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Roland Announces New V-Bass VB-99 !!!

#321
Marcus Willett said:
What kind of bridge is that, or is it Graphtech?

That's my main issue with non-Roland setups...if you go with a piezo bridge setup, what are the bridge options?
Click to expand...

Graphtech are probably the easiest as they have modular connections, rather than the RMC (which I believe you need to solder direct to the board), but I'm sure you could use pretty much any piezo saddles/bridge with these systems with a bit of modification, which could open you up to options like Wilkinson/fishman systems but YMMV. Graphtech seem to do replacement saddles for most types of bridges though.

The one I have fitted is the hipshot/ghost, which is at the link below, which I think is based on the Hipshot type A - It is nice high mass bridge, very stable but with a considerable weight difference to the one it replaced i have had to rout beneath the bridge for the channeling of the piezo wiring, and I have had to countersink the main bridge slightly to get a good low fretless action, so effectively it is not something you would do to a vintage instrument or something you plan to return to stock condition some day.


Invalid Link Removed
 
#325
How do I give all the strings the same midi channel?
In Logic I notice each string has its own and my 5 string triggers a different module. Channels 1-5.

I've installed the editing software and don't see any settings for this :help:
 
#326
LaMarquis J said:
How do I give all the strings the same midi channel?
In Logic I notice each string has its own and my 5 string triggers a different module. Channels 1-5.

I've installed the editing software and don't see any settings for this :help:
Click to expand...

It's rather simple;

press the "Bass to MIDI" button on your VB-99; choose "Patch" (F3); than with the "Mode" (F1) switch you can choose between 'Mono' or 'Poly'
- Mono for 1 string per channel which it is set to right now
- Poly for transmitting the midi messages of all strings on one channel

You can find this information also on P.61 of the users manual.

And offcourse with the VB-99 editor it's also possible (allmost the same route and settings).

Remind you! this setting is for EACH patch seperately, so with each other patch you'll have to set this to the setting of your choice ....!

Hope it's enough info.
Good luck and lot's of fun with the bass to midi function!

Harry.
 
#330
I have the FC 300 controlling my VB99. I want to have one pedal control the VB efx volume and the other control the direct bass volume. Success on pedal 1 controlling the VB volume but dont see and option in the "System" menu for assigning the direct bass volume. Is this even possible in the VB-99?
 
#332
LaMarquis J said:
I have the FC 300 controlling my VB99. I want to have one pedal control the VB efx volume and the other control the direct bass volume. Success on pedal 1 controlling the VB volume but dont see and option in the "System" menu for assigning the direct bass volume. Is this even possible in the VB-99?
Click to expand...
Yes , assign A to Normal Pickup , and assign your controller of choice to; (A)COSM BASS/COMMON/NORMAL LEVEL
That would be a solution for a patch.

In system , you also have "Bass volume A or B".

You can also use "foot volume" , in the FX section , then you could place it where you want in the FX chain , before/after delay , before/after comp , etc....
Foot volume can be programed in either System or Patch.

So many ways to do it.......
 
#334
bassjamn said:
Perhaps bass to midi works well with these saddle pickups.
Click to expand...

Just to be clear;
The sounds in the VB99 are not MIDI related. It processes the sound of each strings individually , Roland calls it COSM.
Basicaly , It's emulations of basses , synths , FX and amp.
The Multi-pin cable allows the signal to pass each strings (6 max) and the controllers . ( S1 & S2 , volume )

The VB99 also has pitch to MIDI functions but it suc*.
Whatever pickup you use , RMC , Graphtech , Roland , it will still suc*.

I have both GK and Graphtech pickups. It makes no difference in pitch to MIDI for bass.
 
#335
Pitch to MIDI doesn't suc* imho ... okay there is some latency, but i use it for moog taurus sounds and it works just great! (... don't try a piano sound! ... there's some real unacceptable latency with these sounds .. dunno why)

Perhaps a more precise adjustment of GK/graphtech input balance will help a little? I have my inputs almost at the max level (VERY close to clipping ... in the stringbalance screen). [EDIT] I use the GK3B ...[/EDIT]

Due to the 'slow' movement of bass strings (low freq.) there will always be more difficulty in pitch to MIDI .... that's the problem with this instrument.
 
#336
I really really tried very hard everything to be able to trig MIDI sounds without success.
The part I have to play with Heavy "synth" sounds are mostly "Groovy" so that kind of latency is a No Go for me.
( Let's say "Boogie On a Reaggae Woman" with a Mini Moog sound )

It's OK for sweeps , pads , melodies , solos in higher pitch , long notes , but a tight , fast , clean groove ....... haven't been able yet.

Maybe I'm not good enough .......
 

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