Roland Vs-880 Operations Instructions

3MIDI1 2 4 1 2 3 4LINOUT IN OUT THRURFOOT SWITCHPOWERA BSCSIDIGITAL(5,6)PHONESAUX SENDINPUT BINPUT AMASTER OUTMASTER OUTCONDITION MARKER#MASTERINPUT T

Digital audio workstationThe digital disk recorder section provides 8 tracks, andallows four tracks to be recorded simultaneously. Eachtrack has eig

When a VS8F-1 effect expansion board is installed, you will be able to use two stereo effect units.This chapter explains various examples of how the e

8. Adjust the send level to effect 1. Rotate the TIME/VALUE dial.This adjusts the amount of effect for each channel.EFFECT 1 Send (Effect 1 send level

Applying reverb as you record (Loop)Here we will explain how an effect can be applied to the input source of INPUT 1, and the directsound and effect

EFFECT1 (Effect 1 switch)Select how the signal will be sent to the EFFECT1 buss.Off: The signal will not be sent.PreFade: The signal from before the c

18.Press [EDIT(SOLO)] several times until the display reads “MST EFF1 RTN to=”.19.Rotate the TIME/VALUE dial. For this example, select “1-2” since we

1. Make sure that the mixer mode is INPUT➝TRACK.2. Connect an instrument such as a keyboard to the INPUT1 jack, and a mic to the INPUT2 jack.3. Press

Applying reverb while bouncing tracks (Loop)Here we will explain the settings for applying an effect to previously-recorded tracks and record-ing th

EFFECT 1 Send (Effect 1 send level)Specify the volume level (0Ð127) of the signal that is sent to the EFFECT 1 buss. The default settingis 100.9. Pres

21.Press PARAMETER [ ]. The display will indicate “EFF1 RTN Bal=”.22.. Adjust the left/right volume balance of effect 1. Rotate the TIME/VALUE dial.EF

Sounding the metronomeNo matter how accurately one tries to play, listening to therecording play back sometimes reveals inaccuracies inrhythm or tempo

In addition to the items listed under ÒIMPORTANT SAFE-TY INSTRUCTIONSÓ and ÒUSING THE UNIT SAFELYÓ onpages 2 and 3, please read and observe the follow

4. Make settings for the MIDI messages that will producethe metronome sound. Press [SYSTEM], select “SYSMIDI PRM?”, and set the following parameters.M

Changing the pitch duringplayback (Vari-pitch)When recording an ensemble, all the instruments normallytune to an instrument such as an acoustic piano

Simultaneously adjusting astereo source (Channel Link)When recording or playing back a stereo source, normalmixer operation requires you to control th

Canceling the last-performedUndo (Redo)The Redo function can be executed if the UNDO indicator islit. If the song data is saved, for example by your

If the display area is difficultto read (Contrast)Depending on the location where the VS-880 is placed, thedisplay may sometimes be difficult to read.

Displaying measures/beatsIf both the metronome is being used and MIDI clock mes-sages are being transmitted, the measure and beat of thesong can be di

Restoring the mixer settingsto the initial stateAfter you have made repeated tries at mixing, you canrestore the various condition settings of Channel

Along with the functions explained in earlier chapters, this chapter explains some actual ways inwhich the VS-880 can be used effectively.Recording mu

7. Since we are recording on track 1, turn the pan knob ofchannel 1 fully toward the L position.8. As in steps 2–8, make the same settings for channel

Copying an 8-track MTRperformance to the VS-880If you wish to re-record a recording of more than 4 channelsfrom another MTR to the VS-880, it will not

Concerning copyrightThe law prohibits the unauthorized recording, public per-formance, broadcast, sale, or distribution etc. of a work (CDrecording, v

1. Re-record the playback of tracks 1–4 from the MTR totracks 1–4 of the VS-880. Then register the time atwhich the marker sound appears as locate poi

Preparations1. Use two MIDI cables to connect the VS-880 and theMIDI sequencer as follows.2. Press [SYSTEM], select “SYS MIDI PRM?”, and press[YES]. M

Operating the VS-880 from another device (MMC)The VS-880 supports MMC. This means that when two VS-880 units are synchronized or when aVS-880 is used

6. Press PARAMETER [ ] twice.7. The display will indicate “SYS MID:SysEx.Tx.=”. Forthis example, select “On” so that MMC can be transmit-ted.SysEx.Tx

19.Press [PLAY(DISPLAY)].You will return to Play condition.Settings for the slave VS-8801. Press [SYSTEM] several times until “SYS MIDI PRM ?”appears.

Operating the VS-880 from anMMC-compatible deviceHere we will explain the settings for operating the VS-880 insynchronization with a computer-based

15.Press PARAMETER [ ] twice.The display will indicate ÒSYS Syn:MTC Type=Ó.16.Set the MTC type to match the setting of the masterunit. For this exampl

Using external effect unitsThis section gives two examples of using external effectdevices. Refer to these explanations when you wish to useyour own e

9. Set the track status of track 1–4 to PLAY, and the trackstatus of tracks 7 and 8 to REC. Then playback thesong and adjust the way in which effects

Using an external disk drive (About SCSI) ... 130Troubleshooting ... 132Error messages ...

Mixer section1. PEAK indicatorsThese indicators allow you to avoid distortion of the soundbeing input at the input jacks (1Ð4). The peak indicators wi

The SCSI connector of the VS-880 allows you to connectdisk drives such as hard disks and magneto-optical diskdrives. This section explains the procedu

SCSI ID numbersEach disk drive is distinguished by its SCSI ID number (0Ð7). This means that when two or moredisk drives are connected, you must mak

When the VS-880 does not perform the way you expect,check the following points before you suspect a malfunc-tion. If this does not resolve the problem

Disk drive problemsInternal hard disk is not detected¥ The IDE drive switch is set Off (p.116).External drive is not detected¥ The disk drive is not

If an error occurs in operation, or if an operation could notbe processed correctly, and error message will appear. Referto the displayed error messag

Memory FullReason: There is no further free space in the internalmemory of the VS-880.Action: Use the Track Bouncing operation to combinetwo or more t

Here is a list of the functions that can be performed by pressing multiple buttons, or by using the TIME/VALUE dial in con-junction with a button. MI

Other[SHIFT] + [VARI PITCH] To the vari pitch setting page[SHIFT] + [UNDO] Execute Redo (if the UNDO indicator is lit)[SHIFT] + [SCENE] Transmit the

Parameters that have been added and setting ranges that have been expanded by the V-XPANDED enhancement are printed inbold type. Mixer Parameters (ch

Parameter name Display Value Initial valueAUX Switch AUX Sw Off, PreFade, PstFade OffAUX Level AUX Level 0Ð127 100AUX Pan/Balance AUX Pan/AUX Bal L63Ð

Recorder section1. PLAY/DISPLAY buttonPress this button to return from making a setting (edit con-dition) back to normal status (play condition). To s

Master BlockParameter name Display Value Initial valueMaster Out Mode Master Mode MIX, M+A, M+B, MAB, MIX -A-, -B-, A+B (in INPUT➝TRACK)MIX, M+A, M+B

Parameter name Display Value Initial valueRemaining Display RemainDisp Time, CapaMB, Capa %, Event TimeMeasure/BeatDisplay MeasurDsp Always, Auto Alwa

Scene/Auto MixParameter name Display Value Initial valueScene Mode Scene Mode All, KeepF ALLAuto Mix Mode A.MIX Mode Off, On OffAuto Mix Snapshot A.MI

143AppendicesFunction...BasicChannelModeNoteNumber :VelocityAfterTouchPitch BendControlChangeProgramChangeSystem ExcluciveSystemCommonSystemReal TimeA

INPUT➝TRACK mode INPUT MIX mode and TRACK MIX modeFaderLev/BalLev/BalLev/BalLev/BalLevelPanLevelPanLevelPanPanBUSS SwAUX SwEFFECT1EFFECT2EFFECT1 Se

COSMCOSM stands for Composite Object Sound Modeling. Thisis Òa technology which combines multiple sound models tocreate new sounds,Ó which was first u

VS-880: Digital Studio Workstation● TracksTrack: 8V-Track: 64 (8 V-Tracks per each Track)* Up to 4 tracks can be recorded simultaneously, and up to8 t

The VS-880 system software update adds several specialoperations to the top panel. Affix the included sticker to thetop panel as follows for your refe

Special key operationsFrom the list of special Key operations (p.136), those of special usefulness are given below.1 2 3 4 5About the included stick

[A]Analog tape recorder ... 46Auto mix ...

Display section1. CONDITIONThis indicates the current condition.PLY: Play (normal. When turn the Song Protect on,ÒPlyÓ will be indicated.)CHn: Channel

[L]Locate bankSwitching the locate bank ... 57Locate pointRegistering a locate point ...

SongCreating a new song (Song New) ... 62Naming a song (Song Name) ... 62Sa

Track sheet152

For the USAFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIONRADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits f

01129434 '97-1-C3-21TInformationWhen you need repair service, call your local Roland Service Station or the authorized Roland distributor in

Rear panel1. POWER switchThis switch turns the VS-880 power on/off.2. AC IN (AC inlet)Connect the included power cable here.3. SCSI connectorThis is a

This chapter provides some simple examples which explainthe operation of the expanded VS-880. Read the explana-tions in sequence to learn about the ne

Preparations for auto mix1. Press [SYSTEM] several times until “SYS Scene/AutoMix?” is displayed.2. Press [YES].3. Press PARAMETER [ ] several times u

If you do not wish to record top panelsettings (Mask Fader)In ÒRecording the mixer settings, method 1 (Snapshot)Ó,you can specify that the settings ad

CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKDO NOT OPENATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS QUVRIRCAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,DO NOT REMOV

About “!!! Lack of EVENT !!” displayÒ!!! Lack of EVENT !!Ó will be appeared in the display in thefollowing cases, and you cannot continue the current

Using the 3-band equalizer1. Make sure that the mixer mode is INPUT MIX/TRACKMIX.If it is INPUT➝TRACK, holding down [SHIFT] andpressing [SELECT].2. Pr

Recorder related functions When the Recording mode isset to MasteringWhen the Recording mode (p.62) is set to Mastering (MAS),it is now possible to p

Effect relatedWhen a VS8F-1 effect expansion board is installed, a singleVS-880 now allows you to use two stereo effects.Please read the VS8F-1 ownerÕ

AttackAdjust the time from when the direct sound level exceedsthe threshold level until when the gate is completely open.ReleaseAdjust the time from w

● Lo-Fi ProcessorThis allows you to create a Òlo-fiÓ sound by lowering the sample rate and/or decreasing the num-ber of bits. Realtime modify filters

RMF (Realtime modify filter)RMF Off, OnType LPF, BPF, HPFCutOff 0Ð100Reso 0Ð100Gain 0Ð24 dBRMF (Realtime modify filter)Turn the realtime modify filter

LowQ (Low Q)Specify the width of the band centered on the low rangeequalizer center frequency in which the gain adjustmentwill occur. As this setting

● Hum CancelerThis removes unwanted hum (electrical ÒbuzzÓ or ÒdroneÓ).HC (Hum canceller)HumCancel Off, OnFreq 20.0Ð800.0 HzWidth 10Ð40 %Depth 0Ð100Th

EQ (Equalizer)EQ Off, OnLowType Shlv, PeakLow.G -12Ð12 dBLow.F 20Ð2000 HzLow.Q 0.3Ð10Mid.G -12Ð12 dBMid.F 200Ð8000 HzMid.Q 0.3Ð10HiType Shlv, PeakHi.G

● Before using this unit, make sure to read theinstructions below, and the OwnerÕs Manual...

HoldThis turns the Hold function on/off. When MIDI is selected,the MIDI control change message Hold will be received.The MIDI channel is fixed at 1. I

MixBal (Mix balance)Adjust the balance between the voice character volume andthe normal voice volume.REV (Reverb)Reverb Off, OnTime 0.1Ð10.0 secPreDLY

● Mic SimulatorThis modifies sound that was recorded by a conventional dynamic mic, lapel mic or direct line,causing it to sound as though it had been

Vnt.Cn: Vintage condenser mic.Use for vocals or acoustic instruments etc.Flat: Mic with flat frequency response.For cancelling the characteristics of

Inserting an effectWhen you wish to use an effect such as compressor or distortion which modifies the direct sounditself, insert the effect between

EFFECT1 (Effect 1 switch)Select how the signal will be sent to the EFFECT1 buss.Off: Not sent.PreFade: The signal before the channel fader will besent

EQ/EffPreIns (Equalizer/effect pre-insert switch)Select whether the equalizer and effect will be inserted dur-ing recording.Off: They will not be inse

Display related Holding the level meter peaksWhen the bar display (p.114) is the level meter, you cannow cause the maximum volume value (peak) to rem

Disk drive related Checking the reliability of adiskWhen a disk drive is initialized, the entire area of that driveis now checked (surface scanned) t

7. Drive check will begin.8. When drive check ends, the following display willappear. Rotate the TIME/VALUE dial.To stop during the procedureTo stop t

Thank you for purchasing the Roland VS-880 V-XPANDED Digital Studio Workstation or the VS-880-S1 System Expansion Kit.The VS-880 V-XPANDED is a revolu

9-2.Press PARAMETER [ ].The display will indicate ÒRecoverDriveTry?Ó9-3.Press [YES].9-4.If any data will be lost, the display will indicate “You’llLos

7. Rotate the TIME/VALUE dial. In this case, choose CV1.CV (Convert)CV1=Tap ➝ S.Tr: Create a sync track from markpoints.CV2=Tap ➝ T.Map: Create a temp

8. Press PARAMETER [ ].The display will indicate ÒSYS St=Ó.9. Specify the start time of the song. Rotate theTIME/VALUE dial.10.Press PARAMETER [ ].The

MIDI related Using program change mes-sages to select scenesMIDI program change messages transmitted from an exter-nal MIDI controller can now select

Other Using the numeric keys([NUMERICS])When modifying the time locations of a locate point orpunch-in point, you can use the ten LOCATOR buttons asn

2. Press [SELECT].The mixer mode will change to INPUT MIX/TRACK MIX.At the same time, the display will indicate ÒShift Unlock,Óindicating that Shift L

This chapter explains basic concepts, internal structure, and basic operation that you will need toknow in order to operate the VS-880. Please read th

For example, the water that is supplied by the water company to your house is branched to a vari-ety of locations within the house (kitchen, bathroom,

Mixer section About mixer modesThe digital mixer specifies the input/output status of the recorder section.As external inputs, the VS-880 provides fo

In INPUT MIX and TRACK MIX, the mixer is placed both before and after the recorder section. Aconceptual diagram showing all the settings in tabular fo

Chapter 4 Editing a recorded performance (trackediting)This chapter explains the procedure for Òediting sound,Ó something which was not possible on

Input:For each track, make one selection from INPUT1Ð4, DIGITAL-L or DIGITAL-R.You can also specify that the signals of the MIX buss or AUX buss be re

When the mixer corresponds to recorded tracks (TRACK MIX)In this mode the mixer will function as an 8-in/10-out mixer placed after the recorder sectio

Storing the current mixer settings1. Press [SCENE] to make the button indicator light.When the SCENE indicator is lit, the [LOC 1/5]Ð[LOC 4/8] LOC but

Recorder section Differences with a tape-type MTRUnlike DAT recorders, which use tape, digital disk recorders record sound (music) on a disk, as doMD

Effects section About the effect expansion board (VS8F-1)The VS8F-1 effect expansion board which allows high-quality stereo effects to be created wit

Button Condition Display[CH EDIT] for each channel Channel Edit CH (n) (INPUT➝TRACK mode)IN (n) (INPUT MIX mode)TR (n) (TRACK MIX mode)master section

Changing the current timeAbout the current time display The current time shown in the display is MTC (MIDI Time Code), and is shown in the format Ò✱

Storing a time location, method 1 (Locate Point) The [LOC 1/5]Ð[LOC 4/8] buttons allow you to memorize up to 8 time locations within the song.Also, th

Moving to a stored time location1. Use the LOC buttons to specify the locate point of the time to which you want to move. Modifying a stored time l

Storing a time location, method 2 (Mark Points)The Tap Marker function lets you assign up to 1000 marks (mark points) to each song. To move toa mark p

Main features ... 10Important notes ..

Modifying a marked time location1. Move to the Mark Point whose time you wish to modify. Use [PREV][NEXT].2. Press [LOCATOR].3. Press PARAMETER[ ] s

In this chapter we will begin by listening to the demo songthat is saved on the hard disk. Then we will explain the pro-cedure for multi-track recordi

Making a new recordingIt is not possible to make a new recording while the demosong is selected. In order to record, you will have to preparea new son

4. Modify the character. Rotate the TIME/VALUE dial. Byholding down [SHIFT] as you rotate the TIME/VALUEdial you can make the characters change more r

Recording additional trackswhile listening to the perfor-mance (Overdubbing)The process of newly recording a track while playing backpreviously reco

5. When you finish recording, press [STOP].6. Check the re-recorded result. After switching the trackstatus of the newly recorded tracks back to PLAY

6. Check the re-recorded result. After switching the trackstatus of the newly recorded tracks back to PLAY (theSTATUS indicator lights green), playbac

Combining the performancesof two or more tracks intoanother track (Track bouncing)The VS-880 can simultaneously playback up to 8 tracks. Ifyou wish

EQ Switch: To use the equalizer, first turn thisÒOn.Ó Unless this is ÒOnÓ you will notbe able to select equalizer-relatedparameters.EQ Low: Gain and c

Adjusting the volume and pan (Level/Pan)You can use the channel faders to adjust the volume level of each track, and the PAN knobs toadjust the pan of

Selecting the operation menu ... 55Selecti

3. Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select “PstFade.”This will cause effects to be applied. With this selection, the signal flow will be as follows.4. Adjus

EFFECT 1 Send (Effect 1 send level)Specify the volume level (0Ð127) of the signal that is sent tothe EFFECT 1 buss. The default setting is 100.EFFECT

Recording to tape (Mixdown)When the balance of the tracks has been completed, useyour stereo recorder (cassette tape recorder, DAT recorder,MD recorde

Selecting digital input as thesourceIf you wish to record a digital signal, make the followingsetting so that the sample rate of the incoming digita

Before you finish operations Saving the performance to disk(Song Store)Song data that you recorded or edited will be lost if yousimply turn the power

Selecting a song (Song Select)This selects a different song that was saved on the currentdrive (the currently selected disk drive).If you wish to se

This chapter explains the content and procedures for edit-ing sound that has been recorded. Please read this chapterto gain an understanding of the co

When you press [SCRUB] the button indicator will light,and the specified area will be played back repeatedly. Whenyou are finished, press [SCRUB] once

5. As you press PARAMETER [ ] to step through thesettings, a message will appear at the end, asking youto confirm execution. If you wish to execute, p

* If playback data exists at the copy destination, that datawill be overwritten.* Playback data of a channel for which Channel Link is ONcannot be cop

Chapter 5 Use with MIDI devicesAbout MIDI ...

Example 2: Moving to a different trackExample 3: Moving using the “Frm” setting* If playback data exists at the move destination, that datawill be ove

Erasing part of a performance(Erase)This operation erases playback data from the specified area.If this operation is used to erase playback data, even

1. Select one of the V-tracks that you wish to exchange,and prepare that data for playback.2. Press [TRACK], select “TRK Track Exchange?”, andpress [Y

Deleting a portion of a performance (Cut)This operation cuts playback data from the specified area.When playback data is cut using this operation, any

Modifying the playbacktime of the performance (Time compression/expansion)This operation allows you to expand or compress the play-back time of a song

This chapter explains how the VS-880 handles MIDI mes-sages, and the following operations that can be done usingMIDI messages.● Using a MIDI sound sou

Using MIDI to switch the track statusYou can use MIDI control change messages to switch the status of each track (Track Status). MIDIchannels 1Ð8 corr

Synchronizing to the VS-880 (Master)When you want to synchronize the MIDI sequencer to theVS-880, use the following procedure.1. Use a MIDI cable to c

Synchronizing to a MIDI sequencer (Slave)When you want to synchronize the VS-880 to the MIDIsequencer, use the following procedure.1. Use a MIDI cable

Using the tempo mapEven if your MIDI sequencer does not support MTC orMMC, you can use MIDI Clock for synchronization if thesequencer supports Song

Chapter 11 Taking advantage of the VS-880 (ideas and examples)Recording multiple sources to one track ...

Creating a tempo mapTo change the initial tempo of the song, use the followingprocedure to change the setting of tempo map 1.1. Press [SYSTEM]. If a m

Gen (Sync generator)This selects the type of synchronization signal that will betransmitted from the MIDI OUT connector. When using asynchronization s

Recording MIDI clock messages1. Use a MIDI cable to connect the VS-880 and the MIDIsequencer as follows.2. Press [SYSTEM], select “SYS Sync/Tempo ?”,

Disk drives such as hard disks or magneto-optical disks canbe connected to the SCSI connector of the VS-880.This chapter will explain the procedure fo

Saving performance dataon a Zip disk (Song Copy)The VS-880 allows you to copy song data to another diskdrive. By connecting a magneto-optical disk dri

When the data cannot besaved on a single disk (Archive)● ArchiveUse this method when you are using a removable disk driveand several disks will be r

7. Insert a Zip disk into the Zip drive, and press [YES].The display will ask ÒSNG Stow In SC5:U?Ó If it is OKto copy the data, press [YES] twice. To

This chapter explains the procedures for using a DATrecorder in conjunction with the VS-880. Read this chapterwhen you wish to save a song to a DAT re

6. Have ready the required number of tapes.The MEASURE field will show the approximate lengthof time required to perform the backup. The SYNCMODE fiel

Checking the names of the per-formance data that was saved(Name)This operation lets you check the names of song data thatwas saved to a DAT recorder