The Roland booth was chock-full of new product releases at the NAMM 2016 show. In this Reverb video, Jim gets the scoop on the latest Roland synths, keyboards, and digital effects from one of the classic electronic musical instrument manufacturers.
Our grand tour starts with the Roland SYSTEM-500 Eurorack modular synthesizer, a range of fully analog Eurorack modules that can be purchased separately or as a complete set with multiple oscillators, filters, and effects. This new system is aptly described as “pure analog goodness”.
We get a quick overview of the Roland SYSTEM-1m semi-modular plug-out synthesizer, the TB-3 Touch Bassline bass synth, the SBX-1 Sync Box, and the MX-1 Mix Performer.
Next, we take a look at the Roland TR-8 Rhythm Performer which is based off of the classic 808 and 909 drum machines, but with the addition of the 707 and 727. The TR-8 is really built to be played.
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The Roland Aira Effects are digital effects units. The Torcido is a distortion unit, the Bitrazer is a bit crusher, the Demora is delay, the Scooper is a scatter and looper, etc. There are now 16 individual modules to choose from in the Aira Effects series.
The Roland VT-3 is the newest voice transformer. With the VT-3, you can add effects, transform vocals to synth, change the pitch, and more.
The System 1 Plug-Out Synthesizer is the keyboard version of the SYSTEM-1m from above. What plug-out does is allows you to basically import older VST synths, and the keyboard can host it. So you can use it with the computer or disconnect.
And finally, the Roland Boutique Series brings us three keyboard modules that pay tribute to the classics. For keyboard players coming up through the 1980s, everyone lusted after the Jupiter 8. With the new Roland JP-08 Sound Module, now you can actually have one for about $300! Similarly, the new Roland JU-06 is based on the Juno 106 while the Roland JX-03 continues the legacy of the JX-3P synthesizer. These synths also happen to be extremely portable. The Roland Boutique Series modules are limited-edition, so be ready to get yours soon.
Roland