Q: How to connect the ROLAND FR-1 to an amplifier?

The ROLAND FR-1 has two separate audio output jacks to connect the instrument to an amplifier or mixing console: OUTPUT L/MONO (TREBLE) jack - treble output OUTPUT R/MONO (BASS) jack - bass output These two jacks are standard 1/4" jacks . A 1/4" cable is already provided with the FR-1, but you can use two if you connect both stereo outputs. Steps to connect the FR-1 to an amplifier: Lower the volume of your amplifier or mixing console to the minimum before making any connections Connect one or both OUTPUT jacks of the FR-1 to the audio inputs (INPUT) of your amplifier using 1/4" cables Turn the VOLUME knob of the FR-1 from the

Question 1

How to configure the Brit Combo selector of the Roland Cube-ST-R when it is not producing sound?

Accepted Answer

The Brit Combo selector of the Roland Cube-ST-R emulates a Vox AC-30TB amplifier and faithfully models its characteristics. Lack of sound may occur if the three equalization controls BASS, MIDDLE, and TREBLE are all set to zero (minimum value), as the COSM technology exactly reproduces the behavior of the original amplifier, which produces no sound in this configuration.

Check and adjust the equalization controls: Locate the three equalization knobs of the GUITAR/INSTRUMENT channel: BASS (control 12), MIDDLE (control 13), and TREBLE (control 14). If these three knobs are all at zero, increase at least one of them to a higher value to get sound. For an initial test, set each of these three knobs to mid-position (about 50% of their total range). The Brit Combo offers a wide variety of sounds ranging from the clearest to the most loaded depending on these settings.

Set the gain and volume: Once the equalization controls are increased, adjust the GAIN knob (control 10) to set the distortion level: at low value, you will get a clear sound, while at high value, you will have more distortion and power in the low to mid frequencies, which is characteristic of the Vox AC-30TB. Then, adjust the VOLUME knob (control 11) to set the overall output signal level.

Check the Brit Combo selection: Ensure that the type selector (control 9) is correctly positioned on BRIT COMBO and that your electric guitar is properly connected to the INPUT jack of the GUITAR/INSTRUMENT channel (control 7). Lower the VOLUME to zero before any connection, then gradually increase it once the guitar is plugged in.

Isolate the problem: If the problem persists after increasing the BASS, MIDDLE, and TREBLE controls, temporarily test another COSM model (e.g., JC CLEAN or BLACK PANEL) to check if sound works with other amplifiers. This will help you determine if the problem is specifically with the Brit Combo or a general amplifier configuration. If other models work but not the Brit Combo, ensure that the three equalization controls of the Brit Combo are above zero and increase them to at least 25% of their range if necessary.

Question 2

My Roland Cube-ST-R's COSM system is not producing sound, how should I configure it?

Accepted Answer

The COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) system of the Roland Cube-ST-R simulates different guitar amplifier models. If you are not producing any sound through the COSM, several configuration points need to be checked.

First, ensure that the amplifier type selector is not left in a neutral position. You have 8 COSM models to choose from: INSTRUMENT (for acoustic guitar or keyboard), JC CLEAN (Roland Jazz Chorus ultra-clean), BLACK PANEL (Fender Twin Reverb), BRIT COMBO (Vox AC-30TB rock), CLASSIC STACK (Marshall JMP1987), R-FIER STACK (MESA/Boogie high-power Rectifier), ACOUSTIC SIM (acoustic simulation), or MIC (for microphone). Start by trying a different model to confirm that the system is working.

The crucial step is to adjust the equalization. The COSM of the Cube-ST-R uses three equalization controls: BASS (low), MIDDLE (mid), and TREBLE (high). If all three knobs are set to position 0, no sound will be produced, regardless of the selected amplifier model. Gradually increase at least one of these three controls. A good starting configuration would be to set the BASS and TREBLE to 5-6 and the MIDDLE to 4-5 on the scale. Then adjust according to your taste to balance the lows, mids, and highs.

Also, check that the GUITAR/INSTRUMENT channel VOLUME knob is not set to 0. Even with a good COSM model selection and correct equalization, you need to increase the channel volume for the sound to be audible through the speakers.

If you are using the BLACK PANEL model specifically, remember that it simulates the Fender Twin Reverb amplifier and operates more demanding: at least one of the three equalization knobs (BASS, MIDDLE, or TREBLE) must be significantly increased to produce sound. First, try another model like JC CLEAN or ACOUSTIC SIM to check that the COSM responds correctly if in doubt.

Finally, confirm that the amplifier is powered on (POWER light on), that your instrument is properly connected to the appropriate INPUT jack, and that you are playing a note loud enough to be detected by the system. After these checks, the COSM should produce sound without issue.

Question 3

How to assign the volume pedal to a sound on the ROLAND GR-20?

Accepted Answer

On the ROLAND GR-20, the expression pedal is by default assigned to the volume control of the synthesizer sound. Therefore, you don't need to configure anything to use the pedal as a volume pedal. Just press the expression pedal with your foot to increase or decrease the volume of the synthesized sound in real-time.

If you want to change the assigned function of the expression pedal (to assign it to the filter, pitch bend, or effects), follow this procedure:

Press the [EXP PEDAL] button on the front panel
Turn the [NUMBER/VALUE] dial to select the desired function
Press [EXP PEDAL] again or [EXIT] to confirm and return to Play mode

Here are the available functions for the expression pedal:

VO (VOLUME) - Controls the overall volume of the synthesized sound (default setting)
EL (FILTER) - Adjusts the cutoff frequency of the filter to modify the brightness of the sound
b1 to b6 (PITCH BEND) - Modifies the pitch of the sound (quarter to octave variations depending on the setting)
EF (EFFECT) - Adjusts the effect applied to the patch (reverb, chorus, delay depending on the selected sound)

Important: these settings are individual to each patch. If you change the pedal setting for one sound and select another patch, the pedal assignment will revert to that of the new patch. To keep your configuration, you must save the modified patch by pressing [WRITE] and saving it in the USER bank (p. 24 of the manual).

Question 4

How to connect the ROLAND FR-1 to an amplifier?

Accepted Answer

The ROLAND FR-1 has two separate audio output jacks to connect the instrument to an amplifier or mixing console:

OUTPUT L/MONO (TREBLE) jack - treble output
OUTPUT R/MONO (BASS) jack - bass output

These two jacks are standard 1/4" jacks. A 1/4" cable is already provided with the FR-1, but you can use two if you connect both stereo outputs.

Steps to connect the FR-1 to an amplifier:

Lower the volume of your amplifier or mixing console to the minimum before making any connections
Connect one or both OUTPUT jacks of the FR-1 to the audio inputs (INPUT) of your amplifier using 1/4" cables
Turn the VOLUME knob of the FR-1 from the

Question 5

What is the battery life of the Roland AC-33 amplifier when operating on batteries?

Accepted Answer

The Roland AC-33 amplifier can operate independently using 8 AA batteries. The battery life varies depending on the type of batteries used:

Approximately 8 hours with alkaline AA batteries.
Approximately 9 hours with rechargeable NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries.

This battery life allows for extended use without the need for a power outlet, making it ideal for mobile or outdoor performances.

Question 6

What is the middle pedal on the ROLAND KR-375 keyboard for and how do I use it?

Accepted Answer

The middle pedal on the ROLAND KR-375 keyboard is commonly referred to as the sostenuto pedal. It allows you to sustain only certain notes played at the moment you press the pedal, unlike the sustain pedal (right pedal) which sustains all notes.

How the sostenuto pedal works:

Play the notes you wish to sustain.
Press the middle pedal to sustain those notes.
Release the keys while keeping the pedal pressed, the selected notes will then remain sustained.
You can then play other notes without them being sustained.

This function is useful for creating musical effects where certain notes need to be held while others are played normally.

Question 7

How to reset the Roland VT-12 voice recorder?

Accepted Answer

To reset your Roland VT-12 voice recorder to factory settings, follow these simple steps:

Turn off the device if you haven't already.
Press and hold the right button (often the “Play” button).
While holding this button, turn the device back on.
After a few seconds, release the button. The device should then be reset.

This procedure restores the original settings of the Roland VT-12. If the reset does not work or if you encounter difficulties, feel free to request further assistance.

Question 8

How to connect an external device to the ROLAND EP-880 digital piano?

Accepted Answer

The ROLAND EP-880 digital piano offers several options for connecting external devices, such as speakers, a computer, or other instruments. Here’s how to proceed:

Identify the connection ports

Locate the audio outputs located at the back or on the sides of the piano (1/4" jack or USB ports).
Also check for MIDI or USB inputs if you want to connect a computer or another compatible instrument.

Choose the appropriate cable

To connect external speakers, use a 1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo or mono jack cable depending on the available output.
For a connection to a computer, use a compatible USB cable (usually USB-B to USB-A).
For MIDI, use a standard MIDI cable if the piano and the device support it.

Proceed with the connection

Plug one end of the cable into the appropriate output of the piano.
Connect the other end to the external device (speaker, audio interface, computer, etc.).

Configure and test

Turn on the piano and the external device.
Adjust the volumes to a moderate level to avoid any distortion.
Play a few notes to check that the sound is correctly transmitted and audible through the external device.

This procedure will allow you to fully utilize the capabilities of your ROLAND EP-880 by integrating external audio equipment.

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