- from Roland information, printed in Japan RAM-718 '87 Sep. C-4 AVS
- A vast new realm of musical expression for vocalist and wind players
- A new Dimension in Performance
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Full MIDI musical control is now available for wind players and vocalists.
The world of electronic music composition and performance has grown tremendously in a very short time.
MIDI has opened up powerful new venues of expression for the keyboardist, guitarist, and percussionist. Now,
vocalists and wind players can finally enjoy the same advantages of control and expression. The VP-70
Voice/Instrument Processor, packaged in a slim 1U size rack-mount module, contains four pitch shifters as
well as pitch-to-MIDI conversion circuitry. The VP-70 creates five note polyphony from a monophonic input,
and permits control of MIDI sequencers and sound modules from a single microphone. A vocalist can sing
lead and back-up, a wind player can play two parts, and a synthesizer can be controlled- all simultaneously.
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The Harmonize mode adds the musical expression of chords to a melody
The VP-70 features a Harmonize mode as well as a Pitch Follow mode. Both modes allow the pitch shifters
to be controlled in real time by the internal memory (128 patch memory), external MIDI keyboard, or a MIDI
sequencer. The optional FC-100 Foot Controller can also be used to instantly switch the patch memory In
Harmonize mode, operation of each of the four pitch shifters is determined by the amount of pitch shift
designated by the user. The pitch shift can be set within a range of +1 octave. As shown in figure 1, C4 E4,
and G4 are played on the keyboard when an F4 sound is input. In this mode however the keyboard functions
on the amount of pitch shift in semitones based on C4. As shown in the figure, the designated pitch shift is +0,
+3 degrees (third), and +5 degrees (perfect tifth). If a different sound input for these settings, a major chord will
be output with the input sound as the root. Although a keyboard is used to illustrate this feature, the situation in
the internal memory is identical for other inputs. Various harmonies such as minor and major7fh chords as well
as octave effects can be programmed, and the settings can be changed in real-time.
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A more creative Vocoder with the Pitch Follow mode
In the Pitch Follow mode, operation of the pitch shifters is designated by the key note of the
output sound.(See Fig. 2.) The VP-70 transposes the keyboard intervals to produce a chord based
of the input pitch.
- As shown in Fig. 1, the keyboard plays C4, E4, and G4, but the output is F4, A4, and C3. Simply
put, output is changed to the designated pitches, regardless of the input pitch, as long as it
is within the ca. 1 octave pitch shift range. In the case of a vocalist, use of the VP-70 for
control of a MIDI keyboard allows for a vocoder effec. Because the acoustic nuances of the
vocalist are maintained, the VP-70 offers greater creative expression than a vocoder.
For example, as the vocalist sings the melody in a slow tempo, the keyboard plays chords
which form the background vocals. In other words, the melody line is transformed into chords.
If the keyboard sound is also audible, the vocal section any keyboard chords are in unison,
allowing one performer to create a world of rich sound. Horn players can also take advantage
of this feature.
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Detune and Unison functions for rich chorus effects
To simplify the explanation of the previous modes, we have only described the setting of the pitch shift in
semitones. Actually, much finer detune settifigs are possible for both the Harmonize and Pitch modes. When
the amount of pitch is controlled in the internal memory, a detune value can be set for each pitch
shifter. When pitch shifters are used to create one sound, the detune function can be set to slightly shift the
sound up and down for a rich, heavy chorus effect. Because a change in the detune value alters the nuance of
the sound, expression of a wide range of sounds is possible. Another feature allows a MIDI keyboard to control
the amount of pitch shift. The VP-70 is equipped with a Unison feature which allows even more effective use of
detuning.
- As shown in Fig. 3, the Unison function and the Detune change width create the automatic
performance of a four note unison effect when a single key is pressed, and a two note unison effect when two
keys are pressed. When three or more keys are pressed, the VP-70 is programmed to cancel the unison
function and to allow the normal pitch shift function to operate. The sound of this chorus effect is more natura
because it avoids the frequency modulation of standard chorus effects. It is ideal for vocals and horns because
the original sound is not changed in any way, and it is also effective in giving richness to guitar and keyboard
sounds.
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Voice to MIDI function: control a MiDI sound source any signal
The revolutionary Voice to MIDI function allows monophonic control of a MIDI instrument by a
vocalist's voice or wind instrument. The pitch and level of the sound input to the VP-70 are
converted into MIDI messages for note, pitch bend volume, and after-touch. Signals are then
sent to the sound source. Of course, this function can be used with the normal pitch shift
functions.
- If the connection shown in Fig. 4 is made, vocal or horn solo lines can be played as an
ensemble, playing the sounds of the MIDI sound source. This offers completely new and
unlimited musical applications.
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Tuning Function, Out Mode, etc. - a wide range of functions for complete musical expression
The VP-70 offers the following features for expressive musical performance:
*A Tuning function (shown in the photo below)
for controlling the pitch between the input signal and the VP-70.
*Three output modes for effective use of stereo effects.
*Mono Mode for pitch control of the VP-70 by the GM-70 guitar to MIDI converter or MC-500.
The Data Transfer function allows patch memory data to be controlled by a MIDI sequencer (or other device).
The VP-70 new effects for musicians who are seeking expressive sound possibilities. For vocalists and
wind players, the VP-70 opens the door to bold new musical horizons.
SAMPLE APPLICATIONS:
TYPICAL VP-70 SETUP:
SPECIFICATIONS:
