Roland GI-20 owner manual Main Features, Using the Unit Safely page 2-3 and Important Notes

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Owner’s Manual

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:

“USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (page 2–3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (page 4).

These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Main Features

The GI-20 is a multifunction GK-MIDI interface.

It takes the signals from the individual strings of the guitar or bass equipped with a divided pickup, analyzes each string’s pitch and volume, and outputs the information as MIDI data. You can combine the GI-20 with a MIDI sound module and use the setup as a guitar synthesizer, or connect it to a computer and use it as an input tool for sequencers or similar applications.

●Compatible with guitars and basses.

●Features internal patch memory, allowing you to store a variety of different settings.

●You can connect an expression pedal (the optional EV-5) or foot switch to (the optional FS-5U) adjust volume and pitch, hold notes, and control other aspects of performances.

●The GI-20 comes equipped with a USB connector. Using a single cable, you can connect the unit to a computer to easily input data and play performances.

*USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is a type of interface for connecting computers to a wide variety of peripheral devices.

●The GI-20 also features a built-in chromatic tuner for fast, accurate tuning.

●The unit supports the use of a variety of playing techniques, including finger picking and tapping. And it gives you the most natural expression, matching your playing technique.

Copyright © 2003 ROLAND CORPORATION

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

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Contents Using the Unit Safely page 2-3 and Important Notes Main FeaturesPage For the U.K Placement Power SupplyMaintenance Additional PrecautionsContents Front Panel Rear Panel Signal Flow Items to Have On Hand Installing the Divided Pickup on the Guitar or BassAbout Midi Guitars That Cannot Be Used with the GK-2A/GK-2BSelecting the Guitar or Bass Connection ExamplesPreparations to Make Before Performing Adjusting the Input Sensitivity Turning On the PowerTurning Off the Power Playing Sounds from a Sound ModuleSelecting Patches What is a Patch?System Parameters and Patch Parameters System ParametersWhen Not Switching Patches How to Switch PatchesAbout the Display Patch ParametersSetting the Transmission Mode MONO/POLY Setting the Midi ChannelSetting the Midi Transmit Channel Basic CH When in Poly ModeControl Change Setting the Control Channel CTL CHPress PATCH/VALUE to select the Basic channel number Program Change Performing on the GuitarPress PATCH/VALUE to select the Control channel number Setting the Midi Port Connecting to a ComputerSetting the Midi Data Path Signal Paths That Can Be Selected WithSetting the Feeling of the Performance Play Feel Calling Up the Input Sensitivity SettingsSetting the Pedal and Switch Functions Assign Controller Function Functions That Can Be Selected With31, 64-95 Midi Control Change CC#1-31, CC#64-95 Pu Patch UpPt Patch Up/Down Pd Patch DownOu Octave Up Od Octave DownU5-u8 Glide Up 5-8/d5-d8 Glide Down U4 Glide Up 4/d4 Glide DownV1-V4 Vibrato B1 Pitch BendShifting the Pitch of the Sound Transpose Setting the Range in Which Pitches Are Changed Bend RangeSetting the Bend Range Settings That Can Be Selected WithSwitching Sounds on External Devices PRG Change Muting Specific Strings Storing the Settings WritePress Write Press PATCH/VALUE to select the save-destination patchCopying Patches Confirm that the GI-20 is set to Play ModePress PATCH/VALUE to select the copy-destination patch Tuning Tuner Convenient Functions Featured by the GI-20Off Convenient Functions Featured by the GI-20Receiving Saved Data Using Midi Bulk Load Midi Receive Saved Data Through USB Bulk Load USB Turn the power offBend Data Thin Function Use a USB cable to connect the computer and the GI-20Limiting the Extent of the Bend Range Bend Range MAX Reducing the Amount of Control Change Data TransmittedReceive Control Change Data Thin Function Press PATCH/VALUE to select 12 orSelecting the Type of USB Driver Press PATCH/VALUE to select SP or GE Turn the power offInstalling the Rack Mount Adaptor Reset to Default Factory Settings Factory ResetTurn off the power to the GI-20 Attaching the Rubber FeetVolume fluctuates from one string to another TroubleshootingSound doesn’t vary when the settings are changed Pitch doesn’t change smoothlyPitch is wrong out of tune with the guitar/bass Problems occur after switching GI-20 patchesIs Midi Bend Range the same for both sending and receiving? Reason Error MessagesAction Roland Exclusive Messages One-way Transfer ProcedureData Format for Exclusive Messages Address-mapped Data TransferData set 1 DT1 12H Channel Voice Messages Midi ImplementationSystem Exclusive Message Control ChangeAppendices Transmit Data Channel Mode MessageSystem Realtime Message Data Set 1 DT1 12H Appendices Exclusive CommunicationsDecimal and Hexadecimal table Midi Implementation Chart GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface SpecificationsGI-20 ComputerWith the GI-20 disconnected, start up Windows Driver InstallationOpen the System Properties dialog box Click the Hardware tab, and then click Driver SigningSwitch on the GI-20’s power switch Installing & Setting Up the Driver WindowsPrepare the CD-ROM Connect the GI-20 to your computerIf What action do you want Windows to take? is set to Block If What action do you want Windows to take? is set to WarnClick Yes Click OKIf you changed What action do you want Windows to take? Next, you need to make the driver settings. pFig.d13 Make sure that File signature verification is set to IgnoreFig.d16 If File signature verification is set to Warn Click Yes Continue the installationIf File signature verification is set to Block If you changed File signature verification Restart WindowsClick the Hardware tab, and then click Driver signature \Win98Me\Setupinf.exe SetupInf dialog box, click OK Open Control Panel SettingsWindows XP Open the Multimedia Properties dialog box Windows 98 usersClick the Midi tab Set Midi outputUse either OMS or FreeMIDI as the Midi driver Installing the driverInstalling & Setting Up the Driver Macintosh Setting the driverVerify the Install Location, and click Install Click Restart to restart your MacintoshOMS Driver Search dialog box will appear. Click Search Create a New Studio setup dialog box will appear. Click OKAfter you have finished the above check, exit OMS Setup My Studio Setup Window, click the keyboard iconFig.d43 About Quick Setup dialog box will appear. Click ContinuePage Cannot install the driver correctly Problems related to the USB driverGI-20 is not detected when making OMS or FreeMIDI settings Find new hardware wizard does not execute automaticallyDoes your computer meet the USB specifications? TroubleshootingDeleting incorrect device information Deleting the driver Can’t install/delete/use the driver in Windows XP/2000Windows XP/2000 users Did you make Driver Signing Options?Macintosh users Windows Me/98 usersIndex Tuner String SEL IndexAvis Information

GI-20 specifications

The Roland GI-20 is a groundbreaking MIDI guitar converter that allows electric guitarists to explore the vast world of MIDI technology. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional guitar playing and digital music production, the GI-20 transforms standard guitar signals into MIDI data, giving players access to a wide array of synthesized sounds and virtual instruments.

One of the main features of the GI-20 is its ability to track the guitar’s pitch with high accuracy. Utilizing Roland’s advanced technology, the device boasts rapid response times and minimal latency, ensuring that every note plucked or strummed is translated into MIDI in real-time. This precision is crucial for guitarists who wish to maintain their playing style while experimenting with synthesizers and sampled instruments.

In terms of connectivity, the Roland GI-20 is equipped with a 13-pin connector, allowing it to interface seamlessly with compatible Roland synths, sound modules, and other MIDI devices. Additionally, standard MIDI outputs enable connection to MIDI controllers and computers, providing an expansive toolkit for music creation.

The user interface is designed with simplicity in mind. A large LCD display allows for easy navigation of settings, while intuitive controls help players adjust parameters on the fly. Guitarists can also customize their performance by altering the sensitivity levels, enabling them to fine-tune how the device responds to their playing style.

The GI-20 offers an array of built-in sounds that mirror the capabilities of traditional synthesizers. These sounds can be layered or split into different tones based on the player’s preferences, offering a variety of sonic textures to enhance compositions. Furthermore, the ability to save and recall user settings allows for quick access to preferred configurations during live performances.

Another significant characteristic of the GI-20 is its compatibility with a wide range of guitars, including both electric and bass guitars. As long as the instrument is equipped with the appropriate pickup system, the GI-20 can effectively convert its output into MIDI signals.

In summary, the Roland GI-20 is a versatile and innovative tool for guitarists seeking to expand their creative horizons. With its accurate tracking, extensive connectivity, user-friendly interface, and a wealth of sounds, it unlocks the potential for guitarists to dive into the realms of electronic music and MIDI composition. Whether in the studio or on stage, the GI-20 opens up a world of possibilities for musicians looking to blend traditional guitar playing with modern technology.
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