News: Roland

20-Key Dynamic MIDI Pedalboard for Organists

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2012 — Roland is pleased to announce the PK-9 Pedal Keyboard, a dynamic MIDI pedalboard for organists. The PK-9 features 20 velocity-sensitive pedal keys, an integrated expression pedal, and more, making it ideal for use with instruments such as Roland’s Atelier®, Combo, and Classic series organs, or for anyone that wants to play sounds and control functions on other MIDI devices.

The PK-9 is a solidly built and versatile MIDI controller, and its 20 comfortable pedal keys respond nicely to playing dynamics. Three different touch settings allow the user to tailor the key response to their individual playing style.

An onboard expression pedal with a smooth action provides precise volume control. Footswitches on either side of the pedal’s toe allow the player to easily control organ functions such as rotary speed without taking their foot off the pedal or hands off the keys. Three additional footswitches are also provided—one as a dedicated piano-style sustain pedal, and two others that can be freely assigned to control numerous functions on Roland organs or other MIDI devices.

A seven-segment display makes it simple for users to program functions directly on the PK-9. MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU jacks are provided on the rear panel, as well as a jack for an assignable external pedal dedicated to additional controls like pitch bender up or down, cutoff, half damper, etc. A PK OUT connector allows for a convenient single-cable connection to Roland organs such as the ATELIER Combo AT-350C and VK-88; when connected in this fashion, power is provided to the PK-9 from the organ.

The PK-9 Pedal Keyboard will be available in late spring. For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

High-Fidelity Open-Air Headphones for Digital Piano Monitoring

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2012 — Roland is pleased to introduce the RH-A7 Monitor Headphones, a high-fidelity monitoring solution for digital pianos and other audio listening applications. Featuring a lightweight, open-air design and wide-ranging sound, the RH-A7 is ideal for enjoying the rich tonal quality and superior dynamic response of Roland’s fine digital pianos.

As compared to closed headphones and earbuds, the open-air RH-A7 produces a more balanced and natural sound, with a wide soundstage and smooth bass response. When used with a Roland digital piano, the RH-A7 delivers a truly organic listening experience, with an openness that is much more like hearing the instrument through its own speaker system. From delicate pianissimo to forceful fortissimo, these headphones accurately reproduce all the subtle nuances of the player’s performance.

In addition to superior sound quality, the RH-A7’s open-air design brings other benefits. The headphones are light in weight, so they’re easy to wear for long practice sessions without fatigue. Their design also allows the sound and air to flow freely for a natural and comfortable listening environment.

The RH-A7 comes standard in black with handsome red earpiece covers. The RH-A7-WH offers a different look with an elegant, all-white finish.

The RH-A7 and RH-A7-WH will be available in late spring.

For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

Groundbreaking Stage Amps With Original Tone

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2012 — Roland is pleased to announce the GA-212 and GA-112 Guitar Amplifiers, two powerful new amplification systems to meet the rigorous demands of performing guitarists. Unlike modeling amps that set out to recreate the sound of multiple vintage classics, the GA series leverages Roland’s renowned COSM® technology to create newly voiced amplifiers with versatile, expressive tones and simple, intuitive operation. These new amps provide an organic playing experience characteristic of top-level tube designs, with all the advantages that modern digital processing brings, including memory function, low noise, and more. From the arena to the club, the two models in the GA series offer powerful, ultra-responsive tone and high-volume performance for stage players. Equipped with two custom-designed 12-inch speakers, the GA-212 dishes a big 200 watts of power, more than enough juice for touring pros. The GA-112 sports a single 12-inch speaker and a slightly more modest 100 watts of power, making it the perfect choice for nightclubs and medium-size venues.

Each GA series amp features a versatile, multi-voice tone engine with a wide range of sounds, from sparkling clean to raunchy crunch to over-the-top mega-gain. Operation is easy and intuitive, with familiar Drive and Volume knobs, standard tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence), and switches for voicing, gain boost, and mid boost.

Users can store four custom sound settings and recall them with front-panel switches or the optional GA-FC Foot Controller. The amps’ knobs feature LED indicators that show the current settings when a preset is recalled and aid visibility on dark stages. A convenient Sound Indicator gives a visual indication of the tonal character of the current tone.

Pro features include two effects loops with selectable series/parallel operation and +4 dBu/-10 dBu level, plus two auxiliary outputs, a line-level direct output, and a DI/tuner output. The GA-FC Foot Controller can control multiple GA-series amps at once, and features two expression pedal inputs for foot-controlled drive and volume adjustment.

The GA-212 and GA-112 Guitar Amplifiers will be available in late spring.

For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

SuperNATURAL Comes to Affordable V-Drums

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2012 — Roland is pleased to announce the TD-11KV and TD-11K V-Drums® V-Compact® Series, two new kits in its industry-leading lineup of V-Drums electronic percussion products. Featuring a new sound module powered by Roland’s revolutionary SuperNATURAL® sounds and superior playing feel with patented mesh-head pads, the TD-11KV and TD-11K kits offer drummers top-level V-Drums performance at an affordable price.

The TD-11KV and TD-11K kits include the new TD-11 Drum Sound Module, which delivers ultra-expressive percussion tones with SuperNATURAL sounds produced by Behavior Modeling technology. Originally introduced in the flagship V-Drums V-Pro® Series, this exciting level of performance is now available in V-Compact models.

The TD-11 features 190 instruments and 50 user-customizable drum kits, plus a new powerful Ambience feature and 10 trigger inputs. Simple to use, the module offers a large LCD and an intuitive interface for easy navigation and sound customization, plus Coach and Quick REC functions to help build drumming skills. Two different USB ports allow users to play audio files from convenient flash media and connect directly to computers for MIDI/Audio over USB.

Roland’s acclaimed mesh-head pads are included throughout the TD-11KV set. There are PDX-8 mesh-head V-Pads™ for the snare and floor tom, plus two

PDX-6 mesh-head V-Pads for the rack toms. Additional components include the KD-9 Kick Trigger Pad, a CY-5 Dual-Trigger Cymbal Pad and FD-8 Hi-Hat Controller, CY-12C and CY-13R/C V-Cymbals® for crash and ride, and the new MDS-4V Drum Stand.

The very affordable TD-11K set offers a PDX-8 mesh-head V-Pad for the snare, three PD-8A rubber-head Single Trigger Pads for the toms, and a KD-9 Kick Trigger Pad. Also included is a CY-5 Dual-Trigger Cymbal Pad and FD-8 Hi-Hat Controller, CY-8 Dual-Trigger Cymbal Pads for crash and ride, and the MDS-4V Drum Stand.

The TD-11KV and TD-11K V-Drums V-Compact Series will be available in late spring. For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

ROLAND ANNOUNCES RP301 DIGITAL  PIANO

SuperNATURAL Piano Sound in an Entry-Level Instrument

Los Angeles, CA, January 19,  2012 — Roland is pleased to announce the RP301  Digital Piano,  an affordable home instrument whose rich sound and impressive  playability belies its modest Equipped with the acclaimed SuperNATURAL®  Piano sound  engine and Ivory Feel-G keyboard, the RP301 is the perfect entry-level  piano for aspiring piano students and families.

The  popular RP-series pianos have long provided respected Roland quality at  a great value, and the new RP301 carries this tradition to the highest  level. With the  inclusion of the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the RP301 allows  users to enjoy leading-edge digital technology at the most accessible  price ever. First introduced in Roland’s high-end instruments,  SuperNATURAL Piano has received accolades all over the world  for its incredibly natural tone and superior response.

The  RP301 is also outfitted with the Ivory Feel-G keyboard for an authentic  grand piano playing touch. This excellent keyboard features a  progressive hammer action  that reproduces the expressive feel of an authentic acoustic grand.

A  user-friendly panel layout with dedicated buttons provides easy access  to the RP301’s sounds and functions. Useful education features include a  built-in metronome,  as well as Twin Piano mode, which splits the keyboard into two  identical zones for side-by-side instruction and duet playing. Also  onboard is a handy recorder that lets users capture their performances  for instant evaluation and enjoyment.

With  its low power consumption and auto power-off function, the RP301 is  very environmentally friendly. Two handsome finishes are available to  suit any home or  music school’s decor: Satin black (RP301-SB) and Simulated Rosewood  (RP301-RW). 

The RP301 will be available in February 2012. For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com.

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ROLAND ANNOUNCES RP301R DIGITAL PIANO

Fun and Affordable SuperNATURAL Piano with Onboard Rhythm Accompaniments

Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2012 — Roland is pleased to introduce the RP301R  Digital Piano,  an attractive, fun, and affordable instrument that will please players  of all levels. Featuring the SuperNATURAL® Piano sound engine, Ivory  Feel-G  keyboard, and built-in rhythm accompaniments, the RP301R is perfect for  beginning piano students, families, and anyone that wants to have fun  playing the piano.

Onboard  are 60 fun, rhythm accompaniments designed for pianists enrich your  musical repertoire and enjoyment. Make incredible music with the newly  developed full-keyboard  chord recognition engine, which reacts to the pressing level of the  damper pedal. You can play along with sophisticated rhythm  accompaniments without changing your piano playing style. Rhythm  accompaniment can be expanded through USB memory.

At  the heart of the RP301R is Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano sound  engine, which delivers an authentic grand piano playing experience with  seamless variations  in tone from pianissimo to fortissimo, notes that fade naturally  without looping, and three-dimensional sound and response.

The  88-note Ivory Feel-G keyboard provides world-class touch to match the  RP-301R’s SuperNATURAL Piano tone. Featuring a progressive hammer action  design with escapement,  it inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found  on Roland’s flagship pianos. Thanks to the combination of top-level  sound and playing feel, the RP301R offers expressivity and performance  that rivals that of high-end instruments.

The  RP301R supports USB MIDI, so users can connect to computers and use the  instrument with music recording software. With the USB Memory function,  users can stream  music directly from a convenient USB memory, allowing them to play  along with their favorite WAV audio and SMF (Standard MIDI File) songs.

Equipped  with a built-in stereo speaker system, the RP301R delivers rich and  full sound with an easy-to-adjust volume control. The RP301R is provided  with environment-conscious  design with Auto Off function and low power consumption. Available in  two different finishes (Satin Black or Simulated Rosewood), the compact  and beautiful upright cabinet fits in nearly any space and decor. The  RP301R is also outfitted with a smooth-sliding  keyboard cover, three integrated pedals, and headphone jacks for silent  practice.

The RP301 and RP301R will be available in February and April 2012 respectively. For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

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ROLAND RELASES NEW F-120 DIGITAL PIANO

SuperNATURAL Piano in a Contemporary Cabinet

Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2012 — Roland is happy to announce the F-120  Digital Piano, a stylish new member of Roland’s piano line that features SuperNATURAL® sound and an Ivory Feel-G  Keyboard. The F-120’s ultimate piano sound and response is combined  with a supreme touch that looks and feels like a true grand.

Perfect for budget conscious players looking for an authentic yet space-saving, contemporary package, the F-120 provides expression and performance that rivals  high-end pianos, thanks to the combination of the SuperNATURAL Piano  engine and an Ivory Feel-G keyboard with the latest sensor technologies.

The  F-120’s compact, lightweight cabinet boasts a minimalist aesthetic  design that easily blends into any home or dorm interior – in two  classy finishes: Satin Black or White. Environmental friendliness is  also taken into consideration with low power consumption and an Auto Off  function.

Dedicated  front panel buttons are great for piano practice, lessons, and  performance.  Twin Piano, metronome and recorder functions also  lend well to lessons or practicing. A stereo miniature phone jack lets  you connect a portable audio player (sold separately) and play along  with your favorite songs. The built-in song libraries include famous  Czerny and Hanon etudes in addition to the collections  of masterpieces.

The F-120 Digital Piano is expected to be available in February 2012. For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

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ROLAND UNVEILS LX-15 DIGITAL PIANO

Handsome Upright with SuperNATURAL  Piano Core and Innovative Acoustic Projection Sound System

Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2012 — Roland is proud to introduce the LX-15  Digital Piano,  an elegant upright-style instrument with grand piano sound and  attitude. The LX-15 boasts Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL® Piano sound  engine, plus  a newly developed Acoustic Projection sound system that delivers an  inspiring multi-dimensional sound field never before available in this  instrument class and rich, natural piano resonance.

The  impressive LX-15 features a more traditional and attractive upright  cabinet with a polished black ebony finish. With its SuperNATURAL Piano  sound engine, the  LX-15 provides the ultimate piano playing experience with seamless  tonal transition, notes that fade naturally without looping, and  unparalleled sound and response.

To  compliment the SuperNATURAL Piano core, Roland has developed an  innovative Acoustic Projection sound system for the LX-15. Based on  technology inspired by the  V-Piano® Grand sound system, the six-speaker system delivers a rich and  resonant sound field. Using complex, multi-channel internal processing,  the various elements of piano sounds and piano resonance are blended  independently and output to the sound system  for an incredibly organic and spatial sound.

The  built-in piano selection has been expanded in the LX-15. In addition to  modern grand-piano sounds, a newly added Early piano category contains  four fortepiano  variation and two harpsichord variations. You can enjoy a treasured  lineup of instruments new and old spanning centuries.

The  LX-15 is also equipped with Roland’s PHA III Ivory Feel keyboard with  Escapement, giving players the authentic touch and feel of a high-end   grand piano in an upright instrument. In addition, the LX-15 is  equipped with Progressive Damper Action Pedal with half-pedal  recognition, and the top lid of the piano can be opened and closed  smoothly for tonal variation.

The LX-15’s built-in recorder  lets you capture your  performances as audio and/or MIDI data, which is a convenient feature  for pianists, as well as students who want to evaluate their playing  afterward. Recorded audio data can be saved onto USB memory, and copied  to an external computer for making audio CDs  or for uploading to the Internet.

The  LX-15 was also designed with the environment friendly. Its maximum  power consumption is just 85 W, which is approximately 40% less than  the previous model, and with enhanced volume and sound pressure. When used under normal conditions in a typical household, power consumption is around 38 W*. The LX-15 also  has an Auto Off function that, when activated, can turn power off after certain duration of non-activity.

With  its gorgeous looks, grand piano acoustic and expressive authenticity,  and marvelous playability, the LX-15 meets the demanding needs of music  schools, serious  pianists and piano teachers, and is a perfect instrument for home users  that desire a true grand piano experience in a space-saving, upright  design.

The LX-15 Digital Piano is available now. For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com. 

New Models Feature SuperNATURAL Piano and Acoustic Projection Sound Systems

Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2012 — Roland is proud to announce the HP500 series, the latest additions to its industry-leading lineup of  cabinet-style digital pianos. Equipped with Roland’s acclaimed  SuperNATURAL® Piano sound engine and the all-new Acoustic Projection  sound system, the HP500 series offers serious players superior  touch and tone in convenient, space-saving instruments for the home.

SuperNATURAL  Piano has received accolades from pianists everywhere for its amazingly  realistic grand piano sound, which provides organic variations in tone  throughout  the entire dynamic range, notes that fade naturally, and  three-dimensional sound and response. You can also play classical  masterpieces using newly added authentic fortepiano tones they were  written for.

To  compliment the SuperNATURAL Piano engine in the HP507 and HP505, Roland  has recently developed the Acoustic Projection sound system. Derived  from the impressive  multi-channel sound technology found in the V-Piano® Grand, the  Acoustic Projection system delivers a rich, multi-dimensional sound  field that recreates the vibrant and enveloping experience of playing an  acoustic grand piano.

The  HP500 series includes many premium features that further enhance the  playing experience, including Roland’s renowned Ivory Feel keyboard and a  progressive damper  action pedal. All models offer a LCD and intuitive panel layout for  user-friendly operation, as well as onboard three-track recording and  audio recording/playback with optional USB flash memory. Flexible audio  playback controls such as Center Cancel, transpose,  and tempo change are perfect for practice and playing along fun.

The  top-of-the-line HP507 has a six-channel Acoustic Projection system  onboard, and is equipped with PHA III Ivory Feel Keyboard with  Escapement for the ultimate  grand piano touch and feel. The HP505 comes with a four-channel  Acoustic Projection system, as well as the PHA III. Both models are  available in Simulated Rosewood, Satin Black, or Polished Ebony  finishes.

The  entry-level HP503 offers the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, along  with the Ivory Feel-S keyboard with Escapement, as well as the Progressive  Damper Action Pedal.  The HP503 is available in Simulated Rosewood or Satin Black finishes.   

The HP500 Series Digital Pianos are expected be available in April 2012. For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

Interactive Learning Software for All V-Drums Users

Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2012 — Roland is proud to announce the DT-1  V-Drums® Tutor,  a new drum lesson software application for all V-Drums users. Building  on the success of the DT-HD1 software for the entry-level HD-1 V-Drums  Lite,  the DT-1 V-Drums Tutor offers integration with all V-Drums kits,  expanded tutorials, Windows/Mac compatibility, and more.

The DT-1 V-Drums Tutor uses both  “game style” and drum notation screens to teach introductory drum  patterns and techniques in a fun and easy manner. The software  integrates seamlessly with any V-Drums  electronic drum set via a simple USB-MIDI connection.

Included are 57  basic drum patterns with rudimental exercises for building drumming  skills, as well as 60 full-band songs with a “minus drums” feature for  play-along enjoyment. In addition,  users can load their favorite SMF songs and jam along.

In the Game screen, drummers play along with falling blocks  to obtain high scores, which helps develop timing accuracy in a fun, interactive way.

In  the Notation screen, a bouncing ball guides players through the  patterns and demonstrates which pads to play and which hands to use  when playing fills. Accuracy is indicated by colorful x and o markings,  which assists in improving timing skills. The Dynamic Bar Graph helps  develop evenness between the hands by displaying stroke balance  visually.

The  DT-1 also allows drummers to slow down or speed up tempos, repeat  sections, and select specific pads for playback to help them learn  more difficult patterns. The software is compatible with Windows (XP/Vista/7) and Mac OS X (10.xx and later).

The DT-1 V-Drums Tutor will be available in February 2012 For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com.