Tag Archives: Roland

Roland Introduces The S-1 Tweak Synth



Roland introduces the S-1 Tweak Synth, and latest addition to the AIRA Compact family of pocket-sized instruments for modern music creators, which also includes the T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer, and E-4 Voice Tweaker. Inspired by the legendary Roland SH-101 from the 1980s, the S-1 is a potent micro polysynth with futuristic wave manipulation, onboard sequencing, and a range of unique performance features. With its inspiring tactile controls and intuitive workflow, this powerful instrument provides a fund and satisfying creative experience for beginners and serious synth advertisers alike.

The S-1 merges retro spirit and advanced capabilities in an ultra-compact package ready to travel anywhere. The latest generation of Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology delivers the authentic tone and response of the SH-101, a classic monophonic synth embraced for its characterful sound and simple, direct-access panel. Extending the original’s design four-vice polyphony and a slate of innovative features for next-level music creation, the S-1 makes it easy for musicians at any level to explore the power of synthesis through a friendly, uncomplicated interface.

Filled with hands-on controls, the S-1 is a sound design and performance powerhouse in miniature. Users can create lavish tones with oscillator, envelope, filter, and LFO sections, adjust effects with dedicated knobs, and dive into deeper design tools with quick combo button presses. The bottom section of the panel features 26 multi-function pads, providing access to a keyboard with a two-plus octave range, a step sequencer interface, and a wealth of creative options to spark fresh ideas.

The S-1 is primed to push classic SH tones into new dimensions. Users can build from square, saw, sub, and noise oscillators or craft custom wave shapes on the step pads using the powerful OSC Draw function. OSC Chop unlocks even more harmonic potential with the ability to cut waveforms into sections for a labyrinth of metallic timbres. It’s also possible to use the noise oscillator as an independent riser to add sweeps and pulsing sound effects.

With its 64-step sequencer and 64 pattern, the S-1 is made for the on-the-spot music capture and song development. Users can record live with the onboard keyboard or switch to step mode for detailed not entry and editing. Motion recording, probability settings, sub steps, and other features like velocity, shuffle, and portamento are also available to bring sounds to life.

The S-1 include a wide selection of classic Roland effects to enhance sounds. Users can add shimmering dimension with lush choruses derived from the iconic JUNO and JX-3P synths, introduce spaciousness and moment with manual and tempo-synced delays, and envelop sounds with studio-grade reverb effects and a variety of adjustable parameters.

About the AIRA Compact Series

The growing lineup of AIRA Compact instruments lets anyone jam, perform, and develop ideas on the go with friendly controls, inspiring sounds, and loads of intuitive music tools. Users can realize complete compositions with a single unit expand their possibilities by connecting and synchronizing with other AIRA Compact models. From one master unit, multiple AIRA Compacts can be mixed with monitored with headphones or an external speaker system. It’s also possible to interface with computer DAWS, mobile music apps, and hardware instruments via USB-C or MIDI.


Roland Introduces VHM-D1 V-Drums Headphones



Roland introduces the VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones, a complete personal monitoring solution purpose-built for the electronic drumming experience. Co-developed by Roland and V-MODA, these unique headphones deliver premium drumming experience.

Co-developed by Roland and V-MODA, these unique headphones deliver premium sound that realizes the full sonic potential of V-Drums or any other e-kit. Comfortable to wear and outfitted with smart practical details, the VMH-D1 is an essential tool that no electronic drummer should be without.

The VMH-D1 is the first collaboration between the Roland V-Drums team and V-MODA, the leading name in headphones for DJs and electronic musicians. Working closely through many development stages, they crafted a special design that couples custom 50 mm drivers with select materials and new mounting methods to accurately translate the aggressive transients, wide frequency range, and rich overtones of every electronic drum set.

The VMH-D1 provides long-wearing comfort with long-wearing comfort with large memory foam ear pads and a cushioned headband for extended playing sessions. Along with their comfortable fit, the earpads offer excellent isolation from acoustic pad noise and outside distractions. Soft and attractive, the synthetic leather covering offers moisture-wicking properties to reduce slippage and keep the phones from moving when working up a sweat.

The VMH-D1 comes with an extra-long 3m/10 ft. cable that provides plenty of length for routing it out of the way while playing, along with a restraint for securing the cable behind the head and onto the floor behind the drum throne. A hanger is also included, which can be attached to a drum or cymbal stand to stow the headphones when not in use. A prominent red “R” on the right earcup makes it easy for the player to see the correct orientation when putting on the phones.

Though tuned for drums, the full-range VMH-D1 headphones are great for music listening too. Drummers can enjoy high-fidelity sound while jamming with favorite songs, playing with backing tracks, and recording with music production software. There’s also a shorter 1.5 m/5 ft. cable for casual listening away from the drums, plus a carrying pouch to keep the VMH-D1 protected while on the move.


Roland Showcases 50th Anniversary Concept Piano During CES 2023



Roland, a world-leading innovator of electronic musical instruments and multimedia products, showcased its 50th Anniversary Concept Model Piano during CES 2023.

For decades, Roland has pursued the most promising electronic technologies to reinvent the acoustic piano playing experience and to honor the instrument’s beautiful sounds and history. Since the release of Japan’s first electronic pianos, the EP-10 and EP-20, in 1973, Roland has continuously worked to transform the space with its long-time commitment to advancing the form and function of this timeless instrument.

Last evidenced by Roland’s futuristic concept, the GPX-F1 Facet Grand Piano, which was unveiled at CES in 2020, the brand is now pushing the boundaries even further in celebration of its 50th year. With unique innovations and structural changes, Roland’s 50th Anniversary Concept Piano paves the way for instruments of the future.

Offering improved sound quality, advanced connectivity, and stunning finishes, this 50th anniversary piano, equipped with Roland’s latest sound system and tones alongside Roland’s most legendary piano sounds and expression, also features a keyboard touch more natural and responsive than ever before. The concept piano’s one-piece molded wooden body, designed in collaboration with Japanese furniture maker Karimoku, was inspired by the fusion of the past and future, while its exterior, comprised of Japanese oak wood, provides deep piano tones from its speakers.

More than a beautiful design, the 50th anniversary piano aims to fill a gap in the industry. In the age of digital pianos, many find rich sound quality is sacrificed for innovation. With that, Roland’s concept piano offers a 360-degree speaker system, which is able to send sound in any direction through its 14 adjustable speakers placed strategically throughout.

The 50th anniversary piano offers advanced connectivity through the operation of these drones, as well as through its touch-panel table, which is embedded within the lid, supporting video conferencing, piano lessons and streaming tutorials, available throughRoland Cloud.

While the Roland 50th Anniversary Concept Piano is not for sale, CES attendees can receive an exclusive in-person look at Roland’s exhibit at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 5-8, 2023, at LVCC, Central Hall 15301.


Roland Announces Multiple V-Drums Product Upgrades



Roland, a world leader in electronic drums and percussion, announces multiple upgrades to the company’s award-winning V-Drums product lineup. New TD-17, TD-27, and V-Drums Acoustic Design models have been released with significant hardware upgrades to previous-generation kits. In addition, sound modules included with the kits have been updated with a variety of new features.

TD-17 and TD-27 Drum Sound Modules: Version 2.0 Updates

Version 2.0 updates bring a host of powerful enhancements to the TD-17 and TD-27 modules at the heart of many V-Drum kits, including the six new models. The updates also add integrated support for Roland Cloud content, allowing players to expand their experience with a growing selection of sounds, samples and custom kits from top V-Drums artists.

The Version 2.0 update for the TD-17 module features 10 all-new preset kits and 10 kits previously exclusive to the module in the VAD306 V-Drums Acoustic Design set. The added kits employ 26 pre-loaded samples that can also be used to create custom kits. Reverb and Kit Comp effects have been added as well, along with 11 more MFX types for shaping drum tones.

With Version 2.0, the TD-27 module gets even better with 10 additional preset kits and newly enhanced versions of the three most popular kits from the original release. New pre-loaded samples are also includes. Layering features have been expanded, while parallel compression options and transient shaping enhancements provide even greater sound control. The module interface has also been improved for faster sound selection and drum customization.

New kits based around these modules will ship with the Version 2.0 updates. Later in 2022, owners of existing TD-17 and TD-27 modules will be able to download the Version 2.0 updates on Roland Cloud with a free Roland Account.

TD-17KVX2 and TD017KV2 V-Drums

Since its launch in 2018, the TD-17 V-Drums series has powered the progress of developing drummers everywhere, combining expressive sound and authentic playability with powerful coaching tools with built-in Bluetooth for playing along with music from mobile devices. Now, the journey continues with two new kits that build on the top-tier models from the original lineup.

Along with the updated TD-17 module, the new TD-17KVX2 and TD-17KV2 kits add thin V-Cymbal pads that offer more natural movement and improved stick feel. The TD-17KV2 features two 12-inch CY-12C-T crash cymbals, while the TD-17KV2 comes with one CY-12C-T. Both kits come with a 14-inch CY-14R-T ride cymbal with three-way triggering for edge, bow, and bell sounds.

TD-27KV2 V-Drums

Equipped with advanced digital trigger pad technology and other top V-Drums features, the TD-27KV2 brings serious drummers premium playability and flagship-level expression at an affordable price. The updated TD-27 module includes many next-generation technologies derived from the top-of-the-line TD-50X. And with the TD-27KV2’s spacious layout and large, comfortable pads, players can use all their standard acoustic drum techniques without compromise.

Expanding on the digital snare and digital ride pads included with the previous TD-27KV model, the TD-2KV2 adds a VH-14D digital hi-hat. The 14-inch top/bottom cymbal design mounts on a standard acoustic hi-hat stand for an authentic look and feel. Playing dynamics, stick techniques, and foot articulations are all captured with perfect detail, thanks to the high-resolution detection system and lightening-fast module processing. The TD-27KV2 also includes 12-inch CY-12C-T and 14-inch CY-14C-T crash cymbals with thin profiles to further enhance the acoustic playing experiences.

V-Drums Acoustic Design Kits: VAD507, VAD504, and VAD307

Introduced in 2020 to universal acclaim, the V-Drums Acoustic Design series fuses the authentic look and feel acoustic drums with Roland’s leading electronic drum technologies. With real wood shells and custom chrome hardware, every V-Drums Acoustic Design kit projects the premium look of high-end acoustic drums, providing a familiar presence that’s the centerpiece of any stage.

The VAD507 and VAD 504 are the new mid-line models in the V-Drums Acoustic Design range. Building on the previous VAD506 and VAD503 models, these kits feature the updated TD-27 sound module and a 14-inch VH-14D digital hi-hat to complement the previously included digital snare and digital ride pads. In addition, both kits have been upgraded with heavy-duty tom/cymbal stands inherited from the flagship VAD706.

The new VAD307 kit offers the same club-sized configuration and cutdown shells of the previous VAD306 model. It features the updated TD-17 module plus thin V-Cymbal pads that include 12-inch CY-12C-T crash cymbals and one 14-inch CY-14R-T ride. The kit has also been upgraded with the same heavy duty tom/cymbal combination stands included with the VAD 706.


Roland Announces JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer



Roland announced the JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer, the latest addition to the Legendary instrument series available through Roland Cloud. Released in 1978, the JUPITER-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer and the first to carry the the JUPITER name. With the JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer, the authentic sound of this trendsetting icon is now available as a computer-based plug-in and a PLUG-OUT for the SYSTEM-8 synthesizer keyboard.

Roland products with the JUPITER name represent the current pinnacle of the company’s synthesizer development, a benchmark started over four decades ago with the JUPITER-4. In addition to incredible analog synthesis power, it brought then-revolutionary digital voltage control and the ability to store eight presets with technological wizardry dubbed “Compuphonic.” But the JUPITER-4’s real appeal was its warm, fat voice and inviting hands-on panel, which inspired synth pioneers to create the defining sounds of synth-pop, new wave, and other emerging styles of the late 70s and early 80s.

Roland’s evolving Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology brings the JUPITER-4 to life through careful analysis of original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. This information is then used to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument – including all the beloved quirks and instabilities – giving the JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer a breathtakingly accurate sound that buzzes with unique character.

While the JUPITER-4 only has a single VCO, it sounds positively massive, thanks to the combined characteristics of its oscillator, filter, LFO section, and more. ACB brings all these elements together like the original hardware, capturing the behavior and component interactions to create sonic magic. Going further, powerful Circuit Mod and Condition controls allow users to adjust the overall character to suit their taste.

The JUPITER-4 also includes enhanced features for modern workflows, including extended oscillator range, adjustable noise, velocity sensitivity, sub-oscillator volume control., and a flexible arpeggiator. In addition, phaser, flanger, overdrive, reverb, and delay effects are available to complement the lush Ensemble chorus effect from the original keyboard.

The plug-in flows easily into modern DAW environments with a resizable UI, support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats, and native compatibility with Apple silicon. It also offers full integration with the Roland SYSTEM-8 Synthesizer. Users can control the software plug-in from the keyboard’s panel and PLUG-OUT functionality turns the SYSTEM-8 into a standalone, eight-voice JUPITER-4 for stage and studio playing.

The JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer is the newest member of Roland Cloud’s Legendary series, which includes plug-in versions of the JD-800, JUNO-60, JUPITER-8, TR-808, TR-909, and other Roland classics. Users can select two Legendary titles with the Pro membership level, or get full access to all the titles with Ultimate membership. All paid levels – including Core and Pro – start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate, allowing users to try out the JUPITER-4 and Ultimate features.

In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles. This provides unlimited access for as long as their account is active, even if they don’t have a Roland Cloud membership.

The JUPITER-4 is part of the Analog Polysynth Collection, a new Legendary series bundle that also includes the JUPITER-8, JUNO-60, JUNO-106, and JX-3P software plug-ins. The bundle provides Lifetime Keys for all included products and offers a saving of nearly 40 percent over purchasing individual titles.


Roland Announces E-X50 Arranger Keyboard



Roland announces the E-X50 Arranger Keyboard, a powerful new entertainment instrument for home or stage use. Offering a diverse range of high-quality sounds – including premium Roland pianos – plus automatic accompaniment features, a microphone input, onboard Bluetooth audio, and more, the E-X50 is ideal for everyone from beginners to hobbyists to professionals looking for an all-in-one performance keyboard.

The E-X50’s stylish, modern, design flows nicely into contemporary living spaces, while the full-range stereo speaker system fills the room with big, enveloping sound. With the intuitive display and smartly organized panel, users can freely navigate the E-X50’s many features with zero frustration.

The E-X50 comes equipped with premium Roland acoustic pianos favored by the world’s top musicians, providing authentic tone and expressive response that follows every playing nuance. Nearly 700 additional sounds are also available for exploring other styles, from electric pianos, organs, and guitars to orchestral instruments, synthesizers, and more. And like all Roland arrangers, the E-X50 offers a vast selection of high-quality regional sounds from all over the world.

With the E-X50’s sophisticated auto-accompaniment features, players can command a full band sound with their left hand as they play along with the right. The 300 preset styles include everything from rock, pop and jazz to ballads, dance music, and traditional styles from different countries. Beginners will love Auto Bass Chord mode, which allows them to drive arrangements with one or two fingers. Whole mode is well-suited for advanced keyboardists, providing the ability to control the accompaniment even more deeply with full left-hand chords.

It’s easy to further extend musical enjoyment with the E-X50 by connecting a phone or tablet via Bluetooth audio. Users can stream and play along with songs through the onboard speakers or learn new techniques by working through the wealth of instructional videos on the web.

The E-X50 also supports vocal performances with the rear-panel microphone input, complete with ambience effects for a professional sound. And for more sound coverage while entertaining larger crowds, stereo outputs are available for connecting to an external audio system. There’s also a USB port for interfacing with favorite music software, plus a USB memory port for backing up sound setups and E-X50 recordings to a USB flash drive.

For advanced players who need even more control over their arrangements, Style Converter software for macOS and Windows offers the ability to load up to 30 custom styles into the E-X50’s memory. It’s also possible to adjust scales, tuning, and other parameters to personalize the keyboard for different performance needs.


Roland Announces JUNO-X Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer



Roland announces JUNO-X, a new polyphonic synthesizer driven by the next-generation ZEN-Core Synthesis System. JUNO-X brings the best of the past together with Roland’s latest technologies, reimagining the vintage JUNO experience with vastly expanded sound possibilities and free-flowing tools tuned for today’s music. It delivers the full capabilities of the native ZEN-Core engine, along with genuine recreations of the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 synths plus other legacy Roland instruments.

Standing among the greatest analog synthesizers ever created, Roland’s iconic JUNO lineup has had a massive impact on music for over four decades. The warm, organic sounds of the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 defined countless ‘80s pop hits and played a huge role in the emergence of techno, house, synth wave, and other electronic styles. JUNO-X delivers the vintage JUNO spirit that continues to inspire leading music makers, coupled with the power and versatility needed for modern workflows.

JUNO-X includes JUNO-60 and JUNO-160 Models, plus an all-new JUNO-X engine with a Super Saw waveform, velocity sensitivity, pitch envelope control, and other evolved features. The two beloved chorus modes from the originals are also available, plus a third mode with even more fatness and swirl. Users can combine them to create seven different chorus effects for use with any JUNO-X tone.

JUNO-X features additional Models from the historic Roland canon, including the PCM-based XV-5080, acoustic pianos from the RD series, and an expressive Vocoder. Model Expansions from Roland Cloud are supported as well, giving players the ability to load optional titles such as the JUPITER-8, JD-800, SH-101, Vocal Designer, and others.

Roland Cloud is also home to a growing range of Wave Expansions, Sound Packs, Sample Packs, and other creative tools, and ten free Sound Packs are available with a JUNO-X purchase. Additionally, JUNO-X provides integrated support for Roland Cloud Connect, a powerful option that includes the WC-1 wireless adapter and one year of Roland Cloud Pro membership. This allows users to browse, audition, and load Model Expansion titles and other Pro membership content directly to the keyboard via Wi-Fi.

A key element of the JUNO’s appeal was a straightforward interface that made it easy to craft inspiring sounds and evolving textures in the heat of the moment. With a familiar hands-on panel inspired by the original 1980s synths, JUNO-X invites players to fully immerse in the music and create without limits. Up to four tones can be layered together, and a wide selection of modern effects are available for enhancing sounds. First introduced with JUPITER-X, the powerful I-Arpeggio function offers both traditional arpeggio sounds and organic, inspiring movement driven by intelligent algorithms.


Roland Announces Aerophone AE-20 Digital Wind Instrument



Roland announces Aerophone AE-20, the latest member of the company’s innovative family of digital wind instruments. Aerophone AE-20 delivers all the playability and expression of the flagship Aerophone Pro in a more compact and streamlined design. Offering a rich musical experience with premium details and Roland’s most advanced streamlined design. Offering a rich musical experience with premium details and Roland’s most advanced sound engines, this inspiring instrument brings next-level power and versatility to wind players everywhere.

Developed in collaboration with leading wind synth artists, Aerophone AE-20 is a top-flight instrument with uncompromising musical response. It features the core sounds and expressive control of Aerophone Pro, along with the premier model’s acclaimed key touch, refined playability, and go-everywhere design.

Aerophone AE-20 provides a wide range of stunningly authentic acoustic instrument sounds at the touch of a button. Soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes are on hand, plus clarinet, flute, trumpet and more. Violin, cello, and other string instruments are also included, along with world instruments like erhu, shakuhachi, and bagpipes. Backed by Roland’s SuperNATURAL technology, every playing nuance is fully translated with lifelike dynamics, articulations and overtones.

The versatility of Aerophone AE-20 extends even further with the ZEN-Core Synthesis System, the same advanced sound engine found in professional Roland keyboards like FANTOM and JUPITER-X. Everything from traditional analog synths to modern digital voices are available, all carefully curated for the unique articulations and extended dynamic range of a wind instrument.

Aerophone AE-20 lets wind players step right into their musical flow with a familiar reed-style mouthpiece, immediate response, and natural pitch and vibrato control. The breath and bite sensors are customizable and ultra-sensitive, and its possible to reconfigure the fingering for sax, clarinet, flute, recorder, or a personal setup. Instant transposition and a five-active range enables players to cover any style without the range limits found with traditional acoustic instruments.

Aerophone AE-20 features an onboard speaker for grab-and-go playing, as well as a headphones jack for quiet practice sessions. There’s also a line output for connecting to a stage amp or PA while performing, plus USB-MIDI for music creation with popular MIDI production apps.

Aerophone AE-20 comes with onboard Bluetooth connectivity for wireless integration with mobile music apps from Roland and others. The Aerophone Lesson app helps users get started right away, even if they’ve never played a wind instrument. The Aerophone Pro Editor unlocks the full potential of Aerophone with deep customization of sound and performance settings. And with Bluetooth audio streaming, users can play along with music and instructional videos through the Aerophone’s sound system.

With Roland Cloud, players can take the Aerophone experience even further with Sound Packs created by wind instrument experts and music production apps like Zenbeats and Zentracker. Roland Cloud is also home to many other powerful music tools, including software versions of the most revered keyboard and rhythm instruments in Roland’s storied history.


Roland Pro A/V Announces New Products to Enhance the Quality of Livestream Production



Roland, a leading manufacturer of professional audio, video, and electronic musical instrument gear, announces three new products to help livestreamers take their productions to the next level.

AeroCaster

AeroCaster is an innovative, easy-to-use system that allows anyone to create a wireless multi-camera streaming setup using mobile devices. The system consists of the AeroCaster VRC-01 hardware control surface and audio interface, the AeroCaster LIVE app for iPad, and the AeroCaster Camera app for iOS and Android mobile devices. Leveraging the convenience and mobility of wireless connectivity, AeroCaster opens up a new world of creative possibilities for any livestreaming application, from online talk shows and music performances to live commerce, remote education, and beyond.

AeroCaster lets users switch wireless camera feeds from smartphones and tablets, plus screen shares from computers and mobile devices. The system supports up to four wireless devices at once, along with the camera on the host iPad. Roland’s advanced video technology is also available for adding graphics, titles, video clips, photos and more. Operation is quick and intuitive, with a direct streaming connection to YouTube, FacebookLive, Twitch, and custom RTMP channels over Wi-Fi or 4G/5G cellular networks.

UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock

Using web conferencing platforms to conduct business has become regular part of life.But the quality of built-in computer webcams and microphones leaves a lot to be desired. The UVC_02 Web Presentation Dock helps users bridge that gap, providing a simple and affordable solution to level up virtual presentations with better quality audio/visual gear and more control.

The compact UVC-02 is a desktop control hub that allows the user to connect a high quality HDMI camera, pro microphone, and other audio sources and send them directly to computer-based meeting and streaming platforms via a single USB cable. It also includes a panel full of hands-on knobs and switches, providing quick hardware control of levels, audio and video muting, sound effects, and more.

CGM-30 Gooseneck Microphone

The CGM-30 Gooseneck Microphone plugs directly into the XLR input on the UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock, providing a high-quality desktop solution that eliminates the need for an external mic and stand. It also works with the Roland VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer and any other product with a phantom-powered XLR microphone input on the top panel.


Roland Announces Vocal Designer Model Expansion



Roland announces two powerful creative tools for all JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm synthesizer owners. The Vocal Designer Model Expansion brings the company’s acclaimed vocal synthesis technology to the JUPITER-X range, opening up a new world of expressive possibilities with the dynamic character of the human voice. Roland Cloud Connect unlocks instant access to an ever-expanding universe filled with thousands of iconic sounds and expansions using just a mobile device.

Vocal Designer Model Expansion

The most expressive instrument in the world is the one inside us all – the human voice. With the Vocal Designer Model Expansion, players can add the warmth and expression of their voices to synthesized sounds, complete with deep customization options to craft unique and memorable tones. Roland has a long history in vocal synthesis, including the famous VP and V-Synth keyboards. Now, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion brings the pinnacle of this powerful technology to the JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm.

After connecting a microphone to the rear panel of the JUPITER-X/-XM, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion allows all types of synthesizer sounds to be controlled and modulated with vocal input. This enables the performer to create otherworldly textures that blend the organic expression of the voice (the modulator) with a synthesized tone or instrument sound (the carrier). The Vocal Designer Model Expansion includes 26 different vocal synthesis algorithms with a wide range of customizable options. And any ZEN-Core tone – even from other Model Expansions – can be used as a carrier, offering a staggering number of sonic possibilities.

In addition to all-new sounds, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion offers classic vocoder sounds derived from the legendary VP series, including choir and ensemble tones, robot voices, and more.

And despite its name, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion isn’t just for voice. It’s possible to use nearly any analog audio or USB input source as a modulator, including drum machines, guitars, circuit-bent toys, DAW audio tracks, or anything the user can imagine.

Roland Cloud Connect

Roland Cloud Connect is a powerful new system that revolutionizes sound expansion for the JUPITER-X and JUPITER Xm, providing wireless access to new sounds on demand. After plugging the included WC-1 wireless adapter into their instrument, owners can use the iOS/Android mobile app to browse, audition, and install Sound Packs, Wave Expansions, Model Expansions, and more from Roland Cloud. There’s a comprehensive search engine for compatible content, and selections automatically synchronize with the user’s Roland Account and Roland Cloud Manager software on a desktop computer.

The purchase of Roland Cloud Connect provides an entire year of the Pro membership tier of Roland Cloud. Included is unlimited use of over 30,000 sounds, plus the Vocal Designer Model Expansion and other Model Expansions for hardware of software instruments.

Support for the Vocal Designer Model Expansion and Roland Cloud Connect is included with the free Version 2.0 update for the JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm.