The "HX-20" of synthesizers.
Raw text format only; no diagrams.
CASIO VL-TONE VL-1 OPERATION MANUAL
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CONTENTS
1. Casio VL-TONE Features ... 2
2. Points Of Caution ... 4
3. Power Supply ... 5
4. Nomenclature And Function Of Each Part ... 8
5. Manual Play Function ... 11
6. Auto Rhythm Function ... 12
7. One Key Play Function ... 14
8. Auto Play Function ... 18
9. ADSR Function ... 21
10. Melody Demonstration ... 24
11. Connecting With Other Equipment ... 25
12. Calculator Function ... 26
13. Specifications ... 29
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I. Casio VL-TONE Features
One Key Play Function - You can play just by pressing one key.
You can store notes in the memory and the notes will be individually played back in sequence each time you press the key to create a melody. Anyone can enjoy playing immediately even though they may never have played before.
Auto Play Function - Your playing will be played automatically/
Your favorite selected melody can be stored entirely and played back automatically. There is a repeat function that will replay the melody four times.
Manual Play Function - You can enjoy playing right away.
There are a total of 29 keys and nearly two and a half octaves. Half tones are included so that you can play any tune. This function makes the instrument easy to play.
Auto Rhythm Function - The sharp rhythm background makes your music sound better.
Swing, Bossa Nova, Rock and other rhythms up to 10 different in all are possible. Tempo and balance can be freely adjusted over a wide range. This auto rhythm function makes your music more emotional.
ADSR Function - You can create your own sounds and make a mini-synthesizer.
With this function sound wave elements like, attack, decay, vibrato, etc., a total of 8 different data, can be applied to create sound variations. Up to 80 million combinations are possible. You can create your own original sounds.
5 Preset Sounds - You can select any one of the 5 preset sounds to go with the melody.
Piano, fantasy, violin, flute and guitar, 5 different lovely sounds are preset. Additionally, by using the octave shift, the music range can be shifted to 3 different levels.
Melody Demonstration - The instrument sound and rhythm will be varied step by step.
"German Folk Song" can be played automatically with rhythm included. The instrumental sound and rhythm changes to make very enjoyable music.
Calculator Function - You can change at once from melody keys to calculator keys.
When you set the selector to "CAL" the keyboard becomes calculator keys and you can calculate up to 8 digits - add, subtract, multiply, divide, 4 constants, square root, percentage and memory calculation.
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II. Points Of Caution
This instrument is constructed with very precise electronic parts. Usage or storage under extreme temperature conditions, or strong shock must be avoided. Under very low temperature conditions, the response speed may be slow or the instrument may fail to operate. Also, under very high temperature conditions, the battery life will be shortened. Do not store or place near heating systems, in direct sunlight, inside a hot car or on a window ledge.
The instrument is constructed to protect against dust and humidity but is not waterproof. Do not use near splashing water or under high humidity conditions.
Do not attempt to take the instrument apart because the system and functions will be damaged. Avoid throwing used batteries into fire. If batteries go bad take them out at once and replace them to avoid damage to the instrument.
To clean the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth or slightly damp cloth with neutral detergent to wipe it off. Never use thinner, benzene type solvents or alcohol for cleaning.
When using as a calculator be sure to check that the key depressed and the number indicated in the display are in agreement.
As a magnet is built into the speaker keep watches, credit cards, etc. clear of the unit.
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III. Power Supply
The instrument has a two-way power system and may be operated using battery or AC power.
Battery Use:
Use 4 AA size dry batteries.
Battery life may vary depending on battery type and use conditions.
Music use (PLAY/REC mode) - 12 hours continuous.
Calculator use (CAL mode) - 4,000 hours continuous.
* Above battery life is based on type UM-3.
When the batteries are worn out the sounds and notes may become unstable or noise may be produced. In this case the batteries should be replaced by new ones.
To replace batteries, slide open the battery compartment lid on the bottom of the instrument and insert new batteries making sure that the +/- poles are aligned. Always replace all 4 batteries to insure longer life.
{diagram}
After replacing batteries, set the mode selector to "CAL" and press the [P] button on the bottom of the instrument with a pointed object.
CAUTION - To prevent corrosion or damage, remove the batteries when not using the instrument for long periods of time.
AC USE:
AC power can be used by connecting an optional AC adaptor.
* Use only the adaptor with the same voltage rating (100, 117, 220 or 240V) as your power supply to prevent component damage.
The battery power will be automatically disconnected when using the AC adaptor and will reduce battery consumption for better economy.
CAUTION - WHERE USED FROM THE MAINS THIS UNIT NUST ONLY BE USED WITH A CASIO MAINS ADAPTOR. THIS IS DUE TO THE RISK OF DAMAGE TO THE UNIT SHOULD IT BE USED WITH A MAINS ADAPTOR OTHER THAN CASIO MAINS ADAPTOR.
NOTE - When switching on the power with an AC adaptor in use, press the [P] button before playing the instrument with the mode selector at "CAL".
If you use the adaptor for long periods of time it may heat up but this is a normal condition. The adaptor should be disconnected from the wall outlet when not in use.
The contents of the memory (accumulated total of memory calculation), stored memory or preset data of ADSR function will be cleared by replacing batteries.
Auto-Power-Off (A.P.O):
For power economy the unit provides auto-power-off (A.P.O) function. If the unit is left with the mode selector turned on, the A.P.O. function automatically turns off the power in approximately 6 minutes.
Though the display disappears, the contents of the memory (accumulated total of the memory calculations or the preset data of the ADSR and/or the stored melody) are protected. Power is resumed by pressing [RESET/AC] key or by turning off and on.
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IV. Nomenclature And Function Of Each Part
{diagram}
Individual Functions
1. Mode Selector
Functions as Power On/Off Switch
OFF - Power Off
CAL - To calculate or preset the ADSR data.
REC - To store notes or melody.
PLAY - To use one key play, auto play or manual play.
2. Sound Selector
To select piano, fantasy, violin, flute or guitar sound or to use the ADSR function.
3. Octave Shift
Changes the keyboard to three different musical ranges.
4. Balance Control
Use to blend the melody and rhythm volume. Slide left to increase the rhythm volume and right to increase the melody volume. Rhythm and melody volumes will be equal when control is in the center.
5. Volume Control
Controls the volume of all sounds. Volume will be increased when the control is moved to the right.
6. One Key Play Keys
You can play by using only one key. Each time this key is pushed the notes stored in the memory will come out in the sequence in which they were stored in the memory. Either of the two one key play keys may be used to provide the same effect.
When the mode selector is in the CAL position the left key will be the memory plus [M+] key and the value indicated in the display will be stored in the memory.
7. Function Keys
When the mode selector is on either PLAY or REC, the functions indicated above the various keys are used. When the mode selector is on CAL, the functions indicated below the various keys are used.
* Functions of the various keys will be explained in the following paragraphs.
8. Keyboard Keys
Used to play notes or melodies when the mode selector is in the PLAY position or store them in the memory when the mode selector is in the REC position. Keyboard keys with rhythm names above them also function as rhythm selections when the mode selector is in the PLAY or REC position. Also white keys are used as calculator keys when the mode selector is in the CAL position.
9. Display
Displays notes and tempos. Displays entries and answers when calculating.
10. Speaker
11. Line Out (output) Jack
Powerful volume can be enjoyed by connecting external audio equipment and speakers. Direct recording can be accomplished by connecting this terminal to a tape recorder input terminal. (Details on page 25; Connecting With Other Equipment.)
12. AC Power Terminal
Connect the AC adaptor. (Details on page 6; AC Use.)
13. Battery Compartment Lid
14. [P] Button
Press this button to operate after replacing batteries.
15. Pitch Control
All keyboards can be tuned up or down by as much as a half tone. This makes it easier to tune with other instruments in an ensemble.
* Be sure to use a standard plastic-grip screwdriver.
{diagram}
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V. Manual Play Function
First, Let's produce a sound.
1. Activating Power
Set the mode selector to PLAY.
{diagram}
2. Selecting A Sound
Switch Sound selector to any position except ADSR.
{diagram}
3. Adjusting Volume
Adjust the volume control as shown in the diagram.
{diagram}
4. Well Let's Play
When you press a key on the keyboard the sound you selected will be produced. Play your favorite melody.
{diagram}
Enjoy your playing by using the sound selector to change the sound or the octave shift switch to change the note range.
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VI. Auto Rhythm Function
Let's have some rhythm.
This function automatically generates sharp rhythms such as march, swing, samba and others. There are 10 different rhythms in all to make your music more enjoyable.
Selecting A Rhythm:
1. Set the mode selector to PLAY. {diagram}
2. Press the [RHYTHM] key. {diagram}
3. Press your favorite rhythm key on the keyboard. {diagram}
The rhythm will begin as soon as you press the key.
* To stop the rhythm, press the [RESET] key.
Adjusting the Tempo (Speed):
Use the tempo keys to make adjustments. Press the [up] key to go faster. Press the [down] key to go slower. {diagram}
The tempo can be adjusted from -9 to +9 and will be indicated in the display. {diagram}
Adjusting The Volume Balance:
{diagram}
The balance control balances the rhythm and melody volume.
* To control the overall volume of all sounds, use the volume control.
NOTE - If you switch the mode selector or press the [RESET], [MUSIC] or [AUTO PLAY] key while the rhythm is playing the rhythm will stop.
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VII. One Key Play Function
How To Play With One Key
{diagram}
Note Storage:
1. Set the mode selector to REC.
2. Press the melody clear key [ML-C] to clear the previous stored melody.
3. Press a keyboard key and the note will be stored in the memory.
One Key Play:
4. Set the mode selector to PLAY.
5. Push the [RESET] key.
6. When you press either of the [ONE KEY PLAY] [ONE KEY PLAY] keys the notes stored in the memory will be played in the sequence in which you stored them. Select your favorite tempo.
* Enjoy playing by changing rhythms and octaves.
EXAMPLE:
"When The Saints Go Marchin' In."
(American folk song)
* Enter the following notes (by number or by musical score):
{diagram; 1345 1345 13453132 321 3554 43453121}
* If you make a mistake press the [DEL] key to remove the mistaken note and then press the correct key to continue.
How To Read The Display:
(When performing function #3, under Note Storage on page 14.)
{diagram}
The last three notes pressed will be displayed in the display with the last note pressed on the right. This way you can make sure which notes are being stored. The illustration shows the relationship between the keyboard and the display.
{diagram; _5_6_7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ~1~2~3~4~5~6~7}
How To Make Corrections:
If You Make A Mistake While Storing Notes... Press the delete key [DEL] and then press the correct key on the keyboard.
If You Want To Locate And Correct A Wrong Note... Slowly use one key play until you find the wrong note. Press the [DEL] key and then press the correct key on the keyboard.
* When you make a correction a "beep" correction tone will be heard.
Up to 100 notes can be stored in the memory. If you try to store more than 100 notes, overflow occurs and dots appear on the display as shown. No more entry can be made.
{diagram; -_6#...1...4#.}
More Enjoyable One Key Play:
1. Repeat Play
After the last note is played when using One Key Play repeat play can be accomplished from the beginning by pressing the One Key Play at that time.
2. Medley Play
If the total of notes is within 100, a medley can be played by storing multiple tunes and using One Key Play.
3. Additional Memory
If the memory still has capacity, an additional tune can be stored in the memory without erasing the tune that is already stored.
(How To Use)... Use One Key Play in the REC mode. After the last note is played use the keyboard keys to store the additional tune.
4. Memory Break In
New notes can be inserted (break in) in between the notes already stored in the memory to remake a brand new melody.
(How To Use)... Use One Key Play in the REC mode. When you reach the position where you want to break in, press the keyboard keys to store notes in the memory. At this time a "beep" tone will be heard and the notes can be stored in the memory.
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VIII. Auto Play Function (Two Different Methods)
How To Use Auto Play #1
{diagram}
Note Storage:
1. Set the mode selector to REC.
2. Press the [ML-C] key
3. Store notes in the memory by pressing the keyboard keys.
* If you make a mistake press the [DEL] key and then the correct key.
4. Press the [RESET] key.
Melody Storage:
5. Press the [ONE KEY PLAY] key to play with one key until you have stored the entire melody.
6. After playing press the [RESET] key.
Auto Play:
7. Set the mode selector to PLAY.
8. When you press the [AUTO PLAY] key the melody will be played back automatically.
* Repeat Play - The melody can be repeated 4 times by pressing [DEL] [AUTO PLAY] keys in sequence.
How To Use Auto Play Method #2
{diagram}
Melody Storage:
1. Set the mode selector to REC.
2. Press the [ML-C] key.
3. Play a melody on the keyboard.
4. After playing press the [RESET] key.
Auto Play:
5. Set the mode selector to PLAY.
6. When you press the [AUTO PLAY] key the entire melody will be played back automatically.
Sound And Octave Switching
The sound selection or octave shift can be changed even during auto play.
Tempo Adjustment
You can adjust the tempo even during auto play by simply pressing the tempo keys.
Auto Play Reset And Pause
Reset - If you press the [RESET] key during auto play the playing will stop. When you want to listen again press the [AUTO PLAY] key and the playing will start from the beginning.
Pause - if you press the [AUTO PLAY] key during auto play the playing will pause. If you press it once more the playing will resume from where it stopped.
For More Enjoyable Auto Play:
How To Add Rhythm Accompaniment To The Auto Play
1. Sore the melody in time with the beat of the rhythm..
* You must start the rhythm before storing the melody (before step 5 of Auto Play Method #1 or before step 3 of Auto Play Method #2).
2. Start the rhythm before beginning Auto Play. Press the [AUTO PLAY] key on the beat with the rhythm.
* Please make the rhythm for 1 and 2 above the same/ If you press the [TEMPO] key during Auto Play the speed of both the melody and the rhythm will be changed.
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IX. ADSR Function
With this function you can create your own original sounds.
How the sound variations are formed:
Generally, a tone (character of a sound) is determined by pitch, loudness (strength) and timber (tone color). Also in addition to the three elements mentioned above, there is another important factor for determination of a tone; so called "envelope" (the characteristic of the attack and decay of a sound). In short, the change in loudness (amplitude) with the passage of time (duration). For instance, a sound that slowly builds in loudness such as a violin. Another example would be a sound that of a guitar where the loudness peaks momentarily when you pick the string and then reduces quickly. These and many other sound wave variations are possible. The illustration shows the envelope of a piano. The graph shows the time (duration) horizontally and the amplitude vertically. This is called an "envelope curve". The ADSR function affects 5 elements (Attack, Decay, Sustain level, Sustain time, Release time) in determining the envelope curve and creates many sound wave variations.
ADSR is an acronym for the 5 elements
A: Attack time
D: Decay time
SL: Sustain level
ST: Sustain time
R: Release time
{diagram; ADSR}
How To Set And Use:
1. Let's form an 8 digit number to create a sound.
In the following paragraphs the numbers 0 to 9 will be used to determine the sound to be created. 8 numbers must be set in sequence.
a. Sound Waves - The following fundamental sound wave variations are available.
0 = Piano
1 = Fantasy
2 = Violin
3 = Flute
4 = Guitar 1
5 = Guitar 2
6 = English horn
7 = Electro-Sound 1
8 = Electro-Sound 2
9 = Electro-Sound 3
* For the items b through f on the right, the greater the number value (0-9) the greater the effect on the values illustrated on the graph.
b. Attack Time
c. Decay Time
d. Sustain Level
e. Sustain Time
f. Release Time
{diagram; ADSR}
References:
b - A small value of b creates a fast rise time making a sharp sound.
c, d and e - A large value of c, d and e creates the sound of long duration such as that of a flute or organ.
Smaller numbers create sounds of shorter duration such as that of a guitar or koto.
f - A large value of f causes an echo effect even after you release the key.
* For the next two items a greater value causes a greater effect. A "0" means no effect.
g - Vibrato - The pitch will vary at a high rate.
h - Tremolo - The volume will vary at a high rate.
EXAMPLE: "61079130"
This series of numbers would create the sound wave variations of English horn. The sound wave variations are shown on the graph.
{diagram; 61079130}
2. How To Store 8 Digits
The 8-digit number determined in Paragraph 1 (page 22) can be stored in the memory as follows:
1) Set the mode selector to CAL.
2) Set the sound selector to ADSR.
3) Press the [MC] key.
4) Press 8 numbers in sequence as shown in Paragraph 1.
CAUTION: If the first number is "0" that number will be ignored.
EXAMPLE: "02357806" = "2357806"; "00872850" = "872850"
5) Press the [M+] key.
6) Set the mode selector to PLAY or REC.
Now you can enjoy one key play, auto play or manual play with the ADSR sound.
Some examples of ADSR compositions:
Violin: 23099130
Piano: 00453200
Synthe-sounds: 70099924
Flute: 33099130
English horn: 61079130
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X. Melody Demonstration
If you set the mode selector to PLAY or REC and then press the [MUSIC] key the "German Folk Song" will be played automatically. The sounds and rhythms vary during the playing to cause a very pleasing demonstration.
A Standard tempo is set at (4). You can change the tempo freely while playing by simply pressing the [[TEMPO]] keys.
The melody will be repeated 4 times and then will stop. If you want to stop it during play simply press the [MUSIC] or [RESET] key.
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XI. Connecting With Other Equipment
Before connecting the unit please read the operation manula of the equipment to be connected.
The VL-TONE is provided with a LINE OUT (output) jack which allows connection of an external equipment (such as stereo amp., radio cassette recorder or tape-recorder) for more dynamic performance or for direct recording.
* LINE OUT jack of the VL-TONE is made to mini-plug specifications.
Connection Diagram: {diagram}
When using an external amplifier is connected, set the volume control to its minimum then increase it gradually to the desired level.
When an external amplifier is connected, the volume level can be controlled freely by the volume control of the VL-TONE.
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XII. Calculator Function (omitted)
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XIII. Specifications
Type - VL-1
Music Section
Keyboard: 29 keys (monophonic). Approx. 2.5 octaves (relative pitch).
Preset Sounds: 5 (piano, fantasy, violin, flute and guitar).
ADSR function: Variable sound creations.
Built-in rhythms: 10 (march, waltz, 4-beat, swing rock 1, rock 2, bossa nova, samba, rhumba and beguine).
Built-in melody: "German Folk Song" with melody accompaniment.
Number of notes that can be stored in memory: 100.
Pitch control: +/- 1/2 tone (+/- 100 cents).
Others: volume control, balance control, tempo control, octave shift (3 levels).
Speaker: 6cm (2-3/8") dia. x 1 (output 300mW).
Output terminal: Output voltage 0.5 rms.
Calculator Section
Abilities: 4 basic calculations (plus/minus/times/divide), square root, percentage, memory, 4 constants and other mixed calculations.
Number of digits: 8 digits.
Decimal system: Full floating.
Overflow check system: The number prior to the overflow will appear with the letter "E" in the display and calculations will stop.
Common Section
Main component: VSLI.
Display: Liquid crystal display.
Display functions: Calculator display, note display and tempo display.
Power supply: AC/DC 2-way power. AC: 100, 117, 220 0r 240V, 50/60Hz, with an applicable AC adaptor. DC: 4 AA size batteries.
Power consumption: 0.6W maximum.
Battery life: When used for music with mode selector at PLAY/REC... Approximately 12 hours. When used for calculator with mode selector at CAL... Approximately 4,000 hours. *Continuous use with UM-3 batteries.
Ambient temperature range: 0degC thru 40degC (32degF thru 104degF).
Dimensions: 30mmH x 300mmW x 75mmD (1-1/8"H x 11-3/4"W x 3"D).
Weight: 438g (15.4 oz) (including batteries).
GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY THE FCC RULES FOR USE OF THE UNIT IN THE U.S.A. (not applicable to other areas).
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, this is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits of a class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J or Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If the equipment does not cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the used is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
... reorient the receiving antenna
... relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.
... move the computer away from the receiver.
... plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: :How to Identify and resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems". This booklet is available from the US Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
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CASIO VL-1 VLTONE
INSRTUMENTO MUSICAL ELECTRONICO Y CALCULADORA