Roland's V-Synth Starts Shipping

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Roland is proud to announce its next-generation synthesizer, the V-Synth. This 61-note instrument uses multiple oscillator technologies powered by VariPhrase technology--including user sampling--to create fresh new sounds with independent control over a waveform's pitch, time and formant. Flexible COSM filtering, an advanced arpeggiator and a host of realtime controllers--including the revolutionary TimeTrip Pad--give musicians unlimited control over their sounds. .

The V-Synth is based on two variable oscillators that use three sound generation techniques. The PCM oscillator uses Roland's VariPhrase technology for independently manipulating the pitch, time and formant of the over 300 preset or user-sampled waveforms--a world's first in a synthesizer. A new Time Trip function gives users the freedom to experiment with a waveform's time aspect in any way desired--speeding a waveform up, slowing it down, or freezing it at any point.

Analog Modeling is the second oscillator type. It provides nine traditional waveforms, strengthened with Roland's latest modeling technology to sound even more fat and warm than ever. The third oscillator type is External Audio Processing, which allows any external sound to be used as a synth waveform. All oscillator types can be mixed and layered in several ways, or modulated using FM, ring mod and hard sync to create sounds never heard before.

The V-Synth's sound engine can be configured in several different ways by choosing from preset Structure types--just like a semi-modular synth. Front-panel Structure buttons make it easy to dive in, while a host of knobs, sliders and buttons offer direct access to vital sound parameters. More detailed parameters can be edited quickly using the large touchscreen, which even responds to dragging motions.

New COSM processors handle everything from modeled analog filtering to entirely new sound-shaping tools like polyphonic guitar amp modeling, a Wave Shaper, Resonator and unique Side Band Filter capable of pulling out the sharper, metallic content of sounds. V-Synth also provides a dedicated reverb, chorus, and 41 multi-effects algorithms for global effects processing.

The real magic begins when interacting with the V-Synth's knobs and controllers. With the TimeTrip Pad, players can use their fingertip to scan a waveform forward and backward. Twin D Beams make it easy to modify a range of controllers using infrared light beams. A powerful arpeggiator creates instant phrases and motifs, and can even be used to modulate sound parameters. Nothing else provides this type of interaction and creative control.

With its choice of analog and digital I/O, the V-Synth makes it easy to sample custom waveforms for use in the variable oscillator (resampling is also supported). Users can also exchange .WAV/AIFF files via the built-in USB port, which also works for MIDI. All Preset Patches are fully re-writeable; sounds can also be saved via USB to a computer or to an optional PC card. And with Roland's exclusive V-LINK technology, users can trigger and manipulate video clips using the V-Synth's keyboard, bender and TimeTrip Pad when used with the Edirol DV-7PR Digital Video Workstation (sold separately). Twin D Beams provide expressive realtime control using infrared beams of light--great for performance.

Connections to the V-Synth include a stereo Mic/Line input, stereo Main and Direct outputs, coaxial and optical digital I/O, a stereo Headphone jack, Hold Pedal jack, two Control Pedal jacks, MIDI In/Out/Thru, and a USB port.