Chapter 3 Convenient Functions Featured by the GI-20

Reducing the Amount of Control

Change Data Transmitted

(RECEIVE CONTROL CHANGE DATA THIN)

Receive Control Change Data Thin Function

When the GI-20’s transmission mode is set to “MONO” (p. 14), the Control Change messages received at MIDI IN are increased due to the output from all of the six strings. If a large number of Control Change messages are being received at the same time, it may cause data processing to stop, with the error message (p. 37) being displayed as a result. If this occurs, you can use the Receive Control Change Data Thin function to thin out some of the Control Change messages received at MIDI IN, while giving higher priority to the most recently received messages.

*With the factory settings, Receive Control Change Data Thin is set to “On.”

1.Turn off the power to the GI-20.

2.Hold down [WRITE] and turn on the power.

3.Press [SELECT], causing the first three indicators on the left of the display to light up.

The first three indicators on the left of the display light when you select RECEIVE CONTROL CHANGE DATA THIN.

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4.Press [PATCH/VALUE] to select “On.”

If you do not want to reduce the amount of data received, set this to “of” (Off).

OnOff

5.Turn the power off.

Limiting the Extent of the Bend Range (BEND RANGE MAX)

Although the GI-20 has a maximum bend range setting of 24, unless the GI-20 and your sound module feature the same bend range settings, you may find that functions such as pitch bend and string bending do not work well.

However, some sound modules have only a narrow range of settings you can make. In such situations, use BEND RANGE MAX.

BEND RANGE MAX helps keep poor operation to a minimum by limiting the GI-20’s bend range to that of the connected sound module.

For example, setting BEND RANGE MAX to 12 limits the maximum value for the BEND RANGE output by the GI-20 to 12.

*For more on your sound module’s specifications, refer to the owner's manual that came with it.

*With the factory settings, this is set to “24.”

*When BEND RANGE MAX is set to “12,” the sound module is retriggered if the pitch is changed by an octave with pitch bend or glide.

Take note of this when Glide or Pitch Bend is assigned (p. 19) to the foot switch or expression pedal.

1.Turn off the power to the GI-20.

2.Hold down [WRITE] and turn on the power.

3.Press [SELECT], causing the first four indicators on the left of the display to light up.

The first four indicators on the left of the display light when you select BEND RANGE MAX.

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4.Press [PATCH/VALUE] to select “12” or “24.”

If you do not want to limit the bend range, set this to “24.”

5.Turn the power off.

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Roland GI-20 Reducing the Amount of Control Change Data Transmitted, Limiting the Extent of the Bend Range Bend Range MAX

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.