Boss VE-2 Owner's Manual

Main Features
Simply plug in a mic and play your guitar.
That's all it takes to add beautiful harmony, resonance, and spaciousness to your singing.
The compact body of the VE-2 contains functions such as generating professional-quality harmony in a variety
of harmony types, adding echo, improving the consistency of your volume and pitch, and sharpening the
definition of your voice, all without any need for complex settings.
The VE-2 supports your vocals in any situation, from street live performances to studio recording.
Panel Description
Top panel
1 2
3 4 5 6
Number Name Explanation
HARMONY section You can adjust the harmony.
Here you can adjust the harmony that is added to your voice (the direct sound).
[BALANCE] knob Turning this to the left of center reduces the harmony that is added; turning it
to the right of center cuts the vocal (the direct sound).
[TYPE] knob Selects the type of harmony.& Refer to "Harmony Settings"
HARMONY TYPE The indicators light to show the type of harmony that's selected by the [TYPE]
indicator knob.& Refer to "TYPE indication"
[VARIATION] button Causes the harmony selected by the [TYPE] knob to be a thicker harmony.
Set this to the key of the song that you're singing.& Refer to "Specifying the
[KEY] knob
key of your song"
The color of the indicator shows the harmony on/off status and BYPASS
(outputting the mic input without change).& Refer to "Turning the Harmony
Status indicator
On/Off and Status indicator"
1
* When the remaining battery power runs low, the Status Indicator will blinks.
If this is on, harmony will be added to your voice according to what you play on
the connected guitar.
* If a guitar is connected to the GUITAR IN jack, AUTO HARMONIST (FULL)
automatically turns on.
Setting Button Explanation
[AUTO HARMONIST]
Harmony is added according to the key specified by the
OFF Unlit
button
[KEY] knob.
Harmony is added according to the chord progression
FULL Red
played on the guitar.
Harmony is added according to the key specified by the
HYBRID Green [KEY] knob and according to the chords played on the
guitar.
2
PEAK indicator Indicates the mic input level.
This knob selects the echo type and adjusts its depth. Turn this knob to REVERB,
3
[ECHO] knob
REV+DLY, or DELAY to switch to that effect.
This button lets you improve the definition of your voice by making the input
volume more consistent (ENHANCE) or by making the pitch more accurate
(PITCH CORRECT).
Setting Button Explanation
4 [ENHANCE] button
OFF Unlit No correction is applied.
ENHANCE
Red The input volume is made more consistent.
ENHANCE + PITCH The input volume and the pitch are made more
Green
CORRECT consistent.
Depending on how you step on this pedal, you can turn harmony on/off
5 Pedal or select BYPASS (only the input sound is heard).& Refer to "Turning the
Harmony On/Off and Status indicator"
Three different sets of knob and button settings can be saved and recalled.
& Refer to "Switching or Saving the Knob and Button Settings (MEMORY
6 [MEMORY] button
Function)"
Main Specifications
BOSS VE-2: Vocal Harmonist
Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery (AA, HR6) or Alkaline (AA, LR6) x 4,
Power Supply
AC Adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw 200 mA Max. (9V)
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6): Approx. 12 hours (phantom power: OFF)
Approx. 8 hours (phantom power: ON)
Expected battery life Alkaline (AA, LR6): Approx. 11 hours (phantom power: OFF)
under continuous use Approx. 7 hours (phantom power: ON)
* These figures will vary depending on the specifications of the batteries and the
actual conditions of use.
Dimensions 156 (W) × 116 (D) × 64 (H) mm 6-3/16 (W) x 4-5/8 (D) x 2-9/16 (H) inches
Weight 600 g 1 lb 6 oz
Accessories Owner's Manual, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY", Alkaline Battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Options (sold separately) AC adaptor (PSA series), Footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6)
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to
change without prior notice
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY For the USA
Compliance Information Statement
Model Name : VE-2
Type of Equipment : Signal Processor
Responsible Party : Roland Corporation U.S.
Address : 5100 S. Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
Telephone : (323) 890-3700
Owner's Manual
Licenses / Trademarks
• Roland and BOSS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
• ASIO is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
• This product contains eCROS integrated software platform of eSOL Co.,Ltd. eCROS is a trademark of
eSOL Co., Ltd. in Japan.
Rear panel
C D E F G H This instrument is equipped
with balanced (XLR) type
jacks. Wiring diagrams
for these jacks are shown
below. Make connections
A
after first checking the
wiring diagrams of other
equipment you intend to
connect.
TIP: HOT
B RING: COLD 2: HOT
SLEEVE: GND
I J K L
Number Name Explanation
Connect a guitar here. If AUTO HARMONIST is on, harmony is added to
A
GUITAR IN jack
your vocal according to your guitar performance.
Connect this to your guitar effects or guitar amp. The input to the
B
GUITAR THRU jack
GUITAR IN jacks is output from here without change.
C
MIC IN jack Connect a mic here.
D
[MIC SENS] knob Adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic connected to the MIC IN jack.
Connect headphones or a speaker here. This jack outputs the same
audio signal as the XLR OUT jack.
E PHONES/LINE OUT jack
* The audio input signal of the guitar is not output from here.
Connect a mixer or monitor amp here. This jack outputs the same audio
signal as the PHONES/LINE OUT jack.
F XLR OUT jack
* The audio input signal of the guitar is not output from here.
Use a USB cable to connect this to your computer. This connection
lets you record your voice into the computer, or to listen to the
G USB port
computer play back via the VE-2.& Refer to "Connecting the VE-2 to
a Computer"
VARIATION, MEMORYH Connect a footswitch here. You can use the footswitch to switch the
H
jack VARIATION or the MEMORY.& Refer to "Connecting a Footswitch"
Turns phantom power on/off.& Refer to "Precautions concerning
I [PHANTOM] switch
use of phantom power supply"
Use this if a ground loop causes noise. Setting this to the "LIFT" position
J [GND] switch may reduce noise in some cases. Normally you should leave this in the
"NOR" position.
This jack is for connecting an AC adaptor (PSA series; sold separately).
K DC IN jack
* Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA series), and connect it to an
AC outlet of the correct voltage.
L
[POWER] switch This switches the power on and off.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
WARNING
To completely turn off power to the unit, pull out the plug from the outlet
Even with the power switch turned off, this unit is not completely separated from its main source of
power. When the power needs to be completely turned off, turn off the power switch on the unit,
then pull out the plug from the outlet. For this reason, the outlet into which you choose to connect
the power cord's plug should be one that is within easy reach and readily accessible.
Handle batteries carefully
If used improperly, you risk the dangers of fluid leakage, overheating, combustion, explosion,
etc. Carefully observe the following:
• Do not heat, disassemble, or toss them into a fire or water.
• Do not expose them to sunlight, flame, or any other source of extreme heat.
• Do not attempt to charge a dry cell battery.
• When using a rechargeable battery and a charger, make sure to use only the combination of
rechargeable battery and charger that has been specified by the battery manufacturer. Also, be sure to
read all of the precautions that were supplied with the rechargeable battery and charger, and abide by
them when using the battery/charger.
CAUTION
Precautions concerning use of phantom power supply
Always turn the phantom power off when connecting any device other than condenser microphones
that require phantom power. You risk causing damage if you mistakenly supply phantom power to
dynamic microphones, audio playback devices, or other devices that don't require such power. Be
sure to check the specifications of any microphone you intend to use by referring to the manual that
came with it. (This instrument's phantom power: 48 V DC, 10 mA Max)
IMPORTANT NOTES
Power Supply: Use of Batteries
• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit's power consumption is relatively high.
• If operating this unit on batteries, please use the alkaline batteries, rechargeable Ni-MH batteries.
• If operating this unit on batteries, please disconnect the AC adaptor from this unit.
• We recommend that you keep batteries installed in the unit even though you'll be powering it with the
AC adaptor. That way, you'll be able to continue a performance even if the cord of the AC adaptor gets
accidently disconnected from the unit.
• If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully
observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT
NOTES" (leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and Owner's Manual).
• When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also,
handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.
Repairs and Data
• When we carry out repairs, in some cases, such as when the memory section is physically damaged,
restoration of the stored content may be impossible. Roland assumes no liability concerning the
restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
English
Copyright © 2014 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in
any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Turning the Power On/Off
Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn
on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.
1.
Turn on the power of the VE-2.
If you're using batteries, install four AA batteries, taking care that their polarity is correct.
* Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However,
this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after turning the unit on is
required before it will operate normally.
2.
Power-on any equipment that is connected to the PHONES/LINE OUT jack or the XLR OUT jack.
When turning the power off, minimize the volume of all devices connected to the VE-2, turn off their power,
and finally turn off the power of the VE-2.
* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units
before making any connections.
Turning the Harmony On/Off and Status indicator
When harmony is turned on, the settings of the HARMONY section, the [ECHO] knob, and the [ENHANCE] button
INPUT OUTPUT
are used; when harmony is turned off, the settings of the [ECHO] knob and the [ENHANCE] button are used. If you
want to hear the sound that is being input from the mic (the direct sound), select the BYPASS setting. The status
1: GND 1: GND 2: HOT
indicators show the harmony on/off and BYPASS status.
Press the pedal
3: COLD 3: COLD
HARMONY on (Blue)
Hold down the pedal
HARMONY + ECHO + ENHANCE
for over 2 seconds
BYPASS (Unlit)
Adding Harmony
1.
Connect a mic to the MIC IN jack.
If you're using a condenser mic, turn the [PHANTOM] switch "ON. "
2.
While vocalizing into the mic, use the [MIC SENS] knob to adjust the input sensitivity.
Adjust the sensitivity so that the PEAK indicator lights orange.
If the input level is too high, the PEAK indicator lights red.
* You must adjust the input sensitivity accurately.
If the input sensitivity is too low or too high, harmony cannot be added correctly.
* When inputting audio via a mic, input the voice of only one person.
If multiple voices are being input, harmony and echo cannot be added correctly.
3.
If you're using a guitar, connect your guitar to the GUITAR IN jack.
* When you connect a guitar to the GUITAR IN jack, AUTO HARMONIST automatically turns on.
4.
Press the pedal to make the status indicator light blue.
5.
Specify the harmony type and balance as described in "Harmony Settings."
If you did not connect a guitar in step 3, you should also specify the key.
6.
While playing your guitar, vocalize into the mic.
Your vocalization is output with added harmony.
* Acoustic feedback could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to speakers. This
can be remedied by:
• Changing the orientation of • Relocating microphone(s) at a
the microphone(s). greater distance from speakers.
Harmony Settings
Use the [TYPE], [KEY], and [BALANCE] knobs and buttons to adjust the harmony.
Selecting the harmony
Use the [TYPE] knob to select the type of harmony. Depending on the type, harmony notes of different pitches
are added to your voice.
Order of Order of
TYPE TYPE
changing changing
5
1 UNISON HIGH & HIGHER
2 HIGH 6 LOW & HIGH
7 OCT UP & DOWN
3 HIGHER
8 LOWER & HIGHER
4 OCT UP
TYPE indication
The HARMONY indicators light according to the type of harmony
that's selected by the TYPE knob.
* For combinations of two harmonic notes, such as
HIGH&HIGHER, the HIGH and HIGHER indicators will both
light.
Specifying the key of your song
Song key and key signature (¾, ²)
Use the [KEY] knob to specify the key of the song
that you're singing, referring to "Song key and key
signature (¾, ²)" as necessary. Major
(Example)
If you're singing a song in A minor, set the [KEY] knob to
Minor
"C, " which is the relative key.
Major
Minor
Adjusting the balance between the vocal and the harmony
Use the [BALANCE] knob to adjust the balance between the vocal (direct sound) and the harmony.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
and Owner's Manual). 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 of your new unit, read Owner's Manual in its entirety. This manual should be saved
and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Switching or Saving the Knob and Button Settings (MEMORY Function)
You can save three sets of the VE-2's knob and button settings, and switch between them as your song progresses.
Switching Memories
You can switch memories by pressing the [MEMORY] button or the pedal.
Using the [MEMORY] button to switch memories
Press the [MEMORY] button to select the desired memory (color).
Using the pedal to switch memories
1.
Hold down the pedal for two seconds or longer to BYPASS the VE-2.
2.
Hold down the pedal once again.
The [MEMORY] button blinks slowly, alternating through memories A–C at intervals of one second.
3.
When the [MEMORY] button reaches the color of the desired memory, take your foot off the pedal.
The [MEMORY] button lights, and the corresponding memory is selected.
Saving a Memory
1.
Long-press the [MEMORY] button.
The button blinks slowly.
2.
Press the [MEMORY] button to specify the destination memory (color) in which you
want to save the settings.
The button blinking rapidly, and then remains lit.
Status indicator 3.
Once again, long-press the [MEMORY] button to save the settings.
The button blinking rapidly, and then remains lit.
* The [MEMORY] button blinks if you modify the settings of a saved memory. If you want to save the modified
settings, save the memory as described in "Saving a Memory. "
* Any data stored within the unit can be lost as the result of equipment failure, incorrect operation, etc.
* Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
HARMONY off (Yellow)
ECHO + ENHANCE
Connecting the VE-2 to a Computer
If you use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable to connect the VE-2 to your computer, you'll be able to do the
following.
• Audio from a mic connected to the VE-2, together with harmony, can be recorded into the computer (NORMAL
mode).
* The audio input from the guitar cannot be recorded into the computer.
• Audio from a mic connected to the VE-2, together with harmony, can be mixed with audio playback from the
computer, and re-recorded or streamed on the computer (LOOP BACK mode).
• The VE-2 can apply harmony to the audio playback from the computer, and output the result (INPUT mode).
* You must install the USB driver before connecting the VE-2 to your computer.
Download the USB driver from the Roland website.
For details, refer to Readme.htm which is included in the download.
http://www.roland.com/support/
Connecting a Footswitch
If a footswitch (FS-5U × 2, FS-6: sold separately) is connected to the VARIATION, MEMORYH jack, you can use the
footswitch to turn the [VARIATION] button on/off or to switch memories.
* If you've connected a single FS-5U, you can use it to turn VARIATION on/off. You'll need a 1/4" phone plug
cable.
When Connecting Two FS-5Us
Cable:
Stereo 1/4" phone type
#"1/4" phone type x 2
• Lowering volume levels with
Setting of the switches
[MIC SENS] knob.
MEMORY
Settings of the VE-2
Sleep function
Order of
If ten hours elapse without any pedal or knob being
TYPE
changing
operated, or any input to the INPUT jack, the VE-2 will
9 LOW & LOWER
enter Sleep mode (power conservation state: only the
10 OCT DOWN sound of the GUITAR THRU jack is output). If you operate
the pedal while the VE-2 is in Sleep mode, it will return
11 LOWER
to normal operation.
12 LOW
USB connection mode
LOW HIGH
You can specify how the unit will operate when
connected to a computer via a USB cable.
OCT OCT
DOWN UP
Setting Procedure
LOWER HIGHER
To change a function or setting of the VE-2, turn on the power while long-pressing the corresponding button, and
UNISON
then change the setting.
Setting to be Button to hold down
changed at power-on
Sleep function AUTO HARMONIST
Pedal operation ENHANCE
USB connection
MEMORY
mode
Standard pitch
VARIATION
setting
Memory Button
A Red
B
Orange
C Green
Normal Unlit
Memory Button
A Red
B
Orange
C Green
Normal Unlit
When Connecting an FS-6
Cable:
Stereo 1/4" phone type
#"Stereo 1/4" phone type
Setting of the switches
VARIATION MEMORY VARIATION
Pedal operation (Harmony on/off)
You can specify how the pedal will operate when
turning harmony on/off.
* If the VE-2's pedal is set to MOMENTARY operation, you
can't use the pedal to turn BYPASS on/off or to switch
memories. However, you can use a footswitch to switch
memories using either the LATCH or the MOMENTARY
setting.
Standard pitch setting
Specify the standard pitch to match the tuning of your
guitar.
Change/ Parameters Button status Default
Finalize settings
ON Blink in green √
AUTO HARMONIST/
Pedal
OFF Blink in red
ENHANCE/ LATCH Blink in red √
Pedal
MOMENTARY Blink in green
NORMAL Blink in red √
MEMORY/
LOOP BACK Blink in orange
Pedal
INPUT Blink in green
437 Hz (Left)
437 Hz
Blink in red
438 Hz
(The HARMONY
VARIATION/ 439 Hz
TYPE indicators
Pedal 440 Hz (Center) √
light to show the
441 Hz
selected pitch).
442 Hz
443 Hz (Right)