Roland VE-20 User Manual

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT
NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet).

These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good understanding of every feature
provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and
kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Main Features

Q A versatile array of vocal effects, controlled by a single knob

• Thirty different sounds are ready for immediate use

• Just turn the knob to select an effect, and you’ll hear it immediately

Q Numerous high-quality effects

• “Reverb” and “Delay” add spaciousness and depth to your voice

• Two-part “Double/Harmony” adds beautiful resonance and warmth to your voice

• “Dynamics” makes the volume consistent, and “Pitch Correct” ensures accurate pitch

• Use unique effects like “Distortion” or “Radio” to create distinctive performances

Q Pedal functions for live performance

• Phrase Loop lets you repeatedly overdub your voice to create a vocal ensemble in real
time as you perform

• You can use the HARMONY pedal to turn the Harmony effect on/off in realtime

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Copyright © 2009 BOSS CORPORATION

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in
any form without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

Contents

Printing Conventions and icons in this manual

* The explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what should typically be shown by the display.

Note, however, that your unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g., includes newer
sounds), so what you actually see in the display may not always match what appears in the manual.

Explains something that you should pay particular attention to.

Explains something that supplements the main text.

Explains something that’s useful to know.

, , (p.**)

Indicates a reference page.

Main Features ................................. 1

Installing Batteries .........................3

Quick Start ......................................4

1. Getting ready..................................................4

2. Sing.....................................................................5

3. Switching sounds..........................................5

4. Using the HARMONY pedal.......................6

5. Turning the power off..................................6

Making the Connections................ 7

Using the VE-20 live..........................................7

Panel Descriptions .........................8

Front panel...........................................................8

Rear panel.............................................................9

Sounds and Effects .......................10

What is a “sound”?..........................................10

What is an “effect”?.........................................10

Adjusting the level of the Reverb effect...... 11

Adjusting the level of the Delay effect....11

Adjusting the Harmony effect....................11

Editing the effects...........................................12

Naming your sound.......................................12

Using Phrase Loop to Layer

Your Voice.....................................13

Convenient Functions ................. 14

Using the HARMONY pedal to turn

effects other than Harmony on/off ..........14

Using the pedals to switch sounds...........14

Using your recorded voice to make

adjustments (Sound Check)........................ 15

Saving a sound as a different User Sound... 15

Exchanging sounds........................................ 15

Specifying the type of output (Stereo or

Mono/Dry)......................................................... 16

Using a condenser mic

(Phantom Power)............................................16

Cutting unwanted low frequencies .........16

Adjusting the screen’s legibility

(Contrast)...........................................................16

Appendix ...................................... 17

Restoring the factory settings

(Factory Reset) .................................................17

Sound List..........................................................17

Parameter guide..............................................18

Troubleshooting..............................................19

Main Specifications...................... 20

2

Installing Batteries

Insert the batteries as shown below, being careful to orient the batteries correctly.

• When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the
four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and knobs. Also, you should try to orient
the unit so that no buttons or knobs get damaged.

• When turning the unit upside-down, handle it with care to avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.

• If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety,
please read and observe the following precautions.

• Carefully follow the installation instructions for batteries, and make sure you observe the correct polarity.

• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.

• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.

• If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge from

the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make sure that
none of the battery discharge gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so that none of
the discharge gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the affected area with running water if any of the
discharge has entered the eyes.

• Never keep batteries together with metallic objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.

• When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off the power on this unit and disconnect any other
devices you may have connected. This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or
other devices.

• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however, since their
primary purpose is to enable testing.

• If you’re using the VE-20 only on batteries, the POWER indicator will become dim as the batteries run
down, and will then go out. Replace the batteries as soon as possible. You’ll need six AA batteries.

• If you’ll be using the VE-20 for an extended time, we recommend that you use an AC adaptor. If you
prefer to use a battery, we recommend an alkaline battery.

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Continuous usage time under battery power is about 8 hours with alkaline batteries and about 2 hours with
carbon batteries. (This may vary according to usage conditions.)

3

Quick Start

1

2

3

Connect your mic to the INPUT jack, and connect
the OUTPUT jacks to your mixer or recorder.

Move the rear-panel POWER switch to the ON
position. (The power will turn on.)

Before you make connections, make
sure that the input gain or volume of
your mixer or recorder is turned
down.

Adjust the input sensitivity.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Press the cursor button ( ) to select MicSens.

3. Turn the SOUND knob to adjust MicSens.

At the ideal setting, the meter will occasionally reach the
far right (as shown below) when you sing loudly. If your
voice sounds distorted, lower the MicSens setting.

In order to use the VE-20 optimally, you’ll need to adjust the
input sensitivity.

Meter

Lit

1. Getting ready

• If you’re using batteries, insert them
before you continue.

“Installing Batteries” (p. 3)

• If you’re using an AC adaptor (BOSS
PSA-se ries; optional), connect it to
the DC IN jack.

• If you use a condenser mic that
requires phantom power, set the
Phantom Power parame ter to the
On.

“Using a condenser mic

(Phantom Power)” (p. 16)

• If you’re using headphones,
connect them to the PHONES/LINE
jack.

When you turn on the power, a screen
like the following will appear. This is
called the “Play screen.”

4

The Mic Sens setting is stored in memory
even after the power is turned off, so you
won’t need to adjust it again unless you
want to use a different mic or a different
vocalist.

2. Sing

4

5

Press the EXIT button to return to the Play screen.

Gradually raise the input gain or volume of your
mixer or recorder.

1

Go ahead and sing.

The ON/OFF indicator lights when the VE-20’s eect is on.

Use the ON/OFF pedal to switch the eect on/o, and hear
the dierence it makes.

Lit

1

Turn the central SOUND knob to switch between
dierent sounds.

Each sound has a name that is descriptive of its character. You can also
refer to the “Sound List” (p. 17) when selecting a sound.

Quick Start

3. Switching sounds

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For details on the sounds, refe r to “What
is a “sound”?” (p. 10).

5

Quick Start

1

Press the HARMONY pedal; the Harmony eect will
be applied.

Lit

The HARMONY indicator will light.

1

2

Lower the volume of your mixer or recorder.

Move the rear-panel POWER switch to the OFF
position. (The power will turn o.)

4. Using the HARMONY pedal

5. Turning the power off

• For details on adjusting the
harmony effect, refer to “Adjusting
the Harmony effect” (p. 11).

• You can use the HARMONY pedal to
apply effect s other than Harmony.

“Using the HARMONY pedal to
turn effects other than Harmony
on/off” (p. 14)

6

Making the Connections

Mic

Stereo

Headphones

• When using an AC adaptor, be sure to use only the specified type (PSA series; optional). Using an adaptor other than the
specified type may cause the unit to malfunction, or cause damage to the unit.

• To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume and turn off the
power to all devices before making any connec tions.

• Some connection cables contain resistors. When connection cables with resistors are used, the soun d level may be
extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.

• Before you make connections, make sure that the input gain or volume of your mixer or recorder is turned down. By
turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.

• This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A b rief interval ( a few seconds) after power-up is required before the unit
will operate normally.

If you want to use a cable with a 1/4 inch phone plug to connect the VE-20 to your mixer or audio system, use the PHONES/
LINE jack. Use a Y-cable (such as the Roland PCS-31L, optional) to make connections.

Mic

White (L)

PCS-31L

(optional)

Red (R)

AC Adaptor

(PSA series; optional)

Mixer, Recorder, etc.

MixerExtension cable (as needed)

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Using the VE-20 live

Points to check beforehand

If you’re performing at a live event where someone other than yourself is responsible for running the sound system, it’s a
good idea to inform them that you intend to use an in-line effects processor (the VE-20) on your mic. This will allow them to
make sure that necessary equipment such as connection cables are available, and will help the rehearsal and the actual
performance go smoothly.

Caution when making connections

Numerous ty pes of PA equipment are used in a live event. Une xpectedly breaking a connection can produce high-volume
noise, and may even damage equipment. Before you turn the VE-20’s power on/off, or connect or disconnect the cables, be
sure to check with a staff member and obtain their permission.

7

Panel Descriptions

Display

This shows the sound number and name. In sound or function editing screens, it
shows the parameters and values being edited.

* Never strike o r apply strong pres sure to the display.

PHRASE LOOP Indicator

This lights when the Phrase Loop
function is on.

PHRASE LOOP Button

This turns the Phrase Loop
function on/off.

“Using Phrase Loop to Layer Your
Voice” (p. 13)

MENU Button

Use this to make settings for sounds and
functions.

REVERB LEVEL Button

Use this to adjust a reverb level.

“Adjusting the level of the Reverb
effect” (p. 11)

EXIT Button

Use this to return to the
previous screen, or to cancel
an operation.

Cursor Buttons

Use these to switch between
parameters or to move the
cursor.

ON/OFF Pedal

The VE-20’s effect turns on/off each time you press
this p edal.
The Phrase Loop function turns on/off if you hold
down this pedal for two seconds or longer.
When the Phrase Loop function is on, this pedal is
used to record, play, or stop the phrase.

ON/OFF (PLAY) Indicator

This lights when the VE-20’s effect is on. When the
Phrase Loop function is on, it lights while the phrase
is playing.

REC Indicator

When the Phrase Loop function is on, this lights
while a phrase is being recorded.

HARMONY Pedal

Use this to turn the Harm ony effect on/off .
You can use the HARMONY pedal to apply effects other
than H armony.

“Adjusting the Harmony effect” (p. 11)
“Using the HARMONY pedal to turn effects other than
Harmony on/off” (p. 14)

POWER Indicator

This indicator shows whether the power is on or off, and
also functions as a battery-check indicator.

* When the indic ator starts to dim or fai ls to light, the

batteries are e xhausted. When this occu rs, install new
batteries. For instructions on replacing the batteries,
refer to “In stalling Batteries” (p. 3).

SOUND Knob

Use this to switch sounds
or to adjust a value shown
in the display.

HARMONY Indicator

This lights when the effect controlled by the
HARMONY pedal is on.

Front panel

8

Rear panel

PHONES/LINE Jack

Connect stereo headphones here. Alternately, you can
use this jack as an unbalanced stereo line output by
connecting a Y-cable (such as the Roland PCS-31L;
optional).

OUTPUT L MONO/R Connectors

This outputs the sound of the VE-20 as a balanced signal.

* Thi s instrument is eq uipped with

balanced (XLR) type jacks. Wirin g
diagrams for th ese jacks are shown
below. Make con nections after first
checking the w iring diagrams of
other equipm ent you intend to
connect.

* The OUTPUT connector out puts the signal at mic level.

To adjust the way the VE-20’s sound is output, see
“Specifying the type of output (Stereo or Mono/Dry)” (p. 16),
“Output” (p. 19)

DC IN Jack

This jack is for connecting an AC
adaptor (BOSS PSA series; optional).
Using an AC adaptor allows for long
performances without worrying about
the batteries going dead.

When you are using an AC adaptor, be sure to
use only the specified type (PSA series;
optional). Using an adaptor other than the
specified type may cause the unit to
malfunction, or cause damage to the unit.

POWER Switch

This turns the power on/off.

INPUT Jack

Connect your mic directly to this jack. The INPUT jack accepts either an
XLR plug or a phone plug; you can use either type as appropriate for your
situation. The jack accepts both balanced and unbalanced connections.
The XLR type jack can provide 48 V phantom power, allowing you to
connect a phantom-powered condenser microphone.

* This instrument is equipped with balanced (XLR/TRS) type jacks. Wiring

diagrams for these jacks are shown below. Make connections after first
checking the wi ring diagrams of other equipment you intend to co nnect.

* How ling could be produc ed depending on th e location of mic rophones

relative to spea kers. This can be remedied by:

1. Changing the orientation of the mi crophone(s).

2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers.

3. Low ering vo lume le vels.

• Do not connect the output of an effects processor or similar device to this input
jack. The sound may be distorted, and you may no t obtain the desired effect.

• If you conn ect a mic that requi res a phantom power s upply, turn on the Phantom
Power paramete r.

“Using a condenser mic (Phantom Power)” (p. 16)

GND(SLEEVE)

HOT(TIP)

COLD(RING)

1:GND
2:HOT
3:COLD

Panel Descriptions

White (L) Red (R)

PCS-31L (optional)

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9

Sounds and Effects

What is double-tracking?

This is a po pular record ing studio te chnique in w hich a vocal ist records a melod y, then over­dubs a second performance of the same melody along with the first recording. When the two
performances ar e played back toge ther, it gi ves the effe ct of a thick and rich single voice.

• Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs.
Important data should always be written down on paper (whe n possible). During repairs, due care is taken to avoid
the loss of data. However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret
that it may not be possible to restore the data, and BOSS/Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper
operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that you
periodically written down a important data onto paper.

• Unf ortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the unit’s mem ory once it has
been lost. BOSS/Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

What is a “sound”?

On the VE-20, a “sound” is a combination of effects that determine the overall tonal character of a vocal that is
processed with the unit. Each effect in a sound modifies a specific vocal characteristic, such as volume, tone,
pitch, or ambience. A vocalist can instantly change their entire tonal character by selecting one of the 30
different sounds in the VE-20.

Sound number Sound type Explanatio n

01–30

Preset sounds

31–80 User sounds These settings can be edited and saved.

What is an “effect”?

An “effect” modifies a specific component of a sound: volume, tone, pitch, or ambience. The VE-20 contains
six different effects. Each can be switched on/off independently and various parameters can be adjusted.
For details on how to edit an effect, refer to “Editing the effects” (p. 12). For details about each effect, refer to
“Parameter guide” (p. 18).

Effects Explanation
DYNAMICS Makes the v olume more consiste nt.
PITCH CORRECT Corrects inaccuracies in the pitch.

TONE/SFX Adjusts the tonal character or applies special effec ts.

DOUBLE/HARM ONY

With certain settings, Pitch Correct can make the pitch change in a coarse “stair-step” fashion to
produce a mechanical vocal tone.

Produces a double-tracked effect or harmony effect. You can layer up to two parts (Part 1 and Part 2).

These are read-only.

If you’ve modified the settings of a preset Sound and want to preserve
the result, you can save it as a user Sound (p. 15).

DELAY Pro duces an echo-li ke effect.
REVERB Produces the spacious reverberation that is typical of a performance in a room or hall.

10

The key setting corresponds to the key of the song (#,
b

) as follows.

Adjusting the level of the
Reverb effect

1. Press the REVERB LEVEL button.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to adjust the amount

of reverb as desired.

3. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

* If you want to turn off the reverb effect, set Rev Level to 0.

Additional reverb parameters can also be adjusted.
See “Editing the effects” (p. 12)

Adjusting the level of the
Delay effect

1. Use the cursor buttons to select DlyLevel.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to adjust the delay

level as desired.

3. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

* If you want to turn off the delay effect, set DlyLeve l to 0.

Sounds and Effects

Adjusting the Harmony effect

Matching the harmony to the key of
your song

1. Use the cursor buttons to select the Key .

2. Turn the SOUND knob to set the Key to

match the key of your song.

3. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

Adjusting the volume of the harmony

The VE-20 lets you layer two parts of harmony (Part
1 and Part 2) onto your own voice.

1. Use the cursor buttons to select Part1Lev.

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Additional delay parameters can also be adjusted.
See “Editing the effects” (p. 12)

2. Turn the SOUND knob to adjust the volume

as desired.

3. Adjust the Part2Lev in the same way.

4. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

* If you want to add only one harmony part, set the

unneeded part’s level to 0.

Additional harmony parameters can also be
adjusted. See “Editing the effects” (p. 12)

11

Sounds and Effects

Editing the effects Naming your sound

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to select the effect

that you want to edit.

3. Press cursor button ( ) to select the

parameter that you want to edit.

To help you remember the tonality that a sound
produces, you can assign a descriptive name of up
to 12 characters to a sound.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to select NAME.

3. Press cursor button ( ).

For details on the parameters, refer to
“Parameter guide” (p. 18).

4. Turn the SOUND knob to edit the parameter.

5. If you want to edit other parameters, repeat

Steps 3–4.

If you want to restore an edited setting to its
original state, hold down the EXIT button and

press cursor button ( ).

6. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

4. Use the cursor buttons to select the

character that you want to change, and turn
the SOUND knob to choose the desired
character.

5. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

12

Using Phrase Loop to Layer Your Voice

What is the Phrase Loop function?

This function lets you record a mon aural phrase of up to 38 seconds and play it repeatedly (i.e., play it as a loop). You can
also layer—or “ove rdub”—additional phra ses with the first phrase. By layering diff erent melod y lines you can simulate
an a cap pella chorus by yourself , or use voice percussion to a dd rhythm phrases to your performance.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Recording Playback PlaybackOverdubbing

Start recording Stop

Press
twice

Lit :

Indicator

O :

Using the ON/OFF pedal to turn the Phrase Loop function on/off

Hold down the ON/OFF pedal for two seconds or longer; the Phrase Loop function will turn on (the PHRASE LOOP
indicator will light). When you once again hold down the ON/OFF pedal for two seconds or longer, the Phrase Loop
function will turn off (the PHRASE LOOP indicator will go out).

You can use the ON/OFF pedal to control the Phrase Loop function.

In order to overdub using the Phrase Loop function, you’ll need to set the LoopType parameter to Perform (p. 15).

1. Press the PHRASE LOOP button to turn the Phrase Loop function on (the PHRASE LOOP indicator

will light).

2. Press the ON/OFF pedal to start recording.

The REC indicator (red) lights. Now, sing the phrase that you want to record first.

3. Press the ON/OFF pedal to stop recording.

The PLAY indicator (green) lights, and the recorded phrase starts playing as a loop.

4. Press the ON/OFF pedal to start overdubbing.

The REC indicator (red) lights. Now, sing the phrase that you want to overdub.

5. Press the ON/OFF pedal to stop overdubbing.

The PLAY indicator (green) lights, and the recorded phrase plays as a loop.
If you want to add additional overdubs, repeat Steps 4–5. During overdubbing, you can switch sounds as
desired.

6. To stop phrase playback, press the ON/OFF pedal twice in rapid succession.

The PLAY indicator and REC indicator will both go out, and phrase loop playback and recording will stop.

* Press the ON/OFF pedal twi ce within one second.

* The recorded phrase is erased when you stop l oop playback or tu rn off the Phrase Loop function.

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13

Convenient Functions

Using the HARMONY pedal to
turn effects other than
Harmony on/off

You can use the HARMONY pedal to apply effects
other than Harmony.

Example 1) Turning DELAY on/off

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to select CONTROL

PEDAL.

3. Press cursor button ( ).

4. Turn the SOUND knob to select DELAY.

5. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

Now, DELAY will toggle on/off each time you
press the HARMONY pedal.

Example 2) Turning multiple effects
on/off simultaneously

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to select CONTROL

PEDAL.

3. Press cursor button ( ).

4. Turn the SOUND knob to select CUSTOM.

8. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

The specified effects will switch on/off together
each time you press the HARMONY pedal.

Using the pedals to switch
sounds

In addition to using the SOUND knob to switch
between sounds, you can also use the VE-20’s
pedals to switch sounds.

1. Hold down the HARMONY pedal for two

seconds or longer.

The sound number will blink.

Blinking

2. Press the ON/OFF pedal or the HARMONY

pedal to switch sounds.

Each pedal performs the following function.

Pedal Function

ON/OFF pedal

HARMONY pedal

3. Hold down the HARMONY pedal for two

seconds or longer.

The sound number changes back to steadily lit,
and the pedals return to their usual function.

Switches to the preceding sound
number.

Switches to the next sound num­ber.

5. Press cursor button ( ) to select the effect

that you want to turn on/off.

6. Turn the SOUND knob to choose the “o”

setting.

7. Repeat steps 5–6 for each effect that you

want to turn on/off.

14

Convenient Functions

Sound name of the write destination

Sound number of the write destination

Sound name of the exchange destination

Sound number of the exchange destination

Using your recorded voice to
make adjustments (Sound Check)

You can use the Phrase Loop function to record
your voice unprocessed by any effects, and then
play back your recorded voice while you audition
sounds or make adjustments.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Press the cursor button ( ) to selec t the

LoopType.

3. Turn the SOUND knob to select Check.

4. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

With the above setting, you can use the Phrase
Loop function as a “sound check” function.

For details on the Phrase Loop function , refer to
“Using Phrase Loop to Layer Your Voice”(p. 13).

* When Phrase Loop is in sound check mode, you can’t layer

overdubbed phrases. If you pres s the ON/OFF pedal while
a recorded phrase is playing, th e phrase is erased an d a
new recording begins.

Saving a sound as a different
User Sound

Here’s how to save the sound as a different User
sound.
This is convenient when you want to save a preset
sound that you’ve edited, or when you want to
create a new sound that’s based on an existing
sound.

* Once you carry out t his procedure, y ou’ll lose any pr evious

sound settings contained in the storage destination.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to select WRITE.

4. Turn the SOUND knob to select the write-

destination sound.

If you decide not to execute the Write operation,
press the EXIT button to return to the previous
screen.

5. Press the ON/OFF pedal.

The sound is saved.

* N ever turn off the pow er before the display i ndicates

“COMPLETED!”.

Exchanging sounds

You can change the order of the user sounds by
exchanging them.

1. Turn the SOUND knob to select one of the

sounds that you want to exchange.

2. Press the MENU button.

3. Turn the SOUND knob to select WRITE.

4. Press the cursor button ( ) to select

EXCHANGE.

The REC indicator blinks, and the Exchange
screen appears.

5. Turn the SOUND knob to select the other

sound with which you want to exchange the
currently selected sound.

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3. Press cursor button ( ).

The REC indicator blinks, and the Write screen
appears.

If you decide not to execute the Exchange
operation, press the EXIT button to return to the
previous screen.

6. Press the ON/OFF pedal.

The sounds are exchanged.

* N ever turn off the pow er before the display i ndicates

“COMPLETED!”.

15

Convenient Functions

Specifying the type of output
(Stereo or Mono/Dry)

If you want the VE-20’s sound to be output in stereo
or as mono/dry signals, make the following setting.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Press cursor button ( ) to select the

Output.

3. Turn the SOUND knob to select Stereo or

Mono/Dry.

Here, Stereo is selected.

To learn more about the parameters, refer to
“Output”(p. 19).

4. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

Using a condenser mic
(Phantom Power)

If you’re using a condenser mic that requires
phantom power, turn phantom power on as
described below.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Press cursor button ( ) to select the

Phantom Power.

3. Turn the SOUND knob to select On.

Cutting unwanted low
frequencies

If you want to cut unwanted low-frequency content,
turn on the LowCut parameter.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Press cursor button ( ) to select the Low

Cut.

3. Turn the SOUND knob to select On.

4. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

Adjusting the screen’s
legibility (Contrast)

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Press cursor button ( ) to select the

Contrast.

3. Turn the SOUND knob to adjust the Contrast.

4. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

4. Press the EXIT button to return to the Play

screen.

Always turn the phantom power off when connecting any
device other than condenser microphones that require
phantom power. You risk causing damage if you mistakenly
supply phantom power to dynamic microphones, audio
playback devices, or other devices that don’t require such
power. Be sure to check the sp ecifications of any micro­phone you intend to use by referring to the manual that
came with it. (This instrument’s phantom power: 48 V DC, 10
mA Max)

16

Appendix

Restoring the factory settings
(Factory Reset)

Here’s how to restore the VE-20’s settings to their
factory-set condition.

1. Press the MENU button.

2. Turn the SOUND knob to select FACTORY

RESET.

3. Press cursor button ( ).

The REC indicator will blink, and the Factory
reset screen appears.

4. Turn the SOUND knob to specify the extent

of the factory reset.

Value Data to be initialized

ALL All settings
SOUND S ettings for all user sounds

SETUP Setup parameters

If you decide not to execute the Factory Reset,
press the EXIT button to return to the previous
screen.

5. Press the ON/OFF pedal.

The settings you specified will return to their
factory-set state.

* N ever turn off the powe r before the display i ndicates

“COMPLETED!”.

Sound List

No. Category Sound Name

01 STANDARD HARD ROCK
02 POP
03 BALLAD
04 OLDIES
05 ROCK
06 JAZZ
07 ECHO
08 ARENA
09 CATHEDRAL
10 HIP HOP
11 VOICE PERC
12 HARMONICA
13 DOUBLE DOUBLE VOICE
14 TRIPLE VOICE
15 6 VOICE
16 HARMONY 5th HARMONY
17 3rd HARMONY
18 5th + DOUBLE
19 3rd + DOUBLE
20 3rd + 5th LOW
21 3rd + 5th
22 3rd + 5th HIGH
23 SFX DISTORTION
24 RADIO
25 STROBE
26 CHORUS
27 FLANGER
28 PitchCorrect
29 CHROMATIC
30 ROBOT

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17

Appendix

Parameter guide

Sound parameters

These are the effects parameters than you can edit
within each sound.

DYNAMICS

Parame ter Explanation

On, Off Switches DYNAMICS on/off.
Depth Adjusts the depth of DYNAMICS.

Enhance Adjusts th e depth of the Enhan ce effect. Higher

PITCH CORRECT

Parame ter Explanation

On, Off Switches PITCH CORRECT on/off.
Type Soft The pitch will be corrected smoothly.

Scale *1

Gender Changes your voice to a masculine or feminine

Octave *1 Specifies th e amount by which the pitch will

Key *2
Note *3 Fixes the pitch.

*1 Available i f Type is set to So ft, Hard, or Elect ric.
*2 Available if Scale is set to Maj( Min).
*3 Available i f Type is set to Robot.

TONE/SFX

Parame ter Explanation

On, Off Switches TONE/SFX on/off.

Type PREAMP Adjusts the tonal character.

Gain *1 Adjusts the level.

Bass *1 Adjust s the tone quality of the low-frequency

Middle *1 Adjusts the tone quality of the mid-frequency

Middle f *1 Ad justs the frequency affected by the Middle pa-

Treble *1 Adjusts the tone quality of the high-frequency

settings will give the sound sharper definition.

Hard The pitch will be corrected quickly.

Electric

Robot

Chromatic

Maj (Min)

character.

change.

Spec ifies t he key of t he song yo u’re si nging (p . 11).

DISTOR­TION

RADIO Produ ces a r adio voi ce.

STROBE Finely slices the voice.

CHORUS Adds richness to the voice.
FLANGER

range.

range.

rameter.

range.

Corrects pitch variation to a stair-step
change.

Corrects the pitch to the specified
note.

The pitch is corrected to the nearest
chromatic semitone.

The pitch is corrected according to
the Key se tting.

Produ ces a di storted voice.

Adds a “swooshing” modulation.

Parame ter Explanation

Drive *2 Adjusts the degree of distortion.

Tone * 2 Adjusts the tonal character.
Speed *3 Specifies the speed.

Depth *4 Adjusts the depth of CHORUS.

*1 Avail able if Type is se t to PREAMP.
*2 Avail able if Type is set t o DISTORTION.
*3 Avail able if Type is se t to STROBE or FLAN GER.
*4 Avail able if Type is set t o CHORUS.

DOUBLE/HARMONY

Parame ter Explanation

On, O ff Switches DOUBLE/HARMONY o n/off.

Part1 ( 2) Type Off Tu rns the part off.

Part1 (2) Dbl *1 Adjusts the intens ity of the Double ef fect in three

Part1 (2) Lev *2 Adjusts the volume of the part.

Part1 ( 2) Gen­der * 2

Part1 ( 2) Pan L50–Cen-

Key *2

*1 Available if Type is set to Double.
*2 Available if Type is set to -1 to +1 oct or Unison.

Doubl e Produces a double-tracking effe ct.

If you’ve specified the key of your

-1–+1 oc t

Unison

leve ls (Light / Normal / Deep).

Transforms the voice by giving it a masculine or
feminine character.

ter–R50
Specifies the key of the song you’re singing (p. 11).

song (p. 11), harm ony that is suitable
for that key wil l be added at the inter­val you specify here.

By changin g the vocal character, t his
produces the impression that anoth­er person is singing the same melody
along with you.

Specifies the panning (stereo posi­tion ) of the sound.

DELAY

Parame ter Explanation

On, O ff Switches DELAY on/off.

Time Adjusts the delay time (1–4000 ms).
Feedback Adjusts the amount of delayed sound that is re-

DelayLeve l Adjusts the volume of the delayed sound.

peated.

REVERB

Parame ter Explanation

On, O ff Switches REVERB on/off.
Type Ambience Produces a sense of spatial depth.

Room P roduces warm reverbera tion.

Hall 1

Hall 2

Plate

Size Adjusts the siz e of the room (space) to vary th e re-

RevLevel Adjusts the volume of the reverberation.

verb time.

Produces clear and spacious rever­beration.

Produces mild and understated re­verberation.

Produces metallic-sounding rever­beration with an extended high
range.

18

Appendix

CONTROL PEDAL

Parame ter Explanation

Type DBL/HRM

DELAY

PITCH
TONE/SFX

REVERB

DYNAMICS
CUSTOM T urns the specified effect on/off (p. 14).

Switches eac h effect on/off ( p. 14).

MASTER

Parame ter Explanation

Level Specifies the volume of the sound.

NoiseThres Adjust this according to the noise level.

Key

Set this to a larger value if the noise level is high, or
to a lower value if the noise level is low.

Specifies the key of the song you’re singing (p. 11).

System parameters

These parameters are applied to the entire VE-20.

SETUP

Parame ter Explanation

MicSens Adjusts the input sensitivity.

PhantomPow­er

Output

LowCut

LoopType

Contrast Adjusts the display contrast (legibility).

On, Off

Mono

Stereo

Mono/Dry

On, Off

Perform

Check

FACTORY RESET

Parame ter Explanation

ALL All settings will be initialized.

SOUND All user sound settings will be initialized.

SETUP Setup parameter settings w ill be initialized.

Turns on/of f the supply of phan tom
power to the INPUT jack.

Mono out put from OUTPUT c onnec­tors L (MONO) and R .

Stereo output fr om the OUTP UT con­nectors.

Mono out put from OUTPUT c onnec­tor L (MONO) and D ry sound from
connector R.

* This set ting also applies t o the L and

R signals of the P HONES/LINE jack.

Cuts unwanted low-frequency con­tent.

Select this if you want to use the
Phrase Loop function to over dub (p.

13).

Select this if you want to perform a
sound check (p. 15).

Troubleshooting

Power doesn’t come on

Q Have the batteries run down?

→ Replace them with new batteries (p. 3).

* The batteries included with the VE-20 are meant only to confirm that

the unit is functional at the factory.

Q Is the specified AC adaptor (PSA series; optional)

connected correctly?

→ Check the connections again (p. 7) .

Never use any AC adaptor other than the adaptor
specified.

Q Could the POWER switch be OF F?

→ Turn the POWER switch ON (p. 4).

No sound/volume is low

Q Is the other equipment connected correctly?

→ Check the connections again (p. 7) .

Q Could the volume or input gain of the connected

mixer or recorder be lowered?

→ Ch eck the sett ings of the conne cted device.

Q Could the Phantom Power parameter be set to Off?

→

If you’re using a condenser mic that requires phantom
power, set the Phantom Power parameter to the On (p. 16).

Q Could the MicSens or Volume settings be too low?

→ Adjust these to appropriate values (p. 4).

Q Have the batteries run down?

→ Replace them with new batteries (p. 3).

* The batteries included with the VE-20 are meant only to confirm that

the unit is functional at the factory.

The P OWER indicator has gone dim

Q Is the specified adaptor (PSA series; optional)

properly connected?

→ Check t he connection once more (p. 7).

* Ne ver use any AC adaptor ot her than o ne specified for use wit h the

VE-20.

Q Have the batteries run down?

→ Replace them with new batteries (p. 3).

* Wh en the indicator goes dim or no longer lights while the effect is on,

it means that the batteries must be replaced.

* The batteries included with the VE-20 are meant only to confirm that

the unit is functional at the factory.

Sound is distorted

Q Is the MicSens setting appropriat e?

→ Ad just the set ting appropriately (p. 4).

Q Is the output from another effects processor

connected to the INPUT jack?

→ Connect your mic directly to the INPUT jack.

Can’t store the recorded phrase

→

It is not possible to store a recorded phrase in the VE-20.

Can’t overdub using Phrase Loop

Q Could the Phrase Loop parameter be set to Check?

→ Overdubbing is not possible if this is set to Check.

If you want t o overdub, set the Phrase Loop parameter
to Perform (p. 15).

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19

Main Specifications

VE-20: Vocal Processor

Nominal Input Level INPUT: -20 dBu (MicSens=40)
Input Impe dance INPUT: 4 k ohms

Nominal Output
Level

Output Impedance OUTPUT: 600 ohms

Sound 30 (Pre set) + 50 (U ser)

Maximum Record ing
Time (Monaural only)

Display 16 characters, 2 lines (backlit LCD)
Connectors INPUT jack (XLR type (balanced,

OUTPUT: -20 dBu
PHONES/LINE: -4 dBu

PHONES/LINE: 66 ohms

38 seconds

phantom power +48 V), 1/4 inch
TRS phone type (balanced))
OUTPUT jacks (XLR type)
PHONES/LINE jack (Stereo 1/4 inch
phone t ype)
DC IN jack (DC 9 V)

Power Supply DC 9 V: Dry battery LR6/R6 (AA) type x 6,

AC Adaptor (PSA series)

* Duration of continuous use with battery

operation:
Carbon: 2 hours, Alka line: 8 hour s
These fi gures will v ary depen ding on the a ctual
conditio ns of use.

Current Draw 180 mA (9 V max.)
Dimensions 173 (W) x 158 (D) x 57 (H) mm

6-13/16 (W) x 6-1/4 (D) x 2-1/4 (H) inches

Weight 1.1 kg / 2 lbs 7 oz (including batteries)
Accessories Owne r’s Manual

Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,”
“IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”)
Dry battery LR 6 (AA) type (Alkaline) x 6

Option AC Adaptor: PSA series

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
* In the interest o f product imp rovement, the specifi cations and/ or

appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.