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Sound Modules

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    Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synthesizer

    Synthesizer Module

    Roland’s SH‑101‑inspired S‑1 is a great‑sounding synth with surprising depth.

    Reviews Sep 2023
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    Roland SH-4d desktop synthesizer SH-101 Juno-106 vintage-inspired sounds

    Roland announce SH-4d

    Latest desktop synthesizer revealed

    Roland's new desktop module is packed with oscillator models that promise to deliver everything from classic SH-101 and Juno-106 tones to more modern digital sounds.

    News
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    Roland AIRA Compact instrument range

    Roland unveils AIRA Compact range

    Authentic Roland sounds in new pocket-sized instruments

    New line-up includes T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer and E-4 Voice Tweaker.

    News
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    Roland SH-01A

    Synthesizer

    Roland continue to mine their considerable legacy with another Boutique module, this time based on the simple but much-loved SH-101.

    Reviews May 2018
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    Roland SE-02

    Synthesizer

    The latest in the Boutique range is the result of an unexpected collaboration between Roland and Studio Electronics.

    Reviews Oct 2017
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    Roland Sound Canvas For iOS

    Sound Module App For iOS

    In 1991 Roland introduced the company’s first Sound Canvas module, the SC55. Aimed at the enthusiast market, the SC55 offered...

    Reviews Aug 2015
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    Roland XV2020

    Synth Module

    Designed to replace the JV1010 as Roland's entry-level synth product, the XV2020 is diminutive, affordable, and crammed with those great XV sounds. But what's it like to use?

    Reviews Nov 2002
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    Roland XV5050

    Sample-based Synth Module

    Roland's latest module provides the most affordable way yet to access the company's fine XV soundset, albeit with reduced polyphony and a less intuitive user interface compared to the more expensive XV5080. We weigh up the pros and cons.

    Reviews Jun 2002
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    Roland SH32

    Virtual Analogue Synthesizer

    Roland released the JP8000/8080 virtual analogue synth way back in 1997, but never really followed it up. Now they've combined the modelling synth idea with their Groovebox concept, presenting it in compact form with a wealth of hardware control options...

    Reviews May 2002
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    Roland MC307 Groovebox

    Sequencing Workstation

    Roland followed their first MC303 Groovebox with the well-specified MC505. Now there's the MC307, with a spec more like the 505, a price closer to that of the 303, and more DJ-friendly features.

    Reviews Jun 2001
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    Roland SPV355

    P/V Pitch-to-voltage Synth (Retro)

    The SPV355, launched in the late '70s, was intended to allow the pitch of instruments such as guitars and saxophones to control analogue synth sounds — which it does with varying degrees of success. Fortunately, it has other tricks up its sleeve, as Chris Carter explains.

    Reviews May 2001
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    Roland VG88

    V-guitar System

    Ever imagined what a guitar with a resinator body would sound like with a humbucker-style pickup, played at the 12th fret through a Marshall stack? John Walden creates just such a virtual instrument, with the help of Roland's VG88 V-Guitar System.

    Reviews Dec 2000
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    Roland XV5080

    Rack Synthesizer/sample Playback Module

    In their eagerly-awaited new flagship synth, Roland have harked back to the sampling technology of their respected S-series samplers, as well as adding some contemporary touches to equip it for the 21st century. Gordon Reid assesses past, present and future.

    Reviews Nov 2000
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    Roland XV3080

    Sound Module

    Roland's JV1080 and 2080 have become the bread-and-butter sound sources for innumerable MIDI studios worldwide. Now the company have introduced their successors in the shape of the XV-series. Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser test the new XV3080.

    Reviews Jul 2000
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    Roland ED SC8850 Sound Canvas

    General MIDI 2/GS Sound Module

    GM synths have a reputation in hi-tech circles for being dull and samey, but they're undeniably popular — and now the specification has been updated. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser take a look at the first of the GM2 generation.

    Reviews Oct 1999
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    Roland GR-Series

    Guitar Synthesizers (Retro)

    Recognising that there are millions of synth-hungry guitarists out there, manufacturers have been trying for years to develop products which would appeal to them. Norm Leete traces the history of Roland's innovative GR range of guitar synths and controllers.

    Reviews Aug 1999
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    Roland JV1010

    Sound Module

    If you were offered a Roland JV2080, complete with Session expansion card and software editor, for around half the price of a JV1080, you'd probably wonder what the catch was. OK, so the JV1010 isn't quite that, but it comes surprisingly close...

    Reviews Jun 1999
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    Roland SC880

    Sound Canvas GM/GS Module

    One of two General MIDI modules are simply a cut above the rest, and Roland's high-end Sound Canvases fit right into this category. Paul White retires to the studio with the latest in the line and dips into a seemingly limitless palette of sound...

    Reviews Sep 1998
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    Roland MBD1

    Bass & Drums Sound Expansion Module

    Paul White tries out Roland's MBD1 Bass and Drums Sound Expansion module and discovers a wealth of really useable off-the-peg sounds.

    Reviews Jun 1997
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    Roland JV2080

    Synth Module

    Roland's JV1080 was a great success with serious synthesists, and recognising that if it ain't broke there's no need to fix it, Roland have provided more of the same with the new 2080. Derek Johnson's spoilt for choice.

    Reviews Apr 1997
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    Roland Sound Canvas SC88

    Pro GM Sound Module

    Roland's SC88 could be described as a Rolls-Royce in the world of General MIDI sound modules. So is the new upgraded SC88 Pro a luxurious stretch limo complete with mini-bar and luxuriant walnut veneer? Derek Johnson dons his chauffeur's cap and takes it for a drive...

    Reviews Mar 1997

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