Overall Rating: I originally got hooked by the 1st demo track and the user interface; I was originally gonna just play w/ it a bit & return it after two weeks for a refund. But I just am blown away by it; I couldn't bear to part w/ it! And it just ha...
Overall Rating: I originally got hooked by the 1st demo track and the user interface; I was originally gonna just play w/ it a bit & return it after two weeks for a refund. But I just am blown away by it; I couldn't bear to part w/ it! And it just happens to fit very nicely atop my Hammond <g>
When I got it, I was also looking at the NordLeadII and the Korg MS2000 (as well as some others). There's just nothing in the price range that gives the combo of sound & interface this keyboard provides. There's plenty I wish it did; but then I'd be spending $3K on an Andromeda or something - and it wouldn't fit atop the Hammond. For a new synth under $1K this is as good as it gets, and even if I spent much more I might get some better sounds but NOT the interface - I don't think any surpass it. Making music is easy on this machine. No regrets on buying it. Too bad they discontinued it - I hope Roland uses most elements of it in a future offering.
Features: 8 note polyphony - I'm starting to find that a limitation once in awhile (but not often). It's really only a limitation when I'm too lazy to haul my other keyboard around. The built-in delay is good; the other effects are OK but not great.
No expansion capability. Lacks MIDI thru! Also lacks aftertouch (though I don't mind) and I haven't really used the sequencer - but I find the built-in patterns kinda limiting.
The user interface is awesome though.... I find the general layout easier to comprehend than almost any other programmable synth I've seen. The modules are well laid out, the pitch-bend/mod lever is great, and the ribbon controller is awesome! Toss all the other stuff; this and the sound is why I bought it.
Sound Quality: There is NO realistic sound in this board; it seemingly wasn't designed for that. It WAS designed to make you feel like you're playing a combined Minimoog/Prophet, and it does that wonderfully! While I'm finding some limits & quirks to it's sound-generating ability, it gives me tha ability to emulate most anything I hear from Pink Floyd, Rainbow, ELP, Yes, and similar bands. And it seems to be pulling me toward dance-type stuff also....
It is quite playable. I've played better-feeling keys, but the rest of the interface makes up for whatever it lacks in key feel. Velocity works well; there is no aftertouch.
Reliability/Durability: Haven't had it long enough to address these questions....
Ease of Use: Latest software version, whatever that is. Some good presets, some just average. All are good starting points for creating your own performances & patches though. And doing that is simple & fun w/ the knobs & sliders. The manual is OK - it helps when intuition fails.
Customer Support: Roland US support is lacking. Wish I lived in Canada sometimes - Roland support north of the border seems much better.
Price: $900.00 USD
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