Roland Launches RS-Series Keyboards at Musikmesse

RS-50 (Click for a close-up)

RS-50 (Click for a close-up)

At Musikmesse, Roland announced the RS-70 and RS-50 Synthesizers. These keyboards boast hundreds of new CD-quality sounds that can be called up via simple Direct Access Buttons, plus performance features including a D Beam Controller, arpeggiator and chord memory--all at an affordable price. The RS-70 goes even further by adding an easy instrument-based Loop Sequencer, USB-MIDI interface and floppy drive, plus V-LINK for controlling Edirol video equipment.

The RS-70 and -50 are full of new sounds. And not just new Patches, but an entirely new set of waveforms sampled at 44.1kHz. New Direct Access buttons let users call up sounds by category, while bundled editor software makes it easy to dive in and program new sounds.

When it comes to sequencing, nothing is easier than the RS-70's new Loop Sequencer, which is based on sounds instead of complicated concepts like MIDI channels and tracks. To create a sequence, users simply choose a sound and record. As the recording loops, additional sounds can be selected and overdubbed until all parts are entered. Realtime and step recording are both supported, along with Microscope editing.

The RS-Series' new Multi Chord Memory function lets users play a variety of complex chords using a single note. Users can also trigger phrases at the touch of a key using the Arpeggio/Phrase Generator (which on the RS-70, can be fully programmed and even recorded to the sequencer). Instead of a Loop Sequencer, the RS-50 features a Rhythm Guide metronome with preset rhythm patterns in a variety of styles.

Both the RS-70 and RS-50 feature Roland's popular D Beam Controller for controlling functions like pitch and filter cutoff--or even Roland's unique Active Expression feature--using an infrared beam of light. The RS-70 also includes a built-in floppy drive for loading GM/GM-2-complatible Standard MIDI Files--plus Roland's exclusive V-LINK technology for triggering video clips (requires Edirol DV-7PR Digital Video Workstation, which is sold separately).

Connections to the RS-70 and RS-50 include stereo 1/4-inch outputs, a stereo Headphone jack, Hold and Control Pedal jacks, MIDI In and Out, and a USB port (RS-70 only).