Roland GR-700 User manual

OWflflX AfinUflL
<?
^o.^^
•<
N»
4P.
jft
[^Roland
GR-700 Gurrna svfsiTHesizs=i

Contents Q] Panel Description 3,4
[2] Connection 6
(UGuitar 6
(2)Amplifier 6
(3)Control Pedal 7
[3] Operation 8
•Outline of the GR-700* 8
(DRecalling aPatch 8
Number Pedal, Bank Pedal .... 9
(2)Hoid 10
(3)Guitar Controller 10
a. Balance 10
b. Master Volume 10
c. Mode Switch 11
d. Vibrato Knob and
e. Touch Plate 11
f. Cutoff Frequency and
g. Edit knob 11
(4)Edit 12
a. Edit Pedal 12
b. Selecting aParameter 12
c. Edit Map 12
d. Setting the Data Value .... 13
e. Editing Cutoff Frequency. .13
f. Completion of Editing .... 14
Tuning 14
(5) Panel Switches 15
a. Dynamics Switch 15
b. String Selector Switch .... 15
c. Chromatic Switch 16
d. Chorus Switch 16
e. Memory Cartridge Switch ..16
f. Memory Write Switch 16
(6}Wnte 17
a. Memory Write Switch 17
b. Rearrangement of Patches. .18
[4] Memory Cartridge 19
a. Memory Cartridge Slot ,... 19
b. Memory Cartridge Switch ..19
c. Copy, Save, Load 20
[5] Problems caused by your improper
playing manner 21
[6] Programmer PG-200/Synthesizer
Section of GR-700 22
DCO 24
VCF 27
VCA 28
LFO 29
ENV 30
[7] MIDI 31
Specifications/Option 32
*Adjusting the output level of the
Guitar Controller 33

H
-v
3
CD
D
CD
CO
O

Important The GR-700 is designed to be used speci-
fically with the Roland G-series Guitar
Controllers for most integrated guitar
synthesizer system.
*lf the output level of the Guitar Cont-
roller is not appropriate, the following
troubles may be caused.
Exessive Output Level
When played hard, the pitch gets
unstable.
The sound of irrelevant strings are
heard.
Response is late.
Unsufficient Output Level
There is no sound heard unless you
play the guitar hard.
The sound does not last.
If you are annoyed by the above
troubles, adjust the output level as
instructed in "Adjusting the output
level of the Guitar Controller" on P. 33.
If those still remain even after adjust-
ment, refer to "CD Problems caused by
your improper playing manner" on
P. 21.
Power Supply
•The appropriate power supply for this
unit is shown on its name plate. Please
make sure that the voltage system in
your country meets that.
•Please use the different socket than the
one used for the noise generating device
(such as monitor, variable lighting
system).
Location
•Operating the GR-700 near aneon or
fluorescent lamp may cause noise inter-
ference. If so, change the angle of the
GR-700.
•Avoid using the GR-700 in excessive
heat or humidity or where it may be
affected by direct sunlight or dust.
•When setting up the GR-707 with an ex-
ternal amplifier or the Guitar Control-
ler, turn both of them off.
•This unit might not work properly if
turned on immediately after turned off.
If this happens, simply turn it off and
turn it on again afew seconds later.
•This unit might get hot while operating,
but there is no need to worry about it.
Cleaning
•Use asoft cloth and clean only with a
neutral detergent.
•Do not use solvents such as paint thin-
ner.
Repairing
•Save the necessary data onto atape or
cartridge before having the GR-700
repaired, in case it happens to be erased
accidentally.
Features •Processing the vibration of each string
by computer and controlling its synthe-
sizer section, the GR-700 can express
even subtle playing technique.
•Even during live performance, the cur-
rent tone color can be easily edited by
using Pedal Switch and guitar's controls,
without reaching your hands.
•By using the PG-200 Programmer
(optional), even wider variety of tone
color creation is obtained.
•The Memory Cartridge allows expansion
of the Memory Capacity, (up to 64)
•In its Chromatic mode, Chromatic Scale
is obtainable.
•Alarge LED Display, dust-proof
switches, improve accuracy and dura-
bility.
•Provided with Remote Control function
for DCO and VCF, and Stereo Chorus,
etc, wide variety of synthesizing is
available.
•The MIDI Out allows the GR-700 to
control any MIDI instrument.

Connection 6
(DGuitar The GR-700 can be set up with any of
the Guitar Controller GSeries, but the
G-707 is the best option to fully benefit
the advantages of the GR-700.
For setting up, use the supplied connec-
tion cable C-240. Also, be sure to make
all the connections with the units off.
Unlocking
C-24D Cable
GUITAR INPUT
ooo
ooo
ooo
oooooo£T
oooooo^
ooooooQ>
(2)Amplifier If you use only the Output Jack @,
mixed sound of direct guitar and synthe-
sizer will be obtained. If using two ampli-
fiers (stereo), Chorus effect will sound
more effective. Select an appropriate out-
put level with the Level Selector Switch
depending on the type of the ampli-
fier you use. (The knack is to select the
position that allows desirable volume
with the amplifier's volume and the
Master volume set to 5to 7)
Through the Guitar Output Jack (fj), only
direct guitar sound is sent out. The
output level is about the same as that of
an usual electric guitar. If both this jack
and Output Jack @are used at the same
time, only the synthesizer sound is out-
put through the Output jack @.
The natures of the guitar and the synthe-
sizer sound are quite different, so it is
better to use an appropriate amplifier or
speaker respectively.
~& <5
Guitar Amplifier PA Amplifier MIXER

7
For Synthesizer Output
Keyboard Amplifier, Monitor Amplifier
Vocal Amplifier, PA or Audio Equip-
ment.
For Guitar Output
Guitar Amplifier
*lt is possible to use the Normal Out of
the Guitar Controller to output direct
guitar sound, but using the Guitar Out
of the GR-700 will make the operation
more comfortable.
The Balanced Output Connector ®is
used for setting up with the Balanced
type mixer or effect unit. If both this
connector and Guitar Output Jack (Q)
,
the connector output only synthesizer
sound. The rated output level is fixed
+4dB(max.)/600n. Also, the output from
this connector is transformless, so, to
convert into unbalanced output, open the
2nd pin and use 1st and 3rd pins.
In monaural set-up, be sure to mix the
output signal of the two channels with a
mixer.
(3)Control Pedal Pitch Bend function and VCF Cutoff
can be controlled by using the Boss Foot
Volume FV-200.
*Connect to the Output Jack of the
FV-200.
*Set the Minimum Volume to zero.
Remove the spring holder from the
FV-200. (Refer to the operation manual
of the FV-200 to see how to remove it)
While not using the FV-200, unlatch it.
You can use other Foot Volume but
may find it awkward compared to the
FV-200 because of the limited control
range, etc.
PITCH VCF

SI Operation
*Outline of the
GR-700*
8
The GR-700 is a6voice, fully programm-
able guitar synthesizer that includes
Memory Capacity (RAM) of 64 different
timbres.
Like akeyboard synthesizer, it consists
of DCO, VCF, VCA, ENV, and LFO
sections, and 32 kinds of parameters
(elements) are featured to control each
section. The GR-700 adopts aunique
method of synthesizing, that is editing
the existing patch. You are to assign any
existing patch and the relevant parameter
for editing. The Display Window shows
the parameter number and the data value,
so that you can quite easily proceed this
editing operation. Moreover, it features
Dynamics function that controls the
DCO, VCF and VCA by the intensity of
string picking, and the String Select
function that allows you to select which
of the strings to take on the Hold or
Pitch Bender effect.
Four main Functions of the GR-700.
1. Recalling apreprogrammed patch
from memory and play it.
2. Adding various effects to the timbre.
3. Editing the existing patch and create
anew timbre.
4. Writing apatch into memory.
*Function 1and 2is obtainable in Play
mode, 3in Edit mode, and 4in any
mode.
(l)Recalling aPatch Each timbre in memory has anumber
(^Memory Number).
If you assign the appropriate number, the
patch you want will be recalled ready to
be used.
Also, proceeding Writing procedure, you
can write any existing patch into
memory.
The Memory Number is the combination
of aBank number (1 to 8) and aPatch
Number (1 to 8). That is, each of the 8
banks has 8patches making 64 in all.
\Patch
Bank\ 12 345678
H
3
is Bank 5and Patch Number 6.

Switching the GR-700 on will cause its
Display Window to respond with 1-1
and select the Play mode. This shows
that Memory Number /-/ is ready to
be played.
[Number Pedal ®, Bank Pedal ®.
To assign aMemory Number, use the
Bank' and the Number Pedals. Pressing
aNumber Pedal will assign the corres-
ponding Patch Number. To assign the
Bank Number, press the Bank Pedal
then appropriate Number Pedal.
Cfecalling apatch
/
(You may skip this and
go directly to the next Assigning aBank Number Assigning aPatch Number
_>.
procedure)
(Edit Mode)
\
r
Play Mode
\
un—
>
n|
BANK BJB
\mm mm ^Playing the ,-5, j-^--—
.
^auitar (Play Mode )
guitar
C_C
JU
You may assign either Patch Number or Bank Number
first, or even assign only one of them.

10
(2) Hold The Hold function
synthesizer sound.
will work on the
Pressing the Hold Pedal @will hold the
sound currently in use. That is, the sound
will be retained at its sustain level as long
as the Pedal is depressed.
Also, the Hold effect can be set for each
string independently, therefore it is
possible to play other string while listen-
ing to the Hold sound.
While the Pedal is being depressed, the
Display Window shows 1-1
.
On releasing the Pedal, the sound will
decay strictly in the set release time of
the Envelope curve without affected by
the string vibration. HI-I
(3) Guitar Controller Refer to the operation manual of the
respective Guitar Controller to see its
functions.
a. Balance
With this knob turned fully counterclock-
wise, only direct guitar sound is obtained.
Adjust its level by using the Master
Volume band the volume knob on the
amplifier. (If it is necessary, tune the
strings)
As you rotate this Balance Knob clock-
wise, synthesizer sound will be increased
and at its fully clockwise position, only
synthesizer Sound will be heard. (If you
use two different amplifier respectively
for the guitar and the amplifier, each
volume can be independently set.)
b. Master Volume
This is to set the overall volume.

c. Mode Switch 11
With this switch set to the II or III
position, both direct guitar and synthe-
sizer sounds are available. At the Iposi-
tion, only direct guitar sound is obtained
and the Balance knob (a) does not work.
In the II mode, fairly week picking is
sufficient to sound the synthesizer, but
in the III mode, slightly hard picking
is required.
If using the Gutter Controller G-303 or
G-808, select the position as follows.
VCO => I
VCO +DIST •* m
DIST =n
d. Vibrato knob and e. Touch Plate
By using these knobs, vibrato effect can
be obtained. Slightly raise the Vibrato
Knob (d) and touch the Touch Plate A
while holding the string(s) down. To stop
vibrato, touch the Touch Plate Band
irnmidiately release. If the sound has
initially taken on the vibrator effect, stop
it with the Touch Plate B, then do the
above operations. The rate, delay time
and depth of the vibrato effect work at
its set level in writing. Therefore, it is
necessary to have set these to appropriate
levels even when you are writing apatch
without vibrato effect {the LFO Modura-
tion Switch is set to off).
*lf the Vibrator Knob (d) is set to zero,
no vibrato effect is obtained, therefore
you are not annoyed by unexpected
Vibrato effect caused by touching
the Touch Plate accidentally.
f. Cutoff Frequency Knob and g. Edit Knob (Resonance in other Gseries)
Either of these knob works exclusively in
Edit mode. The Cutoff Frequency Knob
(f) is provided specifically for VCF Cut-
off Frequency controlling. Edit (Reso-
nance Knob) (g) is used to control para-
meters other than that.
*Refer to "(4) Edit" on the next page for
the details.

12
(4) Edit This Edit mode enables editing the preset
tone color to your taste. The Edit func-
tion may be used as areal time perfor-
mance control since it does not auto-
matically rewrite the existing program,
unless the appropriate operation for
rewriting is done (refer to P. 23). There-
fore, if selecting the same Patch Program
later, you will hear the original tone
color unchanged.
a. Edit Pedal
Depressing the Edit Pedal will turn the
GR-700 into Edit mode. The Display
which has been showing the Memory
Number will now show the number of
the Parameter you select and its data
value.
b. Selecting aParameter
Parameters are elements that devide the
tone color. The GR-700 has 32 kinds of
parameters. To assign the parameter to be
used, firstly find out the parameter num-
ber on the Edit Map and press the cor-
responding Number Pedal twice. The
Parameter number is shown on the left of
the Display in two figures.
c. Edit Map
The Edit Map is arough illustration of
the Synthesizer Section of the GR-700.
Use this to find out the number of the
parameter you are to use for editing.
*The function of each parameter and
reaction of the synthesizer are explained
in atable in "[0 programmer" (P. 22).
EDIT MAP GR-700
10 10
LFO
Wtr*form Otliy Timt Ratt
s
An**
i
EnvMOfM
Oae*Y Sumtn
1s
RttMM
5
@©© © ©©©
TO XX»0™« X

d. Setting the Data Value
Data Value of each parameter actually
corresponds to the position of each knob
or switch on the PG-200. {Refer to P. 23)
The data value can be set with the Edit
13
(Resonance) Knob on the Guitar Cont-
roller, and it is shown at the right of the
Display in two figures. There are 3types
of indication as follows.
1. Volume Knob Display
Knob position 0-*5 -MO
Display 03- 50 -99
2. Rotary Switch Display
Display
I
11*1 i
ItIttill
-MI III
•
Rotary Switch Ii
IIfI
nn o
EDIT
(RESONANCE)
"(to
1xI
EDIT
(RES)
3. Slider Switch Display
Display
Selider
Switch
ON OFF
32
mmON
OFF
ON
£<
I
EDIT
(RES)
e. Editing Cutoff Frequency H
Unlike other parameters, the Cutoff Guitar Controller. The Display will
Frequency can be set simply by rotating respond with "CF" during editing,
the Cutoff Frequency Knob on the

e. Completion of Editing
14
When editing is completed, "•" will be
shown in the middle of the Display. At
this stage, assigning apatch or pressing
the Edit Pedal will turn the GR-700 to
the Play mode.
Tuning
By using Parameter 48, guitar tuning
can be easily done. Assign Parameter
48 and just pick any string, and you
will hear the synthesizer sound (in
the pitch of the open string regardless
of the actual pitch). Tune your guitar
with this synthesizer sound.
*|f more than one string is picked at
the same time, they will all sound.
*The Display shows the string number
picked (or last string picked if more
than one string is picked).
*The Standard pitch of the synthesizer
sound is adjusted with the Tune Knob
on the rear panel.
[IdST}
(Play ModeV> EDIT >(Edit Mode )^
Parameter Display
EDIT MAP
Assigning Parameter Setting
Data Value
o
o
Q5L
oo
oooo
no
o o
Oa
DO C
O
a
D
)o
OOa
ooo|< #Playing the guitar
(Edit Mode J)
EDIT
(RES)
Jccn
JJju

15
(5) Panel Switches Panel Switches @to ®can be used in
any mode, that is, these can be manually
controlled even during live performance.
(The indicator lights when each switch is
on)
The position of each knob of ©to @
can be written into memory by Writing
procedure explained on P. 17.
a. Dynamics Switch @
When this switch is on, dynamics effect
can be obtained in each DCO, VCF and
VCA section by picking intensity. That is,
the depth of the ENV moduration on the
DCO and VCF, or level of the VCA
change depending on how hard you pick
the string. No matter how hard you pick,
there is no effect deeper or volume higher
than the level set with each parameter ob-
tained.
If the depth of each DCO and VCF is set
to zero, this dynamics effect is not ob-
tained at all, so be sure to set it to an ap-
propriate level in editing or writing a
patch.
b. String Selector Switch
Use this switch to select the string (s) on
which the Voice, Hold and/or Pitch
Bender function(s) work. [Tito (6) corres-
pond to 1st to 6th strings.
Depress this switch, then select
the string(s) that is to take on
synthesizer voice by pressing cor-
responding switch of (TJ to (6).
VOICE
#
Depending whether Up or Down mode
has been selected, pressing the Pedal will
raise or lower the pitch.
After setting is completed, you can see
whether you have set all the effects
correctly as you wished, just by pressing
each switch of Voice, Hold and Pitch
Bend.
Depress this switch, then select
the string(s) on which the Hold
Pedal has its effect.
PITCH
BEND
UP
DOWN
Select the string(s) on which the
Pitch Bend function works.
Depress this switch, and select Up
or Down mode by Up/Down
Switch (the indicator lights in Up
mode).

16
c. Chromatic Switch
When this is on, the scale will become
chromatic (=temperament) like the key-
board's. In this mode, fairly accurate
tuning is required, as the string frequ-
ency decides the scale. Also, pitch bend-
ing or glissando effect changes chromati-
cally. (It may be agood idea to tune by
using guitar and chromatic synthesizer
sounds.)
d. Chorus Switch
To benefit the best possible chorus effect,
use two amplifier (stereo), if possible.
e. Memory Cartridge Switch
(Refer to P. 19)
f. Memory Write Switch @
Press this switch to write apatch into
memory. (Refer to P. 17)
String Selection
(^Play/Edit Mode
VOICE ^
HOLD ^"^
PITCH
BEND UP j
ON/OFF setting of each string
QQQQQQ-4-»( Play/Edit Mode )

17
(6)Write The GR-700 allows you to write the
sound you have synthesized into me-
mory.
a. Memory Write Switch ©
|Writing Procedure
1
.
Turn the GR-700 into Edit mode, then
edit any existing patch to your taste.
2. Set the Memory Protect Switch ®
to OFF.
3. Press the Memory Write Switch @.
*Here, the indicator lights up and the
Display shows Memory Number.
(fwill flash)
4. By using the Pedal Switch, assign the
Memory Number. (=Bank and Patch
Number)
•You do not need to assign Bank
Number, if writing into the same
Bank (e. g. replacing apatch with the
edited one)
*You do not need to assign awrong
Bank Number, depress the Bank "edal
once again, then press the correct
Number Pedal.
*The moment you have assigned the
Patch Number, writing is completed,
and the GR-700 is turned to Play mode.
*lf the Protect Switch has been set to
ON, the Display will show Prot. In such
acase, set the Protect Switch to OFF,
then repeat writing procedure.
Writing Patch
Assigning
Bank Number
A,
Assigning
Patch Number
(P'3Y Mode
(Edit Mode
PROTECT
ON OFF ON WRITE
B1ll
BANK I
l|
i
^m i
PROTECT
ON OFF ON
Writing is
completed
(Play Mode )
If the Protect Switch has been set to
ON, no writing is done and the Display
will show "Protect" on, right after as-
signing Patch Number.

b. Rearrangement of Patches
By using the Write function of the
GR-700, you can rearrange the Patches
as you like.
18
Example: Copying the Patch of Memory
Number 2-1 to 1-2.
1
.
Assign the Memory Number where
you wish to copy the Patch.
*Here, if you wish to retain the Patch
in that Memory Number, copy it to
any Memory Number that you deem
not so indespensable as others.
(Copy procedure is the same as write
procedure).
2. Assign the Memory Number of the
patch you wish to copy, and take
writing procedure.
BANK1 11 ^
WN
BANK2 21 1
Memory Number 1-2 is the Patch
you wish retain. Memory Number
2-4 is the Patch you do not mind
erasing.

SI Memory Cartridge 19
The supplied Memory Cartridge M-16C
can be used to save the data in memory
and recall it at anytime you like. That is
it works just like the memory of the
GR-700, retaining 64 different patches.
Also, the data in the cartridge is fully
supported by battery for about 5years.
a. Memory Cartridge Slot (3)
Be sure to insert the cartridge into this
slot securely as shown on the right.
Product Number
on this side
3<^
b. Memory Cartridge Switch @
Pressing this switch will alternately turn
the GR-700 to Internal Memory and
Cartridge Memory. When the GR-700 is
in the Cartridge mode, the indicator lights
up and the Display will show "C"on its
left. All of Recall, Edit and Write func-
tions are available by this Memory
Cartridge, and the necessary operation
is exactly the same as for internal.
•Even if the GR-700 is turned to
Memory Cartridge mode, the patch in
the internal Memory remains as it is.
Therefore, it is possible to copy apatch
in the Internal Memory to the Memory
Cartridge or copy apatch in the
Memory Cartridge into Internal Me-
mory. In either case, it is necessary to
set the Protect Switch of the Cartridge
to OFF.
xI/
CART
RIDGE
js"
^^
f11
L./"/
Indication of Cartridge mode
Protect Switch

20
c. Copy Save Load
By using these switches, it is possible to
save the entire data in the GR-700's
Memory into the Cartridge and load it
into internal Memory.
•Display
r_
uuJ
UU
O-
i/-L
UL
L/r
•Copy is completed.
Protect Switch is set to ON,
•Memory Cartridge is not securely inserted.
•There is something wrong with the
Memory Cartridge.
Save/Load
SAVE Protect Switch on the
Cartridge set to OFF
Protect Switch on the
GR-700 set to OFF
Copy is completed
\.
Insert the Cartridge-^
to the slot and
repeat the procedure.
(Play Mode )
The above procedure will replace the
existing data.
*If the Protect Switch is ON,
shown and copy is impossible.
Profc is