Roland GI-20 Owner's Manual
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Roland GI-20 Owner's Manual

Roland gk-midi interface owner's manual gi-20
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Owner's Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:
"USING THE UNIT SAFELY" (page 2–3) and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (page 4).
These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature
provided by your new unit, owner's manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should
be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Main Features

The GI-20 is a multifunction GK-MIDI interface.
It takes the signals from the individual strings of the guitar or bass equipped with a divided
pickup, analyzes each string's pitch and volume, and outputs the information as MIDI data.
You can combine the GI-20 with a MIDI sound module and use the setup as a guitar synthesizer,
or connect it to a computer and use it as an input tool for sequencers or similar applications.
Compatible with guitars and basses.
Features internal patch memory, allowing you to store a variety of different settings.
You can connect an expression pedal (the optional EV-5) or foot switch to (the optional
FS-5U) adjust volume and pitch, hold notes, and control other aspects of performances.
The GI-20 comes equipped with a USB connector. Using a single cable, you can connect
the unit to a computer to easily input data and play performances.
* USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is a type of interface for connecting computers to a wide variety of peripheral
devices.
The GI-20 also features a built-in chromatic tuner for fast, accurate tuning.
The unit supports the use of a variety of playing techniques, including finger picking
and tapping. And it gives you the most natural expression, matching your playing
technique.
Copyright © 2003 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: Main Features

    MIDI data. You can combine the GI-20 with a MIDI sound module and use the setup as a guitar synthesizer, or connect it to a computer and use it as an input tool for sequencers or similar applications.

  • Page 2: 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 3 • 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.

  • Page 4: Important Notes

    IMPORTANT NOTES 291a In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following: Power Supply • Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system).

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    (Example) [WRITE] : WRITE button (p. **) indicates a reference page. Chapter 3 Convenient Functions Featured by the GI-20 ... 28 Tuning (TUNER) ...28 Preventing Transmission of Program Change Messages (PC MASK) ...29 Saving the Patches and System Parameters to an External Device (BULK DUMP) ...29 Receiving Saved Data Using MIDI (BULK LOAD (MIDI)) ...30...

  • Page 6: Panel Descriptions

    2. LED display This displays patch numbers, parameter values, and other information. 3. Tuner indicator This indicates the tuning when the GI-20 is in Tuner mode. When setting the sensitivity, this indicates the level. 4. WRITE button Use this for writing patches (Write procedure; p. 26).

  • Page 7: Rear Panel

    Switch this according to the instrument you are using. Switch to GUITAR if you are using a guitar; if using a bass, switch this to BASS. * Note that the GI-20 may not operate properly if this setting is not correct. 13.FOOT SW jack Connect an optional foot switch (such as the BOSS FS- 5U) here.

  • Page 8: Signal Flow

    Panel Descriptions Signal Flow fig.00-04 Expression Pedal Foot Switch Guitar / Bass...

  • Page 9: Preparations To Make Before Performing

    Preparations to Make Before Performing Although the GI-20 can be used with both guitars and basses, the descriptions here are based on the assumption you are using a guitar or six-string bass, and the numerals indicating the “strings” in the descriptions of settings and procedures correspond to the 1st through 6th strings of a guitar or regular six-string bass.

  • Page 10: Connection Examples

    When the guitar or bass is set up, connect the various devices as shown in the connection examples given in the figure. * The GI-20 connects to sound modules only via MIDI, not USB, even if the sound module is USB equipped.

  • Page 11: Chapter 1 Try Playing Some Sounds

    Chapter 1 Try Playing Some Sounds Playing Sounds from a Sound Module This section explains how to connect the GI-20 to an external MIDI sound module and use it as a guitar synthesizer. Connections fig.01-01 Monitor Speakers (powered) MIDI Sound Module...

  • Page 12: Selecting Patches

    • PC MASK (p. 29) • MASTER TUNE (p. 28) System parameters are stored in the GI-20 when you turn the PARAMETER knob after making changes to the settings. * The MIDI BASIC CH and MIDI CTL CH parameters are also stored in the GI-20 when you press [SELECT] after making changes to the settings.

  • Page 13: Patch Parameters

    Setting the sound module to GM mode when using a GM-compatible sound module allows you to enjoy a variety of sounds with the GI-20, just as at the time it was purchased. Chapter 1 Try Playing Some Sounds...

  • Page 14: Setting The Midi Channel (Midi Channel)

    This sets the GI-20’s MIDI Transmit channel (here called the “basic channel”). Set the MIDI channels as shown below according to whether the GI-20 is in POLY or MONO MODE. When in POLY MODE The performance data for all of the strings is transmitted over the Basic channel.

  • Page 15: Setting The Control Channel (Ctl Ch)

    MIDI IN/OUT is set to ON In either case, the error message “E3” (p. 37) appears, and the GI-20 stops functioning normally. The GI-20 can receive the following types of MIDI messages over the control channel. Control Change Control Change messages received over the control channel are transmitted over the basic channel (in MONO mode, all of the transmission channels for the strings).

  • Page 16: Program Change

    Chapter 1 Try Playing Some Sounds Program Change These messages switch the GI-20’s patches. Program Changes 0–49 correspond to Patches 1–50 on the GI- * Program Changes 50–127 are disregarded. fig.01-15 Basic Channel Control Channel MIDI Patch Foot Controller 1. Turn the PARAMETER knob to “MIDI CHANNEL.”...

  • Page 17: Connecting To A Computer

    USB cable and use it as a tool to input data to sequencers and other devices. No USB cable is included with the GI-20. You will need to purchase a third-party USB cable separately. Do not press [SELECT] or connect (or disconnect) any device...

  • Page 18: Chapter 2 Creating Your Own Settings (Patches)

    Chapter 2 Creating Your Own Settings (Patches) Calling Up the Input Sensitivity Settings Select input sensitivity settings appropriate for the guitar or bass you are using. 1. Turn the PARAMETER knob to “GUITAR SEL.” fig.02-01 2. Press [PATCH/VALUE] to select a setting from G1 to You can make the input sensitivity settings for each of the sets G1–G4 (p.

  • Page 19: Setting The Pedal And Switch Functions (Assign)

    You can assign various functions to an expression pedal (the optional EV-5) or foot switch (the optional FS-5U) connected to the GI-20, or to the GK-2A/GK-2B’s S1, S2, and GK VOL. * When connecting a foot switch (the optional BOSS FS-5U) to the FOOT SW jack, you can use the optional PCS-31 connection cable to connect two foot switches.
  • Page 20 Chapter 2 Creating Your Own Settings (Patches) 1. Turn the PARAMETER knob to “ASSIGN.” fig.02-11 2. Press [SELECT] to select the parameter whose settings you want to change. The display indicators light up as shown below according to the parameter being set. fig.02-12 When the expression pedal is selected When FOOT SWITCH 1 is selected...
  • Page 21 Pd: Patch Down The patch number decreases each time the switch is pressed. Pt: Patch Up/Down The S1 switch is used for the Patch Down function and the S2 switch for the Patch Up function. ou: Octave Up All notes are raised an octave each time the switch is pressed.
  • Page 22 Chapter 2 Creating Your Own Settings (Patches) u4: Glide Up 4/d4: Glide Down 4 When the foot switch is pressed, the pitch changes continuously up (down) to a perfect fifth. Release the pedal to return to the original pitch. u5–u8: Glide Up 5–8/d5–d8: Glide Down 5–8 When the foot switch is pressed, the pitch changes continuously up (down) to one octave.

  • Page 23: Shifting The Pitch Of The Sound (Transpose)

    Shifting the Pitch of the Sound (TRANSPOSE) On the GI-20, you can shift the pitch, in semitone steps, of what is output over MIDI relative to which is actually played. This transposition can be set individually for each string, and can be any amount from three octaves below the original pitch to two octaves above it.
  • Page 24 BEND RANGE 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 24 (Ex.) 12 With the GI-20, you can select “Chromatics” for the bend range. When the Chromatics (C1–C3) are selected, if you use string bending or other techniques that bend the guitar or bass pitch, the changes in pitch transmitted in the MIDI mes- sages are made in semitone steps.

  • Page 25: Switching Sounds On External Devices (Prg Change)

    Switching Sounds on External Devices (PRG CHANGE) You can transmit Bank Select messages (Control Change #0, #32) and Program Change messages by switching the GI-20’s patches. This enables you to switch sounds from external sound modules and patches of guitar effects processors.

  • Page 26: Muting Specific Strings (String Mute)

    Chapter 2 Creating Your Own Settings (Patches) Muting Specific Strings (STRING MUTE) 1. Turn the PARAMETER knob to “STRING MUTE.” fig.02-46 2. Press [TUNER (STRING SEL)] to select the string you want to mute. The string number changes each time you press [TUNER (STRING)], cycling through ALL ALL...

  • Page 27: Copying Patches

    You can take the settings in a patch and copy them to a different patch. 1. Confirm that the GI-20 is set to “PLAY MODE.” If the GI-20 is not set to “PLAY MODE,” then turn the PARAMETER knob to “PLAY MODE.” 2. Select the copy-source patch (refer to “How to Switch Patches”...

  • Page 28: Convenient Functions Featured By The Gi-20

    To achieve accurate pitch, use the GI-20’s built-in tuner function to tune your guitar or bass. 1. Confirm that the GI-20 is set to “PLAY MODE.” If the GI-20 is not set to “PLAY MODE,” then turn the PARAMETER knob to “PLAY MODE.” 2. Press [TUNER (STRING SEL)].

  • Page 29: Preventing Transmission Of Program Change Messages (Pc Mask)

    Exclusive messages.” Each System Exclusive message can be interpreted only by the device for which it is intended. System Exclusive data sent from the GI-20 can be stored in a MIDI sequencer using the sequencer’s realtime recording or bulk librarian function. You can also send/receive System Exclusive data directly from one GI-20 to another by connecting the two via MIDI.

  • Page 30: Receiving Saved Data Using Midi (Bulk Load (Midi))

    Chapter 3 Convenient Functions Featured by the GI-20 5. Press [WRITE]. The data is transmitted to the external device from the MIDI OUT and USB connectors. The following appears in the display during transmission. fig.03-08 Flash When the display changes back to “dP,” the transmission is finished.

  • Page 31: Receive Saved Data Through Usb (Bulk Load (Usb))

    Note that this will result in the loss of the data stored up to that time. 1. Use a USB cable to connect the computer and the GI-20. * You cannot connect two GI-20s using a USB cable. Use a MIDI cable to connect GI-20s to each other.

  • Page 32: Reducing The Amount Of Control Change Data Transmitted (Receive Control Change Data Thin)

    Limiting the Extent of the Bend Range (BEND RANGE MAX) Although the GI-20 has a maximum bend range setting of 24, unless the GI-20 and your sound module feature the same bend range settings, you may find that functions such as pitch bend and string bending do not work well.

  • Page 33: Selecting The Type Of Usb Driver

    When using the GI-20 when it is connected to a computer, you can select from two types of drivers. * Be sure to set the GI-20’s driver so that it matches the driver used by the computer. In some cases, the driver may not function properly.

  • Page 34: Chapter 4 Other Functions

    “in” appears in the display. fig.04-01 Flash * To cancel the procedure, turn off the power to the GI-20. 4. Press [WRITE]. “Wr” appears in the display and the dot in the display flashes, and Factory Reset is carried out.

  • Page 35: Chapter 5 Appendices

    Bank Select on the sound module. The external sound module plays only one string (some strings can’t be heard) Is the GI-20 using the Mono mode to send data to a sound module which cannot simultaneously receive data on six MIDI channels? For such sound module, send data in the Poly mode.
  • Page 36 To start playing sounds rapidly and achieve smooth changes in pitch, the GI-20 transmits pitch as a combination of Note messages and Pitch Bend messages. This means that if only the Note messages are examined on the sequencer’s microscope (event...

  • Page 37: Error Messages

    GI-20. fig.05-03 Reason 1 The GI-20 stopped processing due to an attempt to transmit numerous MIDI messages from the GI-20 at one time. (The GI-20’s MIDI IN/OUT connectors may be connected with a single MIDI cable.)

  • Page 38: Roland Exclusive Messages

    Chapter 5 Appendices Roland Exclusive Messages 1. Data Format for Exclusive Messages Roland’s MIDI implementation uses the following data format for all Exclusive messages (type IV): Byte Description Exclusive Status Manufacturer ID (Roland) Device ID Model ID Command ID [BODY]...
  • Page 39 The MIDI standards inhibit non real-time messages from interrupting an Exclusive one. This fact is inconvenient for devices that support a “soft-thru” function. To maintain compatibility with such devices, Roland has limited the DT1 to 256 bytes so that an excessively long message is sent out in separate ‘segments’.

  • Page 40: Midi Implementation

    System Exclusive Message Status data byte Status iiH,ddH,...,eeH F0H: System Exclusive ii=ID number: 41H (65) dd,...,ee= Data: 00H-7FH (0-127) F7H: EOX (End of Exclusive/System common) * For more details, refer to the page “Roland exclusive message” and Section 4 or after.

  • Page 41: Control Change

    Bank number: 00 00H - 7F 7FH (bank 1 - bank 16384) * Transmitted when the power to the GI-20 is turned on, when editing Bank Select, and when patches are switched. * Not transmitted when the patch parameter’s Bank Select Switch is set to OFF or when the system parameter PC MASK is set to ON.
  • Page 42 Chapter 5 Appendices 4. Exclusive Communications The GI-20 is capable of transmitting and receiving system parameters and patch parameters using certain exclusive messages. The model ID is 00H 6AH. The Device ID is fixed as 10H. The use of Device ID 7FH (Broadcast) is not supported.

  • Page 43: Midi Implementation Chart

    * When MIDI PLAYBACK is OFF, identical messages are transmitted from USB and MIDI. * When MIDI PLAYBACK is ON, messages transmitted from the computer to the GI-20’s USB are sent through to MIDI OUT. Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO...

  • Page 44: Specifications

    Chapter 5 Appendices Specifications GI-20: GK-MIDI Interface Patches Display 2 characters, 7 segment LED Connectors GK IN FOOT SW EXP PDL GUITAR OUT MIDI IN MIDI OUT DC IN Power Supply DC 9 V; Supply AC adaptor (ACI or ACB series)

  • Page 45: Installing & Setup The Driver

    Installing & Setup the Driver In order to use the GI-20 USB, you must first install the USB MIDI driver. The USB MIDI Driver is included in the “GI-20 Driver CD-ROM.” What is USB MIDI Driver? The GI-20 Driver is software which passes data between the GI-20 and the application (sequencer software etc.) that is running on the USB-connected computer.

  • Page 46: Installing & Setting Up The Driver (Windows)

    • Windows 2000 users... (p. 51) • Windows Me/98 users ... (p. 55) Windows XP users With the GI-20 disconnected, start up Windows. Disconnect all USB cables except for a USB keyboard and USB mouse (if used). Open the “System Properties” dialog box.
  • Page 47 Connect the GI-20 to your computer. 1) With the power switch turned OFF, connect the AC adaptor to the GI-20. 2) Connect the AC adaptor to an electrical outlet. 3) Use the USB cable to connect the GI-20 to your computer.
  • Page 48 Installing & Setting Up the Driver (Windows) The Found “New Hardware Wizard” will appear. fig.d06 Make sure that the screen indicates “Roland GI-20”, select”Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)”, and click [Next]. The screen will indicate “Please choose your search and installation options”.
  • Page 49 The “Found New Hardware Wizard” will appear. fig.d11 Make sure that the display indicates “Roland GI-20”, and click [Finish]. Wait until “Found New Hardware” appears near the taskbar. When driver installation has been completed, the System Setting Change dialog box will appear.
  • Page 50 Installing & Setting Up the Driver (Windows) If you changed “What action do you want Windows to take?” If you changed the What action do you want Windows to take? setting, restore the original setting after Windows restarts. 1. If you are using Windows XP Professional, log on to Windows using the user name of an administrative account (e.g., Administrator).
  • Page 51 Windows 2000 users With the GI-20 disconnected, start up Windows. Disconnect all USB cables except for a USB keyboard and USB mouse (if used). Log on to Windows as a user with administrative privileges (such as Administrator). Open the “System Properties” dialog box.
  • Page 52 Connect the GI-20 to your computer. 1) With the power switch turned OFF, connect the AC adaptor to the GI-20. 2) Connect the AC adaptor to an electrical outlet. 3) Use the USB cable to connect the GI-20 to your computer.
  • Page 53 Input the following into the “Copy files from” field, and click [OK]. D:\WinXP_2K * The drive name “D:” may be different for your system. Specify the drive name of your CD-ROM drive. * The “Found New Hardware Wizard” may be displayed. Verify that “Roland GI-20” is displayed, and click [Finish]. fig.d20 Installing &...
  • Page 54 Installing & Setting Up the Driver (Windows) * The System Settings Change dialog box may appear. Click [Yes]. Windows will restart automatically. fig.d21 Restart Windows. If you changed “File signature verification” If you changed the “File signature verification” setting, restore the original setting after Windows restarts. 1.
  • Page 55 Windows Me/98 users With the GI-20 disconnected, start up Windows. Disconnect all USB cables except for a USB keyboard and USB mouse (if used). Exit all currently running software (applications). Also close any open windows. If you are using virus checking or similar software, be sure to exit it as well.
  • Page 56 Installing & Setting Up the Driver (Windows) Connect the GI-20 to your computer. 1) With the power switch turned OFF, connect the AC adaptor to the GI-20. 2) Connect the AC adaptor to an electrical outlet. 3) Use the USB cable to connect the GI-20 to your computer.
  • Page 57 For MIDI music playback, click the in Windows 2000/Me, [Preferred device]), and select the following from the list that appears. Roland GI-20 MIDI OUT fig.d28 Click [OK] to close the “Sounds and Audio Devices Properties” dialog box. This completes driver settings.
  • Page 58 In Control Panel, double-click the Multimedia icon to open the “Multimedia Properties” dialog box. Click the MIDI tab. fig.d28 Set “MIDI output”. Select [Single instrument], and choose one of the following from the list that appears. Roland GI-20 MIDI OUT Click [OK] to close the “Multimedia Properties” dialog box. This completes driver settings.

  • Page 59: Installing & Setting Up The Driver (Macintosh)

    Disconnect the GI-20 from the Macintosh before you perform the installation. If the power of the GI-20 is turned on, a message like the following will appear when the Macintosh is started up. Perform the steps described below as appropriate for the message that is displayed.
  • Page 60 Connect the GI-20 to your computer. 1) With the power switch turned OFF, connect the AC adaptor to the GI-20. 2) Connect the AC adaptor to an electrical outlet. 3) Use the USB cable to connect the GI-20 to your computer.
  • Page 61 The “OMS Driver Search” dialog box will appear. Click [Search]. fig.d36 After the search has been completed, make sure that “Roland GI-20” is listed in the “OMS Driver Setup” dialog box, and click [OK]. fig.d37 After making sure that the Roland GI-20 is listed in the “OMS MIDI Device Setup”...
  • Page 62 Verify that you can hear sound from your sound module. fig.d42 * The device displayed as “Roland GI-20” indicates the GI-20 itself; this device does not perform MIDI input or output. Use “GK IN/MIDI OUT” to send/receive MIDI data to/from the equipment connected to the MIDI IN/OUT connector of the GI-20.
  • Page 63 FreeMIDI settings Connect the GI-20 to your computer. 1) With the power switch turned OFF, connect the AC adaptor to the GI-20. 2) Connect the AC adaptor to an electrical outlet. 3) Use the USB cable to connect the GI-20 to your computer.
  • Page 64 Installing & Setting Up the Driver (Macintosh) In the dialog box that appears, select the MIDI equipment that is connected to each port of the GI-20, and click [>>Add>>]. fig.d46 Manufacturer: Select the manufacturer of your MIDI equipment. If the appropriate manufacturer does not appear in the list, select “Other.”...

  • Page 65: Troubleshooting

    Is the GI-20 connected correctly? Make sure that the USB connector of your computer is connected to the GI-20 by a USB cable. Check this, and if you are using Windows, close the Sound and Multimedia Properties dialog box (Sounds and Audio Devices Properties in Windows...
  • Page 66 To determine this, switch off the power of the GI-20. If the “Composite USB Device” (or other) indication disappears when you turn off the power of the GI-20, then it is the GI-20 that has been incorrectly detected.

  • Page 67: Deleting The Driver

    From the list, right-click “Roland GI-20.” Then choose "Uninstall" from the menu that appears. * If the list does not show “Roland GI-20,” refer to "Can’t install/ delete/use the driver in Windows XP/2000.” A “Confirm Device Removal” dialog box will appear.

  • Page 68: Windows Me/98 Users

    1. Start Windows with all USB cables disconnected. (except the keyboard and mouse) 2. Use a USB cable to connect the GI-20 and your computer. 3. Turn the POWER switch of the GI-20 to the “ON” position. 4. Exit all applications before performing the uninstallation.

  • Page 69: Index

    Index AC Adaptor ASSIGN Assign Bank Select Basic Channel (BASIC CH) Bend BEND DATA THIN BEND RANGE BEND RANGE MAX BULK Bulk Dump Bulk Load Chromatic Control Change Control Channel (CTL CH) Copy Cord Hook Display Driver Error Message Exclusive Message EXIT Expression Pedal (EXP PDL) Factory Reset...
  • Page 70 Index S1/S2 Switch SELECT (EXIT) Sensitivity (SENSITIVITY) STRING MUTE STRING SEL System Exclusive System Parameter Transmission Mode TRANSPOSE Tuner TUNER (STRING SEL) Tuner Indicator Tuning USB Driver USB DRIVER TYPE USB MIDI Driver VENDER SPECIFIC Vibrato WRITE – – – –...

  • Page 71: Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement

    This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 72 Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below. SINGAPORE AFRICA AFRICA Swee Lee Company 150 Sims Drive, EGYPT SINGAPORE 387381 TEL: 6846-3676 Al Fanny Trading Office...

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