Roland VGA-7 Owner's Manual
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Roland VGA-7 Owner's Manual

V-guitar amplifier
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Owner's Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland VGA-7 V-Guitar
Amplifier.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:
"IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" (page 2)
"USING THE UNIT SAFELY" (page 3–4)
"IMPORTANT NOTES" (page 8–9)
These sections provide important information concerning the proper opera-
tion of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every
feature provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety.
The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Conversions Used in This Manual
Words enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicate panel buttons or knobs.
(Example)
[SYSTEM]:
SYSTEM button
[BASS]:
BASS knob
(p. **) indicates a reference page.
Copyright © 2000 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 Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland VGA-7 V-Guitar Amplifier. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” (page 2) “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (page 3–4) “IMPORTANT NOTES” (page 8–9) These sections provide important information concerning the proper opera- tion of the unit.

  • Page 2: Important Safty Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFTY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN ATTENTION : RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.

  • Page 3: Using The Unit Safely

    • Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the "Information" page.
  • Page 4 • Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the "Information" page. 101a • The unit should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper venti- lation.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Expression Pedal (EXP PEDAL) ... 39 MIDI... 40 Transmitting/receiving VGA-7 settings... 40 MIDI OUT ... 42 Operating the VGA-7 with the FC-200 ... 43 Initializing the FC-200 from the VGA-7... 43 Connecting the VGA-7 and the FC-200 ... 43 Functions That Can Be Controlled with the FC-200 ...

  • Page 6: Main Features

    Main Features The VGA-7, a V-guitar amplifier with a GK input, affords a new dimension in sound-creation potential, through its combination of COSM guitars, COSM amplifiers, and effects. Additionally, if offers a memory storage feature, and stereo output (65 + 65 W).
  • Page 7 Broad Expandability Stereo external input jacks are provided, allowing you to mix the sound of the VGA-7 with an external sound source, such as a guitar synthesizer. Stereo line out jacks convenient for recording are also provided. The foot control jack lets you use your feet to select patches or turn effects on/off.

  • Page 8: Important Notes

    However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible to restore the data, and Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data. Memory Backup 501b •...

  • Page 9: Attaching And Removing The Casters

    Be sure to remove all casters when accidental movement may be dangerous such as when setting up the VGA-7 on stage or when transporting it in a vehicle. If casters have been attached to the amp, make sure it is used...

  • Page 10: Basic Opration

    Basic Opration * For details on each function, refer to p. 14 and following. fig.01-1 Manual Button By pressing the Manual button, you can play using the sound of the current knob settings, as on a conventional guitar amplifier. GK IN Use the special cable to connect the GK-2A-compatible guitar (or the guitar in which the GK-2A is...

  • Page 11: Selecting Variations

    VARIATION Function In addition to the settings, there are several other choices of COSM guitar type and tuning, COSM amplifier and speaker, and EFFECTS delay, chorus and reverb. is printed top or under buttons (that the arrow in the picture below should indicate) for which variation settings (types) are provided.

  • Page 12: Preparations For Using The Vga-7

    • Bass guitars • Other guitars that, for structural reasons, have no location where the GK-2A divided pickup can be attached correctly PROGRAM Function The VGA-7 contains 80 preset patches and 80 user patches. Use [BANK / ] and [NUMBER desired patch.

  • Page 13: Making Connections

    GK compatible guitar. The following equipment will add additional functionality to your VGA-7 system. • MIDI Foot Controller (sold separately: Roland FC-200) • Expression Pedal (sold separately: Roland EV-5, BOSS FV-300L) • Foot Switch (sold separately: BOSS FS-5U/FS-5L) fig.03...

  • Page 14: Make Settings For The Divided Pickup

    Make settings for the divided pickup The sound quality of the VGA-7 is dramatically affected by how the divided pickup is installed. In order to minimize tonal irregularity due to variations in installation, you must input the manner in which the divided pickup is installed (divided pickup settings).

  • Page 15: Specify The Pickup Type (1 Gk Type)

    Specify the pickup type (1 GK TYPE) * With the factory settings, this is set to “1 GK-2A.” 1. Press [PARAMETER / ] until “1” is shown (blink) at the left side of the display. This selects “1 GK TYPE.” fig.04-2 2.

  • Page 16: Specify The Scale Length (3 Scale)

    Specify the scale length (3 SCALE) * With the factory settings, this is set to “ When playing the VGA-7, the scale length setting is extremely important to the final sound quality. You must be sure to set this parameter correctly.

  • Page 17: Adjusting The Pickup Sensitivity For Each String (5 Sens)

    You can press [STRING] to specify the string number directly. Each press of the button takes you to the next string number, from string 1 through string 6. (The string number is indicated by a dot.) If you play a string other than the one indicated by the dot, the display switches to the number of the string that was played.

  • Page 18: Matching The Phase Of The Divided Pickup And The Guitar Pickup (6 Phase)

    Make settings for the divided pickup You can press [STRING] to specify the string number directly. Each press of the button takes you to the next string number, from string 1 through string 6. (The string number is indicated by a dot.) If you play a string other than the one indicated by the dot, the display switches to the number of the string that was played.

  • Page 19: Specify The Function Of The S1/S2 Switch (7 S1/S2)

    Specify the function of the S1/S2 switch (7 S1/S2) * With the factory settings, this is set to “1 PICKUP SEL.” 1. Press [PARAMETER / ] until “7” is shown (blink) at the left of the display. This selects “7 S1/S2.” fig.13 2.

  • Page 20: Tuner

    TUNER Here’s how to use the VGA-7’s tuner function to tune your guitar. In order to use the tuner, you must first make tuner settings. Setting the Tuner Press [SYSTEM], getting the indicator to light, and then make the following settings.

  • Page 21: Tuning Your Guitar

    Tuning your guitar * While using the tuner, sound will not be output from the line out jacks. 1. Press [TUNER], getting the indicator to light. This turns on the Tuner function. 2. Play a single unfretted note on the string you wish to tune.

  • Page 22: About Patch

    When you are performing on your guitar, you will need a variety of sounds, depending on the situation. On the VGA-7, the settings of the panel buttons and knobs used to create the sound can be remembered as a set, which is called a Patch.

  • Page 23: Changing Patch Settings

    Changing Patch Settings Use the buttons and knobs to modify the settings of the selected patch. This operation is called “Editing.” Immediately after changing patches, the settings stored in the patch will not match the positions of the knobs. When you turn the knob, the setting value stored in the patch will be shown in the display.

  • Page 24: Saving Your Modifications In A Patch (Write)

    About Patch Saving your modifications in a patch (Write) If you wish to save the modifications you have made, you must store them in a user patch. This operation is called “Write.” All settings except for the MASTER knob can be saved. * If you used the foot switch to turn the effect on/off (p.

  • Page 25: Panel Descriptions

    In addition, the VGA-7 detects each string’s pitch and enveloping — the “shape” of the sound. These characteristics are then digitally applied to the current patch’s waveform, causing it to sound with all of the nuances of your guitar performance.
  • Page 26 You can use the S1/S2 switch to switch pickups. (p. 19) Tuning Button [TUNING] You can perform using various tunings that are set on the VGA-7, without actually retuning the guitar. Each time you press the button, the tuning type will alternate.
  • Page 27 NASHVILLE: 1 TYPE 1 Strings 6–3 will be one octave higher. Strings 2 and 1 will be the original pitch. 2 TYPE 2 Strings 6–4 will be one octave higher. Strings 3–1 will be the original pitch. USER: This is a user-specified tuning. Relative to the conventional tuning for each string (starting from the 6th string, E/A/D/G/B/E), you can freely specify the pitch in a range of ±...

  • Page 28: Cosm Amplifier Section (Cosm Amplifier)

    COSM Amplifier Section (COSM AMPLIFIER) By selecting the amp type, using the equalizer to adjust the tone, and specifying the type of cabinet (including the number and type of speakers), you can create the basic sound of the guitar amplifier.
  • Page 29 Treble Knob [TREBLE] Adjusts the high frequency range tone. Range: 0–99 * Depending on the amp type, there may be no sound if you set [BASS], [MIDDLE], and [TREBLE] all to values of 0. 11 Presence Knob [PRESENCE] Adjusts the definition of the sound.

  • Page 30: Effects Section (Effects)

    Panel Descriptions ORIGINAL: The speaker best matched for the selected amp type (p. 28). 1-12” OPEN: An open-back cabinet with one 12-inch speaker. 2-12” OPEN: An open-back cabinet with two 12-inch speakers. 4-10” OPEN: An open-backed cabinet with four 10-inch speakers.
  • Page 31 This effect creates a unique tone by changing the frequency response of a filter. By connecting a separately available expression pedal (e.g., Roland EV-5 or BOSS FV-300L) you can control the wah effect in real time. * While using WAH, the expression pedal cannot be used to control the volume.

  • Page 32: Setting The Delay Time

    Panel Descriptions PHASER By adding varied-phase portions to the direct sound, the phaser effect gives a whooshing, swirling character to the sound. fig.34 Rate Knob [RATE] This sets the rate of the flanging effect. Range: 0–99 Intensity Knob [INTENSITY] Adjust the depth of the effect. Range: 0–99 FLANGER The flanging effect gives a twisting, jet-airplane-like...
  • Page 33 Recording your playing By selecting HOLD as the delay type, you can record your playing. With a momentary-type foot switch (BOSS FS-5U: sold separately) connected, you can use your foot to control the recording operations. Connect the foot switch to the DELAY jack on the rear panel.

  • Page 34: Master Section

    Panel Descriptions Master Section fig.103 17 Tuner Indicator This displays the pitch during tuning, and the sensitivity for GK settings. 18 Display This displays the patch number or variation number. 19 Tuner Button [TUNER] Press this to use the tuner. 20 Variation/Edit Button [VARIATION/EDIT] Use this to set or change the Variation setting.

  • Page 35: Rear Panel

    BOSS FV-300L) can be connected here. The expression pedal can be used as a volume pedal to adjust the volume of the VGA-7. However if the EFFECTS section INSERT type is set to WAH, the pedal will function as a wah pedal.
  • Page 36 The indicator is lit when the effect is on; the light goes out when the effect is turned off. * The VGA-7’s panel controls cannot be used to turn the effects on and off while the FS-5L is connected. EFX Jack (EFX) Separately sold foot switches (e.g., BOSS FS-5U or FS-5L) can...
  • Page 37 This connector is also used to receive data from an external MIDI device. MIDI OUT Connector This connector is used to transmit VGA-7 data to an external MIDI device. * Depending on the system settings, this connector can also be used as a MIDI THRU connector which re-transmits the data received at MIDI IN without change.

  • Page 38: System Setting

    System setting Procedure fig.82 A list of system parameters is given on the plate located on the top right of the cabinet. fig.81 TUNER Parameter Number: 1 PITCH Specify the standard pitch. Display Setting 35–45 435 –445 Hz * With the factory settings, this is set to “440 Hz.” Parameter Number: 2 LEVEL Specify the output level of the tuning sound.

  • Page 39: Foot Switch (Foot Sw)

    Foot Switch (FOOT SW) Specify the operation of the foot switches connected to the EFX–REVERB jacks. * You cannot change the settings for each individual jack. Parameter Number: 4 TYPE Display Setting EFFECTS (MOMENTARY): The effect on/off state specified by the patch will be reversed.

  • Page 40: Midi

    MIDI sequencer and save it on floppy disk or other media. Alternatively, you can directly connect two VGA-7 units via a MIDI cable, and transmit or receive parameters directly. * Even if the MIDI channel is set to “Omni ON,” Exclusive messages cannot be received if the Device ID differs.

  • Page 41: Bulk Dump

    Receiving only one patch * You cannot operate this procedure in Manual mode. To receive data that was transmitted via Bulk Dump (p. 41) with the “3 PATCH (ONE)” setting, use the following procedure. 1. Use [BANK / ], [NUMBER to select the user patch that you wish to receive.

  • Page 42: Midi Out

    System setting 3. Press [WRITE] to send the data. The following display will appear while the data is being transmitted. fig.53 blink * When ALL/PATCH (ALL) is selected, it takes approximately 40 seconds to complete transmission of the data. 4. When the transmit data selection display reappears, press [SYSTEM] to end the procedure.

  • Page 43: Operating The Vga-7 With The Fc-200

    Operating the VGA-7 with the FC-200 With the optional FC-200 MIDI Foot Controller, you can use pedal operations to control the VGA-7. Initializing the FC-200 from the VGA-7 Provide the FC-200 with the VGA-7’s settings by sending the data from the VGA-7.

  • Page 44: Functions That Can Be Controlled

    Each time the control pedal is pressed, the information controlled with the pedal is sent from the FC-200 as a Control Change message (Controller Number 80). These messages can be used to turn the VGA-7’s tuner on and off. Controlling the Volume (Wah)
  • Page 45 Each time the control pedal is pressed, the information controlled with the pedal is sent from the FC-200 as a Control Change message (Controller Number 80). These messages can be used to turn the VGA-7’s tuner on and off. Controlling the Volume (Wah)

  • Page 46: Appendices

    If You Think There Might Be a Problem (Troubleshooting) This section explains some things that might go wrong when using the VGA-7, and what needs to be done to correct the problem.If you think there may be something wrong with your VGA-7, please check through the following first.

  • Page 47: Restoring The Factory Settings

    Use a connection cable that does not contain a resistor. Restoring the Factory Settings You can restore the VGA-7 to its factory settings. This operation is called “Factory Reset.” Once you carry out a Factory Reset, all of the existing data that you’ve created will be lost.

  • Page 48: Changing The Midi Settings

    Appendices Changing the MIDI Settings When using MIDI to control the VGA-7, you can change the settings for the MIDI parameters as needed. 1. While holding down [SYSTEM], turn on the POWER switch. 2. Use [PARAMETER / ] to select MIDI parameters.

  • Page 49: Effect Connection Order

    Effect connection order fig.105 INPUT When EFX is set to WAH, SLOW GEAR or COMP INPUT When EFX is set to TREMOLO, PHASER or FLANGER Block diagram fig.106 INPUT GK IN EXT IN L (MONO) COSM COSM GUITAR AMPLIFIER COSM COSM GUITAR AMPLIFIER...

  • Page 50: Midi Implementation Chart

    A separate publication titled “MIDI Implementation” is also available. It provides complete details concerning the way MIDI has been implemented on this unit. If you should require this publication (such as when you intend to carry out byte-level programming), please contact the nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor. MIDI Implementation Chart...

  • Page 51: Specifications

    Specifications VGA-7: V-Guitar Amplifier Rated Power Output 130 W (65 W + 65 W) Patches 160 (Preset: 80 + User: 80) Nominal Input Level (1 kHz) INPUT HIGH: -10 dBu/470 k INPUT LOW: 0 dBu/330 k EXT IN: +4 dBu...
  • Page 52 Appendices Power Supply AC 117 V, 230 V or 240 V Power Consumption 160 W (117 V, 230 V, 240 V) Dimensions 770 (W) x 300 (D) x 640 (H) mm 30 - 3/8 (W) x 11-13/16 (D) x 25 - 1/4 (H) inches (Include casters) Weight 37.6 kg / 82 lbs 15 oz...

  • Page 53: Index

    Index Numerics 12 STRING ... 26 1-12” OPEN ... 30 2-12” OPEN ... 30 4-10” OPEN ... 30 4-12” CLOSED ... 30 A/B ... 22 ACOUSTIC ... 26 ATTACK ... 31 BANK ... 22, 34 BASS ... 29 BULK DUMP ... 41 BULK LOAD ...
  • Page 54 Index PRESENCE ... 29 PRESET/USER ... 22, 34 RATE ... 31–32 REVERB ... 33, 36 RISE TIME ... 31 S1/S2 ... 19 SCALE ... 16 SENS ... 17, 31 SLOW GEAR ... 31 SPECIAL ... 26, 29 ST ... 25 STRING ...
  • Page 55 Apparatus containing Lithium batteries ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren. ADVARSEL Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten.

  • Page 56: North America

    Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below. TAIWAN AFRICA AFRICA ROLAND TAIWAN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. EGYPT Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung Shan Al Fanny Trading Office N.Road Sec.2, Taipei, TAIWAN,...

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