Roland VS-880EX Quick Start Manual
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Roland VS-880EX Quick Start Manual

Digital studio workstation
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Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" (Owner's Manual p. 2),
"USING THE UNIT SAFELY" (Owner's Manual p. 3, 4), and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (Owner's Manual p. 5). These sections pro-
vide 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, Quick Start, Owner's Manual, and Appendices should be read in its
entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference
Introduction.
We like to take this opportunity to say thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the
Roland VS-880EX Digital Studio Workstation.
The documentation for the VS-880EX consists of three volumes, the "Owner's Manual,"
"Appendices," and this "Quick Start" guide. Quick Start describes in order the basic operations
of the VS-880EX, from turning the power on, recording, playing back, making a master tape, and
turning off the unit again. If you are using the VS-880EX for the first time, read Quick Start first.
Conventions Used in This
In order to describe the operations and procedures explained in the Owner's Manual concisely,
the following are used.
• Panel items printed in square brackets [ ] refer to specific buttons.
Example:
[SHIFT] refers to the Shift button.
• Panel items not printed in square brackets [ ] indicate button groups or connector/jack
groups.
Example:
STATUS button refers to Status buttons [1]–[8].
• Double function refers to buttons whose functions can be change when the [SHIFT] button is
pressed or depending on other conditions. The current active function will be indicated first.
Example 1:
[EDIT (SOLO)] when the Master Block is being set.
Example 2:
[SOLO (EDIT)] when the solo function is being used.
• Numerals used in panel indications refer to specific channel buttons, connection terminals,
controls, and so on.
Example:
INPUT 1 control indicates the Channel 1 input sensitivity adjustment
knob.
• Letters and numerals in quotation marks " " refer to messages displayed on the screen.
Example:
When you turn the power off, "SHUT/EJECT?" is displayed.
• (p. **) indicates reference pages in this manual.
• Paragraphs beginning with an asterisk (*) explain especially important points. In Quick
Start,
NOTE
is used instead.
• The meanings of words indicated by a
• Quick Start introduces only a part of the VS-880EX's many functions. After reading Quick Start,
if you still find some problems to understand, or for more advanced use of the VS-880EX, please
be sure to read the points indicated by
Copyright © 1998 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Roland Homepage http://www.rolandcorp.com/
Quick Start
Manual.
can be found in the "Glossary" (Appendices p. 123).
referring to pages in the Owner's Manual.
.

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  • Page 1 “Appendices,” and this “Quick Start” guide. Quick Start describes in order the basic operations of the VS-880EX, from turning the power on, recording, playing back, making a master tape, and turning off the unit again. If you are using the VS-880EX for the first time, read Quick Start first. Conventions Used in This Manual.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Preparations ..........3 Connecting Audio Equipment ...................3 Turning On the Power ......................4 Turning Off the Power......................6 Listening to the Demo Song ....8 Listening to a Different Arrangement of the Demo Song ..........8 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording)12 Items Necessary for Multi-Track Recording ..............12 Creating a New Song ......................12 Connecting Instruments ....................14 Recording to the Tracks.....................15...

  • Page 3: Preparations

    The sound from the PHONES jack is the same as the sound from the MASTER jacks. Adjust the headphones volume with the PHONES knob. At the time of purchase, all of the VS-880EX’s analog audio signals are set to be output from the MASTER jacks.

  • Page 4: Turning On The Power

    TIME/VALUE dial. If “Init.Drive=NoDrv” appears in the display This indicates there is no internal hard disk installed. In this case, the VS-880EX can- not be run. When this message is appeared even with an internal hard disk installed, it indicates that the drive is not recognized properly.
  • Page 5 • If even after you perform an operation using the prescribed procedure the result differs from that stated in Quick Start or in the Owner’s Manual, please refer to “Troubleshooting” (Appendices p. 6). • If the above steps do not resolve your problem, contact a nearby Roland Service Center or authorised Roland distributor.

  • Page 6: Turning Off The Power

    To safely turn off the power and be sure that your recorded perfor- mances are saved, always be sure to follow the shutdown procedure when you finish working with the VS-880EX. Shutdown (Appendices p. 124) Hold down [SHIFT] and press [SHUT/EJECT (STOP)].
  • Page 7 Turn down the volume of your audio equipment. Turn off the power of the audio equipment. Turn off the power of the VS-880EX with the POWER switch on the rear panel. After the power is turned off, the momentum of the hard disk causes it NOTE to continue spinning for a short while.

  • Page 8: Listening To The Demo Song

    Listening to the Demo Song The internal hard disk contains a demo song prerecorded on it. Take a listen to the demo song before continuing. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this material for purposes NOTE other than private, personal enjoyment is a violation of applicable laws.
  • Page 9 Listening to the Demo Song Gradually raise the master fader to adjust the volume. The current playback time, level meter and other information are shown in the display. CONDITION MARKER# TIME INPUT TRACK MASTER When the performance is finished, press [STOP]. The demo song is stopped.

  • Page 10: Listening To A Different Arrangement Of The Demo Song

    Listening to the Demo Song Listening to a Different Arrangement of the Demo Song A group of settings for the demo songs, including those for volume and pan, tracks for playback, effects, and so on has been recorded beforehand. Depending on how the demo song is played back while each of the settings is recalled and switched, you can listen to different “mixes,”...
  • Page 11 Listening to the Demo Song Press [STOP] to stop playback of the demo song. Compare different mixes by repeating Steps 3–5. When comparing the different mixes are complete, press [SCENE] again. The SCENE indicator will go off. For more detailed information, please refer to “Recording the Current Condition of the Mixer (Scene)”...

  • Page 12: Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording)12

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) This section explains the basic procedures that are necessary for recording with the VS-880EX. Try out each operation as you read these instructions. Items Necessary for Multi-Track Recording • The VS-880EX • Internal IDE hard disk (1) •...
  • Page 13 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Press [SONG] several times until “SNG Song New ?” appears in the display. Press [YES]. The Song New screen is displayed. Although in this screen, you can specify the sound quality (sample rate and recording mode) for the recording, this is not necessary at this point.

  • Page 14: Connecting Instruments

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Connecting Instruments Pull the master fader all the way down. Connect your instrument or mic to the INPUT jack. When connecting a electric guitar In order to record the electric guitar with the best possible sound quality, please use an active-type guitar.

  • Page 15: Recording To The Tracks

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Recording to the Tracks This section takes you through an example of the procedures used in recording vocal input from the INPUT 1 jack to Track 1. Hold down [REC] and press the Track 1 STATUS button. The STATUS indicator blinks red.
  • Page 16 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Press [PLAY]. The PLAY indicator lights green, and recording starts. Now begin playing. When you have finished the performance, press [STOP]. The song then stops. To select the source to record into the tracks, please refer to “Recording to the Tracks”...

  • Page 17: Playing Back Recorded Performances

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Playing back Recorded Performances Now listen to the performance you have recorded to Track 1. Hold down [STOP] and press the Track 1 STATUS button. The STATUS indicator lights green. Press [ZERO] to return to the beginning of the song. Press [PLAY] to begin playback of the song.

  • Page 18: Saving A Recorded Performance

    To avoid this from happening, use the following procedure to save your songs to the disk drive. When handling important song data, or when using the VS-880EX for MEMO extended periods, we suggest that you make frequent use of this pro- cedure.

  • Page 19: Undoing A Recording Operation

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Undoing a Recording Operation Sometimes, when recordings are made with levels too low or if mistakes are made during the recording, you will want to record a song over. In such instances, you can use the following procedure to erase the contents of a song. This is called the Undo function.
  • Page 20 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Press [UNDO]. “UNDO Level=” appears in the display. Use the TIME/VALUE dial to specify the conditions to be restored, i.e., the number of previous steps to be undone. Press [YES]. The UNDO indicator lights, indicating that the UNDO has been executed prop- erly.

  • Page 21: Re-Recording A Specific Section

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Re-recording a Specific Section Sometimes, when listening to a recorded performance, even if you don’t find it necessary to discard the entire song, there may be sections containing mistakes or lyrics that are hard to hear. In such instances, you will find the following pro- cedure convenient for recording over only selected parts of a recording.
  • Page 22 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) When you reach the point where you wish to record over, press [REC]. The REC indicator lights red, indicating recording mode. Begin playing now. If you have finished performing, press [REC] once more. The REC indicator goes off, indicating that you have returned to playback mode. Press [STOP] to stop playback of the song.
  • Page 23 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Does the recording sound as you though it would? If you are sat- isfied with the results of your recording, then save the perfor- mance to the disk, by following the procedure described in “Saving a Recorded Performance” (p. 18). For more detailed information, please refer to “Recording Over a Portion of a Performance (Punch-In/Punch-Out)”...

  • Page 24: Recording Additional Tracks

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Recording Additional Tracks With the VS-880EX, you can record additional performances on other tracks while you listen to previously recorded tracks. This process is known as over- dubbing. In this section, we will try recording an additional performance on Track 2 while listening to the performance already recorded on Track 1.
  • Page 25 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Normally, the signal received via the INPUT 2 jack is assigned for recording on input Channel 2. When you wish to record only the source received from INPUT jack 1, while holding down the Track 2 STATUS button, press the Channel 2 SELECT button. The SELECT indicator goes off.
  • Page 26 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Recording on V-Track The VS-880EX features 8 tracks, each of which contains 8 auxiliary tracks. These subsidiary tracks are called as V-tracks. One song can contain two sets (banks) of 64 V-tracks (these 8 tracks x 8 V-tracks). In other words, a maximum of 8 tracks x 8 V-tracks x 2 banks = 128 performance tracks can be recorded.
  • Page 27 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) The upper line of the display will indicate “V.Track=,” allowing you to select the V-track. V-Track Bank Tracks on which sound has been recorded V-Track CONDITION MARKER# TIME INPUT TRACK MASTER At this time, the bar display will indicate the V-tracks on which sound MEMO has been recorded, and the V-track which is selected for each track.

  • Page 28: Using Effects

    Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Using Effects The effect is installed in the VS-880EX, up to 2 high-quality stereo effects will be available for your use. Applying Effects to the Playback. When playing back a song, you can have effects such as reverb and delay applied to the sound.
  • Page 29 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the type of effect (Patch). Here, let’s select “A00 RV:LargeHall.” After selecting the effect, press [YES]. Press [FADER (EDIT)] several times to let the FADER indicator light green. (Track Mixer) Press channel 1 [CH EDIT].
  • Page 30 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Applying Effects While Recording. Many recordings of electric guitar, vocals, or the like contain the insertion of effects such as “Guitar Multi” and “Vocal Multi.” Here’s an example to connect an electric guitar to the INPUT 1 jack, and record it to Track 1.
  • Page 31 Basic Operation (Multi-Track Recording) Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the type of effect (Patch). Here, let’s select “A41 GT:Rock Lead.” After selecting the effect, press [YES]. Press [FADER (EDIT)] several times to let the FADER indicator light orange. (Input Mixer) Press channel 1 [CH EDIT].

  • Page 32: Completing The Song (Mixdown)

    On the VS-880EX, you can register “locations” or points during the song where you may wish to listen to the contents or record over them. The VS-880EX fea- tures simple and instant recall of such points, making it unnecessary to spend time rewinding or fast forwarding.
  • Page 33 NOTE tions. Locators will be lost if you simply turn the power off. If necessary, save the song before turning off the VS-880EX (p. 18). For more detailed information, please refer to “Storing a Time Location” (Owner’s Manual p. 36).

  • Page 34: Adjusting The Tone

    Completing the Song (Mixdown) Adjusting the Tone Each of the VS-880EX’s channels features a 2-band (low and high) parametric equalizer. Here’s how to use the equalizer to adjust the tone of each track. Press [FADER (EDIT)] several times to let the FADER indicator light green.
  • Page 35 Completing the Song (Mixdown) Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select whether or not the equalizer will be used. For this example, select “On.” Press PARAMETER [ The upper line of the display will indicate “EQL,” allowing you to adjust the low range equalizer.

  • Page 36: Combining The Contents Of Tracks

    Completing the Song (Mixdown) Combining the Contents of Tracks You can mix the performances recorded on two or more tracks and rerecord them onto a different empty track. This operation is known as track bouncing. It is a convenient technique to use when you have run out of free tracks. In this section, we will mix the performances recorded on tracks 1–3, and rere- cord the result on track 4.
  • Page 37 Completing the Song (Mixdown) Hold down the Track 4 STATUS button and press the SELECT buttons for Tracks 1–3. The SELECT indicators blink green. Normally, the signal received via the INPUT 4 jack is assigned for recording on Track 4. When you wish to record only Tracks 1–3, Perform steps 6–7.
  • Page 38 Completing the Song (Mixdown) 15,19 Press [REC]. The REC indicator blinks red. Press [PLAY]. The PLAY indicator lights green, and recording begins. When you finished recording, Press [STOP]. The song stops. Check the contents of the recorded performance. Press [ZERO] to return to the beginning of the song.
  • Page 39 Completing the Song (Mixdown) Does the recording sound as you though it would? If you are sat- isfied with the results of your recording, save the performance to the disk, by following the procedure described in “Saving a Recorded Performance” (p. 18). To cancel track assignments You can cancel all assignments (routings) of sources or tracks to tracks (i.e., to a state where nothing is connected).
  • Page 40 Completing the Song (Mixdown) Combining the Contents of Tracks While Adding Effects. Sometimes you may want to apply effects to previously-recorded tracks and then record the sound to an another track. Here is how to use the effect to add reverb to Tracks 1–3 and bounce these tracks to Track 4.
  • Page 41 Completing the Song (Mixdown) After selecting the effect, press [YES]. Press [FADER (EDIT)] several times to let the FADER indicator light green. (Track Mixer) Press channel 1 [CH EDIT]. The upper left of the display will indicate “TR1,” allowing you to make settings for channel 1.
  • Page 42 Completing the Song (Mixdown) 13 16 15,17,19 Hold down the Track 4 STATUS button and press the Track Channel SELECT buttons for Tracks 1–3. The SELECT indicators blink green. Normally, the signal received via the INPUT 4 jack is assigned for recording on Track 4.
  • Page 43 Completing the Song (Mixdown) Now you have set it up so that you can monitor Tracks 1–3 and effect sound on Track Channel 4. Press [FADER (EDIT)] twice. The FADER indicator light green. (Track Mixer) Record and check the content by following the procedure described in Steps 9–20 of “Combining the Contents of Tracks”...

  • Page 44: Recording The Current Condition Of The Mixer (Scene)

    Completing the Song (Mixdown) Recording the Current Condition of the Mixer (Scene) With the VS-880EX, the current mixer settings can be stored, and then and can be recalled at the touch of a button. A stored group of mixer settings is called a Scene.
  • Page 45 Completing the Song (Mixdown) Recalling Scene. Press [SCENE]. The SCENE indicator lights. Press the LOC buttons ([1/5]–[4/8]) whose indicators light. For example, if you want to recall the mixer settings stored in SCENE 1, press [1/5]. Additionally, to recall SCENE 5, hold down [SHIFT] and press [1/5].

  • Page 46: Creating A Master Tape

    DAT, MD, or other media. This process is called mixdown. Here is how to record the analog signal output from the VS-880EX’s MASTER jacks. 5,11 Connect the VS-880EX to your recorder.
  • Page 47 Adjust the recording levels. Adjust the output volume with the VS-880EX’s master fader, making it as high as possible without causing any input overload on the recorder. Press [ZERO] on the VS-880EX, to return to the beginning of the song. Put your recorder in record mode.

  • Page 48: Appendices

    When handling the hard disk, remove screws only as directed in the instructions. Take care not to drop any screws into the interior of the VS-880EX’s chassis. The front panel cover which was removed must not be left unattached. When you are finished installing the hard disk, be sure to re-attach the cover as before.
  • Page 49 Appendices Turn off the power of the VS-880EX, and disconnect all cables con- nected to the unit. Remove the front panel cover from the VS-880EX, and remove the two screws located on either side of the installation slot. With the warning sticker on the hard disk facing upward, slide it gently into the installation slot, and press it firmly all the way in.
  • Page 50 Place the hard disk in its carton and set this in the specified place inside the VS-880EX shipping carton. The unit is now ready to be transported. Moving the VS-880EX with the hard disk installed may...
  • Page 52 01562878 '98-7-C3-11N...

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