Roland VS-1680 V-XPANDED User manual

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland VS-1680 V-XPANDED
Digital Studio Workstation.
As the owner of the VS-1680 V-XPANDED, you can begin using all functions
immediately. Please read the V-XPANDED Owner’s Manual (this document) together
with the VS-1680 Owner’s Manual (three volumes).
If you purchased the V-XPANDED system Zip disk, refer to this manual and upgrade
the system software of VS-1680 (to add the V-XPANDED functions). Then, read the V-
XPANDED Owner’s Manual (this document) together with the VS-1680 Owner’s
Manual (three volumes).
All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Copyright © 1999 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Roland international website: www.rolandcorp.com
Roland U.S. website: www.rolandus.com
01898978 ‘99-3-E3-11T
Owner’s Manual

3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................3
Precautions ...................................................................4
Added functionality
(main features) .............................................................5
Mixdown using the VS-1680 alone......................5
Additional effect algorithms ................................5
Automix editing functionality .............................5
Enhanced support for
CD-R/CD-RW drives............................................5
Enhanced operations.............................................5
Enhanced screen display ......................................5
Expanding the functionality of the
VS-1680 .............................................6
If you purchased the
VS-1680 V-XPANDED...........................................6
If you purchased the
V-XPANDED system program Zip disk ............6
Mix 16 tracks down to 2 tracks
(Mastering Room).............................8
Added mastering tracks .............................................8
Mixing down to the mastering tracks.......................8
Mixdown shortcut 1 ............................................10
Mixdown shortcut 2 ............................................10
Playing back the mastering tracks ..........................10
Mixing down while inserting effects ......................11
New effects algorithms..................14
Making the volume consistent for each frequency
band
(Mastering Tool Kit)..................................................14
EQ (Equalizer) ......................................................14
BCut (Bass-cut filter)............................................15
Enh (Enhancer).....................................................15
In (Input) ...............................................................15
Exp (Expander).....................................................15
Cmp (Compressor) ..............................................16
Mix (Mixer) ...........................................................16
Lmt (Limiter) ........................................................16
Out (Output).........................................................16
Modeling various speakers (Speaker Modeling) ..17
SpMod (speaker modeling) ................................17
BCut (Bass-cut filter)............................................17
LFT/HFT (Frequency trimmer).........................17
Lmt (Limiter) ........................................................18
Effective ways to use speaker modeling ..........18
Editing an automix.........................19
Erasing data from a specific area (Erase) ...............19
Copying data to another location (Copy) ..............20
Smooth data transitions (Gradation) ......................21
Increasing or decreasing all data values (Shift/
Expand).......................................................................23
Using the VS-1680 with a CD-R/CD-
RW drive..........................................25
Creating an audio CD ...............................................25
Creating silence between songs (Disc At Once
and Track At Once)..............................................25
Specifying the writing speed (Speed) ...............25
Song writing procedure ......................................25
Saving a song to a CD-RW disc (Backup) ..............27
Checking whether the song was saved correctly
(+Verify) ................................................................27
Specifying the speed of saving (Speed) ............27
Backup procedure................................................27
Restoring songs from a
CD-RW disc (Recover) ..............................................28
Specifying the speed of recovery (Speed).........28
Recovery procedure.............................................28
Enhancements related to operation.
30
Shortcut to the Phrase Edit window .......................30
Creating a new phrase (Phrase New) .....................30
Sorting the take list (Sort) ...................................30
Deleting a take (Delete).......................................31
Naming a take (Name)........................................32
Dividing a phrase
(Phrase Divide/Split)................................................33
Automatically dividing a phrase (Phrase Divide)
33
Dividing a phrase into two parts (Phrase Split) ..
34
Using the MONITOR knob to adjust the pan
(MONITOR knob +[SELECT]).................................35
Linking the faders of two or more channels
(Fader Group)............................................................36
Copying mixer settings.............................................37
Shift Lock on/off ([SHIFT]+[YES]) .........................38
Removing direct current offset from the mix bus.38
Enhancements to the display and
specifications .................................39
Checking inserted effects (Icon and Patch Name
display)........................................................................39
Checking effects that cannot be used in other
channels (Effect insertion location display)...........39
Switching the Song Select window (List display).40
Easy Routing ..............................................................40
Additional template (Mastering).......................40
Immediate application of step-edited changes41
Settings not stored in a scene (Monitor Level) ......41
Master Send switch display has been changed
(PanÆMIX) .................................................................41
Index................................................42

4
Precautions
●Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the data stored on a Zip disk or other form of media
once it has been erased, initialized, or otherwise lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability
concerning such loss of data.
●Zip disks contain a plastic disk with a thin coating of magnetic storage medium. Microscopic
precision is required to store large amounts of data on such a small surface area. To preserve their
integrity, please observe the following when handling Zip disks:
❍Never touch the magnetic medium inside the disk.
❍Do not use or store ZIP disks in dirty or dusty areas.
❍Do not subject ZIP disks to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle).
Recommended temperature range: -22 to 51 °C (-7.6 to 123.8 °F).
❍Do not expose Zip disks to strong magnetic fields, such as those generated by loudspeakers.
●The identification label should be firmly affixed to the disk. Should the label come loose while the
disk is in the drive, it may be difficult to remove the disk.
●Store all disks in a safe place to avoid damaging them, and to protect them from dust, dirt, and
other hazards. By using a dirty or dust-ridden disk, you risk damaging the disk, as well as causing
the disk drive to malfunction.
In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or contents of this package are subject
to change without prior notice.

5
Added functionality
(main features)
Mixdown usin the VS-1680
alone
While playing back sixteen tracks, you can mixdown to any
two tracks of the 256 V-tracks (Mastering Room). This is
convenient when you wish to prepare tracks for mastering,
such as when you are producing an original audio CD (p. 8).
Additional effect al orithms
- A compressor (an effect that makes the volume more
consistent) can be applied independently to individual
frequency bands (Mastering Tool Kit) (p. 14).
- A Speaker Modeling effect has been added, allowing you
to apply the acoustical characteristics of a variety of
speakers (p. 17).
Automix editin functionality
Automix data (such as the level or pan of each channel, and
effect patch numbers) can be edited in a specified area by
deleting, copying, or increasing/decreasing the data values
(p. 19).
Enhanced support for
CD-R/CD-RW drives
- When producing an original audio CD, you can specify
the speed of writing (p. 25).
- When performing a CD-R Backup, you can check whether
the data was saved correctly (+Verify: p. 27).
- When performing a CD-R Backup, you can specify the
speed of the backup (p. 25).
- When performing a CD-R Recover, you can specify the
speed of the recover (p. 28).
Enhanced operations
- In Play condition you can select a phrase for editing, and
directly display the Phrase Edit window (p. 30)
- In the Phrase New window, you can sort the Take List
(Sort: p. 30).
- In the Phrase New window, you can delete a take from the
Take List (Delete: p. 31).
- In the Phrase New window, you can change the name of a
take in the Take List (Name: p. 32)
- Phrases can be divided automatically (Phrase Divide:
p. 33).
- The MONITOR knob can be used to adjust the pan of each
channel (MONITOR knob + [SELECT]: p. 35).
- The faders of two or more channels can be adjusted as a
group (Fader Group: p. 36).
- Level and EQ settings of a channel can be copied (p. 37).
- In Play condition, Shift Lock can be turned on/off directly
([SHIFT]+[YES]: p. 38).
- Direct current offset can be removed from the mix bus
(p. 38).
Enhanced screen display
- Inserted effects can be viewed as icons and patch names
(p. 39).
- Insertion positions of effects that have been inserted in
other channels are displayed (p. 39).
- A list display is provided in the Song Select window
(p. 40).
- A template (mastering) has been added to Easy Routing
(p. 40).
- The results of step editing in Easy Routing are applied
immediately (p. 41).
- The monitor level is no longer stored in a scene (p. 41).
- The Master Send switch display has been changed (p. 41).

6
Expandin the functionality of the
VS-1680
There are several ways in which the new functions can be
added to the VS-1680. Please read the section that applies to
your VS-1680.
NOTE
After you have upgraded the VS-1680, you can continue using the
hard disk that you are currently using without any changes. It is
not necessary to initialize the hard disk. However, as a precaution
against unforeseen accidents, we recommend that you back up your
song data before performing the upgrade.
If you purchased the
VS-1680 V-XPANDED
If you purchased the VS-1680 V-XPANDED, you need not
perform any procedure. Skip this section and begin reading
Chapter 2 (p.8).
If you purchased the
V-XPANDED system pro ram
Zip disk
You can use the V-XPANDED system program Zip disk to
add the V-XPANDED functionality to your VS-1680. Prepare
the following items.
- VS-1680
- SCSI Zip drive
- VS-1680 V-XPANDED system program Zip disk
NOTE
The V-XPANDED system program Zip disk contains a program
which installs the software update. Be careful not to initialize it on
the VS-1680.
1. Make sure that the power is turned off on all devices.
NOTE
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices,
always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices
before making any connections.
2. Disconnect all cables that were connected to the VS-1680.
3. Connect the SCSI Zip drive to the VS-1680. On the back
of the Zip drive, make sure the termination switch is set
to ’on’.
NOTE
Have only the SCSI Zip drive connected. Do not connect any other
disk drives.
fig.1-01
4. Turn on the power of the SCSI zip drive.
5. Insert the VS-1680 V-XPANDED system program Zip
disk into the SCSI Zip drive.
6. Connect the power cable to the VS-1680.
7. Turn on the rear panel power switch of the VS-1680.
fig.1-02
8. Wait for the display to prompt “Update System
Program?” and then press [YES].
fig.1-03
MEMO
If this display does not appear, the VS-1680 was not able to
recognize the Zip disk. Turn off the power, re-insert the disk
correctly, and turn the power on once again.
9. A message will ask whether you wish to keep the user
settings that are stored in your VS-1680. Press [YES] and
proceed to step 11. If you wish to initialize (erase) the
user settings, press [NO], and proceed to step 10.
The user settings that can be left in the VS-1680 are as
follows.
- Easy routing (VS-1680 Owner’s Manual, p. 41)
- Effect user patches (VS-1680 Owner’s Manual, p. 110)
- Alarm function message
(VS-1680 Owner’s Manual, p. 193)

7
Expanding the functionality of the VS-1680
fig.1-04
10. If you pressed [NO] in step 9, an additional message will
ask you to confirm. If you wish to erase (initialize) the
user settings, press [YES]. If you press [NO] you will
return to step 9.
fig.1-05
11. The expansion procedure will begin. Please wait for
approximately 30 seconds.
NOTE
You must never under any circumstances turn off the
power until the function expansion procedure has been
completed.
Doing so could damage the VS-1680 system.
fig.1-06
12. Once the following message appears, you may turn off
the power. Verify that this message has appeared, and
then turn off the rear panel power switch.
fig.1-07
13. Turn on the power once again. Verify on the display that
the system software is now 2.00 or higher.
fig.1-08
MEMO
Subsequently, when starting up the VS-1680, you will not
need the V-XPANDED system program Zip disk. Keep this
Zip disk in a safe location that is not excessively warm. The
V-XPANDED system program Zip disk cannot be used on
any device other than the VS-1680.

8
Mix 16 tracks down to 2 tracks
(Masterin Room)
From the 256 V-tracks you can now select any two tracks,
and mixdown to these two tracks as you play back 16 tracks
simultaneously.
Added masterin tracks
Until now, you had to use an external DAT recorder or MD
recorder if you wanted to mixdown a song that used all
sixteen tracks. For example if you wanted to produce an
original audio CD, you needed to first mixdown to an
external recorder (DAT or MD), and then re-record that song
onto the VS-1680.
fig.2-01
Now, “Mastering tracks” equivalent to this external recorder
(DAT or MD) are provided on the VS-1680 itself.
fig.2-02
Any two of the 256 V-tracks can be assigned for use as the
mastering tracks. With the factory settings, V-track 16 of
tracks 15/16 (i.e., 15-16 and 16-16) are assigned as the
mastering tracks.
For example, you can play back V-tracks 1-1, 2-1, 3-1...15-1,
and 16-1 (a total of 16 tracks), and record the result on
V-tracks 15-16 and 16-16 (a total of two tracks).
MEMO
When the Recording mode (VS-1680 Owner’s Manual, p. 58)
is set to “MAS (mastering),” you can play back V-tracks 1-1,
2-1, 3-1...7-1, and 8-1 (a total of 8 tracks), and record on
V-tracks 7-16 and 8-16 (a total of two tracks). Tracks 9–16
cannot be used.
Mixin down to the
masterin tracks
Here’s how to select the mastering tracks, and perform a
mixdown.
NOTE
The operation of playing back 16 tracks while you mixdown to the
mastering tracks (two tracks) is significantly affected by the speed
of the hard disk. For this reason, depending on the structure of the
song data (sampling rate and recording mode, or when punch-in/
out is used frequently, etc.), or depending on the drive that you use,
the display may indicate “Drive Busy,” and the operation may not
take place correctly.
In order to take full advantage of the
VS-1680’s potential, such as the number of tracks that
can be recorded/played simultaneously, and the
recording capacity, we recommend that you use a hard
disk which capacity is 2.1 GB or more.
1. Press [MASTER].
2. Press [PAGE] so that [F6] indicates “M.Tr,” and then
press [F6 (M.Tr)].
fig.2-03
3. Press [ENTER (YES)].
4. Press [ ], [ ], [ ], or [ ] to move the cursor.
Use the TIME/VALUE dial to specify the value for each
parameter.
fig.2-04
TR1
MASTER
DAT
VS-1680
MIX
Sw
MIX
LR
Digital Out
Select
LR
Track 1--16
MD
MASTER OUT
DIGITAL OUT
TR1
MASTER
VS-1680
MIX
Sw
MIX
LR
Digital Out
Select
LR
Track 1--16
MASTER OUT
DIGITAL OUT
TR15-16
TR16-16
Mastering
Track

9
Mix 16 tracks down to 2 tracks (Mastering Room)
Status
Specify the status of the mastering tracks. For this example,
select “Off.”
Off: The mastering tracks will not be used.
Rec: Play back tracks 1–16 while recording them to the
mastering tracks.
Play: Play back the mastering tracks. The sound of tracks
1–16 will not be output from the MASTER jacks.
MEMO
For details on the signal flow (routing) at this time, refer to
Signal flow (routing) (p. 10).
Trk L (track L)
Trk R (track R)
Select the two V-tracks (L and R) that will be assigned as
mastering tracks. When a new song is created, V-track 16 of
tracks 15/16 (15-16, 16-16) will be assigned as the mastering
tracks.
After Rec (after recording)
Specify the time location of the mastering track to which the
mixdown will be recorded. When creating an original audio
CD, it is usually best to select “to ZERO.”
to ZERO: Place the data starting at 00h00m00s00f
to last Phrs:0S: Place the data after the end of the last
phrase in the mastering tracks.
to last Phrs:2S: Place the data two seconds after the end of
the last phrase in the mastering tracks.
to last Phrs:4S: Place the data four seconds after the end of
the last phrase in the mastering tracks.
Stay HERE: Place the data at the time location at which
it was actually recorded.
fig.2-05.e
Marker
If this is turned “On,” a track number marker will
automatically be assigned to the beginning of the phrase that
is mixed down. Normally you will set this “On.”
MEMO
Depending on the After Rec (After Recording) setting or on
the location relative to other markers, the display may
indicate “Can’t Set Marker,” and the track number marker
may not be assigned.
5. Hold down [STOP], and press the [STATUS] button for
all tracks (1–15/16) that you wish to mixdown. The
STATUS indicators will light green.
fig.2-06
6. Press [FADER] so that the TR (track) indicator lights.
fig.2-07.e
7. Press [PLAY]. The song will play back.
8. Raise and lower the master fader, and verify that the
volume of each track changes.
MEMO
The sound that passes through the master fader will be
recorded on the mastering tracks. In order to record at the
optimal audio quality, you should normally set this to the
0 dB position.
9. Use the channel faders (1–15/16) to adjust the volume
balance of each track. At this time the sound that is being
output from the MASTER jacks (volume levels, panning)
will be recorded to the mastering tracks. It is best to set
the volume as high as possible without causing the
volume to distort.
10. When you have finished adjusting the volume, press
[STOP].
11. Move to the location at which you wish to begin the
mixdown (such as 00h00m00s00f).
0 Time
Mixdown
Phrase
Original
Phrase
0 Time 0 Time
0 Time
0 Time
0 Time
to ZERO to LastPhrs:0s to LastPhrs:2s
to LastPhrs:0s Stay HERE
Lit
Dark

10
Mix 16 tracks down to 2 tracks (Mastering Room)
12. Use the cursor buttons and the Value dial to change the
"Status" of the tracks for mastering to “Rec.”
13. Press [REC]. The REC indicator will light in red.
14. Press [PLAY]. The PLAY indicator will light in green,
and recording will begin.
15. When you finish recording, press [STOP].
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Signal flow (routing)
fig.2-08
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Mixdown shortcut 1
The “Status” of the assigned mastering tracks/V-tracks can
also be set as follows.
1. Press [MASTER].
2. Press [PAGE] so that [F6] indicates “M.Tr,” and then
press [F6 (M.Tr)].
fig.2-03
3. Select the status of the mastering tracks. Make sure that
the cursor is located at “Stat,” and then rotate the
TIME/VALUE dial.
fig.2-10
4. Select the V-tracks. Use [ ] or [ ] to move the
cursor to “L:” or “R:,” and rotate the TIME/VALUE dial.
Mixdown shortcut 2
The “Status” of the mastering tracks can also be set as
follows.
1. Press [PLAY (DISPLAY)].
2. Press [PAGE] so that [F6] indicates “M→***” (*** is either
Rec, Ply, or Off).
fig.2-11
3. Press [F6] to cycle between “M→Rec” →“M→Play” →
“M→Off.” The current status of the mastering tracks will
be shown by the level meters in the display.
fig.2-12.e
Playin back the masterin
tracks
Here’s how you can verify the audio that was mixed down to
the mastering tracks. Tracks 1–16 will not be played back.
1. Press [PLAY (DISPLAY)].
2. Press [PAGE] so that [F6] indicates “M→***” (*** is either
Rec, Ply, or Off).
TR1
MASTER
MIX
Sw
MIX
LR
Track 1--16
TR15-16
TR16-16
Mastering
Track
MASTER OUT
MONITOR OUT
Off Record wait Status Playback Status

11
Mix 16 tracks down to 2 tracks (Mastering Room)
fig.2-11
3. Press [F6] to cycle between “M→Rec” →”M→Play” →
”M→Off.” The current status of the mastering tracks can
be viewed in the level meter in the display. For this
example, select “M→Off” (playback status: pressing [F6]
once again will select Off).
fig.2-12.e
MEMO
For details on the signal flow at this time, refer to Signal flow
(routing) (p. 11).
4. Move to the location at which you started the mixdown.
5. Press [ ] so that you can view the playlist of the
mastering tracks.
fig.2-15
MEMO
If the bottom line of the display is surrounded by a heavy
line, you can also use the TIME/VALUE dial to check the
playlist of the mastering tracks.
6. Press [PLAY]. The mastering tracks will play back. Use
the master fader to adjust the volume to a comfortable
listening level.
At this time, the function buttons will function as follows
(Owner’s Manual, p. 182).
[F1 (ZOOM+)]: Enlarges the playlist display in the track
direction (three levels).
[F2 (ZOOM-)]: Reduces the playlist display in the track
direction (three levels).
[F3 (←→)]: Enlarges the playlist display in the time
direction (five levels).
[F4 (→←)]: Reduces the playlist display in the time
direction (five levels).
[F5 (WAVE)]: Display the sound level (waveform) that is
recorded in the tracks.
7. When playback ends, press [STOP].
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Signal flow (routing)
fig.2-16
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Mixin down while insertin
effects
If a separately sold VS8F-2 effect expansion board is
installed, you can insert effects while you mixdown.
MEMO
While performing a mixdown, it is common to insert an
effect such as a parametric equalizer or a compressor. For
this example, we will insert the Mastering Tool Kit (EFX1: a
newly added algorithm; p. 14) to adjust the overall volume
balance as we mixdown.
1. Press [MASTER].
2. Press [PAGE] so that [F6] indicates “M.Tr,” and then
press [F6 (M.Tr)].
Off Record wait Status Playback Status
TR1
MASTER
MIX
Sw
MIX
LR
Track 1--16
TR16-16
Mastering
Track
TR15-16 MASTER OUT
MONITOR OUT

12
Mix 16 tracks down to 2 tracks (Mastering Room)
fig.2-03
3. Press [ENTER (YES)].
4. Use [ ], [ ], [ ], and [ ] to move the cursor
to “Status.”
fig.2-18
5. Select the “Status” of the mastering tracks. Rotate the
TIME/VALUE dial.
Status
Specify the status of the master tracks. For this example select
“Off.”
Off: The mastering tracks will not be used.
Rec: Play back tracks 1–16 and record on the mastering
tracks.
Play: Play back the mastering tracks. The sound of tracks
1–16 will not be output from the MASTER jacks.
MEMO
For details on the signal flow (routing) at this time, refer to
Signal flow (routing) (p. 13).
6. Use [ ], [ ], [ ], and [ ] to move the cursor
to “EFXIns.”
fig.2-19
7. Press [ENTER (YES)].
8. Use [ ], [ ], [ ], and [ ] to move the cursor.
Use the TIME/VALUE dial to make settings.
fig.2-20.e
EFX1 (effect insert switch 1)
Select how the effect will be connected.
Off: The effect will not be inserted.
Ins: The stereo effect will be inserted into both channels.
The inserted effects are shown as icons and as patch
names (up to ten characters).
Snd (effect send level)
Adjust the volume level of the signal that is sent to the
insertion effect (-42–6 dB). By default, this will be “0 dB.”
Rtn (effect return level)
Adjust the volume level of the signal that is output from the
insertion effect (-42–6 dB). By default, this will be “0 dB.”
9. Press [F1 (EFX1)].
10. Press [F2 (Sel)].
11. Use the TIME/VALUE dial to move the cursor to the
effect that you wish to use. For this example, select an
effect such as “P210 MTK:Mixdown.”
fig.2-21
12. After selecting an effect, press [F4 (Exec)].
13. Press [F6 (EXIT)].
Effect Insert Switch
Insert Send Level
Insert Return Level

13
Mix 16 tracks down to 2 tracks (Mastering Room)
14. Hold down [STOP], and press [STATUS] for all tracks
(1–15/16) that you wish to mixdown. The STATUS
indicator will light in green.
fig.2-06
15. Press [FADER] so that the TR (track) indicator lights.
fig.2-07.e
16. Press [PLAY]. The song will play back.
17. Raise and lower the master fader, and verify that the
volume of each track changes.
MEMO
The sound that has passed through the master fader will be
recorded on the mastering tracks. In order to record at the
optimal audio quality, you will normally set the master
fader to 0 dB.
18. Use the channel faders (1–15/16) to adjust the volume
balance of the tracks. At this time, the sound (volume
level and pan) that is output from the MASTER jacks will
be recorded “as is” to the mastering tracks. Adjust the
volume to as high a level as possible without causing
distortion.
19. When you are finished adjusting the volume, press
[STOP].
20. Move to the time location at which you wish to begin the
mixdown (e.g., 00h00m00s00f).
21. Change the “Status” of the mastering tracks to “Rec.”
22. Press [REC]. The REC indicator will light in red.
23. Press [PLAY]. The PLAY indicator will light in green,
and recording will begin.
24. When you finish recording, press [STOP].
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Signal flow (routing)
fig.2-24
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
Lit
Dark
TR1
MASTER
MIX
Sw
MIX
LR
Track 1--16
TR15-16
TR16-16
Mastering
Track
MASTER OUT
MONITOR OUT
EFX (Insert)

14
New effects al orithms
When the VS8F-2 effects expansion board is installed, the
following effects algorithms will be added.
- Making the volume consistent for each frequency band
(Mastering Tool Kit) (p. 14)
- Modeling various speakers (Speaker Modeling) (p. 17)
Makin the volume
consistent for each
frequency band
(Masterin Tool Kit)
This is a compressor that can be applied
independently to each frequency band (high, mid,
and low ranges). When mastering to MD or DAT,
or when using a CD-R disc to produce your own original
audio CDs, this allows you to master at the optimal level.
fig.3-02
NOTE
The mastering tool kit can be used in either EFX1 or EFX3. When
you use it, EFX2/EFX4 will be unavailable.
EQ (Equalizer)
This is a four-band equalizer with low, low-mid, high-mid,
and high ranges.
fig.3-03
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the equalizer on/off.
InputG (Input ain) -24–+12dB
Adjusts the overall volume level of the signal before entering
the equalizer.
Low Type Shlv, Peak
Hi h Type Shlv, Peak
Selects the type of the low range (Low) and high range
(High) equalizer. (Shlv: shelving type, Peak: peaking type).
Low Gain -12–+12dB
LoMid Gain (Low middle ain) -12–+12dB
HiMid Gain (Hi h middle ain) -12–+12dB
Hi h Gain (Hi h ain) -12–+12dB
Adjust the gain (the amount of boost or cut) for each
equalizer band.
Low Freq (Low frequency) 20–2,000Hz
LoMid Freq (Low middle frequency)
20–8,000Hz
HiMid Freq (Hi h middle frequency)
20–8,000Hz
Hi h Freq (Hi h frequency) 1.4–20kHz
Adjust the center frequency of each equalizer band.
Low Q (Low Q) 0.3–16
LoMid Q (Low middle Q) 0.3–16
HiMid Q (Hi h middle Q) 0.3–16
Hi h Q (Hi h Q) 0.3–16
Adjust the width of the area around the center frequency
(Freq) that will be affected by the Gain. As these values are
raised, a narrower range will be affected.
Lvl (Level) -24–+12dB
Adjusts the overall volume of the signal that has passed
through the equalizer.
Compressor
L
R
Limiter Output
Lmt Out
Enhancer
Enh
Equalizer
EQ
Bass Cut
BCut
Expander
Exp
MixExp
MixExp
Input HML
In
Cmp
Cmp
Cmp
Mixer
Mix
+L
R
EQ (Peak)
Gain
0
-
+
Freq
Q (0.3 – 16)
Gain
0
-
+
Freq
Freq
EQ Low (Shlv)
Gain
0
-
+
Freq
EQ High (Shlv)
Gain
0
-
+

15
New effects algorithms
BCut (Bass-cut filter)
This removes unwanted low-frequency components, such as
pop noise.
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the bass-cut filter on/off.
Freq (Frequency) Thru, 20–2,000Hz
Adjusts the cutoff frequency of the bass-cut filter.
Enh (Enhancer)
This effect adds a phase-shifted signal to the original signal,
enhancing the presence of the sound, and bringing it to the
foreground.
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the enhancer on/off.
Sens (Sensitivity) 0–100
Adjusts the degree to which the enhancer will respond to the
volume of the input signal.
Freq (Frequency) 1.0–10.0kHz
Adjusts the frequency at which the enhancer will begin to
take effect. The effect is applied at frequencies above the
specified value.
MixLvl (Mix level) -24–+12dB
Adjusts the amount of effect sound that will be added to the
original sound.
In (Input)
The input signal is divided into three parts by frequency
band.
InputG (Input ain) -24–+12dB
Adjusts the overall volume level of the signal before it enters
the expander (Exp) and compressor (Cmp).
D-Time (Detect time) 0–10ms
If the original signal is slightly delayed before being input,
the expander/compressor will be able to use more
processing time, and can adjust the level more appropriately.
Adjusts the time by which the original signal is delayed.
The output signal from the Mastering Tool Kit is delayed by
the time set here.
L-SplitP (Low split point) 20–800Hz
H-SplitP (Hi h split point) 1.6–16kHz
Specify the frequencies at which the original signal will be
split into three parts.
fig.3-04
Exp (Expander)
This effect restricts the output by a specific ratio when low-
level signals are input.
fig.3-05
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the expander on/off.
Low Thre (Low threshold) -80–0dB
Mid Thre (Middle threshold) -80–0dB
Hi h Thre (Hi h threshold) -80–0dB
Specify the level at which the expander will begin to take
effect.
Low Ratio 1:1–1:16, 1:INF
Mid Ratio 1:1–1:16, 1:INF
Hi h Ratio 1:1–1:16, 1:INF
Adjust the ratio by which the output is restricted when the
input level is below the threshold level.
Low Atck (Low attack) 0–100ms
Mid Atck (Middle attack) 0–100ms
Hi h Atck (Hi h attack) 0–100ms
Adjust the time from when the input level falls below the
threshold level until the expander begins to take effect.
Low Rel (Low release) 50–5,000ms
Mid Rel (Middle release) 50–5,000ms
Hi h Rel (Hi h release) 50–5,000ms
Adjust the time from when the input level exceeds the
threshold level until the expander effect is bypassed.
Freq
L-SplitP H-SplitPLevel
Low Mid High
ThresholdOut
In1:1
Ratio
1:2

16
New effects algorithms
Cmp (Compressor)
When a high-level signal is input, this effect restricts the
output at a specified ratio.
fig.3-06
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the compressor on/off.
Low Thre (Low threshold) -24–0dB
Mid Thre (Middle threshold) -24–0dB
Hi h Thre (Hi h threshold) -24–0dB
Specify the level at which the compressor will begin to take
effect.
Low Ratio 1:1–1:16, 1:INF
Mid Ratio 1:1–1:16, 1:INF
Hi h Ratio 1:1–1:16, 1:INF
Adjust the ratio by which the output will be restricted when
the input level exceeds the threshold level.
Low Atck (Low attack) 0–100ms
Mid Atck (Middle attack) 0–100ms
Hi h Atck (Hi h attack) 0–100ms
Adjust the time from when the input level exceeds the
threshold level until the compressor takes effect.
fig.3-06a
Low Rel (Low release) 50–5,000ms
Mid Rel (Middle release) 50–5,000ms
Hi h Rel (Hi h release) 50–5,000ms
Adjust the time from when the input level falls below the
threshold level until the compressor no longer has an effect.
fig.3-06b
NOTE
The compressor provides threshold (Thre) and Ratio settings that
automatically adjust a signal to the optimal level. Since
lengthening the attack (Atck) may cause distortion, a -6 dB margin
is provided. Adjust the mixer (Mix) level as necessary.
Mix (Mixer)
Adjusts the volume for each of the three frequency bands
that were divided.
Low Lvl (Low level) -80–+6dB
Mid Lvl (Middle level) -80–+6dB
Hi h Lvl (Hi h level) -80–+6dB
These adjust, for each band, the volume level of the signal
that has passed through the expander (Exp) and compressor
(Cmp).
Lmt (Limiter)
This effect restricts excessive input levels.
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the limiter on/off.
Thresh (Threshold) -24–0dB
Specifies the level at which the limiter will begin to operate.
Attack 0–100ms
Adjusts the time from when the input level exceeds the
threshold level until when the limiter begins to operate.
Release 50–5,000ms
Adjusts the time from when the input level falls below the
threshold level until the limiter no longer has an effect.
Out (Output)
Make settings related to the overall output.
Soft Clip Off, On
This quiets unwanted distortion that occurs when the
compressor or limiter effect is applied in an extreme fashion.
ThresholdOut
In
Ratio
1:1
1:2
1:INF
Out
Time
In
Threshold
Threshold
Time
Attack
Out
Time
In
Threshold
Threshold
Time
Release

17
New effects algorithms
Dither Off, 24–8bit
By adding a minute level of noise (dither), this smoothes the
transition between playback audio and silence.
Level -80–+6dB
This adjusts the overall volume level of the sound that has
passed through the limiter (Lmt).
Modelin various speakers
(Speaker Modelin )
You can model the acoustical characteristics of a
variety of speakers, ranging from high-level
professional monitor speakers used in studios
worldwide, to the speakers of small televisions or
portable radios.
NOTE
Speaker modeling has been calibrated so that the optimal effect
will be obtained when Roland DS-90 powered monitors
are connected digitally
. If you are using other speakers, you
may not be able to obtain the desired effect.
fig.3-08
SpMod (speaker modelin )
Model
THRU, Super FLAT, Powered GenBlk, Powered
E-Bas, Powered Mack, Small Cube, White
Cone, White C +tissue, Small Radio, Small TV,
Boom Box, BoomBox LoBoost
Select the speaker whose characteristics will be simulated
(modeled).
THRU: Modeling will not be applied, and the sound
will be output without change. Use this as a
comparison with the speaker-modeled sounds.
Super FLAT: Modeling is used to compensate the DS-90, to
produce an even flatter sound with a wider
range.
Powered GenBlk: A widely used model of powered
monitors (two-way type, with a woofer
diameter of 170 mm (6-1/2 inches)).
Powered E-Bas: Powered monitors characterized by a
bright tone.
Powered Mack: Powered monitors characterized by an
extended low-frequency response.
Small Cube: Small full-range speakers widely used
in recording studios.
White Cone: Sealed enclosure two-way speakers
known for their white woofers and
widely used in recording studios.
White C + tissue: A more mild sound, with tissue paper
affixed over the tweeters of the above
“White Cone” speakers.
Small Radio: Small pocket-type radio.
Small TV: Speakers built into a 14 inch size
television.
Boom Box: Radio cassette recorder.
BoomBox LoBoost:Radio cassette recorder with the Low
Boost switched on.
Phase NRM, INV
Specifies the phase of the speakers.
NRM: Same phase as the input.
INV: Opposite phase of the input.
BCut (Bass-cut filter)
This removes unwanted low-frequency components, such as
pop noise.
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Switches the bass-cut filter on/off.
Freq (Frequency) Thru, 20–2,000Hz
Adjusts the cutoff frequency of the bass-cut filter.
LFT/HFT (Frequency trimmer)
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the frequency trimmer on/off.
Gain -12–+12dB
For each trimmer, adjusts the gain (amount of boost/cut).
Freq (Frequency) 20–2,000Hz
Freq (Frequency) 1.0–20.0kHz
Set the center frequency of each trimmer.
Bass Cut
L
RSpMod BCut
Speaker
Modeling
HI Trim Limiter
HFT Lmt
Low Trim
LFT

18
New effects algorithms
Lmt (Limiter)
This effect limits excessive output levels.
Sw (Switch) Off, On
Turns the limiter on/off.
Thresh (Threshold) -60–0dB
Specifies the level at which the limiter will begin to operate.
Release 0–100
Adjusts the time from when the input level falls below the
threshold level until the limiter no longer has an effect.
Level -60–+24dB
Adjusts the volume level of the sound that has passed
through the limiter.
Effective ways to use
speaker modelin
Speaker modeling can be used effectively when you wish to
audition how your final production (an original audio CD, or
a mixed-down MD or DAT etc.) will sound on a variety of
speakers. Here we will explain how speaker modeling can be
used when producing an audio CD to audition the final
result. Read this section in conjunction with the DS-90
owner’s manual.
1. Digitally connect the VS-1680 V-XPANDED to the DS-90
(coaxial or optical.) Set the DS-90’s input select switch to
the digital input that you are using.
2. Make settings so that the mix bus is output from the
digital output connector you connected in step 1.
2-1. Press [MASTER].
2-2. Press [PAGE] so that the function button indicates
“DOUT1” or “DOUT2.”
2-3. Press [F5 (DOUT1)] (coaxial) or [F6 (DOUT2)]
(optical).
2-4. Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select “MST.”
3. Make settings so that the mixdown can be performed
while inserting effects (p. 11).
fig.3-09
4. Select the effect that will be inserted. For this example,
select a patch that uses the speaker modeling algorithm.
4-1. Press [PLAY (DISPLAY)].
4-2. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [F4 (EFX B)].
4-3. Press [F1 (EFX3)].
4-4. Press [F2 (Sel)].
4-5. Use the TIME/VALUE dial to select a patch.
4-6. Press [F4 (Exec)].
5. Press [PLAY]. Switch patches, and hear the sound as it
would be heard through various speakers.
6. When you are ready to perform the actual mixdown,
turn off the speaker modeling patch that is inserted.
NOTE
If, for example, you are modeling a set of radio-cassette recorder
speakers and perform the mixdown without turning off the inserted
speaker modeling patch, the sound as it would be heard on a radio-
cassette would be recorded to the mixdown tracks. To avoid this,
turn off speaker modeling before you perform the actual mixdown.
7. Select the mixed-down tracks as the tracks for writing,
and create an audio CD (p. 25).

19
Editin an automix
As part of the new software, select the area to edit. You can
now select an area (marker), and edit the automix data in that
area. To edit the automix data, you must first select the area
to which your editing will apply.
Erasin data from a specific
area (Erase)
This operation erases the automix data from a specific area.
Markers will not be erased.
fig.4-01.e
NOTE
Editing of the automix data cannot be cancelled by the Undo
function (VS-1680 Owner’s Manual, p. 160).
1. Press [PLAY (DISPLAY)].
2. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [F6 (UTIL)].
3. Press [PAGE] so that [F5] indicates “A.Mix,” and then
press [F5 (A.Mix)].
fig.4-02
4. Press [F2 (Micro)].
5. Press [PAGE] so that [F1] indicates “In.”
fig.4-03
6. Make sure that the cursor is located at “Edit Target,” and
use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the automix data
that you wish to erase.
7. Use [ ][ ] to move to the first marker of the area
from which you wish to erase automix data, and press
[F1 (In)].
8. Use [ ][ ] to move to the last marker of the area
from which you wish to erase automix value, and press
[F1 (Out)]. Check marks will be added to the area
specified for erasure.
fig.4-04.e
NOTE
Even if you wish to erase the automix data for only one marker,
press the button in the order of [F1 (In)]
→ [F1 (Out)] at the same
marker location.
MEMO
You can rotate the TIME/VALUE dial to modify the automix
setting value at the cursor location. If you wish to re-select
the automix value that will be erased, press [ ].
9. Press [F2 (Erase)].
0M0
M1M2M3M4M5 Time 0M0 M1M2M3M4M5 Time
Check marks

20
Editing an automix
fig.4-05_80
Target
This will indicate the type of automix data that you selected
to be erased in step 6. If you wish to erase all automix data,
use the TIME/VALUE dial to select “All Level and Pan.”
10. If you wish to erase the data, press [F4 (Exec)]. If you
press [F6 (EXIT)], you will return to step 7 without
erasing any data.
11. A message will ask you to confirm the operation. Press
[YES]. If you press [NO], the erasure will be halted, and
you will return to step 10.
fig.4-06
12. When the data has been erased, the display will indicate
“Complete.” Press [PLAY (DISPLAY)].
Copyin data to another
location (Copy)
This operation copies automix data from a specific area, and
overwrites it onto another location (specified data/time).
fig.4-07.e
NOTE
Editing of the automix data cannot be cancelled by the Undo
function (VS-1680 Owner’s Manual, p. 160).
1. Press [PLAY (DISPLAY)].
2. Hold down [SHIFT] and press [F6 (UTIL)].
3. Press [PAGE] so that [F5] indicates “A.Mix,” and then
press [F5 (A.Mix)].
fig.4-02
4. Press [F2 (Micro)].
5. Press [PAGE] so that [F1] indicates “In.”
fig.4-03
6. Make sure that the cursor is located at “Edit Target,” and
use the TIME/VALUE dial to select the type of automix
data that you wish to edit.
7. Use [ ][ ] to move the cursor to the first marker of
the area from which you wish to copy automix data, and
press [F1 (In)].
8. Use [ ][ ] to move the cursor to the last marker of
the area from which you wish to copy automix data, and
press [F1 (Out)]. A check mark will be added to the copy
area.
fig.4-04.e
0M0
M1M2M3M4M5 Time 0M0 M1M2M3M4M5 Time
Copy area Destination
Marker
Check marks

21
Editing an automix
NOTE
Even if there is only one marker for the automix data that you wish
to copy, press the button in the order of [F1 (In)]
→ [F1 (Out)] at
the same marker location.
MEMO
You can rotate the TIME/VALUE dial to modify the automix
setting value at the cursor location. If you wish to re-select
the automix data that will be copied, press [ ].
9. Press [F3 (Copy)].
10. Use [ ][ ][ ][ ] to move the cursor. Rotate
the TIME/VALUE dial.
fig.4-08
Target
This will indicate the type of automix data that you selected
to be copied in step 6. If you wish to copy all automix data,
use the TIME/VALUE dial to select “All Level and Pan.”
Destination Target
Select the copy destination for the automix data.
MEMO
There is no limitation on the copy-source and copy-
destination data. For example you can copy the volume level
data (0–127) from a track, and overwrite it onto the pan data
(L63–0–R63). However, if you do so, the results may not be as
you expect.
Destination Mark
Select the first marker of the copy destination.
The markers that had originally been assigned to the copy
destination will remain, but the data will be rewritten. Also,
the markers from the copy source will be added.
fig.4-10.e
6, 10: The automix data of the copy-destination markers
will be rewritten.
7, 9, 11: Since copy-source markers corresponding to the
copy-destination markers do not exist, the
automix data will be erased.
8, 12: Markers with automix data will be created.
11. To copy the data, press [F4 (Exec)]. If you press
[F6 (EXIT)], you will return to step 7 without copying the
data.
12. A message will ask for confirmation. Press [YES]. If you
press [NO], the data copy operation will be halted, and
you will return to step 11.
fig.4-11
13. When the data has been copied, the display will indicate
“Complete.” Press [PLAY (DISPLAY)].
Smooth data transitions
(Gradation)
This operation creates auto-mix data that smoothly connects
the first automix marker in the specified area with the last
marker.
fig.4-12.e
NOTE
Editing of the automix data cannot be cancelled by the Undo
function (VS-1680 Owner’s Manual, p. 160).
Copy area Destination Marker
12 345 67 8910 11
Destination Marker
12 345 67 91011 13812
0M1 M7
Time
Gradation area
0M1 M7
Time
Gradation area