ROLAND BRAND PROFILE
A better life? W
ith NAMM just beyond us and Musikmesse just ahead, the world of MI, particularly in Europe, enters
a kind of limbo. An ideal time, therefore, to focus on Roland’s 25 new products, all of which should be hitting British shores as this issue of MI Pro goes to press (if not before). The corporation’s slogan is ‘a better life
with music’, which is a well thought out little phrase that underlines Roland’s compatibility with music makers generally. What is Roland’s angle on 2011 for making a better life? The products are the answer.
KEYBOARDS
The big announcement this year was the V- Piano Grand, a standalone instrument with its own sound system built in. Multi-channel audio technology creates a
sound space in which the player and audience may be unaware of the existence of speakers. The V-Piano Grand also includes models of
vintage pianos, as well as Vanguard, futuristic instruments and adjustable parameters for players to create their own custom collection. This brings the V-Piano into a territory that suits classical players, as well as jazz and popular musicians.
The new RD-300NX is the latest and most
affordable member of the RD series stage piano line-up. The 300NX contains the Super
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Having made its name with synthesizers and hi-tech gear, Roland is maintaining its reputation for innovation with breakthrough products like the FR-18 V-Accordion (above)
Roland launched dozens of products at NAMM, from accordions to audio interfaces. MI Pro picks out the highlights…
Natural piano sound engine, a newly developed Ivory Feel-G keyboard with escapement, and a new Sound Focus feature, so that even subtle pianissimo passages can be heard. Taking a step to (what is now) the left field,
the new Atelier AT-350C combo organ sports a traditional double-manual configuration, with 49 keys on the upper and 64 on the lower. Optional 20-note or 25-note pedalboards are available and the organ has a wide variety of sounds to fit a broad range of musical styles. The FR-18 V-Accordion is the world’s first
digital diatonic accordion. Thanks to the sound engine, the FR-18 diatonic can be transposed to a different key at the touch of a button and its entire sound can be changed at will.
DRUMS Four new kits make up additions to the entry- level and mid-priced e-drum sector. The TD-4K2 and TD-4KX2 are the affordable kits, differentiated by the use of mesh heads throughout on the latter – as is the case with the TD-9K2 and TD-9KX2. All four kits use the new KD-9 kick pad and the lightweight CY-12C and 13R V-Cymbals. For more details, check out the sector spotlight on page 57.
BACKLINE & FX It is a rare occasion when a new guitar synth hits the market, but 2011 sees the introduction
of the GR-55. This multi-pedal floor unit combines PCM synthesis with digital instrument modelling derived from Roland’s VG-99 and promises lightning-fast tracking performance and previously impossible sound- making capabilities from its two independent synthesizer sound engines. Two new Boss loop stations – the RC-30 (dual) and RC-3 (single) – feature powerful DSP, stereo operation and a lot of new features. . Roland has turned its Cube-shaped attention
back to basses this year with the launch of three XL series bass amps, 20XL 60XL and120XL, ranging from 20 to 120 Watts.
RECORDING Last but not least, Roland’s encampment in the world of recording technology is moving well beyond the hard disk recording world thanks to its re-branding of the Edirol and Cakewalk products and the launch of three audio interfaces – the UM-One USB and MIDI, the Duo-Capture UA-11 and the Tri-Capture UA-33. The Capture UA-33 is a stereo interface with
an XLR mic input with phantom power; a ¼- inch input with a Hi-Z switch that allows users to connect a guitar directly; and a stereo aux input with a dedicated volume control for connecting a stereo sound source such as a keyboard, mixer, or portable music player. ROLAND: 01792 702701
miPRO MARCH 2011 55
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