NAMM: New V-Studio Workstation Debuts

(Click for a close-up)

New at the Winter NAMM show is the VS-2400CD Digital Studio Workstation. This compact recording workstation inherits many features from the flagship VS-2480CD--like premium analog components, motorized faders and powerful software control--while adding new features of its own such as RSS 3-D panning and V-LINK for integrating Edirol video products. Onboard effects and an internal CD drive let musicians mix, master and burn like a pro--all at a surprisingly low price.

The VS-2400CD provides 24 primary recording tracks and 384 Virtual Tracks for recording--all with 24-bit sound quality. A built-in 48-channel digital mixer eliminates the need for an external mixer, while 13 motorized faders make it easy to switch between the VS-2400CD's 16 input channels, 24 playback tracks and eight effect returns. The operating system features an intuitive graphic LCD with mouse-based editing and a convenient VGA monitor output--just like the VS-2480CD. This lets musicians edit tracks using simple drag-and-drop commands, or even take advantage of a sleek software-style interface when used with an external monitor.

The VS-2400CD is not just an affordable version of the VS-2480CD; it comes with new features of its own. With RSS Panning, musicians can create realistic 3-D panning without complicated editing. Up to six mono sources can be placed in a 3-D sound field, which can even be written to an Automix. And with Roland's exclusive V-LINK technology, the VS-2400CD can be used to trigger video clips--or even control video parameters like color balance and brightness--when used with the Edirol DV-7PR Digital Video Workstation (sold separately).

Onboard effects include dedicated 4-band EQ and dynamics on 32 channels, plus two stereo effects processors (expandable via additional VS8F-2 Effects Expansion Boards) with onboard mastering tools. A low-profile CD burner comes standard, giving musicians everything they need to burn CDs or even import .WAV files directly into a song. An 8-channel R-BUS port allows the VS-2400CD to be connected directly to another VS-2400/2480CD, to the SI-24 Studio Interface for more faders and I/O, or even to a computer equipped with Roland's RPC-1 R-BUS audio card.