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Synthesizers

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    Roland GR55

    Guitar Synthesizer

    Roland have put elements of their two very different approaches to guitar synthesis in a single box. Could this be the best guitar synth ever?

    Reviews Nov 2011
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    Roland Jupiter 80

    Performance Synthesizer

    The Jupiter 8 looms large in synthesizer history, and any synth bearing the name has a lot to live up to. Is the Jupiter 80 destined for the same legendary status? Find out in our world‑exclusive review...

    Reviews Aug 2011
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    Roland Gaia SH01

    Analogue Modelling Synthesizer

    If you don't like programming synths via obscure two‑line displays and arcane menu systems, the Roland Gaia SH01 could be just what you're looking for...

    Reviews Aug 2010
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    Roland Fantom G

    Keyboard Workstation

    Roland's Fantom workstation reaches its fourth generation with the 'G' series. So just how great is the Fantom family's great-grandchild?

    Reviews Jan 2009
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    Roland V-Synth GT

    Variphrase Synthesizer

    In 2003 the original V-Synth represented a bold leap forward in synthesizer technology. Can Roland take the concept further with the new V-Synth GT? Read on...

    Reviews Nov 2007
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    Roland SH201

    Analogue Modelling Synthesizer

    The SH201 — a versatile new modelling synth from Roland or a cash-in on past glories? Let's find out...

    Reviews Apr 2007
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    Roland Juno-G

    Keyboard Workstation

    As Roland revisit the Juno name once again, we look at whether their latest offering is a serious contender, or merely a bantamweight Fantom.

    Reviews Nov 2006
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    Roland V-Synth XT: Part 2 VC1 & VC2 Cards

    Variphrase Synthesizer

    Part 2: We conclude our review of Roland's fabulous new rackmount synth, and look at the built-in VC1 and VC2 cards, which respectively convert the V-Synth XT into a fully functioning D50 and a powerful vocal-processing synth.

    Reviews Oct 2005
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    Roland V-Synth XT: Part 1

    Variphrase Synthesizer & V-Synth OS v2

    Part 1: The V-Synth repackaged Roland's groundbreaking Variphrase technology, creating a powerful new kind of sample-based synthesis. Now there's a rackmount V-Synth, and (as you'll discover in Part 1 of our two-part review) it's more powerful than the first...

    Reviews Sep 2005
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    Roland FANXUP1 & Fantom XR

    OS Upgrade v2 Editor For Fantom X

    The Fantom X is Roland's best-ever workstation, but it has suffered from one or two annoying omissions, such as the ability to import Roland's own sample format. We explore the Fantom Xr rack module and ask if the v2 OS and editing software provide the solutions?

    Reviews Aug 2005
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    Roland Fantom Xa

    Workstation Synth

    At £1099, the Xa is the most affordable keyboard in the Fantom range. But, inevitably, features have been removed to make it such a bargain. Have Roland thrown out the works from the workstation?

    Reviews May 2005
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    Roland Juno-D

    Sample-based Synthesizer

    Giving a modern instrument the same name as a line of vintage analogues that have an assured place in the synth hall of fame invites comparisons. So is the Juno-D the rightful heir to the Juno throne or more of a young pretender?

    Reviews Mar 2005
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    Roland GR20

    Guitar Synthesizer

    Roland's affordable new guitar synth incorporates improved pitch-tracking, and comes bundled with the latest GK-series pickup as standard.

    Reviews Jan 2005
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    Roland Fantom X

    Synthesizer Workstation

    Roland's original Fantom workstation wasn't really much competition for Korg's Triton, so it was no shock to see it revamped last year as the hugely improved Fantom S. But surprisingly, Roland have done it again. What's new this time around?

    Reviews Sep 2004
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    Roland Fantom S & Fantom S88

    Synth Workstations

    Despite the synth-spangled history of the company, it's been many years since a Roland product ruled the high-end keyboard roost, and 2001's Fantom workstation failed to change this. However, there's much more to the new Fantom S than one extra letter...

    Reviews Oct 2003
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    Roland V-Synth

    Variphrase Synthesizer

    The V-Synth is a classic case of the whole being more than the sum of its parts. None of its impressive features are new — they've all been seen on previous Roland products — but nevertheless, it's the best new synth in years. We explain why...

    Reviews May 2003
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    Roland MC909

    Sampling Groovebox

    The latest in Roland's line of MC-series workstations is their best (and most expensive) yet, incorporating synthesis, sequencing, real-time control, and sampling. But in an increasingly software-driven world, can a Groovebox still cut it?

    Reviews Mar 2003
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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 Fantom FA76

    Keyboard Workstation

    Korg's Triton has dominated the workstation synth market for several years, but the past 12 months have seen challenges to this position firstly from Yamaha, with their Motif, and now from Roland. Does this Fantom have what it takes?

    Reviews Feb 2002

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