Roland VS-2480 CD

This unit boasts 24bit 96kHz capability. It can record 16 tracks simultaneously, which is a great advantage for tracking large ensembles including drum kits. The data is saved onto the hard drive; it can be backed up onto “data discs”.

UTILIZATION

No installation worries here as the unit is self contained. The scrolling functions would be a bit painful to learn, but the optional VGA output allows an interface which is way more intuitive than the included small screen. Many people knock on the manual, but I found the information to be very organized…though it is extensive and massive. The DVD manual is ok; I watched it once and never again. If you ever used any vs type machine from Roland- like the 880, 1680, or 2400- then you’ll jump right into this unit seamlessly.

SOUNDS

Brand new these units came stock with a vs8f2 effects card. Decent sounds available, from delays to reverbs to mastering compressors- pretty much anything you would ever need. The only poor sounds were from the COSM guitar sims, which I found unusable. The real problem is the number of times you can use it: if you’re using inserts, you are quite limited. Post fx is more plentiful, so one can put reverb on every track if desired. It’s almost a necessity to upgrade by installing additional fx cards, up to 4 total. The vs8f3 is a step up in quality, and the 3rd party plugins are a huge step up. These are becoming more scarce as production stopped a few years ago, but if you are staying in the box, this is a great toolkit to acquire. Best scenario may be to find a vs2480 used, forget finding the fx cards (because they are scarce and expensive) and utilize the vs for tracking knowing that you can bring it into a cpu for mixing and fx. This strategy makes the unit good bang for your buck in terms of tracking 16 at a time relatively cheap.

OVERALL OPINION

Best thing is the stability- this unit is much more stable than most pc and will not embarrass you by crashing and losing data. It is a rock. The 16track capability is wonderful. Negatives include load up time- saving and recalling projects takes waaaaay longer than any modern day cpu DAW. The extra components- if you can even find them- are pricey. You will need the special cables and interfaces to be able to transfer 16 tracks at a time into a pc. Otherwise you’re stuck with 2 at a time through spdif, which is totally horrifying. I believe the capability to add PC/Mac interface was available at the time of production, but Roland attempted to keep their system isolated from the rest of the world’s DAWs. This philosophy killed the platform, as technology and musicians gravitated towards universal DAWs which are easily transferred.
This was a great value 8-10 years ago, but now (even used) one may be advised to look elsewhere. There are too many issues trying to bring the projects onto DAWs to allow collaboration. The one application which may still be useful is in recording live performances: the unit could be setup at rehearsal or live shows pretty quickly and the results are fairly good. For a long time I praised the vs platforms, but I have since migrated…if you can find one used and cheap cheap, give it a shot- but don’t pay close to the thousands that it originally cost.

Bottom line: this was a "10/10" in 2004; in 2012 it's a "1/10"

- What connection types are there(analog, digital, MIDI)?
Too many to mention! Very complete though!
8 XLR in & 8 TRS jacks in, i think, plus high impedance in, 2 phones out with individual volume & monitoring volume too, TRS jacks out, digital in & out on optical and coax but no ADAT or AES/EBU (u need an expensive R-BUS option for that...bastards).

- what is the sampling rate (bits/kHz)?
I believe it goes up to 24/96. Check the manufacturer's site though.

- What storage format is used (ZIP, MiniDisc, hard disc...)?
Hard drive (80 GB) with CD burner, can be altered to DVD burner for 50 € if u buy the right one (check vsplanet.com forums for info, great forum!).

- What types of synchronization are supported?
I think it does MTC, Wordclock, MIDI & spdif or something like that. Maybe more, not sure.

- How many tracks can be recorded/read simulaneously?...
16 tracks written, 24 read.

UTILIZATION

- Is the general configuration/setup simple?
I had the VS-1680 before and expected to know how to use this. Well i don't...

- Are the typical functions easily accessible?
You need some time with the manual, but default set up lets u record right away.

- Is the manual clear and sufficient?...
Clear manual, yeah, just a complex machine...very powerful.

SOUNDS

- Are the A/D and D/A convertors transparent?
Sound ok to me but the preamps are a bit light.

- are the effects and filtres good?
The effects are real good, and you can get VS plug-ins too, that sound even better.
Very usable.

- Are the dynamics respected?...
Yep, all good there.

OVERALL OPINION

- For how long have you been using it?
A few months.

- What thing do you like most/least about it?
It's not a pc.
It's stable.
It's complete.
It works.
It has NO LATENCY, folks. HEAR THAT YOU PC LOVERS? NO LATENCY. Yep, go find yourself a pc that can do that & give me a ring. Haha.

- Did you try many other models before getting this one?
Had a 4 track cassette, then 8 track cassette, then 16 track digital.
Tried PC software and hated it. This thing actually records.

- What is your opinion about the value for the price?
The European price is a scandal (4500 € ? Go to H*LL!). So i imported this from the US, where even with customs fees & VAT it's WAAAAYYYY cheaper. I paid 3000 $, with some added stuff thrown in. Altogether was half price.

Go find 16 preamps, 48 compressors, 48 EQs, all those effects, at least 20 converters...and a zero latency PC for that money.
Oh, and don't forget to buy a MIDI control surface with motorised faders...

THIS IS THE BEST VALUE ON THE MARKET, EVEN TODAY.

- Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...
Of course i would. This works with Pro Tools, the very cheap Reaper software, with everything...you can import your tracks into your pc easily...or you can just do everything in the box.

already 16 tracks simultaneous rec, ca does! sampling rate up to 96khz!

UTILIZATION

I put a little time to tame it! it's still a great bike! once we took the logic of the machine, it's pretty simple!

SOUNDS

converters are correct but most (like preamps)! I find that the effects rather walk a lot!

OVERALL OPINION

I have since 2003. before I had the 1680! the side "compact" is very interesting! is that I love above everything is mastered with!!
I have found no equal! it is clear this machine has a good grain to it like it or not! I'm used to! I'm more taken with, but really for mastering!

For technical specifications, it is a missile NUCLEAR !!!!!
Basically, check the manufacturer's website, there is too much to say ....
I am not a specialist in so I am unable to get the finer points of Retailer beast.
In the highlight résumé that made me buy the Roland is the prsence of 16 entries with 8 XLR which can record 16 tracks at the same time. It is actually possible to record a live concert with a quality pro.
I save a quintet or a sextet of jazz as day. I put six microphones on the battery, 4 channel for keyboards, a way for the Fender Rhodes, a way for the bass, a way for the sax, one track to the guitar and if you are well aware I still have to Instead ...
The other is the INTERESTED monstrous 60 GB hard drive that can record without asking any question of saturation of the disk (1:30 music by recording 16 channels at the same time about 6 REPRESENTATIVES 8 gigas ).
Finally, the drive is screwed up and reliable.

UTILIZATION

I had a dj Roland VS840.
So I do not t too dpays. It's generally pretty simple.
After one week, one manipulates the bte without much problem. Again, there is a max function whose usefulness m'chappe for the use I make.
The manual is generally not well done in all cases less than the VS840. With energy and motivation, even when you get there. The guy who invests in a Euro 4500 is all fawns magnto even when motivated to get it to work ....

SOUNDS

Frankly, the sound comes out of this unit is stunning.
I am not ingnieur sound or technician or auditor with ECM but in any case, I am fulfilled because the records that I can do with my Roland trs are really correct. The dynamics are good, the sound is when I Dfine yet only records that live and never RE-RE.
I can not imagine what a Pro should be able to do with this stuff!
For effects, there are 345000000 and I have not really understand the intrt. I put only a minimum of delay and a tad of reverb (plate) and the fact. For music I like, this range of effects parat me be the domain of the gadget.

OVERALL OPINION

I have for almost a year.
He never plant I use it every Sunday and it is the foot.
Basically, the sound is top, using a simple APRS PERIOD short learning, and the device is reliable.
The possibilities seem almost endless.
APRS hsit really have because of the price of the cot and squinting of 8 entries at Korg and Yamaha, I finally crack and no time have I regretted my purchase.
A single hazard +++++++: catch the virus taken from his!
This is what happened to me and I'm dfoncer my cellar it to improve the acoustic and ruin me in micro ...
It is clear that such a gem should ABSOLUTELY be associated good microphones.
In short, if you have the tunes, go for it.
If you plan plutt use Home Studio Re-Recording, it may be no need to invest that much. An 8 inputs can probably be enough and we now find prices hallucinating.