The Roland VS-1680 is a digital multi-tracker, recorder and mixer that functions like a portable recording studio. It contains 16 tracks for recording and layering original music, as well as 256 virtual tracks that allow you to save, archive and layer your different recordings. For even greater functionality, you can connect the VS-1680 to a computer and use it alongside digital recording software, which allows you to mix your recordings more precisely and save your finished products as CDs or MP3s.
Things You'll Need:
Things You Will Need
Plug the 1/8-inch end of the RCA cable into your computer's Line-In port, and insert the red and white plugs into the corresponding red and white "Output" ports on the back of your VS-1680. Use this connection whenever you want to transfer music from your VS-1680 to your computer.
Plug either end of your 1/4-inch audio cable into one of the 1/4-inch "Input" jacks on the back of your VS-1680. The jacks are aligned with numbers from 1 to 8. Use any jack except for 1 or 2, as these are specifically optimized for guitars. Connect a 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch adapter to the opposite end of your cable and insert it into the Line-In port on your computer. Use this connection whenever you want to transfer music from your computer to your VS-1680.
Connect a five-prong MIDI cable to the "MIDI Out" jack on the back your VS-1680. Connect the opposite end of the cable to the "MIDI In" jack on a MIDI USB interface or MIDI converter cable, available at music supply retailers. Plug the USB side of the converter cable into your computer's USB port. This will allow you to transfer digital music notation from your VS-1680 to your computer. To transfer MIDI from your computer to your VS-1680, reverse the "MIDI In" and "MIDI Out" connections with your cable.
Open a digital audio editor on your computer to transmit music and MIDI notation. Programs like Digital Performer, Logic, Pro-Tools, Cakewalk and Cubase contain the necessary components to transmit MIDI as well as raw audio between hardware devices, for recording, editing and mixing purposes.