The unit should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation....
This (VK-8) for use only with Roland stand KS-12. Use with other stands is capable of resulting in instability causing possible injury....
Always grasp only the plug on the power-supply cord when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit....
In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit....
Protect the unit from strong impact. (Do not drop it!)....
At regular intervals, you should unplug the power plug and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and other accumulations away from its prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time. Any accumulation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire....
Do not force the units power-supply cord to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially careful when using extension cordsthe total power used by all devices you have connected to the extension cords outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through....
Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children....
Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit....
Never handle the power cord or its plugs with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit....
Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the Information page....
Before moving the unit, disconnect the power plug from the outlet, and pull out all cords from external devices....

Repairs and Data

Placement
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.
Please be aware that all data contained in the units memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs. Important data should always be backed up in another MIDI device (e.g., a sequencer), or written down on paper (when possible). During repairs, due care is taken to avoid the loss of data. However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible to restore the data, and Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

Additional Precautions

This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.
Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them off.
Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important data you have stored in the units memory in another MIDI device (e.g., a sequencer).
Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Also, do not allow lighting devices that normally are used while their light source is very close to the unit (such as a piano light), or powerful spotlights to shine upon the same area of the unit for extended periods of time. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the units memory once it has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

fig.01-16

When the middle C (C4) note is pressed, each harmonic bar will sound the following notes.

one octave below

5 1/3'

2 2/3'

1 3/5'

1 1/3'

VK-8_e.book 26

What Are Feet?

Historically, the feet ( ' symbol) indications of the harmonic bars originate in the length of the pipes of a pipe organ. The length of pipe used to produce the reference pitch (the fundamental) for the keyboard is eight feet. Reducing the pipe to half its length produces a pitch one octave higher; conversely, doubling the pipe length creates a pitch one octave lower. Therefore, a pipe producing a pitch one octave below that of the reference of 8' (eight feet) would be 16'; for one octave above the reference, the pipe would be 4', and to take the pitch up yet another octave it would be shortened to 2'.
On tone wheel organs, the pitch relationship shown in the diagram does not hold true in a certain region of the keyboard (p. 25). In the high range of the keyboard, high-pitched feet are wrapped around one octave down. High footages will be folded back for high notes, while low footages will be folded back for low notes. Folding back the high-frequency portion prevents the high-frequency sounds from being unpleasantly shrill, and folding back the low-frequency portion prevents the sound from becoming muddy. On the VK-8 faithfully simulates this characteristic.
As you can see from the relation of the pitches, the 5-1/3' pitch is unique in that it is not arranged in order of pitch. The reason is that the 5-1/3' sound blends not with the 8' (fundamental), but with the 16' pitch. Acoustic instruments produce sound consisting of frequencies at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency; double, triple, and so on. These are called integer harmonics. Relative to the 8' pitch that is the basic pitch of an organ, the 5-1/3' pitch is not an integer multiple, and does not blend. However, relative to the 16' pitch (which is one octave lower), 5-1/3' is an integer multiple and therefore does blend. (Starting at 16', the 5-1/3' pitch is three times higher.) Because 5-1/3' blends with 16', these two harmonic bars are colored differently than the other harmonic bars, and are placed together.

VK-8_e.book 27

Changing the Organ Sound (Wheel Type, Leakage Level)
Tone Wheel and Leakage Noise are important elements in creating tone wheel organ sounds. Tone wheel Tone wheels are the ninety-one metal disks that produce the sound on tone wheel organs. Teeth are cut into the edge of each disk, and sound is generated by rotating the disks past an electrical coil at a fixed speed. The VK-8 digitally simulates the tone wheel mechanism of a tone wheel organ, and thus provides the rapid response and full polyphony that characterize these instruments. The sounds that are produced by the tone wheels of a tone wheel organ are not precisely pure sine waves, since they are affected by the manufacturing precision of the wheel and by the characteristics of the analog circuitry. However, it is these imperfections in the waveform that give a tone wheel organ its unique character. Leakage Noise On tone wheel organs, the sound of the note that was pressed was slightly contaminated by audio signals from tone wheels not related to that note. Formerly, this was seen as a problem, but today this idiosyncrasy is considered an important element of the distinctive sound of a vintage organ.

Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to switch the type of vibrato or chorus effect.
The indicator of the selected vibrato or chorus effect type will light. Three types of vibrato and three types of chorus are provided (a total of six types).
It is not possible to apply both vibrato and chorus simultaneously. Nor is it possible to select different vibrato or chorus types for the upper part and lower part.

V-1, V-2, V-3

This applies vibrato (pitch modulation). Increasing the value will produce a deeper effect.

C-1, C-2, C-3

This applies chorus to add depth and spaciousness to the sound. Increasing the value will produce a deeper effect.
Vibrato or chorus cannot be applied to percussion.

VK-8_e.book 32

Using the COSM Rotary Speaker Effect (Rotary Sound)
Rotary Sound is an effect which adds the modulation that is produced when organ voices are used with a rotary speaker. On most rotary speakers, the high-frequency speaker and low-frequency speaker rotate at different speeds. The VK-8 can simulate this type of complex modulation.

fig.01-27

The VK-8 uses an effect algorithm based on COSM technology, and is able to faithfully reproduce the modulation of an actual rotary speaker and the irregularities of its rotation. You can also make sophisticated settings, such as the characteristics of the amplifier (p. 33), the resonance of the speaker cabinet, and the distance of the microphone which picks up the sound of the rotary speaker (p. 50).

[SLOW/FAST] button

Switches the speed of the rotary speaker. FAST and SLOW will alternate each time you press the [SLOW/FAST] button. FAST rotation is selected when the indicator blinks rapidly. SLOW rotation is selected when the indicator blinks slowly. When you change between slow/fast, the speed of rotation will change gradually.
You can use a foot switch or D Beam controller to switch the rotary speaker between fast and slow. For details, refer to Using the D BEAM Controller to Produce Common Organ Effects (p. 34) and Assigning a Function to the Control Pedal (p. 40).

[BRAKE] button

This button temporarily halts the rotation of the rotary sound. Button Explanation
The speed of rotation will gradually slow down and then stop. Lit (ON)
When a rotary speaker is connected to the ROTARY TONE CABINET jack on the rear panel, the rotary effect is not applied, and the [SLOW/ FAST] button, [BRAKE]
From a stopped condition, the rotation will gradually become faster. Dark (OFF)
button, and ROTARY SOUND [ON] button function as follows. ROTARY SOUND [ON]

Settings for the Active Expression function can be stored for each preset (p. 39).
Applying the Active Expression Function to the Organ Voice
When you step on the expression pedal lightly, the Other Tones will sound. Depress the pedal further to get the footage of the harmonic bars to gradually change.
Hold down the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] and [PEDAL] buttons, and press the PERCUSSION [SLOW] button.
Applying the Active Expression Function to the Other Tones
When you step on the expression pedal lightly, the organ voice will sound. Depress the pedal some more, and the Other Voice will be added.
Hold down the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] and [PEDAL] buttons and press the PERCUSSION [SOFT] button.
Returning to the Normal Expression Pedal Function
Hold down the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] and [PEDAL] buttons and press the PERCUSSION [THIRD] button.

VK-8_e.book 40

Using a Control Pedal
You can connect a pedal switch or expression pedal to the rear panel CONTROL PEDAL jack, and assign a function to the pedal.

fig.01-39

For some type of pedal switch, the action you obtain when the pedal is pressed will be the opposite of what you intend. In this case, change the polarity of the pedal (p. 56).
Assigning a Function to the Control Pedal
You can change the function that is assigned to the control pedal.
Hold down the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] and [PEDAL] buttons and press the ROTARY [SLOW/FAST] button.
The indicators of buttons [1][8] will blink.
Press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to select the function that you want to assign to the control pedal.
12 different functions can be assigned to the control pedal. You can select any one of these functions by switching the indicator of the [PRESET] button between lit/dark states. The following parameters are assigned to each button. [PRESET] buttons indicator is dark Button Parameter Page The rotary speaker effect can be switched between slow and fast. This will have the same effect as the [SLOW/ FAST] button. The speed of the rotary speaker effect can be freely controlled between slow and fast. This is especially effective when assigned to the expression pedal. This button temporarily halts the rotation of the rotary sound.

VK-8_e.book 46

Saving to a Preset in the Same Bank
Make the panel settings that you want to save in the preset.
Hold down the [WRITE] button, and press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to specify the save-destination preset.
While the preset is being saved, the indicator of the selected preset number button will blink. Once the preset has been saved, the indicator will change from blinking to lit.
Never turn off the power while a preset is being saved. Doing so may damage the unit.
Saving to a Preset in Another Bank
Make the panel settings that you want to save in the preset. Hold down the [WRITE] button, and press the [BANK] button and one of the buttons from [1] through [8].
The save-destination bank will be selected.
Hold down the [WRITE] button and press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to specify the save-destination preset.
While the preset is being saved, the indicator of the selected preset number button will blink. When the preset has been saved, the indicator will change from blinking to lit.

Copying a preset

Selecting the copy-source preset
Press the [PRESET] button to make its indicator light. Hold down the [BANK] button and press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to select the bank of the copy-source preset. Press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to select the number of the copy-source preset.
The indicator of the number button you selected will light.
The indicator of the selected bank will light while you hold down the [BANK] button.
If you want to save the settings in a preset of the same bank, step 4 is not necessary.
Selecting the copy-destination preset
Hold down the [WRITE] button and [BANK] button, and press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to specify the bank of the copy-destination preset.
Hold down the [WRITE] button and press one of the buttons from [1] through [8] to select the copy-destination preset number.
While the preset is being saved, the indicator of the selected preset number will blink. When the preset has been saved, the indicator will change from blinking to lit.

VK-8_e.book 47

Advanced Use
Edit mode allows you to get the most out of the VK-8s functions by making more detailed settings. This section explains the functions that can be set in Edit mode. In this owners manual, the process of modifying a setting is referred to as editing, and the item of data that is modified is referred to as a parameter.

Basic Procedure

Here is the basic procedure for each edit mode. For details, refer to the explanation for each edit mode.
1. Hold down the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] and
[PEDAL] buttons, and press the [***] button. The indicators of the [1][8] buttons will blink.

State of the D BEAM Indicators in Edit Mode When the setting is 0127, 010, or 015, 031.
The minimum value (0) will be when the D Beam indicators are all dark, and the maximum value when they are all lit. As you increase the value, the D Beam indicators will successively light from the bottom.
The setting will increase as you turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob clockwise, and will decrease as you turn it counterclockwise. When you press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [ON] button, this will return to the default setting.
If the setting is an ON or OFF switch
This will be OFF (0) when all D Beam indicators are dark, and ON when they are all lit. OFF ON
This will be ON when the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob is turned to the right, and OFF when turned to the left. When you press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [ON] button, this will return to the default setting.
When the setting is -50+5, -60+5, -1000+100, or -30+3
The lit location of the D Beam Type indicator shows the approximate value. When the value is 0, the center D Beam Type indicator (RING MODULATOR indicator) will light. D Beam Type indicators below the middle will indicate a negative value, and D Beam Type indicators above the middle will indicate a positive value.
Turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob clockwise to increase the value, or counterclockwise to decrease it. When you press VIBRATO AND CHORUS [ON], this will return to the default setting.

VK-8_e.book 49

Settings That Are Saved for the Entire System

Rotary-related Settings

[PEDAL] buttons and press the [TONE WHEEL] button. The indicators of the buttons [1][8] will blink.

the setting.

4. If you want to adjust the setting of another parameter,
press the appropriate button from [1] through [8] to select the parameter, and turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to adjust the setting. When you want to stop editing, press the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] button.
the parameter that you want to edit. There are 14 rotary-related parameters. You can select all of these parameters by controlling the lighted/ extinguished state of the [PRESET] buttons indicator.

MIDI channel.

pedal parts. It is not possible to select the same channel for two or more parts. MIDI channels which have already been assigned will not be available for selection.
Set the control MIDI channel to a different channel than used
CONTROL MIDI CH. (Control MIDI Channel) (116) (Initial setting: 1 ch.)
Select the MIDI channel that will used to transmit and receive MIDI messages to control the VK-8. This channel can be used to select presets on the VK-8, and to control the expression of the organ voice, etc.
for Drum/Other Tone/Spring Shock. It is not possible to select the same MIDI channel. Nor is it possible to select a MIDI channel thats already selected.

VK-8_e.book 55

Instructions for Playing External MIDI Sound Modules with the VK-8 The VK-8s keyboard was designed specifically for organ use, so it does not support the use of velocity. The instruments keyboard behaves like those of traditional organs, with sounds being produced even at the slightest touch of the keys. This allows you to perform using glissando, rapid fingering, and other techniques characteristic of the organ. When recording your organ performances with the VK-8, we recommend using the organ MIDI channels. Velocity is featured with the Other Tones; when recording performances using the Other Tones and when controlling external sound modules, we recommend that you make your sound selections from the Other Tones and use the MIDI channel for Other Tones. With the factory settings, UPPER ORGAN MIDI CH. is set to Channel 1, LOWER ORGAN MIDI CH. to Channel 3, PEDAL ORGAN MIDI CH. to Channel 2, and OTHER TONES MIDI CH. to Channel 4.
appropriate button from [1] through [7] to select the parameter, and turn the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob to adjust the setting. When you want to stop editing, press the HARMONIC BAR PART [UPPER] button.
5. Press the [WRITE] button to finalize the settings of
these parameters. Parameter settings will be saved. While the parameters are being saved, the [1][8] buttons will blink.
You cannot turn off the organ MIDI output.

EQ BASS (-50+5)

Adjusts the tone quality of the organ voices lower range. Turning the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob toward the right will emphasize the lower range of frequencies, while turning it toward the left will reduce the volume of the lower range.
Set the Other Tones level to 0 when using an external sound module or when the Other Tones are not needed.
Equalizer and Other Settings
[PEDAL] buttons and press the [AMPLIFIER] button. The indicators of buttons [1][7] will blink.

EQ MIDDLE (-50+5)

Adjusts the tone quality of the organ voices midrange. Turning the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] knob toward the right will emphasize the midrange frequencies, while turning it toward the left will reduce the volume of the midrange.

Connect the VK-8 to your sequencer
6. Start recording on your sequencer. 7. Press the [VIBRATO AND CHORUS] button to begin
saving the settings. While the settings are being saved, the D BEAM type indicators will light in succession, starting from the bottom. When the save has been completed, all indicators of the D Beam Type will blink.

sequencer is off.

8. Press the ROTARY SOUND [BRAKE] button. 9. Stop recording on your sequencer.
Loading Back Data Thats Been Saved on an External Sequencer
VK-8 to your sequencer. Connect the VK-8s MIDI IN connector to the sequencers MIDI OUT connector
3. Turn on the power of your sequencer and VK-8. 4. Play back your sequencer.
Connect the VK-8s MIDI OUT connector to the sequencers MIDI IN connector When the playback has been completed, all indicators of the VIBTATO AND CHORUS Type and VIBRATO AND CHORUS [ON] button will blink.
5. When the external sequencer has finished playing
back, press the VIBRATO AND CHORUS [ON] button. The data from the external sequencer has thus been loaded into the VK-8.

VK-8_e.book 62

Connecting a Rotary Speaker
In addition to providing a rotary speaker effect, the VK-8 also allows you to connect an actual rotary speaker. Connect your rotary speaker to the ROTARY TONE CABINET connector located on the rear panel.

fig.03-05

Pin No. No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 No. 8 No. 9 No. 10 No. 11
Output data ORGAN & OTHER TONES ORGAN & OTHER TONES NC GND GND POWER ON/OFF CONTROL FAST CONTROL SLOW CONTROL NC NC +24 V IN
Pin Nos. 1 and 2 are the output of the organ voice and OTHER TONES.
Pin Nos. 6, 7, and 8 are the open collector output, and are at a nominal voltage of 530 V DC, and nominal loaded current of 50 mA maximum.
Pin no. 11 detects the connection. If the nominal input voltage is outside the acceptable range (1830 V DC), the connection will not operate correctly.
Connecting a speaker which does not meet the following specifications may cause malfunctions.
The pinout for the ROTARY TONE CABINET connector is as follows:

fig.03-06

The volume of the external speaker can be adjusted by the [MASTER VOLUME] knob. ROTARY [SLOW/FAST] button will switch the rotational speed of the connected rotary speaker. ROTARY [BRAKE] button will temporarily stop the rotation of the connected speaker. To resume rotation, press ROTARY [BRAKE] button again, or press ROTARY [SLOW/FAST] button.

VK-8_e.book 74

Status 2nd byte CnH ppH n = MIDI channel number : pp = program number : * 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16) 00H - 3FH (prog.1 - prog.64) (Preset) 00H - 07H (prog.1 - prog.8) (Other Tones) Not received when MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE SWITCH is OFF (p. 53) (factory setting: ON).
3. Parameter address map (MODEL ID = 00 4DH)
Transmission of # marked address is divided to some packets. For example, ABH in hexadecimal notation will be divied to 0AH and 0BH, and is sent/received in this order. ++ | Start | | | Address | Description | |+| | | System | |+| | | Temporary Preset | | : | | |+| | | User Preset (01) | | | User Preset (02) | | : | | | 20 3F | User Preset (64) | ++ System ++ | Offset | | | Address | Description | |+| | 00 | System Common | | 00 | System MIDI | | 00 | System Organ | | 00 | System FX | ++ Preset ++ | Offset | | | Address | Description | |+| | 00 | Preset Common | | 00 | Preset Organ | | 00 | Preset FX | ++ System Common ++ | Offset | | | Address | Description | |+| |# | 0000 aaaa | | | | 0000 bbbb | | | | 0000 cccc | | | | 0000 dddd | Master Tune (24 2024) | | | | 100.0 100.0 [cent] | | | 0000 aaaa | Key Transpose (58 69) | | | | 6 +5 | | | 0000 aaaa | Foot Control Assign (0 10) | | | | ROTARY SLOW/FAST, ROTARY SPEED, | | | | ROTARY BRAKE ON/OFF, OTHER TONES | | | | GLIDE, PRESET UP, OVERDRIVE, | | | | OTHER TONES EXPRESSION, D BEAM SYNC, | | | | CRESCENDO, RING MODULATION, | | | | TONE WHEEL BRAKE, SPRING SHOCK | | | 0000 000a | Foot Control Polarity (0 1) | | | | STANDARD, REVERSE | | | 0000 000a | Hold Pedal Polarity (0 1) | | | | STANDARD, REVERSE | |+| | | Total Size | ++ System MIDI ++ | Offset | | | Address | Description | |+| | | 0000 aaaa | Control Channel (0 15) | | | | | | | 0000 aaaa | Upper Channel (0 15) | | | | | | | 0000 aaaa | Lower Channel (0 15) | | | | | | | 0000 aaaa | Pedal Channel (0 15) | | | | | | | 0000 aaaa | Other Tones Channel (0 15) | | | | | | | 0000 aaaa | Drums Channel (0 15) | | | | | | | 0000 aaaa | Spring Shock Channel (0 15) | | | | | |+| | | 0000 000a | Sound Controlers Switch (0 1) | | | | OFF, ON | | | 0000 000a | General Controlers Switch (0 1) | | | | OFF, ON | | | 0000 000a | Program Change Switch (0 1) | | | | OFF, ON | |+| | 00 0A | Total Size | ++

System Realtime Message

Active sensing
Status FEH * This will be transmitted constantly at intervals of approximately 250 ms.
Identity Reply and Data Set 1 (DT1) are the only System Exclusive messages transmitted by VK-8. When an appropriate Identity Request Message and Data Request 1 (RQ1) message are received, the requested internal data will be transmitted.

Identity Reply

Status F0H Status F7H Data byte 7EH, dev, 06H, 02H, 41H, 4DH, 01H, 00H, 00H, 00H, 01H, 00H, 02H

Examples of System Exclusive Messages and Calculating the Checksum
Roland exclusive messages (RQ1, DT1) are transmitted with a checksum at the end of the data (before F7) to check that the data was received correctly. The value of the checksum is determined by the address and data (or size) of the exclusive message.
How to calculate the checksum
The checksum consists of a value whose lower 7 bits are 0 when the address, size and checksum itself are added. The following formula shows how to calculate the checksum when the exclusive message to be transmitted has an address of aa bb cc ddH, and data or size of ee ffH. aa + bb + cc + dd + ee + ff = total total 128 = quotient. remainder 128 - remainder = checksum
<Example1> Turn the Temporary Preset Organ percussion switch ON (DT1).
The Parameter address map indicates that the starting address of the Temporary Preset is 00 00H, that the Preset Organ Parameter offset address is 10 00H, and that the PERCUSSION SWITCH address is 00 14H. Thus, the address is: 00 00H 10 00H +) 00 14H --------------10 14H Since ON is parameter value 01H, F4D 14 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) address (1) Exclusive status (4) model ID (VK-8)

01 data

?? checksum

F7 (6)

(2) ID number (Roland) (5) command ID (DT1)
(3) device ID(17) (6) EOX
Next we calculate the checksum. 10H + 00H + 10H + 14H + 01H = 16 + 0 + 16 + 20 + 1 = 53 (sum) 53 (total) 128 = 0 (quotient). 53 (remainder) checksum = 128 - 53 (quotient) = 75 = 4BH This means that the message transmitted will be F4D 4B F7.
<Example2> Obtain preset organ parameter data for User Preset: 02 (RQ1).
The Parameter address map indicates that the starting address of USER: 02 is 00 00H, and that the offset address of Organ Parameter is 10 00H. Thus, the address is: 00 00H +) 10 00H --------------10 00H Since the size of the Performance Part is 00 1AH, F4D 1A (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) address data (1) Exclusive status (4) Model ID (VK-8) (2) ID number (Roland) (5) Command ID (RQ1)
<Example1> What is the decimal equivalent of 5AH?

*7 Wheel Brake *8 The Messages will be received on the channel specified by Control MIDI Channel. *9 Harmonic Bar *10 Received Data will be handled in the same way as the HOLD PEDAL jack of the VK-8 itself. *11 Preset will be switched by received MIDI message. *12 Rotary Speed *13 Rotary Brake
Mode 1 : OMNI ON, POLY Mode 3 : OMNI OFF, POLY
Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO Mode 4 : OMNI OFF, MONO

O : Yes X : No

VK-8_e.book 78

Main Specification

VK-8: Combo Organ

AMPLIFIER

[OVERDRIVE] knob, [AMPLIFIER] button, [TONE] knob

Keyboard

Waterfall keyboard 61 keys (with velocity)

REVERB

REVERB [LEVEL] knob, [REVERB] button

Sound Generator

Organ: Virtual Tone Wheel Method OTHER TONES: PCM Sound Generator

OTHER TONES

[PIANO] button, [ELECTRIC PIANO 1] button, [ELECTRIC PIANO 2] button, [STRINGS] button, [JAZZ SCAT] button, [CHOIR] button, [SYNTH] button, [BRASS] button [OTHER TONES LEVEL] knob
Upper Organ, Lower Organ, Pedal Organ, Other Tones

Maximum Polyphony

Organ: Full Polyphony Orchestral: 64 voices

PRESET

[WRITE] button, [BANK] button, [PRESET] button, [1][8] buttons

Organ

Tone wheel
VINTAGE 1, VINTAGE 2, CLEAN
[SECOND] button, [THIRD] button, [SOFT] button, [SLOW] button
Leakage Level Vibrato and Chorus
V-1, V-2, V-3, C-1, C-2, C-3

ROTARY SOUND

ROTARY [ON] button, [BRAKE] button, [SLOW/FAST] button

Others

[SPLIT] button, [H-BAR MANUAL] button, [MASTER VOLUME] knob
SECOND, THIRD, SOFT, SLOW

AMP simulator

TYPE I, TYPE II, TYPE III

Connectors

OUTPUT Jacks (L (MONO)/R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type PHONES Jack: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type EXPRESSION PEDAL Jack HOLD PEDAL Jack CONTROL PEDAL Jack MIDI Connectors (KEYBOARD IN, PEDAL IN, OUT) ROTARY TONE CABINET Connector AC Inlet

Overdrive Tone Reverb

ROOM, HALL, CHRCH, SPRING Reverb Level

D BEAM

CRESCENDO, ROTARY SPEED, RING MODULATOR, TONE WHEEL BRAKE, SPRING SHOCK

Power

AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V

OTHER TONES

PIANO, ELECTRIC PIANO 1, ELECTRIC PIANO 2, STRINGS, JAZZ SCAT, CHOIR, SYNTH, BRASS

Power Consumption

Finish
Top Panel: Simulated Walnut Side Panel: Natural Wood Walnut Finish

Effect

Chorus, Reverb

Internal Memory

Preset memory: 64 (User Memory)

Dimensions

1160 (W) x 344 (D) x 109 (H) mm 45-11/16 (W) x 13-9/16 (D) x 4-5/16 (H) inches

Control

Harmonic Bar
16', 5-1/3', 8', 4', 2-2/3', 2', 1-3/5', 1-1/3', 1'

INDONESIA

PT Citra IntiRama J1. Cideng Timur No. 15J-150 Jakarta Pusat INDONESIA TEL: (021) 6324170

CYPRUS

Radex Sound Equipment Ltd. 17, Diagorou Street, Nicosia, CYPRUS TEL: (022) 66-9426

PARAGUAY

Distribuidora De Instrumentos Musicales J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira Asuncion PARAGUAY TEL: (595) 21 492147
Comercial Fancy II S.A. Rut.: 96.919.420-1 Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor Santiago - Centro, CHILE TEL: (02) 688-9540

IRELAND

Roland Ireland G2 Calmount Park, Calmount Avenue, Dublin 12 Republic of IRELAND TEL: (01) 4294444
MOCO INC. No.41 Nike St., Dr.Shariyati Ave., Roberoye Cerahe Mirdamad Tehran, IRAN TEL: (021) 285-4169
Cosmos Corporation 1461-9, Seocho-Dong, Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA TEL: (02) 3486-8855

U. S. A.

Roland Corporation U.S. 5100 S. Eastern Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938, U. S. A. TEL: (323) 890 3700
Audionet Distribuciones Musicales SAC Juan Fanning 530 Miraflores Lima - Peru TEL: (511) 4461388

MALAYSIA

Roland Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. 45-1, Block C2, Jalan PJU 1/39, Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA TEL: (03) 7805-3263

COLOMBIA

Centro Musical Ltda. Cra 43 B No 25 A 41 Bododega 9 Medellin, Colombia TEL: (574)3812529
Roland Italy S. p. A. Viale delle Industrie 8, 20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY TEL: (02) 937-78300

ISRAEL

Halilit P. Greenspoon & Sons Ltd. 8 Retzif Ha'aliya Hashnya St. Tel-Aviv-Yafo ISRAEL TEL: (03) 6823666
As of August 1, 2005 (ROLAND)

VK-8_e.book 83

For EU Countries This product complies with the requirements of European Directives EMC 89/336/EEC and LVD 73/23/EEC.

For the USA

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment. This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.

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Page 1
When a Single Manual Isnt Enough
With the Roland VK-77, discriminating rock and jazz organ players now have a stunning, full-featured dual-manual combo organ at the ready. With two 61-key manuals and Rolands acclaimed Virtual ToneWheel modeling technology inside, the VK-77 gives organists a compact, lightweight version of the classic rock and jazz organs with every drop of tonal nuanceplus so much more.
Powered By Virtual ToneWheel Technology
By simulating 91 tone wheel voices in constant independent oscillation, the VK-77s Virtual ToneWheel technology produces some of the most stellar organ sounds everbolstered by additional tonal variations including Wheel Type (Vintage 1, Vintage 2, Solid, and Clean) and Wheel Table (Mellow, Bright, and Low-Boost Mellow).

Feels Like a Classic

Made for performance, the VK-77 sports 21 independent harmonic bars, a new Bender/Modulation lever and convenient Registration buttons for quick changes between registration memories. An optional PK-7 20-Key Pedalboard allows for pedal bass control complete with Pedal Attack and Pedal Sustain functions.
The VK-8 Combo Organ is the culmination of years of Roland research and design. This single-manual organ inherits the acclaimed Virtual ToneWheel sound generator of the flagship VK-77 while offering new enhancements like a waterfall keyboard, D-Beam controller and enhanced rotary speaker modeling. Quite simply, this is the most realistic and comfortable single-manual organ available today. Classic sound and classic looks: thats the Roland VK-8.

OPTIONS

The Perfect Amp for VK-Series Organs!
The KC-1000 Stereo Mixing Keyboard Amplifier uses a powerful 310-watt, seven-speaker system and DSP technology to accurately reproduce the Virtual ToneWheel sound of Rolands VK-Series Combo Organs. A dedicated Organ input with proprietary RSS and COSM technology creates realistic tone cabinet reverberation, while a unique Ambient effectplus split-frequency compression and 3-band EQmakes getting the perfect tone easy.

KC-1000

Stereo Mixing Keyboard Amplifier
Keyboard Stand (For VK-77)
Keyboard Stand (For VK-8)

BNC-25

Organ Bench

25-Key Pedalboard

Dynamic MIDI Pedal

KC-500/300/100

Mixing Keyboard Amplifier
Once a musical instrument generates sound vibrations, it reaches the human ear through various mediating objects, each of which significantly affects the sound. The material and configuration of the instrument, the electric/electronic/magnetic amplifying system, the air and the reverberation of the room all affect the final sound. Sound modeling, the latest DSP technology, "virtually" reconstructs these objects. Roland's breakthrough Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) uses the advantages of multiple modeling methods and succeeds in accurately emulating existing sounds, as well as producing sounds that have never before been created.

Roland Corporation U.S.

5100 S. Eastern Avenue, P.O.Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA90091-0921 Phone: (323) 890-3700 Fax: (323) 890-3701 Visit us online at www.rolandus.com
All specifications and appearances are subject to change. All trademarks used in this catalog are the property of their respective companies. Printed in Japan FEB. 2002 RAM-3521 ERK-GEN-SE C-4

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Authentic Playability

It doesnt matter how good an organ sounds if playing it doesnt feel right. Thats why Roland gave the VK-8 a true waterfall-style keyboard. These smooth-edged keys practically invite playing and sliding while their ultra-fast triggering makes them great for performing glissandos from soft to heavy and quick. And just like the classic organs that used this type of keyboard, the VK-8s 61 keys are ivory-colored for true authenticity. Organ aficionados will feel right at home with the VK-8s panel layout as well. The familiar Vibrato/Chorus knob is located just as it was on the original. Theres even a dedicated Percussion button! In fact, the entire panel of the VK-8 is modeled after traditional combo organs, making it easy to navigate during performance or change tones using the nine harmonic bars, conveniently placed to the left of the keyboard.

Real Rotary Speaker Sounds!
But thats only half the story, since everyone knows that a rotary speaker is equally important. Thankfully, the VK-8 excels in this area as well, using proprietary COSM technology to model not only the unique sound of a rotary speaker, but the construction of its tube amp circuits, actual speaker cabinet characteristics and natural ambience. Theres also a killer overdrive effect for those down and dirty rock organ sounds, or when you simply want some incredibly deep tones.
starting with the higher harmonic bars and moving towards the lower bars. Alternatively, Active Expression can be used to slowly fade in an instrument tone while using an organ tone creating a full, rich sound, hands-free.

VK-8 SPECIFICATIONS

Keyboard Waterfall keyboard 61 keys (with velocity) Sound Generator Organ: Virtual Tone Wheel Method OTHER TONES: PCM Sound Generator Part Upper Organ, Lower Organ, Pedal Organ, Other Tones Maximum Polyphony Organ: Full Polyphony Orchestral: 64 voices Organ Tone wheel: VINTAGE 1, VINTAGE 2, CLEAN Leakage Level Vibrato and Chorus: V-1, V-2, V-3, C-1, C-2, C-3 Percussion: SECOND, THIRD, SOFT, SLOW AMP simulator: TYPE I, TYPE II, TYPE III Overdrive Tone Reverb: ROOM, HALL, CHRCH, SPRING, Reverb Level D BEAM: CRESCENDO, ROTARY SPEED, RING MODULATOR, TONE WHEEL BRAKE, SPRING SHOCK OTHER TONES PIANO, ELECTRIC PIANO 1, ELECTRIC PIANO 2, STRINGS, JAZZ SCAT, CHOIR, SYNTH, BRASS Effect: Chorus, Reverb Internal Memory Preset memory: 64 (User Memory) Connectors AC Inlet, MIDI Connector (KEYBOARD IN, PEDAL IN, OUT), HOLD PEDAL Jack, EXPRESSION PEDAL Jack, CONTROL PEDAL Jack, OUTPUT Jack (L (MONO)/R): 1/4 inch TRS phone type, PHONES Jack: Stereo 1/4 inch phone type, ROTARY TONE CABINET Connector Power AC 117 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V Power Consumption 15 W Finish Top Panel: Simulated Walnut Side Panel: Natural Wood Walnut Finish Dimensions 1160 (W) x 344 (D) x 109 (H) mm, 45-11/16 (W) x 13-9/16 (D) x 4-5/16 (H) inches Weight 14.5 kg / 32 lbs Accessories Owners Manual, Edit Mode Quick Reference, Power cable

Built for Performance

With two MIDI inputs, the VK-8 can be connected to an external keyboard for double-manual applications, and an optional PK-7 Pedalboard for kicking bass. An Expression Pedal input makes creating swells easy; its also great for the aforementioned Active Expression feature. And when paired up with Rolands awesome-sounding KC-1000 Stereo Mixing Keyboard Amplifier, you get the best match for the VK-8s distinctive organ sounds thanks to ultra-realistic RSS and COSM cabinet reverberation.

OPTIONAL PEDALS

* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

VK-8 REAR PANEL

Expression Pedal Jack

Taking the Organ Further

The VK-8s impressive organ sounds are further complemented by a collection of high-quality instruments: everything from electric/acoustic pianos and strings to brass, choir, jazz scat voices and synths. Theres also a futuristic D-Beam controller, allowing players to create a range of effects during performancefrom tone wheel motor stops and rotary speed control to the shock sound of spring reverb using an infrared beam of light. New to the VK-8 is Rolands Active Expression feature, for creating two types of crescendos using an optional expression pedal. For example, when playing organ sounds, Active Expression creates a swell

Control Pedal Jack Hold Pedal Jack MIDI Connectors (Keyboard In/Pedal In/Out)
Phones Jack Rotary Tone Cabinet Connector

Output Jacks (L(Mono)/R)

Enhanced Virtual ToneWheel Engine
At the heart of the VK-8 is a sound generator with Virtual ToneWheel Technology identical to the popular VK-77. This gives the VK-8 rich, warm tones with a choice of three tone wheel typesVintage 1, Vintage 2 and Cleanwhich can be further adjusted using nine harmonic bars. Best of all, each of the VK-8s three parts (Upper, Lower and Pedal) are fully polyphonic.

20-Key Pedalboard

Expression Pedal
Only the Roland VK-8 gives you vintage tone and playability with modern features you cant live without.
*D-Beam light has been colored for illustraitive purposes only. Actual infrared light beam is invisible.