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Representing a true breakthrough in professional digital recording technology, the new Roland VS-1680 24-Bit Digital Studio Workstation is an amazing 16-track random-access digital audio recording, mixing, editing and effects processing system with superb 24-bit audio resolution in a compact table-top workstation. Wait! 16 tracks? 24-bit recording? Yes — that's right! And maybe more shocking is the list price of just $3195! Building on the same technology that has made Roland's VS-880 so incredibly popular, the VS-1680 brings users a powerful, integrated hard-disk based digital recording studio with 16-track playback; 8-track simultaneous recording; a 26-channel fully automated digital mixer; 256 "Virtual" tracks for recording multiple ideas and arrangements, totally non-destructive digital audio editing (cut, copy, move, etc.), powerful automated digital mixing including effects and EQ, optional CD recording capability and optional multi-effects boards offering four independent stereo effects processors (including innovative effects like Voice Transformer, Mic Simulator and COSM-based guitar preamp with Speaker Simulator). Wow! The VS-1680 further distinguishes itself with an extremely intuitive interface featuring a huge 320 x 240 LCD, and the new MT-Pro recording mode: a 16-track, 48kHz recording mode which boasts 256 Virtual tracks and sound quality that far surpasses standard 16-bit linear recording. Of course, the true test of any digital recording device is its sound quality. To this end, the VS-1680 offers a 24-bit recording mode, superb 20-bit D/A and A/D converters and massive audio editing power. Up to eight tracks of linear audio can be recorded simultaneously, and recording time on the internal 2.1GB hard drive is always dynamically allocated. To maximize recording time, users can choose from one of six modes: Master, MT-Pro, MT 1, MT 2, LV 1 and LV 2. These offer between 404 and 1616 total track minutes of recording time at 44.1kHz using the internal hard drive.
Another plus: Like the VS-880, the VS-1680 allows users to burn audio CDs directly from its SCSI port using the optional VS-CDR-16 ($695 list). This provides a convenient, inexpensive method for backup, mastering or simply for assessing a particular mix on any standard audio CD player. (VS-1680 and VS-CDR-16 drive are also available together as the VS-1680CDR) With the VS-1680's hard disk-based recording, editing, mixing and processing, users can perform cut-and-paste style audio editing down to the waveform level. And 256 "Virtual" tracks let users record alternate guitar solos, vocal takes, string arrangements and other ideas without losing the original tracks. Then use all or part of any of your alternate takes to build the final track. The VS-1680's huge backlit LCD simultaneously displays level meters, play lists, EQ and effects settings, waveform editing and more. Knob-style icons and graphic EQ curves allow for intuitive tweaking of levels and parameters, while a built-in "EZ Routing" function allows users to create, name and save comprehensive recording, track bouncing or mixdown configurations. The VS-1680's 10-input/12-output, 26-channel automated digital mixer section lets users apply 26 channels of two-band parametric or 16 channels of three-band parametric EQ. Connections include: 10 audio ins with 2 balanced XLR-type ins (with phantom power), 6 balanced 1/4" ins, and 1 stereo digital input (optical/coaxial); 12 audio outputs, including 8 RCA-type outputs (Master L/R, Aux.A L/R, Aux.B L/R, Monitor L/R), and 2 stereo digital outputs plus a headphone output; a SCSI interface and MIDI In and Out/Thru ports. With its unprecedented features and amazing ease of use, the VS-1680 offers a level of convenient, comprehensive recording power that stands alone in today's professional recording market. We could take up two pages with all its amazing features, but if you've read this far, you're ready to pick up the phone and call us here at Sweetwater for additional information, availability (yes, as with any killer new product, initial supplies may be very limited) and of course your Sweetwater special pricing. Master Index | Sweet Notes Index | Home | Back Page | Next Page |
When Roland unveiled their original 16-bit, 8-track VS-880 Digital Studio Workstation, the industry really took notice — particularly when you realize that tens of thousands of units were sold and shipped within months of its release. It has since gone on to be the best selling stand alone hard disk recorder in history. So how can a company top such a phenomenal product? Simple: Add more tracks and make it sound better.