Roland Corporation VK-8 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the VK-8 combo organ.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” (p. 2), “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 3,4), and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 5). These sections provide important information
concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel
assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by
your new unit, owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual
should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Conventions Used in This Manual
• Button names are enclosed in square brackets; e.g., [REVERB] button.
• Fractional harmonic bars (p. 24) are expressed like this: 1-1/3'; 2-2/3'.
• [1]–[8] means that you should press one of the buttons from [1]
through [8].
• The dark/lit/blinking status of an indicator is distinguished as
follows.
dark blink lit
Copyright© 2002 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING - When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12. Never use with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table except as specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.
For the U.K.
WARNING:
IMPORTANT:
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the
letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
GREEN-AND-YELLOW: EARTH, BLUE: NEUTRAL, BROWN: LIVE
2
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used
improperly.
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit be used
improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or
other adverse effects caused with
respect to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to domestic
animals or pets.
001
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.
..........................................................................................................
002a
• Do not open or perform any internal modifications on the unit.
..........................................................................................................
003
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts
within it (except when this manual provides
specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer
all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
..........................................................................................................
004
• Never use or store the unit in places that are:
• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating
duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or
are
• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors);
or are
• Humid; or are
• Exposed to rain; or are
• Dusty; or are
• Subject to high levels of vibration.
..........................................................................................................
005
• This unit should be used only with a rack or stand
that is recommended by Roland.
..........................................................................................................
006
• When using the unit with a rack or stand recommended by Roland, the rack or stand must be
carefully placed so it is level and sure to remain
stable. If not using a rack or stand, you still need
to make sure that any location you choose for
placing the unit provides a level surface that will
properly support the unit, and keep it from
wobbling.
..........................................................................................................
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.
The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
008a
• The unit should be connected to a power supply
only of the type described in the operating instructions, or as marked on the rear side of unit.
..........................................................................................................
008e
• Use only the attached power-supply cord.
..........................................................................................................
009
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord,
nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can
damage the cord, producing severed elements and
short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock
hazards!
..........................................................................................................
010
• This unit, either alone or in combination with an
amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be
capable of producing sound levels that could
cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for
a long period of time at a high volume level, or at
a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience
any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should
immediately stop using the unit, and consult an
audiologist.
..........................................................................................................
011
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material,
coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft
drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
..........................................................................................................
013
• In households with small children, an adult
should provide supervision until the child is
capable of following all the rules essential for the
safe operation of the unit.
..........................................................................................................
014
• Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
..........................................................................................................
3
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
015
• Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other
devices. Be especially careful when using
extension cords—the total power used by all
devices you have connected to the extension
cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rating
(watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive
loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat
up and eventually melt through.
..........................................................................................................
016
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service
Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the “Information” page.
..........................................................................................................
026
• Do not put anything that contains water (e.g.,
flower vases) on this unit. Also, avoid the use of
insecticides, perfumes, alcohol, nail polish, spray
cans, etc., near the unit. Swiftly wipe away any
liquid that spills on the unit using a dry, soft cloth.
101a
• The unit should be located so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
..........................................................................................................
101c
• This (VK-8) for use only with Roland stand KS-12.
Use with other stands is capable of resulting in
instability causing possible injury.
..........................................................................................................
102b
• Always grasp only the plug on the power-supply
cord when plugging into, or unplugging from, an
outlet or this unit.
..........................................................................................................
104
• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming
entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be
placed so they are out of the reach of children.
..........................................................................................................
106
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on
the unit.
110a
• Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning
in your area, pull the plug on the power cord out
of the outlet.
..........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
107b
• Never handle the power cord or its plugs with wet
hands when plugging into, or unplugging from,
an outlet or this unit.
..........................................................................................................
108a
• Before moving the unit, disconnect the power
plug from the outlet, and pull out all cords from
external devices.
..........................................................................................................
109a
• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and
unplug the power cord from the outlet (p. 16).
..........................................................................................................
4
IMPORTANT NOTES
291b
In addition to the items listed under “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” and “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on pages 2,
3 and 4, please read and observe the following:
Power Supply
301
• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any
device that will generate line noise (such as an electric
motor or variable lighting system).
307
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions
and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
308
• Although the LCD and LEDs are switched off when the
POWER switch is switched off, this does not mean that the
unit has been completely disconnected from the source of
power. If you need to turn off the power completely, first
turn off the POWER switch, then unplug the power cord
from the power outlet. For this reason, the outlet into
which you choose to connect the power cord’s plug
should be one that is within easy reach.
Placement
351
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
containing large power transformers) may induce hum.
To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this
unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.
352a
• This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
352b
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of
this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience
such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices
so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch
them off.
354b
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.
Also, do not allow lighting devices that normally are used
while their light source is very close to the unit (such as a
piano light), or powerful spotlights to shine upon the
same area of the unit for extended periods of time.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
355b
• When moved from one location to another where the
temperature and/or humidity is very different, water
droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage
or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in
this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must
allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation
has completely evaporated.
356
• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to remain
on the unit for long periods of time. Such objects can
discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the finish.
358
• Do not allow objects to remain on top of the keyboard.
This can be the cause of malfunction, such as keys ceasing
to produce sound.
359
• Do not paste stickers, decals, or the like to this instrument.
Peeling such matter off the instrument may damage the
exterior finish.
Maintenance
401b
• To clean the unit, use a dry, soft cloth; or one that is
slightly dampened. Try to wipe the entire surface using an
equal amount of strength, moving the cloth along with the
grain of the wood. Rubbing too hard in the same area can
damage the finish.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
deformation.
Additional Precautions
553
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks
and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
556
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
557
•A small amount of heat will radiate from the unit during
normal operation.
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about
those around you (especially when it is late at night).
559a
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise,
you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.
561
• Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-7; sold
separately). By connecting any other expression pedals,
you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.
5
Contents
Conventions Used in This Manual ..........................................................................................................1
USING THE UNIT SAFELY......................................................................3
IMPORTANT NOTES ...............................................................................5
Main Features..........................................................................................9
Panel Descriptions................................................................................10
How the VK-8 Works.............................................................................13
About the Virtual Tonewheel Sound Generator..................................................................................13
How the Organ Sound are Created ....................................................................................................... 13
How the Other Tones are Created ......................................................................................................... 14
About the Memories ................................................................................................................................15
Before You Begin Playing....................................................................16
Connecting the Power Cord....................................................................................................................16
Connecting Your Amp, Speakers, or Headphones..............................................................................17
Connecting the Pedal Keyboard............................................................................................................. 18
Connecting an Expression Pedal or Pedal Switch...............................................................................18
Turning the Power On............................................................................................................................. 19
Turning Off the Power ................................................................................................................. 19
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset).....................................................................................20
Listening to the Demo Songs..................................................................................................................21
Playing the Organ .................................................................................22
Listening to Various Sounds...................................................................................................................22
About the Organ Voice............................................................................................................................ 23
Adjusting the Sound in Real Time (Harmonic Bars)........................................................................... 24
Changing the Organ Sound (Wheel Type, Leakage Level)................................................................27
Adding Crispness to the Sound (Percussion)....................................................................................... 28
Adding Modulation to the Sound (Vibrato and Chorus)................................................................... 31
Using the COSM Rotary Speaker Effect (Rotary Sound).................................................................... 32
Changing the Amp Type (Amp Type, Overdrive, Tone)...................................................................33
Using the D BEAM Controller to Produce Common Organ Effects.................................................34
Adjusting the Sensitivity of the D Beam Controller.................................................................36
Adding Ambience (Reverb).................................................................................................................... 37
Dividing the Keyboard (Split) ................................................................................................................ 38
Changing the Split Point..............................................................................................................38
Using the Expression Pedal ....................................................................................................................39
Using the Active Expression Function.......................................................................................39
Using a Control Pedal..............................................................................................................................40
Assigning a Function to the Control Pedal ...............................................................................40
Using the Hold Pedal to Sustain the Sound ......................................................................................... 42
Playing Other Tones.............................................................................43
Layering Other Tones with Organ Sounds (Layer).............................................................................43
Assigning Organ Sounds and Other Tones Across the Keyboard (Split)........................................44
Saving Your Settings (Preset) .............................................................45
Saving to a Preset in the Same Bank........................................................................................... 46
Saving to a Preset in Another Bank............................................................................................ 46
Copying a preset ...........................................................................................................................46
6
Contents
Advanced Use.......................................................................................47
About the Edit Modes ..................................................................................................................47
Basic Procedure ............................................................................................................................. 47
Settings That Are Saved for the Entire System .................................................................................... 49
Rotary-related Settings................................................................................................................. 49
Click Noise and Percussion Settings..........................................................................................51
MIDI-related Settings ................................................................................................................... 52
Equalizer and Other Settings....................................................................................................... 55
Parameters that are stored in a preset...................................................................................................56
Effect and Other Settings .............................................................................................................56
Connecting the VK-8 to External Devices ..........................................58
Playing the VK-8 from an External MIDI Device ................................................................................ 58
Changing the function of the MIDI IN connectors (SUB KEYBOARD FUNCTION).........58
Using the VK-8 with a Dual Keyboard......................................................................................59
Connecting a Pedal Keyboard.....................................................................................................59
Using an External Sequencer to Record and Play Back...................................................................... 60
Saving VK-8 Settings on an External Sequencer (Bulk Dump)..........................................................61
Loading Back Data That’s Been Saved on an External Sequencer......................................... 61
Connecting a Rotary Speaker .................................................................................................................62
Troubleshooting....................................................................................63
Error Indications............................................................................................................................66
Preset/OTHER TONES List...................................................................67
Preset List.......................................................................................................................................67
OTHER TONES List......................................................................................................................68
Edit Parameters.....................................................................................69
Drum List ...............................................................................................70
MIDI Implementation.............................................................................71
MIDI Implementation Chart ..................................................................77
Main Specification ................................................................................78
Index.......................................................................................................79
7
MEMO
8
Main Features
Organ Features
Virtual Tonewheel Sound Generator
The VK-8 features a Virtual Tonewheel sound generator that perfectly simulates the sound-production
mechanism of traditional tone wheel organs. Since all parts — upper, lower, and pedal — are completely
polyphonic, notes aren’t cut off regardless of your performance technique.
Rotary Sound
An effect algorithm using Roland’s COSM technology creates a faithful rotary speaker simulation that’s
essential for a great organ sound. Enjoy the realistic rotary sound simply by connecting headphones, a
keyboard amp (such as the KC-1000) or stereo system.
Overdrive Sound
In addition to simulating the response of the rotary speaker’s vacuum tube circuitry and the acoustical
characteristics of the speaker cabinet, COSM technology also re-creates the sound of various types of
amplifiers. Simply by selecting amp types, you can obtain a wide variety of sounds, including heavy
overdrive rock sounds with realistic cabinet resonance.
Waterfall Keyboard
The VK-8 features the same keyboard feel as traditional tone wheel organs. This keyboard has been newly
designed for standard organ playing techniques such as glissando.
Intuitive Operation
The VK-8 is designed with an emphasis on operability, with harmonic bars, rotary knobs, and large buttons.
The VIBRATO AND CHORUS and PERCUSSION controls feature the same operation and placement as on
traditional tone wheel organs.
Tone wheel Type, Leakage Noise, Amp Simulator, and other elements vital to creating a great organ sound
can be edited directly and intuitively from the front panel just as if you were adjusting the sound on a guitar
amp.
Natural Wood Cabinet
The cabinet is built of wood, echoing the construction of traditional tone wheel organs. The side panels feature
beautifully finished natural wood that will gain luster with years of use.
Built-in PCM Sounds Complement the Organ Sound Generator
In addition to its organ sound generator, the VK-8 provides a PCM sound generator with high-quality Piano,
Electric Piano 1, Electric Piano 2, Strings, Jazz Scat, Choir, Synth, and Brass sounds. These sounds can be used
in combination with the organ for even greater expressive potential.
Other Features
• You can use the D BEAM controller to create performance gestures unique to
organs, such as turning the tone wheel motor off or producing the “splash” of a quick
wheel
traditional tone
kick to a spring reverb unit.Take advantage of the D BEAM controller to heighten the
excitement of your performances onstage.
•A dedicated rotary speaker connector is provided. Rotary speakers with an eleven-pin
connector can be connected directly to the VK-8.
• Two MIDI IN connectors are provided on the rear panel, allowing you to connect another
keyboard and pedal keyboard and enjoy two-manual and pedal keyboard playing.
• User Preset memory lets you store 64 different panel settings.
• In addition to Expression Pedal and Hold Pedal jacks, a Control Pedal jack is provided that can
be assigned a variety of functions. By connecting an expression pedal or pedal switch, you can
enjoy a wide range of performance possibilities.
9
Panel Descriptions
1.
■
2.
3.
■
4.
5.
6.
■
7.
8.
■
9.
■
■
25
27
[MASTER VOLUME] knob
Adjust the overall volume (p. 19).
VIBRATO AND CHORUS
VIBRATO AND CHORUS [ON] button
Switches the vibrato or chorus effect on/off (p. 31).
[VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob
Switches the type of vibrato or chorus effect (p. 31).
D BEAM
D BEAM controller
You can modify the sound by moving your hand over
the D Beam controller (p. 34).
D BEAM [ON] button
Switches the D Beam controller on/off (p. 34).
D BEAM button
Selects the effect that will be controlled by the D Beam
controller (p. 34).
TONE WHEEL
[LEAKAGE] knob
Allows you to independently add leakage noise,
separately from the leakage noise selected by the wheel
type (p. 27).
[TONE WHEEL] button
Select the type of the virtual tonewheel (p. 27).
AMPLIFIER
[OVERDRIVE] knob
Adjust the depth of overdrive (p. 33).
1
652 43 8
31302926 28
10. [AMPLIFIER] button
Switches the frequency response and cabinet resonance
of the virtual amp (p. 33).
11. [TONE] knob
Adjust the tonal character of the organ voice (p. 33).
REVERB
12. REVERB [LEVEL] knob
Adjust the depth of reverb (p. 37).
13. [REVERB] button
Select the type of reverb (p. 37).
OTHER TONES
14. [SPLIT] button
Divide the keyboard into two halves, and assign a
different sound to each area (p. 38, 44).
15. [H-BAR MANUAL] button (Harmonic Bar
Manual)
When this function is used, the harmonic bar settings
will change from the settings of the preset to the
positions (settings) of the harmonic bars on the panel (p.
23).
16. [WRITE] button
Saves the panel settings as a preset (p. 45, 46).
17. [BANK] button
Selects the preset bank (p. 22, 45, 46).
18. [PRESET] button
Pressed to enter Preset Select mode (p. 22, p. 45).
Allows the [1]–[8] buttons to be used for selecting
presets.
7
10
9
10 12 1311 2018
14 15
19
21 22 23
Panel Descriptions
POWER SWITCH LOCATED
ON THE REAR PANEL
POWER SWITCH LOCATED
ON THE REAR PANEL
24
16 17
19. [1]–[8] button
When the [PRESET] button’s indicator is lit, the [1]–[8]
buttons will switch presets. When the [PRESET]
button’s indicator is dark, the [1]–[8] buttons will switch
OTHER TONES.
[1/(OTHER TONES) PIANO] button
[2/(OTHER TONES) ELECTRIC PIANO 1] button
[3/(OTHER TONES) ELECTRIC PIANO 2] button
[4/(OTHER TONES) STRINGS] button
[5/(OTHER TONES) JAZZ SCAT] button
[6/(OTHER TONES) CHOIR] button
[7/(OTHER TONES) SYNTH] button
[8/(OTHER TONES) BRASS] button
20. [OTHER TONES LEVEL] knob
Adjust the volume of the OTHER TONES.
■ PERCUSSION
21. [SECOND] button
This adds second percussion (same pitch as the 4'
harmonic bar) to the organ voice (p. 28).
22. [THIRD] button
This adds third percussion (same pitch as the 2-2/3'
harmonic bar) to the organ voice (p. 28).
23. [SOFT] button
This switches the volume of the percussion (p. 29).
24. [SLOW] button
This switches the decay time of the percussion (p. 30).
■ HARMONIC BAR PART
These buttons select the part whose settings the
harmonic bars will affect.
26. [PEDAL] button
When the harmonic bars are moved, the sound of the
Pedal part will change (p. 23).
27. [LOWER] button
When the harmonic bars are moved, the sound of the
Lower part will change (p. 23).
28. [UPPER] button
When the harmonic bars are moved, the sound of the
Upper part will change (p. 23).
■ ROTARY SOUND
29. ROTATY [ON] button
This button switches the rotary effect on/off for the
organ sound (p. 32).
30. [BRAKE] button
This button switches the rotation of the rotary sound.
When this is turned on, the rotation will gradually stop.
When it is turned off, the rotation will gradually resume
(p. 32).
31. [SLOW/FAST] button
This button switches the speed of rotation for the rotary
sound (p. 32).
Rapid blinking Fast rotation
Slow blinking Slow rotation
25. Harmonic Bar
These bars create the sound of the organ voice. You can
modify the tone in real time as you play (p. 24).
11
Panel Descriptions
32 33
34 3635 38 4041 4237 39 43
REAR PANEL
32. [POWER] switch
Turn the power on/off (p. 19).
33. AC Inlet
Connect the included power cable to this inlet (p. 16).
34. MIDI KEYBOARD IN connector
An external keyboard can be connected here, allowing
you to play the VK-8 as a two-manual instrument (p. 59).
You could also connect an external sequencer here, and
get the VK-8 to play the music the sequencer sends it (p.
60).
35. MIDI PEDAL IN connector
A pedal keyboard can be connected here, allowing you
to play the pedals (p. 59).
You could also connect an external sequencer here, and
get the VK-8 to play the music the sequencer sends it (p.
60).
36. MIDI OUT connector
An external MIDI device can be connected here to
receive MIDI data transmitted from the VK-8 (p. 60, p.
61).
37. HOLD PEDAL jack
A pedal switch can be connected here. While you press
the pedal, the organ voice or other voice you are playing
will be sustained (p. 18, 42).
39. CONTROL PEDAL jack
Accepts connection of a pedal switch or expression
pedal. The desired function can be assigned to the pedal
(p. 18, p. 40).
40. OUTPUT R jack
41. OUTPUT L (MONO) jack
An amp, powered speakers, etc., can be connected here.
If outputting in monaural, connect to the L (MONO) jack
(p. 17).
42. PHONES jack
An optional set of headphones can be connected here (p.
17).
43. ROTARY TONE CABINET connector
Rotary speaker can be connected (p. 62).
38. EXPRESSION PEDAL jack
An expression pedal (EV-5 or EV-7; sold separately) can
be connected here (p. 18, p. 39).
12
How the VK-8 Works
About the Virtual Tonewheel Sound Generator
A traditional tone wheel organ produces the sound by 91 toothed wheels called “tone wheels.” Each tone
wheel produces a different pitch. A motor is used to rotate these tone wheels past electromagnetic coils, and
as the teeth of each wheel pass by the corresponding electromagnetic coil, an audio signal is generated. The
combination of harmonic bars and the notes that are pressed then select the audio signals that are output,
producing the sound of the organ.
The virtual tonewheel sound generator of the VK-8 uses digital technology to precisely re-create the soundproduction mechanism of a tone wheel organ. The 91 toothed wheels are constantly “rotating” digitally, and
are able to produce sound at any time. The sound produced by these virtual tonewheels is determined by the
combination of harmonic bars and the state of the notes played on the keyboard—exactly as on traditional
tone wheel organs.
How the Organ Sound are Created
Tone Wheels
Tone wheels rotate constantly, and will therefore “speak” the instant you play a note. The virtual tonewheel
sound generator of the VK-8 is also producing sound constantly, allowing very rapid response when you play
a note. This rapid response is especially valuable when you use characteristic organ performance techniques
such as glissando.
The organ sound consists of a fundamental and eight harmonics, and these are mixed according to the
combination of the harmonic bars. You can use the harmonic bars to modify the tone even while you play,
allowing a high degree of expressive flexibility.
Percussion
Tone wheel percussion is used when you want to add an attack to the notes you play, making the sound more
crisp. Relative to the pitch of the note you play, you can specify either the second (SECOND) or third (THIRD)
partial as the pitch of the percussion sound, and you can decrease the percussion volume (SOFT) or lengthen
its decay (SLOW).
The percussion on tone wheel organs is of a type called “single-trigger,” meaning that percussion was not
applied to all the notes that were played, but only to the note that was pressed first. If you release the
currently-played key(s), percussion will sound for the next-played note. If you play legato (with notes
smoothly connected), percussion will be applied only to the first note, and not to subsequent notes. If you play
staccato, percussion will be applied to all notes. If you play rapidly when using percussion, the percussion
circuit may not keep up with your playing, causing the percussion sound to become softer. However, the VK8 allows you to adjust the speed of recovery so that it will keep up even with rapid playing (p. 51). On a tone
wheel organ, the way in which percussion is applied is a very important element in enhancing the
expressiveness of the performance.
On tone wheel organs, the 1' harmonic bar was used to produce the percussion sound. This means that when
you add percussion, the sound of the 1' harmonic bar will no longer be heard. Also, percussion will be applied
only to the Upper Part.
On tone wheel organs, turning off percussion [SOFT] button would lower the volume of the organ, but the
VK-8 allows you to adjust it so the volume of the organ won’t change when percussion [SOFT] button is
switched on/off (p. 51).
Key Click
The first generations of traditional tone wheel organs produced a “blip” noise (separately from percussion)
when a note was pressed or released. Initially, this click noise was considered a problem, but blues and rock
musicians came to utilize it in their performances, and the key click became an indispensable part of the organ
sound in jazz as well.
On the VK-8 you can independently adjust the volume of the key click for key-on and key-off (p. 51).
13
How the VK-8 Works
Vibrato and Chorus
Traditional tone wheel organs provided a total of six different effects: three kinds of vibrato (V1, V2, V3) and
three kinds of chorus (C1, C2, C3).
Vibrato is an effect that cyclically modulates the pitch, and chorus is an effect that modulates the pitch to
produce spaciousness and depth.
Harmonic bars
The harmonic bars of a tone wheel organ are arranged in ascending order of pitch, from left to right.
Borrowing some inspiration from the pipes of a pipe organ, the bars are labeled in “feet,” with 8’ being the
fundamental.
There is one exception in the ordering of the harmonic bars, and that is the 5-1/3’ bar located second from the
left. According to the pitch order, this should be the third from the left, but since 5-1/3’ is an overtone of 16’,
and blends with the 16’ sound, it is placed beside the 16’ bar.
The harmonic bars are color-coded in three colors. The bars whose pitches are in octave relation to 8’ are white,
the bars that are not octave harmonics are black, and the lower pitch range is brown.
On tone wheel organs, the highest feet were repeated (“reused”) in the high keyboard range, and the lowest
feet were repeated in the low range. This is called “fold-back.”
If an organ had 109 tone wheels, all nine harmonics of the harmonic bars could be sounded by all 61 keys of
a tone wheel organ. However, if this were the case, the upper range would be unpleasantly screechy, and the
lower range would be excessively low and muddy-sounding.
For this reason, fold-back is used on the VK-8 to produce a well-balanced sound.
Amp Type (Rotary, Overdrive, Tone)
By using a rotary speaker with a tone wheel organ, you can create modulation and a sense of rotation,
producing a spacious, three-dimensional sound.
On the VK-8, the volume of the rotary speaker, the time over which rotation will transition between fast and
slow, the speed of rotation in fast and slow states, and the sense of spaciousness can each be adjusted
independently for the tweeter and woofer.
Reverb
Reverb is an effect that adds reverberation to the sound. Reverb types ROOM, HALL, and CHURCH add the
reverberation of differently sized acoustical spaces. The SPRING reverb type simulates a reverb circuit that
used springs, and was often found on traditional organs.
The VK-8 lets you adjust the reverb time (p. 57). Also, by turning the [REVERB] knob you can adjust the
volume of the reverb (p. 37).
How the Other Tones are Created
The VK-8 also contains sounds other than organ sounds. These are referred to as “OTHER TONES.” OTHER
TONES can be played on Upper, Lower, or Pedal.
OTHER TONES provide the following eight sounds.
1. PIANO
2. ELECTRIC PIANO 1
3. ELECTRIC PIANO 2
4. STRINGS
5. JAZZ SCAT
6. CHOIR
7. SYNTH
8. BRASS
14
About the Memories
System memory
Settings that affect the entire VK-8 are referred to as “system memory.”
Preset memory
Settings that are stored independently for each preset number, such as harmonic bar and panel settings, are
called “preset memory.”
There are a total of 64 preset memories, and each of them can be edited.
How the VK-8 Works
15
Before You Begin Playing
Connecting the Power Cord
Before making a connection, make sure that the VK-8 is turned off.
1
2 Connect supplied power cable to the VK-8, and plug the other end into a
power outlet.
fig.01-01
AC Outlet
AC Inlet
NOTE
To prevent malfunction and/
or damage to speakers or other
devices, always turn down the
volume, and turn off the
power on all devices before
making any connections.
NOTE
Be sure to use the supplied
power cable.
16
Before You Begin Playing
Connecting Your Amp, Speakers, or Headphones
The VK-8 is not equipped with an amplifier or speakers. In order to hear the sound,
you will need to connect audio equipment such as a monitor speaker system or
stereo set, or use headphones.
1 Before making any connections, make sure that all the devices are turned
off.
2 Connect the VK-8 to your amp/speaker system as shown in the diagram.
fig.01-02
Audio
cable
Headphones
Mixer
Monitor
Speaker
Audio Set
NOTE
To prevent malfunction and/
or damage to speakers or other
devices, always turn down the
volume, and turn off the
power on all devices before
making any connections.
In order to take full advantage
of the VK-8’s performance, we
recommend using a stereo
amp/speaker system. If you
are using a mono system,
make the connections to the
OUTPUT L (MONO) jack.
NOTE
In consideration of live concert
situations, the VK-8’s
PHONES jack is designed to
produce a higher volume level
than that of other electronic
instruments.
Extended listening at high
volume levels may damage
your hearing, so use caution
when adjusting the volume.
Powered Amplifier
Use audio cables to connect audio equipment, such as an amp or speakers. If you are
using headphones, plug them into the PHONES jack.
About a OUTPUT jacks
The VK-8’s OUTPUT jacks support both balanced output and unbalanced output.
To use balanced output, use a cable with a balanced (TRS type) phone plug. To use
unbalance output, use a cable with an unbalanced (TS type) phone plug.
fig.01-03
TRS TS
TIP (HOT)
SLEEVE (Ground)
TIP (HOT)
RING (Cold)
SLEEVE (Ground)
Audio cables and headphones
are not included. You will
need to provide these
separately.
17
Before You Begin Playing
Connecting the Pedal Keyboard
Before making any connections, make sure that all the devices are turned
1
off.
2 Use a commercially available MIDI cable to connect the VK-8’s MIDI
PEDAL IN connector to the MIDI OUT connector of your MIDI pedal
keyboard unit.
fig.01-05
PEDAL IN
PK-7
MIDI OUT
PK-5
MIDI OUT
3 Turn on the MIDI pedal keyboard unit.
If the SUB KEYBOARD
FUNCTION (p. 58) is turned
on, it will not be necessary to
specify the MIDI channel.
NOTE
The power switch of your
MIDI pedal keyboard unit
must be turned on before the
power switch of the VK-8.
When you turn off the power,
first turn off the power of the
VK-8, and then turn off the
power of your MIDI pedal
keyboard.
4 Turn on the power of the VK-8.
Connecting an Expression Pedal or Pedal Switch
You can connect an expression pedal or pedal switch to the rear panel EXPRESSION
PEDAL jack, HOLD PEDAL jack, or CONTROL PEDAL jack.
fig.01-06
DP-2
NOTE
Use only the specified
expression pedal (EV-7; sold
separately). By connecting any
other expression pedals, you
risk causing malfunction and/
or damage to the unit.
18
EV-7
Before You Begin Playing
b
Turning the Power On
Before turning on the VK-8’s power, make sure that:
1
• The VK-8 is correctly connected to the desired peripheral devices.
• The volume of the VK-8 and any connected audio equipment or
speakers is turned to the minimum position.
2 Press the upper portion of the [POWER] switch located on the rear panel
of the VK-8 to turn on the power.
When the power is on, the indicators for the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER]
button, [REVERB] button, and other buttons on the panel will light.
fig.01-07
3 Turn on the power of the connected amp or audio system.
NOTE
Once the connections have
een completed, turn on
power to your various devices
in the order specified. By
turning on devices in the
wrong order, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to
speakers and other devices.
NOTE
This unit is equipped with a
protection circuit. A brief
interval (a few seconds) after
power up is required before
the unit will operate normally.
4 Rotate the [MASTER VOLUME] knob clockwise to adjust the volume of
the VK-8.
fig.01-08
5 Adjust the volume of the device connected to the VK-8.
■ Turning Off the Power
1 Before switching off the power, confirm the following:
• The volume of the VK-8 and any connected equipment is turned to the
minimum position.
• Any sound data you have created has been saved.
2 Turn off the power of the equipment connected to the VK-8.
3 Press the lower portion of the VK-8’s [POWER] switch to turn off the
power.
fig.01-07
NOTE
Be careful not to raise the
volume excessively. Excessive
volume may damage your
amp/speaker system/
headphones or could cause
hearing problems.
NOTE
If you turn off the power while
you are making sound
settings, the settings that you
are modifying will be lost. If
you wish to keep your
modified settings, you must
save them before turning off
the power. For details, refer to
“Saving Your Settings
(Preset)” (p. 45).
19
Before You Begin Playing
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset)
This function resets all the VK-8’s settings to their factory default values.
1 Make sure that the volume is turned to the minimum position.
2 Press the lower portion of the VK-8’s [POWER] switch to turn off the
power.
fig.01-07
3 While holding down the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] [LOWER]
[PEDAL] buttons, press the upper portion of the [POWER] switch to turn
on the power.
4 Press the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] [LOWER] [PEDAL] buttons
NOTE
When you perform the Factory
Reset operation, all the data
you created will be lost from
the VK-8’s internal memory. If
the VK-8 contains important
data that you wish to keep, use
the Bulk Dump operation to
save the data on an external
MIDI sequencer, etc. before
you perform the Factory Reset
operation (p. 61).
until all of the panel indicators light.
All settings will be restored to what they were when the instrument first left the
factory.
Once the Factory Reset has been completed, all panel indicators will light for several
seconds.
fig.01-07
NOTE
Never turn off the power
while Factory Reset is being
performed.
20
Listening to the Demo Songs
b
b
The VK-8 contains six demo songs. Here’s how to listen to the demo songs and
experience the various organ sounds and effects.
fig.01-11
1 2, 34
1 Press the [SPLIT] button and the [H-BAR MANUAL] button at the same
Before You Begin Playing
time.
Enter Demo mode.
2 Press the [PRESET] button to make its indicator light.
The demo songs will be chain-played (played in succession) starting with the first
song.
When the first demo song finishes playing, playback will continue to the next song.
When the last song finishes playing, playback will return to the first song and
continue.
3 Press the [PRESET] button once again to make the indicator go out.
Demo song playback will stop.
4 Press the [SPLIT] button.
You will exit Demo mode.
Demo Song
Number
1 Blue Forest © 2002 Roland Corporation
2 Sunset Blvd © 2002 Roland Corporation
3 Medical Fact © 2002 Tatsuya Nishiwaki
4 Let’s Get Ready to Praise © 2002 Roland Corporation
5 Make Holy © 2002 Roland Corporation
6 Sister Mum © 2002 Roland Corporation
Song Name Copyright
Before you press the [PRESET]
utton, you can press a button
[1]–[6] to select the song from
which demo song playback
will begin.
NOTE
No data for the music that is
played will be output from
MIDI OUT.
NOTE
All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use of this
material for purposes other
than private, personal
enjoyment is a violation of
applicable laws.
NOTE
The third Demo song is created
y using the Spring Shock
effect. Please be aware that
raising the volume of the VK-8
excessively will produce a
high-volume impact sound. If
you want to reduce the volume
of the impact sound, use the
[MASTER VOLUME] knob to
adjust the volume of the VK-8.
21
Playing the Organ
Listening to Various Sounds
The VK-8 comes with 64 presets stored onboard. Here’s how to switch presets to hear
the various sounds.
There are eight banks of presets, with eight sounds in each bank.
Switch between the presets to hear the various sounds.
fig.01-13
12
3
1 Press the [PRESET] button to make its indicator light.
2 Hold down the [BANK] button and press one of the buttons from [1]
through [8] to select the bank number.
3 Press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to select a preset number.
The indicator of the number button you’ve selected will light.
4 Play the keyboard to hear the sound you selected.
If you want to select a preset
from the same bank, step 2 is
not necessary.
While you are pressing the
[BANK] button, the indicator
of the selected bank will light.
22
Example:
• Switching from preset 11 to preset 18
Press the [8] button.
• Switching from preset 11 to preset 35
Hold down the [BANK] button and press the [3] button. Take your finger off the
[BANK] button, and press the [5] button.
About the Organ Voice
The organ voice has three parts: “upper,” “lower,” and “pedal.”
When you play the keyboard of the VK-8, the sound of the Upper part will be heard.
You can also play the VK-8 in the following ways.
• Divide the keyboard of the VK-8 into two zones, and play the sound of
the Upper organ part in the right-hand zone, and the sound of the
Lower organ part in the left-hand zone (p. 38).
• Connect an external keyboard, and play the sound of the Upper organ
part on the VK-8’s keyboard, and the sound of the Lower organ part on
the external keyboard (p. 59).
• Connect an external pedal keyboard, and play the sound of the Upper
organ part on the VK-8, and the sound of the Pedal organ part on the
pedal keyboard (p. 59).
The sounds of the Upper, Lower, and Pedal parts of an organ voice can be edited
using the harmonic bars.
fig.01-13
Playing the Organ
1 Press either the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] button, [LOWER]
button, or [PEDAL] button to select the part whose sound you want to
edit.
Button Part
HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] Button Upper Part
HARMONIC BAR PART [LOWER] Button Lower Part
HARMONIC BAR PART [PEDAL] Button Pedal Part
2 Press the [H-BAR MANUAL] button to make its indicator light.
When the [H-BAR MANUAL] button’s indicator is dark, the harmonic bar settings
will be the harmonic bar settings of the organ voice of the selected preset (p. 22, 45).
3 Move the harmonic bars to edit the sound (p. 24).
A sound you’ve edited can be saved as a preset (p. 45).
To hear the sound of the
Lower part, you can either
select Split (p. 38) and play the
sound of the Lower part in the
left-hand zone of the keyboard,
or connect an external
keyboard (p. 59). To hear the
sound of the pedal part,
connect an external pedal
keyboard (p. 59).
23
Playing the Organ
Adjusting the Sound in Real Time (Harmonic Bars)
The harmonic bars are controllers for creating the basic structure of the organ sound.
By sliding nine harmonic bars in and out you can create a variety of tonalities.
fig.01-14
The numbers appearing on the harmonic bars allow you to rapidly set the bars to the
desired setting. If you push a harmonic bar inward until no number is visible, its
volume will be “0,” and no sound will be heard. If you pull a harmonic bar all the
way out, the volume will be at the maximum.
75%
When percussion is on, the 1'
pitch will not be produced.
A sine wave (pure tone) of differing pitch is assigned to each of the harmonic bars,
and you can create a variety of sounds by mixing these sine waves.
fig.01-15
Time
8' volume: 8
Time
4' volume: 5
Time
24
The numbers (16', 5-1/3', etc.) printed on the knob of each harmonic bar indicate the
pitch of that bar in “feet.” The pitch of each harmonic bar plays an important role in
creating the tone. The 8' pitch is the basic pitch of the sound, and the sound is created
based on this 8' pitch.
The pitches of the harmonic bars are related as follows.
fig.01-16
When the middle C (C4) note is pressed, each
harmonic bar will sound the following notes.
Playing the Organ
16' 8' 4' 2' 1'51/3'2
one octave
below
5th root 8th 12th
8' =
2
/3'1
15th
3
/5'11/3'
17th 19th 22nd
25
Playing the Organ
What Are “Feet?”
Historically, the “feet” (“ ' “ symbol) indications of the harmonic bars originate in
the length of the pipes of a pipe organ. The length of pipe used to produce the
reference pitch (the fundamental) for the keyboard is eight feet. Reducing the pipe
to half its length produces a pitch one octave higher; conversely, doubling the pipe
length creates a pitch one octave lower. Therefore, a pipe producing a pitch one
octave below that of the reference of 8' (eight feet) would be 16'; for one octave
above the reference, the pipe would be 4', and to take the pitch up yet another
octave it would be shortened to 2'.
On tone wheel organs, the pitch relationship shown in the diagram does not hold
true in a certain region of the keyboard (p. 25). In the high range of the keyboard,
high-pitched feet are “wrapped around” one octave down. High footages will be
“folded back” for high notes, while low footages will be folded back for low notes.
Folding back the high-frequency portion prevents the high-frequency sounds
from being unpleasantly shrill, and folding back the low-frequency portion
prevents the sound from becoming “muddy.” On the VK-8 faithfully simulates
this characteristic.
As you can see from the relation of the pitches, the 5-1/3' pitch is unique in that it
is not arranged in order of pitch. The reason is that the 5-1/3' sound blends not
with the 8' (fundamental), but with the 16' pitch. Acoustic instruments produce
sound consisting of frequencies at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency;
double, triple, and so on. These are called “integer harmonics.” Relative to the 8'
pitch that is the basic pitch of an organ, the 5-1/3' pitch is not an integer multiple,
and does not blend.
However, relative to the 16' pitch (which is one octave lower), 5-1/3' is an integer
multiple and therefore does blend. (Starting at 16', the 5-1/3' pitch is three times
higher.) Because 5-1/3' blends with 16', these two harmonic bars are colored
differently than the other harmonic bars, and are placed together.
26
Loading...