Operating The Vs-880 From Another Device (Mmc); Synchronizing The Operation Of Two Vs-880 Units - Roland VXpanded VS-880 Owner's Manual

Chapter 11 Taking advantage of the VS-880 (ideas and examples)

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 a
VS-880 is used in conjunction with an MMC-supporting MIDI sequencer etc., operations such as
song playback, stop and fast-forward can be performed by operating only the master device.
* Depending on the MIDI device that you are using, some devices may not support the MMC
functionality of the VS-880. In this case, the VS-880 cannot be operated as explained in this
ownerÕs manual. The MMC functionality supported by the VS-880 is described in detail in the
separately sold MIDI Implementation. If you wish to purchase a copy, contact a nearby Roland
service center or your dealer.
< About MMC >
MMC is an acronym for ÒMIDI Machine Control.Ó This is a rule that defines how MIDI system
exclusive messages can be used to control multiple recording devices from a single device. The
VS-880 supports MMC. In addition to song playback, stop and fast-forward, you can also select
the tracks for recording, etc.

Synchronizing the operation of two VS-880 units

Here we will explain how the operation of two VS-880 units can be synchronized. One VS-880 will
be the master, and the other VS-880 will be the slave. Make connections as follows.
MASTER OUT L, R
Settings for the master VS-880
1. Press [SYSTEM] several times until "SYS MIDI PRM ?" appears.
2. Press [YES].
3. The display will indicate "SYS MID:DeviceID=". Make sure that the device ID number is "17".
DeviceID (Device ID)
This sets the Device ID number (1Ð32) that is used when exchanging exclusive messages (mixer
parameters) with an external MIDI device. Exclusive messages can be transmitted and received
between devices which have the same Device ID number setting.
4. Press PARAMETER [
5. The display will indicate "SYS MID:MIDIThr=". For this example, select "Out" so that MTC can
be transmitted.
MIDIThr (MIDI thru switch)
This selects the function of the MIDI OUT/THRU connector. With the factory settings, this is set to
ÒOut.Ó
Out:
Thru: MIDI messages received at the MIDI IN connector will be retransmitted from the con-
122
MIDI IN
SLAVE
].
The connector will transmit MIDI messages from the VS-880. Select this when you want
to transmit metronome Note messages or mixer parameter settings (control change mes-
sages or exclusive messages).
nector without change.
INPUT 1, 2 MIDI OUT
MASTER