Roland announced the debut of the VC-100UHD 4K Video Scaler, a next-generation A/V signal management solution for live events, fixed installations, and streaming applications. Equipped with Roland’s acclaimed Ultra Scaler processing technology, the VC-100UHD allows users to input 4K and 1080p video sources and distribute them to multiple destinations at one time, including 4K LED walls, HD displays, and USB 3.0 livestreams. High frame rates up to 240 Hz are also supported, delivering smooth motion for esports, animated displays, and more.

Built on a reliable hardware platform for mission-critical applications, the powerhouse VC-100UHD combines multiple single-task technologies in a compact and flexible half-rack design. Backed by a lightning-fast processing engine, the VC-100UHD’s Ultra Scaler provides premium quality conversion for perfectly synchronized big-screen IMAG and precise dot-by-dot scaling for LED wall displays.

With an ultra-high definition source signal connected to the 12G-SDI or HDMI 2.0 video inputs, the VC-100UHD will automatically process and convert it to different resolutions, ready for distribution at 12G-SDI, HDMI, and USB 3.0 rear-panel outputs. Thanks to Ultra Scaler technology, system designers can simultaneously deliver 1080p video at rates up to 240 Hz for a gaming monitor, 59.94/50 for an HD video system and LED displays, and 59.94/50 Hz for an HD livestream broadcast.

The VC-100UHD also includes built-in visual effects, allowing users to rotate, flip, trim, and mirror images on each output. And with Frame Synchronizer an Genlock features, video images can be re-clocked and stabilized as needed.

Via a plug-and-play USB 3.0 webcam output, VC-100UHD users can reach a worldwide audience and broadcast uncompressed 1080p video at 59.94/50 Hz on popular streaming platforms. Roland also offers free VR Capture software, which records HD livestream in ProRes 422 (Mac) or Mp4 (Windows) formats for later editing and distribution.

Along with video, the VC-100UHD can process embedded digital audio from its 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 inputs. Analog I/O is provided as well, with balanced audio on a 25-pin D-sub connector for installations and line-level stereo audio on RCA jacks for prosumer video gear. The advanced audio patching system lets users route and embed/de-embed up to 16 input channels and output up to 8 channels. An adjustable delay is also provided on each output to correct lip sync issues.

The VC-100UHD works as a portable processor for grab-and-go productions, or can be installed in a rack for use in larger systems and fixed installations. The unit’s rich integration capabilities include custom EDID on HDMI, 24 video test patterns, an audio test tone generator, system backup via USB memory, and remote control support over LAN.

Roland, a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and professional video products, announces the release of SRX Piano I and SRX Piano II through Roland Cloud, based on classics from the SRX wave expansion board series. Both of these detailed concert pianos are available for immediate download with a Roland Cloud membership.

Based on Complete Piano and Concert Piano, the second and eleventh titles in Roland’s legacy SRX wave expansion board series, SRX Piano I and SRX Piano II present exquisite stereo-sampled concert pianos for composition, recording, and performance.

The samples in SRX Piano I were taken from a single, rare European piano, using high-end mics and converters to preserve its soft, delicate voice and natural resonance. SRX Piano II presents a single, stunning, 88-note acoustic grand. Sampled specifically for the original board, this world-class piano was recorded in high-resolution stereo, with four way velocity switching and other nuances.

Offering expressive playability with clear tone, bright harmonics, and ultra-wide dynamic range, these two inspiring instruments are ideal for virtually all musical styles.

Roland announced the TAIKO-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion, a portable electronic taiko drum with a versatile range of Japanese percussion sounds. As a Japanese company, Roland has always maintained a strong desire to contribute to its country’s historic taiko culture by helping bring the dedication and artistry of traditional Japanese music to a wider audience.

Born and made in Japan, the groundbreaking TAIKO-1 infuses the classic taiko experience with the benefits of modern music technology, making playing Japanese percussion more fun and accessible than ever before. Completed to coincide with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Roland is proud to introduce TAIKO-1 and share their passion for Japanese drums with the world.

Japan’s taiko drumming tradition has been deeply woven into the country’s culture since ancient times. Over a million people in Japan play the taiko, and the instrument’s popularity is spreading around the globe. However, the giant sound, large physical size, and regular maintenance needs of taiko drums make them impossible for many people to play and learn. Professional taiko performers face challenges as well, as the drums are hard to carry, costly to ship, and difficult to amplify in some venues.

TAIKO-1’s physical design is based on the katsugi okedo daiko, a popular taiko drum carried on a sling over the shoulder. But the modern digital sound engine expands the instrument’s range much further, providing a large array of taiko percussion sounds at the touch of a button, plus the availability to import WAV sounds via USB. Roland’s legendary mesh heads deliver authentic playability, with dual-zone trigger technology and positional sensing providing wide tonal range and full dynamic response.

TAIKO-1’s mesh heads also offer acoustically quiet performance for practicing anytime and anywhere, something that’s impossible with a traditional taiko drum. Users can plug in headphones and enjoy big, dynamic taiko tones with barely a whisper heard by family members and neighbors. Traditional ji-uchi backing patterns are available for timing practice and performance accompaniment, while built-in Bluetooth allows users to stream backing music and lesson content wirelessly from a smartphone.

The Roland TAIKO-1 is expected to be available in July 2020 for $1,500.00.

Roland announced the RD-88 Stage Piano, the latest model in the company’s long-running RD series. For over 30 years, Roland RD pianos have been the top choice of professional keyboardists, appearing regularly on stages all over the world. Offering premium features in a light, streamlined design, the RD-88 delivers renowned RD sound and playability in an affordable instrument that’s simple to use and easy to carry.

Equipped with the 88-note PHA-4 keyboard, the RD-88 provides exceptional feel and response with Roland’s award-winning hammer action and Ivory Feel keys. Every musical nuance is perfectly translated, giving serious players the inspiring touch they need for authentic performances. A high-quality speaker system is also integrated into the instruments design, offering convenient self-contained amplification for home practice and convenient monitoring.

The RD-88 is refreshingly intuitive to use while performing, with fast-access controls for selecting sound categories, creating layers and splits, and more. It’s easy to shape the tone and color via grab-and-go knobs and enhance sounds with compressor, chorus/delay, reverb, and other effects. Favorite setups can be stored for quick recall, and a One-Touch Piano button allows the player to quickly return to their core piano sound at any time they like.

Advanced users will love the RD-88’s zone features and easy computer integration. Software-based sounds can be played through the RD-88 via USB, and three sones can be configured with internal sounds or set up to control virtual instruments from Apple MainStage.

The RD-88 features a clean and compact design that fits neatly into any musical situation. Weighing just 13.5 kg/29 lb. 13 oz, it’s easy to move and set up, even in small stages or in cramped rehearsal spaces.

The Roland RD-88 Stage Piano will be available for $1,999.99 in March 2020.

Roland introduced the TD-27KV V-Drums, a new mid-level electronic drum kit in the acclaimed V-Drums lineup. Equipped with advanced digital trigger pad technology and the latest V-Drums sound engine, the TD-27KV brings serious drummers premium playability and flagship-level expression at an affordable price.

The TD-27KV kit is based around the powerful new TD-27 module, which features a host of next-generation technologies derived from the top-of-the-line TD-50. Roland’s Prismatic sound engine combines curated samples with advanced behavior modeling refined over two decades, delivering an incredibly expressive and natural experience. Equipped with more than 700 instruments, 55 preset kits, and 100 kits in total, the tonal range of the TD-27 is rich in variety. Via an intuitive interface, drummers can access kits at the turn of a dial and quickly adjust instrument sounds with four simple controls.

Advanced PD-14ODS snare and CY-18DR ride pads offer sophisticated multi-sensing that works with the TD-27’s digital trigger inputs and fast, high-resolution processing to provide the most lifelike, resonant, and expressive sounds possible, plus support for natural techniques with cross-stick detection, ride cymbal muting, and more. The kit also includes three PDX-100 tom pads with Roland’s famous multi-layer mesh heads, CY-12C and CY-13R cymbal pads, a VH-10 V-Hi-Hat, and a KD-10 kick pad.

Users can customize the TD-27’s large onboard sound selection to a deep level. It’s also possible to import WAV samples via an SD card and freely combine them with built-in sounds. The module offers a stereo mix output and two assignable direct outputs, providing flexible connectivity for stage playing.

Additional trigger inputs are also available (one digital and three analog), making it easy for a player to expand their kit with additional pads and cymbals. For studio and home recording, TD-27’s advanced USB interface provides up to 28 individual audio channels for multi-track integration with any DAW.

V-Drums modules are renowned for their convenient practice features, and the TD-27 is no exception. Onboard Bluetooth allows drummers to wirelessly stream music from their phone through the module and play along. An analog mix input is provided as well, and incoming sounds can be blended easily with a dedicated panel knob.

There’s also a wide selection of Coach functions to help build timing and other basic skills, and users can record performances with the touch of a button. A new dedicated audio circuit for monitoring the TD-27 sound module with headphones provides clear and balanced sound quality, making each practice and playing session a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Roland announced the ZEN-Core Synthesis System, a powerful new engine found at the heart of the company’s latest (and future) electronic instruments. With ZEN-Core, Roland applies the wisdom gained from nearly 50 years of making world-leading analog, digital, and hybrid synthesizers to create an adaptable new platform that both embraces the legendary and looks to what’s next.

Through ZEN-Core, Roland assures a consistent level of sonic quality and expression regardless of instrument. With the confidence of access to the same, growing library of compatible sounds that they can share and exchange, musicians and producers can focus on choosing hardware with features that best suit their application, playing style and workflow, from performance and production synthesizers to GROOVEBOXES, stage pianos, and more.

With the forthcoming system updates, owners of FANTOM 6/7/8 Synthesizers (Version 1.50), JUPITER Series Synthesizers (Version 1.10) and RD-88 Stage Pianos will be able to start using the same compatible sounds across all models, adding a new collaborative capability to their instruments. An update for the MC-1010 and MC-707 GROOVEBOXES will also be available in Q2 2020, with an update to AX-EDGE later this year.

ZEN-Core base engine tones created on one instrument can be shared with other users or transferred into completely different compatible Roland hardware. Performers can take sounds made on a FANTOM and play them in the spotlight on an AX-Edge Keytar, or perform a JUPITER-X synth patch on an RD-88, dramatically simplifying setup and expanding tonal options. Sounds are easily shared with a bandmate or co-creator, even when using different compatible Roland hardware. With ZEN-Core, users have access to the sounds they want, wherever they produce or perform.

The Roland ZEN-Core multi-timbral engine combines the latest Virtual Analog and PCM (up to 256 voices) synthesis techniques with powerful DPS effects. Advanced synthesis features include new VA oscillators, precisely modeled filters, ultra-fast and smooth LFO and envelop modulators, and high-resolution control of primary editing and performance parameters. Sounds created for the base engine will be compatible across all ZEN-Core instruments, opening up a world of opportunities for creators and sound designers alike.

Roland released GO:Piano with Alexa Built-in, the company’s first musical instrument equipped with Amazon Alexa. Committed to inspiring the thrill of the creative expression, Roland continually seeks to develop new technology solutions that make playing musical instruments easier, more accessible, and more enjoyable. Integrating Roland’s leading piano sound and features with intuitive operation via Alexa voice commands, GO:Piano with Alexa Built-In presents an exciting new way for everyone to learn and have fun with the piano.

Featuring voice control over nearly any function, GO:PIANO with Alexa Built-in makes complicated panel operations a thing of the past. Piano players can ask Alex to call up any of the 40 onboard sounds, without ever having to take their hands off the keyboard. Dozens of other common operations can be accessed with voice commands, like turning the metronome on/off, changing up the beat, and more.

GO:PIANO with Alexa Built-in also works as a standard Alexa device, allowing users to listen and play along to songs from Amazon Music and other streaming services through the keyboard’s high-quality system.

With the combined technologies in GO:PIANO with Alexa Built-in, users can fast-track learning like never before. Alexa sharpens music sensibilities with ear training and builds knowledge with trivia on composers and famous music. And by connecting a smartphone tablet via Bluetooth, players can use Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app for iOS and Android to learn music scores and boost skills with fun exercises and musical games.

When the player has mastered a piece or composed a new idea, they can ask Alexa to record their performance. Recorded songs are always available in cloud storage via a wi-fi connection and can be played back through the piano using voice commands.

GO: PIANO with Alexa Built-in inspires players with expressive sounds derived from Roland’s premium pianos. Each note responds like a fine acoustic grand, sparking creativity and stimulating ongoing musical growth. Electric pianos, organs, and many other sounds are also on board, allowing the user to explore different styles and expand their musical experience.

Roland Cloud, an evolving cloud-based suite of software synthesizers, drum machines, and sampled instruments, presents the XV-5080. A Swiss Army knife in the world of sample-based libraries, the XV-5080 remains as vital as it was upon its release.

Released in 2000, the Roland XV-5080 stepped onto the scene, leaving a mighty footprint. Described as “Roland’s ultimate sound module,” the XV-5080 boasted immense PCM-based multitimbral synthesis power, sophisticated modulation, an array of pro-quality DSP effects, and compatibility with the popular SRX Expansion Board series. Its high fidelity and technological adaptability were unmatched at the time and embraced heavily by composers and producers spanning a wide range of genres.

The XV-5080 is brimming with nearly every instrument sound imaginable; one of the reasons musicians often used the original in place of slower and less convenient samplers. Onboard effects and the flexible parameters of a virtual platform make the XV-5080 a valuable tool for composers, beatmakers, and songwriters at all levels.

With over 900 presets in its library, Roland Cloud’s XV-5080 facilitates genre-hopping fluidity. From low-end theory to iconic retro game sounds and symphonic masterpieces, this instrument is limited only by the imagination. The categorical search function makes finding the perfect sonic compliment an effortless process.

Hardware synthesizers like the Roland SYSTEM-8 can map to these controls, facilitating an easy, tactile workflow. Roland Cloud’s XV-5080 also features a drop-down editor with separate views for STRUCTURE, TVF, TVA, LFO, and other parameters. Whether your orchestrating rhythmic EDM or cavernous boom-bap beats, the Roland XV-5080 provides tools to achieve that perfect blend.

The XV-5080 joins the TR-808, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, TB-303, TR-909, D-50, and dozens of other classic titles in Roland Cloud’s growing suite of software instruments.

Roland introduces JUPITER-X, a new series of premium synthesizers that feature a diverse selection of sounds and advanced composition and performance features. Starting with the release of the JUPITER-4 in 1978, the JUPITER name has represented the pinnacle of innovation and quality in Roland synthesizers.

JUPITER-X continues this tradition, combining classic Roland design and exceptional build quality with an all-new synth engine and the finest keyboard actions to date.

Flexible and deep, JUPITER-X’s next-generation sound engine lets users tap into Roland’s long history of genre-defining sounds and morph them together to explore unmapped sonic territory. Sought-after analog classics like the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, SH-101, and more are authentically reproduced, as well as digital machines like the vintage XV-5080 and modern RD pianos. Also available are Roland drum machine sounds that form the foundation of electronic and dance music, including TR-808, TR-909, TR-707, CR-78, and others.

JUPITER-X’s cutting-edge I-Arpeggio feature users artificial intelligence to accompany user performances and inspire new musical ideas. I-Arpeggio takes player-created notes, rhythms, and phrases and uses them to develop complementary drum parts, basslines, chords, and arpeggiated lines in real time. It works on each of JUPITER-X’s five parts simultaneously and generated patterns can be customized and even exported to a DAW.

JUPITER-X’s sound structure includes five parts: four for synths and one for drums. Its engine can power multiple authentic Roland classics like the JX-8P or JUPITER-8 with enough polyphony to create thick layers and complex backing parts. With so much polyphony on hand, users can freely create layered sounds, splits, and backing parts without limiting complex chords or musical ideas.

The flagship JUPITER-X model features a spacious, full-size control layout and a 61-note keyboard with supreme playability. Compact yet extremely powerful, the JUPITER-Xm model is a complete electronic production and performance environment with 37-note slim keyboard and support for battery-powered operation.