2nd Hand VG-8EX issues - Crackling & Routing...

Started by Vaultnaemsae, January 18, 2018, 09:37:30 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Vaultnaemsae

I need a 13pin device while I'm overseas for an extended period. Ideally, a VG-99 would be nice but I can't find one fitting my budget in the local market. I didn't bring my GP-10...foolishly. Obviously, a different beast but I've found a used VG-8EX for a pretty low price. A couple of questions.

Firstly, The seller describes the unit as (this is a translation so it's a little ambiguous):
"It's well used and there's very mild noise on the cable connection/connector." So I asked for clarification if it's a cable or connector issue and simply got, "I don't know exactly but it's barely noticeable". For 130 bucks I think I'm prepared to take a gamble. Amongst all the 13pin devices I have used, I've never had a VG/GR unit with that kind of problem. What's the worst possible case scenario?

Second, The internal GK-3 equipped guitar I will be using as of next week has been wired so it doesn't have any magnetic guitar pickup fed into the 13pin out (the builder was adamant that this was a good idea for tonal reasons...I'm still not sure). I'm mainly wanting to use the VG-8EX's synth-like modeling anyway but if I run the guitar's 1/4" output into a notebook/tablet for amp sim/processing I should be able to theoretically return it to the AUX IN for regular guitar processing appearing at the MIX out finally...right?

Thoughts?
Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae

admin

#1
VG-8EX Owners Manual
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG-8EX_OM.pdf

The old VG-8 / VG-8EX has ZERO resources to process the normal mag PU signal
( that did not arrive until the VG-88)

GK 13 pin noise the seller is talking about might be the common random clicks/ pops from an oxidized GK 13 pin input jack - common problem even on new GK Processors. 

See GK 13 FAQ
GK-13 Pin Cable FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19481.0

Clean and Maintain your GK-13 Cable
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3132.0

Vaultnaemsae

Thanks for the reply.

Oxidization isn't really a serious issue so that's a relief if it's the actual worst case scenario.

I understand there's no mag processing. I did read the manual to try to understand the way the AUX in/out work but it's not really clear. I got the impression that the mag signal could be processed via another device and 'Returned' via the AUX In so the VG-8EX would function as a very limited mixer.

I suspect this is possible if the guitar's mag pickups are connected to a GK pickup via the short patch cable provided. I don't have mag access via such connection as my GK is wired without any mag signal.

I also got the impression that if there was no mag signal detected on the pin that carries that to the VG that the Aux in port may be disabled.

Know what I mean? It's probably not a common use so it's difficult to articulate the problem! Maybe if somebody has an 8EX they could verify this. I'd be very appreciative!!
Vaultnaemsae's SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/vaultnaemsae