Roland VG-99 Review

Roland VG-99 Review

Roland VG-99 Review

I bought one of these within a week of them coming out. The guy at the shop had no view, (not surprised)... but this is probably one of the best bits of kit you can buy right now (2011) at any price. Checkout 'Winner Takes All' from the Berner Street Album at www.bernerstreet.com - the track does not use a single real guitar. ALL of the instruments were played on a strat without the strat guitar output even plugged in... there are acoustics, rock rhythm guitar and an awesome lead sound - all completely trackable (as fast as I can play) and all better sounding than almost anything you have - believe!

It's a digital unit. Now some say that I don't like digital simulations, but they would be wrong. I just don't like company owners calling me a 'chucklehead'. But maybe thats just because I did not say what that particular company wanted to hear at that time. Unbias to the end.

But the VG-99? There is the ongoing connumdrum... difital emulations or not. That is the question.

Ok lets get this review under way. Bear in mind that this VG-99 is NOT a midi Synth for guitar - that's the old way of doing things and in those days there was a MAJOR piece of aggravation called trackability. Basically as you played faster the 'computer/synth' could not interpret as fast as you could play - MIDI remains the same today on guitar synths - not too good, verging on bad. But I'm pleased to say that's not a problem on the VG-99. Basically this unit is a modeling synthesizer for guitar - and it uses a pickup which you fit to the guitar to 'hear' what you are playing. This differs from the Midi thing, like I said above, there is no tracking problems - in fact I could not get it to mis-track no matter how fast I played. The pickup is actually used as an audio signal and not a midi signal so hence the change of direction from when the tracking was a problem on older kit.

Roland in my opinion lead the world with this VG-99 guitar product. I know of NOTHING that comes even near to what this sounds like or what it can do - checkout the internet for video etc. on this kit. The sounds are unbelievable. I have not particularly used the gimmicks on this device (of which there are many) and they seem a little over the top - if they dumped some of those 'extra' features and bought the price down so we don't all have to pay for gimmicks then that would be a better plan of action - they already lead the way without those extras. They say it's for live work why those gimmicks are on there, but it's actually quite comical to watch someone using the gimmicks live - I would not be seen dead doing it - in my view it berates your ability and makes you look like a clown. Don't bother with the D BEAM, V-LINK and Ribbon Controller unless you're a pussy.

I also noticed that the VG-99 is based on Dual GT-Pro engines within the unit - one reason why it is so powerful, but the sounds eat the GT pro alive. It does not matter whether you're an electric, acoustic or bass guitarist - the VG-99 will have much to offer you by way of sounds, and this kit costs (in the UK about £650.00 pounds street price) an awful lot less than the price of all the kit it could replace. My VG-99 came complete with everything in the box I needed except a stand - which Roland screw you to the ground for (UK price was £99.00 street price and no one would discount). So, I bought a music stand and that was fine - a mere £15.00 pounds street price - I kept the other money for fish and fries :-)

One other thing which in my view is needed for all serious work is a midi foot controller - actually the Roland one FC-300 linked with this kit is unbelievably good. The problem once again is the cost. You can use other midi controllers on the VG-99 but NOTHING comes close to using the FC-300 so if you don't have the money now - trust me - you will need one.

I intended to put up a few samples of the regular stuff in this section, but I have completed work on a site for SPLAWN Amps which compares the VG-99 to the Splawn amp featured on these pages and on that site - so maybe its worth a trip there. There is a link on this page.
There are lots of ins and outs on this box so its very suitable to most situations including live work, studio work, bedroom playing and a host of other things including hooking up to the computer - with software supplied and S/PDIF connectivity etc. all on the box. USB audio and Midi is also supported if you want to record direct to the pc so there is basically no excuse not to get working with that pc - at last a solution that's cost effective.

There is included a Graphical Editor/Librarian software that works on your pc to enhance the VG-99 even further. My box needed an update which can be downloaded from the internet and 'uploaded' to the VG-99 through a midi interface - it took a while to do, so make sure if you do this the mains is solid - if the mains goes off while upgrading then find a dustbin to throw the VG-99 in to - it will be useless. The dealer who sold you the unit 'might' help you upgrade it if you ask, but don't hold your breath - what do you think those guys are there for - to offer support?

I rate this VG-99 at the highest level you can get 10 out of 10 for lots of reasons - and they are all good ones - even the price is too low! Heres my view of the best bits of the VG-99:

• Awesome sounds and flexibility
•  Easy to use and with your regular guitar
• Killer Pricing
• Ultimate Flexibility
• Can be used to write music completely from start to finish

Check out 'Winner takes all' from the music player on this screen - that track does not have a single real guitar in it - and that should tell you a lot.

Heres a link to my Splawn Amps site where we compare the VG-99 with Real amps: www.splawnamps.co.uk

And here's a link to Roland: www.roland.com

Here's some Roland Speak:
Features: In the history of guitar modeling, no manufacturer has devoted more time, resources and passion into this market segment than Roland — from the world’s first guitar modeling processor, the legendary VG-8, to its popular V-Guitar predecessors. Today, Roland proudly announces another milestone in guitar modeling and performance technology: the VG-99. With three powerful new processors at its core, plus expressive performance controls such as Ribbon Controller and D BEAM, this remarkable instrument raises the bar in guitar modeling and performance technology.

Dual modeling engines allow guitar and amp models to be dynamically switched, layered and combined New COSM® electric, acoustic and even bass guitar models, and new synth waves such as the famous GR-300 Guitar to MIDI converter for direct connection to keyboards, sound modules, soft synths, computers, and other MIDI-compatible devices - Supports USB audio and MIDI for easy digital recording and sequencing .

Dual GT-Pro-class effects processor enables unequalled flexible tone creation - Advanced performance controls, including D BEAM, V-LINK and Ribbon Controller take guitar performance to a whole new level

Simple and intuitive knob-based interface and new design support live performance - Graphical Editor software included to support sophisticated sound making - Versatile I/O, including USB, S/PDIF and XLR provide pro connections for virtually every type of music production and performance on stage to professional studio recording.

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.

SPECIFICATIONS: 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 dBu GUITAR OUT: -10 dBu - Output Impedance MAIN OUT: 1 k ohm SUB 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.