Roland GR-700 User manual

oland
GUITAR
SYNTHESIZER
Gr- 700
Owner’s Manual

OUTLINE OF GR-700
The Roland GR Guitar Synthesizer series all consist
of synthesizer sections and special guitars called
Guitar Controllers. The GR-700 is the Synthesizer
The following are the main features of the GR-700.
* The GR-700 is a fully programmable, six voice
synthesizer with the memory capacity that
retains up to 64 different tone colors. And any
patch program in memory can be recalled just
by pressing the pedal switches.
* Using the Memory Cartridge (M-16C) will expand
the memory capacity by another 64 patches.
* Tone color editing can be more easily done by
using the optional programmer PG-200,
* The GR-700 allows you to select which of the
strings to take on each synthesizer effect.
CONTENTS
Mm Panel Descriptions A N hs we ees 3
Connections «+e et te ee ee es 6
Problem caused by your improper
playing manner «sete ooo... 8
Operation E Mahe sy eee te BaP. a ms 9
1. Guitar Controller ++ +++ +++. ++... raa 9
a. Controlling the Synthesizer Section - - - 9
b. Adjustment of Output Level - - - - - - - 10
2 Play, Edit and Write Modes - + + ++ ++ +++ 11
3 Play Mode +++... 0... +... . +... 11
a. Tuning +++... o... e... ee eee 11
b. Tone Color Selection - - - +++ 12
c. Other Functions o- Ws: nenn 13
4 Edit Mode - ++*++.+««+.«.«.«.o o... ... 14
z _Before.reading this. manual, please read the separate volume “MIDI”.
section that is compatible with any G-series guitar
controller, 202, 303, 505 or 808, but GR-700 is the
best choice for the most satisfactory result,
* The GR-700 can express even subtle playing
technique according to the intensity of picking.
* Many other attractive functions are featured,
such as Chromatic Scale mode, Chorus effect, etc.
* A large LED is helpful for synthesizing.
* The MIDI OUT Connector allows the GR-700 to
contro! other MIDI modules or instruments.
a. Editing without PG-200....---..-.- 14
b. Editing with PG-200 +++... ... +... 17
c. Parameter Table : - -........> 18
5 Write Mode -- ++ +e ee eee eee ee ree 24
a. Writing Operation - - -- cr... 24
b. Copy Function: +++ +++ ++... 26
6
Memory
Cartridge
rer
ee
ee
ee
27
a. Attaching the Memory Cartridge - +++ 27
b. Memory Cartridge and Internal
Memory +... e... +... o... ....> 27
c. Patch transfer between Internal
Memory and the Cartridge Memory -- 28
d. Saving and Loading - - +++... +. 29
7 MIDIS a ASA 30
5 Specifications +» +++ <<... +... eee eee 31

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Radio and television interference
“Warning — This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a Class B computing
device, pursuant to Subpart J, of Part 15, of FCC rules. Operation with non-certified or non-
verified equipment is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.”
The equipment described in this manual generates
and uses radio-frequency energy. If it is not installed
and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with
our instructions, it may cause interference with
radio and television reception.
This equipment has been tested and found to com-
ply with the limits for a Class B computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Subpart J, of
Part 15, of FCC Rules. These rules are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such an inter-
ference in a residential installation.
However, there is no guarantee that the interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or televi-
sion reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by the following
measure:
eDisconnect other devices and their input/output
cables one at a time. If the interference stops, it is
caused by either the other device or its I/O cable.
These devices usually require Roland designated
shielded I/O cables. For Roland devices, you can
obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer.
For non Roland devices, contact the manufacturer
or dealer for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Power Supply
e The appropriate power supply for this unit is
shown on its name plate. Please make sure that
the line voltage in your country meets that,
e Please do not use the same socket used for any
noise generating device [such as motor, variable
lighting system).
e 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 a few
seconds later.
e Before setting up the GR-700 with an external
amplifier or the Guitar Controller, turn both of
them off.
ə This unit might get hot while operating, but
there is no need to worry about it.
If your eauipment does cause interference to radio
or television reception, you can try to correct the
interference by using one or more of the following
measures!
eTurn the TV or radio antenna until the interfer-
ence stops.
eMove the equipment to one side or the other of
the TV or radio.
e Move the equipment farther away from the TV or
radio.
ePlug the equipment into an outlet that is on a dif-
ferent circuit than the TV or radio. (That is, make
certain the eauipment and the radio or television
set are on circuits controlled by different circuit
breakers or fuses.)
eConsider installing a rooftop television antenna
with coaxial cable lead-in between the antenna
and TV.
If necessary, you should consult your dealer or an
experienced radio/television technician for addi-
tional suggestions. You may find helpful the follow-
ing booklet prepared by the Federal Communica-
tions Commission:
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interfer-
ence Problems”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402, Stock No.
004-000-00345-4.
Cleaning
e Use a soft cloth and clean only with a mild deter-
gent.
e Do not use solvents such as paint thinner.
Location
e Operating the GR-700 near a neon or fluorescent
lamp may cause noise interference. If so, change
the angle or the position of the GR-700,
e Avoid using the GR-700 in excessive heat or
humidity or where it may be affected by direct
sunlight or dust.
Repairing
e Save the necessary data on a cartridge before
having the GR-700 repaired, in case it happens to
be accidentally erased.

CONNECTIONS
* Before making or breaking connection, be sure to turn all the units off.
Setting up the Guitar Controller
Uniocking
C-24D Connection Cable
1. Guitar Input Connector @
Connect the Guitar Controller here by using the
supplied cable C-24D.
2. Output Jack ®
These jacks are used to connect an amplifier. When
these are the only output jacks used, mixed sound
of direct and synthesizer will be obtained. To fully
benefit the advantages of the GR-700, use keyboard
amplifiers and speakers, PA, or audio equipment. If
two amplifiers are used (stereo), chorus effect will
sound more effective. (See page 13.)
GUITAR INPUT
O Guitar Input Connector
3. Level Selector Switch ®
With this switch, select an appropriate output level
depending on the type of the amplifier you use. The
knack is to select the position that allows undis-
torted sound of desirable level with the amplifier's
volume set to 5 to 7.
4. Guitar Output Jack ®
This jack is provided to connect a guitar amplifier.
Through this jack, only direct guitar sound is sent
out. Also, a preamplifier is built in here, therefore,
good result can be expected when an effect device
or foot volume is used. If both this jack and the
Output Jack @ are used at the same time, only the
synthesizer sound is output through the Output
Jack ®.
Setting up the Amplifiers
Mea a
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etc.

O Balanced Output Connector
Connecting a Volume Pedal
o 0
PEDAL
PITCH VCF
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AN ANN
FV-200
5. Balanced Output Connectors ®
These are used for setting up the GR-700 with the
balanced type mixer or effect device. The signal sent
out through these connectors are the same as the
output jacks @ , but the maximum output level is
OdB regardless of the position of the Level Selector
Switch ® . If setting up in monaural, be sure to mix
the signals of both channels.
Also, the output from this connector is transform-
less, so to convert it into unbalanced output, keep
the 2nd pin open.
6. Programmer Connector @
Connect the programmer PG-200 here by using the
supplied 6P DIN Cord.
7. MIDI OUT Connector @
This is to connect a MIDI sound module. Use the
optional MID! Sync Cable MSC-25 or 50.
8. Pitch Control Jack @ and VCF Control Jack ®
By connecting the Foot Volume FV-200 (BOSS),
you can control the pitch and VCF Cutoff by
depressing the pedal.
* Connect to the output jack of the FV-200.
* Set the Minimum Volume of the FV-200 to zero.
* Remove the spring from the spring holder of the
FV-200. (Refer to the operation manual of the
FV-200 to see how to remove it).
* While not using the FV-200, set the pedal to its
highest position.

PROBLEMS CAUSED BY YOUR IMPROPER PLAYING MANNER
The GR-700 digitally processes the vibration of the
strings producing digital signal that controls each
section of the synthesizer. This is in other words,
even the string vibration inaudible in usual guitar
performance is bound to be processed.
a. Sound Delay
The GR-700 reads the waveform of the string vibra-
tion then detects the pitch by its computer. The
lower tone (slower vibration) needs more time for
pitch detection, resulting in sound delay. The open
6th string (E) requires at least 25 ms (0.025 seconds.)
The sound delay is also caused by a certain playing
manner, because the GR-700 is designed not to
output sound until the string vibration has become
stable, to obtain accurate pitch.
b. Unstable Pitch
If you have played a long tone with high fret, the
created string vibration will be extremely feeble.
Therefore, pitch detection is impossible, resulting in
unstable pitch. The solution is playing the guitar in
the low position.
c. Sound cannot be muted
lf you have played tremolo, or repeated an open
chord or muteless stroke with the 5th or 6th string,
the created sound may not be muted.
Therefore, you may be annoyed by unexpected
reaction of the guitar controller when playing it.
The following are possible symptoms and how to
resolve them.
d. Irrelevant sound is heard
The GR-700 processes even the string vibration
irrelevant for deciding pitch. Therefore, you need
a special care for picking.
e. No sound is heard
When the vibrating time of the string is short or
the pitch is ambiguous, or you have not picked or
touched the string hard enough, pitch detection is
difficult. Watch that your picking is hard enough.
* Harmonics playing
Avoid playing in harmonics manner, if possible. The
problems are often caused by feeble string vibration
in harmonics manner.

OPERATION
1. Guitar Controller
a. Controlling the Synthesizer Section
e Balance Knob
O Vibrato Knob
© Mode Selector Switch
1) Balance Volume Knob ©
With this knob turned fully counterclockwise, only
direct guitar sound is obtained. As you rotate it
clockwise, synthesizer sound will be increased and
at its fully clockwise position, only synthesizer
sound will be heard.
2) Master Volume ()
This knob sets the overall volume,
3) Mode Switch ©
‚At I position Only direct guitar sound is ob-
(GR-707)
DIST (8) does not work.
(other G series)
tained, and the Balance Knob
Both direct and synthesizer
At II position
(GR-707)
VCO + DIST
(other G series)
sounds are available. Suitable
for long tone.
Both direct and synthesizer
AT IH position
(GR-707)
VCO for quick phrase, but wrong
sounds are available. Suitable
(other G series) | picking and touching affects
the performance more than
other positions.
* When the GR-700 is used, distortion sound is not
available.
(8) Touch Plate B
© Master Volume Knob
CG) Cutoff Frequency Knob
© Edit Knob (Resonance Knob)
4) Vibrato Knob @ and Touch Plate (8)
By using these knobs, you can add vibrato effect.
Slightly raise the Vibrato Knob @ and touch the
Touch Plate A while holding the strings down. To
stop vibrato, touch the Touch Plate B and imme-
diately release it.
* If the Vibrato Knob (9) is set to zero, no vibrato
is obtained at all. That is, you are not annoyed
by unexpected Vibrato effect caused by touching
the Touch Plate accidentally.
* The rate, delay time and depth of the vibrato
effect work at its set level in writing. (Refer to
page 20.)
5) Cutoff Frequency Knob ®©
6) Edit Knob (Resonance Knob in other G series) ©
These knobs work exclusively in Edit mode.
* The Cutoff Frequency Knob ($) is provided spe-
cifically for controlling the VCF Cutoff Fre-
quency.
* The Edit (Resonance) Knob @ is used to control
parameters except for the cutoff frequency.
*Refer to the owner’s manual of each guitar con-
troller for the other control knobs.

b. Adjustment of Output Level
The GR-700 is designed to be used with any G-series
guitar controller. If, however, using the controller
other than the G-707, or have changed the gauge of
the strings, you may have to readjust the output
level of the guitar controller.
If the output level of the guitar controller is not
appropriate, the following troubles may be caused.
( Excessive Output Level )
e The pitch is unstable.
e The sound of irrelevant strings are heard.
( Unsufficient Output Level >
e Nosound is heard unless you play the guitar hard.
e The sound does not last.
If you are annoyed by any of above troubles, see
page 8 “Problem caused by improper playing
manner” to solve the trouble. If the trouble still
remains or only one string is in trouble, the follow-
ing readjustment is required.
1. Adjust the height of the Divided Pickup as shown
upper right.
2. Open the cover on the bottom of the guitar con-
troller and rotate the knob to adjust the output
level of each string.
* This level adjustment is a delicate task, so please
do it in slight steps.
10
Adjusting the Output Level of the Guitar
e By changing the height of the Divided Pickup
When the 22nd fret
is pressed
String
0.8mm
/
Output Leve!
increases
e By rotating the VR's
6)
92000
(3
Output
level
increases
000900)
© O Output level increases
eG-505
GOO O Output level increases
e 6-707
O Output level increases
990000