Roland VK-8 owner manual Main Features

Main Features

Organ Features

Virtual Tonewheel Sound Generator

The VK-8 features a Virtual Tonewheel sound generator that perfectly simulates the sound-production mechanism of traditional tone wheel organs. Since all parts — upper, lower, and pedal — are completely polyphonic, notes aren’t cut off regardless of your performance technique.

Rotary Sound

An effect algorithm using Roland’s COSM technology creates a faithful rotary speaker simulation that’s essential for a great organ sound. Enjoy the realistic rotary sound simply by connecting headphones, a keyboard amp (such as the KC-1000) or stereo system.

Overdrive Sound

In addition to simulating the response of the rotary speaker’s vacuum tube circuitry and the acoustical characteristics of the speaker cabinet, COSM technology also re-creates the sound of various types of amplifiers. Simply by selecting amp types, you can obtain a wide variety of sounds, including heavy overdrive rock sounds with realistic cabinet resonance.

Waterfall Keyboard

The VK-8 features the same keyboard feel as traditional tone wheel organs. This keyboard has been newly designed for standard organ playing techniques such as glissando.

Intuitive Operation

The VK-8 is designed with an emphasis on operability, with harmonic bars, rotary knobs, and large buttons. The VIBRATO AND CHORUS and PERCUSSION controls feature the same operation and placement as on traditional tone wheel organs.

Tone wheel Type, Leakage Noise, Amp Simulator, and other elements vital to creating a great organ sound can be edited directly and intuitively from the front panel just as if you were adjusting the sound on a guitar amp.

Natural Wood Cabinet

The cabinet is built of wood, echoing the construction of traditional tone wheel organs. The side panels feature beautifully finished natural wood that will gain luster with years of use.

Built-in PCM Sounds Complement the Organ Sound Generator

In addition to its organ sound generator, the VK-8 provides a PCM sound generator with high-quality Piano, Electric Piano 1, Electric Piano 2, Strings, Jazz Scat, Choir, Synth, and Brass sounds. These sounds can be used in combination with the organ for even greater expressive potential.

Other Features

•You can use the D BEAM controller to create performance gestures unique to traditional tone wheel organs, such as turning the tone wheel motor off or producing the “splash” of a quick kick to a spring reverb unit.Take advantage of the D BEAM controller to heighten the excitement of your performances onstage.

•A dedicated rotary speaker connector is provided. Rotary speakers with an eleven-pin connector can be connected directly to the VK-8.

•Two MIDI IN connectors are provided on the rear panel, allowing you to connect another keyboard and pedal keyboard and enjoy two-manual and pedal keyboard playing.

•User Preset memory lets you store 64 different panel settings.

•In addition to Expression Pedal and Hold Pedal jacks, a Control Pedal jack is provided that can be assigned a variety of functions. By connecting an expression pedal or pedal switch, you can enjoy a wide range of performance possibilities.

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