USING THE UNIT SAFELY 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. Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY 012a: 103a: • Immediately turn the power off, remove the power cord from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when: • Any accumulation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire. Periodically wipe away such dust with a dry cloth.
IMPORTANT NOTES 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 Maintenance 301 401b • 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). • To clean the unit, use a dry, soft cloth; or one that is slightly dampened.
Contents Conventions Used in This Manual .......................................................................................................... 1 USING THE UNIT SAFELY...................................................................................................................... 3 IMPORTANT NOTES................................................................................................................................ 5 Main Features............................................................
Contents Saving Your Settings (Registration) ...................................................48 Saving to a Registration in the Same Bank ................................................................................ 49 Saving to a Registration in Another Bank ................................................................................. 49 Copying a Registration.................................................................................................................
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices ........................................84 Playing the VK-88 from an External MIDI Device .............................................................................. 84 Using the VK-88 with a External Keyboard .............................................................................. 84 Connecting a Pedal Keyboard.....................................................................................................
Main Features Organ Features Virtual Tonewheel Sound Generator The VK-88 features a Virtual Tonewheel sound generator that perfectly simulates the sound-production mechanism of traditional tone wheel organs. The rapid attack is particularly evident when playing glissandos. Since all parts — upper, lower, and pedal — are completely polyphonic, notes aren’t cut off regardless of your performance technique.
Panel Descriptions A B C D E A 1 1. 23 4 5 6 7 [POWER] switch ■ D BEAM Turn the power on/off (p. 26). 5. ■ VIBRATO AND CHORUS 2. VIBRATO AND CHORUS [UPPER] button Turns the Upper Part’s vibrato or chorus effect on and off (p. 39). 3. VIBRATO AND CHORUS [LOWER] button Turns the Lower Part’s vibrato or chorus effect on and off (p. 39). 4. [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob Switches the type of vibrato or chorus effect (p. 39).
Panel Descriptions B ■ HARMONIC BAR These bars create the tonality of the organ voice for the upper, pedal and lower keyboard. You can modify the tone in real time as you play (p. 31). UPPER PEDAL LOWER Changes the Upper Organ Tone Changes the Pedal Organ Tone Changes the Lower Organ Tone C 8 13 14 10 ■ ORCHESTRAL TONES 8. UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES button Selects the Upper Orchestral Tones (p. 50). 9. UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES [TO LOWER] button Plays the Upper Orchestral Tones on the lower manual (p.
Panel Descriptions D 19 20 21 22 24 25 23 26 27 28 ■ PEDAL ■ REGISTRATION 19. PEDAL [TO LOWER] button 26. [WRITE] button Splits the lower manual into two ranges, with the Pedal Tones placed in the left range (p. 46). 20. PEDAL [SUSTAIN] button Adds sustain to the sound of the organ’s Pedal part and Pedal Orchestral Tones (p. 47). 21. PEDAL [ATTACK] button Adds attack to the organ’s Pedal part sound (p. 47). ■ TONE WHEEL 22.
Panel Descriptions E 30 31 32 34 29 33 35 38 39 41 40 29. [MASTER VOLUME] knob Adjust the overall volume (p. 26). ■ REVERB 30. REVERB [LEVEL] knob Adjust the depth of reverb (p. 45). 31. [REVERB] button Select the type of reverb (p. 45). ■ AMPLIFIER 32. [OVERDRIVE] knob Adjust the depth of overdrive (p. 41). 33. [AMPLIFIER] button Switches the frequency response and cabinet resonance of the virtual amp (p. 41). 34. [TONE] knob Adjust the tonal character of the organ voice (p. 41).
Panel Descriptions 62 F F G 42 43 44 45 46 42. PK IN button If your pedal keyboard unit (PK-25/PK-7, etc.; sold separately) has a PK OUT connector, connect it to this connector (p. 22, 85). 43. PEDAL KEYBOARD IN [SELECT] switch Set the switch to specify the connector you have used to connect your pedal keyboard unit (p. 22, 23, 85). Turn off the power before changing the setting of this select switch. 44.
Panel Descriptions G H H I 63 I 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 51. INPUT [LEVEL] knob Adjust the volume level of the sound input from the INPUT jack (p. 90). 52. INPUT R jack 53. INPUT L (MONO) jack You can play the sounds input from the sound module mixed with the VK-88’s sounds (p. 90). If you are inputting in mono, connect the L(MONO) jack. Sounds input from the INPUT jacks are output from the MIX OUTPUT jacks. 54. ORCHESTRAL TONES OUTPUT R jack 55.
How the VK-88 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.
How the VK-88 Works Vibrato and Chorus Traditional tone wheel organs provided a total of six different effects: three kinds of vibrato (V-1, V-2, V-3) and three kinds of chorus (C-1, C-2, C-3). 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.
How the VK-88 Works ■ About the ORCHESTRAL TONES The VK-88 also contains sounds other than organ sounds. These are referred to as “ORCHESTRAL TONES.” You can play the Orchestral Tones in the Upper, Lower, and Pedal Parts. ORCHESTRAL TONES provide the following sounds. PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES LOWER ORCHESTRAL TONES UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES PIANO STRINGS E.PIANO 1 (Electric Piano 1) LARGE CHOIR E.
Before You Begin Playing Connecting the Power Cord 1 Before making a connection, make sure that the VK-88 is turned off. 2 Connect supplied power cord to the VK-88, and plug the other end into a power outlet. fig.01-01 AC Outlet Rear of the unit 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 Before connecting the power cord, remove the rear cover (p.
Before You Begin Playing Connecting Your Amp, Speakers, or Headphones The VK-88 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 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.
Before You Begin Playing When you are using headphones, plug them into the PHONES jack. NOTE In consideration of live concert situations, the VK-88’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. Headphones About a OUTPUT jacks The VK-88’s OUTPUT jacks support both balanced output and unbalanced output.
Before You Begin Playing Connecting the Pedal Keyboard ■ Connecting a Pedal Keyboard Unit which Has a PK OUT Connector NOTE 1 Before making any connections, make sure that all the devices are turned or damage to speakers or other off. 2 devices, always turn down the Set the PEDAL KEYBOARD IN [SELECT] switch of the rear panel to the PK IN position. 3 To prevent malfunction and/ volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
Before You Begin Playing ■ Connecting a MIDI Pedal Keyboard Unit NOTE 1 Before making any connections, make sure that all the devices are turned or damage to speakers or other off. 2 devices, always turn down the Set the PEDAL KEYBOARD IN [SELECT] switch of the rear panel to the MIDI PEDAL IN position. 3 To prevent malfunction and/ volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
Before You Begin Playing 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, CONTROL PEDAL 1, or CONTROL PEDAL 2 jack. NOTE Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-7; sold separately). By connecting any fig.01-06 other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/ or damage to the unit.
Before You Begin Playing Attaching the Rear Cover You can attach the rear cover to the VK-88’s rear panel to hide the jack panel. 1 Use the screws included to attach the rear cover to the VK-88’s rear panel Rear Cover Screw as shown in the figure below. These 3 screws can perform enough securement for Rear Board by hand. Attaching the Cord Clamp You can attach the cord clamp and then pull on the cable.
Before You Begin Playing Turning the Power On 1 Before turning on the VK-88’s power, make sure that: • The VK-88 is correctly connected to the desired peripheral devices. • The volume of the VK-88 and any connected audio equipment or speakers is turned to the minimum position. 2 NOTE Once the connections have been 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.
Before You Begin Playing Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) This function resets all the VK-88’s settings to their factory default values. When you perform the Factory Reset operation, all the data you created will be lost from the VK-88’s internal memory. If the VK-88 contains 1 Make sure that the volume is turned to the minimum position. 2 Press the lower portion of the VK-88’s [POWER] switch to turn off the important data that you wish to keep, use the Bulk Dump power. fig.
Before You Begin Playing Listening to the Demo Songs The VK-88 contains four demo songs. Here’s how to listen to the demo songs and experience the various organ sounds and effects. fig.01-11 1 3 1 2 Press the [BANK] button and the [H-BAR MANUAL] button at the same time. Enter Demo mode. 2 Press any of the REGISTRATION buttons [1]–[4] to select a demo song. Chain Play of the demo songs begins from the selected song.
Playing the Organ Listening to Various Sounds The VK-88 comes with 64 registrations stored onboard. Here’s how to switch registrations to hear the various sounds. There are eight banks of registrations, with eight sounds in each bank. Switch between the registrations to hear the various sounds. fig.01-13 1 1 1, 2 Hold down the [BANK] button and press one of the buttons from [1] If you want to select a through [8] to select the bank number. registration from the same bank, step 1 is not necessary.
Playing the Organ About the Organ Voice The organ voice has three parts: “upper,” “lower,” and “pedal.” When you play the upper manual on the VK-88, the Upper Part is played; the Lower Part is played when you play the lower manual. You can also play the VK-88 in the following ways. • Divide the lower keyboard of the VK-88 into two zones, and play the sound of the Lower organ part in the right-hand zone, and the sound of the Pedal organ part in the left-hand zone (p. 46).
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. The VK-88 provides nine harmonic bars for the upper part and lower part respectively, and two harmonic bars for the pedal part. By sliding the harmonic bars in and out you can create a variety of tonalities. In addition to creating the tone, the harmonic bars are also used to adjust the volume balance between the upper, lower and pedal parts. fig.
Playing the Organ 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 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.
Playing the Organ Changing the Organ Sound (Wheel Type, Leakage Level, Key Click) Tone Wheel, Leakage Noise, and Key Click are important elements in creating tone wheel organ sounds. Tone Wheel Tone wheels are the ninety-one metal disks that produce the sound on tone wheel organs. Teeth are cut into the edge of each disk, and sound is generated by rotating the disks past an electrical coil at a fixed speed.
Playing the Organ Tone Wheel type Selects the type of tone wheel. 1 Press the [TONE WHEEL] button to select the type of tone wheel. Each time you press the [TONE WHEEL] button, the tone wheel will switch between the following settings. Type Explanation NOTE VINTAGE 1 A tone wheel that simulates the tone wheel organs of the 70’s. VINTAGE 2 A tone wheel that simulates the tone wheel organs of the 60’s.
Playing the Organ Adding Crispness to the Sound (Percussion) Percussion adds an attack-type sound to the beginning of the note to give the sound When percussion is on, the 1' more crispness. When you play legato (smoothly and connectedly), percussion will pitch will not be produced. be added only to the first-played note. When you play staccato (articulating each note separately), percussion will be added to all notes. fig.01-19 Percussion can be added only to the upper part of organ voices.
Playing the Organ [SOFT] (Soft Percussion) button Switches the volume of the percussion. Button Explanation The percussion sound will be softer. Lit (ON) The percussion sound will be normal. Dark (OFF) When you turn the [SOFT] button off to strengthen the percussion sound, the organ sound specified by the harmonic bars will become lower. This reproduces the behavior of tone wheel organs. If the organ volume decreases when you turn the [SOFT] button off, you can make settings (p. 68).
Playing the Organ [SLOW] (Slow Percussion) button Switches the speed at which the percussion sound will decay. Button Explanation The percussion sound will disappear slowly. The percussion will have a more gentle attack. You can specify the speed at which the percussion sound decays (p. 67). Lit (ON) The percussion sound will disappear quickly. The percussion will have a sharper attack. Dark (OFF) fig.
Playing the Organ Adding Modulation to the Sound (Vibrato and Chorus) The vibrato effect cyclically modulates the pitch of organ voice sounds. The chorus effect mixes the normal sound of the organ with a sound to which vibrato has been applied, adding richness and spaciousness to the sound. fig.01-26 1 1 2 Press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [UPPER] or VIBRATO AND CHORUS [LOWER] button so that the indicator is lit.
Playing the Organ Using the COSM Rotary Speaker Effect (Rotary Sound) Rotary Sound is an effect which adds the modulation that is produced when organ voices are used with a rotary speaker. On most rotary speakers, the high-frequency speaker and low-frequency speaker rotate at different speeds. The VK-88 can simulate this type of complex modulation.
Playing the Organ Changing the Amp Type (Amp Type, Overdrive, Tone) fig.01-30 2 1 3 Changing the Virtual Amp Switches the frequency response and cabinet resonance of the virtual amp. 1 Press the [AMPLIFIER] button to select the type of virtual amp. The amp type will change each time you press the [AMPLIFIER] button. Type Explanation TYPE I Characteristics of the most frequently used rotary speakers.
Playing the Organ Using the D BEAM Controller to Produce Common Organ Effects You can apply various effects to the sound only by moving your hand over the D Beam Controller on the VK-88 panel. fig.01-34 3 1 1 2 NOTE Press the D BEAM [ON] button so that the button is lit. The control pedal, aftertouch, or modulation lever has no The D Beam Controller will be on.
Playing the Organ 3 While playing the keyboard to produce sound, place your hand over the D Beam controller. fig.01-35 The color of the D BEAM [ON] button changes while the D Beam controller is in use. The timbre will change when you move you hand over the D Beam controller. About the Effects Throughout the history of rock organ, a wide range of performers have developed unique effects and used them in their music.
Playing the Organ ■ Adjusting the Sensitivity of the D Beam Controller NOTE Do not place any objects on the You can adjust the sensitivity of the D Beam controller. D Beam or cover it with your Caution hand when the sensitivity of Please be aware that the D Beam will not function in a location where there is a large amount of infrared light. the D Beam controller is adjusted.
Playing the Organ Adding Ambience (Reverb) Reverb is an effect that adds reverberation to the sound. You can apply the reverb effect to the organ sound and the ORCHESTRAL TONES. fig.01-33 1 1 2 NOTE Turn the REVERB [LEVEL] knob to adjust the amount of reverb effect to Note that assigning the be applied. “Spring Shock” function to the Rotate fully right: Maximum reverberation. Rotate fully left: No effect.
Playing the Organ Dividing the Lower Keyboard (PEDAL TO LOWER) You can divide the Lower keyboard into two zones, and assign the Lower part sound When the pedalboard is set to of the organ voice to the right-hand zone, and the Pedal part sound of the organ play the Pedal Orchestral voice to the left-hand zone. Tones, and the PEDAL [TO This is called “split,” and the location at which the keyboard is divided is called the “split point.” The split point is included in the Lower part.
Playing the Organ Adding Effects to the Pedal Part ■ Adding a Decay to the Pedal Part (Pedal Sustain) You can add sustain to the organ voice’s Pedal Part. 1 You can set the length of the Press the PEDAL [SUSTAIN] button to make its indicator light. Sustain is added to the Pedal Part and Pedal Orchestral Tones. sustain after you release the keys when the PEDAL [SUSTAIN] button is on (p. 83).
Saving Your Settings (Registration) Organ sounds, Orchestral Tones sounds, and other panel settings can be saved together to a REGISTRATION buttons. By saving your favorite settings in a registration, you can easily recall them simply by pressing a REGISTRATION buttons. The VK-88 contains 64 different registrations. These are organized into eight groups, with eight registrations in each group. fig.01-45 The VK-88 comes with 64 registrations stored onboard.
Saving Your Settings (Registration) ■ Saving to a Registration in the Same Bank 1 2 Make the panel settings that you want to save in the registration. NOTE Hold down the [WRITE] button, and press one of the buttons from [1] Never turn off the power through [8] to specify the save-destination registration. while a registration is being While the registration is being saved, the indicator of the selected registration saved. Doing so may number button will blink.
Playing Orchestral Tones About the ORCHESTRAL TONES With the VK-88, you can play piano, strings, and other Orchestral Tones. The Orchestral Tones include three parts, the Upper Orchestral Tones, Lower Orchestral Tones, and Pedal Orchestral Tones. PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES LOWER ORCHESTRAL TONES UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES PIANO STRINGS E.PIANO 1 (Electric Piano 1) LARGE CHOIR E.
Playing Orchestral Tones The Upper Orchestral Tones are played on the upper manual, and the Lower Orchestral Tones are played on the lower manual. To play the Pedal Orchestral Tones, connect an external pedalboard to the VK-88. You can also press the PEDAL [TO LOWER] button to split the lower manual into two ranges and play the Pedal Orchestral Tones in the left side.
Playing Orchestral Tones Layering ORCHESTRAL TONES with Organ Sounds (Layer) In addition to organ voices, the VK-88 provides ORCHESTRAL TONES, such as piano or strings. Here’s how you can play organ sounds together with Orchestral tones. fig.01-42 3 1 2 4 Select a registration organ voice (p. 29), or use the harmonic bars and other knobs and buttons to create the desired organ sound. 2 Press the UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES buttons and LOWER & PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES buttons to select an Orchestral Tone.
Playing Orchestral Tones ■ Muting the Organ Tones and Playing Only the Orchestral Tones 5 Press the UPPER harmonic bars, PEDAL harmonic bars, and LOWER harmonic bars, inward until you can no longer see the numbers. 6 Get the indicators for the PERCUSSION [SECOND] button and PERCUSSION [THIRD] button to go out (off). Only the Orchestral Tones will sound. Adding a Decay to the Pedal Orchestral Tones (Pedal Sustain) You can add sustain to the Pedal Orchestral Tones.
Playing Orchestral Tones Playing the Pedal Orchestral Tones in the Lower Keyboard (PEDAL TO LOWER) You can divide the Lower keyboard into two zones, and assign the Pedal Orchestral Tones to the left-hand zone. This is called “split,” and the location at which the keyboard is divided is called the “split point.” The split point is included in the Lower part. fig.
Playing Orchestral Tones 4 To cancel the Split, press the PEDAL [TO LOWER] button once again, extinguishing the indicator. ■ Muting the Organ Tones and Playing Only the Orchestral Tones 5 Press the PEDAL harmonic bars and LOWER harmonic bars, inward until you can no longer see the numbers. fig.01-36 Split Point Lower Keyboard Pedal Orchestral Tones Lower Orchestral Tones ■ Changing the Split Point You can change the location (Split Point) at which the Lower keyboard will be divided.
Using the Controllers Using the Expression Pedal You can connect an expression pedal to the rear panel EXPRESSION PEDAL jack and use it to adjust the volume. Advancing the pedal away from yourself will Even if you return the increase the volume, and returning it toward yourself will decrease the volume. expression pedal all the way toward yourself, the organ fig.01-38 volume will not go to zero.
Using the Controllers Using a Control Pedal You can connect a pedal switch or expression pedal to the rear panel CONTROL PEDAL 1 jack and CONTROL PEDAL 2 jack, and assign a function to the pedal. fig.01-39 NOTE For some type of pedal switch, the action you obtain when the pedal is pressed will be the opposite of what you intend. In this case, change the DP-2 polarity of the pedal (p. 80).
Using the Controllers ■ Assigning a Function to the Control Pedal You can change the function that is assigned to the control pedal. 1 To assign the function of the controller pedal connected to the CONTROL 1 jack, hold down the [BANK] button and press the [PIANO] button; if assigning the function of the controller pedal connected to the CONTROL 2 jack, hold down the [BANK] button and press the [E. PIANO 1] button. The indicators of buttons [1]–[8] ([1]–[5]) will blink.
Using the Controllers Button [8] Parameter Page ORCHESTRAL TONES EXPRESSION Select this when you want to use the expression pedal to control the volume of the Orchestral Tones. While this function is being used, the expression pedal connected to the EXPRESSION PEDAL jack will affect only the volume of the organ.
Using the Controllers Using the Pedalboard Foot Switch When a pedalboard equipped with a foot switch, such as the PK-25/PK-7 (optionally available) is connected to the PK IN jack on the VK-88’s rear panel, you can assign When changing the function any of a number of control functions (such as switching the speed of the rotary assigned to the foot switch, speaker rotation or switching registrations) to the foot switch. refer to “PK FOOT L ASSIGN” and “PK FOOT R ASSIGN” (p. Foot Switch L 68).
Using the Controllers Using the Bender Moving the BENDER at the left of the lower manual from side to side while the [ORGAN CONTROL] button is unlit causes the pitch to change smoothly (Pitch You can change the maximum Bend effect). range for the pitch bend effect. With the VK-88, you can apply this pitch bend effect to the Organ voice and For more details, refer to Orchestral Tones. “ORGAN BEND RANGE” (p. 80), and “ORCHESTRAL TONES BEND RANGE” (p. 82).
Using the Controllers Changing the Sound with Aftertouch After pressing keys on the upper manual, you can then alter the sound of the Organ The effect may be difficult to and Orchestral Tones by continuing to press harder on the keys. perceive with certain types of tones. Apply pressure to the keyboard You can change the function the Aftertouch performs (p. 69). The function of aftertouch is as follows. Tone Function Organ Voice The function assigned to aftertouch is enabled.
Advanced Use Edit mode allows you to get the most out of the VK-88’s functions by making more detailed settings. This section explains the functions that can be set in Edit mode. In this owner’s manual, the process of modifying a setting is referred to as “editing,” and the item of data that is modified is referred to as a “parameter.” ■ Basic Procedure Here is the basic procedure for each edit mode. → For details, refer to the explanation for each edit mode. 1. [BANK] button, and press the [***] button.
Advanced Use State of the D BEAM Indicators in Edit Mode ❍ When the setting is “0–127,” “0–10,” “0–12,” “0–15,” “0–24,” or “0–31” The lit location of the D Beam Type indicator shows the approximate value. The minimum value (0) will be when the D Beam indicators are all dark, and the maximum value when they are all lit. As you increase the value, the D Beam indicators will successively light from the bottom.
Advanced Use Settings That Are Saved for the Entire System ■ Rotary-related Settings 1. [BANK] button and press the ROTARY SOUND [ON] button. 3. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to adjust the setting. If you press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [UPPER] button, the setting will return to the initial value. 4. If you want to adjust the setting of another parameter, The indicators of the [1]–[8] buttons ([1]–[7] buttons) will blink. 2.
Advanced Use ❍ ROTARY WOOFER LEVEL (0–127) Specifies the volume of the low-range speaker (woofer). The rotary speaker effect consists of a low range and a high range, and you can independently adjust the volume of the low-range speaker (woofer) and the high-range speaker (tweeter) to set as desired. ❍ ROTARY TWEETER SPREAD (0–10) Specify the spaciousness of the high-range speaker (tweeter). Specifies the left/right spread of the rotary speaker. Increasing this value will increase the sense of stereo.
Advanced Use ■ Percussion Settings ❍ PERCUSSION SOFT LEVEL (0–15) Sets the percussion volume when percussion is set to Soft (the [SOFT] button’s indicator is lit). 1. Hold down the [BANK] button and press the PERCUSSION [SECOND] button. Increasing this value will increase the volume of percussion. The indicators of buttons [1]–[6] will blink. 2. Press one of the buttons from [1] through [6] to select the parameter that you want to edit.
Advanced Use ❍ PERCUSSION H-BAR LEVEL (0–127) Adjusts the volume of the harmonic bars when percussion is normal (the [SOFT] button’s indicator is dark). As this value is increased, the sound of the harmonic bars will be less affected by the percussion. On tone wheel organs, turning the percussion on would lower the overall volume specified by the harmonic bars. This is because the percussion on tone wheel organs was designed not to impair the volume balance of the entire organ.
Advanced Use Button Parameter [6] RING MODULATOR Pressing down on the keys causes the ring modulation to be applied (p. 43). The amount of ring modulation applied varies according to how much pressure is placed on the keys. [7] TONE WHEEL BRAKE The wheel brake will be applied (p. 43). [8] SPRING SHOCK This lets you produce the sound of a spring reverb unit being jarred (p. 43). If you press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [UPPER] button, the setting will return to its initial value. 3.
Advanced Use ❍ ORGAN BENDER ASSIGN This sets the bender action when the [ORGAN CONTROL] button is on. 1. Hold down the [BANK] button and press the ❍ ORGAN MODULATION ASSIGN This sets the modulation lever action when the [ORGAN CONTROL] button is on. 1. Hold down the [BANK] button and press the [A.BASS] [HARPSICHORD] button. button. The indicators of buttons [1]–[2] will blink. The indicators of [1]–[8] buttons ([1] button) will blink. 2.
Advanced Use The volume of the spring shock can be adjusted with the REVERB [LEVEL] knob. The spring shock is particularly effective if “SPRING” is selected as the reverb type (p. 45). NOTE When the “SPRING SHOCK” function is assigned to the ■ ORCHESTRAL TONES Controller Setting 1. Hold down the [BANK] button and press the [ORGAN CONTROL] button. The indicators of [1]–[8] buttons will blink. 2.
Advanced Use Button Parameter Page ❍ UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES BENDER (ON/OFF) [7] PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES VELOCITY MODE p. 74 [8] PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES VELOCITY This setting determines whether or not the BENDER is applied to the Upper Orchestral Tones. p. 74 Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to the right to turn this on, or to the left to turn it off. At the factory settings, this is turned on. 3. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to adjust the setting.
Advanced Use ❍ LOWER ORCHESTRAL TONES MODULATION (ON/OFF) This setting determines whether or not the modulation is applied to the Lower Orchestral Tones. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to the right to turn this on, or to the left to turn it off. At the factory settings, this is turned on.
Advanced Use ❍ ORCHESTRAL TONES VELOCITY SENSE OFFSET (0–127) This sets the relationship between the force with which the keys are pressed (velocity) and the Orchestral Tones volume. As the set value is raised, a high volume is produced even when the keys are pressed weakly. When set to lower values, the volume level remains low, even when the keys are pressed with greater force. ■ MIDI-related Settings ❍ When setting things other than the MIDI channel 1.
Advanced Use Button Parameter Page [5] MIDI GENERAL CONTOROLLERS SWITCH p. 76 [6] MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE SWITCH p. 76 3. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to adjust the setting. If you press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [UPPER] button, the setting will return to its initial value. 4.
Advanced Use ❍ MIDI SOUND CONTROLLERS SWITCH (ON/OFF) This specifies whether Harmonic Bar data will be received using sound controller MIDI messages. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to the right to turn this on, or to the left to turn it off. At the factory settings, this is turned on. Setting Explanation ON Harmonic bar data can be received using sound controller MIDI messages. OFF Harmonic bar data will not be received using sound controller MIDI messages.
Advanced Use ❍ CONTROL MIDI CH. (Control MIDI Channel) (1–16) (Initial setting: 1 ch.) Select the MIDI channel that will used to transmit and receive MIDI messages to control the VK-88. This channel can be used to select registrations on the VK-88, and to control the expression of the organ voice, etc. ❍ UPPER ORGAN MIDI CH. (Upper Organ MIDI Channel) (1–16) (Initial setting: 1 ch.) Sets the MIDI channel on which data will be transmitted and received for the upper organ voice. ❍ LOWER ORGAN MIDI CH.
Advanced Use ■ Equalizer and Other Settings 1. Hold down the [BANK] button and press the If you press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [UPPER] button, the setting will return to its initial value. [AMPLIFIER] button. 4. If you want to edit another parameter, press the The indicators of [1]–[8] buttons will blink. 2. Press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to select [BANK] button and the appropriate button from [1] through [8] to select the parameter, and turn the the parameter that you want to edit.
Advanced Use ❍ TONE CABINET FX (RING➝OD➝EQ➝AMP➝TONE➝REV, RING➝OD➝EQ) Specify how effects will be applied to the Organ Voice signal that is sent to the ROTARY TONE CABINET connector. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob toward the left to select RING➝OD➝EQ➝AMP➝TONE➝REV, or toward the right to select RING➝OD➝EQ.
Advanced Use Switching the polarity of the control pedal ❍ CONTROL PEDAL 1 POLARITY (STANDARD /REVERSE) ❍ CONTROL PEDAL 2 POLARITY (STANDARD /REVERSE) Depending on the type of pedal switch, the result when the switch is operated may be the opposite of what you intend. If the pedal switch does not operate as described in this owner’s manual, change the polarity setting. Turning the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob toward the right will select STANDARD, and all of the D BEAM TYPE indicators will light.
Advanced Use Parameters that are Stored in a Registration ■ Effect and Other Settings 1. Hold down the [BANK] button, and press the [REVERB] button. The indicators of [1]–[8] buttons ([1]–[7] buttons) will blink. 2. Press one of the [1]–[8] buttons ([1]–[7] buttons) to Button Parameter Page [5] ORCHESTRAL TONES MODULATION SENSE p. 82 [6] ORCHESTRAL TONES AFTER SENSE p. 82 [7] PRDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES MONO MODE p. 83 3. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to adjust the setting.
Advanced Use ❍ REVERB TIME (0–127) Adjusts the length of the Reverb time. Higher values result in longer reverberation. ❍ ORCHESTRAL TONES CHORUS LEVEL (0–127) Specify the chorus level when the chorus effect is applied to the Orchestral Tones ELECTRIC PIANO1 or ELECTRIC PIANO2. ❍ D BEAM ROTARY SPEED MODE (SLOW/FAST, CONTINUOUS) Specify the D Beam function when ROTARY SPEED is assigned to the D Beam. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to the left to select SLOW/FAST, or to the right to select CONTINUOUS.
Advanced Use ❍ PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES MONO MODE (POLYPHONY/MONO) This setting determines whether the Pedal Orchestral Tones are played with multiple or single notes. Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to the left to select POLYPHONY, or to the right to select MONO. ■ Pedal Attack Setting 1. Hold down the [BANK] button and press the PEDAL [ATTACK] button. The indicators of buttons [1]–[2] will blink. 2. Press one of the buttons from [1] through [2] to select the parameter that you want to edit.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices Playing the VK-88 from an External MIDI Device The VK-88 has six parts: the “upper part,” “lower part,” and “pedal part” of the organ voice, “Upper Orchestral Tones,” “Lower Orchestral Tones,” and “Pedal Orchestral Tones.” If you connect an external keyboard or pedal keyboard, you will be able to play the Pedal Organ Part and PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES together with the Upper Part or Lower Part. The VK-88 has three MIDI connectors.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices ■ Connecting a Pedal Keyboard Connecting a MIDI Pedal Keyboard Unit fig.03-03 You can connect a pedal keyboard and play the Pedal Part of the VK-88. NOTE Turn off the power of the VK-88 and the other device before making connections. If you connect an external device when the power is turned on, damage or malfunctions may occur. Connecting a Pedal Keyboard unit which Has a PK OUT Connector fig.03-03 MIDI OUT External Pedal Keyboard (PK-25/PK-7 etc.) 1.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices Using an External Sequencer to Record and Play Back 3. Turn on the power of the external sequencer and the VK-88. 4. Turn off the Thru function of your sequencer. You can connect a sequencer to the VK-88 and record your playing. The sequencer will store your performance on the VK-88 as various types of MIDI data. MIDI data that is received can be sent from the sequencer back to the VK-88 to reproduce your performance.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices Saving VK-88 Settings on an External Sequencer (Bulk Dump) You can connect the VK-88 to an external sequencer, then save VK-88 registrations, and system settings on it. This function is called “bulk dump.” Connect the VK-88 to your sequencer 1. Make sure that the power of the VK-88 and your sequencer is off. NOTE Turn off the power of the VK-88 and the other device before making connections.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices Using the VK-88 as the Master Keyboard ■ Setting a Different MIDI Channel for Each Keyboard These settings allow the VK-88 to function as a master keyboard to control external MIDI devices. You can assign a separate MIDI channel for each keyboard. At the factory settings, Channel 1 is assigned to the upper manual, Channel 3 is assigned to the lower manual, and Channel 2 is assigned to the pedalboard. ■ Connecting a External Sound Generator 1.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices ■ Turning Transmission of MIDI Messages On and Off Separately for Each Keyboard ■ Using the VK-88 to Select Tones on an External Sound Module You can specify whether or not MIDI messages are to be transmitted by each keyboard. At the factory settings, MIDI messages are transmitted from all of the keyboards. You can select tones on an external sound module from the VK-88. This procedure sets the Bank Select (MSB, LSB) and Program Change messages for each keyboard.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices 4. Press one of the keys from C#6 to Bb6 on the lower manual to set the Program Change or Bank Select. Mixing the Sound Module Sound with the Organ Sound To set to OFF, press the C6 key. You can play the external sound module’s sounds by connecting the keyboard to the VK-88’s INPUT jack. 1. Connect the sound module to the INPUT jack of VK-88. 2. Turn the INPUT [LEVEL] knob on the rear panel to adjust the volume of the sound module connected to the INPUT jacks.
Connecting the VK-88 to External Devices Connecting a Rotary Speaker Pin No. Output data No. 1 ORGAN (ROTARY) In addition to providing a rotary speaker effect, the VK-88 also allows you to connect an actual rotary speaker. Connect your rotary speaker to the ROTARY TONE CABINET connector located on the rear panel. No. 2 ORCHESTRAL TONES L No. 3 ORCHESTRAL TONES R No. 4 GND fig.03-05 No. 5 GND No. 6 POWER ON/OFF CONTROL No. 7 FAST CONTROL No. 8 SLOW CONTROL No. 9 NC No. 10 NC No.
Troubleshooting If the VK-88 does not function in the way you except, first check the following chart. If this does not resolve the problem, consult your dealer or a nearby Roland service station. Problem Power does not turn on No sound/insufficient volume Check Click is heard when you press/ release a key 92 Page Power cord is not connected correctly. Connect the power cord correctly. p. 19 Power of connected device is not turned on. Turn on the power of the connected amp or mixer. p.
Troubleshooting Problem Pitch is incorrect Overdrive is not applied Reverb is not applied Check MIDI messages are not transmitted/receive correctly Can’t hear spring shock noise Page Tuning is incorrect. Adjust the reference pitch. p. 79 Key Transpose (transposition) is in effect. Either cancel Key Transpose, or change its setting. p. 79 Glide has been assigned to the control pedal.
Troubleshooting Problem Check Solution Page Can’t hear the 1' harmonic bar PERCUSSION is turned on. If PERCUSSION is on, the sound of the 1' harmonic bar will not be heard. This is not malfunction. Rotary changes to FAST unintentionally “CRESCENDO” is assigned to the control pedal, D BEAM, aftertouch, or MODULATION lever.
Troubleshooting ■ Error Indications When an incorrect operation is performed, or when an operation cannot be carried out correctly, the VK-88 will light all of its indicators for a few seconds. Errors are divided into two categories—those that show up at power-up, and those that occur during normal operation. Please read the following explanations carefully, and take the appropriate action.
Registration/ORCHESTRAL TONES List ■ Registration List Registration Number UPPER PART LOWER PART PEDAL PART PERCUSSION VIBRATO AND CHORUS ROTARY 1-1 88 8000 000 83 8000 000 82 THIRD, SOFT, FAST OFF SLOW 1-2 80 0000 888 83 8000 000 82 OFF C-3 FAST 1-3 88 8800 000 83 8000 000 82 THIRD, SOFT, FAST C-3 SLOW 1-4 88 8800 000 00 8800 000 84 THIRD, NORM, FAST OFF SLOW 1-5 88 8008 008 83 8000 000 82 THIRD, SOFT, SLOW OFF SLOW 1-6 85 8500 005 03 8300 000 73 OFF C-3 SLOW
Registration/ORCHESTRAL TONES List Registration Number UPPER PART LOWER PART PEDAL PART PERCUSSION VIBRATO AND CHORUS ROTARY 6-1 88 8000 000 08 8888 000 73 SECOND, SOFT, SLOW OFF SLOW 6-2 88 8008 008 83 8000 000 82 THIRD, SOFT, SLOW OFF FAST 6-3 88 8800 000 00 8800 000 84 SECOND, SOFT, FAST OFF SLOW 6-4 88 8800 000 00 8800 000 84 THIRD, NORM, FAST OFF SLOW 6-5 80 0888 888 83 8000 000 82 THIRD, NORM, FAST C-3 FAST 6-6 88 8000 000 00 8600 000 82 THIRD, NORM, FAST
Edit Parameters Settings that are saved for the entire System ●Rotary-related settings • ROTARY WOOFER LEVEL • ROTARY TWEETER LEVEL • ROTARY WOOFER RISE TIME • ROTARY TWEETER RISE TIME • ROTARY WOOFER FALL TIME • ROTARY TWEETER FALL TIME • ROTARY WOOFER SPREAD • ROTARY TWEETER SPREAD • ROTARY WOOFER SPEED SLOW • ROTARY TWEETER SPEED SLOW • ROTARY WOOFER SPEED FAST • ROTARY TWEETER SPEED FAST • ROTARY MIC DISTANCE • ROTARY RANDOMIZE • ROTARY INDICATOR SYNC SOURCE ●Click Noise and Percussion settings • PERCUS
Edit Parameters Parameters that are stored in a registration ●Effect and other setting • REVERB TIME • ORCHESTRAL TONES CHORUS LEVEL • D BEAM ROTARY SPEED MODE • ON CLICK LEVEL • OFF CLICK LEVEL • UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES EXPRESSION • LOWER ORCHESTRAL TONES EXPRESSION • PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES EXPRESSION • UPPER ORCHESTRAL TONES OCTAVE SHIFT • LOWER ORCHESTRAL TONES OCTAVE SHIFT • PEDAL ORCHESTRAL TONES OCTAVE SHIFT • ORCHESTRAL BEND RANGE • ORCHESTRAL MODULATION SENSE • ORCHESTRAL AFTERTOUCH SENSE • PEDAL ORC
Drum List 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 C2 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 C3 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 C4 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 C5 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 C6 84 85 86 87 88 High Q Slap Scratch Push [EXC7] Scratch Pull [EXC7] Sticks Square Click Metronome Click Metronome Bell Acoustic Bass Drum Bass Drum 1 Side Stick Acoustic Snare Hand Clap Electric Snare Low Floor Tom Closed Hi-hat [EXC1] High Floor Tom Pedal Hi-hat [EXC1] Low Tom Open Hi-hat [EXC1] Low-Mid
MIDI Implementation Model: Date: Version: VK-88 (Combo Organ) Mar. 1, 2003 1.00 1. Receive data * The VK-88 has two MIDI IN connectors: MIDI IN and PEDAL IN. Messages input through the MIDI IN connector can be used to control specific Parts, according to the MIDI channel numbers of the MIDI messages. Messages input via the MIDI PEDAL IN connector are received as messages for the Pedal Part, regardless of the channel number.
MIDI Implementation ❍General Purpose Controller 6 (Controller number 81) (Rotary Brake) Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 51H vvH n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16) vv = control value: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127) 0-63 = SPIN, 64-127 = BRAKE * When signals are received through the MIDI IN connector, reception is over the channel specified in CONTROL MIDI CH. (p. 77) (factory setting: Channel 1). * Not received by the Orchestral Tones part. * Not received when MIDI GENERAL CONTROLLERS SWITCH (p. 76) is OFF.
MIDI Implementation ●Data Request 1 RQ1 2. Transmitted Data This message requests the other device to transmit data. The address and size indicate the type and amount of data that is requested. When a Data Request message is received, if the device is in a state in which it is able to transmit data, and if the address and size are appropriate, the requested data is transmitted as a Data Set 1 (DT1) message. If the conditions are not met, nothing is transmitted.
MIDI Implementation ❍Hold 1 (Controller number 64) Status 2nd byte BnH 40H n = MIDI channel number: vv = control value: 3rd byte vvH 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16) 00H - 7FH (0 - 127) 0-63 = OFF, 64-127 = ON ❍General Purpose Controller 5 (Controller number 80) (Rotary Speed) Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 50H vvH n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16) vv = control value: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127) * Not transmitted when MIDI GENERAL CONTROLLERS SWITCH (p. 76) is OFF.
MIDI Implementation 3. Parameter address map (MODEL ID = 00 65H) Transmission of “#” marked address is divided to some packets. For example, ABH in hexadecimal notation will be divided to 0AH and 0BH, and is sent/received in this order.
MIDI Implementation • System FX +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ | Offset | | | Address | Description | |-------------+---------------------------------------------------| | 00 00 | 0aaa aaaa | Rotary Woofer Level (0 - 127) | | 00 01 | 0aaa aaaa | Rotary Tweeter Level (0 - 127) | | 00 02 | 0aaa aaaa | Rotary Woofer Rise Time (0 - 127) | | 00 03 | 0aaa aaaa | Rotary Tweeter Rise Time (0 - 127) | | 00 04 | 0aaa aaaa | Rotary Woofer Fall Time (0 - 127) | | 00 05 | 0aaa aaaa |
MIDI Implementation • Registration FX +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ | Offset | | | Address | Description | |-------------+---------------------------------------------------| | 00 00 | 0000 000a | Vibrato Chorus Upper Switch (0 - 1) | | | | OFF, ON | | 00 01 | 0000 000a | Vibrato Chorus Lower Switch (0 - 1) | | | | OFF, ON | | 00 02 | 0000 0aaa | Vibrato Chorus Type (0 - 5) | | | | V-1, V-2, V-3, C-1, C-2, C-3 | | 00 03 | 0000 00aa | Vibrato Chorus Vintage (0 - 2) | | |
COMBO ORGAN Date : Mar. 1, 2003 MIDI Implementation Chart Model VK-88 Transmitted Function... Recognized MIDI IN Remarks MIDI PEDAL IN Basic Channel Default Changed 1–16 1–16 1–16 1–16 1–16 X Mode Default Messages Altered Mode 3 X Mode 3 X Mode 1 X 0–127 36–96 (UPPER/LOWER) 36–61 (PEDAL) 0–127 (ORCH. TONE) 0–127 *1 36–96 (UPPER/LOWER) 36–61 (PEDAL) 0–127 (ORCH.
Main Specification VK-88: Combo Organ ● Control ● Keyboard UPPER HARMONIC BAR Upper: 61 keys (Waterfall keyboard with velocity and aftertouch) Lower: 61 keys (Waterfall keyboard with velocity) 16', 5-1/3', 8', 4', 2-2/3', 2', 1-3/5', 1-1/3', 1' ● Sound Generator 16', 5-1/3', 8', 4', 2-2/3', 2', 1-3/5', 1-1/3', 1' Organ: Virtual ToneWheel Method Orchestral Tones: PCM PEDAL HARMONIC BAR ● Part ORCHESTRAL HARMONIC BAR Organ: 3 parts (Upper, Lower, Pedal) Orchestral Tones: 3 parts (Upper, Lower, Ped
Main Specification ● Connectors INPUT Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch phone type MIX OUTPUT Jacks (L, R): XLR 3-32 type MIX OUTPUT Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type ORGAN OUTPUT Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type ORCHESTRAL OUTPUT Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type PHONES Jack: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type EXPRESSION PEDAL Jack HOLD PEDAL Jack CONTROL PEDAL 1 Jack CONTROL PEDAL 2 Jack MIDI Connectors (IN, PEDAL IN, OUT) PK IN Connector ROTARY TONE CABINET Connector AC Inlet ● Power AC 1
Index A Active Expression function .......................................... 56 Aftertouch ...................................................................... 62 AFTERTOUCH SENS ................................................... 80 Ambience ........................................................................ 45 Amp Type ................................................................. 17, 41 AUTO COLOR MODE ................................................. 80 B BANK ...............................
Index M Master Keyboard Mode ................................................ 88 MASTER TUNE ............................................................. 79 Master Volume .............................................................. 26 Memory .......................................................................... 18 MIDI ................................................................................ 84 MIDI Channel ..........................................................
Index S Second Percussion ......................................................... 36 Single Trigger Algorithm ............................................. 38 Slow Percussion ............................................................. 38 Soft Percussion ............................................................... 37 SPEED Indicator ............................................................ 40 Split ................................................................................. 54 Split Point ...
Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below.
