The cool thing about a company like Roland is that they offer just like the headline says something for everyone! Whenever we go to trade shows like NAMM or AES, we're always blown away by the selection of gear the company offers. This issue, we're going to look at the latest in their incredibly successful VS-Series Multitracks, as well as a new 24-bit effects processors and a great new bass amp.

The VSR-880 Digital Studio Recorder ($1795 list) brings Roland's highly-acclaimed (and best-selling) V-Studio technology to a convenient 2U rackmount format. This hard disk recorder features super high-quality converters, plenty of Virtual Tracks, optional COSM-based effects and Roland´s R-BUS port for expanded I/O possibilities and interfacing with the company's amazing V-Mixers (see Fall 1999 Sweet Notes for complete information on the V-Mixing Systems). The VSR-880 is basically the company's popular VS-880 in a rackmount configuration, but without the former's mixer capabilities. Features of the VSR-880 include 128 Virtual Tracks for recording different takes and arrangements and true 24-bit A/D and D/A converters for ultra-pristine sound. The unit has Roland's 24-bit MT Pro2 Recording Mode for massive headroom and dynamic range. There are 12 inputs (2 balanced TRS jacks, 8 RCA jacks, and 1 stereo digital optical / coaxial input) and 12 outputs (8 RCA jacks and 2 stereo digital outputs).

The VSR-880 ships standard with an R-BUS port for direct 24-bit connection to select Roland V-Mixers a nice feature. Dual stereo effects are available with the optional VS8F-2 Effects Expansion Board (including Mastering Tool Kit, COSM Speaker Modeling, COSM Guitar Amp Modeling and more). Finally, the unit supports CD recording and data backup with storable CD image files.

If you're in the market for a super-versatile effects processor with superior 24-bit sound, look no further than the SRV-3030 ($695 list) and SRV-3030D ($995 list) Digital Reverb Processors. These single-unit rackmount processors offer true 24-bit resolution via advanced A/D and D/A converters and 30-bit internal processing for incredible audio quality. Besides the trademark Roland reverb algorithms, both units include RSS, flanger/chorus, phaser and resonator effects. On the SRV-3030D are coaxial digital inputs and outputs, making it perfect for pairing with one of Roland's popular VS-Series workstations or new VM-Series digital mixers.

At the heart of the SRV-3030 / 3030D is a new Dynamic Separation Algorithm, which can separate signals and send them into independent reverb paths via its dual processor design. The user can specify the variable by which the signal is split: Dynamics, frequency range, or note density. What this means is that, for instance, a kick drum can be assigned a tight reverb while the snare is given a bigger one; guitar solos can have less reverb on the quick phrases and more on the slower ones; a quiet violin can invoke an intimate reverb patch while the orchestra stabs get the full room sound.

Users can choose between three levels of editing on the SRV-3030's highly-intuitive user interface. Direct Edit employs physical knobs Reverb Time, Reverb Level and Assignable for instant "on-the-fly" changes to the overall reverb sound. EZ Edit includes parameters such as "room size," "liveness" and "wall type" for deeper adjustments using commonly understood terms. Experienced professionals can tweak each variable independently and completely customize their Patches within the Custom Edit mode. A new Preview mode allows you to audition reverbs using audio phrase samples. User sampling of audition phrases is also possible. Other features include balanced inputs and outputs (XLR and 1/4-inch), and an optional SmartMedia card that allows for storing 1,000 additional patches and user-sampled tones for preview.

For you bass players out there, we introduce the world's first digitally controlled bass amp, the DB-500 D-Bass Amplifier ($999 list) which employs COSM sound modeling technology and proprietary new FFP (Feed Forward Processing) to deliver rich, powerful bass tone in a compact and portable pack
age with digital memory. The D-Bass Amplifier uses a long-throw 12-inch woofer and high-efficiency horn tweeter to deliver 160 watts of output power. However, thanks to new FFP technology, the sound output from the DB-500 easily rivals amps with much higher power ratings and larger cabinets. Put simply, FFP allows this digitally controlled amp to precisely predict and adjust its response characteristics with digital signal processing before the bass signal reaches the speaker. This ability to sense incoming signals and adjust for them greatly improves the DB-500's efficiency, allowing it to maximize punch and responsiveness.

In the D-Bass Amplifier, FFP amp technology is coupled with Roland's acclaimed COSM sound modeling technology, the same advanced technology behind the legendary VG-8 V-Guitar System, to allow the DB-500 to faithfully emulate the sounds of classic Solid State, Tube and Tube Drive bass amps with the turn of a knob. These sonic "models" cover every nuance of the modeled amp type, yielding some truly impressive results. The DB-500 even uses COSM technology to emulate the natural compression characteristics of tube amps, which can be easily dialed-in via a Compression knob.

To complement its advanced amplifier and preamplifier design, the DB-500 includes a newly developed D-Chorus effect, adding lush dynamics-sensitive chorus to the high-end without muddying up the fat, punchy lows. And when users have achieved the exact sound they like via Amp Type, EQ adjustment, level and effects tweaking, etc., they can store the complete front-panel settings into A and B memories for instant recall via footswitch. Tone control comes via a three-band EQ with a semi-parametric midrange control. A "Shape" button lets users tighten up the bass sound for popping and slapping styles. Level controls include Preamp Gain and Volume, and a Master Volume knob. Inputs include High and Low jacks, while outputs include an XLR-type Direct Out and Line Out, Insert (Send and Return) jacks, a Headphone jack, plus a Footswitch jack for activation of A/B memory, Manual mode and D-Chorus effect. Above all, the DB-500 is designed with high-quality components throughout, with an extra-rugged cabinet and grille design for years of reliable, maintenance-free performance.

For information and super Sweetwater pricing on these and other cutting edge Roland products, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer today!Stay informed and inSync with our Web daily. Go to "insync.sweetwater.com"