Chapter 2 Before You Start (Vs-880 Terminology); Sources, Tracks, And Channels; Doing Everything In The Digital Domain (Digital Studio Workstation); Signal Flow (Busses) - Roland VXpanded VS-880 Owner's Manual

Chapter 2 Before you start (VS-880 terminology)

This chapter explains basic concepts, internal structure, and basic operation that you will need to
know in order to operate the VS-880. Please read this chapter to gain a better understanding of the
VS-880.

Sources, tracks, and channels

On the VS-880, the recorder section and mixer section use the terms Òsources,Ó Òtracks,Ó and
Òchannels.Ó These terms may appear similar to each other, and will be confusing unless their dif-
ferences are clarified.
Source:
Track:
Channel: A signal that is being input or output. On the VS-880, this term is used in particular
Doing everything in the digital domain (Digital Studio
Workstation)
The VS-880 is a multi-track digital disk recorder that combines a digital disk recorder and a digital
mixer in a single unit. The VS-880 provides the same basic functionality expected of conventional
analog tape recorders, such as Òsimultaneous recording of multiple tracksÓ and Òsynchronization
with MIDI devices.Ó In addition, it has features that are possible only with digital recording, such
as Òdata transfer that minimizes deterioration of sound qualityÓ and Òundo-able editing,Ó provid-
ing a high level of convenience in music production and video editing.
If an optional VS8F-1 effect expansion board is installed, you will be able to use two high-quality
stereo effects.
In addition to the full set of effects such as reverb and chorus that are already provided, the effects
now include limiter, enhancer, and a guitar amp simulator that utilizes the COSM technology made
famous by the Roland V-Guitar System VG-8. This means that the entire range of studio procedures
from recording to overdubbing and mixdown can now be performed with just the VS-880 alone.

Signal flow (busses)

On the VS-880, signals flow through busses. Busses are Òshared lines through which multiple sig-
nals can be routed efficiently to multiple tracks/channels.Ó It may be easier to understand this if
we use the analogy of water pipe.
INPUT to house
from water line
46
A signal which is input to the mixer section or recorded in the recorder section. On
the VS-880, this term refers in particular to the signals of the analog input jacks and
the digital in connector.
A signal that is being recorded or is already recorded on the hard disk. On the VS-
880, this term is used in particular in reference to the signals of the recorder section.
in reference to the signals of the mixer section.
Your House
Kitchen Sink
INPUTS OUTPUT
OUTPUT
Water Heater
Cold Water (Buss)
Hot Water (Buss)
Bathtub
Toilet
INPUT
INPUTS
OUTPUT
INPUTS
Bath Sink
Drain (Buss)
OUTPUT
to street