Roland Announces Modeling System for Bass

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Roland is debuting the V-Bass, a floor-based processing/modeling system that combines COSM Bass technology and a new GK-2B Divided Pickup for Bass to model the world's most popular basses--from classic electric to upright acoustic bass, fretless bass and more--as well as modeling a suite of tube and solid state bass amps and producing versatile polyphonic bass effects. Whether users are recording or performing, the V-Bass blasts the bass guitar into new sonic dimensions.

The all-new COSM Bass technology that powers the V-Bass is built from the knowledge Roland gained in the development and refinement of its acclaimed V-Guitar technology. COSM Bass technology can take the output of any standard 4-, 5- or 6-string bass that's fitted with a GK-2B Divided Pickup and make it sound like an acoustic upright, a fretless bass, a classic electric bass, an incredible-sounding synth bass and more. Users can even create their own basses by combining different modeled body types and pickup configurations. Of special note is the polyphonic pitch shifting, which can re-pitch individual strings for instant alternate tunings.

The V-Bass' COSM Bass Amp Modeling models the sounds of classic and modern bass amps, from "Concert" and "Session" models to "T.E.," "Bass 360" and others, including V-Bass original amp models. Users can combine these tones with a variety of modeled speaker cabinets and mics, and can add effects including modeled compression, modeled wah, modeled overdrive/distortion, extensive EQ, delay, chorus, reverb and more. There are 160 preset patches to get players started, and 100 user memory locations for storing newly created patches. The onboard Expression and Control pedals provide realtime control of patch parameters.

The V-Bass was designed by bassists, for bassists. That's why players will find both stereo XLR and 1/4-inch outputs for connecting to a PA or studio console, and a 4-, 5- or 6-String Select function to ensure the system's accurate detection of string spacing. There's also a direct 1/4" input for running a standard bass guitar output through the COSM Bass Amp Modeling and non-polyphonic effects. The V-Bass is easy to use, too, with helpful operational graphics and icons.

The new GK-2B Divided Pickup for Bass--required for tapping into the V-Bass' COSM Bass technology and polyphonic effects--is a bass pickup that captures an individual output for each of the strings on a 4-, 5- or 6-string bass. This allows the V-Bass to work with each string's output separately as it produces bass modeling, polyphonic effects and more. The GK-2B can be easily user-installed on standard electric basses.