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Description

Unleash the full potential of your bass guitar with the Roland VB-99 V-Bass System. This cutting-edge multi-effects pedal is the successor to Roland's acclaimed V-Bass, offering an impressive array of sound-shaping tools that elevate your musical expression to new heights. At its core, the VB-99 features dual independent signal paths, allowing you to blend and layer sounds with ease, crafting unique sonic landscapes that respond dynamically to your playing style.

The VB-99 is built for the modern bassist, integrating seamlessly into studio environments with its direct output and USB connectivity. Its intuitive interface boasts a large, backlit 240 x 64 dot LCD and dedicated controls, ensuring effortless navigation through its extensive features. Whether you’re morphing your bass into a synth or experimenting with the D-BEAM and Ribbon controllers for hands-on manipulation, the VB-99 provides endless creative possibilities.

For the performer who thinks beyond sound, the VB-99 supports Roland's V-LINK technology, enabling you to synchronize your music with visual elements for a multisensory experience. With advanced string modeling, you can effortlessly switch between "Roundwound," "Flatwound," and "Black Nylon" string sounds, expanding your tonal palette without changing your strings.

Enhance your live performances and recordings with a suite of effects, amplifier models, and expansive connectivity options that make the Roland VB-99 V-Bass System an indispensable tool for any forward-thinking bassist.

Key Features:

  • Dual independent signal paths for versatile soundscapes
  • Advanced string modeling including virtual flatwound and black nylon
  • D-BEAM and Ribbon controllers for real-time expression
  • 43 effect types and six compressor types for dynamic sound shaping
  • USB audio/MIDI streaming for seamless integration with DAWs
  • Large backlit LCD for clear navigation and control
Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video Demo - Roland VB-99 V-Bass System Synth

Video thumbnail for Video Demo - Roland VB-99 V-Bass System Synth by Premier Guitar

Video Demo - Roland VB-99 V-Bass System Synth

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Video Demo - Roland VB-99 V-Bass VS Roland GR-33B Synth by Premier Guitar

Video Demo - Roland VB-99 V-Bass VS Roland GR-33B Synth

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Roland VB-99 V-Bass Effects System by Gear4music Guitars

Roland VB-99 V-Bass Effects System

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland VB-99 V-Bass System.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland VB-99 requires a special pickup installation, reducing flexibility but offering comprehensive synth bass capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While the Roland VB-99 excels in synth bass sounds, it requires careful EQ and technique adjustments to maximize its potential.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roland VB-99 offers superior synth bass features compared to typical multi-effects pedals from brands like Boss and Korg, which often lack satisfying synth capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the VB-99's synth sounds can be difficult to differentiate from classic synths like the Moog Taurus without significant experimentation.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The VB-99's MIDI capabilities can be enhanced with additional systems like the Graphtech kit, requiring a compatible bridge for optimal performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland VB-99 vs GR-33B Bass Synth Comparison - Premier Guitar

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Artist usage

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See how Squarepusher uses Roland VB-99 V-Bass System

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via Soundonsound

On this Sound On Sound interview, in the "Jumble Sale Studio" section, a bunch of gear from Jenkinson's studio is mentioned. Among them, the Roland VB-99. "It's a ragtag collection of stuff, and there's no discernible overall 'vintage' rationale behind the collection as a whole. The most significant pieces are a Roland TR909, TB303, SH101, V?Synth XT and V?Bass 99, Neve 1073 mic pre, AKG BX15 spring reverb, TC Electronics D2 delay, DBX 1066, a self?made mechanical reverb, Tom Jenkinson's custom?made spring reverb: "The reverb uses four pairs of Accutronics type 1, 4, 8 and 9 springs. The stereo input stages incorporate a soft-clip circuit, high shelving EQ and spring selectors that send the input to a given pair of springs. There are four output stages to which the springs can be assigned. Each output stage has signal invert, volume and pan controls. The springs can be used in parallel or series, where one spring signal is fed into another. The circuit grounding uses star topology. It was used extensively on the album Hello Everything, in conjunction with my AKG BX15 and BX20 reverbs. It is clearly audible at the starts of 'Bubble Life', 'Circlewave' and 'Plotinus'.” Tom Jenkinson's custom?made spring reverb: "The reverb uses four pairs of Accutronics type 1, 4, 8 and 9 springs. The stereo input stages incorporate a soft-clip circuit, high shelving EQ and spring selectors that send the input to a given pair of springs. There are four output stages to which the springs can be assigned. Each output stage has signal invert, volume and pan controls. The springs can be used in parallel or series, where one spring signal is fed into another. The circuit grounding uses star topology. It was used extensively on the album Hello Everything, in conjunction with my AKG BX15 and BX20 reverbs. It is clearly audible at the starts of 'Bubble Life', 'Circlewave' and 'Plotinus'.” Axon AX100 MIDI bass module, MOTU 24I/O audio interface, Dynaudio Acoustics M1 monitors, Yamaha CS80, TX81Z and FS1R synths and QY700 sequencer. A huge amount of gear has also been and gone, like the Yamaha VSS80 8?bit toy keyboard sampler shown in some late '90s television footage of Jenkinson."

See how Darryl Jones uses Roland VB-99 V-Bass System

Darryl Jones

Bassist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Darryl Jones can be seen using a Roland VB-99 V-Bass System in this photo on the official Boss website.

See how Julie Slick uses Roland VB-99 V-Bass System

Julie Slick

Bassist

Adrian Belew Power Trio

...
Verified via Pedals and Effects

Julie demonstrated her VB-99 on Pedals and Effects.

See how Robert “Bubby” Lewis uses Roland VB-99 V-Bass System

Robert “Bubby” Lewis

Bassist, Music Producer

Tha Snoopadelics

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Bubby Lewis on the Roland VB-99 V-Bass System," Robert “Bubby” Lewis is seen using the Roland VB-99 V-Bass System as he discusses its features and applications.

Album Usage

The Roland VB-99 V-Bass System has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland VB-99 V-Bass System, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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