Using Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer with Analog Pedals: True Bypass and Setup Guidelines
Many musicians are eager to integrate the innovative Roland GR-55 guitar synthesizer into their setup, especially when it comes to musical projects that require a blend of analog and digital effects. If you're curious about using the GR-55 with analog pedals, especially concerning the true bypass and guitar output options, this guide is here to help you.
Understanding True Bypass on the Roland GR-55
One of the frequently asked questions about the Roland GR-55 is its true bypass functionality. A true bypass circuit allows the signal to pass through the effects unit (in this case, the GR-55), and then directly to the next effect without engaging the onboard processing. This is particularly useful when you want to ensure that the signal is completely unaffected by the effects unit.
While the Roland GR-55 does offer a bypass function, it does not have a true bypass feature. The onboard effects are designed to engage and disengage smoothly, providing a distinctive sound blend. However, if preserving the true analog signal is crucial for your setup, you can still achieve this through external routing techniques.
Setting Up Your Roland GR-55 with Analog Pedals
Setting up your Roland GR-55 with analog pedals can be a creative and versatile approach to achieving the perfect sound. Here’s how you can connect and use your iBanez SRFF806 guitar with the BK3 pickup, along with the GR-55 and various analog pedals.
Connecting Your Guitar to the Roland GR-55
Connecting the SRFF806 and BK3 Pickup: The iBanez SRFF806 guitar comes with a built-in active pickup system (BK3), which can be used to connect directly to the Roland GR-55. This pickup is designed to capture the guitar's raw signal and send it through a 13-pin cable to the GR-55. Connecting the Magnetic Pickups: Additionally, the BA102 magnetic hum bucking pickups, which often come with bass guitars, can be connected through the 13-pin cable to the GR-55. This setup allows for a rich, layered sound that can include both magnetic and active pickup signals.Ensure the cable and connectors are properly connected to benefit from the best sound quality.
Routing Your Signal Through Analog Pedals
Once the GR-55 is connected to your guitar, the next step is routing the signal through your analog pedals. The Roland GR-55 has a variety of output options, allowing you to send the signal to various destinations. Here’s how to integrate your analog pedals:
Midi Pickup Output: Use the MIDI pickup output of the GR-55 to route signals directly to your desktop or mixing board. This option is ideal for recording and monitoring your sound accurately. DI Output: Utilize the D.I. (Direct Injection) output to send the raw guitar signal to a monitor. This is beneficial for live performances where you need a clear and direct sound. Guitar Out: The guitar out signal can be routed through various analog pedals like the Darkglass Alpha-omega, T.C. Sub-n-up, and Dreamscape. These pedals can help shape and enhance the sound coming from the GR-55 before it reaches your Bugera Veyron bass head.It's essential to choose the right sequence and order for your pedals to achieve the desired sound. Experimenting with different placements and configurations will yield the best results.
Conclusion
Integrating the Roland GR-55 guitar synthesizer with analog pedals can open up a world of creative possibilities. While the Roland GR-55 does not have a true bypass feature, musicians can achieve a similar effect through careful routing and sequencing of effects. With the right setup and a bit of experimentation, you can craft a unique and vibrant sound that blends the best of both analog and digital worlds.