Next Generation VG

From VG-8.com

This page is for contributing ideas on what we'd like to see in a VG-888. I'm sure Roland is listening, so let's all contribute to making our specification clear so they can act on it!

(NOTE: Please read first, in order to avoid duplicate or confusing requests. Thank you.)

Contents 1 General 2 Guitar Modeling 3 Amp Modeling 4 Effects 5 Input/Output Connectors 6 Interface and Controls 7 Software 8 Pitch-to-MIDI 9 Midi Control 10 Physical considerations 11 Extras 12 Attractiveness To Buyers

[edit] General

• True polyphonic signal path, hence 6 independent sound engines allowing for independent COSM guitar, effects, amp parameters per string.
• Alternate multi-layer mode where instead of string by string, you can layer multiple effects on top of each other.
• Increase internal audio processing quality.
  • Make sampling rate switchable between 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz.
• Overall tone controls directly on the front panel (a master equalizer).
  • Analog with knobs, not located in some menu.
  • Up/Down buttons acceptable, again not in a menu. (but not the preferred method).
  • Allows quick and easy modification of bass, treble, mid range when playing live.
• Limit patches within the same bank to no more than 10% overall volume difference:
  • This will ensure against accidental blasts of loud patches.
  • Provide a menu function to override this, thus requiring user input to go outside of the norm.
• Restore the COMPARE function (as found in the VG-8).
• Fix sensitivity settings when using the GK pickup in reverse mode:
  • A bug in the current version makes the sensitivity settings for Strings 1 and 6 interact with each other. The same holds true for the remaining two pairs.
• Concerning the factory patches - David Coffin must be hired as a programmer/sonic abuser!
  • He should definitely be a beta tester, at the minimum. His patches are some of the best examples showing the VG's capabilities.
• Provide a low cost alternative to the current expensive all-in-one floor units
  • Produce a minimal and very low cost PC interface for 13 pin input similar to Line 6 GuitarPort. Or perhaps add 13 input to suitable Edirol product.
  • Publish API so that 3rd party developers can add value to Roland 13 pin platform. Enable new effects and models as "plug-ins".
  • Package modeling technology as a low cost "software-only" product similar to Guitar-Rig or Line 6 Workbench.
  • Include a web service similar to Line 6 GuitarPort so users can share patches and plug-ins easily.

[edit] Guitar Modeling

• Improve pitch shifting accuracy, minimize artifacts.
• Have even more models than the Variaxes! (Acoustic and Electric Models, possibly even basses, too.)
• Include a 6 way break in-out interface for recording. That IE 6 individual tracks to record onto hard drive, then allow each track to come back into the processor. then you can change effects on the fly from a recording.
• More direct bass simulations with the guitar rather than just relying on pitch-shifting.
• Overhaul the variguitar section so you build up custom models by listing out more detailed properties of the guitar (wood type of the various parts, solid vs. sound-chamber vs. semi-hollow vs. acoustic, scale length, string type, neck attachment, bridge type, nut type, headstock angle, etc.). That way it would be much easier to simulate specific guitars rather than guessing abstract qualities like "resonance".
• More ethnic instrument models: sitar - electric (coral style) and "acoustic", hoddu, kora, koto, balalaika, mandocello, vihuela, bajo sexto, lute, pipa, shamisen, saz.
• Independant String Pitch shift should be available for all COSM models. Whats the point of playing a Sitar sound in EADGBE tuning?
• More control in the Wave synth Section. Think like a proper Synth. ADSR, Gates, Oscilators, More! More More!
• Allow a three-pickup arrangement to select all possible combinations.
  • Current system only provides 5 out of the 7 possible pickup combinations.
  • Allow a choice of reversing the phase on one pickup when choosing any of the combinations.
• Model the original Fender Jazzmaster pickups - the P-90 selection isn't good enough for this application.
• Add more in depth control of harmonic content, formants etc... What makes the VG-88 great is its ability to invent new sounds, not re-create existing ones - leave that to Line 6 and lower VG units.

[edit] Amp Modeling

• Modern Distortions (heavy, perhaps allowing for two different kinds of distortion to be layered for that modern sound).
• Dual COSM engines, just like the GT-Pro.
• As many amps as the Line 6 Vetta.
• Bass-amps, like in V-Bass, or at least some of them.

[edit] Effects

• Distortion effect in the chain, outside of the COSM amp simulator.
  • Allows for repositioning on demand.
  • Should range from subtle to insane.
• Effects tails are preserved when switching patches.
• All effects able to be beat synchronized with central tempo affecting all (like M-Audio Black Box).
• Roll in all the stompbox models from the GT-8.
• As many effects as the Line 6 Vetta.
• Delay should have a "hold and play" feature, whereby one can let the echo carry a note or phrase while the user continues playing notes that will not be sent to the echo effect.
  • Should be both midi and footswitch controllable.
  • Alternatively, two Delay effects in parallel would allow the user to choose where to send the signal.
    • Delay #1 could be set to hold a note or phrase while succeeding notes could be sent to Delay #2, which might be set for a shorter duration, or none at all.

[edit] Input/Output Connectors

• Upgrade the 13-pin cables to higher quality. The current ones are noisy and too fragile for use in live situations.
• RCA phono inputs for practicing along with a CD or whatever.
  • Phrase trainer, mimimum sampling time of 30 seconds.
  • Analog control of speed, down to 25% of normal speed.
• MIDI thru/MIDI merge.
• External effects loop (like the GT-Pro).
  • Can be placed anywhere within the Effects chain.
• USB-2 connector:
  • To implement PC control and direct digital audio transfer (ala Line6 Pod).
  • To carry MIDI for both PC's and other devices.
• Provide for reamping by simultaneously sending and returning six separate signals via digital connections:
  • The above USB-2 connector.
  • In ADAT format using ADAT lightpipes.
  • Also in SP/DIF format using optical outputs.
• 13 pin out (buffered pass-through).
• XLR outputs like the V-Bass.
• A compatible wireless system!

[edit] Interface and Controls

• Expression Pedal Stuff:
  • When using EXP pedal for pitch shift, allow capability of controlling both the COSM and synth with one pedal.
  • Directly support CV#3 signal as an expression pedal source (think digital whammy).
  • Add a second expression pedal or "roller" to select main EXP function, i.e. Vol, Tone, EQ, Delay/Trem rates/depth/type, etc. for on-the-fly tweaks.
• Adopt a simplified interface closer to that of the GR-33
• Bigger LCD (color would be good).
• More controlls on the GK interface itself, Volume, Tone, Pickup select etc. Or release an extra GK internal kit addon to give these options. Could all be done via Midi program change messages.

Guitar Pickup and Guitar-mounted Controls:

Revise the guitar-mounted pickup system [the GK series, currently, Monday, December 17, 2007]:

A GK pickup should come with an "accessory jack" on its guitar-mounted control box [the so-called "wart"], so you could buy one of several things from Roland to plug into it & mount on/in your guitar:

• an electronic whammy bar
• a 5-position pickup switch like a Strat's
• a 3-position pickup switch like a Les Paul's
• a 2-position toggle switch
• a momentary switch (you might use this for a "kill switch", for example)
• a ribbon controller
• an X/Y pad
• a pressure pad
• a dbeam
• a tilt sensor
• other motion sensors (accelerometer, whatever...)
• a tiny edge-mounted pitch wheel like the ones Yamaha put on some of their 80s keyboards, and now appears on the Yamaha "Tenori On", as of Monday, December 17, 2007.

Some type of new pickup or new accessory (ideal) that makes the VG wireless. A stand alone option that is a transmitter/ reciever for the current boxes to allow for freedom while performing.

[edit] Software

• External editing via computer.
  • Must have "OS X" Support!
• The ability to use VG-88 software as a VST, RTAS, etc.
  • To be able to lay down a basic guitar/bass/whatever line in your sequencer of choice and tweak the sounds afterwards would be incredibly convenient.
• To work as a M-Power Hardware audio unit. in This way you will only need one box when working with Protools software

[edit] Pitch-to-MIDI

• GI-20 style pitch detection sending to midi out.
• Allow split zones:
  • Split on any given fret, string, or depending on picking strength (like that offered on the AXON 100 (Terratec)).

[edit] Midi Control

• All parameters can be controlled by CC messages.
  • Morph groups of parameters like the Nord G2.
    • This enables one CC message to control more than one parameter on the unit.
• MIDI Mapping:
  • Two PC and CC maps per memory location for control of external gear.
  • Fully remappable internal MIDI implementation.
    • All parameters should be freely reassignable to allow easy control from another source.
• Add a great sounding General Midi module with MIDI file memory for:
  • Recording sequences.
  • Playback sequences.

[edit] Physical considerations

• Rack-mount and floor versions.
• Implement an in-line power-brick supply as in the GR-33.
  • Two wire system allows the step-down transformer to act as an isolation transformer, thus eliminating possible shock hazards and potential ground loops.
• Use the same plastic double-insulated shell design as in the GR-33 to further eliminate the chance of shock.

[edit] Extras

• Include a drum machine (like the M-Audio Black box).
• One-man-band support, not the software, but the player (ala the Boss JamStation 5).
• Go VGR: Combine a VG-88 and a GR-33 into one unit.
  • 2 switchable expression pedals for enough ways to tweak it all.
• Restore the expansion memory card from the VG-8S1 in lieu of more simulation samples within the unit.
  • Make it user-writable from both the unit and from the USB connector (for direct saving of computer patches).

[edit] Attractiveness To Buyers

• Do all the above at a MSRP price such that the buyer knows he or she is getting the most value for his or her dollar.
• Consult with the current base of users as well as with others in the sales and distribution chain to arrive at a competitive price that will entice potential new users away from alternatives.
• This is last for a reason - IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ROLAND CAN DO: Establish ongoing and meaningful customer relations and user support via the web, i.e. this website, various Groups found on Yahoo, etc.