Owner’s Manual
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Front panel 1 D BEAM 2 VOLUME p. 37 You can apply various effects to the sound by waving your hand over this sensor. p. 20 This knob adjusts the overall volume of the VP-550. 3 SOUND CHECK p. 34 Here you can record and check the sound that’s sent from the OUTPUT jacks. 4 BASS & PERCUSSION p. 31 These buttons select bass sounds or voice percussion. 5 OCTAVE p. 36 These buttons raise or lower the keyboard range in one-octave steps. 6 VOCAL DESIGNER 7 ENSEMBLE p.
Contents The ancestry of the VP ....................................................................................................................5 Features of the VP-550 ...................................................................................................................6 An overview of the VP-550 ...........................................................................................................7 About Vocal Designer ..................................................................
Using controllers 35 Shifting one octave up or down (OCTAVE) .............................................................................36 Using the D Beam (D BEAM) ........................................................................................................37 Using the pitch bend / modulation lever (PITCH BEND)....................................................38 Using pedals (HOLD PEDAL / EXP PEDAL) ..............................................................................
Play like you’re singing.
Th e a ncestr y of t he V P 1939 marks the invention of the “vocoder,” a method of compressing a vocal signal. Subsequently used during World War II as a way to scramble communications, the vocoder began to achieve popularity as an electronic musical instrument in the 1970’s. Most vocoders of that time didn’t provide a keyboard or carrier signal (analogous to the vocal cords of a human), so you had to separately provide a synthesizer in order to produce sound.
Features of the VP-550 The VP-550 is a keyboard featuring cutting-edge “Vocal Designer” human vocal modeling technology. Just connect a mic, play the keyboard while you sing, and let the VP-550 model incredibly realistic and natural vocals.
An overview of the VP-550 The VP-550 has three parts, and each part occupies its own section of the front panel. • VOCAL DESIGNER • ENSEMBLE • BASS & PERCUSSION BASS & PERCUSSION VOCAL DESIGNER ENSEMBLE If you turn on a sound button for a part, you’ll be able to play that part. If you turn on a sound button for two or more parts, you’ll be able to play those parts simultaneously. By combining these parts, you can make the VP-550 produce an incredible range of vocal sounds.
About Vocal Designer “Vocal Designer” human vocal modeling technology is a further evolution of the “vocoder.” Here’s a simple explanation of the vocoder. What’s a vocoder? The “vocoder” was invented by the physicist H. Dudley in 1939 as a technology for compressing a voice communication signal. Subsequently, musical instruments based on this technology were developed, allowing you to play melodies and harmonies using a human voice.
Sound list VOCAL DESIGNER Sound Description CLASSIC A large choir suitable for classical music. This is also a good choice for any choral sound — not just classical— and will match nearly any style of music. It has a clear sound, and is a good choice when you want the lyrics to be heard. MALE & FEMALE A mixed choir with independent male and female parts. With sparser chords, it produces a deeper and more three-dimensional sound than “CLASSIC.
BASS & PERCUSSION Sound Description BASS 1 This is a bass voice with short-duration notes, good for up-tempo songs across a wide range of styles. BASS 2 This is a bass voice with long-duration notes, good for slower-tempo songs across a wide range of styles. BASS 3 This is a jazz scat bass sound. Your keyboard dynamics will switch between long “Doo” sounds, short “Bap” sounds, and falls “Fall.” PERC This provides a collection of voice percussion sounds.
M a k i n g conne c t ions In this chapter you’ll connect the VP-550 to your external equipment and set it up.
Making connections Connect the power cord (AC IN) 1. Connect the included power cord to the VP-550’s [AC Inlet], and plug the other end into an AC outlet.
Connecting your amp or speakers (OUTPUT/PHONES) The VP-550 doesn’t contain an amp or speakers. In order to hear sound, you’ll need to connect it to monitor speakers (with a built-in amp), a stereo set or other audio system, or headphones. * 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. 1. Make connections as shown.
Connecting your mic (MIC) A mic is indispensable for performing with the VP-550. The VP-550 models vocal sounds by using your voice that’s input via the mic. This means that using a high-quality mic will correspondingly improve the quality of the result. The connector of the VP-550 you use will depend on the type of plug your mic provides. (In order to use the full capability of the VP-550, we recommend using a “balanced (XLR) type” plug.
If you’re using a phone plug mic (EXT IN) 1. Connect it to the [EXT IN] jack as shown. 2. Turn the [EXT IN] knob to “MIC.” ✍ 3. This knob adjusts the level of the sound from the [EXT IN] jack. (Turn the knob toward “MIC” to increase the level, or toward “LINE” to decrease it.) If you’ve connected a mic, you should turn this to “MIC.” ➞ Refer to “Adjusting the mic input level” (p. 22) for more about this adjustment. Set the [MIX TO MIC] switch “ON.
Connecting a pedal (HOLD PEDAL/EXP PEDAL) You can connect a hold pedal (sold separately: DP series, BOSS FS-5U) and an expression pedal (sold separately: EV-5) to the VP-550. Using a hold pedal lets you hold the notes. Using an expression pedal lets you add expression to your performance. ➞ Refer to “Using pedals” (p. 39) for more information. 1. Make connections as shown.
Per fo r m i n g In this chapter you’ll learn the basics of playing the VP-550.
Turning on/off the power (POWER ON) Here’s how to turn the VP-550’s power on or off. Turning on the power * After completing the connection explained in the previous chapter, make sure to turn on the power by following the steps below. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. 1. Before you turn on the power, check the following. 2. On the VP-550’s rear panel, turn the [POWER] switch “on.
Turning off the power 1. Before you turn off the power, check the following. 2. On the VP-550’s rear panel, turn the [POWER] switch “off.” Have you turned down the volume of the VP-550 and the connected audio system to the minimum settings? ON ✍ OFF If you need to turn off the power completely, first turn off the POWER switch, then unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Refer to Power Supply (separate sheet p. 4, “IMPORTANT NOTES”).
Adjusting the volume ( VOLUME) Here’s how to adjust the volume of the entire VP-550. 1. 20 Adjust the volume of the entire VP-550. ✍ For best results, adjust the volume of your amp or speaker system so that you get the desired loudness when the [VOLUME] knob is between the 12 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions as shown. Turn the knob toward the right if you want to increase the volume further, or toward the left if you want to decrease the volume.
Performing with Vocal Designer ( VOCAL DESIGNER) Let’s go ahead and try performing with the Vocal Designer part. While vocalizing into the mic, play the keyboard and you’ll hear realistic and natural voices. For more about how Vocal Designer works, refer to “About Vocal Designer” (➞ p. 8). Selecting a sound Here’s how to select a Vocal Designer sound. To play the Vocal Designer part, press a Vocal Designer sound button to make it light.
Adjusting the mic input level (MIC LEVEL) Here’s how to adjust the input level of the mic connected to the rear panel [MIC] jack. 1. Vocalize into the mic. ✍ 2. 3. Check the indicator status. Indicator significance Red The signal level from the mic input is too great. Yellow The signal level from the mic input is just right. Green A signal is being input from the mic input. Adjust the [LEVEL] slider so that the yellow indicator lights at the peak of your vocalizing into the mic.
Performing with Vocal Designer Now you’re ready to perform with Vocal Designer. 1. Select a sound. • To ensure that you can clearly hear the sound of Vocal Designer, turn off the sound buttons of the Ensemble part and the Bass & Percussion part. • To ensure that you’re hearing just Vocal Designer and not your own voice, move the [DIRECT] slider to the very lowest position. • Turn the [MIC ON/OFF] switch (p. 25) on (lit). 2. 3. Hold down one or more notes on the keyboard.
Adding your unprocessed voice (DIRECT) Now let’s add your voice from the mic directly to the output. 1. Vocalize into the mic. 2. Your voice will be output directly from the VP-550. This time, try singing a favorite song into the mic. While doing so, choose one of the Vocal Designer sounds (we recommend [GOSPEL] or [POP]) and hold down the appropriate chord progressions on the keyboard while you sing. Vocal Designer will add a backing chorus to your vocal according to the chords you play.
Switching off the mic (MIC ON/OFF) mic input is on. 1. Press [MIC ON/OFF] to make the button go dark; the mic input will turn off. 2. Press the button again to make it light; the mic input will turn on. ✍ ✍ When you power-on the VP-550, this button will be lit and the mic input will be on. You can check the mic expression sensitivity by holding down [MIC ON/OFF] for one second or longer (➞ p. 44).
Raising Vocal Designer’s pitch by one octave (8va) Here’s how to raise Vocal Designer’s pitch by one octave. 1. Press the [8va] button; it will light, and the pitch of Vocal Designer will rise one octave. 2. Press the button once again; it will go dark, and Vocal Designer will return to its original pitch. “8va” is a symbol meaning “play one octave higher.” ✍ 26 Unlike the OCTAVE [DOWN]/[UP] buttons, the [8va] button applies only to the Vocal Designer part.
Performing with Ensemble (ENSEMBLE) Use the sound buttons to switch sounds. Selecting a sound Press a button to select a sound. To play an Ensemble sound, press one of the buttons to make it light. If you press a button that’s already lit, it will go dark and the Ensemble part will no longer produce sound. ✍ You can simultaneously play more than one part by turning on a sound button for the Vocal Designer and/or Bass & Percussion parts.
Performing with Ensemble Now let’s try performing with the Ensemble part. 1. Select a sound. • To ensure that you can clearly hear the sound of the Ensemble part, turn off the sound buttons of the Vocal Designer part and the Bass & Percussion part. • Raise the Ensemble [LEVEL] slider (p. 29). 2. Play the keyboard. You’ll hear the Ensemble part.
Adjusting the Ensemble volume (ENSEMBLE LEVEL) Here’s how to adjust the volume of the Ensemble part. 1. Play the keyboard. 2. Move the [LEVEL] slider to adjust the volume. Unlike the [VOLUME] knob, this slider only affects the Ensemble part. You can use this slider to make adjustments when you want the Ensemble part to be louder (or softer) than the Vocal Designer or the direct output of the mic (your voice).
Using the mic to add expression to the Ensemble (VOICE EXPRESSION) You can use your voice via the mic to add expression to the sound of the Ensemble part. ➞ For details, refer to “Using a mic to control expression (VOICE EXPRESSION)” (p. 40). About the VP-550’s strings (STRINGS 1) Just as string sound was provided on the VP-330 that went on sale in 1979, this VP-550 also provides an extremely powerful string sound. This string sound was newly developed specifically for the VP-550.
Performing with Bass & Percussion (BASS & PERCUSSION) bass and voice percussion sounds. This makes it easy to use your left hand to play a bass line while using your right hand to play the melody. Selecting a sound Here’s how to select a Bass & Percussion sound. When you press a Bass & Percussion sound button to make it light, the left-most seventeen notes of the keyboard will play bass and percussion sounds.
Performing with Bass & Percussion Now you can try playing the Bass & Percussion part. 1. Select a sound. 2. Play a note in the keyboard region shown below. The Bass & Percussion part will sound. The Bass & Percussion part is distinctive in that it splits the keyboard to obtain its own dedicated range of keys. This means that you can use your right hand to play melody or chords while playing a bass line or voice percussion with your left hand.
Adjusting the ambience (AMBIENCE) To each part, you can add the acoustic ambience that is typical of a hall or studio. When you want to switch the type of ambience, turn the knob all the way toward the left. 1. Switch the type of ambience. Each press of this button cycles the type of ambience as follows: HALL 1 ➞ HALL 2 ➞ STUDIO ➞ HALL 1 These types have the following characters. 2.
Checking the output sound (SOUND CHECK) Here’s how you can record and play back the sound that’s being sent from the [OUTPUT] jacks. While you’re using a mic, it’s difficult for you to tell exactly what the audience is really hearing, but this function provides an easy and accurate way of checking the output sound. 1. Press the [REC] button to start recording. The sound being sent from the [OUTPUT] jacks will be recorded. The [REC] button will light red during recording.
Using controllers This section explains the numerous controllers provided by the VP-550.
Shifting one octave up or down (OCTAVE) You can shift the pitch of the keyboard higher or lower by one octave. Shifting one octave upward 1. Press the [UP] button; the button will light and the keyboard will shift upward one octave. Press the [DOWN] button to return to the original pitch. Shifting one octave downward 1. Press the [DOWN] button; the button will light and the keyboard will shift downward one octave. Press the [UP] button to return to the original pitch.
Using the D Beam (D BEAM) By waving your hand above this sensor you can apply a variety of effects to the VP-550’s sound. 1. Press a button to select a D Beam effect. If you press an unlit button, that D Beam effect (see table below) will be selected. If you press a lit button once again, the D Beam will be turned off. 2. While you perform, slowly move your hand up and down over the [D BEAM] controller.
Using the pitch bend / modulation lever (PITCH BEND) You can vary the pitch or apply vibrato (pitch modulation). Changing the pitch in real time You can use the lever to smoothly change the pitch while you perform. 1. While you play the keyboard, move the lever toward the left to lower the pitch, or toward the right to raise the pitch. * The VP-550’s pitch bend range is fixed at one whole step (two semitones). Adding vibrato Vibrato is the effect of modulating the pitch. 1.
Using pedals (HOLD PEDAL / EXP PEDAL) The VP-550 lets you connect a hold pedal (sold separately: DP series, BOSS FS-5U) and an expression pedal (sold separately: EV-5). Using a hold pedal lets you hold the notes. Using an expression pedal lets you add expression to your performance. Holding notes 1. While playing the keyboard, press the hold pedal. The notes will be held while you are pressing the hold pedal.
Using a mic to control expression ( VOICE EXPRESSION) You can use the loudness of your voice via the mic to add expression to the Ensemble part. 1. Press the [VOICE EXPRESSION] button to make it light. You can adjust the depth at which the loudness of the mic will affect expression (➞ p. 44). • To hear the result as clearly as possible, turn on an Ensemble part sound, and turn off the sound buttons of the Vocal Designer part and the Bass & Percussion part.
Ch a n gi ng th e se t t ings The VP-550 has only three things you’ll ever need to set: a tuning knob, four registration buttons, and mic expression sensitivity.
Tuning ( TUNE) Here’s how to tune the entire the VP-550. 1. Turn the TUNE knob to raise or lower the overall pitch of the VP-550. Turn the knob toward “#” to raise the pitch. Turn the knob toward “b” to lower the pitch. When the knob is in the center position, the pitch of the A4 key (middle A) will be 440.0 Hz. The adjustment range is 415.3 Hz–466.2 Hz.
Registering sounds and settings (REGISTRATION) You can register and recall the sound combination and settings you’ve chosen for Vocal Designer and Ensemble. ✍ This will register the following four settings. • [8va] on/off (p. 26) • Vocal Designer sound (p. 21) • [VOICE EXPRESSION] on/off (p. 40) • Ensemble sound (p. 27) * You can’t register the settings of the ENSEMBLE LEVEL slider and MIC LEVEL slider. Registering a combination of sounds and settings 1. 2.
Adjusting the mic expression sensitivity Vocal Designer setting Voice Expression setting You can adjust the depth to which changes in mic input loudness affect Vocal Designer’s expression (dynamics) over a range of six steps. You can adjust the sensitivity at which the Voice Expression effect will begin applying in response to changes in mic input loudness over a range of six steps.
Example applications Here you’ll learn about some specific settings for taking advantage of the VP-550.
Simulating a large classical choir When you need a large classical-style choir, you’ll want to choose the “CLASSIC” Vocal Designer sound. “CLASSIC” has a broad range of usable pitches and will allow the lyrics to be heard clearly, so it’s suitable for a wide variety of styles. To get an even denser sound, choose the “MALE & FEMALE” Ensemble sound. 1. SELECT [CLASSIC] and [MIXED CHORUS].
Simulating a gospel chorus For gospel-style songs, choose the “GOSPEL” Vocal Designer sound and the “HUMMING” Ensemble sound. “GOSPEL” is a choral sound containing the distinctive upward swoops that occur at the beginning of notes, and is a particularly good complement to the softer attacks of “HUMMING.” 1.
Adding a backing chorus to your voice Here’s how the VP-550 can add a backing chorus to your singing voice via the mic input. 1. 2. Choose [GOSPEL]. The “GOSPEL” sound has an appropriate amount of “irregularity” built into it, and is a good choice for adding a dense backing chorus. If you don’t require this much density, or if you want the lyrics to be heard clearly, you might want to choose “CLASSIC.” For songs with rapid passages, try “POP” which has a faster attack and less irregularity.
Simulating a jazz scat solo You won’t be able to perform skillfully using Vocal Designer unless your mic vocalizing and keyboard performance are at the appropriate timing. This can make it rather difficult to play rapid solo passages. In such cases, you can turn up the volume of “JAZZ SCAT,” which has the sharpest attack of the Ensemble sounds. This setting is ideal for jazz scat solos (which don’t have lyrics). 1. Choose [POP] and [JAZZ SCAT]. 2.
Using the sound of an external synthesizer If you press the [VOCODER 1] and [VOCODER 2] sound buttons simultaneously, the sound being received from the rear panel [EXT IN] jack will be used as the carrier (the signal that is the foundation of the sound). In this case, turn the rear panel [MIX TO MIC] switch “OFF.” 1. Connect your external synthesizer to the [EXT IN] jack as shown.
5. Play the keyboard of your external synthesizer. 6. While holding down a note, vocalize into the mic. If you don’t hear sound, check the following • Is the mic input level raised? (➞ p. 22) • Is the [MIC ON/OFF] switch lit? (➞ p. 25) ✍ You can also connect a synthesizer that doesn’t have a keyboard (often called a “sound module”). In this case, connect the VP-550’s [MIDI OUT] connector to the [MIDI IN] connector of your sound module, and use the VP-550’s keyboard to play the sound module.
“Performing” sound from drums or a portable music player Here’s a really cool trick. The VP-550 lets you “perform” using the sound from a V-drum (electronic drum) or a portable music player connected to the mic input instead of your voice. 1. Connect your audio source to the [EXT IN] jack as shown. OUTPUT 2. Set the [EXT IN] knob to “LINE.” ✍ 3. Turn the [MIX TO MIC] switch “ON.” ✍ 4 This knob adjusts the level of the sound that is input from the [EXT IN] jack.
Appendix Here you’ll find information about connecting and using external MIDI equipment, the MIDI implementation, troubleshooting, and the main specifications.
Connecting the VP-550 with MIDI equipment ✍ What’s MIDI? MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a world-wide standard for transferring performance data and other musical information between electronic musical instruments and computer. By using MIDI cables to connect devices that are equipped with a MIDI connector, you can use a single MIDI keyboard to play multiple instruments, create ensembles using multiple MIDI instruments, automatically switch settings as a song progresses, and do much more.
Connecting a sequencer via MIDI You can use your MIDI sequencer to record the keyboard performance data from the VP-550, and record your vocal via the mic as you listen to the sequencer playback. With the VP-550 connected to your sequencer, you’ll be able to use it as part of your studio setup. ✍ For details on MIDI messages, refer to “MIDI Implementation” on the following page. INPUT Audio interface MIDI OUT MIDI interface Sequencer MIDI IN 1. 2. Make connections as shown above.
MIDI Implementation Model: Date: Version: ● Program Change VP-550 Feb. 01, 2006 1.00 ■ System Realtime Message Status 2nd byte CnH ppH n = MIDI channel number: 0H - 2H (ch.1 - ch.3) pp = Program number: 00H - 7FH (prog.1 - prog.128) * Switches sounds. 1. Receive Data ■ Channel Voice Messages ● Pitch Bend Change ● Note Off Status 2nd byte 3rd byte 8nH kkH vvH 9nH kkH 00H n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.
❍ Breath type (Controller number 2) Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 02H vvH n = MIDI channel number: 1H (ch.2) vv = Control value: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127) * Transmitted according to mic volume when Voice Expression is on. ❍ Foot type (Controller number 4) Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 04H vvH n = MIDI channel number: 1H (ch.2) vv = Control value: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127) * Transmitted when the Expression pedal is operated.
MIDI Implementation Chart Date : Feb. 01, 2006 Version : 1.00 Model: VP-550 Transmitted Function...
Main specifications VP-550: Vocal & Ensemble Keyboard Keyboard Connectors 49 keys (with velocity) Headphones Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type) Tones Output Jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4 inch phone type) MIC Jack (XLR type) Vocal Designer (7 tones) CLASSIC, MALE & FEMALE, GOSPEL, POP, VOCODER 1, VOCODER 2, EXT IN Ensemble (6 tones) STRINGS 1, STRINGS 2, JAZZ SCAT, MIXED CHORUS, BOYS CHOIR, HUMMING External Input Jack (1/4 inch phone type) MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT) Hold Pedal Jack Expression Pedal Jack AC I
Troubleshooting Problem Explanation Power won’t turn on! Is the power cord connected correctly? (➞ p. 12) No sound! Is the VP-550 correctly connected to your amp, speaker, or headphones? (➞ p. 13) Is the VP-550’s volume raised? (➞ p. 20) Vocal Designer won’t sound! Even if you’re playing the keyboard, the Vocal Designer part won’t sound unless you’re vocalizing into the mic. ➞ For details, refer to “Performing with Vocal Designer” (➞ p. 23) Is a Vocal Designer sound button lit? (➞ p.
Problem Explanation Octave buttons and other controllers don’t affect the Bass & Percussion! The Bass & Percussion part is not affected by the octave buttons, pitch bend, D Beam, pedals, or Voice Expression (➞ p. 36–40). The pitch is wrong! Could an [OCTAVE] button be on? (➞ p. 36) Could the Vocal Designer [8va] button be on? (➞ p. 26) Is the rear panel [TUNE] knob set correctly? (➞ p. 42) Could something be resting on the D Beam? (➞ p.
Index Numerics G 8va 26 GOSPEL 9, 21 A H AC IN 12 Aftertouch 61 AMBIENCE 33 HALL 1 33 HALL 2 33 HOLD PEDAL 16, 39 HUMMING 9, 27 B BASS&PERCUSSION 7, 10, 31 Bass & Percussion volume 32 BASS 1 10, 31 BASS 2 10, 31 BASS 3 10, 31 BOYS CHOIR 9, 27 I Intelligent legato 30 J JAZZ SCAT 9, 27 L C LEVEL 22, 29 Carrier 7 CLASSIC 9, 21 M D D BEAM 37 DEPTH 33 DIRECT 24 Dynamics control 30 E ENSEMBLE 7, 9, 27 ENSEMBLE LEVEL 29 EXP PEDAL 16, 39 EXPRESSION 37 External synthesizer 50 EXT IN 15, 50, 52 F Fac
PEDAL 16, 39 PERC 10, 31 PHONES 13 PITCH 37 Pitch bend 38 Pitch bend range 38 PLAY 34 POP 9, 21 Portable music player 52 POWER ON 18 R REC 34 REGISTRATION 43 S SOUND CHECK 34 Sound list 9 STRINGS 1 9, 27, 30 STRINGS 2 9, 27 STUDIO 33 T Troubleshooting 60 TUNE 42 V VOCAL DESIGNER 7, 8, 9, 21 Vocoder 8 VOCODER 1 9, 21 VOCODER 2 9, 21 VOICE EXPRESSION 40 VOLUME 20 VP-550 7 63
Information 64
B l o ck di a gra m MIC DIRECT MIC LEVEL LED MIC LEVEL MIC MIC ON / OFF MIC EXT IN EXT IN LEVEL EXT IN ON KBD OFF MIX TO MIC AMBIENCE DEPTH CTRL ON / OFF 8va MIDI VOICE EXPRESSION EXP PEDAL HOLD PEDAL BASS & PERCUSSION ON OFF PITCH BEND D-BEAM ENSEMBLE LEVEL VOICE EXPRESSION DOWN / UP OCTAVE KBD CTRL MIDI BASS & PERCUSSION LEVEL VOLUME OUTPUT KBD MIDI IN MIDI REC PLAY SOUND CHECK MIDI OUT
* 0 4 2 3 2 8 7 8 - 0 1 * 04232878 ’06-02-1N
