Roland VG-99

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Roland VG-99

General Information

Original Author: Staffay

Weapon: Guitar/Amp/synth COSM modeller

Make: Roland

Model: VG-99

Price: 1025€ (thomann.de)

Introduction

In order to do this review I had to do some research, even that I did it is difficult to try to describe such an advanced product and all the possibilities this unit has. In fact, still after using this unit for a week, I just scratched the surface of what it really can do. Roland has put all their effort, experience & knowledge from their technology, resources etc. in one state-of-the-art box, that is supposed to be the flagship of the coorporation in guitar technology.

This is NOT a guitar synth, even that it has some built-in sythesized sounds, it is built on a technology Roland is calling "COSM" (Composite Object Sound Modelling). Rather it models different guitar/amps/other stringed instruments through the technology of HEX-pickup systems, which is the same as guitar-synth technology though. It builds on that every string has its own pickup, rather than 1-pole/string that makes up the total signal. Therefore, every string can be manipulated individually in the unit - which gives a lot of of options. It supports Fenders "Roland-ready" guitar as well as HEX-pickup compatible guitars from Godin, Brian Moore etc.

This unit is the new version of the VG-88 that was first released in 2000, that in turn was the successor to VG-8 released in the mid 90's. Several improvements has been made since then, and the VG-99 is now a fully fledged modelling system with stunning opportunities.

Product Description

The unit is non-rack standard even though it can be rack-mounted with some additional mounting parts. Rolands suggests that the unit shall be used on a stand instead, which is really a good idea, when it comes to controlling the unit via the D-Beam and the Ribbon-controller. (the former versions were floor-based) The only drawback here is that in order to take full advantage of the unit, a stand + the FC-300 controller and a HEX-pickup + cable also must be purchased. (which will add some 500-600€ to the prize above, the FC-300 controller is about 300€ alone)

Top view (click for larger image)

Top view: All of the units parameters/knobs are located on the top of the unit and is logically placed. It also features the Ribbon-control and the D-Beam. Also the input from the HEX-cable goes here and the on/off button. The display is good and is clearly visible even in bad light. It has shortcuts for pre-programmed "chains" of sound as well as a visible tuner.

Rear view (click for larger image)

Rear view: On the back of the unit goes all different connectors, which is quite a few. Nothing is really missing here. There is even a digital out as well as balanced outputs, USB to computer (which is really great) and MIDI in/out that can be used for controlling the unit/send the signal to guitar-synths/computers etc.

Sound Engine: The unit has two independable signal paths, which in turn gives that two totally separate instruments/amps/synths can be played at the same time. These can be layered/splitted by strings/dynamic controlled or combined in several ways. It features nearly all kinds of electric guitars/basses, amps and acoustic instruments like 12-string, nylon, sitar, banjo, mandolins etc. + a synthesizer section with GR-300 sounds & more.

The D-Beam controller: This is - along with the Ribbon-controller - the "welcome-to-cyberspace" feature of this unit. What it actually is, it's a light sensitive sensor that can be manipulated by Your hand (or other part of Your body) to control any of the parameters in the unit. (see videos down below) Eg. it can be used for freezin a tone/chord, manipulate the pitch, adding vibrato/harmonics, control the volume and a lot of other things.

The ribbon controller: This one very much does the same job as the D-Beam, but in greater detail, as You move Your finger on the touch sensitive ribbon, You are affecting the parameters.

In use

To start to use this unit, the calibration of Your guitar/HEX-pickup must be made, but its really easy-as-a-pie if You just following the manual, and in 5 minutes You are up and playing - and probably be sitting there for several hours as I did. Changing the parameters is really intuitive, and combined with an excellent manual its a breeze even for a non-technical guy to manage.

The unit comes with a lot of pre-programmed good sounds (200 actually), which will suit the most players, even that the most exciting part is to made Your own. I found metal sounds, 70's sounds, strat sounds and even L4 old-school-jazz sounds that all sounded very good, with a reservation of the dynamics on the clean sounds. (which seems to be the problem of all modelling amps, but still, this is the best I experienced yet)

There are plenty of possibilities when hooking up the unit to different sound systems both live and in the studio - You can have a processed sound with reverb/delay for live use and at the same time record it dry, just to name one.

Computer éditor view (click for larger image)

To make a preset is as simple as choosing a guitar, choose pickup combination, choose an amp (or none) and then make the effects settings. Of course, all parameters here are adjustable on the amps/guitars/ and there is also a rack of "stomp boxes" -effects to add. I found the included computer-editor much more convenient to use than struggle with the on-board controls, but that is really a matter of taste since both ways work excellent.