Roland Launches XV Series Synth Modules

XV-3080 (Click for a larger picture)

XV-5080 (Click for a larger picture)

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 engines massive internal wave memory offers four times the capacity of Rolands 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 levellike 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-3080s 40-character, 2-line backlit LCD and the XV-5080s 320 x 80-dot graphic backlit LCD. Both models also include Rolands 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 boardsgiving users full access to Rolands 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 Rolands 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 Rolands 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 Rolands 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 MDMs using the optional DIF-AT Interface Box. The XV-3080s MIDI connections include In/Out/Thru jacks, while the -5080 adds a second MIDI Input to this list.