Roland Vs-880 Owner's Manual Page 1

© 1996 Roland CorporationAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORP

9Chapter 1: Important InformationTAPE: Total time per each track = 30 minutesTRUE RANDOM ACCESS DISK RECORDING: Total time per track is variableTrack

99Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsLet’s assume that you want to do your final mixdown of a song using your favorite external reverb device.Sometimes bo

100VS-880 Application GuideWhat do you do if you want to add a different reverb sound to each individual track of the VS-880 usingonly the 2 internal

101Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsThe {TRACK EXCHANGE} command allows you to move track data to another Track or V.Track (e.g. 1-2,7-3, 5-6). This wil

102VS-880 Application GuideOn some occasions you might already have a really good mix set up in your VS-880, but you find that youwould like to add a

103Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsSince hard disk drives are mechanical devices, they are more subject to failure than any other part of yourVS-880. I

104VS-880 Application GuideIf you ever need to recover your song from DAT (reload the song onto the hard disk from the DAT tape),use the following pro

105Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsThis guide described the use of scenes for mixdown in an earlier section. You can also add dynamicautomation for act

106VS-880 Application GuideAutomated Mixing Within the VS-880 (3 methods)It is also possible to add dynamic automation for actual fader and other cont

107Chapter 6: Mixdown Applications(Automated Mixing Within the VS-880 (3 methods), Continued)ACTION: Automated Mixing using GradationThe VS-880 provid

108VS-880 Application GuideA tempo map provides location and timing information about the bars and beats of your song. It describesthe tempo of each s

10VS-880 Application GuideSummary of VS-880TerminologyYou might want to review the following summary ofspecific VS-880 terminology. Even though you wi

109Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsThe VS-880 provides a separate Sync track for recording the tempo map from an external sequencer. Thistempo map can

110VS-880 Application Guide(Generating a Sync Track & Tempo Map from Markers (Tap Tempo), Continued)Creating a Sync Track from marker points:1. Pr

111Chapter 6: Mixdown Applications(Generating a Sync Track from Start & End Times, Continued)8. Press the right [PARAMETER>>] button until “

112VS-880 Application Guide

113Chapter 7: Advanced Applications and TipsTips & FeaturesUsing The ‘Narration’ Effect (VS8F-1)If you have the optional VS8F-1 effects board inst

114VS-880 Application GuideVari-Speed Functions in Scrub Mode• You can use Vari-Speed while operating in the Scrub Preview mode to alter the pitch of

115Chapter 7: Advanced Applications and TipsAdditional Equalizers in VS8F-1• The optional VS8F-1 effects board not only contains many useful effects,

116VS-880 Application GuideSync multiple VS-880’s togetherIf you need additional tracks, you can link several VS-880s together.SYNC:You can use Digita

117Chapter 7: Advanced Applications and TipsVS-880 with a Digital SamplerBecause the VS-880 has digital inputs, it is a natural companion for a digita

118VS-880 Application GuideSync VS-880 to Analog Tape RecorderThe VS-880 can work together with your analog recorder.SYNC:You can use SMPTE Time Code

11Chapter 1: Important InformationEQ LowLow frequency equalization boosts or lowers theperceived loudness of bass (low) frequencies. TheVS-880 Low EQ

119Chapter 7: Advanced Applications and TipsSync VS-880 to ADATSYNC:You can synchronize the VS-880 with an ADAT system by using MIDI Time Code and/or

120VS-880 Application GuideSync VS-880 to DA-88SYNC:You can synchronize the VS-880 with an DA-88 system by using MIDI Time Code and/or MIDI MachineCon

121Chapter 7: Advanced Applications and TipsSync VS-880 with Computer SequencerThe VS-880 is a natural partner for a sequencer. There are many ways th

122VS-880 Application GuideSync VS-880 to Drum Machine or MIDI SequencerThe VS-880 can easily synchronize with your drum machine or sequencer using So

123Chapter 7: Advanced Applications and TipsSync VS-880 to VideoYou can do video post production with the VS-880.SYNC:You can synchronize a video deck

124VS-880 Application Guide

125Chapter 8: AppendixGlossary of GeneralAudio and RecordingTermsAmbienceThe distinctive acoustical characteristic of a givenconcert hall, recording s

126VS-880 Application GuideCompingThe process of creating a single recording frommultiple takes. i.e.: In many cases a single vocalrecording on one tr

127Chapter 8: AppendixDe-esserAn audio signal processing device that is used toremove excess sibilance (the lispy “sss” sound) fromcertain vocal track

128VS-880 Application GuideEqualizerAn electronic device that will amplify (boost) and/orattenuate (cut) certain portions of the audiofrequency spectr

12VS-880 Application GuidePanA control on the VS-880 that allows you to position amono recording somewhere in the stereo field.ParameterA Parameter re

129Chapter 8: AppendixFoldbackA term, usually on European mixers, usedinterchangeably with “cue” in recording work or“monitor send” in sound reinforce

130VS-880 Application GuideLinearHaving an output that varies in direct proportion tothe input. May refer to low distortion.Line InputAn input designe

131Chapter 8: AppendixMTC (MIDI Time Code)MIDI Time Code is a synchronization signal that isdigitally sent through MIDI for synchronization ofabsolute

132VS-880 Application GuidePhantom PowerA method of remotely powering the preamplifier orimpedance converter which is built into manycondenser microph

133Chapter 8: Appendix(Continued)If the source or track is routed POST-Fader, then thefader will control the level to the Mix Output Buss.Generally, t

134VS-880 Application GuideSliderAnother term for a straight-line fader (see “fader”).Also may refer to any straight-line control, asopposed to a rota

135Chapter 8: AppendixTempo MapA TEMPO MAP includes bar and beat, tempo andtime signature information for part or all of a song.This information can b

136VS-880 Application GuideMore About SCSISCSI is a high-speed data transmission buss that is often taken for granted thanks to its common use onperso

137Chapter 8: AppendixThe VS-880 allows you to copy songs from the Internal IDE drive to any of your external SCSI drives. Thecommunications between t

138VS-880 Application GuideExternal terminators are usually rectangular boxes which can be attached to a separate 50 Pin Amphenolconnector on the rear

13Chapter 1: Important InformationSourceA mode of each channel allowing you to listendirectly to the incoming source for your recording.i.e. Microphon

139Chapter 8: AppendixSCSI Summary• Keep SCSI cables as short as possible.• Do not allow the total length of the SCSI chain to exceed 6 meters.• Use o

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VS-880 APPLICATION GUIDE 2.02394US

14VS-880 Application GuideVS-880 Commonly Asked Questions•“I just want to record - what do I do?” (see Application Guide page 41)•“How do I record wit

15Chapter 1: Important Information•“How do I sync my VS-880 to my sequencer, drum machine, etc.?” (seeApplication Guide beginning on page 58)•“When I

16VS-880 Application Guide

17Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880Understanding Your VS-880This chapter is extremely important. It will explain the necessary concepts you will n

18VS-880 Application GuideInternal VS8F-1 Effect Expansion BoardThe optional VS8F-1 Effect Expansion Board for the VS-880provides two independent, ste

ContentsTable of Contents1Purpose of this Guide...

19Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880SIGNAL PATH – The signal path is the wire (conduit, pipe, conductor, etc.) that carries your audiosignal (the mu

20VS-880 Application GuideThink of your home as the VS-880 mixer. The cold water coming into your home from the main supply inthe street is just like

21Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880The two master Mixer Modes are Input>Track and Input Mix / Track Mix: Selecting Mixer ModesWhen you power-on

22VS-880 Application GuideRecording With Effects in INPUT>TRACK ModeINPUT>TRACK mode with “EQ/EffPreIns” set to ON routs the rear panel Inputs t

23Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880Many DAT machines can be used as an analog to digital converter. Plug a microphone or line levelinstrument into

24VS-880 Application GuideThe audio recorded on the Tracks, after the EQ, Fader, and Pan, can be routed to the MIX buss formonitoring, or to any of th

25Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880When working with the Preset Patch List that came with the VS8F-1 Effect Expansion Board,Patches listed as ‘Loop

26VS-880 Application GuideINPUT MIX / TRACK MIX ModeINPUT MIX is used to mix live music from external sources with the tracks your have already recor

27Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880Virtual TracksThe VS-880 contains 8 primary recording tracks. In other words, the VS-880 is capable of playing b

28VS-880 Application GuideThink of each of the eight primary recording tracks in the VS-880 having eightlayers. Each Virtual Track (layer) is complete

VS-880 Application Guide2TIME/VALUE Dial ...

29Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880A quick way to assign the Now Time to an edit point is to hold the [TRACK] button (under EDITCONDITION) and pres

30VS-880 Application GuideUsing Waveforms To EditThe VS-880 Scrub feature makes it very easy to find your edit points because you can see a visualrepr

31Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880A flashing horizontal bar in the LCD display ([SHIFT] + [DISPLAY]) will indicatethe internal ‘electronic’ positi

32VS-880 Application GuideImportant Navigational Rules & Skills to Master[PLAY (DISPLAY)] Button Use the [PLAY (DISPLAY)] button (directly below t

33Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880[PARAMETER] Buttons Use the [PARAMETER] buttons to change screens (pages) in the LCD display.For example, you wo

34VS-880 Application GuideVS-880 Demo SongAll VS-880’s are shipped with at least one demo song. Use it to experiment with your VS-880 tofamiliarize

35Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880VS-880 ConnectionsSCSI (Small Computer System Interface) SCSI is a protocol for high-speed recording and da

36VS-880 Application GuidePHONES Plug a pair of headphones into the PHONE jack. Use the PHONES control on the front panel to adjust thevolume.

37Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880Comments On VS-880 ConnectionsThe VS-880 uses 1/4” phone and RCA phono jacks as input connectors. Your microphon

38VS-880 Application GuideNaming A SongWhen creating a new song it is a good idea to name that song. If you do not name the song, the VS-880automatica

Table of Contents3Use {Move} To Place Guitar Part in New Location ...

39Chapter 2: Understanding Your VS-880Save Your Song to Disk OftenSince the VS-880 creates editing information in RAM (Random Access Memory) before it

40VS-880 Application GuideSample SetupThe VS-880 can be integrated into a large variety of studio environments. The diagram below depicts onepossible

41Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsChapter 3: Recording ApplicationsProbably the most common recording you will do is a single instrument or micropho

42VS-880 Application GuideOnce a single musical track has been recorded, it is very helpful to place markers throughout the song tomake it easy to qui

43Chapter 3: Recording Applications(Market Points, Continued)Clearing a Marker Point1. Locate the VS-880 to the marker point you wish to clear, hold t

44VS-880 Application GuideIn order to control the volume of an audio signal being recorded into the VS-880, it is sometimes advisableto use an externa

45Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsIf you are unfamiliar with virtual tracks in the VS-880, refer to page 27 of this guide for more details. It isofte

46VS-880 Application Guide(Record 5 Guitar Tracks using Virtual Tracks, Continued)15. Use the [TIME/VALUE] dial to select Virtual Track 2. The top lin

47Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsThere may be occasions where you want to just audition different effects on your instrument withoutactually recordi

48VS-880 Application GuideThere are many times that you may want to record a track ‘dry’, (without any effects), but you might wantto listen to effect

VS-880 Application Guide4Sync multiple VS-880’s together ...

49Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsSometimes you want to make an original recording into the VS-880 with some type of effect added to thetrack during

50VS-880 Application Guide(Recording with Effects in Input>Track Mode, Continued)18. Press the [ZERO] button to return to the beginning of your son

51Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsRecord A Guitar On Tr. 1, Record The Effects On Tr. 2There are occasions when you might want to record your guitar

52VS-880 Application Guide(Record A Guitar On Tr. 1, Record The Effects On Tr. 2, Continued)20. Press the [SELECT] button under MIXER MODE to select T

53Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsPunching In And Out - Manual (with Undo & Redo)Sometimes you just want to record over a section of your song or

54VS-880 Application Guide(Punching In And Out - Manual (with Undo & Redo), Continued)UNDO LEVEL allows you to choose how many previous actions to

55Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsUse Auto-Punch For Punch In/OutThere are occasions when you want to punch in and out at very specific time location

56VS-880 Application GuideLoop RecordingLoop record is very similar to Auto Punch (see Use Auto-Punch for Punch In/Out) in that you are able torehears

57Chapter 3: Recording Applications(Loop Recording, Continued)8. Find the LOOP end point by using fast forward to locate a point after the punch out l

58VS-880 Application GuideSync To A MIDI Sequencer Using MTC (MIDI Time Code)If your external MIDI sequencer is playing your music tracks from a sound

Table of Contents5Purpose of this GuideThis Application Guide details many of the common concepts and procedures associated with recordingand editing

59Chapter 3: Recording Applications(Sync To A MIDI Sequencer Using MTC (MIDI Time Code), Continued)Slaving the VS-880 (slave) to your sequencer (maste

60VS-880 Application GuideSync To A MIDI Sequencer Using MIDI ClockMIDI Clock is a sync code that uses the tempo settings of your song to lock two dev

61Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsMIDI Machine Control (MMC) is a set of commands that can be sent from your sequencer to control theVS-880’s Transpo

62VS-880 Application Guide(Sync To An External Sequencer Using MMC, Continued)9.Using the [<<PARAMETER>>] buttons, scroll through the vari

63Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsRecording From A Digital SourceRecording from a digital source into the VS-880 is very similar to recording an anal

64VS-880 Application GuideRecording Multiple Inputs To A Single Mono TrackWhat if you want to record multiple microphones to a single track of the VS-

65Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsRecording Multiple Inputs To 2 Tracks As A Stereo MixTo add depth and dimension to your background vocal recordings

66VS-880 Application GuideRecord 4 Mics, Using Internal Compressor, To 1 TrackWhat if you want to record multiple microphones to a single track of the

67Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsUsing the Serial Insert PathThe serial insert FX path routing allow you to send the same mono channel thru both the

68VS-880 Application GuideUsing the COSM Microphone SimulatorYou can record a vocal using an inexpensive dynamic mic such as the Roland DR-20 and then

VS-880 Application Guide6Conventions Used In This ManualButtons•Actual front panel buttons are indicated in square brackets [ ].•Some buttons have mo

69Chapter 3: Recording ApplicationsUsing the Voice TransformerThe Voice Transformer algorithm can be used to change the sound of a recorded track. For

70VS-880 Application Guide

71Chapter 4: Overdub ApplicationsChapter 4: Overdub ApplicationsProbably the most common overdubbing situation is adding one new instrument at a time

72VS-880 Application GuideSometimes you will want to make a submix of existing tracks to free up tracks for more recording or to useone or two faders

73Chapter 4: Overdub Applications(Bouncing Tracks 1-6 To Tracks 7-8, Continued)Using the INPUT MIX/TRACK MIX mode:Use the following procedure to bounc

74VS-880 Application GuideWhen bouncing multiple recorded tracks down to a single mono or stereo track, you may often want toadd effects during the bo

75Chapter 4: Overdub Applications18. Press the right [PARAMETER>>] button again and use the TIME/VALUE Dial to set the Panposition.The effects w

76VS-880 Application GuideSometimes a musician overdubbing a solo part wants to hear a blend of instruments in his or her monitorheadphones that is di

77Chapter 4: Overdub ApplicationsThis function is known in recording studios as “vocal comps” or “comping vocals.” Let’s assume that youhave two lead

78VS-880 Application GuideOnce you have recorded some material into the VS-880, moving, erasing or copying is not really affectingthe original recordi

7Chapter 1: Important InformationIntroduction to Multitrack RecordingIn order to maximize the usefulness of your VS-880, a basic understanding of the

79Chapter 4: Overdub Applications(Making A New Version of Your Song, Continued)19. Press [LOC 1] again.20. Press [PARAMETER>>] to display “Copy

80VS-880 Application Guide

81Chapter 5: Editing ApplicationsChapter 5: Editing ApplicationsBe sure you have read and understand the sections of the V-Xpanded Owner’s Manual des

82VS-880 Application GuideAnother common editing function for the VS-880 is the ERASE command. It is very similar to the CUTcommand, however, it does

83Chapter 5: Editing ApplicationsSometimes your song is too short and you would like to add 2 additional verses after verse # 2. TheINSERT command wil

84VS-880 Application GuideWhen you decide to make a new arrangement of your song, the MOVE command is very useful. Maybeyou decide that the second ver

85Chapter 5: Editing Applications(Use {Move} To Place Guitar Part in New Location, Continued)13. Press [LOC 1].14. Press the right [PARAMETER>>]

86VS-880 Application GuideIf you have already used the MOVE command without designating a ‘FROM’ location, you noticed thatthe beginning of the sectio

87Chapter 5: Editing Applications(Use {Move} To Place Guitar Part in New Location, Continued)9. Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the Virtual Track th

88VS-880 Application GuideA very important feature of random access recording is the ability to play the same recording over andover and over, without

8VS-880 Application GuideOverdubbing may consist of many musicians adding new tracks to the recording simultaneously or maybeit will be a single vocal

89Chapter 5: Editing Applications(Use {Copy} To Create A Drum LoopContinued)Copying twice to the same TrackAA'A"Start End To TimeCopying twi

90VS-880 Application GuideWhat if you have a song with 3 chorus sections but you have the perfect background vocals recorded on Tr.6-1 for the first c

91Chapter 5: Editing Applications(Use {Copy} To Re-Use A Vocal In Multiple Verses, Continued)19. Press the right [PARAMETER>>] button, “TRK Frm=

92VS-880 Application Guide

93Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsChapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsOnce you have your final tracks recorded and have chosen which virtual tracks you wis

94VS-880 Application GuideMixing your 8 VS-880 tracks to stereo DAT digitally is exactly the same as recording to a stereo analogrecorder. Remember th

95Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsUsing the 2 effects processors built into the VS8F-1 expansion board (if installed) you can add additionalcreativity

96VS-880 Application GuideThe channel [STATUS] buttons are very useful during mixdown.MUTEThe normal playback mode during mixdown is that all channels

97Chapter 6: Mixdown ApplicationsThe VS-880 contains ‘snapshot’ automation known as SCENES. Essentially, the VS-880 allows you to take a‘snapshot’ or

98VS-880 Application GuideThere are occasions when you have all 8 tracks recorded and you would like to add just one moreinstrument or vocal to your s