Roland V-STAGE 88 Digital Keyboard Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Roland V-STAGE is a premium instrument designed for professional stage performers, offering advanced creative control. It integrates Roland's sound technologies with a streamlined workflow, providing versatility and responsiveness. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your V-STAGE 88 digital keyboard.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Roland V-STAGE 88 digital keyboard.

2. Product Features

The V-STAGE 88 is equipped with a range of features to enhance your musical performance and production:

• Four Independent Sound Engines: Powered by Roland’s advanced modeling and sound technologies.
• Acoustic Piano Engine: Developed with V-Piano technology, including two concert grands, an upright piano, a felt piano, and Piano Designer tools for sound customization.
• Electric Piano Engine: Features SuperNATURAL advancements with Tine, Reed, Digital, and Clavinet types, customizable sound parameters, adjustable key touch, and dedicated EP effects.
• Organ Engine: Three-part console model driven by Virtual Tone Wheel technology, two vintage transistor types, a pipe organ type, and new overdrive and rotary speaker effects.
• ZEN-Core Synthesizer Engine: Over 400 onboard sounds, supporting SDZ Sound Packs and Model Expansions from Roland Cloud (JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, JX-8P, and SH-101 Model Expansion titles are free downloads for registered V-STAGE owners).
• Intuitive Panel Layout: Discrete sections and hands-on controls for sound engines and effects.
• Scene Management: Store and recall complete keyboard setups with 512 Scenes and manage complex setlists with 128 Scene Chains.
• Total Effects Section: Independent delay and reverb, legendary Roland multi-effects, plus a master section with compressor and EQ for sound shaping.
• Comprehensive Audio Connectivity: Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch main stereo outputs, two balanced sub outputs, XLR microphone input with panel volume control, and stereo line inputs for external sources.

Figure 2.1: Detailed view of the V-STAGE 88 front panel controls and display.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your Roland V-STAGE 88:

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove the V-STAGE 88 from its packaging. Ensure all components, including the power cord and owner's manual, are present.
2. Placement: Place the keyboard on a stable, flat surface or a compatible keyboard stand. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit.
3. Power Connection: Connect the included power cord to the AC IN port on the rear panel of the V-STAGE 88 and then to a suitable power outlet.
4. Sustain Pedal (Optional): If using an external sustain pedal, connect it to the SUSTAIN jack on the rear panel.
5. Audio Output: Connect your audio system (e.g., amplifier, mixer, headphones) to the MAIN OUT BALANCED (XLR) or 1/4-inch outputs. For headphones, use the PHONES jack.
6. Microphone/Line Input (Optional): If using a microphone or external audio source, connect it to the MIC INPUT (XLR) or LINE INPUT (TRS) jacks.
7. MIDI/USB Connection (Optional): For MIDI control or computer connectivity, use the MIDI IN/OUT/THRU ports or the USB COMPUTER port.

Figure 3.1: Rear panel connections for power, audio, and pedals.

4. Operating Instructions

The V-STAGE 88 offers extensive control over its sound engines and effects. Here's a basic guide to operation:

4.1 Power On/Off

Press the [POWER] button located on the top left of the control panel to turn the unit on or off. Allow a few moments for the system to boot up.

4.2 Selecting Sounds (Scenes)

The V-STAGE 88 organizes sounds and settings into 'Scenes'.

• Use the [SELECT] button in the SCENE section and the data dial to browse and select different Scenes.
• Scenes can combine sounds from multiple engines with effects and other settings.
• The color LCD display provides real-time information about the selected Scene and its parameters.

4.3 Sound Engine Controls

Each of the four sound engines (Organ, Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer) has dedicated control sections:

• Organ: Adjust drawbars, overdrive, vibrato/chorus, and percussion settings.
• Acoustic Piano: Select tone types (Grand, Upright), adjust brightness, and stereo width. Utilize the Piano Designer for detailed customization.
• Electric Piano: Choose tone types (Tine, Reed, Digital, Clavinet), and adjust parameters like tremolo depth/rate, drive, and various effects.
• Synthesizer: Select tone types (Strings, Lead, Pad, Bass), adjust filter cutoff, and envelope parameters (Attack, Release).

Figure 4.1: Close-up of the sound engine control sections.

4.4 Effects and Master Section

The V-STAGE 88 includes comprehensive effects and a master section:

• Total Effects: Control delay and reverb levels and times.
• Master EQ: Adjust High, Mid, and Low frequencies for overall sound shaping.
• Master Compressor: Apply compression to the final output.

Figure 4.2: Close-up of the Total Effects and Master EQ/Compressor sections.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your V-STAGE 88:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface of the keyboard. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner, then wipe dry immediately. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents.
• Key Care: Keep the keys clean and free from dust. Avoid excessive force when playing to prevent damage.
• Storage: When not in use, cover the keyboard with a dust cover to protect it from dust and debris. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Software Updates: Periodically check the official Roland website for firmware updates. Keeping your V-STAGE 88 updated ensures you have the latest features and performance enhancements.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your V-STAGE 88, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• No Power: Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the keyboard and the power outlet. Verify the power outlet is functional.
• No Sound: Check the Master Volume slider and ensure it is not set to minimum. Verify that your audio cables are correctly connected to the output jacks and your audio system. Ensure the connected audio system is powered on and its volume is adjusted. Check individual sound engine levels within the selected Scene.
• Distorted Sound: Reduce the Master Volume or individual sound engine levels. Check for loose or damaged audio cables.
• Keys Not Responding: Ensure the keyboard is powered on. If only certain keys are affected, contact customer support.
• Display Issues: If the display is blank or frozen, try restarting the unit. If the problem persists, contact customer support.

For more detailed troubleshooting, consult the full owner's manual available on the Roland website or contact Roland customer support.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, including coverage period and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Roland website. Roland provides customer support for product inquiries, technical assistance, and service requests.

Visit the Roland Store for additional product information and support resources.