Page 2 - Contents; Settings
2 Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 4) 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 fea...
Page 3 - Appendix
3 Contents Saving a Patch (PATCH WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Saving a Patch (PATCH WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Renaming a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Changing ...
Page 4 - USING THE UNIT SAFELY; WARNING; ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING
4 USING THE UNIT SAFELY WARNING 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 autho- rized Roland distributor, as listed on ...
Page 5 - IMPORTANT NOTES
5 IMPORTANT NOTES Power Supply • Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is being used by an electrical appliance that is controlled by an inverter (such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that contains a motor. Depending on the way in which t...
Page 6 - Main Features; Easy use: Use SOUND STYLE to select a sound, and use EZ EDIT to edit it
6 Main Features Sound: Sophisticated fusion of a PCM synthesizer and COSM modeling sound generator Sounds produced by a high-quality PCM synthesizer and a realistic COSM modeling sound generator can be freely combined to take advantage of each method’s unique characteristics.You can intuitively crea...
Page 7 - Check the Web for details about installing GK pickups
Settings This chapter explains how to make the necessary settings when using the GR-55 for the first time. First, get your guitar/bass ready • In order to use the GR-55, you’ll need a guitar or bass equipped with a divided pickup (GK pickup), which outputs a separate signal for each string. You can ...
Page 8 - Preparations for Using the GR-55; Connections; Turning the Power On/Off; Turning the power on; Turning the power off
8 Preparations for Using the GR-55 Connections The GUITAR OUT jack outputs the sound of the normal pickups and the sound of the modeling tone (p. 22).For details, refer to “GUITAR OUT Jack Settings (GUITAR OUT)” (p. 54). Amp or PA (line) Guitar equipped with a GK-3/ GK-2A, bass equipped with a GK-3B...
Page 9 - Selecting Guitar or Bass
9 Preparations for Using the GR-55 Selecting Guitar or Bass (GUITAR<->BASS) Before you use the GR-55, you must make a mode setting that specifies whether you’re using it with a guitar or with a bass. * With the factory settings, this is set to “GUITAR .” * If BASS MODE is selected, some parame...
Page 10 - Adjusting Your Guitar Pickup
10 Preparations for Using the GR-55 Adjusting Your Guitar Pickup 1. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to move the cursor to “PU TYPE,” and use the dial to select the type of pickup that’s installed on your guitar . Value Description GK-3 Choose this if you’re using a GK-3. GK-2A Choose this if you’re u...
Page 11 - Adjusting Your Bass Pickup
11 Preparations for Using the GR-55 Adjusting Your Bass Pickup 1. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to move the cursor to “PU TYPE,” and use the dial to select the type of pickup that’s installed on your bass . Value Description GK-3B Choose this if you’re using a GK-3B. GK-2B Choose this if you’re usi...
Page 12 - Specifying the Output System
12 Preparations for Using the GR-55 7. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to move the cursor to the STRING SENS field for the lowest string . Play the lowest string as strongly as you ever expect to play it in actual performance, and use the dial to adjust the sensitivity as high as possible without all...
Page 13 - Tuning Your Instrument; When using MULTI MODE; Settings in the TUNER screen
13 Preparations for Using the GR-55 Setting Description B-AMP WITH TWEETER Choose this setting if the GR-55 is connected to a bass amp that has a tweeter. B-AMP NO TWEETER Choose this setting if the GR-55 is connected to a bass amp that does not have a tweeter. The high-frequency range will be corre...
Page 15 - Quick Guide; Before you play, you should set your GK pickup’s select switch to “MIX”!
Quick Guide This chapter explains basic operation. Before you play, you should set your GK pickup’s select switch to “MIX”! If a different setting is selected, the sound might not be output correctly.
Page 16 - Adjusting the Output Level; What is a Sound Style?; Selecting and Playing Sounds
16 Now that you’ve finished with preparations, here’s how to operate the GR-55 while you play. Adjusting the Output Level 1. Adjust the GR-55’s output level by turning the [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob . Turning the knob toward the right will increase the volume; turning the knob all the way toward the left w...
Page 17 - Selecting a User Patch; Playing Your Guitar
17 Selecting and Playing Sounds Selecting a User Patch New patches that you create are saved in the GR-55 as “user patches” (p. 18).Press the [USER] button to select user patches in Step 1 of “Selecting a Sound (Patch).” The rest of the procedure is the same as when selecting a preset patch. Playing...
Page 18 - Creating an Original Sound; Using the EZ EDIT Function to Create a Sound
18 Selecting and Playing Sounds Creating an Original Sound Using the EZ EDIT Function to Create a Sound You can easily edit the selected patch to your taste by using the GR-55’s EZ EDIT function. Step 1 Select a patch (p. 16). Step 4 Turn the dial to adjust the volume of the overall patch. Step 2 Pr...
Page 19 - Reference
Page 20 - Panel Descriptions; Front Panel; About the Top Screen
20 Panel Descriptions Front Panel [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob Adjusts the volume of the output jacks and the headphone jack. Display Dial Use this to switch patches or edit values. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] (cursor buttons) Use these to move the cursor up/down/ left/right. [1] ([BANK ]), [2] ([BANK ]), [3] pedals Pre...
Page 21 - Rear Panel; Side Panel
21 Panel Descriptions Rear Panel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1. Security Slot ( ) http://www.kensington.com/ 2. GK IN connector Use the included GK cable (or a separately sold GKC-5 or GKC-10) to connect your divided pickup to this connector. * For details on connecting a commercially available GK-equip...
Page 23 - Modeling sound; Changing the Tone; Tone Category
23 Editing the Tones (TONE) As shown in the illustration below, a GR-55 patch consists of several tones.You can create a new patch by selecting different tones or by editing the detailed settings of each tone. Synthesizer sound PATCH This is a synthesizer sound that plays according to the performanc...
Page 24 - Editing the Tone; Basic operation
24 Editing the Tones (TONE) Editing the Tone Here’s how to make various settings for the tone.If you want to edit detailed settings, refer to “Editing a Tone (Detailed Settings)” (p. 24). Basic operation 1. In step 3 of “Changing the Tone” (p . 23), move the cursor to the TONE LEVEL field . You can ...
Page 28 - Using the Nuance parameters
28 Editing the Tones (TONE) Using the Nuance parameters The Nuance parameters detect when you play your guitar/bass with a soft touch, and apply a corresponding change to the sound of the PCM tone.For example, if CUTOFF NUANCE SENS is set to a positive “+” value, the cutoff frequency of the PCM tone...
Page 31 - LIPS
31 Editing the Tones (TONE) TONE CATEGORY: SYNTH TONE NUMBER (PICKUP) Description GUITAR BASS 18: ANALOG GR 10: ANALOG GR This is the sound of a classic analog polyphonic guitar (bass) synthesizer.It provides hexa-distortion, with a hexa-VCO and VCF (variable frequency filter) that generates indepen...
Page 32 - AC; STEEL
32 Editing the Tones (TONE) AC STEEL Group Parameter Value Description BODY BODY TYPE # Specifies the acoustic guitar type. MA28 The sound of a Martin D-28. Older model known for its exquisitely balanced sound. TRP-0 The sound of a Martin 000-28. This model features a full low-end resonance and cris...
Page 35 - SYNTH
35 Editing the Tones (TONE) SYNTH ANALOG-GR Group Parameter Value Description TONE MODE # Specifies whether to sound the hexa-VCO (sawtooth wave), the hexa-distortion (square wave), or both. VCO Only the hexa-VCO will sound. V+D The hexa-VCO and hexa-distortion will sound together. DIST Hexa-distort...
Page 38 - Switching the Effect Type
38 Effect Settings (EFFECT) The GR-55 contains seven effects processors (AMP, MFX, MOD, CHORUS, DELAY, REVERB, EQ), which are organized as shown in the illustration below. (The illustration is for Structure 1.) PCM TONE 1 EQ Equalizer MODELING TONE AMP Preamp MFX Multi-effect PCM TONE 2 CHORUS NORMA...
Page 39 - Editing the Effects
39 Effect Settings (EFFECT) Editing the Effects Here’s how to edit the effect settings.For details on these settings, refer to “Effect Editing (Detailed Settings)” (p. 39). Basic operation 1. In step 3 of “Switching the Effect Type,” move the cursor to the EFFECT LEVEL field . You can use the dial t...
Page 40 - Changing the structure
40 Effect Settings (EFFECT) Changing the Structure/Specifying the Connection Destination If you want to change the way in which the effects are arranged, you can switch the structure.The GR-55 provides two structures, which have the following features. STRUCTURE 1 This structure uses AMP+MOD and MFX...
Page 41 - About the RATE and DELAY TIME parameters; AMP
41 Effect Settings (EFFECT) Parameter List (EFFECT) * Company names and product names appearing in this document are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners . This document uses these names in order to appropriately describe the sounds simulated by COSM technology . About ...
Page 43 - MOD Type
43 Effect Settings (EFFECT) MOD Type 01: OD/DS Parameter Value Description TYPE Selects the type of effect. MID BOOST A booster with unique characteristics in the midrange. This produces a great sound for solos. CLEAN BOOST This can be used not only as a booster, but also can be used by itself to pr...
Page 50 - 4: GUITAR AMP SIMULATOR; Specifications for Each Speaker Type
50 Effect Settings (EFFECT) 14: GUITAR AMP SIMULATOR This is an effect that simulates the sound of a guitar amplifier. L in R in L out R out Pan R Pan L Pre Amp Speaker Parameter Value Description PRE AMP SW OFF, ON Turns the amp switch on/off. PRE AMP TYPE # JC-120, CLEAN TWIN, MATCH DRIVE, BG LEAD...
Page 52 - DELAY
52 Effect Settings (EFFECT) 19: LOFI COMPRESS This is an effect that intentionally degrades the sound quality for creative purposes. L in R in L out R out Compressor Lo-Fi Lo-Fi Compressor 2-Band EQ 2-Band EQ Parameter Value Description PRE FILTER TYPE # Selects the type of filter applied to the sou...
Page 54 - Pedal and GK Control Settings; Changing the Tuning of Each String
54 Patch Settings (MASTER) Basic operation 1. Select a patch and press the [EDIT] button . The EDIT screen will appear. 2. Use the PAGE [ ] [ ] buttons to select the MASTER tab . 3. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to select the icon for the settings you want to edit . Icon Description Page PEDAL/GK C...
Page 57 - ASSIGN
57 Patch Settings (MASTER) Tab Parameter Value Description EXP,EXP ON,GK VOL FUNCTION MOD CONTROL Controls the principal parameter for each type of MOD effect. This is valid if MOD SWITCH is “ON.” MOD CONTROL Parameter Value Description MIN Specifies the range of change for the parameter. The values...
Page 58 - PATCH TEMPO
58 Patch Settings (MASTER) Tab Parameter Value Description ASSIGN 1–8 INT TRIG Specifies how the motion of the internal pedal will be triggered. *1 PATCH CHANGE Triggered when you switch patches. CTL PDL Triggered when you operate the [CTL] pedal. EXP LOW Triggered when you move the expression pedal...
Page 59 - GUITAR OUT
59 Patch Settings (MASTER) GUITAR OUT Group Parameter Value Description GUITAR OUT SOURCE For each patch, specifies the signal that will be sent from the GUITAR OUT jack.The system parameter GUITAR OUT lets you specify whether to use the GUITAR OUT setting for each patch or the overall setting (syst...
Page 60 - Renaming a Patch; Changing the Order of Patches; Initializing the Settings of a Patch
60 Saving a Patch (PATCH WRITE) Saving a Patch (PATCH WRITE) If you edit a patch and then select another patch before saving the edited patch, the changes you made will be lost. If you want to keep the changes for future use, you must save the patch. Patches are saved as “user patches.” You can’t sa...
Page 61 - Controller Assignments; Controllers Whose Assignment Can; When a specific patch is selected, use the expression pedal
61 Controller Assignments Controllers Whose Assignment Can Be Changed For the following controllers, you are free to change the operation that will occur when they are pressed. Expression pedal [CTL] pedal [S1]/[S2] buttons, GK volume Making a Pedal Have the Same Operation for All Patches When the G...
Page 62 - Specifying the Parameter to be Controlled; Virtual expression pedal system; Internal pedal; Example setting 1; Make PCM tone 1 smoothly bend up one octave when you
62 Controller Assignments Specifying the Parameter to be Controlled by the Controller For each parameter, you can specify, in detail, which controller will control which parameter.You can create eight sets of such assignments. 1. In the system parameter PEDAL/GK CTL section, set the assignment of ea...
Page 63 - Example setting 2; pedal to switch AMP to solo mode
63 Controller Assignments Example setting 2 For guitar solos, you want to be able to step on the [CTL] pedal to switch AMP to solo mode Select the patch whose settings you want to edit, and then make the following parameter settings. • SYSTEM PEDAL/GK CTLTab Parameter Value Page CTL FUNCTION PATCH S...
Page 64 - Using Phrase Loop
64 You can record up to 20 seconds of a performance and play back the recorded section over and over.You can also layer additional performances with the recording as it plays back (overdubbing). When playback stops, the recorded data is deleted. 1. 6. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5. 4. OVERDUB PLAY REC STANDBY Press...
Page 65 - Audio files that can be played; Using the GR-55 as an Audio Player
65 Audio files (WAV, AIFF) copied from your computer to USB memory can be played back on the GR-55. Audio files that can be played File format WAV, AIFF Sampling frequency 44.1 kHz Bit depth 8/16/24 bits Copying Audio Files From Your Computer to USB Memory Before you continue, you’ll need to copy au...
Page 66 - Connecting External Equipment; Connecting a Computer via USB; USB audio; Connecting the GR-55 to a Computer; What is the USB driver?
66 Connecting External Equipment Connecting a Computer via USB If you use a commercially available USB cable to connect the GR-55’s rear panel USB connector to a USB connector on your computer, you’ll be able to do the following things. USB audio • The sound of the GR-55 can be brought into your com...
Page 67 - Connecting the GR-55 to MIDI Devices; About the MIDI Connectors; MIDI OUT connector; Example connection; MIDI Settings
67 Connecting External Equipment Connecting the GR-55 to MIDI Devices What is MIDI? MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard specification that allows musical data to be transferred between electronic musical instruments and computers. If a MIDI cable is connected between devices eq...
Page 68 - V-LINK settings for the system
68 Connecting External Equipment Connecting the GR-55 to V-LINK Devices (V-LINK) What is V-LINK? V-LINK ( ) is a function that allows music and images to be performed together. By using MIDI to connect two or more V-LINK compatible devices, you can easily enjoy performing a wide range of visual effe...
Page 69 - Basic procedure
69 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) Settings that affect the overall operation of the entire GR-55, such as tuning and pedal assignments, are called “system settings.” This section explains the procedure for setting system parameters, and how each system parameter operates. Basic procedure 1. ...
Page 70 - Specifying the Output Device
70 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) 7. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the top screen . The GK set you selected will be enabled. * If the MASTER parameter GK SET (p . 58) is set to “SYSTEM,” the setting you specified for the SYSTEM parameter “GK SET SELECT” (p . 74) will take priority . S...
Page 71 - Adjusting the Display Contrast; Auto Power Off Settings; Switching Between Guitar and Bass
71 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) Changing the Output Sound from the GUITAR OUT Jack for Each Patch 1. Set the system parameter GUITAR OUT–SOURCE (p . 80) to “PATCH .” For details on setting the system parameters, refer to “Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM)” (p. 69). 2. Set the master p...
Page 72 - Saving GR-55 Settings to USB; Restoring GR-55 Settings from USB Memory
72 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) Saving GR-55 Settings to USB Memory (BACKUP) Here’s how to save (back up) all of the GR-55’s settings to USB memory. * One set of backup data can be saved to each USB memory device . * Pedal calibration settings are not saved . 1. Connect your USB memory to ...
Page 73 - Adjusting the Pedal Sensitivity; Restoring the Factory Settings
73 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) Adjusting the Pedal Sensitivity (CALIB) Here’s how to calibrate the sensitivity of the pedal. 1. Press the [EDIT] button to access the EDIT screen . 2. Use the PAGE [ ] [ ] buttons to select the SYSTEM tab . 3. Use the cursor [ ] [ ] buttons to select the BA...
Page 74 - GK SETTING
74 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) Parameter List (SYSTEM) GK SETTING Tab Parameter Value Description GK SET SELECT GK SET SELECT 1–10 Selects the GK SET that will be used when the master parameter “GK SET” (p. 58) is set to “SYSTEM.” This is also where you’ll select the GK SET whose GK setti...
Page 75 - OUTPUT SELECT
75 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) Tab Parameter Value Description PICKUP PU DIRECTION Specifies the direction in which the divided pickup is attached. NORMAL The cable extends from the side of the 6th string. REVERSE The cable extends from the side of the 1st string. S1/S2 POSITION Swaps the...
Page 80 - OTHER
80 Settings for the Entire GR-55 (SYSTEM) Tab Parameter Value Description USB AUDIO IN LEVEL 0–200 Adjusts the volume of the digital audio signal from USB (computer). AUDIO OUT LEVEL 0–200 Adjusts the volume of the digital audio signal output to USB (computer). DIRECT MONITOR OFF Turn this setting o...
Page 82 - GUITAR MODE; LEAD
82 GUITAR MODE SOUND STYLE: LEAD Patch No . Patch Name PCM TONE1 PCM TONE2 MODELING TONE Category Tone No . Category Tone No . Category Tone No . 01-1 Metal Synth Lead Synth Lead 477 Synth Lead 548 E.GTR 03 01-2 Rock Lead Organ E.Organ 062 --- --- SYNTH 22 01-3 GR-300 Ctl:+1Oct --- --- --- --- SYNTH...
Page 84 - RHYTHM
84 GR-55 Patch List SOUND STYLE: RHYTHM Patch No . Patch Name PCM TONE1 PCM TONE2 MODELING TONE Category Tone No . Category Tone No . Category Tone No . 01-1 12st AG & Ch Org Pipe Organ 095 --- --- AC 11 01-2 DoubleFlatHeavy Synth Bass 253 Synth Lead 450 E.GTR 05 01-3 SoftBrightPad+L4 Synth Pad/...
Page 88 - BASS MODE
88 GR-55 Patch List BASS MODE SOUND STYLE: LEAD Patch No . Patch Name PCM TONE1 PCM TONE2 MODELING TONE Category Tone No . Category Tone No . Category Tone No . 01-1 Double String Bs Ensemble Strings 342 Synth Pad/Strings 632 E.BASS 01 01-2 Oct Unison Lead Synth Lead 523 Synth Lead 523 SYNTH 10 01-3...
Page 90 - Troubleshooting; During normal performance using the GR-55 alone
90 Troubleshooting If the GR-55 is not producing sounds or if you think it is not operating properly, first check the following points. If checking these points fails to resolve the problem, consult your dealer or the nearest Roland service center. During normal performance using the GR-55 alone Pro...
Page 92 - Error Messages
92 Error Messages Message Meaning Action MIDI OFFLINE! The MIDI IN connection was broken. Check that there is no problem with the MIDI cable connected to the GR-55’s MIDI IN, and that the MIDI cable was not disconnected. MIDI BUFFER FULL! An unusually large amount of MIDI data was received, and coul...
Page 93 - Signal Flow
93 Signal Flow DIVIDED PU NORM AL PU GK SE TTING MIDI OUT / COMPUTER (USB) MIDI OUT OUTPUT GUIT AR OUT GK IN COMPUTER (USB) AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN PA TCH SY STEM PHONES STRUC TURE LINE SELEC T GUIT AR OUT SELEC T PA TCH NO . (PR OGR A M CHANGE) GUIT AR TO MIDI OUTPUT LE VEL MIDI IN / COMPUTER (USB) MIDI...
Page 94 - MIDI Implementation Chart
94 MIDI Implementation Chart Function... Basic Channel Mode Note Number Velocity After Touch Pitch Bend Control Change Program Change System Exclusive Common System Realtime AUX Messages Notes Transmitted Recognized Remarks Default Changed Default Messages Altered True Voice Note On Note Off Key’s C...
Page 95 - Main Specifications
95 Main Specifications Roland GR-55: Guitar Synthesizer Sound Generator PCM 2 tones Modeling 1 tone Tones PCM 910 types Modeling 23 types (guitar mode) 17 types (bass mode) Effects MFX (Multi-Effects) 20 types Preamp 42 types Modulation 14 types Chorus 7 types Delay 5 types Reverb 4 types EQ 1 type ...
Page 96 - Index
96 Index A ALT-TUNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54, 59 AMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 ASSIGN . . . . . . ....
Page 99 - NOTICE; FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION; DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE. BLUE: BROWN: As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The wire which is coloure...
Page 100 - Information
* 5 1 0 0 0 1 8 7 8 7 - 0 3 * Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below. AFRICA EGYPT Al Fanny Trading Offi ce 9, EBN Hagar Al Askalany Street, ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo 11341, EGYPT TEL: (02...
