Roland Releases XV-88 Expandable Synthesizer
 |
XV-88
(Click for a close-up of controls) |
February 4, 2000
Roland deliveres one of its most powerful instruments in
history. With its 128 voices of polyphony, 64MB* of wave memory (expandable to
224MB* using optional expansion boards), realtime controllers including the infrared
light-sensing D-Beam™, and an 88-note hammer-action keyboard with aftertouch,
the XV-88 arrives as a high-performance synthesizer for the new millennium. Based
on Roland’s new XV-3080 128-voice Synthesizer Module, the XV-88 boasts a
powerful 128-voice, GM level 2-compatible synth engine with 16-part multitimbral
capability. The massive internal wave memory offers four times the capacity of
Roland’s previous synthesizers, giving this monster synth over 1,000 Preset
Patches, 64 Performances, 14 Rhythm Sets, and plenty of User memory with SmartMedia™
storage. A new effects section consists of a reverb based on Roland’s SRV-3030
24-bit Digital Reverb Processor, a separate chorus processor, and a new multi-effects
processor with over 50 algorithms.
The XV-88 is also the first Roland synthesizer to offer 88 full-weighted keys
using a precision hammer-action design with velocity and channel aftertouch sensitivity.
Realtime controllers include four assignable sliders and the revolutionary D-Beam
controller, which lets users shape sounds with hand movements over an infrared
beam of light. These features—combined with the XV-88’s advanced arpeggiator,
external sequencer controller, and dedicated computer interface for Mac® and
PC—make it the perfect master keyboard for live performance, or in the studio
controlling an extensive MIDI rig.
Like the XV-3080, XV-88 Patches are comprised of up to four tones, each capable
of using stereo-sampled waveforms. This new architecture allows for stereo sounds
with a maximum four-level velocity switch, so even the most detailed expression
can now be reproduced at the basic Patch level. Using the new Matrix Control,
complex modulation of tones is possible for even greater sonic possibilities.
Navigating the XV-88’s impressive sounds is easy using the PatchFinder function—you
can even place your favorite Patches sequentially using a Favorite List feature—while
a 40-character, 2-line backlit LCD provides visual confirmation of all editing.
In keeping with Roland’s commitment to expandability, the XV-88 supports
up to two SR-JV80-Series Wave Expansion Boards, giving users instant access to
one of the largest sound libraries on the market. On top of this, there are two
slots for Roland’s next-generation SRX-Series wave expansion boards. These
new boards are smaller in size, yet boast an amazing 64MB* of wave data—making
them a more convenient and affordable way to build a high-quality sound library
than RAM-based samplers. The XV-88 is also upward compatible with Patches from
the JV-2080/1080/1010 and XP-80/60/50/30.
Connections include a stereo headphone jack and four individual outputs (configured
as stereo pairs). Two control pedal inputs, a hold pedal jack, MIDI In/Out/Thru,
and a dedicated computer terminal are included for integrating the XV-88 into
a variety of setups.
For more information, visit
Roland on the web at www.rolandus.com. |
