All user reviews of 4/5 for the Roland VG-99

The Roland VG 99 is a guitar system that was really appealing to me. Just the look of it seemed like it was something that I could really use. But before spending money on it I had a chance to really get into depth and use it for a while to see if it was something that I really would like. One of the key things that really made this unit stand out to me was just the overall functions of the unit. It seemed like Roland really put some time into making the VG 99. From its previous models there are many upgrades that they have made to make it quicker to do what you wanted.


UTILIZATION

It wasn’t easy for me to get started with this unit. I did have to open up the manual and spend a little time reading. But I did that from the start so I could eliminate the countless minutes I would spend doing trial and error. The manual was very easy to understand and it was clear and concise. After reading through the manual a little while I had the hang of it and was ready to get going.


GETTING STARTED

The sounds quality on the VG 99 is second to none, you really couldn’t ask for much more for this price. It supports USB connection to computers and also midi connections for other devices like other keybaords and modules or anything that can take midi connections. Connecting all of this stuff is very easy if you understand how midi works in comparison to different devices and sound.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, Very pleased with the VG 99 the interface was a bit confusing at first but that was nothing that the manual couldn’t help me power through. You have the ability to really get some good sounds, and more importantly you can really get the sound you want with the Roland VG 99. The VG 99 really has taking my creativity to new levels.

Useless to return to the specifications. They are clearly listed on the official website ...
It may however be useful to recall that the VG-99 is a combination of several elements: a guitar modeler (Line 6 Variax way), a guitar synthesizer, an amp modeler, a multi-fx, a converter Guitar > MIDI audio interface on a USB port, a physical controller / MIDI.
Everything can be used with a conventional guitar, but it makes sense when it connects a guitar with a pickup kind GK3, GK2 or similar. Indeed, the use as "simple" multi-fx does nothing special, however, most other functions require a separate capture of each guitar string.

On paper, the VG-99 looks like being a condensed / Swiss knife rather promising and exciting, but as often with Roland / Boss, and for several years in practice, we always end up wondering if the ingestion of the brand are really aware of what needed by musicians and in the end we almost always ends up with a bike to the basic concept but interesting to see botches incomplete development or incomplete. The VG-99 is fortunately not a fiasco, but it is unfortunately not the bottom of things.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration >>>>> Is it easy?

When we already know what type of machine, it is rather the infancy of art. However, for those who have never laid hands on this type of machine, getting started can be a little harder.
What is certain is that the MIDI conversion functions and the modeling results of guitar / synth require adjustment of the parameters of GK more accurate. GK parameters of which I speak concerns the optimization of the instrument used on the VG. These are briefly set the sensitivity of each string, positioning the pickup, the statement of the pitch (length of the vibrating strings for which simply measure the distance Nut-12th fret and then multiply by 2) of guitar used, etc.. This is indeed the sensitive point if you want to get the most out of the machine. We must act patiently, and most importantly, with logic and insight. Once that chore negotiated, one can enter the heart of the matter and start planning our first sounds. For this, as often, no hope little plants that sounds, if they can possibly help them understand the possibilities of the LV (provided you have a FC300 since the real-time controls are generally programmed function of this bracket), but beyond that, we should not expect results sound unbelievable. I think the best is to start from scratch by resetting a patch and the building from A to Z.
The front panel controls remain relatively clear and, for the basic functions, you do not spend three hours looking for the button that goes. However, a lot of "little things" could greatly improve the phases of programming. For example, a detail, but when m ^ m, the CHAIN ​​menu that displays the chaining (order) effects it does not directly call the edit page of one or other known effects of requiring the user to first go through the main menu of this section. Tedious when a button could simply allow calling this page since the chaining.
I know, I'm pinailleur, but my experience RolBoss products makes me think that at one time, the ingestion of the brand knew to think about all these details because the older machines often swarm of little things like that.
M ^ m of the way, one can appreciate the CATEGORY function is also present in many multi-fx brand, but in the m ^ m time, regret that this function does not allow the classification of a preset m ^ m in more than one of these categories. This is particularly unfortunate that the AG offers both conventional guitar sounds AND synth which can quickly bring a preset to be useful both in Funk Rock, or even cause it to be classified as in the category that Synth Lead Dubbing ...

Well, it does not alter the content of the machine, but given its relative complexity, it is typically the kind of thing that makes the difference with the competition. Now this is where the problem lies. Competition, RolBoss knows she does not really. Under these conditions, it is unclear what might encourage them to leave the ends of the digital foundation to innovate a little more. Those who know the series loopstation and know what the competition has in the past 20 years fully understand what I mean. But anyway, this is not the topic here ...

GETTING STARTED

The format desk is not the most suitable for use on stage. I would have preferred a real pedalboard or rack size, but there is a little bastard and it did not m ^ m the advantage of being better suited to use studio / home studio since the machine remains relatively bulky on a desk. The tripod is an optional foutage mouth of both financial stability. A simple sheet metal panel does a better job for much less.
In short, we can ask the question this choice, but after all, why not ...

The manual is rather didactic, but unfortunately it lacks technical info <;

OVERALL OPINION

The sound quality is to consider first. Indeed, it is clear that the versatility of the LV is a separate tool, it can however be quite critical of the basic functions that together. Thus, in terms of modeling guitar, I must admit that I m ​​^ m from the world Variax, I&#39;m much happier with the VG99. I regret, however, again, some shortcomings.
1 ° The choice of modeled guitars is finally facing a very weak
Variax which offers much more. But is the quality over quantity.
2 ° The model VARI is the only model fully "customizable" shows some limitations ordnance by the Variax. Impossible, for example, to make a personal model in HSS config. Only two virtual microphones can be used. M ^ m in the vein, the choice of microphones is proving very stingy. Otherwise, we would have appreciated being able to customize a little rendering of each microphone.
3 ° acoustic side, again missing a few things that the model does not come close VARI.

Side multi-fx:
The intrinsic quality of the rest of Boss effects. We like it or not. THE problem is that m ^ m if you like the sound Boss, it is clear that certain effects, the VG99 is worse than its predecessors. I think of the reverb-starved life. Delays that do not m ^ m possibilities than a GT-Pro is more powerful in this respect. Some modulations also lack their targets. The Univibe example that seems softer on the GT-Pro. The phaser that lacks teeth but more importantly, quickly turns to vinegar in extreme settings. The chorus always typed 80&#39;s and, especially, always adding the invariable level without busting eardrums bearing means really the problem.

Side amp modeling:
Ink and COSM technology always dear to the brand and, unfortunately, still shows all its limits. If, in competition, it is often easy to get good sound, with RolBoss is still the problem m ^ m: Be very careful in setting sessions. A sound will indeed quickly turn to mush if we take notice. In the end, only experience will provide satisfactory sound. And when we find one, the challenge is not to lose it! on the other hand, when it is found that sound, then here you can quickly reach heights of enjoyment. It is certainly very far from the high-ranges like the Axe-FX, however, there is already enough to have fun.

Remains that the AG has a sound combination of power unattainable in competition without going through the combination of several machines. The all-in-One LV, if he has limits, also justifies the pleasure one derives. I&#39;m pretty happy with this machine m ^ m if I really regret that RolBoss falls asleep so deeply on his laurels.

What's more, one week of use, and I sold my POD X3 LIVE on ...
This is really a pure ball ... rvolution.

Ngatif point: No one Send Return (LOOP).
2 The whawha I do not like.
3 Price

UTILIZATION

Simple (simpler than the POD X3)
Englais manual, mailed in French 6 days later.

GETTING STARTED

The effect is much more modern than the Pod X3, the combination is complete.
The chorus sounded great better than the POD.

OVERALL OPINION

Report quality price: GOOD

Diponibles effects are those that are found in the pedal: Flanger, Phaser, Delay, Reverb, and many others (see the website of Roland). They are edited on a PC using software supplied with the VG-99 (PC communication / VG-99 via USB).
It&#39;s digital, no lights ...

Connectors:

Front: Socket GK

Rear: GUITAR INPUT jack, GUITAR OUTPUT jack, SUB OUT jacks (XLR) x 2 (R, L), MAIN OUT jacks x 2 (R, L / MONO), PHONES jack, DIGITAL OUT jack, EXP PEDAL jack, Plugs CTL 3, 4, USB, RRC2 jack, MIDI connectors x 2 (IN, OUT), DC IN



UTILIZATION

The general configuration is simple Assé a regular multi-effects, but a novice should use the manual (in French upon request) because the setting of a sound is tedious because the selection of effect parameters, simulation is important (The rélage via a sound editing software is much more intuitive and efficient).

There are many possibilities and we must not count the hours spent on the craft to master. (There is not only the effect settings, but the input setting as if you just want the sound sensor, the sound of a mix of two microphones, there SETTINGS tuning, dynamics, the output level of each string, the position and shape of the guitar pickups simulated, not to mention setting amp simulation ... in short there is work to do!)

The VG-99 can also control a MIDI device. I plugged into a synthesizer, and it&#39;s fun to play on the guitar and have the sound of the synth. To say that it is usable on stage .... I think it&#39;s limits (depending on the sound but if it is to forget to play the piano).



GETTING STARTED

The effects are pretty realistic except those accursed reverb roland. I do not understand they can not do something more natural at this price (nothing to do with TC).

Sound clear: simulations of guitars are not bad at all, acoustic guitars, nylon strings 12 are impressive. (Patches of its original capacity)

The distos: in my opinion the result is too synthetic, very hard to see what is on a rescent tube amp. (The simulation is however very well done, but it lacks a little something natural. But who wants to create a sound for a good rhythm straight forward, there is potential! (But again it will spend a few hours fiddling sound ...)
The distos using the GK are still well above what can be found on a GT-6.Deplus the sensor does not generate noise such as a micro standard guitar.
(Patches sound very original means)



Combinations: the VG-99 ona has the possibility of combining two instruments like acoustic guitar (while having the possibility to combine + the natural sound of the guitar), electric (start, les paul, Variax .. .) low (emulation is nice) ... and affect only the instrument on the strings you want.
EX:

6th string: a single low
5th string: a single low
4th string: a single low
3rd string: his acoustic guitar
2nd string: his acoustic guitar
1st string: his acoustic guitar

or:

6th string: the lower one (- 2tone)
5th string: a low (+ 1 tone) + guitar (-3.5 tons)
4th string: the lower the seu
3rd string: a single electric guitar
2nd string: his bass + electric guitar (+ 12 tons)
1st string: a single low

(This example is without interest, but for understanding the philosophy of the VG)

Others: the possibilities of this device are large and it is the top for someone who wants to work in creative home studio. I downloaded a sound of flute on the U.S. site dedicated to the GV and the result is really impressive record. The AG is not what to do with the guitar to guitar, but also and especially to use his guitar to create sounds new and strange thanks to strings, which is sometimes difficult or impossible to do on synth.

In addition, the VG has a motion detection over a ribbon touch that allows to assign matters to me what effect. These Gadget are nice in the studio.

OVERALL OPINION


I use the VG-99 for over a year. I tried a lot of multi-effects (zoom gfx-8, gt-6, Korg AX ...). It&#39;s still above the range.

I bought the VG initially especially for a distortion of the VAI-style solo for impeccable quality, but suddenly it&#39;s a little too plastic as can be heard on the videos you-tube I decided to resume a small preamp with real lights. I now use my vg exclusively for recording, to the sounds of acoustic guitars, and especially for the many moods and effects that can create (a condition it linked a high-quality reverb) (on you-tube is can hear the VG-99 to simulate the sound of a ship <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_lol.gif" alt="" /> ... Frankly for someone who has imagination there is potential! )

The price / quality ratio is average, it&#39;s roland (but the quality is the appointment). To take full advantage of the VG-99 must be provided to buy the sensor (GK3 for me) if you do not have it and it is not given. You want to go with the pedals? Well, it&#39;s even further € 300 .... a bit of inconvégents roland ...

The PC interface is very well done but communication VG / PC via USB crashes often (with the driver provided on CD).