At the Winter NAMM Show, Roland introduced the world to the DS-90 Powered Monitors ($595 each list), the world's first 24-bit digital reference monitors. Yes, you read that correctly: Digital reference monitors! These professional near-field monitors employ 24-bit digital inputs in addition to the standard analog ins and superior built-in amplifiers for flat-frequency response in a wide range of studio applications. They also provide the reference standard for the COSM Speaker Modeling effects found in several of Roland's newest V-Studio and digital mixing products.

Designed to meet and surpass the expectations of even the most demanding musicians and engineers (like you), the DS-90 Powered Monitors were created with the utmost attention to detail. A custom tuned bi-amplifier system with discrete circuitry and very high quality components ensures truly exceptional sound quality. A specially designed 6.5-inch polypropylene woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter are incorporated into a bass-reflex cabinet for powerful and accurate bass response. These speakers are driven directly by a 60-watt amp for the woofer and a 30-watt amp for the tweeter, using a fourth-order active crossover. Response is adjustable via high and low frequency controls on the rear of the monitor.

The DS-90s become even more impressive, however, when coupled with a VS workstation, or a VM Series digital mixer. These recording and mixing products contain onboard COSM-based Speaker Modeling which have been specially developed using the DS-90 monitors. Speaker Modeling allows users to select from a variety of sonic “models” of the world's favorite studio reference monitors, from high-end active models to those white-coned studio standards, as well as realistic simulations of TV / boombox speakers and more. You can simply select from these models to hear how a mix translates to a variety of different speakers with stunningly accurate results. So instead of switching between monitors at mixdown, you just plug into a set of DS-90s.

Connections include 24-bit digital inputs (optical and coaxial), as well as XLR and 1/4-inch TRS analog ins. When the digital inputs are used in conjunction with a Roland VS or VM product, users gain access to a true all-digital audio environment — from input to effects to speakers.

The DS-90s are amazing. Even if you aren’t ready to use them digitally, the speakers sound fantastic on their own. Best of all, we have DS-90s in stock right now at a surprisingly affordable Sweetwater price, so call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer today to order a set for your studio!