Roland U.S.

A Milestone in Guitar Modeling and Performance Technology

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Multi Modeling
The VG-99 contains an incredible range of COSM-modeled guitars and amplifiers including new electric, acoustic and bass guitar models, a new GR-300 synth wave and much more. It even models two signal paths at once. Complete dual processing of guitar modeling on the VG-99 allows you to play two different guitar sounds simultaneously. For example, one virtual guitar could be a Telecaster® in a vintage Tweed amp with full effects and the other a nylon-string guitar with just a hint of reverb.

Dynamic Control
Both modeled guitar and amp paths can be active at the same time, or they can be dynamically switched or blended. You can control the switching behavior between virtual guitars and/or amps by foot controllers, buttons/knobs on the unit, or according to your picking dynamics. Imagine playing softly for an acoustic-guitar sound, then transitioning to a full metal blast simply by picking more aggressively. Furthermore, each modeled guitar can be separately assigned to individual guitar strings. For example, you could have a 12-string guitar on 1st to 4th string and Synth-bass for 5th and 6th.

Alternate Tunings
The VG-99 can produce custom tunings — anything the player desires on any virtual guitar. A virtual Les Paul®, for example, could be tuned down four or five steps for a heavy sound, while a nylon string could be tuned as a 12-string, and also tuned down four or five steps at the same time. Open and drop tunings are also supported as well as user-defined custom tunings and can be applied to any COSM® guitar, so the player can switch instantly between tuning setups without physically switching guitars or having to manually retune.

Guitar Performance in Higher Dimension
With its new performance-based design, the VG-99 can be placed within a player’s easy reach on stage by using an optional PDS-10 stand. This new style setup allows various new performance possibilities such as D BEAM, Ribbon Controller and more. In combination with the versatile new foot controller FC-300, the VG-99 takes your guitar performance on stage to a whole new dimension.

Most Wanted
You asked for it, now Roland delivers the most-requested new features in the VG-99, including an onboard guitar-to-MIDI converter for direct connection to keyboards, sound modules, soft synths, etc. Audio output via USB or S/PDIF digital out, and optional RAD-99 rack mount adaptor further enhance your music production environment. Built-in stereo XLR and 1/4" outputs are ideal for live stage performances and touring. The striking new on-screen editor makes programming the VG-99 super easy and fun.

A Milestone in Guitar Modeling and Performance Technology

Specs

Audio processing

AD Conversion

24 bits + AF method

DA Conversion

24 bits

Sampling Frequency

44.1 kHz

Program Memories

400: 200 (User) + 200 (Preset)

Nominal Input Level

GUITAR INPUT: -10 dBu

Input Impedance

GUITAR INPUT: 2.2 M ohm

Nominal Output Level

MAIN OUT: -10 dBuSUB OUT (XLR): +4 dBuGUITAR OUT: -10 dBu

Output Impedance

MAIN OUT: 1 k ohmSUB OUT (XLR): 600 ohms

Dynamic Range

100 dB or greater (IHF-A)

Digital Output

Coaxial type (conforms to IEC60958)

Top Panel

Controls

OUTPUT LEVEL knob, Function knobs (F1--F6), BALANCE knob, PATCH LEVEL knob, V-LINK button, DIRECT PATCH buttons (1--5), CONTROL buttons (1, 2), COSM GUITAR MODELING TYPE buttons (A, B), COSM GUITAR ALTERNATE TUNING button, POLY FX A/B buttons (A, B), FX buttons (A, B), COSM AMP buttons (A, B), MIXER buttons (A, B), DELAY/REVERB button, DYNAMIC button, CHAIN button, CONTROL ASSIGN button, NAME/KEY/BPM button, Function buttons (F1--F6), EXIT button, WRITE button, PAGE buttons x 2 (Left, Right), GUITAR TO MIDI button, SYSTEM button, GLOBAL button, TUNER button, CATEGORY button, PATCH/VALUE dial, Power switch

D Beam Controller

PITCH button, FILTER button, ASSIGNABLE button

RIBBON CONTROLLER

PITCH button, FILTER button, ASSIGNABLE button

Display

240 x 64 dots graphic LCD (backlit LCD)

Connectors/Switches/others

Top Panel

GK IN connector

Rear Panel

GUITAR INPUT jack, GUITAR OUTPUT jack, SUB OUT jacks (XLR)(L, R)MAIN OUT jacks x 2 (L/MONO, R)PHONES jack, DIGITAL OUT jack, EXP PEDAL jack, CTL 3,4 jack, USB connector, RRC2 connector, MIDI connectors x 2 (IN, OUT), DC IN jack, Ground Lift switch (SUB OUT)

Power Supply

AC Adaptor (PSB-1U)

Current Draw

1.3 A

Accessories

Owner's Manual, GK cable (3 m), USB cable, RRC2 cable, VG-99 Software CD-ROM, AC adaptor (PSB-1U), Roland Service (information sheet)

Options

Divided Pickup: GK-3, MIDI Foot Controller: FC-300, Footswitch: BOSS FS-5U/6, Expression Pedal: EV-5, BOSS FV-500L/500H, GK Cable: GKC-10/5/3, Unit Selector: US-20, GK Parallel Box: GKP-4, Rack Mount Adaptor: RAD-99, Pad Stand: PDS-10, Footswitch Cable: PCS-31

Size and Weight ( Dimensions )

Width

384 mm

15-1/8 inches

Depth

218 mm

8-5/8 inches

Height

94 mm

3-11/16 inches

Weight

2.1 kg

4 lbs. 11 oz.

* EIA-5U rack mount type: optional rack mount adaptor RAD-99

* 0 dBu = 0.775 V rms

*The specifications are subject to change without notice.

Insider

Adrian Belew As one of the first guitarists to embrace guitar synthesis in the early ’80s with Roland’s GR-300, Adrian Belew has taken guitar tone to the moon and back with Roland. Find out what he’s doing these days with the VG-99. Click for Details

Jan Stevens Find out how this Emmy-nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist uses Roland instruments to create a unique musical personality for some of TV’s top-rated shows. Click for Details

Accessories

Downloads & Updates

Downloads & Updates

Paul Hanson’s Classic Rock Patches for the VG-99

Hi, I’m Paul Hanson, a Roland and BOSS specialist, and these are some of my custom patches for the VG-99. They emulate the classic guitar tones from a number of famous songs, and I use them when I demonstrate some of the great sounds that you can get out of the V-Guitar™ System.

VG-99 System Update Version 1.04

This is the latest operating system for the VG-99. WARNING: Be sure to refer to the README document as this download contains two separate updates depending on the current operating system being used. A version check will be necessary to distinguish which update should be used.

VG-99 Driver Version 1.0.1 for Windows 7 32-bit Edition

This is the VG-99 driver for Microsoft(R) Windows 7.

VG-99 Driver Version 1.0.1 for Windows 7 64-bit Edition

This is the VG-99 driver for Microsoft(R) Windows 7 64-bit Edition.

VG-99 USB Driver v1.0 for Mac OS 10.6

This is the USB driver for Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard).

VG-99 USB Driver v1.0 for Mac OS 10.5 and Earlier

This is the USB driver for Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and earlier.

VG-99 USB Driver Windows (PC)

This is the latest driver for connecting the Roland VG-99 to Microsoft(R) Windows Vista and XP.

VG-99 Editor/Librarian Version 1.01 (MAC)

This installer includes two programs:
VG-99 Editor - a program for editing the parameters for the VG-99 on your computer, and VG-99 Librarian - a program for patch management for the VG-99 on your computer.

VG-99 Editor/Librarian Version 1.01 (PC)

This is the latest version of the VG-99 Editor and Librarian program for PCs running Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Edirol product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.

You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.

In addition, we have a library of Product Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.

Support Documents

VG-99 Q&A (PDF)

A collection of popular articles from the VG-99 knowledge base.

VG-99 Turbostart (PDF)

VG-99 Workshop 01: Introduction to the VG-99

The VG-99 is hands-down the most powerful guitar processor ever made, capable of transforming your instrument with sounds both familiar and unreal. This booklet introduces you to the VG-99’s creative possibilities and discusses some of the technologies that are part of it.

VG-99 Workshop 02: Pickup Settings

This booklet gives you the lowdown on using a divided pickup with the VG-99, including the Roland GK-3 and third-party piezo-type systems. Using your guitar’s normal pickups is covered as well.

VG-99 Workshop 03: On-the-Gig Sound Settings

The VG-99 makes it easy to tweak its overall sound for different performing environments without changing the sounds stored in the individual patches. This booklet shows you how.

VG-99 Workshop 04: Using the Built-in Tuner

When working with the VG-99, you’ll find the built-in chromatic tuner to be one of its most often-used features. This booklet discusses how to use the tuner and control it with external switches.

VG-99 Workshop 05: Working with Patches

A VG-99 patch stores all the parameter settings that make up a particular sound. In this booklet, we show you how to select, save, and manage your patches in the VG-99.

VG-99 Brochure (PDF)