Owner’s Manual VR-09 VR-730 Owner’s Manual (this document) Read this first. It explains the basic things you need to know in order to use the unit. PDF Manual (download from the Web) • Reference Manual This explains all functions of the unit. To obtain the PDF manual 1. • Data List This is a list of the sounds, drum kits, rhythm patterns, and sound effects built into the unit. • MIDI Implementation This is detailed information about MIDI messages. Enter the following URL in your computer.
An Overview of This Unit Sound Sections This unit has three sound sections—organ, piano, and synthesizer—and each section occupies a separate area of the panel. You can also play two sounds simultaneously, or divide the keyboard into two regions and play different sounds in the left and right regions. Organ section Piano section Here you can use the harmonic bars to shape the organ sound to your taste. Synthesizer section Here you can choose various piano sounds.
Contents An Overview of This Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Rear Panel (Connecting Devices). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panel Descriptions Front Panel 2 1 3 4 7 9 10 12 5 6 13 8 11 14 15 * The illustration shows the VR-09. Number Name Explanation Page Connect a USB flash drive (sold separately) here. You can save or play back songs you’ve recorded, and save or load registration sets. 1 USB MEMORY port If you connect a wireless USB adapter (WNA1100-RL; sold separately), you’ll be able to use applications that support wireless. p.
Panel Descriptions Number Name Explanation Use these to select parameters. — [VALUE] dial Use this to modify a value. — [MENU] button Accesses the menu screen. p. 28 [ENTER] button Confirms a value or executes an operation. [EXIT] button Returns to the previous screen, or cancels an operation. [TRANSPOSE] button Raises or lowers the keyboard range in steps of one semitone. p. 17 OCTAVE [DOWN] [UP] buttons Raise or lower the keyboard range in steps of one octave. p.
Panel Descriptions Rear Panel (Connecting Devices) DAMPER jack EXPRESSION PEDAL jack PK IN connector You can connect a pedal switch or a damper pedal (DP series; sold separately) here. Connect an expression pedal (EV series; sold separately) to this jack. Connect a pedalboard (PK-9; sold separately) to this connector. The pedal switch can be used to sustain the notes. You can use the expression pedal to control the volume. This allows you to play the pedal part of the organ.
Getting Ready Installing Batteries Attaching the Ferrite Core If eight commercially available rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (AA, HR6) are installed, you’ll be able to play this unit without connecting the AC adaptor. * If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and Owner’s manual (p. 32)).
Getting Ready Turning the Power On/Off Turning the Power On 1. Before turning on this unit’s power, consider these two questions: Using the Included USB Memory Protector VR-09 only You can use the included USB memory protector to prevent theft of the USB flash drive connected to the VR-09. • Is the AC adaptor and any other equipment connected correctly? • Have the volume controls of this unit and all connected audio devices been turned to their lowest settings? 2. 3. 4.
Selecting Sounds Selecting Sounds with One Touch By using the Mode buttons you can play organ, piano, and synthesizer sounds individually. Selecting Piano Sounds 1. Press the MODE [PIANO] button. The MODE [PIANO] button will light. REFERENCE Sound Sound variation For details about the sounds, refer to “Sound List” in the “Data List” (PDF). You can download the “Data List” (PDF) from the Roland website. Volume (PIANO LEVEL [ ] [ ] button) http://www.roland.com/manuals/ Octave (p.
Selecting Sounds Selecting Synthesizer Sounds 1. Press the MODE [SYNTH] button. Selecting Your Favorite Sounds (Registration) The MODE [SYNTH] button will light. Sound You can assign a name to your favorite organ, piano, and synthesizer sounds (or combination of sounds), and store it as a “registration.” Sound variation A registration can be recalled instantly by pressing a single button.
Selecting Sounds Switching Registration Banks Selecting Drum Sounds You can play drum sounds and sound effects from this unit’s keyboard. Switching banks (Banks 1–4) 1. A drum kit lets you choose from a selection of sounds. When you switch drum kits, the sounds assigned to each key will change. Press the [BANK] button. The BANK screen is shown in the display. REFERENCE Refer to “Drum Kit List” in the “Data List” (PDF) for details on the percussion instrument sounds that are assigned to each key.
Modifying the Organ Sound Using the Harmonic Bars MEMO • You can make separate settings for the tweeter and the woofer to specify their rotation speeds at the fast and slow settings, as well as the time it will take for the tweeter and woofer to change their speed when you switch the rotary effect (ROTARY:&PDF). The harmonic bars are assigned to sounds of different footage (pitch). You can create a wide variety of organ sounds by layering these sounds.
Modifying the Synthesizer Sound This unit lets you use the top panel harmonic bars to modify the character of the synthesizer sound. When you operate a bar, the current value is shown in the screen. MEMO • If you’re playing two sounds (split or dual) (p. 12), the settings will determine which sound is affected. • If one of the sounds is an organ sound The bars will operate as harmonic bars for the organ sound. The synthesizer sound will not change.
Adding Effects to the Sound Applying Effects (EFX) You can apply effects to the sounds you play. This unit contains 7 effect processors; each can be set independently. For the six effects other than rotary, you can use “global control” to conveniently apply each effect in an appropriate way. MEMO • If you’re playing two sounds (split or dual) (p. 15), the settings will determine which sound is affected. When using Dual: The same effects will apply to both sounds.
Adding Effects to the Sound Modifying the Sound / Producing Sound Effects (D-BEAM Controller) D-BEAM Controller Settings 1. By positioning your hand above the front panel’s D-BEAM controller, you can modify the sound or produce sound effects. Press the D-BEAM [SFX] or [CONTROLLER] button to make it light. The D-BEAM screen appears. This is a great way to give your live performance more impact. 1. Press one of the D-BEAM [PITCH], [SFX], or [CONTROLLER] buttons to make it light.
Adding Effects to the Sound Changing the Pitch/Applying Vibrato (Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever) Making the Pitch Change Smoothly (Portamento) While playing the keyboard, move the lever toward the left to lower the pitch, or toward the right to raise the pitch. This is called “pitch bend.” Portamento is an effect that produces a smooth change in pitch between one note and the next. Portamento can be applied to piano sounds and to synthesizer sounds.
Changing the Key Range Raising or Lowering the Range in Octaves (Octave) You can change the pitch of the keyboard in steps of one octave. 1. Press the OCTAVE [ ] or [ ] button. Transposing the Key (Transpose) You can transpose the pitch of the keyboard. This setting specifies the pitch sounded by the middle C (C4) key. 1. Hold down the [TRANSPOSE] button and press the [–] or [+] button. The display will indicate the transpose setting.
Combining Two Sounds Layering Two Sounds (Dual) “Dual” refers to settings in which two sounds are layered. Combining an Organ Sound with a Piano Sound or Synthesizer Sound * You can’t layer two organ sounds. Organ sound Part 1 Piano sound/Synthesizer sound Part 2 1. Layering a Piano Sound and Synthesizer Sound Simultaneously press the MODE [ORGAN] button and a sound button in the piano section or the synthesizer section.
Combining Two Sounds Playing Different Sounds in the Left and Right Hands (Split) Combining Two Organ Sounds “Split” refers to settings that let you play different sounds with your left and right hand. The keyboard will be divided into two regions; the right is called the “upper part,” and the left is called the “lower part.” The point at which the keyboard is divided is called the “split point” (p. 21). Split point (Power-up default: C4) C2 B2 C3 C4 Lower part Organ sound 1. 2.
Combining Two Sounds Combining a Piano Sound and Synthesizer Sound Piano sound/ Synthesizer sound 1. 2. Combining an Organ Sound with a Piano Sound or Synthesizer Sound Piano sound/ Synthesizer sound Piano sound/ Synthesizer sound Organ sound Or Select a piano sound or a synthesizer sound (p. 9). Press the SYNTH [SPLIT] button to make it light. Piano sound/ Synthesizer sound 1. The SPLIT screen appears. 2.
Combining Two Sounds Playing Drum Sounds in the Lower Part Cancelling Split You can play drum sounds in the lower part while playing a different sound in the upper part. 1. Press the [EXIT] button or the lit [SPLIT] button to make it go dark. Split will be cancelled. Drum sound 1. 2. The sound assigned to the upper part will now be heard across the entire keyboard. Organ sound, etc. MEMO Make split settings (p. 19). You can also press any one of the MODE buttons to cancel split.
Performing with Rhythm Pattern Selecting/Playing Rhythm Pattern This unit can sound a rhythm pattern while you perform. 1. Changing the Tempo of the Rhythm Pattern Press the [SONG/RHYTHM] button several times to access the RHYTHM screen. You can set the tempo of the rhythm pattern. This setting specifies the tempo of the following functions. • Song (SMF format) recording and playback • Tempo-synchronized effects 1. Press the [TAP TEMPO] button. The TEMPO screen appears. 2. 3.
Recording Your Performance This unit lets you record your performance. You can play back a recorded performance to check your own playing, or play along with the recorded performance. This unit can record either SMF or audio. Starting/stopping recording 5. Press the [ ] (START/STOP) button. When recording starts, the [ ] (START/STOP) button will light, and the recording screen will appear. * In order to use recording, you must connect a USB flash drive (sold separately) to the USB MEMORY port (p. 4).
Recording Your Performance Playing a Song Renaming a Song Here’s how to play back a song that you’ve saved on a USB flash drive. 1. 2. Connect a USB flash drive (sold separately) to the USB MEMORY port (p. 4). Press the [SONG/RHYTHM] button several times to access the SONG screen. Here’s how to rename a song. 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect a USB flash drive (sold separately) to the USB MEMORY port (p. 4). Press the [SONG/RHYTHM] button several times to access the SONG screen.
Recording Your Performance Data saved on a USB flash drive The following data can be saved on a USB flash drive. • Songs recorded on this unit (p. 23) • Phrases recorded by the looper (p. 26) • Registration sets (p. 28) Root folder (top level) Song files Songs recorded on this unit and phrases recorded by the looper are saved in the root folder of the USB flash drive. Looper phrases Registration sets Registration sets saved by Save Registration (p.
Using the Looper The looper is a function that lets you overdub while recording and playing back in real time. You can take advantage of various performance possibilities, such as performing or adjusting the effects while playing back recorded phrases as a backing. * The maximum recording time is approximately 20 seconds. Recording with the Looper Record-standby Recording Press the [LOOPER] button to enter the record-standby condition.
Using the Looper Recording While a Rhythm Pattern Plays 1. 2. 3. Press the [SONG/RHYTHM] button several times to access the RHYTHM screen. Deleting the Phrase Here’s how to delete the phrase that’s stored in this instrument. 1. In the LOOPER screen, press the [SONG/RHYTHM]. A confirmation message appears. Turn the [VALUE] dial to select a rhythm pattern. Record as described in “Recording with the Looper” (p. 26). When recording begins, the rhythm pattern will also start sounding.
Convenient Functions Making the Power Automatically Turn Off After a Time (Auto Off) With the factory settings, the unit’s power will automatically be switched off a certain amount of time after you stop playing or operating the unit. If you don’t need the power to turn off automatically, set “Auto Off” to the “OFF” setting as described below. 1. 2. 3. 4. Press the [MENU] button. Turn the [VALUE] dial to select “System.” Press the [ENTER] button. Use the CURSOR [ ] [ ] buttons to select “Auto Off.
Convenient Functions Loading Saved Registrations from a USB Flash Drive (Load Registration) Individually Loading Registrations from a USB Flash Drive (Load One Regist) Here’s how a registration set saved on a USB flash drive can be loaded into this unit. Registrations saved on a USB flash drive can now be loaded individually into this unit. NOTE NOTE When you load a registration set, all registrations stored in this unit will be overwritten and lost.
Convenient Functions Formatting a USB Flash Drive (Format USB) Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) “Formatting” is the operation of preparing a USB flash drive for use with this unit. If desired, you can restore all of this unit’s settings to their factoryset condition. This operation is called “factory reset.” If the USB flash drive format does not match this unit’s, you will not be able to use that USB flash drive with this unit.
Detailed Settings for All Functions (Menu) The menu allows you to edit the performance and sound settings. 1. Press the [MENU] button. MEMO The menu screen appears. 2. 3. For details on each menu item, refer to “Reference Manual” (PDF). Turn the [VALUE] dial to select a category. Category Explanation Organ Rotary EFX Portamento Keyboard Settings for organ sounds. Settings for the rotary effect. Effect settings. Portamento settings. Keyboard settings.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY WARNING Concerning the Auto Off function The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto Off function). If you do not want the power to be turned off automatically, disengage the Auto Off function (p. 28). Use only the stand that is recommended This unit should be used only with a stand that is recommended by Roland.
