Roland VG-8 V-Guitar System
January 1, 1995The VG-8 is not just another "guitar synthesizer." It's not an "effect," though the applications do include effects. The technology utilized in the VG-8 is called Composite Object Sound Modeling or "COSM." Using COSM, the VG-8 has two distinctive modes: Variable Guitar Modeling (VGM) and Harmonic Restructure Modeling (HRM).
In VGM mode, the VG-8 utilizes models of different pickup types and configurations, amplifier types, speaker configurations, mic types, mic placements and guitar body types. The VG-8 has the ability to "virtually" put the pickup anywhere on the guitar, even on the actual neck. In HRM mode, the VG-8 takes the actual guitar waveform and restructures the harmonic content in realtime, thus producing entirely new sounds.
The VG-8 can be controlled with any guitar using a Roland GK-2A divided pickup. The signal is then processed and manipulated into a completely new sound. The post-processing audio signal (output) is completely different from the original waveform, yet it retains all the expressiveness and subtle player nuances, which are inherent to the guitar and its player.
The VG-8 offers a collection of sonic options. The VG-8 can produce the sound of any number of popular pickups and configurations including humbuckers, single coils, piezo and any conceivable combinations. It even delivers the tonal characteristics associated with certain guitar models, body weights and wood resonance, including acoustic guitars. Revered sounds, like the heavy crunch of a humbucking rock guitar or the smooth warmth of a vintage single coil guitar are easily accomplished with the VG-8.
The VG-8 will also provide a variety of amplifier sounds, from a vintage 2-12" reverb to a classic British stack right on up to the hot-rod tube amps.
In HRM mode, the actual guitar waveform is processed and restructured, in realtime, to create anything from synthetic-type sounds to brass/wind-type sounds to completely new sounds with all the nuance and inflection of the guitar. Since the signal is restructured, without losing any of the playing characteristics, the individual player's "feel" is retained.
The VG-8 also offers polyphonic effects capabilities. Since the GK-2A sends each string individually, signal processing can be performed "per string." For example, pitch shifting can be applied individually to each string for instant open tunings, bass guitar or authentic 12-string effects. You can also pan each string individually anywhere in the stereo field. Electronic models are included for many popular BOSS pedal effects as well. These are in addition to global reverb, delay and chorus.
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