VG-99 F.A.Q.

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

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Elantric


VG-99 - Frequently Asked Questions
====================

http://www.roland.com/V-Guitar/

* Must Join VGuitarforums to view, Download  / Upload File attachments. If you are browsing here as just a Guest, you are missing out on 90% of the content here.


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  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=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

QuoteThe downloaded "VG99_V104.zip" includes two different folders. Please refer the "VG-99_UpdateV104.pdf" for the detail and the update procedure.

[Version 1.04]
Four new Pickup Types have been added to GK PU TYPE parameter.
(Please refer VG-99_l_ver104_e_web.pdf.)
This update also fixes the FAVORITE SETTINGS related issue and some other functions' issues.

****

[/b]
http://www.roland.com/V-Guitar


Roland UK VG-99 Flash Demo ( same as used for in store VG-99 sales displays!)
http://www.roland.co.uk/vg99/

Roland US VG-99 Home Page
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=849

The Musician Network Roland VG-99 Showcase Video






* VG-99 Training Videos
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2971.0

* How to Install a Roland GK-3 Pickup?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=42.0

* * Hex Pickup Type Advice. (GK-3 vs Piezo)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5043.msg34288#msg34288

* How to prepare your new 13 pin cable prior to use:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3132.msg20110#msg20110

* No sound from Normal Pickups
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=419.0


How to use Normal PU sounds and make the GK-3 3-way switch work with the VG-99

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=16759.0

Next post is related to the above,
* Roland US-20 A/B Selector BUG (Importance of GK-VOL Assignment)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2246.0



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


* If you require both GK 13 and 1/4" input to be active
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1908.msg10683#msg10683

Hint: Set "GK Connect" to ON


* Always refer to the VGuitarforums Search engine before posting a new question:
("Advanced Search How-To" here)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2978.0


* VG-99 Reference Library area of our Forum is first place to go, as this area has solutions and tips for most new VG-99 users issues/problems:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=62.0

**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?PRODUCT=VG-99

* Latest VG-99 Firmware 1.04
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=14.0

* Latest VG-99 USB Audio / MIDI Driver
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=17.0

* Latest VG-99 Editor / Librarian Version 1.01 is required to share patches.
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=VG-99&id=1812339

* "VG-99 Editor How To" and help files
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=50.0

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


* 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

* Many FC-300 Footcontroller functions can be edited using the VG-99 editor, and a VG-99. But we are still Seeking a standalone FC-300 editor.


* VG-99 & FC-300 Documentation and Knowledge Base
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=28.0



* 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.


* VG-99 User Created Documents Downloads area
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=15

* VG-99 User Created Patches area
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=35.0


* We even have a whole area devoted to VG-99 Guitar Patches using only the Normal Guitar Input here
* VG-99 User Created Mag PU Patches
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=48.0

There are 7 different VG-99 USB drivers here:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?PRODUCT=VG-99

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 USB Driver Controls are in your "System Preferences, Other" area.


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


* Using the VG-99 Editor and Librarian
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=822.0


* Best Amplifier recommendations for Guitar Synth / Modeling systems
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=230.0

* 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
*

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

Roland Workshop PDF Guides:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,1170.msg6033.html#msg6033

* Why does Roland US-20 A/B selector not work?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2246.0

* Piezo Pickups Noisy with VG
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8600.0

* Roland GK 13 pin Cable Maintenance Tips.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3132.msg20110#msg20110

Display and drag out all the existing Roland VG-99 Editor's control panels - to get a more detailed "all at once" view of each VG-99 patch's structure and controls.


Also be sure to read the VG-99 Editor Owners Manual

(this is hidden inside the zip file supplied by Roland, and very few people ever read it or know it exists.

VG-99 Editor 1.01 - How To

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=50.msg78#msg78

VG-99 Editor Owners Manual
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=50.0;attach=19


* Gk 13 pin Accessories ( Splitters, Break out boxes, Sub Freq Filters, etc)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=13.0
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=127.0

thervantes

Hello!You are very helpfull with all these information and i would like to ask you something more:
1) If a problem occures while updating to Firmware 1.04, how can we restore to the previus version (1.03) (maybe a "factory reset" will solve the problem?)
2)Should i connect the VG-99 with the PC via USB cable or via a midi cable? ( I want to update to Firmware 1.04) I'm asking this because the SMF Player has no option for usb connection, just Midi out device option?

Thank you!

Elantric

#2
1) - no can do, just repeat the 1.04 Firmware update procedure until it takes.

2) use USB - read the instructions.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=14.0;attach=6

If you have the VG-99 USB Driver installed and the VG-99 connected via USB, Launch the Roland SMF Player - then define the MIDI Output Device to be "VG-99 CONTROL"

thervantes

Thank you!!!
I use a godin multiac nylon, so i need to update to Firmware 1.04 (i think so)

Thanks!!! :)

Vistar

are the editor and system downloads only at the japan site? does anyone have them on the US site? You guys all speak/read japanese?  :-)

Vistar

Elantric

#5

charles.monteiro

#6
Quote from: sustainiac on February 24, 2008, 02:19:55 PM
1) - no can do, just repeat the 1.04 install until it takes -

2) use USB - read the instructions.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=14.0;attach=6

If you have the VG-99 USB Driver installed and the VG-99 connected via USB, Launch SMF Player - then define the MIDI Output Device to be "VG-99 CONTROL"

confused between piezo and hex, in any case I use Godin guitars to drive the VG-99 i.e. rmc pickups which I believe are hex so then does this mean that I do not have to upgrade to firmware 1.04 ?

thanks

FrescoKid

rmc pickups are piezo's.  By 'hex', they mean magnetic hexaphonic pickups (GK-2a or GK-3).  In your case you will need the firmware upgrade.

charles.monteiro

thanks, tho I fear the upgrade, there's always the chance to brick a unit with a firmware update, any factory reset button/ combo of buttoins I can press ?

Elantric

#9
"Hex" pickups are any GK guitar PU - mag or piezo - this includes All GK 13 pin Roland, Yamaha, Axon, RMC, Ghost.

Piezo Hex PU's are RMC, Ghost

Mag Hex PU's are Roland, Yamaha, Axon.

Typically All the above are unique and separate from the "normal" PU which uses the 1/4" Output on your guitar. Although if you have a Godin Nylon string, your "normal PU is just a Mono mix of the 6 piezo string saddles. Hex PU's are the only ones which can drive the VG-99 COSM Guitar Models via the 13 pin connection.

And the Firmware update instructions are rather clear - as the update is for Piezo Hex PU users, as it adds an additional Piezo EQ  - to cut the "boominess".

But ALL VG-99 Users are best served using the latest firmware. Older firmware has bugs.


RMC is going one measure further to aid Piezo hex PU users and offering a special VG-99 hardware upgrade High pass filter 13 pin input board.

  https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=568.0

Elantric

#10
>thanks, tho I fear the upgrade, there's always the chance to brick a unit with a firmware update.

Indeed many older  VG-88 owners  have.

But realize Roland worked on their Firmware Update procedure after 2003, making this process far more robust and " no more bricked units". If the VG-99 Firmware update fails, just take a break, and retry until it "takes" and wakes up and smells the coffee and boots up with the new firmware.

Its important to:

* Read and follow all instructions.

* Use the correct Firmware update specific for your VG-99.

* Perform the Update several times until it takes. 

* Try an alternate method = for example there is a 90% success rate following our firmware update instructions to use only a USB cable to perform the update. 10 % had to break out a MAudio UNO MIDI interface and use the Roland US Instructions  - which state to only use an external MIDI interface.

But the VG-99 is more robust that the VG-88. If you had the VG-88  - you will remember that a "bricked" VG-88 required a trip to Roland US to repair.  When you "brick" the VG-99 - due to a failed firmware update, just perform the update again until it takes - or swap interfaces ( USB, MIDI) and try again. Most follow our instructions and are successful first time. And everyone that had a "bricked" VG-99 was able to revive it by being patient and re-applying the update.

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

charles.monteiro


charles.monteiro

not to be dense but regardless of the type of Godin guitar I have i.e. electric, nylon, or steel , the firmware upgrade will help elmiminate some boominess from certain patches, but will it help it track better and by that I mean external sound modules and so far mostly soft synths since  I have not tried yet with an external hardware synth.

thanks

Elantric

>but will it help it track better and by that I mean external sound modules and so far mostly soft synths since  I have not tried yet with an external hardware synth.

Perhaps as an outcome of gaining a new 2 band Piezo PU EQ to reduce low frequencies, the Rev 1.04 update may provide new tools for setting up your RMC piezo hex PU to improve your MIDI tracking. This is mostly a function of string sensitivity, and selecting the correct  "Play Feel" type for the MIDI instrument you are trying to trigger. Use the VG-99 Editor.

Csewell

Uh, the 1.04 firmware update seems to be PC only. Am I missing something?

Csewell

I went to your links. They are all in Japanese. I, as an arrogant american, don't read Japanese. Help?

Elantric

#16
*  Download latest USB Driver and VG-99 Editor / Librarian Version 1.01 from Roland Japan
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?ln=en&dsp=0&iCncd=2179



* How to prepare your new 13 pin cable prior to use:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3132.msg20110#msg20110


===

FWIW- -

This post has attachments pics of features that did not make the final cut for the 2007 VG-99

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=141.msg427#msg427

(Gretsch COSM Guitar)


(LP Custom Three Humbucker PU COSM Guitar)


Updated version of the old  Boss GT-3 AutoRiff Generator

charles.monteiro

Quote from: charles.monteiro on April 07, 2008, 08:46:02 AM
oh boy :)

pardon quoting myself but anyhow I performed the upgrade , went smoothly. Now onto installing the RMC board.

stringmann

Elantric, I read the '10 things I should know" on this site, and couldn't find the Ruppert soundclicks; did they die?
And it says emphatically not to load the software that came w/ my unit, v. 1.0. I have already loaded it on my laptop, but not yet installed it on the vg; should I uninstall it and get v. 1.04 from roland? Or does 1.04 only upgrade on 1.0? Then, after the upgrade, I would connect the usb etc so as to install on the vg? I read the 10 things but wasn't sure about the order of the newer version? thanks

Elantric

#19
QuoteElantric, I read the '10 things I should know" on this site, and couldn't find the Ruppert soundclicks; did they die?



Yes - Bill is on hiatus,





QuoteAnd it says emphatically not to load the software that came w/ my unit, v. 1.0.


Thats the VG-99 Editor and  Librarian on the CDROM that shipped with the unit -

Its best to throw that CD-ROM in trash or hang on the tree at christmas!!!




QuoteI have already loaded it on my laptop, but not yet installed it on the vg;

Uninstall it from your laptop immediately!!!



These are All seperate things:

VG-99 Editor - now at version 1.01 - must download it

VG-99 Librarian - now at version 1.01 - must download it

VG-99 USB Driver - must download the latest version for your OS. There is no version for Vista 64, WinXP 64.


VG-99 Firmware - now at version 1.04 - This is built into your VG-99. It is not on the factory CDROM. Must download the update compatible with your current firmware.





aliensporebomb

#20
I had the Ruppert soundclips but due to his endorsement deal with EHX I cannot share them.  Maybe someday that will change or he will do a solo album (which a lot of us would line up and buy for certain).

Tips: my VG99 came with 1.04 preinstalled. 
The latest editor/librarian works fine with my i7 iMac with Lion installed.

Thinking: the cool thing about the VG is with the USB connection and driver enabled it becomes one
more input/output for your Mac system.  Slick.
My music projects online at http://www.aliensporebomb.com/

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

admin

#21
Uploaded at Snapagogo.com


The Factory VG-99 Patches are rather horrid.


* I typically run my VG-99's GK-3 at GK Sensitivity "25 - to 40 " for all strings -  the factory default of "65"  is far too hot!


Download better patches here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,2052.0.html
and here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=229

Learn about why we use the SMF VG-99 Patch format here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php/topic,64.0.html


Be sure you have updated to latest VG-99 Ver 1.04, and drivers for your OS
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?PRODUCT=VG%2D99

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

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









* Guitar to MIDI Panel - to drive external MIDI Tone Generators


Also you have separate Final EQ for Sub XLR Outputs  - might want to check their settings here:





VG-99 Input Signal Flow






A2theT

Quote from: admsustainiac on January 24, 2010, 12:35:35 PM
* I run my VG-99's GK-3 at GK Sensitivity "25" for all strings -  the factory default of "65"  is far too hot!

The sensitivity settings are guitar specific.
25 would indicate a pickup that was mounted very close to the strings.  I used to have mine around 25-30 but I had to lower the GK pickup because pulling back on my floyd rose would cause the string to lower and fret-out on the magnets.

I have since lowered my pickup to an ideal height for this performance/technical issue and my sting sensitivites run between 84 and 90 depending on the string.
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

Yug

That's why I prefer the Kahler. Sensitivity is much more consistent.

mooncaine

Some 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?