ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 (01) PDF Document

The ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 has several key features:

• It provides a virtual warehouse full of vintage instrument sounds, including Waveforms from every acclaimed Roland synthesizer from the SH-1000 to the D-50, as well as sounds from other important synthesizers. The best 255 Patches were carefully selected for inclusion.

• It offers eight rhythm sets with sounds from Roland’s TR-808, CR-78, and a variety of electric drums.

• The M-VS1 has two modes: “Patch” mode for live playing and “Performance” mode for use with a sequencer.

• It includes an effects processor with reverb and chorus, allowing for a full range of sound modifications.

• An input jack allows you to route sound from another device through the M-VS1 and have both signals mixed, eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment.

• It offers a selection of sound mappings, so music data for the General MIDI System/GS Format can be conveniently enjoyed.

Please observe the following power supply precautions:

• Before connecting the ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 to other devices, turn off the power to all units to help prevent damage or malfunction.

• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that generates line noise, such as an electric motor or a variable lighting system.

For optimal placement, follow these guidelines:

• Using the unit near power amplifiers or other equipment with large power transformers may induce a hum. To reduce this, increase the distance between the units.

• This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.

Follow these maintenance instructions to keep your ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 in good condition:

• For everyday cleaning, wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water.

• To remove stubborn dirt, use a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

• Never use benzene, thinners, alcohol, or solvents of any kind, as they can cause discoloration and/or deformation.

The ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 contains a battery to power its memory circuits while the main AC power is off. Here’s what you need to know:

• The expected life of this battery is 5 years or more. It is strongly recommended that you change the battery every 5 years to avoid the untimely loss of memory data. The actual life of the battery depends on the physical environment, especially the temperature.

• When the battery becomes weak, the message “bŁL” will appear in the display. Please change the battery as soon as possible to avoid losing memory data.

• The contents of memory may be lost if the unit is sent for repairs or if a malfunction occurs. Important data should be stored in another MIDI device (e.g., a sequencer) or written down. While care is taken during repairs, it may not be possible to restore data in certain cases, such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order.

Front Panel

1. Phones (headphones) Jack: For connecting headphones. Sound is also output from the Output L/R jacks.

2. Volume Knob: Adjusts the volume of the Output L/R jacks and the headphones jack.

3. Display: Shows Patch numbers, Parameter values, and error messages.

4. Patch Button: Used with Value buttons to select Patches when its indicator is lit or flashing.

5. Mute Button: Stops the selected part from sounding. The indicator lights up when active.

6. Monitor Button: When its indicator is lit, only the selected part will be played; all other parts will be silent.

7. Part Button: Hold this button while pressing a Value button to switch Parts.

8. Value Buttons (▼/▲): Used to change settings. Hold one button and press the other to change values rapidly.

9. Select Button: Used with Function buttons to change settings.

10. Select Indicator: Indicates the selected parameter group and also functions as a level meter.

11. Function Buttons (F1-F4): Used to change settings and return values to factory defaults.

12. Power Switch: Switches the power on and off.

Rear Panel

13. AC Jack: For the included power cord.

14. MIDI In/MIDI Out/MIDI Thru Connectors:

– MIDI In: Receives messages from external MIDI devices.

– MIDI Out: Transmits messages from the unit (e.g., Bulk Dump).

– MIDI Thru: Provides a duplicate of the MIDI message stream received at MIDI In.

15. Input L/R Jacks: Connect the output of another sound module to mix its audio with the M-VS1’s sound. The mixed output is available from the Output L/R and Phones jacks. For monaural input, use the L jack. The input volume is not affected by the M-VS1’s Volume knob.

16. Output L/R jacks: Provide the audio signal output. For monaural output, use the L jack.

Making the Connections

1. Ensure the ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 and all external devices are switched off.

2. Use cables with 1/4″ phone plugs to connect the unit’s Output jacks to a keyboard amp or mixer.

3. Use MIDI cables to make connections between MIDI connectors (e.g., MIDI Out of a keyboard/sequencer to the M-VS1’s MIDI In).

4. To mix another sound source, connect its output jacks to the M-VS1’s Input jacks.

5. You can listen directly by plugging headphones into the Phones jack.

Before Turning On the Power

1. Make sure the M-VS1’s Volume knob is at “Min”.

2. Ensure the volume knobs for the keyboard amp and any other external equipment are also at their lowest settings.

Turning On the Power

1. First, switch on the power for the M-VS1.

2. Next, turn on the keyboard amp or other connected equipment.

3. Adjust the M-VS1’s Volume knob and the volume controls on the other equipment to set the appropriate sound level.

Turning Off the Power

When switching off, first turn off the keyboard amp or other equipment, and then switch off the M-VS1.

The ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 has two main operation modes:

• Performance mode: In this mode, it functions as a multi-timbral sound generator capable of playing eight Parts simultaneously. This mode is ideal for ensemble play with a sequencer.

• Patch mode: In this mode, it works as a sound generator focused on playing just a single Part. This mode works well for live-stage performances with a MIDI keyboard.

To switch to Performance mode, switch on the power while holding down the Part button. To switch to Patch mode, switch on the power while holding down the Patch button. The unit is set to Performance mode when shipped from the factory.

Follow these steps to operate the ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 in Performance Mode:

1. Choosing a Performance:

• Hold down the Select button and press the F1 button. “PF” will appear on the display.

• The currently selected Performance number (e.g., “P01”) will then be displayed.

• Use the Value buttons (▼/▲) to choose a different Performance.

2. Choosing a Part:

• To switch between Parts, hold down the Part button while pressing the Value buttons (▼/▲).

• The display shows the selected Part (e.g., “P-1” for Part 1).

3. Changing the Patches and Rhythm Set for a Part:

• Select the Part you wish to change.

• Press the Patch button to make the indicator light up.

• Use the Value buttons to choose the desired Patch for that Part. Note that a Rhythm Set can only be assigned to Part 8.

4. Muting and Monitoring a Part:

• To mute a part, select it and press the Mute button (the indicator will light).

• To monitor a single part (and mute all others), press the Monitor button (the indicator will light). You can then use the Part and Value buttons to switch between parts and hear each one individually.

You can change parameters for each Part in a Performance. The parameters are divided into groups printed on the front panel.

1. First, select the Part you want to edit (hold Part and press a Value button).

2. Press the Select button repeatedly to choose a Parameter Group (Part Param1, Part Param2, Master, MIDI Rx). The lit indicator shows the selected group.

3. Press the corresponding Function button (F1, F2, F3, or F4) to select the specific Parameter within that group.

4. Use the Value buttons (▼/▲) to change the setting for the selected Parameter.

Here is a description of the adjustable parameters:

Part Param 1 (Settings for each Part)

• Level: Adjusts the volume level for each Part.

• Pan: Localizes the sound image. “0” is center, “L1” to “L64” pan left, and “r1” to “r63” pan right.

• Reverb: Sets the depth of the Reverb effect for each Part.

• Chorus: Sets the depth of the Chorus effect for each Part.

Part Param 2 (Settings for each Part)

• Rx Ch (MIDI Receive Channel): Sets the MIDI receive channel for each Part.

• Key Shift: Alters the pitch in half-steps for each Part (range of +/- one octave).

• Detune: Makes fine adjustments to the pitch for each Part (range of +/- half a semitone).

• Assign (Voice Assign): Assigns a minimum number of voices (up to 28 total) for a Part to prevent notes from being dropped during complex arrangements.

Master Parameters (Settings for the entire unit)

• Tune: Adjusts the overall standard pitch of the unit (Middle A = 427.4 Hz to 452.6 Hz).

• Device ID: Sets a unique ID (1-32) for the unit to distinguish it from other MIDI devices when using System Exclusive messages.

• Reverb Switch: Toggles the reverb effect for the entire unit on or off.

• Chorus Switch: Toggles the chorus effect for the entire unit on or off.

MIDI Rx (MIDI Message Reception)

• Vol&Hold: Determines if Volume and/or Hold messages are received.

• Prog Chg: Enables or disables reception of Program Change messages.

• Bank Sel: Sets the Controller Number 0 value (0-126) used for Bank Select messages.

• SysEx: Determines if System Exclusive messages are received.

You can transmit the information for the unit’s settings from the MIDI Out connector to a sequencer or other MIDI device for storage. This function is called a “Bulk Dump”.

How to Do a Bulk Dump

1. Connect the M-VS1’s MIDI Out to the MIDI In of your sequencer or storage device.

2. On the M-VS1, hold down the Select button and press the F2 button. “bd” will appear on the display.

3. Use the Value buttons to select the information that you want to send:

• ALL: Sends all setting information (except for parameters in Part Param 1, Bank Sel, SysEx, NRPN switch, Master Device ID, and Monitor settings).

• PF: Sends Performance settings, but not the setting information for parameters included in Part Param 1.

4. Start recording on your sequencer.

5. Press the M-VS1’s Enter button to execute the Bulk Dump. To cancel, press the Exit button.

6. After the dump is complete, stop recording on the sequencer.

Returning Saved Settings to the Unit

1. Connect the MIDI Out of the sequencer to the MIDI In of the M-VS1.

2. Ensure the M-VS1’s Device ID is set to the same number that was used when the settings were saved.

3. Check that the System Exclusive Message Receive Switch (SysEx) on the M-VS1 is set to “on”.

4. Play back the SysEx data from your sequencer. The M-VS1 will be updated with the saved settings.

To return all of the unit’s settings to the data in effect when it was shipped from the factory (Factory Preset), follow these steps:

1. Hold down the Select button and press the F3 button.

2. The message “FP” will flash on the display.

3. To confirm that you want to proceed with the reset, press the Enter button.

If you change your mind and wish to cancel the operation, press the Exit button instead.

To listen to the built-in demo songs, follow these steps:

1. Hold down the Select button as you switch on the power.

2. Use the Value buttons to choose a song number.

3. The demo song will play back when you press the Enter button.

4. Pressing the Exit button stops playback. If you press the Exit button again, you can play the unit normally.

The M-VS1 contains three demo songs:

• S-1: The Code by Mitsuru Sakaue

• S-2: Eyes by Akihiro Kaseda

• S-3: The Tardis by Adrian Scott

The following messages may appear on the display:

• noP (No Patch): The Patch was not found in the Bank specified by a Program Change and/or Controller No. 0 & 32 message.

• bŁL (Battery Low): The battery required for preserving parameter settings is nearly depleted. Consult with the nearest Roland Service Station.

• oFL (MIDI Off Line): MIDI communications have been disrupted. Check if the cable connected to MIDI In is faulty, or if there could be a problem with the external device (e.g., it has been switched off).

• bFL (MIDI Buffer Full): Data could not be processed successfully because too much was received within a short period of time.

• cSE (MIDI Checksum Error): A checksum contained in a System Exclusive message received by the unit was found to be in error.

Since the ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 has more than 128 Patches, you must use a combination of Bank Select and Program Change messages to select a Patch.

A Bank Select message consists of Controller Number 0 and Controller Number 32 (which is always treated as 0 on this unit). To change a Patch, send MIDI messages from your external device in the following sequence:

1. Controller Number 0

• Value: 80 (for Patches 1 to 128)

• Value: 81 (for Patches 129 to 255)

2. Controller Number 32

• Value: 0

3. Program Number

• Value: 1 to 128

The Patch is changed when the messages are received in this order. If you only send a Program Number, the previously sent value for Controller Number 0 will be used.

Note: The factory default Bank Select value is 80/81, but you can modify the Bank Sel parameter to change the Controller Number 0 value used to switch Patches.

If the power doesn’t come on, make sure the power cord is connected properly, both at the plug going into the ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 and at the one in the AC outlet.

If you are not getting any sound, check the following points:

• Is the power switched on for this unit and any other connected devices (keyboard amp, mixer, etc.)?

• Is the volume turned down too low on this unit or on your external equipment?

• Are all your cables connected properly? Could any of the cables be faulty?

• Check the “Level” settings for the Part to make sure they are not at “0”.

• Could the volume have been lowered by a MIDI message (like Controller Number 7 or 11) from another device?

• Is the MIDI channel number being transmitted from your keyboard or sequencer the same as the channel this unit is set to receive?

• Are the relevant Parts muted?

• Could you be sending an invalid Bank Select message?

If you cannot hear the Reverb or Chorus effects, check the following:

• Could the Master setting for Reverb or Chorus be set to “OFF”?

• Are you sure that the Part Param 1 settings for Reverb or Chorus are not set to a value that is too low?

If you hear distortion or noise, check these possible causes:

• Is the volume at a suitable level on this unit, and on your keyboard amp, mixer, or other device?

• Have the Output or Phones jacks gotten very dirty?

If the pitch sounds incorrect, please check these settings:

• Are the settings for Key Shift and Tune appropriate?

• Are Pitch Bend messages being constantly sent to the unit from an external controller?

Check the MIDI channels you have assigned to the Parts. The same channel could be assigned to more than one Part, which would cause them to sound simultaneously.

The maximum polyphony of the ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1 is 28 notes. Not all notes can be played if you attempt to sound more than this at the same time. To avoid having voices stolen from your most important Parts, use the (Voice) Assign setting to reserve a minimum number of voices for those Parts you want to sound.

• Product: Sound Expansion Series M-VS1 : Multi-timbral Sound Module

• Parts: Parts 1 – 7, Rhythm Part

• Maximum Polyphony: 28 Voices

• Effects: Reverb (8 types), Chorus (3 types)

• Internal Memory: System Setups: 1, Performances: 17, Patches: 255, Rhythm Sets: 8

• Connectors: MIDI Connectors (In, Out, Thru), Input Jacks (L, R), Output Jacks (L, R), Phones Jack (Stereo)

• Display: 7 Segments, 3 Characters (LED)

• Power Supply: AC 117 V, AC 230 V or AC 240 V

• Power Consumption: 10 W (AC 117 V, AC 230 V) or 11 W (AC 240 V)

• Dimensions: 482 (W) x 165 (D) x 44 (H) mm / 19 (W) x 6-1/2 (D) x 1-3/4 (H) inches (EIA-1U Rack Mount Type)

• Weight: 2.65 kg / 5 lbs, 14 oz

• Accessories: Sound Expansion Series Owner’s Manual, M-VS1 Owner’s Manual, AC Cord

The following table details the Performance presets on the ROLAND VINTAGE SYNTH M-VS1.