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Winter NAMM 2004
It’s that time of year again when those who follow music technology trends need to monitor their high blood-pressure medication due to the tremendous excitement over all the new gear announced at Winter NAMM 2004! Literally tens of thousands of music retailers from all over the country invade Anaheim, CA each January to behold THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of today’s finest music and audio production equipment displayed by more than 1,200 different exhibitors! Winter NAMM is open to music retailers only, but Sweetwater is your backstage ticket where you can get the inside scoop on the latest developments. This year proves to be one of the biggest and best years for new product announcements and releases, and our Online Report will bring it to you first.
This year, we’re giving you the ability to let us know which product you would like to know more about by creating your very own Winter NAMM ’04 Wish List. Simply click on the “REQUEST MORE INFO” button found below any product image, check the button next to the product name (as many as you’d like), fill in your contact information and click the “Submit” button and you’re done. As information becomes available we’ll pass it on to you!
As thorough as we try to be with our NAMM Report, we want to point out that this is by no means a complete guide of ALL things shown at the 2004 Winter NAMM show. While we do our best to report on the newest and coolest gear that catches our eye, there's simply too much going on to report it all. As always, the key phrase here is "Subject to Change." In many cases, manufacturers are still solidifying things like price, availability, and features on all new gear. We'll update this information through our web store and publications the minute it becomes final. As always, remember to contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at 1-800-222-4700 for more information.
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Winter NAMM 2004 Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
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BOSS
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BOSS BR-1600CD Digital Recording Studio
The BR-1600CD Digital Recording Studio combines BOSS' famous, easy-to-use interface with eight (that's right, EIGHT!) XLR inputs for recording eight tracks simultaneously. This affordable 16-track recorder comes loaded with effects for guitars and vocals-including COSM Overdrive/Distortion, Amp Modeling and a new Vocal Tool Box-plus convenient PCM drum and bass tracks, a 40GB hard drive, CD-R/RW drive and USB port. It's the perfect way to record your band in your studio or anywhere!
Plug into the BR-1600CD and you've got an arsenal of world-class BOSS effects ranging from reverb, delay and modulation to the latest modeling effects for guitar, bass and vocals. These include powerful overdrive/distortion and amp modeling identical to the BOSS GT-6, acoustic and bass effects, plus mic modeling and a new Vocal Tool Box. This special algorithm includes auto pitch correction to keep you in tune, plus a Harmony Sequence function for creating realistic harmonies-no background singers needed!
Features:
- 16-track (256 V-Track) digital studio with 40GB hard drive and CD-R/RW drive
- Record all 8 XLR inputs simultaneously-ideal for tracking live performances
- Powerful onboard effects including COSM modeling for guitar, bass and vocals
- New Vocal Tool Box with auto pitch correction and Harmony Sequence function
- 16 individual Track EQs, plus 8 dedicated compressors
- Mastering Tool Kit with multi-band compression for loud and punchy CDs
- Create backing tracks quickly via independent Drum/Bass and Loop Phrase tracks
- USB port for easy data exchange
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BOSS ME-50B: Bass Multiple Effects
The BOSS ME-50B puts world-class bass effects in a rugged floor unit with easy pedal-style control. Effects are divided into six sections-Compressor/Limiter, Master, Filter/Tone, Drive/Synth, Delay/Modulation and Expression Pedal-giving bassists a range of unique and powerful tones including new effects like Sound Hold, Octave Up and Kick Drum. Effects can be edited using 23 knobs and controlled via three built-in footswitches and an assignable expression pedal. This is the piece no bass player should be without!
Features
- Floor-based bass multi-effects processor with easy analog control
- Killer COSM Compressor/Limiter and Drive effects, plus T-Wah, Slow Gear and Defretter
- Innovative Sound Hold function for sustaining a low note while playing on top
- Sound On Sound recording with new Kick Drum effect for keeping time
- Dedicated knobs for each effect section-no menu-surfing!
- Easy Tone effects with Preset EQ templates for quick tone editing
- 3 footswitches and onboard expression pedal routed to 6 options like Octave, Wah, etc.
- Solid metal case built to withstand abuse
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BOSS TU-80 Tuner & Metronome
The BOSS TU-80 brings super-accurate LCD tuning to musicians at a very affordable price, while adding unique high-end features like a built-in metronome and Accu-Pitch. The pocket-sized TU-80 runs on batteries and can tune almost any instrument, thanks to a chromatic tuning mode and ultra wide tuning range. It even tunes 7-string guitars and 6-string basses-putting the TU-80 in a class all its own.
Features:
- Affordable and reliable LCD tuner with handy, built-in metronome
- Supports chromatic tuning, plus 7-string guitars and 6-string basses
- Accu-Pitch function sounds a tone when pitch is correct
- Reference Tone Play function makes it easy to verify tuning by ear
- Tunes down to 5 flats
- Ultra-wide tuning range of E0 to C8-almost 8 octaves!
- Ultra-thin body fits easily into a guitar case or pocket
- Metronome has 7 rhythms, 10 beats and cool animated LCD display
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Roland
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Roland DM-10 & DM-20 Digital Stereo Micro Monitors
The DM-10 and DM-20 Digital Stereo Micro Monitors bring 24-bit/96kHz digital monitoring to a super-affordable price and ultra-compact size. The DM-10 speakers each feature 10 watts per channel, while the DM-20's independent transformers and power amps crank out 20 watts per side. Both models are perfect for use with Roland/BOSS digital studios and instruments, computer-based setups and more.
DM-10 Features
- Stereo micro monitors with 24-bit/96kHz digital inputs (coaxial and optical)
- Powered 2-way bass reflex enclosure with 20 watts (10+10 watts per side) of power
- Magnetically shielded black wooden cabinet
- 2 separate line inputs for mixing 2 sources with separate volume controls
- Choice of digital or analog (stereo miniature and RCA) inputs
DM-20 Features
- Stereo micro monitors with 24-bit/96kHz digital inputs (coaxial and optical)
- Powered 2-way bass reflex enclosure with 40 watts (20+20 watts per side) of power
- Magnetically shielded black wooden cabinet
- Independent transformers and power amps for each speaker cabinet
- 2 separate line inputs for mixing 2 sources with separate volume controls
- Choice of digital or analog (1/4-inch and RCA) inputs
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Roland DM-2100 2.1-ch Speaker System
The DM-2100 2.1-ch Speaker System is an affordable way to add accurate reference monitoring with a subwoofer for enhanced bass response. The left and right speakers each offer 15 watts of power, while the 50-watt subwoofer provides a powerful low-end boost. And with 24-bit/96kHz digital inputs, the DM-2100 is perfect for use with Roland/BOSS digital studios and instruments, or with computer systems and more.
Features:
- Affordable 2.1-channel monitor system with 24-bit/96kHz digital inputs
- Powered bass reflex speakers with 15 watts per side
- Active subwoofer with 50-watt amplifier for increased low end
- 2 separate line inputs for mixing 2 sources with separate volume controls
- Coaxial and optical digital inputs, plus analog inputs (RCA and 1/4-inch type)
- Sleek black wooden cabinets with magnetic shielding
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Roland EXR-5 & EXR-3
Roland's new EXR Interactive Arrangers raise the bar for entry-level keyboards! Both the EXR-5 and the EXR-3 sport the latest high quality sounds, 64-voice polyphony and over 100 music styles with Roland's unique "Cover" function for real-time orchestration. The powerful onboard speaker system delivers rich sound while USB and V-LINK capabilities extend the creative possibilities for beginners and pros alike.
Features:
- 61-Key interactive arrangers with great sounds, styles and features
- 510 tones and 20 drum kits
- Over 100 music styles
- Superior speaker system with Bass Reflex on the EXR-5 and Digital Bass Enhancer on both.
- 16-Track sequencer for playing back SMF or composing new songs
- USB on both, plus floppy drive on EXR-5
- Flash memory supports updating styles and songs
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Roland F-50 Digital Piano
The F-50 Digital Piano brings stylish looks and professional sound together in an affordable instrument that is ideal for homes everywhere! With its light wood grain exterior, sleek lines and clear acrylic music stand, this beautiful instrument makes a statement wherever it's placed. To play the F-50 is just as great, thanks to superb Roland piano sounds and an 88-key Progressive Hammer Action Keyboard.
Features:
- Compact digital piano with 64 voices and stylish light wood grain finish
- Expressive Progressive Hammer Action keyboard with adjustable key touch
- Rich, dynamic sounds and realistic touch create the feel of a full concert grand
- 20 onboard sounds designed to cover a range of musical styles and pieces
- Includes 65 demo songs for listening enjoyment and learning
- Built-In song recorder facilitates more effective practicing and lessons
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Roland Fantom-X Keyboard Workstation
As perhaps the world's first keyboard "Giga-Workstation" Roland's brand new Fantom-X line offers musicians nearly 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded and 128 voices of polophony! The synthesis section's new waves include a gorgeous 88-key split stereo-sampled piano, plus room for 4 SRX expansion cards! The sampler can be upgraded to over 500 MB of RAM, which provides enough recording time to use it much like a digital recorder. The Fantom-X is also one of the first lines of professional workstations with a color LCD screen - and it looks amazing too. Between these features and the sleek new look, the Fantom-X is poised to become the next big thing in keyboard workstations!
Features:
- 128-voice workstations with 61-key, 76-key and 88-key (Progressive Hammer-Action Keyboard) models available.
- Seamless integration of audio and MIDI using new ROM waves and sampling with realtime timestretch capabilities.
- 128MB wave ROM includes quality focused sounds like new stereo piano voice.
- 32MB sample RAM expandable to 544MB with optional DIMMs
- New color LCD screen
- Skip Back Sampling, Dynamic Pad Bank and V-LINK
- 3 MFX processors plus dedicated reverb, chorus and mastering processor
- USB port for MIDI, WAV/AIFF file exchange and 4 x SRX expansion
- PC card slot for backing up samples and data
- 4 line outputs (2 stereo, 4 mono), stereo line input and 24-bit S/PDIF I/O
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Roland Fantom-XR Sound Module/Sampler
The Fantom-XR brings powerful sampling and synthesis to a convenient 1U rack module - something every musician can enjoy! With room for over 1GB of sounds, this affordable module sets a new standard for expandability. Will all of us take advantage of all that space under the hood? Probably not, but it sure is great knowing it's there should you need it. The 128MB internal wave ROM includes expressive new patches like the stereo piano also found in the Fantom-X workstations, plus room for six (!) SRX expansions. Full-blown user sampling is also supported along with WAV/AIFF compatibility for loading samples via USB. The Fantom-XR delivers delicious new sounds, overwhelming expandability, sampling and more in one rack space.
Features:
- 1U rackmount synth/sampler with capacity for over 1GB of sounds
- 128-voice polyphony and expressive 4-tone stereo multiplex synthesis
- Flexible user sampling with WAV/AIFF compatibility
- 128MB wav ROM expandable to 512MB via six optional SRX slots
- 16MB sample RAM expandable to 528MB
- 3 MFX processors plus separate reverb, chorus and mastering effects
- USB port
- PC card storage port
- 2 stereo (4 mono) analog outputs, stereo analog input, S/PDIF digital I/O
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Roland FP-2 Digital Piano
The FP-2 from Roland answers the need for a lightweight and compact digital piano while keeping the feel of a fine concert grand! This affordable instrument comes with an 88-key Progressive Hammer Action Keyboard, superb piano and instrument sounds and a refined new look with onboard speakers. A new Sound Control function gives players deeper, richer piano tones, while the onboard Session Partner provides easy auto-accompaniment. Great looks and even better performance spells out the goods for Roland's new FP-2!
Features:
- Compact, lightweight digital piano with stylish black and silver design
- 88-key Progressive Hammer Action Keyboard for dynamic playing
- 64-Voice sound engine with expressive new pianos
- Sound Control function with 4-band EQ
- Session Partner provides backing accompaniment in 80 music styles.
- USB MIDI
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Roland GR-20: Guitar Synthesizer
Ever wanted to thicken up your guitar sound with a warm synth pad? Or how about a screaming lead sound that puts you in front? The GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer makes playing high-quality synthesizer and instrument sounds from your guitar as simple as 1-2-3. First, attach the included GK-3 Divided Pickup to your steel-stringed electric (no drilling necessary). Second, select the type of sound you want using the Bank knob. Third, choose a sound variation using the Number/Value dial and start playing. With the GR-20, it's easy to tap into the power of guitar synthesis.
At the heart of the GR-20 is an advanced sound engine based on Roland's professional synthesizers. Sounds can be played with up to 48-voice polyphony for full, rich-sounding Patches. And the sounds are equally impressive. From expressive string ensembles to spiritual tabla loops coupled with sitar-all with adjustable attack and release-there's no limit to what you can do. Sophisticated DSP makes the GR-20's pitch detection ultra-reliable, so you can strum with confidence.
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Roland Micro Cube: Guitar Amplifier
With the new Micro Cube, guitarists get a genuine Roland Cube amp in an ultra-compact package that even runs on batteries. Weighing in at just a few pounds, the Micro Cube packs a big punch and comes with six DSP effects, COSM Amp Modeling and a new Digital Tuning Fork-giving guitarists everything they need for killer tone on the go. The Micro Cube proves that it's very hip to be square - and small! Looking for the sound of Roland's JC-120 Jazz Chorus or your favorite British combo amp? You'll find those and more in the Micro Cube, thanks to seven COSM amp models. Roland's COSM technology is the only modeling method that captures every nuance of the original amps-from the preamp and circuits to the speaker. All you need is the Micro Cube for perfect tone.
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Roland SRX-10 Big Brass Ensemble
With more expansion available on their new line of Fantom-X workstations, Roland is already delivering new sounds with the new SRX-10 Big Brass Ensemble expansion board. It includes a superb collection of brass sounds suited perfectly for pop music, film scoring, classical and more. Thanks to the work of many talented studio enginners, each of the SRX-10's patches captures the true articulations and feel of traditional brass instruments and ensembles - including realistic falls - allowing composers to arrange brass parts with startling realism. Combined with previous SRX expansions, like the SRX-04 Symphonique Strings, you have the makings of some very impressive sounds!
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Roland V-Compact Series: TD-3Kit
The V-Compact Series TD-3S is the fastest and most affordable way to get into a real V-Drums set. This expandable kit includes Roland's new TD-3 Percussion Sound Module with high-quality sounds and unbelievable expressiveness, new dual-trigger pads and cymbals, plus an upright kick trigger, onboard rhythm training exercises and more-giving you natural playing feel at a great price. This is going to be the home studio, or beginning gigging drummer's dream come true!
The TD-3 Percussion Sound Module boasts 114 new, high-quality drum and percussion sounds arranged into 32 kits, plus an easy-to-use interface so you can start playing right away. Finding the right drum kit is simple: just use the Phrase Preview function to hear a short demo for each kit.
Features
- Roland's most affordable V-Drums set based on new TD-3 Percussion Sound Module, plus new pads, cymbals, kick trigger and hi-hat controller
- TD-3 includes 114 new and high-quality sounds, 32 drum kits and onboard Ambience and compression effects
- Enhanced Rhythm Coach function with helpful rhythm training exercises
- Phrase Preview function makes auditioning and selecting drum kits easy
- 4 x PD-8 rubber pads; supports separate head/rim triggering on snare and bow/edge triggering on hi-hat
- 2 x CY-8 dual-trigger Cymbal Pads with "swinging" motion including cymbal "chokes"
- 1 x KD-8 Kick Trigger with vertical design for natural feel and reduced tremble; double bass pedal compatible
- 1 x FD-8 Hi-Hat Controller allows smooth hi-hat sounds from open to closed
- Optional MDS-3C stand with matching black finish
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Roland V-Pro Series: TD-20S-BK
With the V-Pro Series TD-20S-BK, Roland improves upon the industry-standard V-Drums by starting from the ground up. At the heart of this flagship set is the TD-20 module with new sounds and functions, superb expressiveness and in-depth V-Editing. The patented mesh pads now feature great dynamic range and natural rim shot triggering, along with a new look and stunning black finish. The TD-20S-BK also features Roland's amazing new V-Hi-Hat and a new drum stand designed to hide the cabling. With this powerful new combination of pads and hardware, the V-Pro Series TD-20S-BK lets drummers express themselves more naturally and with more realism than ever before!
Without a doubt, the new TD-20 is Roland's best percussion sound module ever, offering the ultimate sonic quality, over 500 new sounds, plus superb expressiveness and dynamic range when used with the new PD-125BK/105BK V-Pads and VH-12 V-Hi-Hat.
Woah! That's what you'll say once you try the new full motion VH-12 V-Hi-Hat. This breakthrough electronic hi-hat is designed to precisely model the look and feel of its acoustic counterpart... so much so, that it mounts on any acoustic hi-hat stand! The new V-Hi-Hat uses top and bottom cymbals with full motion capability for ultra-natural stick/pedal work, and is designed to work with the enhanced dynamics of the TD-20.
Features
- Flagship V-Drums kit with new TD-20 sound module, improved mesh-head V-Pads highly acclaimed V-Cymbals and innovative new V-Hi-Hat for complete playability
- TD-20 Percussion Sound Module with over 500 new sounds, improved dynamics and sensitivity, plus CompactFlash storage
- 15 dual-trigger inputs, 10 audio outputs and digital output, 8 group faders and built-in sequencer, Mastering Room and more
- All-new V-Editing includes modeled snare buzz, kick beater selection, and greater cymbal customizing (i.e. size, "sizzle," mic positions)
- New PD-125BK (12") and PD-105BK (10") dual-trigger V-Pads feature better dynamic response, more even and accurate head/rim triggering and rim shot capability on toms
- New VH-12 V-Hi-Hat with two cymbals for full motion capability and natural feel
- Ergonomically designed MDS-20BK V-Drums Stand (sold separately) with more durable hardware, sleek raked design, easier vertical adjustment and ability to hide cables
- Expansion slot for future upgrades and enhancements
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Roland V-Tour Series: TD-6S
The V-Tour Series TD-6S takes one of Roland's most popular V-Drums kits and makes it even better-thanks to a mesh snare pad, new gum rubber pads with dual-trigger capabilities, an improved vertical kick trigger and more. The easy-to-use sound module sports a sleek black look with a blue LCD and brand new kits and patterns-all at a great price.
The first thing you'll notice about the TD-6V Percussion Sound Module is the new black look and cool blue LCD screen. Like the original, this 64-voice module serves up 1,024 of Roland's best drum and percussion sounds and 262 backing instruments-but with newly created drum kits and patterns in the latest music styles.
Features:
- Affordable V-Drums set based on updated TD-6V Percussion Sound Module, mesh pad for snare drum, new rubber pads and cymbals, a new vertical kick trigger and new hi-hat controller
- TD-6V offers 1,024 drum and percussion sounds with all-new kits and backing patterns
- 1 x PD-80R mesh V-Pad™ for snare drum; supports separate head/rim triggering
- 4 x PD-8 dual-trigger rubber pads for playing rim shots on toms and bow/edge sounds on hi-hat
- 2 x CY-8 Cymbal Pads with "swinging" motion including realistic cymbal "chokes"
- 1 x KD-8 Kick Trigger with vertical design for natural feel and reduced tremble; double bass pedal compatible
- 1 x FD-8 Hi-Hat Controller allows for smooth hi-hat sounds from open to closed
- Optional MDS-3C stand with matching black finish
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Roland VC-1 "D-50 for V-Synth" V-Card
Roland's new V-Cards are a series of PC cards capable of turning the V-Synth into a variety of retro and future oriented synths! Wow - very cool. The first card is the VC-1, which magically transforms the V-Synth into Roland's legendary D-50 L/A synthesizer. Simply pop in the card, power up and you'll be taken back to the year 1987, when Roland's D-50 ruled supreme. Relive the D-50 in all its glory - including the full programming and all the original patches like, "Digital Native Dance," Living Calliope" and more (if you played or owned a D-50, you know what we mean). Every circuit and presice detail of this legendary synthesizer is said to be faithfully modeled. It doesn't just sound like a D-50, it is a D-50! Look for more V-Cards from Roland in the future.
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Roland VS-2000CD Digital Studio Workstation
The new VS-2000CD sets a new benchmark for affordable, high-quality, feature-driven digital recording. With 20-tracks, 8 XLR inputs and support for 3rd party plug-ins via the new VS8F-3 board, this next generation V-Studio gives users the power to create like never before, for less! What's more, Roland will make available (later in the year) an optional VS20-VGA with Version 2.0 software allowing you to run your sessions with mouse and monitor for maximum control! A 40GB hard drive, CD-RW and USB 2.0 port come standard.
The VS-2000CD offers 16- and 24-bit recording with 320 Virtual Tracks and a 40-channel digital mixer. Eight XLR/TRS combo jacks means you'll always have the I/O you need and they've added Hi-Z for you guitar players! 17 faders, dedicated Channel Edit knobs and four knobs for controlling the dynamics and 4-band EQ for any input or track make mixing a snap. Something new is the Harmony Sequence function, letting vocalists add instant harmonies to their vocal tracks. Plus, USB 2.0 means you can transfer data between the VS-2000CD and your computer easier than ever before. The cherry on top is the ability to add 3rd party plug-ins with the optional VS8F-3 board, making the VS-2000CD one of the best overall music and audio production devices available!
Features:
- 20-track digital studio with 40GB hard drive, CD-RW and optional Plug-In support.
- Up to 18 playback tracks
- Support for 16- and 24-track recording
- 8 balanced XLR/TRS combo jacks with phantom power
- 40-channel digital mixer with channel dynamics and 4-band EQ, onboard effects and mastering tools
- New Harmony Sequence adds realistic harmonies to vocals
- 3rd party plug-in support
- Tracks 17 and 18 double as stereo rhythm track with onboard drum sounds
- Support for mouse-based graphic editing and VGA monitor with VS20-VGA
- USB 2.0 for hi-speed data transfer
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Roland VS-2480DVD Digital Studio Workstation
The VS-2480DVD takes Roland's best-selling 24-track workstation and makes it even better with the addition of a DVD multi-drive for storing up to 4.7GB of data - this is great for archiving an album's worth of songs and of course, CD-R and CD-RW discs can also be used for normal CD burning. Naturally, the VS-2480DVD has all the great features of the original - including 64-track digital mixing, motorized faders and VGA monitor support. It's also compatible with the new VS8F-3 Plug-In Effect Expansion Board, opening up a world of plug-in effects.
Features:
- Flagship 24-track digital studio workstation with internal DVD multi-drive
- Store up to 4.7GB of project data on a single DVD-R or DVD-RW disc!
- New 3rd party plug-in support via optional VS8F-3 Plug-In Effect Expansion Board
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Roland VS8F-3 Plug-In Effect Expansion Board
Perhaps one of the coolest and most necessary moves we viewed here at the show was the introduction of plug-ins for Roland's VS series recorders. Yes, you read that right - plug-ins. The VS8F-3 board is an easy and affordable way to add powerful plug-ins processing to your V-Studio. Each board is capable of loading two high-quality plug-ins from Roland and 3rd party developers. To get you started, there are five Roland plugs included, with several top plug-in names ready to get you going as well. From what we've seen, this is going to add serious power and versatility to Roland's line of dedicated multitrack recorders - once again leading the pack! Compatibility is immediate for the VS-2480, VS-2400 and the new VS-2000. Software updates for the VS-1680, VS-1880 and VS-1824 are planned for April, giving plug-in processing power to new and previous VS studios everywhere! Just a few of the optional plug-ins coming soon include: Antares Auto-Tune, IK Multimedia T-Rack Standalone, Massenburg DesignWorks Resolution EQ, Universal Audio LA2A and 1176LN!
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Reports Home Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
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