Roland Introduces XV-5080 and XV-3080 Expandable
Synthesizer Modules
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XV-3080
(Click for a larger picture) |
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XV-5080
(Click for a larger picture) |
February 4, 2000
Roland introduces its next generation of synthesizers: the
XV-5080 and XV-3080 128-Voice Expandable Synthesizer Modules. Featuring 128 voices
of polyphony, an amazing-sounding 64MB* of onboard wave memory expandable to 386MB
(XV-5080) and 256MB (XV-3080) using optional expansion boards, up to 128MB of
sample RAM (XV-5080), and an incredibly beefed-up effects section, these new modules
are certain to become the standard by which all other synthesizers are measured.
In creating these powerful synth modules, Roland began with a new 128-voice,
GM level 2-compatible synth engine with 32-part (XV-5080) and 16-part (XV-3080)
multitimbral operation. This sound engine’s massive internal wave memory
offers four times the capacity of Roland’s previous synthesizers, translating
into over one thousand preset Patches, 64 Performances, 14 rhythm sets, and plenty
of User memory with SmartMedia™ storage.
XV Patches are comprised of up to four tones, each capable of using stereo-sampled
waveforms. This new architecture allows for stereo tones with a maximum four-level
velocity switch, so even the most detailed expression can now be reproduced at
the basic Patch level—like realistic acoustic guitars with incredible plucking
dynamics and harmonics triggered by the user. Using the new Matrix Control, extensive
modulation of tones is possible, providing even greater sonic possibilities.
Navigating this wealth of sound is easy, thanks to the XV-3080’s 40-character,
2-line backlit LCD and the XV-5080’s 320 x 80-dot graphic backlit LCD. Both
models also include Roland’s helpful PatchFinder button for quickly locating
sounds by category, and a Favorite List function that calls up users’ favorite
Patches in succession for live performance.
The XV-5080 and -3080 also feature impressive "SRXpansion" options
using a combination of existing SR-JV80-Series and newly developed SRX-Series
wave expansion boards—giving users full access to Roland’s popular expansion
sound library with zero loading time. For those wishing to take further advantage
of existing sound libraries, the XV-5080 accepts up to 128MB of SIMM memory and
can load Roland S-700 and Akai® S1000 sample libraries via its SCSI port.
Of course, XV-Series synthesizers are also upward compatible with Patches from
the JV-2080/1080/1010 and XP-80/60/50/30.
In addition to offering outstanding sounds and wave expansion, the XV-5080
and -3080 feature a brand new effects section consisting of independent reverb,
chorus and a new multi-effects processor. Many of the onboard reverbs are based
on algorithms from Roland’s top-of-the-line SRV-3030 24-bit Digital Reverb
Processor, ensuring studio-quality results. The multi-effects algorithms, on the
other hand, include unique Roland effects like RSS, Isolator, Shuffle Delay and
more. In addition, the XV-5080's Performance mode features three sets of Roland’s
acclaimed Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) algorithms including guitar amp
models and other unique and powerful effects.
Along with stereo headphone and stereo mix outputs, the XV-3080 offers two
additional stereo outputs, and the -5080 raises the bar with three additional
stereo outputs and two stereo digital outputs (coaxial and optical). The XV-5080
also features Roland’s proprietary R-BUS output port for sending eight channels
of 24-bit digital audio to VM-7000-Series and VM-3100Pro mixers, the new VSR-880
Digital Studio Recorder, or ADAT™ and Tascam® T-DIF™ MDM’s
using the optional DIF-AT Interface Box. The XV-3080’s MIDI connections include
In/Out/Thru jacks, while the -5080 adds a second MIDI Input to this list.
For more information, visit
Roland on the web at www.rolandus.com. |
