VS-20_e.book

Owners Manual

HARDWARE GUIDE

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: USING THE UNIT SAFELY (p. 3) and IMPORTANT NOTES (p. 5). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owners Manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

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* Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
* The screen shots in this document are used in compliance with the guidelines of the Microsoft Corporation.
* Windows is known officially as: Microsoft Windows operating system.

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* ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. * Cakewalk is a registered trademark of Cakewalk Inc. * Cakewalk logo is a trademark of Cakewalk Inc. * MMP (Moore Microprocessor Portfolio) refers to a patent portfolio concerned with microprocessor architecture, which was developed by Technology Properties Limited (TPL). Roland has licensed this technology from the TPL Group.
* All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Copyright 2010 ROLAND CORPORATION All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly. Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly. * Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger. The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled. The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specific thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
Do not open or perform any internal modifications on the unit.

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Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces. This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult an audiologist. Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the Information sheet. Never install the unit in any of the following locations. Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are Exposed to steam or smoke; or are Subject to salt exposure; or are Humid; or are Exposed to rain; or are Dusty or sandy; or are Subject to high levels of vibration and shakiness.

About This Manual..... 7

Contents... 8 Checking the Contents of the Package.. 10 Installation and Registration.. 11
Installing the VS-20 Driver....11 Windows 7/Vista Users.....12 Windows XP Users....14 Connecting your audio equipment...16 Installing V-STUDIO 20 Software...17 To Install Guitar Tracks 4....17 To Install VS-20 Editor....17 Register V-STUDIO 20....17

Panel Descriptions.. 18

Input/output component....18 Side panel (Left)....18 Side panel (Right).....18 Top panel.....19 Track section....19 Output section....19 Input section....20 Transport section....20 AMP&EFFECT section....21

Connections... 22

Connecting musical instruments....22 Connecting microphone.....22 Connecting footswitches (optional)....23
From initial settings to recording.. 24
Audio Driver Settings.....24 Setting up Audio Devices...24 Setting up MIDI Devices....25 Playing a Demo Song....26 Playing an Audio Demo Song....26
Recording audio....28 1. Connect your instrument or microphone...28 2. Create a new file....28 3. Select the input source...28 4. Adjust the level.....29 5. Try out an effect....29 6. Arm the desired track for recording...30 7. Set tempo....31 8. Record your performance...32

Troubleshooting... 33

Problems When Installing Driver or Changing Settings...34 Problems When Installing Guitar Tracks 4 or Changing Settings..36 Problems at Startup with Guitar Tracks 4....37 Problems with Playback.....38 Problems with Recording....40 Other Problems.....41 Eliminating Clicks and Dropouts...42

Appendix.... 44

VS-20 Driver settings.....44 Uninstalling VS-20 Driver....45 Windows 7 and Windows Vista Users...45 Windows XP Users....45 About Mixing Latency.....46 Multi-user Use.....46 Uninstalling Guitar Tracks 4 and Other Components...46 Signal Flow......47 Normal....47 Simultaneous Recording....47 Dry Recording.....48 Reamping.....48 Specifications.....49
Checking the Contents of the Package
As soon as you open the package, check that you have all of the included items. If anything is missing, contact your dealer.

V-STUDIO 20 Hardware

Owners Manual
This is the manual youre reading. It explains how to get V-STUDIO 20 up and running. It also explains what you need to know when setting up this product, and what you should know when using it. Keep this manual at hand for reference.

V-STUDIO 20 DVD-ROM

This DVD-ROM contains Guitar Tracks 4 and VS-20 USB Drivers.

USB cable

Use this cable to connect the V-STUDIO 20 hardware to the USB connector of your computer.
V-STUDIO 20 USB Setup sheet
This is an easy manual for the setup of the VS-20.

Customer service leaflet

This tells you where to direct your questions about operation.
Installation and Registration
Heres how to install the VS-20 driver and Guitar Tracks 4 on your computer.
DO NOT CONNECT THE VS-20 Hardware to your computer until the installer asks you too. Guitar Tracks 4 cannot be installed unless the VS-20 driver is installed first.
Please note before installing
When installing, you must log on as a user with administrative privileges
In order to install Guitar Tracks 4, you must log on as a user who has administrative privileges. Once installed, the program can also be used by users who do not have administrative privileges.
Close system monitoring software before installing
If system monitoring software such as anti-virus programs are installed on your computer, you must close them until youve finished installing Guitar Tracks 4. You must also remember to close applications that are not shown in the Windows taskbar.
Installing the VS-20 Driver

What is a Driver?

A driver is software that transfers data between the V-STUDIO 20 hardware and application software on your computer when your computer and the V-STUDIO 20 hardware are connected via a USB cable. You will need to install the driver before connecting the V-STUDIO 20 hardware with your computer. Log on to Windows as Administrator, or with an account that has administrator rights.
Windows 7 and Windows Vista Users:p. 12 Windows XP Users:p. 14

Windows 7/Vista Users

1. Disconnect all USB cables (except those for a USB keyboard and/or USB mouse, if used), then start

up Windows.

2. Close all currently running software (applications).
Also close all windows that are open. If you are using software such as antivirus programs, be sure to close these programs as well including any monitoring software such as anti-virus programs.
3. Insert the included V-STUDIO 20 DVD-ROM into your computers DVD-ROM drive.
If you are using a Netbook or do not have a DVD-ROM drive, please visit http://www.cakewalk.com/register to register your product and download the software installers included on the V-STUDIO 20 DVD-ROM.

6. Click [Next] to begin installation.
* If the Software Installation dialog box appears, click [Continue Anyway] to proceed with the installation.
If the Driver Signing Options setting was not set to Ignore, a Hardware Installation dialog box appears.
A dialog box with a ! symbol appears.
1. Click [Continue Anyway] and continue the installation.
A dialog box with a x symbol appears.
1. 2. 3. Click [OK]. When the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click [Finish]. Return to step 1 (p. 14) and re-install the driver from the beginning of the procedure.
7. The message Ready to install the driver. appears.
8. Perform the following procedure before you connect the VS-20 Hardware to your computer.
Use the included USB cable to connect the V-STUDIO 20 hardware to your computer. Wait until the lower right of the screen indicates Found New Hardware and the Found New Hardware Wizard appears.
* It may take some time for the Found New Hardware Wizard to appear. 4. 5. 6. If you are asked whether you want to connect to Windows Update, choose No and then click [Next]. Choose Install the software automatically (Recommended) and click [Next]. If the Hardware Installation dialog box appears, click [Continue Anyway] to proceed with the installation.
* If you cannot proceed with the installation, click [OK] to cancel the installation, and then refer to Driver Signing Options setting. 7. If the Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, Click [Finish]. When the Installation has been completed. message appears, installation has been completed. Click [Close] to close the Driver Setup dialog box. 8. If the System Setting Change dialog box appears, click [Yes] to restart Windows.
Connecting your audio equipment
Before connecting the VS-20 Hardware to a computer, read the Installing the VS-20 Driver (p. 11) and install the VS-20 driver on the computer. If the driver is not installed, Guitar Tracks 4 cannot be operated correctly from the computer. Use a USB cable to connect your computer to the VS-20 Hardware. Connect your audio output devices such as headphones or speakers to the VS-20 Hardware. * This package does not include sound reproduction equipment such as headphones or speakers. You must connect headphones or monitor speakers as shown in the illustration, monitor the playback audio from the V-STUDIO 20.

2. LINE L/R

These input jacks for connecting line-level analog audio signals, such as an Synth, mp3 player, or other line-level devices.

3. Footswitch jack

You can use the foot switch (sold separately) to control playback or recording on the V-STUDIO from your computer. For more information about footswitch, see Connecting footswitches (optional) (p. 23).

3. Security slot (

Connect a commercially available anti-theft security cable here. http://www.kensington.com/

4. EXP PEDAL jack

Connect an expression pedal (sold separately). The expression pedal can be used to control the volume, or as a wah effect pedal. See Connecting footswitches (optional) (p. 23).
4. MIC 2 (XLR balanced input)
This is an analog audio signal input jack that supports XLR balanced input. * The VS-20 Hardware can supply phantom power. If you've connected a condenser mic that requires phantom power, start up the editor, click System Settings, and turn on phantom power.

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5. Headphone output
This output delivers the same signal as the MAIN output. To adjust the headphone volume, use the [Output Level] knob.
This instrument is equipped with balanced (XLR) type jacks. Wiring diagrams for these jacks are shown below. Make connections after first checking the wiring diagrams of other equipment you intend to connect.

Top panel

Track section
This section controls the tracks.
The indicator shows the currently selected track group. There are four track groups (A--D), and each group contains eight tracks.
By switching between track groups you can view eight tracks at a time.
TRACK GROUP TRACK SELECT button 24 32
1. Stereo audio track fader
Use this to adjust the level for each track in Guitar Tracks.
3. TRACK SELECT buttons/indicators
These buttons select the track to be recorded. The indicator of the selected track will light.
2. Track group select buttons/indicators
Here you can select one of the track groups A/B/C/D.

Output section

3. DIRECT MONITOR knob
This controls the level of the output from the effects processor that's built into the V-STUDIO 20. This level does not affect the signal recorded to the track.

4. OUTPUT LEVEL knob

This controls the overall volume to the headphones and speakers when connected to the VS-20 Hardware.

1. MIDI BACKING knob

This controls the MIDI Backing Track volume within the Guitar Tracks 4 software.

2. DAW OUTPUT knob

Connections

Connecting musical instruments
fig.Connect-mic-guitar.eps

Guitar/Bass

Digital Audio Player, or other device Synthesizer, or other device
Use a commercially available cable thats appropriate for the device to which you are connecting.

Connecting microphone

The V-STUDIO 20s balanced (XLR) type connectors that are wired as shown in the illustration. Be sure to check the wiring of your equipment before making connections.
Microphone with a phone plug
Microphone with an XLR plug
If youre using a condenser microphone that has a balanced (XLR) plug and requires phantom power to be supplied, set the VS-20 Editors PHANTOM switch to ON. For details on how to use the VS-20 editor, refer to VS-20 Editor's online help (PDF).
You must turn phantom power off unless youre using a condenser mic that requires a phantom power supply. Malfunctions will occur if phantom power is supplied to a dynamic microphone or audio playback device. For details on the specifications of your microphone, refer to its owners manual.
Connecting footswitches (optional)

fig.connectFS.eps

TIP RING
Roland PCS-31L Roland PCS-33 White (TIP) BOSS FS-5U Red (RING) BOSS FS-6 Expression Pedal

Footswitch 1

Footswitch 2

Polarity Switch

Set the switches as shown bellow. B A
You can use footswitches to control the Guitar Tracks 4.
Function Footswitch 1 Footswitch 2 Playback Recording
* Footswitch pedal and Expression pedal are not included.
* When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume level of equipment connected to the INPUT connectors may be low. If this happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors.
* Howling could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by: 1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s). 2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers. 3. Lowering volume levels. * Do NOT connect anything to input terminals that you are not using.

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* Use only the specified expression pedal (Roland EV-5, BOSS FV-500L, FV-500H; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.
From initial settings to recording

Audio Driver Settings

As described below, configure Guitar Tracks 4 so that you can use the V-STUDIO 20 hardware as an audio driver. Immediately after installing V-STUDIO 20 If you've newly installed the VS-20 driver, or updated the driver

4\Tutorials\Guitar_Tracks_Demo folder.
3. Click [Open] to open the project. Wait until the project has finished loading. 4. Press the V-STUDIO 20 hardwares [

button. ]

5. Adjust the volume of the
V-STUDIO 20 hardware and your sound reinforcement equipment (monitor speakers, etc.).
This controls the volume that's output from OUTPUT and PHONES.
6. When youve finished listening
to the demo song, choose File | Close. If youre asked whether you want to save the changes, click [No].

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* Use of the demo song supplied with this product for any purpose other than private, personal enjoyment without the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited by law. Additionally, this data must not be copied, nor used in a secondary copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright holder.
If you dont hear demo project
Review the following steps to try to resolve it.
I did not see any meters move in Guitar Tracks or hear any sound
The most common cause of this is if the playback device is not set correctly. In most cases, you can correct this by following these steps: On the Options menu, click Audio to open the Audio Options dialog. Make sure the driver mode is set to ASIO Make sure you have VS-20 selected for both playback and recording devices. If you do not see an option for VS-20, check the settings described in Audio Driver Settings (p. 24).
I can see meters moving in Guitar Tracks, but I don't hear anything
Make sure the Output Level on the VS-20 Hardware is turned up Make sure the DAW Output on the VS-20 Hardware is also turned up
Audio starts to play, but I get a message that says DROPOUT or AUDIO STOPPED either in a dialog or across the bottom of the screen
A dropout is a symptom of audio hardware when it is unable to pass audio data fast enough. There are a few things that may alleviate this: Check the settings described in Setting up Audio Devices (p. 24) Ensure nothing else is trying to use the sound device at the same time. Guitar Tracks will perform best when there are no other software applications attempting to use the sound device, such as web browsers, video players, instant messaging clients and other sound applications.

Recording audio

1. Connect your instrument or microphone
In order to record audio, youll connect your instrument or microphone to the V-STUDIO 20.

2. Create a new file

1. Launch Guitar Tracks 4. 2. From the File | New to open the New Project File dialog box. 3. In the Name field of the New Project File dialog box, enter the name of the song that you want to create.

fig.FileNew.eps

A new project will be created. In this example were going to record on track 1.
3. Select the input source
Now well configure input settings in Guitar Tracks 4 as appropriate for the input you connected.

1. From the top panel of the VS-20 Hardware, choose the input according to the table below:
Source Record onboard mic (MIC 1) in stereo Record MIC 2 Record LINE L/R in stereo Record GUITAR/BASS Record GUITAR/BASS on the left channel, and MIC 2 on the right channel (Simultaneous Recording) Selected device Press [MIC 1] Press [MIC 2] Press [LINE] Press [GUITAR/BASS] Hold [MIC 2] and press [GUITAR/BASS]

4. Adjust the level

In order to record with the best possible audio quality, adjust the input level so that V-STUDIO 20s PEAK indicator slightly lights even during the loudest passages. With the DIRECT MONITOR knob turned down, turn the SENS knob until you see the red light come on. Then turn SENS knob down just until the peak light goes off.
1. Use the [SENS] knob on the VS-20 Hardware to adjust the input level.

5. Try out an effect.

V-STUDIO 20 provides a wide variety of effects. In this example, well apply a effect to the input signal you perform.
1. Press the [COSM] button on the VS-20 Hardware.
The VS-20 Hardware's [COSM] button indicator will light, and VS-20 Editor will start up.

fig.FXbin.eps

If the Editor is already open, pressing the COSM button will bypass the effect. To view the Editor simply click on the VS-20 Editor button in the Windows Taskbar.
2. Use PATCH SELECT [<] [>] to select the desired effect patch.
For details on how to edit the effects, refer to VS-20 Editor's online help (PDF).
6. Arm the desired track for recording.
Well arm track 1 for recording (i.e. put it in record-ready mode).
1. Press the V-STUDIO 20 hardwares TRACK SELECT [1] button.
The V-STUDIO 20s TRACK SELECT [1] button and Guitar Tracks 4s track 1 button will both light, indicating that this track is armed for recording.
You can also arm the track by clicking the TRACK SELECT button on Track 1 in Guitar Tracks.

7. Set tempo.

1. In Guitar Tracks 4s toolbar, double-click the tempo display and enter the desired tempo.
Enter a numerical value from your computer keyboard, and press the Enter key to confirm it.

fig.metro02.eps

This completes preparations for recording.
8. Record your performance.

Press the [ ] record button to start recording. Press the [ recording.

] stop button to stop

Press the [ ] play button to hear the recorded result.
If youre not satisfied with your performance, you can easily re-record it. After youve stopped recording but before youve performed any other operation, choose Undo from the Edit Menu (CTRL + Z). The recorded waveform will disappear. Since you can re-record as easily as this, you can feel free to try as many times as you like until youve captured a performance youre happy with.
The sound of playback or recording may be interrupted if you connect or disconnect USB memory or another USB device or turn the power on/off during these operations. Using a USB-connected hard disk may decrease the hard disk data transfer rate due to congestion on the USB data bus. Do not use a USB-connected hard disk to save the audio data that you are playing or recording. Dropouts in playback or recording may occur immediately after the system has started up or resumed from the sleep state. Please wait for a time before you perform playback or recording.
You've successfully used the included software to make a recording.
About the online help video
If you need help at anytime during the process, you can select a topic from the integrated help menu in the console view and a video will show you how to use the feature. You will need an active internet connection in order to view the videos. - SELECT INPUT - ADD EFFECTS -SELECT TRACK -RECORD -ADD BACKING -FINALIZE/EXPORT

Troubleshooting

1. This chapter lists problems that might occur when setting up this product, and explains how to
solve these problems. If you experience a problem during installation, read this chapter first.
2. If the system still does not operate as you expect even though youve checked the points listed in
this chapter, refer to the following documents as well.

Online Help

Guitar Tracks 4s online Help is an organized collection of information that covers everything from operation to full details of all functions and commands. To view this, launch Guitar Tracks 4, and from the Help | Help Topics. You can open the Search tab and type a keyword to search for related topics.
README.RTF (online document; Rich Text Format)
This contains supplementary information about Guitar Tracks 4, information about changes from older versions of Cakewalk products, and cautions regarding use in specific types of systems. To view this, access Guitar Tracks 4s Help | View README.RTF.

Cakewalk Website

For the latest information, tech tips and knowledge base articles visit; http://www.cakewalk.com/support/vstudio For registration visit; http://www.cakewalk.com/register For Support and Service Contact Information; http://www.cakewalk.com/support/contact.aspx

Problems When Installing Driver or Changing Settings
Problem Points to check Is the DVD-ROM correctly inserted in the DVD-ROM drive? Could the DVD-ROM or the DVDROM drives lens be dirty? Installer wont start up Are you attempting to install the driver from a network computer? Action Make sure that the DVD-ROM is correctly inserted in the drive. The installer might not start correctly if the DVD-ROM or the DVD-ROM drives lens is dirty. Use a commercially available CD cleaner or lens cleaner to clean the disc or lens. Install the driver from a local drive.
V-STUDIO 20 is presented on DVD Media. You must have a DVD-ROM drive in order to use the included DVD-ROM. If you do not have a DVD-ROM driver, please register your product at; http://www.cakewalk.com/register and follow the instructions on screen to download a copy of the install software. Could you have connected the V-STUDIO 20 to your computer before installing the driver? A warning or error is displayed during installation If you connect the V-STUDIO 20 to your computer before installing the driver, an error message may appear when you begin the installation. Uninstall the VS-20 driver as described in Uninstalling VS-20 Driver (p. 45), and then reinstall it as described in Installing the VS-20 Driver (p. 11). If driver installation was not completed successfully, the installed driver will remain in an incomplete state, causing an error message to appear when you begin the installation. Uninstall the VS-20 driver as described in Uninstalling VS-20 Driver (p. 45), and then reinstall it as described in Installing the VS-20 Driver (p. 11). You must log on to Windows as one of the following users. - A user belonging to the Administrators group, such as Administrator - A user whose account type is computer administrator * For details, refer to the system administrator of your computer. You may be unable to install the driver because of the Driver Signing Option setting. Check the following points, and make the appropriate setting. 1. Open the System Properties dialog box. 1. From the Windows Start menu, open the Control Panel. 2. In Pick a category, click Performance and maintenance. 3. Under Pick a Control Panel icon, click the System icon. * Depending on your setup, the System icon may be shown directly in the Control Panel (the Classic view). If so, double-click the System icon. 2. Click the Hardware tab, and then click [Driver Signing]. 3. The Driver Signing Options dialog box appears. In the Driver Signing Options dialog box, choose Warn or Ignore, and then click [OK]. 4. Click [OK] to close the System Properties dialog box. 5. Install the driver as described in the Installation procedure. * After youve completed the installation, you can return the driver signing options setting to its original state. The installation may not be successful if other software is running. Be sure to close all other software before you begin the installation.

A dropout is a symptom of audio hardware when it is unable to pass audio data fast enough. There are a few things that may alleviate this:
Check the settings described in About Mixing Latency (p. 46) Ensure nothing else is trying to use the sound device at the same time. Guitar Tracks will perform best when there are no other software applications attempting to use the sound device, such as web browsers, video players, instant messaging clients and other sound applications.
Try disabling the LAN in Device Manager. If this eliminates the clicks or pops, you may be able to solve the problem by updating your LAN driver or BIOS. Try connecting the VS-20 directly to a USB connector on your computer.
Clicks or pops may occur in the sound if a LAN is operating Could you have connected the VS20 to a USB hub? While you were using the V-STUDIO 20, could your computer have performed a task with a heavy processing load, such as accessing a DVD-ROM drive or the network?
Playback Halts Midway, and Subsequent Playback is Not Possible
If a heavy processing load occurs while the V-STUDIO 20 is being used, it may not work correctly. In this case, stop playback, and then start playback once again. If you are still unable to play, close all software that was using the V-STUDIO 20, disconnect the USB cable from the V-STUDIO 20 hardware, and then reconnect it.

Problems with Recording

Problem Points to check Action If Media Player or another application that has audio playback capability is running, Guitar Tracks 4 wont be able to use the audio driver, and an error appears when Guitar Tracks 4 is started. Close the audio playback application, and then start Guitar Tracks 4 again. If an audio driver not being used by Guitar Tracks 4 is installed, try either disabling that driver or disconnecting the corresponding audio interface from your computer. Try changing the Audio Driver Settings (p. 24) Dropouts may occur during playback or recording if you connect/disconnect another USB device (such as a memory key), or switch a devices power on/off at the same time that the V-STUDIO 20 is being used. Data transfer using USB could get congested if you use the V-STUDIO 20 and a USBconnected hard disk at the same time. As a result, the data transfer speed for the hard disk could be significantly reduced. As a storage location for the audio data that you record and play back, you should avoid using a hard disk that is connected via USB. Dropouts during playback/recording sometimes occur immediately after the system has started up, or after it has woken from sleep. Wait for a while, then try the playback/ recording again. If a heavy processing load occurs while the V-STUDIO 20 is being used, it may not work correctly. In this case, stop playback, and then start playback once again. If you are still unable to play, close all software that was using the V-STUDIO 20, disconnect the USB cable from the V-STUDIO 20 hardware, and then reconnect it.

Cant record

Could a message be indicating Unable to open audio record device?
Could you have connected/ disconnected another USB device, such as a memory key?
Dropouts occur in the recording
Did the dropout occur immediately after the system started up, or after it woke from sleep? While you were using the V-STUDIO 20, could your computer have performed a task with a heavy processing load, such as accessing a DVD-ROM drive or the network? Are you using the correct connector? Could you be using a connection cable that contains a resistor? Are you using the correct connector? Microphone is Not Loud Enough Is the input level set appropriately? Could you be using a connection cable that contains a resistor?
Recording Halts Midway, and Subsequent Recording is Not Possible
Connect your guitar to the GUITAR/BASS jack.
Guitar Sound is Not Loud Enough
Use a connection cable that does not contain a resistor.
Connect your microphone to the MIC 2 jack (XLR type jack). Adjust the input level. (p. 29) Use a connection cable that does not contain a resistor.

Points to check

Action If the noise diminishes when you lower the volume of your guitar, it could be that your guitars pickups are being affected by electrical interference from your computer or display. Try moving your guitar as far away as possible from your computer. If a microphone or guitar is connected, unplug the microphone or guitar and turn [SENS] knob all the way to the left so that the input level is lowered. Try lowering the input level. Use the [SENS] knob to adjust the input level. Or, use REC LEVEL knob to adjust the recording level in the VS-20 Editor. If the audio output of another USB device is connected to the V-STUDIO 20, noise from your computer may be heard via the V-STUDIO 20. Try connecting via a self-powered USB hub (a USB hub that has an internal power supply or AC adaptor) or changing the audio output connections. You may be able to solve the problem by connecting the chassis of your computer or the ground pin of your computers power supply to an electrical ground. Also make sure that there is no nearby device that might be producing a strong electromagnetic field, such as a television or microwave oven.

Is a guitar connected?

Could a microphone or guitar be connected? Could the level meter peak indicator be lit? Noise or distortion occurs
Check connections with your other equipment.
Is your equipment grounded?
Is there a Preset or Patch loaded in the VS-20 Editor that has heavy distortion or other setting?
Press COSM button to bypass effect, and then check clean signal.

Other Problems

Problem Points to check If the V-STUDIO 20 is connected to your computer, sound will no longer be heard from your computers speakers. Action
No sound from your computers speakers
This is not a malfunction. Connect your headphones or audio playback system (external monitors) to the V-STUDIO 20.

Use Smaller ASIO Buffer Size check box
If this check box is selected, the buffer size when using ASIO-compatible applications will be made smaller. If you experience pops or clicks when this check box is selected, deselect this check box. * You must deselect this check box when adjusting the Audio Buffer Size.

Information

This field shows the driver version.
Uninstalling VS-20 Driver
If you connect the VS-20 Hardware to your computer before installing the driver, an error message may appear when you begin the installation. In this case, please uninstall the VS-20 driver by following the procedure below. Then install the VS-20 driver as described in Installing the VS-20 Driver (p. 11).
Windows 7 and Windows Vista Users
1. Start up Windows with all USB cables disconnected (except those for a USB keyboard and/or USB

mouse, if used).

2. Close all applications before performing the uninstallation. 3. Insert the included V-STUDIO 20 DVD-ROM into your computers DVD-ROM drive. 4. Select Start-Run and enter d:\Drivers\Win7\Uninstal.exe to start the driver installer.
(where d:\ is your disc drive.)
5. If a dialog box regarding User Account Control appears, click [Continue].
* If you are asked to enter the password for an administrative account, log on to Windows as a user whose account type is Administrator, and then perform the uninstallation.
6. The display will indicate The installed VS-20 Driver will be uninstalled. Click the [OK]. 7. When the message Uninstallation was completed. is displayed, click [OK] to restart Windows.
2. Close all applications before performing the uninstallation. 3. Insert the included V-STUDIO 20 DVD-ROM into your computers DVD-ROM drive. 4. Select Start-Run and enter d:\Drivers\XP\Uninstal.exe to start the driver installer.
5. The display will indicate The installed VS-20 Driver will be uninstalled. Click the [OK].
6. When the message Uninstallation was completed. is displayed, click [OK] to restart Windows.

About Mixing Latency

If the driver mode is set to ASIO, you wont be able to adjust the Mixing Latency from Guitar Tracks 4. Adjust the Audio Buffer Size from the [ASIO Panel]. To access the ASIO panel, Choose Option|Audio. then click the button labelled ASIO Panel. The Mixing Latency setting is closely related to how Guitar Tracks 4 can take full advantage of your computers performance. Increasing the mixing latency will allow more audio processing to be performed within Guitar Tracks 4. However, increasing the mixing latency will lengthen the time (latency) from when Guitar Tracks 4 begins processing the audio until you actually hear the sound. Increasing the latency will adversely affect your MIDI keyboard playing. The most suitable Mixing Latency setting will depend on the performance of your computer and on various settings. If you experience the following problems with the default settings, try adjusting the mixing latency.

CAKEWALK V-STUDIO RECORDING

Cakewalk V-Studio 20 259

An audio interface and software controller compete with Roland COSM amp sims and effects by Trevor Curwen
ith the vast choice of audio interfaces and recording software out there, making a start in computer-based recording may seem a little daunting to some. The whole process would become easier, however, if you could buy an integrated, easyto-use package that provides all the essentials you need to get started exactly the thinking behind the Cakewalk V-Studio 20, which has the words designed for guitar players proudly displayed on the front of its packaging. Thats us then! Cakewalk is a music software maker thats been closely associated with (and partly owned by) Roland for several years now and the Cakewalk by Roland V-Studio 20, to give it its full name, combines Cakewalks Guitar Tracks 4 recording software with a hardware audio interface/ control surface made by Roland and equipped with COSM amp sims and effects, plus more COSM signal processing dedicated to vocal recording. The idea is that the hardware and software integrate fully straight out of the box, allowing you to just plug in and be able to 132 Guitarist October 2010
record your guitar (and voice) with a fully-produced sound. Now, Guitar Tracks 4 is Windows-only and may not be everyones first choice of software, but thats no reason to write off the VS-20, as the hardware part of the package is, as well as being a guitar processor, very much a universal audio interface and control surface (Mackie Control protocol) that can be used with Macs and other software recording programs. The V-Studio 20 hardware offers a two in/two out USB audio connection to your computer and has a dedicated guitar/bass input, a stereo line input and an XLR mic input
with phantom power. Theres also an onboard stereo microphone. Monitoring can be done using headphones, or by connecting the units stereo output to powered speakers or whatever sound system you use. The hardware has no display of its own, but you can see all of the 50 editable onboard COSM presets and the edited user patches in the dedicated VS-20 software editor with its four virtual pedal modules (compression, overdrive/ distortion, chorus/mod, delay) plus separate delineated sections for amp selection and controls, plus reverb. Besides the COSM switching, input selection switches and a
button to call up the software tuner, there are loads of hardware controls dedicated to controlling Guitar Tracks 4 or your own software. There are a set of standard transport buttons for record, start, stop, rewind, fast forward and return to zero, plus eight faders for track volume with associated track selection buttons. The Guitar Tracks 4 software has 32 recording tracks and this is reflected by four Track Group buttons that select four separate groups of eight tracks. The faders and track selection buttons are assigned to these tracks, so you have hardware control of all 32 of them.

The Rivals

Other units that feature an audio interface, control surface and guitar processing in one box are digital multitrackers the Zoom R16 (399) and the BOSS BR-800 (399). Without control surface support, audio interfaces with guitar processing facilities include Digidesigns Eleven Rack (819) and the Line 6 POD Studio series (from 69). More common are the FX pedals with built-in audio interfaces. If you dont need a mic input, but the COSM amp sims and FX appeal, then you need look no further than the BOSS ME-25 (169).
Cakewalk V-Studio 20 offers 36 genuine BOSS effects

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In Use

After installing the various supplied software items including audio drivers and the VS-20 editor, youre ready to go no mains power is needed, as the VS-20 hardware takes its power from your computer via USB. Because the VS-20 editor functions in stand-alone mode, you can plug in a guitar and start playing through the COSM sounds just as soon as you have booted it up, allowing you to just use it for practice as well as in conjunction with your recording software. The Direct Monitoring knob sends the sounds directly to the hardwares output, so you can hear your playing with no latency delay. And when you want to bring your recording software into play, this knob can balance your live playing against the level of the computers audio output, set by a separate DAW Output knob. The nicely selected range of COSM presets are easily edited from the VS-20 Editor window, especially when you engage its Detail button to let you see which effect is assigned to each virtual pedal and, if you have one, you can plug in an expression pedal for control over volume or wah. 12 amp models provide a cross-section of popular makes and models and there are a goodly selection of effects (Cakewalk say there are 36 genuine BOSS effects) so you can dial in just about all the electric guitar sounds youre likely to need on a day-to-day basis and there are also utility presets that can convert guitar sound to bass and provide acoustic guitar simulation. Vocals can likewise get the COSM treatment with pitch correction and harmony generation available.

Cakewalk V-Studio 20

PRICE: 259 ORIGIN: Japan TYPE: Audio interface/software control surface/guitar processor DSP: Maximum 24-bit (depending on software) SAMPLING FREQUENCY: 44.1kHz INPUT CHANNELS: Two CONNECTIONS: XLR mic input x 2, 6.4mm Hi-Z guitar input, 6.4mm line inputs (L&R), RCA phono line outputs (L&R), stereo 6.4mm jack headphone output, USB 2.0 port, footswitch socket, expression pedal socket PHANTOM POWER: Yes EFFECTS: 50 presets EFFECTS TYPES: Comp/FX: compressor, limiter, pedal wah, T wah, pre EQ, slow gear, single hum, hum single, AC sim, radio voice. OD/DS: booster, natural, OD-1, blues, distortion, metal, core, fuzz, bass drive, vocal. Modulation: chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, pan, rotary, Uni-V, three-band EQ. Delay: single, pan, stereo, modulate, analog, tempo. Reverb: room, hall OTHER FEATURES: Tuner, stereo microphone DIMENSIONS: 299 (w) x 144 (d) x 53mm (h) POWER REQUIREMENTS: USB bus power OPTIONS: BOSS FS-5U single and BOSS FS-6 dual foot switches. Roland EV-5, BOSS FV-500L and FV-500H expression pedals INCLUDED SOFTWARE: Cakewalk Guitar Tracks 4 COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: See Cakewalk website (www.cakewalk.com) Roland UK www.roland.co.uk
The VS-20 software features four dedicated pedal modules
If you have your own mic for vocals, plugging it into the VS-20s mic input will yield the best results but you can sing into the onboard mics and get a decent sound. The onboard mics actually work really well in capturing the sound of a band in the room and will also record an acoustic guitar in an assured manner. That said, its slightly disappointing that Roland didnt think to put a mic stand mount on the baseplate to aid positioning. For hands-free recording (and a range of other assignable functions), you can add footswitches to the system. Everything on the hardware interface works seamlessly with Guitar Tracks 4, which is as good an introduction to computer recording software as any Cakewalk says that its designed for guitarists and singer-songwriters, and specifically for users who are just getting started with PC recording or who want a very simple and streamlined application to quickly record ideas. While it may not be as sophisticated as the fully-specd versions of Cubase, Logic or Cakewalks own Sonar (available as an upgrade from Guitar Tracks), it provides all the basic facilities that you need for recording, editing, mixing

and finalizing your music. Included are a suite of 11 effects for use when mixing, Rolands TTS-1 software synth for playing MIDI files and 1GB of backing tracks content in a wide variety of styles over 250 backing tracks, including 18 complete songs. The audio interface and controller portions of the package work flawlessly with other DAWs too Cakewalks website provides software for using the VS-20 as a controller for Logic and GarageBand on the Mac and we got that up and running in seconds.

Verdict

The V-Studio 20 simplifies the whole process of computer recording, offering a neat overall package that will get you recording guitar and vocals on a PC in no time at all. If you already have different recording software or are a Mac user, the fact that you wont be using Guitar Tracks 4 is not an issue as the V-Studio 20 still offers excellent value for money in that you are getting an audio interface, software controller and guitar processor all wrapped up in a compact package that just needs USB power from your computer to operate.

The Bottom Line

We like: Ease of use; hardware control of software; COSM amp sims and effects; built-in mics We dislike: Bundled software is PC-only Guitarist says: Audio interface, control surface and guitar and vocal processing all in one unit affordable and practical

Test results

Build quality Features Sound Value for money GUITARIST RATING
The software makes PC recording as simple as you could hope for
October 2010 Guitarist 133

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