Roland VC-2 Owner's Manual
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Roland VC-2 Owner's Manual

Roland VC-2 Owner's Manual

V-card software series vocal designer for v-synth xt
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Owner's Manual
fig.00-01
The V-Synth XT comes with the VC-1 and VC-2 titles
from Roland's "V-Card" software series preinstalled.
Without having to cycle power to the unit, you can sim-
ply press a single switch to transform the V-Synth XT
into a completely different product.
VC-2 "Vocal Designer" transforms the V-Synth XT into
a cutting-edge vocal modeling processor. By playing a
keyboard while you speak into the mic, you can create
beautiful and clearly intelligible human choruses as well
as many other vocal-type sounds with unprecedented
quality.
*
All product names mentioned in this
document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2005 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

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  • Page 1 Owner’s Manual fig.00-01 The V-Synth XT comes with the VC-1 and VC-2 titles from Roland's “V-Card” software series preinstalled. Without having to cycle power to the unit, you can sim- ply press a single switch to transform the V-Synth XT into a completely different product.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Main Features...6 Conventions Used in This Manual ... 6 About the VC-2 ...7 Internal Structure ... 7 Patch Algorithms... 8 Memory Structure ... 9 Panel Descriptions...10 Front Panel ... 10 Rear Panel... 13 Making connections ...14 Starting up VC-2...15 Try Out the Sound (Patch mode)...16...
  • Page 5 How to Make the System Function Settings ... 36 Saving the System Settings (Write)... 36 Initializing the System Settings (Init) ... 36 Viewing VC-2’s Information (Information)... 37 Functions of System Parameters ... 37 Settings Common to the Entire System (Common) ... 37 Controller Settings (Controller)...

  • Page 6: Main Features

    • High-quality preset patches are provided for each algorithm. • You can use the Auto Note function to extract pitch data from the mic input so that the VC-2 will generate sound without you having to play the keyboard (or receive note messages).

  • Page 7: About The Vc-2

    About the VC-2 Internal Structure The VC-2 consists of a carrier section, a modulator section, a vocoder section, and an effects section. • The carrier section generates the signal (timbre and pitch) that is the basis of the sound. • The modulator section uses a mic input or wave to generate a signal from which the formant data (vocal character) is extracted.

  • Page 8: Patch Algorithms

    About the VC-2 Patch Algorithms The VC-2 provides the following twelve patch algorithms. Each of these algorithms optimizes the values of certain parameters to make it easy for you to create a desired sound. Modeling group Modeling Choir This produces an extremely clear choir (multiple vocal) sound.

  • Page 9: Memory Structure

    About the VC-2 Memory Structure Project The largest unit of memory used by the VC-2 is the project. A project contains up to 448 patches, up to 127 waves, and various system settings. The VC-2 uses one project at a time.

  • Page 10: Panel Descriptions

    Panel Descriptions Front Panel 9 10 INPUT Adjusts the volume of the signal input through the MIC jacks on the front panel. * This does not affect the rear panel INPUT jacks. VOLUME Adjusts the overall volume that is output from the MAIN OUT jacks and PHONES jack.

  • Page 11: Usb Connector

    Synth/VC-1/VC-2 functionality simply by pressing the V- Card button (p. 15). PREVIEW Button On the VC-2, this is used to turn the “Talk Switch function” on/off. When the “Talk Switch function” is on, the PREVIEW button will blink, the audio output of the VC-2 (V-Synth XT) will stop, and the audio input from the mic will be passed through from MAIN OUT without change.
  • Page 12 [MODE] Opens the Mode Menu window. [CTRL] * The CTRL button is not used with the VC-2. [EXIT] Return to the Top screen, or close the currently open window. In some screens, this causes the currently executing function to be aborted.

  • Page 13: Rear Panel

    MAIN OUT jacks. * The digital input connectors are not used with the VC-2. MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT, THRU) These connectors can be connected to other MIDI devices to receive and transmit MIDI messages.

  • Page 14: Making Connections

    Making connections In order to use the VC-2, you’ll need to connect a mic and MIDI keyboard to the V-Synth XT as shown in the illustration below. V-Synth XT (Front Panel) If you’re playing a patch whose patch algorithm is Process Type 1 or Process Type 2, connect an external audio source (e.g., keyboard or CD player) to the...

  • Page 15: Starting Up Vc-2

    * When you turn on the power, the V-Card that was most recently started will start up. 3. After the V-Synth XT has started up, press the [V-CARD] button and touch “Vocal Designer” (VC-2) in the screen that appears.

  • Page 16: Try Out The Sound (Patch Mode)

    * Please be aware that in the screen shots printed in this manual, the patch names may differ from the factory settings. When the VC-2 starts up, the top screen of Patch mode will appear first. The screen will depend on the patch algorithm (p. 8) group.

  • Page 17: Using Buttons To Select Patches

    <Algorithm>: Change the buttons at both edges of the screen to Patch Algorithm. < << >: Return to the preceding screen page. < >> >: Advance to the next screen page. 4. Touch <OK> to select the patch. Using buttons to select patches Any of the 64 patches in the current patch bank can be selected by entering the patch bank and...

  • Page 18: Parameters In The Top Screen

    Try Out the Sound (Patch mode) Parameters in the Top Screen Common to all patch algorithms Parameter Value Explanation Tempo 20.0–250.0 Adjusts the tempo of the patch Chord ON, OFF Switches the Multi Chord Memory Memory (one-finger chord) function on/off. * if you want to synchronize to an external device, set Clock Source (p.
  • Page 19 If the patch algorithm is Keyboard~ Parameter Value Explanation Wave Level 0–127 Adjusts the output level of the wave to the vocoder. Carrier 0–127 Adjusts the output level of the carrier to Level the vocoder. Carrier Re- 0–127 Adjusts the release time of the carrier (the lease time from when you release a key until the sound disappears).

  • Page 20: Creating/Editing Patches (Patch Mode)

    Creating/Editing Patches (Patch mode) Creating Patches On the VC-2, you don’t need to create patches from scratch, you can start with an existing patch; i.e., by selecting a patch algorithm. 1. Decide on the algorithm (p. 8) for the patch you want to create.

  • Page 21: Transmitting Data To An External Midi Device (Data Transfer)

    G#, Bb and C#, and Eb and F# have a natural third- the interval between a major third and a minor third. On the VC-2, you can use Arabian temperament in the three keys of G, C and F.

  • Page 22: Naming A Patch (Patch Name)

    Creating/Editing Patches (Patch mode) 4. Set the external MIDI device so that it will be ready to receive data, and touch <Execute> to execute data transmission. While the data is being transmitted, the display will indicate “Transmitting...” When “COMPLETED!” is displayed, the transmission has been completed.

  • Page 23: Copying Patch Controller Settings (Patch Controller Copy)

    2. Touch <Compare> to turn it on. Now you can play the patch that is in the currently selected save destination. 3. Play the save-destination patch to make sure that it’s one you don’t mind overwriting. The patch auditioned using the Compare function may sound slightly different than when it is played normally.

  • Page 24: Selecting A Patch From A List (Patch List)

    Patches whose patch algorithm is Keyboard~ do not have this screen. Switching the Mic Setting The VC-2 can store eight mic settings. In the upper right of the screen, touch <▼MENU> to access the pulldown menu, and choose one of the eight templates.

  • Page 25: Pre-Efx Type (Pre-Effect Types)

    4. When you have finished inputting, touch <OK> to finalize the mic setting name. PRE-EFX Type (Pre-Effect Types) There are three pre-effects: compressor, limiter, and noise suppressor. By using these you can adjust the level of the sound being sampled. Noise suppressor: This effect leaves the original sound untouched, but mutes the noise that is heard during periods of silence.

  • Page 26: Carrier Screen

    Creating/Editing Patches (Patch mode) For the parameters of the noise supressor, refer to the explanation of NS-COMP. LIMITER Parameter Value Explanation Thres -40– Specifies the level (threshold level) at (Threshold 0 dB which the limiter will begin to function. Level) Attack (At- 0–127 Specifies the time from when the input...

  • Page 27: Pitch

    PITCH OSC1 PITCH Parameter Value Explanation OctShift -4– +4 Adjusts the pitch of the OSC1’s sound up (Octave or down in units of an octave (+/-4 oc- Shift) taves). OSC2 PITCH Parameter Value Explanation Coarse -48– Adjusts the pitch of the oscillator up or (Coarse down in semitone steps (+/-4 octaves).

  • Page 28: Ctrl (Controller)

    Creating/Editing Patches (Patch mode) Parameter Value Explanation VeloSens -63– Keyboard playing dynamics can be used to control the volume of the patch. If you want the volume to have more effect for strongly played notes, set this parameter to a positive (+) value. If you want the vol- ume to have less effect for strongly played notes, set this to a negative (-) value.

  • Page 29: Carrier Screen For Processor~ Patch Algorithms

    Parameter Value Explanation Time 0–127 When portamento is used, this spec- ifies the time over which the pitch will change. Higher settings will cause the pitch change to the next note to take more time. BENDER Parameter Value Explanation Range 0–48 Specifies the degree of pitch change in semitones when the Pitch Bend lever is all...

  • Page 30: Vocoder Screen

    * This parameter is not available if the patch algorithm is Keyboard~ or Processor~. If this is on, the pitch from the mic input will be detected, allowing you to play the VC-2 without having to play the keyboard (i.e., without inputting note data). Poly Pitch Shifter Screen In the case of a patch whose patch algorithm is Poly PShift, you can access the Wave screen by touching <Poly Pitch...

  • Page 31: Pitch / Eq Growl / Tva / Ctrl

    CTRL (p. 28) in the “Carrier Screen.” AutoNoteSw If this is on, the pitch from the mic input will be detected, allowing you to play the VC-2 without having to play the keyboard (i.e., without inputting note data). Creating/Editing Patches (Patch mode) Controller Select the controller used by ModDepth or ~ModDepth.

  • Page 32: Effect Screen

    Creating/Editing Patches (Patch mode) Effect Screen You can go to the top screen by touching <Effect> in the lower part of the screen. Routing MFX (MFX On/Off Switch) Switches MFX on and off. Value: (OFF), (ON) MFX Type Use this parameter to select from among the 41 available MFX. For details on MFX parameters, refer to “MFX Parameters”...

  • Page 33: Mfx

    MFX Type Use this parameter to select from among the 41 available MFX. For details on MFX parameters, refer to “MFX Parameters” (p. 43). Value: 00 (Thru)–41 In this setting screen, you can edit the parameters of the MFX that is selected by the MFX Type setting. For details on the parameters that can be edited, refer to “MFX Parameters”...

  • Page 34: Using Waves (Wave Mode)

    Never turn off the power of the V-Synth XT while performing an operation in Wave mode. Doing so may destroy the files. 1. Press [MODE]. The VC-2 MODE MENU window appears. 2. Touch <WAVE>. The Wave screen appears. You must save after performing operations in this screen.

  • Page 35: Using The Wave Browser

    Using the Wave Browser You can view a list of the imported waves in the work area. Here you can use the following functions. Touch the appropriate button to execute. Top: Move to the beginning of the list. End: Move to the end of the list. Info: View information for the selected file.

  • Page 36: Settings Common To All Modes (System Mode)

    Settings Common to All Modes (System Mode) Settings that affect the entire operating environment of the VC-2, such as tuning and MIDI message reception, are referred to as system functions. This section explains how to make settings for the System functions and describes the functions of the different System parameters.

  • Page 37: Viewing Vc-2'S Information (Information)

    Adjusts the overall tuning of the VC-2. Tune 466.2 The display shows the frequency of the A4 note (center A). Master Key -24– Shifts the overall pitch of the VC-2 in Shift semitone steps. Master 0–127 Adjusts the volume of the entire VC-2. Level...
  • Page 38 Specifies whether all MIDI mes- sages will be received (ON) or not (OFF). Rx Channel 1–16 Sets the Basic Channel (MIDI chan- nel on which the VC-2 receives and transmits messages). Rx PC OFF, ON Specifies whether Program Change messages will be received (ON) or not (OFF).

  • Page 39: Controller Settings (Controller)

    Parameter Value Explanation STORE — Store the chord you specified from the keyboard into the chord set. Audio I/F Parameter Value Explanation MIC Jack OFF, ON Specifies whether the front pan- Switch el MIC jack will be enabled (ON) or disabled (OFF). INPUT Jack OFF, ON Specifies whether the rear panel...

  • Page 40: Saving And Loading Projects (Disk Mode)

    (Save Project) Save the project in the work area to internal memory / PC Card. 1. Press [MODE]. The VC-2 MODE MENU window appears. 2. Touch <DISK>. The DISK UTILITY MENU window appears. 3. Touch <Save Project>. The Disk Save Project screen appears.

  • Page 41: Reset To Default Factory Settings (Factory Reset)

    Reset to Default Factory Settings (Factory Reset) This restores all VC-2 data in the internal memory to the factory-set condition (Factory Reset). If there is important data you’ve created that’s stored in the internal memory, all such data is discarded when a Factory Reset is performed.

  • Page 42: Backing Up Data To Your Computer (Usb Mode)

    You can copy waves from your computer to the VC-2, or back up VC-2 projects to your computer. For details on the USB functionality, refer to the chapter “Connecting to Your Computer via USB (USB Mode)”...

  • Page 43: Effects List

    Effects List MFX Parameters MFX (Multi-Effects) provides 41 types of effect. This section explains the features of each MFX, and the functions of the parameters. Explanations for each MFX Type are given on the following pages. Page 01: Parametric EQ p.
  • Page 44 Effects List 03: Resonant Filter It allows for cyclical control of the cutoff frequency using an LFO. It allows you to make drastic changes in the frequency response of the input signal by the cutoff frequency and feedback, making the sound brighter or darker, or giving it a distinctive character.
  • Page 45 Description Amp Type Type of guitar amp (Amp) JC-120: The sound of a Roland JC-120. CLEAN TWIN: The sound of a standard built-in type vacuum tube amp. MATCH DRIVE: The sound of a recent vacuum tube amp widely used in blues, rock, and fusion.
  • Page 46 Effects List Type Cabinet MIDDLE open back enclosure JC-120 open back enclosure BUILT IN 1 open back enclosure BUILT IN 2 open back enclosure BUILT IN 3 open back enclosure BUILT IN 4 open back enclosure BUILT IN 5 open back enclosure BG STACK 1 sealed enclosure BG STACK 2...
  • Page 47 0. 10: Tape Echo Simulator This virtual tape echo gives you real tape delay sound. This simulates the tape echo part of Roland’s RE-201 Space Echo. Parameter Value Description...
  • Page 48 Effects List Parameter Value Description Delay 0–1300 ms Adjusts the delay time from the di- Time (MONO), rect sound until the delay sound is 0–650 ms (STE- heard. REO, ALTER- NATE), note L-R Shift 0–650 ms, note Of the left and right delay sounds, the delay time will be increased for only one side.
  • Page 49 13: Reverse Delay Adds the reverse of the input sound as the delay sound. Parameter Value Description Threshold 0–127 Specifies the input level at which the delay will begin to apply. Rvs Dly 0–650 ms, note Specifies the delay time from the Time original sound until the delay sound is heard.
  • Page 50 Effects List Parameter Value Description Balance DRY100:0WET– Volume balance between the di- DRY0:100WET rect sound (DRY) and the delay sound (WET) Delay Pan Type Values Dly 1 Dly 2 Dly 3 16: Analog Delay→Chorus This effect reproduces the sound of the BOSS CE-1 Chorus Ensemble.
  • Page 51 18: Space Chorus This effect reproduces the sound of Roland’s SDD-320 spatial expression effects. Greater breadth is added. Parameter Value Description Mode 1, 2, 3, 4, 1+4, Selects the way in the chorus will 2+4, 3+4 change. The SDD-320 features four mode buttons for changing the effect.
  • Page 52 Effects List Parameter Value Description Phase 0–180 deg Specifies the spaciousness of the flanger sound. Feedback NORMAL, Specifies the input destination to Mode CROSS which the flanger sound will be re- turned. NORMAL: The left flanger sound will be returned to the left input, and the right flanger sound to the right input.
  • Page 53 24: Digital Phaser Phaser is an effect that adds a phase-shifted sound to the original sound to create time-varying change, modulating the sound. Parameter Value Description Shift Mode 4STAGE, Sets the number of stages in the 8STAGE phase shift circuit (four (4STAGE) or eight (8STAGE)).
  • Page 54 Effects List Parameter Value Description Balance DRY100:0WET– Volume balance between the di- DRY0:100WET rect sound (DRY) and the effect sound (WET) Ps Low Freq 50–4000 Hz Frequency of the low range Ps Low Gain -15– +15 dB Gain of the low range Ps Hi Freq 2000–20000 Hz Frequency of the high range...
  • Page 55 29: OD/DS→Delay (Overdrive/Distortion→Delay) This effect connects either Overdrive or Distortion and Delay in series. Parameter Value Description Drive Mode OD, DS Selects whether to use overdrive (OD) or distortion (DS). Drive 0–127 Degree of distortion Amp Sim Sw OFF, ON Turns the amp simulator on/off.
  • Page 56 Effects List 31: Enh→Cho/Flg (Enhancer→Chorus/Flanger) This effect connects Enhancer and either Chorus or Flanger in series. Parameter Value Description Enhan Sens 0–127 Sensitivity of the enhancer Enhan Fre- 0–127 Sets the lower limit of the frequen- quency cies to which the enhancement ef- fect is added.
  • Page 57 Parameter Value Description Enhan Sens 0–127 Sensitivity of the enhancer Enhan Fre- 0–127 Sets the lower limit of the frequen- quency cies to which the enhancement ef- fect is added. Enhan Mix 0–127 Level of the overtones generated Level by the enhancer Enhan Level 0–127 Volume of the enhancer sound...
  • Page 58 Effects List 35: Bass Multi Bass Multi provides Comp/Limiter, Overdrive or Distortion, 3-band equalizer, and Chorus or Flanger effects connected in series. This algorithm is a multi-effects for bass. Parameter Value Description Comp Sw OFF, ON Turns the comp/limiter on/off. Comp -60–0 dB Sets the volume level at which the...
  • Page 59 Parameter Value Description Mod Level 0–127 Volume of the chorus or flanger sound. Trem/Pan OFF, ON Turns the tremolo/auto pan effect on/off. Trem Mode TREMOLO, Selects whether to use tremolo or auto AUTO PAN pan. Trem TRI, Selects the type of modulation. Waveform SAWUP, TRI: Triangle wave...
  • Page 60 Effects List Parameter Value Description Total Noise 0–127 Total noise level. Scratch 0–127 Scratches on the record. Dust 0–127 Dust on the record. Hiss 0–127 Continuous hissing noise. These settings add the typical record’s noise. The noises increase as the values are raised. Set each of the Scratch, Dust, and Hiss noise levels to get a balance, the adjust the overall amount of noise with...

  • Page 61: Chorus Parameters

    Chorus Parameters The functions of Chorus parameters are explained. Chorus Type 01: Chorus 1 This conventional chorus effect adds spaciousness and depth to the sound. Slow modulation frequency with less depth. 02:Chorus 2 This conventional chorus effect adds spaciousness and depth to the sound.

  • Page 62: Reverb Parameters

    Effects List Reverb Parameters The functions of Reverb parameters are explained. Explanations for each Reverb Type are given on the following pages. Page 01: Stereo Plate p. 62 02: Stereo OperaHouse p. 62 03: Stereo StudioSpring p. 62 04: Stereo Echoes p.
  • Page 63 04: Stereo Echoes Stereo reverb which simulates echoes. Parameter Value Description Pre Low Freq 50–4000 Hz Frequency of the low range Pre Low Gain -15– +15 dB Gain of the low range Pre Mid Freq 50–20000 Hz Frequency of the middle range Pre Mid Q 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 2.0, Width of the middle range...
  • Page 64 Effects List 08: Room 1 Reverb which simulates the reverberation within a room. It is standard room reverb. Parameter Value Description Pre Low Freq 50–4000 Hz Frequency of the low range Pre Low Gain -15– +15 dB Gain of the low range Pre Mid Freq 50–20000 Hz Frequency of the middle range...
  • Page 65 10: Room 3 Reverb which simulates the reverberation within a room. This is suitable for simulating a fairly large room, and produces reverberation with a strong mid and low range. Parameter Value Description Pre Low Freq 50–4000 Hz Frequency of the low range Pre Low Gain -15–...
  • Page 66 Effects List 12: Hall 2 Simulates the reverberation in a concert hall. This is suitable for simulating a smaller room, and produces a clear reverberation. Parameter Value Description Pre Low Freq 50–4000 Hz Frequency of the low range Pre Low Gain -15–...
  • Page 67 14: Garage This simulates the reverberation of a garage. It produces the reverberation of a room surrounded by hard-surfaced walls with many reflections. Parameter Value Description Pre Low Freq 50–4000 Hz Frequency of the low range Pre Low Gain -15– +15 dB Gain of the low range Pre Mid Freq 50–20000 Hz...

  • Page 68: Specifications

    Specifications VC-2: V-Card Vocal Designer Main Functions • Transform vocal input from a mic into high-quality choirs and human choruses • Use the keyboard to play chords and control the pitch in real time • Transform the character of your voice in real time •...

  • Page 69: Midi Implementation

    [Vocal Designer] Model VC-2 for V-Synth XT Function... Basic Default Channel Changed Default Messages Mode Altered ************* Note : True Voice Number ************* Note ON Velocity Note OFF Aftertouch Key's Channel's Pitch Bend 0, 32 Control 1–31, 33–95 Change 100, 101...

  • Page 70: Index

    Index ... 13 AC inlet ... 8 Algorithms ... 28 Attack ... 38 Audio I/F ... 30–31 AutoNoteSw ... 17 Beep ... 29 BENDER ... 39 Breath ... 26 Carrier ... 7 carrier ... 32 ... 32 CHO Master Level ...
  • Page 71 ... 38 MIC Jack Switch ... 24 Mic Setting ... 24 MIC Setting Name ... 10 MIC Switch ... 11 [MIDI] ... 13 MIDI connector ... 11 MIDI Indicator ... 38 MIDI/USB ... 12 [MODE] ... 7 modulator ... 30–31 NATURAL VOICE ...

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