Preamps and the VS-2400
VS-2480 workshops
Gates on the VS-1680
Compact Flash types for the BR-864
Changing hard drives on a VS-1680

QUESTION:
When plugging my mics direct into the VS-2400, I have to turn the input all the way up to get good level input. Should I be using a preamp plugged into the VS-2400?

Pat B.

ANSWER:
First, make sure you've got the faders for the Input Mixer brought all the way up to the 0 dB line. Press the button labeled “IN 1 - 12” located to the left of the red Master Fader. When you press this button, the faders flip over to the INPUT channels. Make sure all the faders are at the 0 dB line. Then, press “TR 1 - 12" to switch back to the Track Faders.

Then use the Input Sens Knob to set the recording level. With some mics (mainly large diaphragm dynamic mics), you may find the pre amp in the VS-2400 is not strong enough to bring the signal from the mic up to a usable level. In that case, YES, an external dedicated mic preamp will help. Whether you need to use an external mic pre will ultimately depend on the mic you're recording with.

More sensitive mics - condensers - small diaphragm mics - may not need an external mic pre.

In general, if you have to crank the Mic Preamp (that is, the Input Sensitivity Knob) all the way up to 4 o'clock or higher, then you may want to use an external mic pre to keep the noise down. (Maybe you've noticed that when the knob is cranked ALL the way up, the input signal does get noisy.)

QUESTION:
I just purchased a VS-2480 and need lots of help. Are there any workshops I can attend in So. Calif. and or personal help from anyone?

Jorge S.

ANSWER:
YES, Roland has product specialists in different music stores in the Southern California area on a regular basis. Roland Product Specialist CJ Jones makes regular visits to Guitar Center in Sherman Oaks, West LA Music, and other stores.

Here's the link to our schedule of in store visits:
http://www.rolandus.com/events/index.asp#digital

QUESTION:
Is there a dedicated Gate for the VS-1680 other that the gated reverbs? I can't seem to find one and I’ve been recording live drums lately.

Ron H.

ANSWER:
Yes, there is a Noise Suppressor component inside one of the effects, when tweaked appropriately, can be used as a gate. Try using Preset Effect #66 (Compressor). Inside, look for the component “NS" for Noise Suppressor and try increasing the setting for the Threshold and shortening the time for the Release to get a gating effect happening. It will take a certain amount of massaging on your part, depending on how your
drums were recorded. Most important: make sure you connect the effect by Inserting it (and *not* by using an Effect Send / Return loop.)

QUESTION:
I am using a BR-864. Can I use any CompactFlash, say a Lexar, or a Kingston? Manual says Delkin, but I can not find that model.

Chris G.

ANSWER:
Sure - you can use a Lexar or Kingston. Just don't go bigger than 1 GB. The BR-864 won't use anything above 1 GB.

Here's where you can find the info on the Delkin Compact Flash Cards:
http://www.delkin.com/delkin_products_memorycards_compactflash.html

QUESTION:
I would like to know if there is a way to change out my hard drive on my VS-1680. Right now it is a 2 gig hard drive. Can I purchase a larger hard drive that will fit into my 1680?

Genesis M.

ANSWER:
Yes - it is possible to swap out the hard drive on the VS-1680. You'd need to find a 3.5" IDE drive.

Try going to this web page.

Click on the link at the bottom of the page “VS Series Compatible Media Guide." This will give you an idea of what kind of hard drive to find for your VS-1680.