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?PRODUCT=VG%2D99

Also

On the Roland Japanese Site - they have added a new version of the VG-99 Editor / Librarian Ver 1.01A -

The update is for users of Mac OSX 10.5 or greater ( Snow Leopard) , who get an error message during installation of older VG-99 1.01 Editor / Librarian.

"At the end of the installation of VG-99 Editor / Librarian under MacOS X v10.5 or greater,  "installation failed" message appears  - this new version corrects the installation error message "


Download it here:
http://www.roland.co.jp/support/downloads/index.cfm?ln=jp&SearchBy=RcId&dst=P&RcId=1811723&dsp=1&PRODUCT=VG%2D99
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

#3
The Factory VG-99 Patches are rather horrid.


* I run my VG-99's GK-3 at GK Sensitivity "25" for all strings -  the factory default of "65"  is far too hot!


Download better patches here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=40
and here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=229

Learn about the SMF VG-99 Path format here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=199

Be sure you have updated to latest VG-99 Ver 1.04

i still own all three VG systems - VG-8, VG-88, VG-99

The benefits of VG-99 are :

* Improved Alternate Tunings  - far less "wobbly artifacts" than VG-8

* Better interface for running Two independent different COSM Streams at once.


* Superior Transient response = turn off the noise gate/suppressor  on both, and hear the VG-99's superior 24 bit processing on the all whole note "tails" (VG-8 was 18 bit and turns to sputter )

* Superior support for many different GK Hex PU types,


* 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.


* Vlink for triggering other MIDI gear or VJ Video gear using specific ranges of the fretboard


More about V-Link here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=32098.msg237571#msg237571


   
* Full MIDI Control remapping ( VG-8 has a very limited MIDI control spec)




. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

Elantric-fgn

#5
Roland Librarian "How To doc - courtesy of Roland UK

http://www.roland.co.uk/assets/media/pdf/INFOCUS02.pdf

Covers the basics of "How to use the VG-99 Librarian"
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

baatkarlo

@elantric
I'm trying to get VG-99 DLL to add as a VST into Ableton Live on a new PC. Do you happen to know the folder in which it installs when VG-99 Editor and USB driver are installed? It's not in my VST plugins folder in program files, nor in the steinberg vst folder. 
Eat sleep get up play. Eat sleep get up play. Eat sleep get up play.

admin

#7
What are you  trying to accomplish?

VG99 is not a Synth,  does not respond to MIDI note on Off
Messages, there is no VG-99 VST plug in that acts like a mini VG-9 Edit VST plugin within a DAW

There is no cakewalk profile either

gumtown

The VG-99 editor is a stand alone program application too, and not a VST.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/