All user reviews of 5/5 for the Roland VG-99

Multi-effects, amp simulator, guitar (electric, acoustic, bass) synth with a midi interface.
The VG99 contains the equivalent of two-level systems of the GT-Pro (COSM include two GT-Pro).
Applied COSM effects and amp simulations / guitar / synth.
Effects / simulations can be edited through an editor via a USB connection.
The same connection can record 24 bit 44 khz. VG99 librarian software is supplied to manage the effects and presets created.
Front panel connectors:
_ Sensor input GK3
_ Controllers:
_ A ribbon controller that is used by sliding his finger on it (hard plastic)
_ D Beam detects the passage of an object (neck of the guitar) above the sensor can be used to change the preset switch between two guitars ... .. change effects .. etc. ..
Rear panel connectors:
in order from left to right
_ A guitar input jack
_ A guitar output jack (its unmodified guitar)
_ 2 outputs L / R XLR
_ 2 outputs Unbalanced jack L / R
_ 1 x headphone / phono
_ 1 digital output (SPDIF)
_ An input jack for an expression pedal EV5 (recommended)
_ An input jack for a footswitch Boss FS-6 (recommended)
_ 1 x USB
_ 1 x RJ45 to connect the FC-300 MIDI foot controller with the supplied cable (do not connect to an ethernet network)
_ MIDI IN and OUT
_ A power input ... there is a small external transformer

The unit is rack vertically using spacers as an option.
It is possible to fix on a horizontal support on one foot.
The unit comes with a USB cable, a cable connection at GK3 (the GK3 must be purchased separately) a cable connection to the pedal FC-300, 4 wheel to screw the unit on the braces rack.
A manual in English, a CD-ROM containing the driver and two USB interfaces for machine management (modeling and library)

We regret the absence of:
_ A manual in French

Video presentation here:
https://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=849&skip=true&page=video

UTILIZATION

The manual is in English ... the operating system of the machine also .. no localization possible.
The firmware updates are possible by transfer of MIDI files (see the forum).
Editing is easy, depending on what you want to do it will read the manual ...
People who have had a GT6/GT8 gather the large data wheel to change the preset.
400 200 user preset banks (editable) and 200 system.
We recall the screens with buttons ... then each screen has several pages that you scroll with the arrow keys. It changes the settings for the buttons in front below the screen.
I return to the aesthetics of the machine. I was unpleasantly surprised by the screen made of white squares on a black background. I expected a better definition more in line with the quality of the software interface. So the definition of the screen is rough ... but to use it proves very comfortable ... the inclined plane longer large print can work at 1 meter from the camera without blinking.
Still on the aesthetic disappointment because the case is not the same metal as the GT6 and GT8. The bottom is plastic and it looks like plastic but cold like metal alloy appears to be fairly soft. Touch is graphite and enjoyable. Fragile ... so be careful ... this model is not built like a tank.

It will be appreciated that D-Beam allows you to change preset guitar effects .. last of all what we want just by passing the sleeve over the sensor. The ribbon control is more controversial ... made of hard plastic it works great and allows the control of modulation / pitch etc ... but how to play guitar at the same time make a wha with a finger? It may help in the studio.

We connect the guitar with the cable in the GK3 facade in the device ... the guitar signal itself returning in GK3. We can use the GK3 at leisure, or the guitar signal or a mix of both.

The GK3 has a knob for volume control that can be assigned to the control of another parameter, two buttons for variations within a preset (state) and finally a switch signal GK3/signal guitar / mix of both .
The GK3 is provided with means for mounting the sensor range. The GK3 in itself damaging to place it on the guitar strap attachment: _ it has a metal face fabric / foam to protect the guitar.
The sensor can be placed on a support screwed into the guitar. This support can be mounted on an easel type gibson (without degradation for the guitar). The sensor can also be bonded through double-sided adhesive on the guitar. Shims are provided to adjust the space between the strings and capteur.J 'I chose the latter non-destructive editing for the guitar and it fits comfortably.
The MIDI standard is accessible via the USB or the MIDI output. We can therefore dispense with a Midi interface for the PC.
The system works very well with cubase, ableton wrong with the steering ... magix VST is immediately noticeable.

I lowered my rating because of the problem of locating the device.
The build quality shocked me the first day I expected to find a way tank construction and WP6 knob (on stage attention must be paid) for at ... As I discovered the qualities of this I found the camera ... smile and good ergonomics of the whole I am satisfied.

GETTING STARTED

The models made by the GK3 are excellent, more loyal than those provided by a Variax. One stratum to the tone and dynamics of a stratum, ditto for TV etc ... The acoustic guitars are successful. Everything is tweakable.
The open tuning can be used. It is possible to program an acoustic sound on a string, an electric sound on the next string, open Tune all, to ask the VG99 to turn all this into 12 strings ... and open each independently Tune twelve strings of the chord associated .... phew (pretty basic after all, o)).

I do not put the maximum to take into account the opinion of some people who do not like the GT-Pro. For the treatment of bare sound of the guitar, the sound of the GT-Pro. For the models against the GK3 deserve full marks because I know nothing about that for now ... equal Fender Roland has not chosen for its VGcaster for nothing.

See the first samples provided here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=741002

Here with more talent and time, there are some VST appears:


_the samples "directly out of the box" are not very good, outstanding sensor hack with Cubase LE which does not generate the mp3. The last two samples 7 & 8 give a better quality recording (sensor set and I used another sequencer that generates mp3 320kb / s) ... there is a loss of momentum, however, probably due to streaming or upload to the server from the original mp3. I would do the samples in the same quality slowly ... other samples are coming according to my whims. O)

OVERALL OPINION

I am personally very satisfied with the models offered and in fact I use more than that ... I have not wanted to use it for the functions of the GT-Pro (I look at my beautiful guitar gathering dust ).
I came back on the scoring on 12 string and I am definitely on the c. ..
Patch 66 that simulates two twelve strings are to die for.
I do not understand how this type of equipment does not know more success.
The quality of the simulations is staggering (to eat the headphones AKG 271), the genius of Roland and the idea of ​​having two processors for two guitars. Except that opening the door combinations which prove to be far from the gadget (the low E string and electric guitar for the others) as Roland stated in its manual it is recommended that a time one defined a model of guitar / amp to double it by adding the second a slight delay. It works fantastically well and we gain in realism and dynamic ...
I put the maximum .. this product is really ... to discover the GK3.
(Incidentally, I did not know of any product, or want to spend the GT8 Pro, I'm leaning towards this product which brought together such a GT-Pro and features MIDI. I did not pay attention to the modeling side. .. and yet it is this aspect of the machine that wins because of its unsurpassed quality now. Who uses this system? Well, I think a lot of professional background in the studio, but discreetly apart .... Bertignac came to play a song with a Gibson SG400 taratata equipped with GK3 and obviously the distortion was not from the guitar)

Finally I'm here and still available for more detailed information.

Just a quick note without much description I admit it ... the ball, I never had anything like the hands or ropes. Sounds same factory, I'm not a pro and reading the other I do not can be very demanding ... so humbly, I scratch and I listen to an agreement ... it's madness I did not get out ca with my own little fingers! I also bought a Line 6 JM4 looper and I'm on c.. Even if the sound quality is not as amazing what's great is that you branch and you play Basta! ca and forces you to grow. I have a synth gear side, a table makie, a VGA 3, a GLXT Godin, Takamine Santa Fe, Martin Travel, LTD KH, a flute, a tabla, a jaw harp ;;;... I had a pod pro, a TC G Magor, a GR20 twelve o'clock and another thing which I do not know the name but took down all the time, zoom and other rack boxes and cuckoo pedals company but never I came face to that level of perfection. Do not make me particularly confident of course, but will try it at your local Worth the trip you will take a hell of Panard. Good music at all. Eric

UTILIZATION

Yes if you got used to this kind of machine getting started is simple

GETTING STARTED

Great! but I do not know all the competitors

OVERALL OPINION

The pure juice of paradise but you do not go to see next and tell me if you do not agree it would allow me to know more.

The VG 99 is the Swiss Army Knife of guitarists ... Multi effects but not only, and much more, akin to the best "tools" of the same type built by Roland. The part is identical to the effects Boss GT pro with ability to handle chains of different effects on the two stereo outputs. Modeling in all directions. Provided you use a Roland GK pickup, you can choose the type of guitar, electric, acoustic, synths, microphones with which they are taken, the type of amp, speakers, etc. ... You can also make his own guitar by choosing the location of microphones, their type, orientation, etc. .........
Everything is editable from the AG 99 itself or through a publisher Mac / PC very useful, indeed may be essential if we want to get into the "heart" of the system.
Some gadgets were implanted by Roland on the camera: D-beam, which allows a variation of sounds / effects in "cutting" an invisible beam with your hand eg (D-tune impressive effects, for example) or maintain a chord or note "hold" in order to replay over ... The "ribbon" that is handled with the fingertips to also vary the sound (there's really a gadget ...)
The connection is ultra full stereo output jacks and XLR, USB, noon treaty, etc., in short, anything is possible in terms of connections, it is even possible to make out some sounds on the XLR at the same time as other out on stereo jacks, which allows for example to balance the guitar sounds on two guitar amps and sounds more acoustic or synth on a sound system ...
The VG 99 is also a guitar MIDI converter that allows the control of a synthesizer, virtual or not, the same way as with a GI 20 for example (except that here everything is in the same box ...)
The unit can be rack mounted but it takes a special system for the D-beam must have a clear field and no obstacle should face him. It can also be mounted on a tripod (sold by Roland of course) similar to a foot snare (not given ...).

Generally, the AG 99 takes its full meaning when it is used with GK ... This does not preclude using a vast guitar pickups in parallel, since a "balance" is adjustable between guitar pickups and the sensor. Use it with the guitar pickups only limited to a simple multi-effect, which is a shame given the potential of modeling tools and realism, which we'll talk about that below ...

UTILIZATION

Question use, the AG 99 is designed for guitarists accustomed to the effects of programming and have knowledge on the afternoon of chaining and connection "posh" guitars. No need to be an engineer either, the manual goes to essentials, it is simple to anyone who has already mastered some of these topics here. In addition, many resources are available on the web, including YouTube to better understand the possibilities of the craft.
It is clear that given the range of possibilities: guitar sounds, synths, MIDI control, management of midi, plug into a computer, use with a MIDI pedal (not included ...) etc, VG 99 does not agree the basic scratch that sees only the basics: amp-guitar-and one or two effects pedals ... We must look seriously at some functions to get out of something concrete, think, write sometimes to navigate but this effort is really paying for it gets things surreal ....
Editing sounds is easy once you understood the logic of the system, the publisher Mac / PC is a definite plus, very well done, which includes virtually all the possibilities. Only a few functions at the margin are editable on the AG itself.

GETTING STARTED

I have personally "tested" the thing about different systems of amplification.

On guitar amp (for me Marshall EL 34 + 2 speakers Marshall 1922), the sound is very average, somewhat synthetic and will not please fans of his "light" traditional ... Compared to my Rocktron Voodu vlave is rather hollow ...

I got amazing results on a set cons Bose L1. Interest is then able to leave everything on a single system, distorted sounds "metallic", acoustic folk guitars, 12 strings, synths etc. ... I know it sounds unbelievable, but the sound is monstrous and I insist on this system on overdrive for which emmetrait, I agree, all possible reserves in the L1 ... To think that 99 + VG Bose L1 are made for each other ... I completely abandoned the original pickups on the guitar ... yet jai a Musicman Luke, among others ... I no longer play with the GK, the sound is ten times better ... Specifically, rounder, more defined, in short, is why I insisted on this plan in the foregoing paragraphs ... Add the original pickups does nothing or, worse case ... I already hear that cry foul !!!!! I assume ...

Playing on BT, public comments are telling: "it looks like a disk "...........

As often on this type of gear, the reverbs and delays are usable but very average, damage ... A true type eventide delay time machine would be fatal that ...

We can actually sculpt the sound as desired, there is the time to spend. The modeling of different types of guitar are very accomplished, being able to "mix" a Start on one side with a Les Paul the other opens a lot of very interesting perspectives hybrids. The amps are also multiple and very successful too. The Marshall sound really Marshall, Soldano is cool too and they can add all types of pedals Overdrive 'potential is unlimited ....... We can pass from Van Halen to Knopfler without asking questions, it sounds!

Piloting synthesizers in midi is nice too. More effective than IM 20/GR 20/GR33 tracking at noon, the AG 99 is probably the best tool on the market in this area currently. As always, we must make an informed choice synth sounds to play the guitar and sometimes even create them from scratch to fit the game / strings ... The failure of many users who once tested the guitar synth is probably trying too hard to play on guitar ....... SYNTHE no more .... The guitar synth is a synth or a guitar, an instrument in its own right for which we must adapt the sounds and not want to releasing a Steinway or a flute gross stripping .... ....... to replace the elusive keyboard player who fails to group ......

For fans, I invite you to listen to some tracks here: https://myspace.com/dominikhardy

All synths were played on guitar, IM 20 first and then in October 2009, VG 99. The title "Big Jim on March tet has composed and recorded entirely with the AG 99. Feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use the VG 99 from just a few weeks, I have much to learn but I think it's a potential monster machine. Expensive in absolute terms but ultimately not that much seen what can be done with it. Is more than a multi-effects, a nice product, such as Roland knows how to design with innovation, quality sound and opens real prospects monumental. Of course it is not perfect, it lacks in my opinion a true pro delay (and reverb too ...) but can still be content to exist in this area ...

I have trouble understanding why all the scratch of the world are not rushing to this hardware ........ It must of course be interested in depth if we want to operate as it should and it takes effort, but worth it .... The best purchase I made in a long time !!!!!!!

For the character, see below, to take two pages. Two inde-pendent stereo output jack + output to amp scratches. Footswitch jacks, expression pedal, pdalier ddi FC300 (too expensive ...)
That's all numrique but honntement must be manic to find his dish or cold.
Cons:
1. no send / return, it was a shame for those with overdrive lamp.
2. Roland construction: it certainly raise very solid, but the plastic o I prfr mtal a carcass a bit more vintage. In addition, attention to sensor cable VG-99, which is closer to the cable noon (so fragile) and the jack indestructible. We must therefore secure the cable.
D'o 9 instead of 10.
A word about the installation of sensor GK3: on an easel TuneOMatic (Les Paul, 335, Sheraton ...) is possible in 30 minutes, the longest is dcorder the guitar because the sensor attaches directly to easel. On an easel was vibrato must be a different story.

UTILIZATION

Config ultra-simple, very well think it opens the manual once or twice and the rest were triturated and costing! The edition is logical and easy. Many in contrl facade, all assignable very simple (6 + 2 encoders in facade switches, 1 + 2 encoder switches on the guitar (sensor GK3), + anything you want by controlling MIDI at the base, a D-beam and a ribbon to sculpt the sound of sustained notes). Manuel impeccable, thank you Roland.


GETTING STARTED

The effects are impressive (I do not list: there are any). Some reviews criticize the simplicity of Time limits but I wonder if users open the manual: it was the dlai stereo, dual reverse, analog, tape, with rinjection and hold (maintaining infinity) the all with 2.8 seconds of memory, I think that's enough for a multi-purpose ...

For cons, the famous Roland rverbs ... argh. It's usable but there is always something unnatural. From the time they should change their algorithm, the latest free plugin sounds better. For hard, sticking a small prvoir Elec TC or Lexicon ass LV for rverbs. Knowing that each patch change the VG can send a program change to the external effects so that they line up, soon the galleys.

For modlisations, I will not talk about realism: I am a pianist and saxophonist based and I do not care much whether that's really sounds like a Start 65 'on a Mesa Boogie. I do not know actually. The important thing is that DIFFERENT modlisations have their own personality. The strata are chattering, the 335 are jazz, Flatwound are more jazz, acoustic surprising low growl as it should. Synthsrpondent the finger and the eye, they squeak, grunt and caress. So we forget the pRSET for Japan and put the hands dirty in reliance ears.
NB: I will not talk about distos, I never do dishes (jazz style), but the crunch rpondent very naturally.

I use it with the Sheraton, a sensor GK3, Elixir strings (attention, even with a sensor hex impact the brilliant sound of the strings) and a Jamman Stereo.

One last thing: with this gear, forget all your stack lamp, which he wants is a neutral HP. So keyboard amp, monitors or PA applications. My home is an active speaker bte 12 '300 euros Thomann and sounds 10x better than on my Vox.

OVERALL OPINION

Useful since one month, I rediscover the guitar. Multi-purpose I had the Boss (but c'tait way long ago), the Digitech (better, especially the reverbs) and Vox (yum). VG breaks out everything without effort, reverbs put hand.

The pros: you can do anything. Everything. And respect the game
The -: be obliged to abandon her pretty amp and agree to have the ugly numrique in its signal. But worth it. Plus I do not like Roland (ie psychological) but they bury everyone with this BCAN so I put my snobbery ct.

Q / P: 1100 euros with the sensor, let honnte is very expensive when you're not pro. But there is no alternative. Therefore seen as a. .. soon to buy ten guitars, fifteen amp, a bass and three synths, and the shed for storage.

With exprience, I go back well in time for its release buy ds, hh.

(Originally written by la.boulanderie/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
See Roland's website for detailed features and other user reviews.

However, I'll tell you something you won't find there:

The VG 99 is compatible with the GK2 I installed on my Ibanez 10 years ago, and which I didn't use a lot because the high latency of Midi guitars discouraged me. But this is a different story and it relates exclusively to the playing of the guitarist. I didn't try to burn my guitar like Jimi Hendrix but I think that's also possible. I tried to use the up/down buttons of the Midi pickup but had no success, and I think it has to do with wrong parameter editing on the VG.

The Midi pickup settings are a breeze. You only need a measuring tape if you don't know how much your guitar measures. Choose the pickup model. Enter the strings length and the distance between each string and the Midi pickup. Set the sensitivity according to your playing style and the balance between all chords. And you're ready to start playing (it takes five minutes). You can also make settings for several guitars.

The sound is accurate and clean because it's digital. It's not the right gear for you if you want noise, crackle, hiss and other vintage pleasures. On the contrary it's the perfect tool if you want perfect recordings.

For my part I expect the following results with such a device:

In the studio it must provide me a wide sound range without having to buy and service all corresponding instruments (folk guitar, classical guitar, dobro, banjo, sitar, mandolin, ukulele, Stratocaster, Telecaster, ES335, jazz hollowbody, Rickenbaker, Les paul, SG, 12-string acoustic and electric guitars, synth, bass... and more).

Live on stage it must allow me to mix several instruments at the same time (bass/guitar, folk/electric guitar, guitar/synth) and to create different sound ambiances for each song (we are only two musicians playing with a female singer).

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use. I bought it Friday morning and I already used it live on stage on Saturday night.

I did get a user's manual. I read it only to set up the Midi pickup. All other steps are very intuitive. I read it the day after our gig and I understood that I already knew everything I needed.

If you want to test all possibilities (which seem to be endless) you'll probably have to spend a lot time with it but it's certainly worth it. The editor software provided is also very easy to use.

I think the main difficulty is to understand all the possibilities in order to accurately edit it if you want to use all external controllers.

During our live gig I did use my electro-acoustic guitar because I didn't feel that comfortable with the system, but next time I will take the time to edit each sound according to the set list and I'll take only one guitar to the gig.

The ribbon controller and the D beam, which at first sight seem useless, can come in really handy in some stage situations.

GETTING STARTED

And what about the sound?

It's perfect for electric guitar and I can't really hear any difference compared to the original models (its actually unnerving that, given the authenticity of the sound, you actually think that you are playing with the pickups and you tend to try to use the guitar knobs which of course are useless).

The acoustic guitar sounds are really interesting. They can't replace a real acoustic guitar but they are still amazing. I didn't expect to be able to hear the sound of my fingers on the strings and to have the possibility to easily play pinch harmonics. The only thing I miss is the possibility to hit the top to get percussion effects (but perhaps it works if the Midi pickup is mounted on an acoustic guitar). Sitar and banjo sounds are great. My only complaint would be regarding the classical guitar, it has a strange response, more like a flamenco guitar than a classical guitar maybe?

But I think this upsetting feel has more to do with the playing technique than with the sound itself. When you play a folk guitar the position of your hand is different because the body is bigger. And the strings are heavier and thicker. Their vibration is different from the string vibration of a solid body guitar with a Midi pickup. If you can adapt your playing technique accordingly it ought to work perfectly. The sound of all 12-string guitars is perfect. And also the dobro sound.

The bass guitar simulations sound quite good.

I don't use a lot of synth presets but I'm sure you can get pretty good results with some editing.

What about effects? They are effective and well applied in the presets.

OVERALL OPINION

As a summary, I find this product amazing considering its price. I'm convinced that everybody will play such systems in the future and that our old magnetic guitar pickups will fall into oblivion.

I haven't tried the Midi and audio interface functions of the system. So I can't say anything about them.

Now I have a serious dilemma: either I definitely put away my Vigier (I like its wonderful neck, its weight and its color) and only play my old Ibanez via VG 99, or I buy another Midi pickup for my Vigier?