Roland VP-550 Owner's Manual
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Roland VP-550 Owner's Manual

Vocal & ensemble keyboard
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  • Page 1 Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 3 Pitch bend / modulation p. 38 lever Use this lever to vary the pitch or apply vibrato. * The VP-550’s pitch bend range is fi xed at a whole note (two semitones). Keyboard Perform. *The VP-550 does not respond to aftertouch.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Adjusting the Ensemble volume (ENSEMBLE LEVEL) ......29 Using the mic to add expression to the Ensemble (VOICE EXPRESSION)..................30 About the VP-550’s strings (STRINGS 1) ...........30 Performing with Bass & Percussion (BASS & PERCUSSION) ..........31 Selecting a sound ....................31 Performing with Bass & Percussion ............32 Adjusting the Bass &...
  • Page 5 “IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet). They provide important information concerning proper operations of the VP-550. This Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety in order for you to understand all features and operations. Keep the manual on hand for reference purposes.
  • Page 6 P l a y l i k e y o u ’ r e s i n g i n g .

  • Page 7: The Ancestry Of The Vp

    1979 was the year in which Roland released the VP-330, a new idea that combined a vocoder with a strings-type keyboard, making it simple to produce sound without needing to use other equipment.

  • Page 8: Features Of The Vp-550

    In other words, the VP-550 lets you do it all; from beautiful choirs echoing in a cathedral, to funky gospel, to background choruses for pop and rock bands.

  • Page 9: An Overview Of The Vp-550

    An overview of the VP-550 The VP-550 has three parts, and each part occupies its own section of the front panel. • VOCAL DESIGNER • ENSEMBLE • BASS & PERCUSSION VOCAL DESIGNER ENSEMBLE BASS & PERCUSSION If you turn on a sound button for a part, you’ll be able to play that part.

  • Page 10: About Vocal Designer

    About Vocal Designer “Vocal Designer” human vocal modeling technology is a further evolution of the “vocoder. ” Here’s a simple explanation of the vocoder. What’s a vocoder? The “vocoder” was invented by the physicist H. Dudley in 1939 as a technology for compressing a voice communication signal.

  • Page 11: Sound List

    (p. 30). STRINGS 2 This is a synthesizer string sound. It is a bright string sound that evokes the Roland JP-8000 synthesizer, and is a good choice for chordal playing.
  • Page 12 BASS & PERCUSSION Sound Description BASS 1 This is a bass voice with short-duration notes, good for up-tempo songs across a wide range of styles. BASS 2 This is a bass voice with long-duration notes, good for slower-tempo songs across a wide range of styles.

  • Page 13: Making Connections

    M ak ing conne c ti ons n this chapter you’ll connect the VP-550 to your external equipment and set it up.

  • Page 14: Making Connections

    Making connections Connect the power cord ( AC IN) Connect the included power cord to the VP-550’s [AC Inlet], and plug the other end into an AC outlet. to AC outlet...

  • Page 15: Connecting Your Amp Or Speakers (Output/Phones)

    Connecting your amp or speakers ( OUTPUT/ PHONES) The VP-550 doesn’t contain an amp or speakers. In order to hear sound, you’ll need to connect it to monitor speakers (with a built-in amp), a stereo set or other audio system, or headphones.

  • Page 16: Connecting Your Mic (Mic)

    This means that using a high-quality mic will correspondingly improve the quality of the result. The connector of the VP-550 you use will depend on the type of plug your mic provides. (In order to use the full capability of the VP-550, we recommend using a “balanced (XLR) type” plug.) For more about mics recommended for the VP-550, refer to the separate leafl et “Mics recommended for the VP-550.”...
  • Page 17 If you’re using a phone plug mic (EXT IN) Connect it to the [EXT IN] jack as shown. Turn the [EXT IN] knob to “MIC.” ✍ This knob adjusts the level of the sound from the [EXT IN] jack. (Turn the knob toward “MIC” to increase the level, or toward “LINE”...

  • Page 18: Connecting A Pedal (Hold Pedal/Exp Pedal)

    ( HOLD PEDAL/ EXP PEDAL) You can connect a hold pedal (sold separately: DP series, BOSS FS-5U) and an expression pedal (sold sepa- rately: EV-5) to the VP-550. Using a hold pedal lets you hold the notes. Using an expression pedal lets you add expression to your performance.

  • Page 19: Performing

    Pe r fo r m i n g n this chapter you’ll learn the basics of playing the VP-550. When you’ve fi nished it, you will have mastered the basics of the VP-550!

  • Page 20: Turning On/Off The Power (Power On)

    Use the [VOLUME] knob to adjust the volume appropriately. While you play the keyboard to produce sound, adjust the volume of the VP-550 and of the audio equip- ment you’ve connected. If you don’t hear sound, check the following.

  • Page 21: Turning Off The Power

    Turning off the power Before you turn off the power, check the following. Have you turned down the volume of the VP-550 and the connected audio system to the minimum set- tings? On the VP-550’s rear panel, turn the [POWER] switch “off .”...

  • Page 22: Adjusting The Volume (Volume)

    Adjusting the volume ( VOLUME) Here’s how to adjust the volume of the entire VP-550. Adjust the volume of the entire VP-550. ✍ For best results, adjust the volume of your amp or speaker system so that you get the desired loudness when the [VOLUME] knob is between the 12 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions as shown.

  • Page 23: Performing With Vocal Designer (Vocal Designer)

    Performing with Vocal Designer ( VOCAL DESIGNER) Let’s go ahead and try performing with the Vocal Designer part. While vocalizing into the mic, play the keyboard and you’ll hear realistic and natural voices. ➞ For more about how Vocal Designer works, refer to “About Vocal Designer” ( p.

  • Page 24: Adjusting The Mic Input Level (Mic Level)

    Adjusting the mic input level ( MIC LEVEL) Here’s how to adjust the input level of the mic connected to the rear panel [MIC] jack. Vocalize into the mic. ✍ Check the indicator status. Indicator signifi cance The signal level from the mic input is too great. Yellow The signal level from the mic input is just right.

  • Page 25: Performing With Vocal Designer

    • Use your voice to control the volume (expression) If you don’t hear sound, check the following • Is the VP-550 correctly connected to your amp, speaker, or headphones? • Is the VP-550’s volume raised? • Is one of the Vocal Designer sound buttons lit? •...

  • Page 26: Adding Your Unprocessed Voice (Direct)

    Now let’s add your voice from the mic directly to the output. Vocalize into the mic. Your voice will be output directly from the VP-550. This time, try singing a favorite song into the mic. While doing so, choose one of the Vocal Designer sounds (we recommend [GOSPEL] or [POP]) and hold down the appropriate chord progressions on the keyboard while you sing.

  • Page 27: Switching Off The Mic (Mic On/Off)

    Press the button again to make it light; the mic input will turn on. ✍ When you power-on the VP-550, this button will be lit and the mic input will be on. ✍ You can check the mic expression sensitivity by holding down [MIC ON/OFF] for one second or longer ( ➞...

  • Page 28: Raising Vocal Designer's Pitch By One Octave (8Va)

    Raising Vocal Designer’s pitch by one octave ( 8va) Here’s how to raise Vocal Designer’s pitch by one octave. Press the [8va] button; it will light, and the pitch of Vocal Designer will rise one octave. Press the button once again; it will go dark, and Vocal Designer will return to its original pitch.

  • Page 29: Performing With Ensemble (Ensemble)

    (p. 30). STRINGS 2 This is a synthesizer string sound. It is a bright string sound that evokes the Roland JP-8000 synthesizer, and is a good choice for chordal playing.

  • Page 30: Performing With Ensemble

    By layering powerful strings or beautiful choir sounds together with Vocal Designer, your performance on the VP-550 can sound unbelievably rich. Vocal Designer will stop sounding when your voice is not being input from the mic (such as when you take a breath), but the Ensemble part will sound as long as you are playing the keyboard (regardless of the mic input).

  • Page 31: Adjusting The Ensemble Volume (Ensemble Level)

    Adjusting the Ensemble volume ( ENSEMBLE LEVEL) Here’s how to adjust the volume of the Ensemble part. Play the keyboard. Move the [LEVEL] slider to adjust the volume. Unlike the [VOLUME] knob, this slider only aff ects the Ensemble part. You can use this slider to make adjust- ments when you want the Ensemble part to be louder (or softer) than the Vocal Designer or the direct output of the mic (your voice).

  • Page 32: Using The Mic To Add Expression To The Ensemble

    This can produce an unnatural impression when a soft sound gradu- ally becomes a loud sound. In contrast, the string sound built into the VP-550 use the expression pedal (or “Voice Expression” function) to smoothly change the sound between “softly bowed sounds” and “strongly bowed sounds, ” creating a much more natural-sounding crescendo or decrescendo.

  • Page 33: Performing With Bass & Percussion (Bass & Percussion)

    Performing with Bass & Percussion ( BASS & PERCUSSION) bass and voice percussion sounds. This makes it easy to use your left hand to play a bass line while using your right hand to play the melody. Selecting a sound Here’s how to select a Bass &...

  • Page 34: Performing With Bass & Percussion

    This completes the setting. This setting is press one of the Bass & Percussion remembered even if you turn off the power. sound buttons. Don’t power-off the VP-550 during this process; doing so may cause a malfunc- tion. To check the current setting, hold...

  • Page 35: Adjusting The Ambience (Ambience)

    This high-quality ambience eff ect that is so indispensable for vocal sounds was newly developed for the VP-550. It processes the sound in stereo rather than in mono, and is tuned so that human voices will reso- nate as beautifully as possible. The result is a spacious sound fi eld with excellent clarity and defi nition.

  • Page 36: Checking The Output Sound (Sound Check)

    Checking the output sound ( SOUND CHECK) Here’s how you can record and play back the sound that’s being sent from the [OUTPUT] jacks. While you’re using a mic, it’s diffi cult for you to tell exactly what the audience is really hearing, but this function provides an easy and accurate way of checking the output sound.

  • Page 37: Using Controllers

    Using controllers his section explains the numerous controllers provided by the VP-550.

  • Page 38: Shifting One Octave Up Or Down (Octave)

    Shifting one octave up or down (OCTAVE) You can shift the pitch of the keyboard higher or lower by one octave. Shifting one octave upward Press the [UP] button; the button will light and the keyboard will shift upward one octave. Press the [DOWN] button to return to the original pitch.

  • Page 39: Using The D Beam (D Beam)

    Using the D Beam ( D BEAM) By waving your hand above this sensor you can apply a variety of eff ects to the VP-550’s sound. Press a button to select a D Beam eff ect. If you press an unlit button, that D Beam eff ect (see table below) will be selected.

  • Page 40: Using The Pitch Bend / Modulation Lever (Pitch Bend)

    While you play the keyboard, move the lever toward the left to lower the pitch, or toward the right to raise the pitch. * The VP-550’s pitch bend range is fi xed at one whole step (two semitones). Adding vibrato Vibrato is the eff ect of modulating the pitch.

  • Page 41: Using Pedals (Hold Pedal / Exp Pedal)

    ( HOLD PEDAL / EXP PEDAL) The VP-550 lets you connect a hold pedal (sold separately: DP series, BOSS FS-5U) and an expression pedal (sold separately: EV-5). Using a hold pedal lets you hold the notes. Using an expression pedal lets you add expression to your performance.

  • Page 42: Using A Mic To Control Expression (Voice Expression)

    The “STRINGS 1” sound will also change its tone dynamically according to the loudness of your voice (p. 30). This powerful string sound was newly developed for the VP-550. Try vocalizing into the mic. You’ll hear the diff erence.

  • Page 43: Changing The Settings

    C hanging th e se t t i ngs he VP-550 has only three things you’ll ever need to set: a tuning knob, four registration buttons, and mic expression sensitivity.

  • Page 44: Tuning (Tune)

    ( TUNE) Here’s how to tune the entire the VP-550. Turn the TUNE knob to raise or lower the overall pitch of the VP-550. Turn the knob toward “#” to raise the pitch. Turn the knob toward “b” to lower the pitch.

  • Page 45: Registering Sounds And Settings (Registration)

    ✍ Convenient ways to use [REGISTRATION] [REGISTRATION] number 1 is automatically selected when you power-on the VP-550. You’ll fi nd it con- venient to register your favorite combination of sounds and settings in number 1.

  • Page 46: Adjusting The Mic Expression Sensitivity

    This completes the setting. This setting will be remembered even when you turn off the power. Don’t power-off the VP-550 during this process. Doing so may cause a malfunction. To check the current setting, hold down [MIC ON/OFF] for one second or longer.

  • Page 47: Example Applications

    Example applications ere you’ll learn about some specifi c settings for taking advantage of the VP-550.

  • Page 48: Simulating A Large Classical Choir

    “MALE & FEMALE” by turning the [8va] button on.) The audience will be stunned by the richness of the sound emanating from you and the VP-550. While you perform using the mic and keyboard, adjust the Ensemble level downward.

  • Page 49: Simulating A Gospel Chorus

    Simulating a gospel chorus For gospel-style songs, choose the “GOSPEL” Vocal Designer sound and the “HUMMING” Ensemble sound. “GOSPEL” is a choral sound containing the distinctive upward swoops that occur at the beginning of notes, and is a particularly good complement to the softer attacks of “HUMMING. ” Choose “GOSPEL”...

  • Page 50: Adding A Backing Chorus To Your Voice

    While you perform using the mic and keyboard, adjust the [DIRECT] slider. When you raise the DIRECT slider, your singing voice from the mic input will be output from the VP-550. Set the DIRECT slider fairly low (about 2 or 3) to create the appropriate overall volume balance.

  • Page 51: Simulating A Jazz Scat Solo

    Simulating a jazz scat solo You won’t be able to perform skillfully using Vocal Designer unless your mic vocalizing and keyboard per- formance are at the appropriate timing. This can make it rather diffi cult to play rapid solo passages. In such cases, you can turn up the volume of “JAZZ SCAT, ”...

  • Page 52: Using The Sound Of An External Synthesizer (Ext In)

    Using the sound of an external synthesizer ( EXT IN) If you press the [VOCODER 1] and [VOCODER 2] sound buttons simultaneously, the sound being received from the rear panel [EXT IN] jack will be used as the carrier (the signal that is the foundation of the sound). In this case, turn the rear panel [MIX TO MIC] switch “OFF.
  • Page 53 You can also connect a synthesizer that doesn’t have a keyboard (often called a “sound module”). In this case, connect the VP-550’s [MIDI OUT] connector to the [MIDI IN] connector of your sound module, and use the VP-550’s keyboard to play the sound module.

  • Page 54: Performing" Sound From Drums Or A Portable Music Player

    “Performing” sound from drums or a portable music player Here’s a really cool trick. The VP-550 lets you “perform” using the sound from a V-drum (electronic drum) or a portable music player connected to the mic input instead of your voice.

  • Page 55: Appendix

    Appendix ere you’ll fi nd information about connecting and using external MIDI equipment, the MIDI implementation, troubleshooting, and the main specifi cations.

  • Page 56: Connecting The Vp-550 With Midi Equipment

    Connecting a synthesizer via MIDI Here’s how you can use the VP-550’s keyboard to play an external MIDI-connected synthesizer, for example to layer a piano with the VP-550’s vocal sounds.
  • Page 57 You can use your MIDI sequencer to record the keyboard performance data from the VP-550, and record your vocal via the mic as you listen to the sequencer playback. With the VP-550 connected to your sequenc- er, you’ll be able to use it as part of your studio setup.

  • Page 58: Midi Implementation

    * When this message is received, all notes currently sounding the manufacturer whose Exclusive message on the corresponding channel will be turned off . this is. Roland’s manufacturer ID is 41H. ID ● Control Change numbers 7EH and 7FH are extensions of the ●...

  • Page 59: Supplementary Material

    16 ) 4 ...14 * Transmitted according to mic volume when Voice Expression is on. Sub ID#2 (Identity Reply) 0 ... 4 ID number (Roland) ❍ Foot type (Controller number 4) 18H 02H Device family code Since from the preceding table, 0 = 00H, 4 = 04H, 14 = 0EH, 10 =...

  • Page 60: Midi Implementation Chart

    MIDI Implementation Chart Date : Feb. 01, 2006 Model: VP-550 Version : 1.00 Transmitted Recognized Remarks Function... CH1: VOCAL DESIGNER Basic Default 1–3 1–3 CH2: ENSEMBLE Channel Changed CH3: BASS & PERCUSSION Default Mode 3 Mode 3 Mode Messages Altered...

  • Page 61: Main Specifi Cations

    8.5 kg / 18 lbs 12 oz Controllers Accessories D Beam Controller Owner’s Manual Pitch Bend / Modulation Lever Leafl et “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” Leafl et “Mics recommended for the VP-550” Octave Shift Power Cord ±1 Octave Options Number of Registration memories Keyboard Stand: KS-12...

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting

    Is the power cord connected correctly? ( ➞ p. 12) Power won’t turn on! Is the VP-550 correctly connected to your amp, speaker, or headphones? ( ➞ p. 13) No sound! Is the VP-550’s volume raised? ( ➞ p. 20) Vocal Designer won’t...
  • Page 63 The VP-550 does not have a Factory Reset function. This is because it does not tory reset? have complex parameters that would require resetting. How do I change the pitch The VP-550’s pitch bend range is fi xed at a whole step (two semitones). This can- bend range? not be changed. Is aftertouch supported? The VP-550’s keyboard does not support aftertouch.

  • Page 64: Index

    Index Numerics GOSPEL 9, 21 8va 26 HALL 1 33 AC IN 12 HALL 2 33 Aftertouch 61 HOLD PEDAL 16, 39 AMBIENCE 33 HUMMING 9, 27 BASS&PERCUSSION 7, 10, 31 Intelligent legato 30 Bass & Percussion volume 32 BASS 1 10, 31 BASS 2 10, 31 BASS 3 10, 31 JAZZ SCAT 9, 27...
  • Page 65 Sound list 9 STRINGS 1 9, 27, 30 STRINGS 2 9, 27 STUDIO 33 Troubleshooting 60 TUNE 42 VOCAL DESIGNER 7, 8, 9, 21 Vocoder 8 VOCODER 1 9, 21 VOCODER 2 9, 21 VOICE EXPRESSION 40 VOLUME 20 VP-550 7...

  • Page 66: Information

    Information...
  • Page 67 B l o ck d i a gr a m DIRECT LEVEL LED LEVEL MIC ON / OFF EXT IN EXT IN LEVEL EXT IN AMBIENCE CTRL DEPTH MIX TO MIC MIDI ON / OFF VOICE EXPRESSION ENSEMBLE LEVEL HOLD PITCH D-BEAM VOICE EXPRESSION...
  • Page 68 04232878 ’06-02-1N...

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