ROLAND INTRODUCES SP-404SX LINEAR WAVE SAMPLER

"Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2009 — Roland Corporation U.S. is pleased to announce the SP-404SX Portable Sampler. This update to the popular SP-404 offers 44.1kHz/16-Bit sound quality, improved DSP effects, a more versatile pattern sequencer, and easier data management.

The SP-404SX includes 29 DSP effects — including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, and looper — that switch seamlessly for a smooth performance. Twelve trigger pads, three control knobs, and a Sub Pad for rapid triggering allow DJs, musicians, and sound engineers to trigger samples and jingles and apply effects on the fly at the club, gig, or theater.

The built-in microphone, simple user interface, and optional battery operation enable recording with the SP-404SX anywhere inspiration strikes. It is also easy to import samples and utilize the high quality effects onboard for sound design or unique live performance purposes. The more versatile pattern sequencer now includes an improved quantize mode with new shuffle feel for intuitive, non-stop loop recording.

“Roland’s SP-Series samplers are popular worldwide among DJs, musicians, and sound engineers alike,” says Vince LaDuca, Product Marketing Manager. “To keep our number one market position and reach new customers, we are pleased to introduce this upgraded version of the SP-404.”

The SP-404SX will be available in October with an MSRP of $465.50."

ROLAND JUNO-Di MOBILE SYNTHESIZER NOW SHIPPING

"Battery-Powered JUNO Offers Ultimate Portability, Professional Sound

Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2009 — Roland Corporation U.S. announces general availability of the new JUNO®-Di Mobile Synthesizer. This latest addition to the JUNO Series is specifically designed for the musician on the go, providing a vast array of professional sounds in a lightweight, portable design. The user-friendly design of the JUNO-Di will deliver hassle-free live keyboard performances for both the seasoned musician and entry level user.

Weighing in at just under 12 pounds, the battery-powered Juno-Di can be played anywhere, anytime. Plug the Juno-Di into a portable amplifier such as the Roland CUBE Street® or MOBILE CUBE for instant amplification, or plug in headphones for quiet practice. With eight Ni-MH AA-size rechargeable batteries, the JUNO-Di can go for up to five hours without being plugged in.

The 61-note synth-action JUNO-Di boasts over 1,000 diverse customizable sounds to fit any style of music, including grand and electric pianos, modern synth sounds, lush strings, beautiful guitars, powerful brass, percussion, and banks of exotic instruments. Simple navigation with dedicated category buttons and the large LCD display ensures players can recall and perform their favorite sounds on the fly.

In addition to a world-class sound engine and extreme portability, the JUNO-Di offers an array of features for the live performer. Process vocals live through its microphone input, built-in vocoder, and dedicated reverb. And with its USB memory port and song player function, the JUNO-Di enables direct playback and control of MP3, .WAV, AIFF, and SMF sound files with dedicated transport controls on the front panel.

The JUNO-Di is now shipping with an MSRP of $799.00"

BOSS ANNOUNCES VE-20 VOCAL PERFORMER

"Quality BOSS Effects Designed Specifically For The Vocalist

Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2009 — BOSS is pleased to bring quality effects processing to the performing vocalist, all in the compact design and simplicity of a twin-pedal stompbox with the VE-20 Vocal Performer.

The new, easy-to-use VE-20 has been designed from the ground up for singers and features some of the finest vocal-effects technology on the market. The VE-20 is ideal for all types of vocal expression, including traditional singing, narration, and beat boxing.

The VE-20 comes with all the effects you need to add unique flair to your vocal performance. With the click of a footswitch, lush vocal doubling and harmonies, real-time pitch correction, delay, reverb, limiting, and special effects — such as Distortion, Robot, Chromatic, Radio, and Strobe — can be added. Layers and loops can also be created in real time with the onboard Phrase Looper.

The tough BOSS construction of the VE-20, as well as its ability to run for hours on six AA batteries, makes the VE-20 the ultimate portable pedal for vocalists. With stereo XLR outputs, ¼" and XLR inputs, and a simple user interface, the VE-20 is perfect for serious live-performance or recording.

“More and more bands are incorporating vocal effects into their live and studio performances,” says Paul Youngblood, President of BOSS. “We’re pleased to bring high quality BOSS effects to vocal performers everywhere.”

The VE-20 will be available in November 2009."

Synthesizer pencil holder

"Roger Arrick of Synthesizers.com gets sidetracked sometimes and builds interesting things. Here's a pencil holder made from module panels and circuit boards. Notice it holds as many tools as writing instruments."

Z5000 Upgrade

TipTop Audio

click and read if you own a Z5000

ROLAND SHIPS AX-SYNTH SHOULDER SYNTHESIZER

"Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2009 — Roland Corporation is proud to announce general availability of the AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer, the first of the legendary AX-Series to offer an onboard sound engine featuring a collection of the best of Roland’s cutting-edge synth sounds.

Created with the art of performance in mind, the AX-Synth allows keyboardists to connect with their audience as guitarists and singers do. Real-time controls such as the Ribbon, Modulation Bar, D BEAM, and aftertouch knob controllers give musicians the ability to perform memorable and expressive solos. When wearing the battery-powered and wireless AX-Synth, keyboardists can create kinetic musical performances, moving freely around the stage without any encumbering wires or cables.

The AX-Synth features 49 velocity-sensitive keys and is the first shoulder keyboard to include a 128-voice polyphonic sound engine with 256 distinct tones accessible from eight bank buttons, plus a collection of ultra-expressive sounds generated by Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine. The AX-Synth also includes an easy-to-use software editor/librarian for designing and storing user-created sounds.

“We have been looking forward to bringing back the AX-Series in style, and the AX-Synth is it,” says Vince LaDuca, Product Marketing Manager. “Not only will the keyboardist be able to get out from behind their rack onstage, they will also have the finest Roland sounds at their fingertips with the onboard sound engine.”

The AX-Synth is now shipping with an MSRP of $1,349.00."

ROLAND PROMARS COMPUPHONIC MRS-2 SYNTHESIZER

via this auction

"THIS RARE VINTAGE CLASSIC SYNTESIZER IS THE FIRST ROLAND USER PROGRAMABLE SYNTH ROLAND PRODUCED.THEY WERE MANUFACTURED FROM 1979 TO 1982. THIS IS A 37 KEY MONOPHONIC LEAD SYNTH WITH 10 PRESETS & 8 USER PROGAMABLE PATCHES. THERE ARE TWO VCO OSCILLATORS, A VCF FILTER, A VCO ENVELOPE & AND AS AN ADDED BONUS A WONDERFUL NOISE GENERATOR. THIS INSTRUMENT PRODUCES SWEEPING SYNTH & BASS LEADS. SWEET WARM ANALOG BLISS!!! IT HAS OFTEN BEEN COMPARED TO THE ROLAND JUPITER-4. IT SOUNDS LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN THE ROLAND JUPITER-4 AND ROLAND SH-101."

Yamaha cx5m II 128 msx music computer

via this auction
"original Yamaha CX5M II 128 music computer in the orignial box. The item appears to be brand new and never used. This item came out of an old music store that closed down a few years ago. I don't know much about this item but I do know that this is the very rare II 128 model. It comes with the following items (please look at the pictures!)

* CX5M II 128 console with cord (all complete keys)
* Yamaha MSX basic reference manual (355 pages)
* Yamaha music computer owners manual for the CX5M II 128 (70 pages)
* Yamaha FM voicing program II manual (67 pages)
* 1 (one) FM Voicing program II cartridge
* 1 (one) cord for microphone to remote. new in bag.
* 1 (one) metal frame cord for attaching on interface cartridge (when using FD-03U disk drive)
* 4 (four) different types of cords that are new in their original bag. I don't know what they're for but I know it belongs in the box."

OBERHEIM OB XA SYNTH

YouTube via MrJOHNNYLIGHTNING. via this auction

Minimoog compared to dsi Prophet 08

YouTube via nickeax
"A quick and dirty sound off! No, it's not comparing which one is best, because I don't think they are mutually exclusive. I really just want to compare the timbres and envelope operations and to show you some nice clear DCOs and VCOs.

Personally, I think the Moog is slightly fatter and I like it's filter better, but not by very much at all on both counts.

FYI, the P08 was running in 'unison' with this mode set to 'single voice'. So it was in effect, a monosynth..."