Roland announces TR-EDITOR, a free Mac/Windows software application for the popular TR-8S and TR-6S Rhythm Performer instruments. Representing the apex of the Roland TR line, the TR-8S and TR-6S are the most complete drum machines to date – forward-thinking, performance-turned instruments unlike any other.

TR-EDITOR significantly enhances the workflow of these hands-on machines, providing an easy-to-use graphical interface with expand visual controls and organizational tools that further amplify the TR’s creative possibilities.

TR-EDITOR’s large display and five tabs eliminate the need for menu diving and page scrolling on the hardware while designing kits and sounds. It’s possible to access kit and instrument parameters on a single screen, draw motion data for instant results, and view all parameters for selected FX at one time. Undo and redo are also available for quick revisions and comparing ideas.

The breakout librarian window in TR-EDITOR assists with organizing and managing patterns and kits. Users can access the complete TR library and filter various instrument categories to customize sounds. And via the computer keyboard, it’s quick and easy to name and rename hardware patches, kits, and projects.

TR-EDITOR is available for free through Roland Cloud Manager, the software interface for Roland Cloud content. Roland Cloud is also the home of Sample Packs and other premium content for taking the TR experience to the next level.

Roland announced the SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector, the latest generation model in the legendary SP compact sampler series. Since 2005, SP samplers have been the bona fide kings of performance-based betaking, celebrated for their distinctive sound and ability to create rapid-fire beats anywhere, anytime, Carefully refined through community feedback and extensive research and development, the SP-404MKII is the ultimate SP sampler.

It’s faster and better than ever, with a vivid OLED display, expressive new pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive library of authentic sounds to inspire new music.

The SP-404MKII has everything creators love about its predecessors – along with some serious upgrades like 17 ultra-expressive pads and updated knobs for smooth, hands-on control. Beatmaking is even quicker with speedy boot time, fast project loading, and sample import. Project access is also easier via 16 GB of internal storage, which comes preloaded with a huge collection of curated samples to inspire the creative process right away. Users can create beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power, interface with mobile devices via USB, or collaborate with partners using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.

Sample editing is ultra-smooth with the SP404MKII’s OLED screen and zoomable waveform view. Users can chop up samples in real time or employ auto chop to slice samples automatically, then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift. The new resampling workflow provides the ability to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with Skip Back Sampling, it’s possible to capture inspired moments by recalling up to 25 seconds from the most recent performance.

The SP-404MKII features both legendary SP effects and a selection of new classics. Legacy staples like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper are complemented with powerful additions that include Lo-fi Cassette Simulator, and Resonator. Users can also plug into the mic/guitar input and jam with ready-to-go Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects.

The enhanced sequencing features in the SP-404MKII provide the flexibility to create patterns with unique feel and energy. There’s adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, Pad Link for firing off multiple samples with a single tap, a Roll button for variable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes. It’s also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback.

SP users are famous for personalizing their hardware to match their musical style and branding, and the SP-404MKII makes this process easier than ever. They can download a faceplate template to create custom overlays, style their startup screen with personalized logos, and select a screensaver that matches their creative vibe.

With the SP-404MKII App from Roland Cloud Manager, beat makers can take the SP experience even deeper with a Mac or Windows computer. This powerful app enhances workflow with a large sample waveform view, a pad matrix for sample and pattern management, easy import and export of files, and the ability to convert legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects to MKII format. Roland Cloud is also home to Beatmaker Sample Packs, an exclusive series of premium sample collections created by top sound designers and musicians to inspire productions on the SP-404MKII.

Roland announces the V-02HD MK II Streaming Video Mixer, a simple and affordable solution for bringing higher production values to computer-based live-streaming. Compact and easy to use, the V-02HD MK II allows users to connect and switch two high-quality HDMI cameras and send them directly to a favorite streaming platform over USB-C. It’s also possible to mix in audio sources via dedicated inputs and HDMI, apply video effects and transitions, and more.

From talk shows and live demonstrations to artistic performances and beyond, cameras that support HDMI output will elevate the image quality in livestreams and drive more audience engagement. They have much better lenses than any webcam and often have zoom capability to frame the perfect shot. Users can connect up to HDMI cameras to the V-02HD MK II and let Roland’s advanced tech handle all the details, eliminating USB conflicts with multiple webcams and HDMI-to-USB encoder adaptors. Other devices with HDMI output are also supported, including computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.

With its intuitive control layout and T-bar fader, the V-02HD MK II is very simple to operate. The USB connection is plug and play, ready for instant streaming with popular platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Zoom or advanced workflows such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, StreamYard, and Restream.

The V-02 MK II also include a 10-channel digital audio mixer with Roland’s legendary sound quality and control. There are two audio inputs with 3.5 mm jacks, and each support a microphone – including lavalier mics that require plug-in power – or stereo audio from a smartphone, mixer, or other device. Users can mix embedded stereo audio from HDMI sources as well, including microphones connected to cameras.

The V-02HD MK II supports hands-free control with up to two optional BOSS foot switches, a convenient feature for creators who perform or give demonstrations during streams. With a discrete off-camera stomp, it’s possible to switch camera angles, cut to a static image, transition scene layouts, fade picture-in-picture windows, and more.

Out of the box, the V-02HD MK II provides the dedicated controls needed to switch cameras and make basic adjustments to video and audio sources. But for users who want to dive deeper, there’s a world of advanced features and custom assignments to explore. Connecting an HDMI monitor provides a display for setting up a wide selection of audio and video effects, footswitch assignments, and more. And in one of Roland’s free remote control apps, users can operate the V-02HD MK II via an intuitive graphical interface on their iPad computer. (Remote control apps for macOS and Windows will be available in late 2021.)

The purchase of a V-02HD MK II also provides free access to Roland’s new AeroCaster Switcher for iPad, a powerful video and media expansion solution for select Roland hardware switchers. With this unique app, users can switch wireless feeds from up to five devices – including smartphone and tablet cameras and screen shares from computers and mobile devices – and then output a combined program to feed to the V-02HD MK II or another supported Roland switcher with HDMI input.

Roland introduced the ZENOLOGY FX Plug-in Effect, bringing more than 90 authentic effects to your DAW. Roland has delivered memorable, genre-defining sounds for nearly fifty years, and a big part of that sonic footprint is its unique approach to effects processing. The legendary swirling JUNO chorus, feedback-drenched tape echo, and other sounds that have left their mark on countless tracks over the decades — can now be added to any keyboard sound or instrument track to make music come alive.

While many of the processors in ZENOLOGY FX have vintage inspiration from legendary products like JUNO chorus, CE-1 stompbox and JD-800 synthesizer, use of them today through ZENOLOGY FX is thoroughly modern with a contemporary interface and simple controls for free-flowing creativity.

With ZENOLOGY FX, music makers can add delays to apps, larger-than-life modulation effects to chord progressions and twist and distort basses and lead tones the leap from the speakers. Delay add space without taking away presence and immediacy. Modulation effects include choruses, phasers, flangers, and more – and they work wonders on synths and other keyboards instruments.

ZENOLOGY FX also includes a menagerie of unique Roland effects to propel tracks into uncharted sonic territory. Explode the DJFX Looper and lo-fi effects from the SP-404, or color your sound with slicers, filters, overdrives, and other selections from the vast Roland effects legacy.

Roland announced GO:MIXER PRO-X, the latest member of the popular GO:MIXER family of audio mixers for smartphones and tablets. Ultra-compact and filled with audio connectivity, GO:MIXER products allow mobile content creators to capture multiple sound sources in high quality for music videos, livestreams, podcasts and more.

Compared with the previous GO:MIXER PRO model, GO:MIXER PRO-X offers expanded support for Android and iOS mobile devices, a guitar/bass input pad switch, and the ability to use a headset mic or the inline mic on smartphone earbuds as a sound source.

Today’s smartphones and tablets record great video, but their built-in microphones simply can’t deliver the sound quality needed to create polished productions that grab viewers and keep them engaged. GO:MIXER PRO-X is the ultimate companion for mobile content creation, combining multi-channel mixing, sound monitoring, and more in an affordable, palm-sized hardware device that goes everywhere.

GO:MIXER PRO-X supports the audio needs of all types of creators, whether working alone or with a group. Users can connect and mix up to seven audio sources, including a professional XLR microphone, guitar, or bass, a stereo instrument like a keyboard or drum machine, and two stereo line-level devices.

The headphones jack supports an additional mic feed, and the Loop Back function allows music and other audio from a connected mobile device to be mixed in as well. A newly added pad switch for the dedicated guitar/bass input lets users attenuate the signal if needed for instruments with active pickups.

GO:MIXER PRO-X is equipped with both USB Micro-B and four pile TRRS analog jacks, providing plug-and-play operation with most iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Three different cable types are included for connecting to Lightning, USB-C, and four pole TRRS jacks on mobile devices. GO:MIXER PRO-X can be powered with four AAA-size batteries or through device connection when the USB Micro-B connector is used.

In addition to providing exceptional sound quality for videos and livestreams, GO:MIXER PRO-X excels as an audio interface for music apps like Roland Zenbeats or GarageBand, and it also works great as a portable standalone mixer for practicing and performing.

Roland introduces featuring the next-generation TD50X sound module and digital pad configurations that include the groundbreaking new VH-14D digital hi-hat. The TD-50KV2 kit delivers the ultimate V-Drums experience with cage pads throughout, including a stage-ready, full-size kick drum.

The TD-50KV2 offers a more streamlined configuration with compact top and kick pads, making it a great choice for home playing, small stages, and anywhere that space is tight. The VAD 706 is the new top-of-the-line kit in the V-Drums Acoustic Design series, combining Roland’s best V-Drums technologies with the look and detail of premium-grade acoustic drums. Four elegant finish options are available for the full-size wood shells in the VAD706, including Gloss Natural, Gloss Cherry, Gloss Ebony, and Pearl White.

The TD-50X sound module at the heart of the TD-50KV2, TD-50K2, and VAD706 kits provide the most acoustic-like experience available in electronic drumming. Prismatic Sound Modeling technology makes drums come to life like no other system can, infusing multi-layer samples recorded in world class studios with sophisticated behavior modeling techniques refined over 20-plus years.

An unlimited array of sonic colors and rich overtones are produced with every stick hit, just like acoustic drums and cymbals. The player can feel the sound changing in relation to their expression, creating that magical, interactive bond that fully immerses them in the emotion of the moment.

The TD-50X module features over 900 sounds, including many new kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, and cymbal selections. There are also 70 ready-to-play preset kits, all purposefully tuned for full, punchy, and dynamic sound. Users can make quick adjustments to tuning and muffling, or build kits from the ground up by selecting shell depths, drumhead types, cymbal characteristics, and more. PureAcoustic Ambience provides a wide variety of immersive playing spaces, and a massive selection of studio-grade processing tools are on hand to shape sounds to perfection.

The TD-50KV2, TD-50K2, and VAD706 kits also feature Roland’s breakthrough digital pad technology, which fully leverages the vast expressive potential made possible with Prismatic Sound Modeling. Multi-sensors in the PD-140DS snare, CY-18DR ride, and new VH-14D hi-hat pads workwith the lightning-fast processing in the TD-50X module to bring authentic acoustic nuance and detail to these core kit pieces. All playing techniques translate seamlessly, such as touching the ride to mute the sound or switching at will between head, rimshot, and cross stick playing on the snare. The VH-14D takes the electronic hi-hat to a new level of performance, offering touch sensitivity, tonal variation, and open/closed resolution never available until now.

Loaded with pro connectivity, the TD-50X module is ready to take on the practical needs of any playing situation. Stereo XLR master outs and eight TRS direct outs allow the player to send any drums they like to an audio console via balanced connections. And for computer-based music production, the TD-50X can send up to 32 channels of digital audio plus MIDI over USB for premium-quality transfer.

Roland, a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and professional video products, announced that the Roland F701 Digital Piano, the most compact of Roland’s upright pianos, has won a Red Dot Design Awards: Product Design 2021 for its soft, inviting design and commanding performance.

As one of the largest, oldest, and most respected design competition in the world, the Red Dot Design Award has provided a platform for designers and companies to assess and praise exceptional design for more than 60 years. The Red Dot Awards have now honored Roland with accolades for product design three times since 2017. Previous winners include LX700 series and FP-90.

As the most compact of all of Roland’s upright pianos, the F701 is an ideal piano for learning at home – especially for those who appreciate understated looks. Designed to complement modern room styles, the F701 resembles a sleek sideboard cabinet, with white or light oak color options, it blends naturally with a wide range of decor. And thanks to its compact size this is a piano that fits easily in smaller spaces.

The F701 epitomizes Roland’s soft and inviting design language. Its profile is simple, slim, and subtle, with rounded corners and a lid that slides over the keys when not in use. Even the rear-view appeals, with neatly arranged connections that allow the piano to face any direction without unsightly wires.

Although small in size, the F701’s performance is commanding. Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound and PHA-4 Standard keyboard – featuring hammer action, escapement, and ivory-feel white keys – all react to the subtlest touch, for a truly inspiring playing experience. And with an easy-to read, icon-driven display, onboard practice features, and Bluetooth connectivity for exploring an exciting world of apps, the F701 is the perfect instrument for learning to play.

The Red Dot Jury compromises 50 international experts who test, discuss, and evaluate each entry individually based on judging criteria adapted to new technical, social economic, and ecological requirements such as innovation, functionality, quality, durability, and ecological compatibility, among others.

Roland announced Aerophone Pro, the new flagship model in the company’s acclaimed Aerophone series of digital wind instruments. Combining numerous design refinements and premium components with enhanced playability and a vast sonic palette from Roland’s SuperNATURAL and ZEN-Core sound engines, Aerophone Pro enables wind players to take their music where it’s never gone before.

Introduced in 2016, the Aerophone series has opened a universe of creative possibilities for wind musicians. While developing Aerophone Pro, Roland reached out to expert players around the globe for suggestions on taking the Aerophone experience to the next level. Their feedback led to many thoughtful improvements that substantially enhance the instrument’s look, feel, sound, and playability. The result is a revolutionary wind instrument that gives musicians a bold and highly expressive new voice.

Aerophone Pro’s thin, ergonomic design looks great on stage and is easier to hold for a more confident playing experience. Controls are easy to reach, and the streamlined body and aluminum accents exude an understated-yet-classy presence. The discrete OLED screen provides quick visual access to various parameters can be viewed at any angle and in any kind of lighting.

The stock fingering on Aerophone Pro is the same as an acoustic sax and includes a high-F# key. Multiple user-customizable fingerings are supported as well, and configurable control for both hands and a MIDI input for footswitches greatly expand performance options. Through extensive research and development, the breath and bite sensors are more responsive and expressive than ever, and the user can save personalized settings for their own style.

Aerophone Pro packs entire brass and woodwind sections into one instrument. Developed with professional players, there are newly enhanced soprano, alto, and tenor saxes, vibrant new trumpet sounds, and authentic world instruments like the stunning new duduk. Roland’s SuperNATURAL technology translates every playing nuance with lifelike dynamics, articulations, and overtones, while new controller options enable idiomatic performance techniques on a range of instruments, from mainstream to exotic.

Aerophone Pro also features Roland’s ZEN-Core Synthesis System, the sound engine that powers flagship synthesizers like FANTOM and JUPITER-X. Presets crafted by the world’s foremost wind synth sound designers provide everything from vintage analog synth tones to modern hybrid sounds, with the refined expression and articulation only a wind instrument can provide.

Aerophone Pro enables powerful and expressive performances in any situation. Its robust design and flexible audio and MIDI connections make it perfect for any live gig, or as the center of a wind controller-based production studio. And with a headphones jack, Bluetooth MIDI, built-in speaker, and battery-powered operation, users can pick up and play whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.

Aerophone Pro offers powerful onboard editing tools for personalizing sounds on the spot. Even deeper customization and sound organization is available through an editor app for iOS and Android mobile devices. And with easily selectable scene memories and favorites, users can quickly navigate the large array of tones and mark them for instant recall while performing.

Roland announced the P-20HD Video Instant Replayer, an affordable hardware solution for bringing professional instant replay capabilities to any live production setup. Offering simple operation and seamless integration with most Roland A/V switchers and HDMI camcorders and cameras, the P-20HD transforms everyday video production for school sports, coaches, trainers, esports, and more.

When watching a sporting event live or on a broadcast stream, today’s audience expect the same high production values they see when watching pro teams on broadcast TV. With the P-20HD, adding the magic of instant replay to local production has never been easier. Using intuitive controls and integrated color LCD, a single operator can cue up replays of action to let fans relive important moments, either on a streaming feed or a live event screen in the venue – or both at once.

The P-20HD records directly to high-capacity SD cards, which are widely available and easy to swap out. Action can be replayed in forward, reverse, or slow motion, stepped through frame by frame, or frozen for detailed analysis. The game is continuously recorded in the background during replays, with no gaps in the action.

The P-20HD panel features an array of dedicated hardware controls for a hands-on, frustration-free experience. Transport button include play, pause, forward, rewind, mark in, and mark out. A jog/shuffle wheel with optical encoding provides precise, fluid control to scrub clips for replay and editing, while the T-bar directly adjusts playback speed. A Speed Range function offers ultra-fine control, perfect focusing in on tight action and contested plays.

After the action is over, the media playlist builder makes it possible to aggregate clips into curated pro videos, letting users celebrate the best moments of a game on social media or distribute practice and training sessions to coaches and players for evaluation. The P-20HD natively records in the universal H.264 format, so files can be uploaded to most platforms with no conversion steps in-between.

To learn more about the P-20HD Video Instant Replayer, visit Roland.com.

Roland welcomes three new instruments to the famous TR drum machine family. Based on the flagship TR-8S, the TR-6S Rhythm Performer delivers the next-generation TR performance in a compact and affordable package. The TR-06 Drumatix is the latest addition to the Roland Boutique series, blending the sounds and workflow of the ’80s-era TR-606 hardware with modern enhancements. Also based on the TR-606, the TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer expands Roland Cloud’s Legendary series with another renowned TR instrument.

TR-6S Rhythm Performer

The TR-6S delivers the same speaker-pummeling, window-rattling, body-moving sound of its bigger sibling. It features a six-track sequencer and the most iconic rhythm sounds in music history—all in a battery-powered box that fits just about anywhere. Authentic recreations of legendary Roland drum machines like the 808, 909, 707, 606, and more are included, and users can mix and match them with preset and custom samples and futuristic FM tones to create exotic hybrid kits.

The sound of modern music owes a lot to the classic step sequencer—and the “TR-REC” variety found in early Roland drum machines in particular. The TR-6S employs the same tried-and-true approach, elevated with real-time recording and modern enhancements. And with an array of expressive effects, users can take their rhythm tracks to new levels. The TR-6S is a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface too, perfect for mobile or minimal production setups.

TR-06 Drumatix

The TR-06 is a detailed replica of the Roland TR-606 Drumatix from the 1980s—with some major modern upgrades. This new Roland Boutique version captures the distinctive tone and iconic look of the original while reimagining it with bold new sound-crafting potential. Users can control tuning, decay, and pan for each instrument, or crank up the internal gain for each circuit model and push it into warm overdrive or aggressive distortion. An onboard compressor adds fullness and punch, while the tempo delay creates depth and space.

Like the original, the TR-06 has a familiar and straightforward step sequencer. But now it’s been updated with advanced features like sub-steps for ratcheted parts, step-loop for instant pattern slicing, and more. With five trigger outputs and a trigger input, the TR-06 integrates nicely with modular setups. It’s a high-quality USB audio interface too, and features battery operation and a built-in speaker for production on the go.

TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer

With the TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer, the underground ‘80s classic is now available as a plug-in for DAW music production. The software version has the same sound and behavior of the original, plus powerful new features that virtually modify the circuitry for more sound choices and faster, more fluid programming.

Like the TR-06 hardware, the TR-606 plug-in offers tuning, decay, and pan on each instrument andthe ability to overdrive the internal circuitry. The step sequencer has been expanded with lanes for each sound, and each pattern has eight variations plus adjustable flams, sub-steps, and soft hits.

Users can pair the TR-8S or TR-06 with the TR-606 and enjoy the benefits of easy hardware and software integration. Patterns can be shared between the TR-8S and TR-606, and the TR-06’s knobs are pre-mapped to the plug-in for intuitive, hands-on workflow.

The TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer, along with all instruments in the Legendary series, is included with the Ultimate membership level of Roland Cloud. All paid levels—including Core and Pro—start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate. In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles.