Product Overview
When Roland first introduced the original V-Bass System, serious bass players worldwide took note. This system was like nothing before: it accurately modeled the world’s most popular basses — from classic electrics to upright acoustic bass, fretless bass and more — and combined them with a range of killer bass amps, synth sounds, and polyphonic effects.
With COSM® Bass technology and the special GK-3B Divided Pickup for Bass, the V-Bass opened up a world of new sonic possibilities.
- Dual independent signal paths
- Dozens of COSM models, including coveted vintage and modern basses, synth basses, and even electric guitar models
- Innovative new String Modeling (apply virtual flat wound, round wound, black nylon, etc.)
- 12 COSM preamp models and six speaker models
- 43 powerful effect types, six compressor types
- D BEAM, Ribbon, and V-LINK realtime controller
Introducing the New VB-99 V-Bass
Today, we are proud to introduce the all-new V-Bass VB-99, which delivers three times the sonic firepower of the original model! Based on an all-new custom processing engine and 10 years of R&D, the V-Bass serves up a wide range of inspiring new COSM bass and amplifier models, powerful polyphonic effects, new String Modeling technology, dual independent signal paths for blending sounds, new controllers, and a host of thoughtful improvements that bassists demanded. Better still, it’s all packaged in a smaller, more convenient format that’s ideal for both tabletop recording and on-stage use.
Dual Independent Signal Paths
The VB-99 sports dual independent signal paths, which greatly expands the sonic possibilities of this system. The two paths can be assigned to two distinct sounds (patches), and mixed and layered as desired. Sounds can be blended with a single knob, and even split or switched via playing dynamics. Imagine setting up a patch in which an electric bass morphs into a synth sound when you really dig in... or assigning an overdriven amp sound to your low B and E strings, and a lush, string-type sound to your A, D and G strings. The soundscapes are almost endless... and it’s only possible with the VB-99 and its companion GK-3B pickup (which installs on most standard steel-string basses).
Expressive Possibilities
In addition to more than twice the number of patches — including everything from classic and modern basses, to acoustic instruments, and the widest range of amps and effects — the VB-99 offers greater expressive possibilities thanks to a D BEAM Controller, a Ribbon Controller, and String Modeling.
D BEAM
The assignable D BEAM controller allows a bassist to control his sound through hand gestures through an infrared beam of light. It’s a great way to generate inspiring tones and wow an audience.
Ribbon Controller
The onboard Ribbon controller is much like those found on keyboard synthesizers — perfect for tweaking a patch or getting just the right filter setting on a bass synth sound.
V-LINK
V-LINK is Roland’s proprietary format for controlling external video equipment, so visionary bassists can create soundscapes beyond just the music.
String Modeling
String Modeling is new to the VB-99, enabling to convert "Round Wound" strings to "Flat Wound" or "Black Nylon" for enhanced bass performance.
A Simple, Intuitive Interface
Of course, all the V-Bass’ power would mean nothing if it wasn’t supremely easy to use in the widest variety of settings. That’s why the VB-99 incorporates a large, bright 240 x 64 dot LCD, with tons of helpful graphics. There are also dedicated knobs and buttons for all major functions. So you can go from tweaking an amp model to adjusting global settings within seconds.
Bassist-Friendly Features
Since the introduction of the original V-Bass, players around the world have given us some great feedback. As a result, the VB-99’s new “bassist-friendly” features include a BASS DIRECT input/output, for sending your normal bass output unchanged through the VB-99 — or blending it with the onboard sounds as desired. There’s also an XLR output with ground lift switch for “going direct,” either live or in the studio. Speaking of live, the VB-99 can be controlled with an optional foot controller, like the Roland FC-300, and it can be conveniently rack-mounted using an optional adaptor.
Perfect for Modern Recording Setups
With the VB-99’s built-in USB audio/MIDI streaming capability, modern musicians can take full advantage of computer-based setups. Just connect a single USB cable from the back of the V-Bass directly to your Mac or PC. Then trigger other sounds (via MIDI) or record your V-Bass (via USB audio) using your DAW software and plug-ins (sold separately). Roland’s V-Bass editing software (free downloadable) even lets you edit and save V-Bass sounds right from your computer.
Specifications
Audio processing
- 24 bits + AF method: 24 bits + AF method
- DA Conversion: 24 bits
- Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
- Program Memories: 400: 200 (User) + 200 (Preset)
- Nominal Input Level: BASS INPUT: –10 dBu
- Input Impedance: BASS INPUT: 2.2 M ohm
- Nominal Output Level: MAIN OUT: –10 dBu, SUB OUT (XLR): +4 dBu, BASS OUT: –10 dBu
- Output Impedance: MAIN OUT: 1 k ohm, SUB OUT (XLR): 600 ohm
- Dynamic Range: 100 dB or greater (IHF-A)
Top Panel
- Controls: Top Panel: OUTPUT LEVEL knob, Function knobs x 6 (F1–F6), BALANCE knob, V-BASS LEVEL knob, V-LINK button, DIRECT PATCH buttons x 5 (1–5), CONTROL buttons x 2 (1, 2), COSM BASS buttons x 2 (A, B), BASS DIRECT button, POLY FX A/B buttons x 2 (A, B), FX buttons x 2 (A, B), COSM AMP buttons x 2 (A, B), MIXER buttons x 2 (A, B), DELAY/REVERB button, DYNAMIC button, CHAIN button, CONTROL ASSIGN button, NAME/KEY/BPM button, Function buttons x 6 (F1–F6), EXIT button, WRITE button, PAGE buttons x 2 (Left, Right), BASS TO MIDI button, SYSTEM button, GLOBAL button, TUNER button, CATEGORY button, PATCH/VALUE dial, Power switch, Rear Panel: Ground Lift switch (SUB OUT)
- D BEAM: D BEAM Controller, PITCH button, FILTER button, ASSIGNABLE button
- Ribbon Controller: Ribbon Controller, PITCH button, FILTER button, ASSIGNABLE button
- Display: 240 x 64 dots graphic LCD (with backlit)
Connectors/Switches/others
- Top Panel: GK IN connector (13-pin DIN type)
- Rear Panel: BASS INPUT jack (1/4" phone type), BASS OUTPUT jack (1/4" phone type), SUB OUT jacks x 2 (L, R) (XLR type), MAIN OUT jacks x 2 (L/MONO, R) (1/4" phone type), PHONES jack (Stereo 1/4" phone type), DIGITAL OUT jack (Coaxial type, conforms to IEC60958-3), EXP PEDAL jack (1/4" TRS phone type), CTL 3,4 jack (1/4" TRS phone type), USB connector (B type), RRC2 IN connector (RJ45 type), MIDI connectors x 2 (IN, OUT) (5-pin DIN type), DC IN jack
- Power Supply: AC Adaptor (PSB-1U)
- Current Draw: 1.3 A
- Accessories: Owner’s Manual, GK cable (5 m), USB cable, RRC2 cable, VB-99 Software CD-ROM, AC adaptor (PSB-1U), Knob Bolt x 4
- Options: Divided Pickup: GK-3B, MIDI Foot Controller: FC-300, Footswitch: BOSS FS-5U, Dual Footswitch: BOSS FS-6, Expression Pedal: EV-5, BOSS FV-500L/500H, GK Cable: GKC-10/5/3, Unit Selector: US-20, Rack Mount Adaptor: RAD-99, Pad Stand: PDS-10, Footswitch Cable: PCS-31, Carrying Bag: CB-VG9
Size and Weight
- Width: 384mm
- Depth: 218mm
- Height: 84mm
- Weight: 2.1kg
){kind=small}
