D2 Groovebox Now Shipping

(Click for a close-up)

Rear Panel (Click for a close-up)

Roland is proud to announce that it is now shipping a new chapter in the evolution of the Groovebox series - the D2.

This performance-oriented groove music workstation puts the legendary sounds and power of the MC-Series under precise fingertip control using a newly developed D-Field. This touch-sensitive pad controller can be used to modify patterns and sounds by rubbing and touching the surface, making the D2 simple enough for anyone to play. And with 150 all-new patterns including the latest 2-Step and R&B styles, the D2 is the perfect instrument for simple and fun creation of Groove music.

Unlike the previous MC-Series Grooveboxes, the D2 implements an entirely new kind of performance interface, the D-Field, instead of a mini-keyboard and knobs. The D-Field is a multi-purpose pad controller which can be assigned to different functions, such as selecting sounds and patterns or modifying effects parameters - even DJ techniques like scratching. Users simple select the type of function and variation they want using the three D-Field modes and 12 D-Field keys. Then by pressing and rubbing the D-Field's quadrants, the D2 will produce the desired effect. For example, by selecting the Sound Mode and the appropriate function (Preview, RPS, Vinyl Effect, Assign 1), users can preview patches, trigger RPS patterns, call up DJ sounds such as scratching and backspins, or call up sequencer patterns and mute parts.

By selecting the XY Mode and the appropriate function (Filter, MFX, X-Fader, Assign 2), users can simultaneously control filter cutoff and resonance; control multi-effects parameters; crossfade between two parts of the current pattern; or modify functions like pitch bend, LFO and envelope. Finally, by selecting the Spin Mode, users can trace the D-Field's circular line to make a pattern start, stop or play forward/backward; increase/decrease the BPM; control the speed of snare rolls; or mute notes, randomize the pitch, or control multi-effects. The D-Field makes using the D2 simple for musicians and non-musicians alike.

In terms of sounds, the D2 features the same professional sound set of the MC-505 Groovebox, including 600 Preset patches, 30 Preset rhythm kits and 64-voice polyphony. Onboard effects include separate Reverb, Delay and M-FX (multi-effects) processors. The M-FX section is identical to the MC-307 Groovebox and includes cutting-edge Groove effects like Slicer, Isolator and Lo-Fi processing. The D2's onboard sequencer includes 150 Preset patterns covering popular Groove music styles such as house, techno, drum 'n' bass and hip-hop - plus all the latest 2-Step and R&B grooves.

Using the D-Field for data input, users can create up to 100 User patterns and 25 songs, and then store them to the D2's 40,000 note sequencer memory. This simple Step Recording method enables users to enter the pitch and duration of notes by rubbing the D-Field using the 32 LEDs above to visually verify note timing. Additionally, a D-Field Recording method allows the realtime changes from the D-Field to be recorded into a pattern.

Users can also create patterns via the Megamix function, which combines elements of different patterns into a new pattern. And for the ultimate in performance, the D2 features Roland's Realtime Phrase Sequence (RPS) function for triggering complete musical phrases using the D-Field. Connections to the D2 include a stereo RCA output, stereo Headphone output (stereo mini-jack type), plus MIDI In and Out.