All user reviews for the Roland XV-5080

Expander 2U, 128-voice polyphony, 32 multitimbral parts
sound module JD, super JV, XV and GM2
1152 patches, 64 performances and 23 preset drum kit in
128 patches, 64 performances and 4 battery pack in use
Waveform 1083 to 44.1 and 48 kHz
4 card slots SR-JV
4 slots for SRX
2 slots for RAM (in MB EDO 2x64) for samples Rugs (WAV, AIFF, etc.).
4 outputs or 8 mono + Stereo outputs numriques R-BUS and S / PDIF (24 bit)
Emplacelent a smart card with 128 MB MDIA
Screen 320x80

UTILIZATION

I RPET roland but for users, no problem but for others, it will have to learn to be patient before fully master the machine (note well done)

SOUNDS

The XV-5080 trs many people, and JD Module Super JV forces, but this is not new!
when the patches they sound XV trs property but I have not seen a big diffrence with trs old
but there are also new converter technology and Difference (24 bit) which is also the patches JD and JV people much better than an XP-60 or JV-1080.
still all the Polyval SERIES JV XV XP on promne in all styles.
compatibilté with the old SR-JV cards is a great IDE and with the new SRX cards (like the last Fantom X6, 7 or 8) really give the machine a different dimension.
nothing but the possibility to read Cantillon in Stereo is terrible ... and the battery pack adchire attention ... ... ... such emotion may have a key, 4 waves or 4 dynamic diffrent for a snare drum for instance (by expressivit. against a Chow polyphony ...

OVERALL OPINION

Trs good machine for large programing ..!
people really good kit for batteries and patches also
remains even when a high-end machine, so beginners abstain unless the money is not a problem

This rack is a marvel ... All features and outputs that can RVer a studio musician or scne gathered ... hand may be (but it gets really challenging the) lack of MIDI (adj y'en two, but we quickly want to Bracher above all MIDI devices at the same time like a, just to see). The software that comes with the rack tlchargeable is also trs cool - a perfect rplique virtual rack that quickly having to touch the buttons - from a small gap in a backup g nrale which is possible only after many, many efforts.
The 8 assignable audio outputs are extra, especially since we can assign recreational effects supplmentaires ... IDAL when utlise return on scne!

UTILIZATION

If we know Roland well, nothing will be easier ... APRS a little time getting started, a go himself. Systm rpartition of the notches is fairly intuitive and shortcut buttons allow the right to change the midi track without having to go through the whole machine in reverse.
The manual is clear trs - as often with Roland - even in English.
sition of the sound, however, can be a bit tedious because rvler sub-sub menus on the screen of this focntionnalit. With a little Entran, a motion.
Very practical too: the patch finder - can be used as a mode patch mode only performance ... soon have to learn the sound of your numro prfres by heart ... just choose one of the CATEGORY and browse by type of instrument.

SOUNDS

Sounds basic's quite impressive, but the addition of cards s'avrera essential if you are looking for any great finesse. The original pianos are correct, the strings also. The brass sounds are same Gaux them at Roland ... ethnic sounds, however, still again - even on memory cards. There are at least pleased the best moments of Jupiters!

OVERALL OPINION

Personally, I use 5080 as the studio for scne, and I'm satisfied 95% ... single large default for scne, rponse time a program change. But this is largely compensated by the ACCS to give quick and settings by shortcut buttons.

A must, which will certainly become a classic in a few years. If you have one, do not claim it!

Mine is stuffed with cards cards st SR SR-JV-X therefore the number of patches is high enough, I would say from 2500 to 3000.

UTILIZATION

Like all the expanders rack caraxtère multi-function buttons is not necessarily obvious at first but we made it very quickly.
The LCD is large enough and has a lot of info at once. Contrary to 1080 I had before.



SOUNDS

Swiss Army knife of sound bank, although some patches a little dated.

OVERALL OPINION

7 years of use

The major flaw is as often with Roland differences in sound level of one patch to another.

It is never a JV-1080 vaguely given to the style of the day.

Since quite a few other products are out, I now turn to a Muse Receptor 2 Pro

Polyphonic 128 notes, sample player input SD memory card. 32 parts noon (2x 16 channel noon!)

UTILIZATION

When you know it's going to roland. large screen displays one or envelopes

SOUNDS

sounds still valid always taken elsewhere largely in the last ghost. possibility of putting card srjv + SRX (possible on Series G) 3 simultanns effects insertion, 4 elements not patch. + EQ + reverb. SPDIF digital output jack and symmetrically separated

OVERALL OPINION

I added him a card and the card studio srx srjv house with my stuffed JV2080 8 srjv card I hold the power and a big bank Audible always present which I do not separate!

It is a weak point: at the time of USB and Firewire is still with the XV 5080 SCSI (not ULTRA WIDE) without direct connection to the computer (except MIDI, but for samples .. .). The RAM is expandable enough (128 MB) EDO RAM but! (Hello the cross and the wallet, like SCSI devices for that matter)
Cons by the 128 channels vois/32 bring some comfort (but beware of stereo samples - most - right away that divide by 2 polyphony). The extensions are great opportunities (4 SRX SR JV 4 cards and RAM and Smart Media).

UTILIZATION

If you're used to ROLAND (my case) it is not too complicated .. the LCD is not wrong. The manual is very limited in what about current management of devices (SCSI and SMART MEDIA). Editing PATCH from samples is not very simple or very advanced (I'm not used samplers, but still)

SOUNDS

is the point (very ) strong in my opinion. This is the first time I have a synth or on which I feel I can create a fairly realistic orchestration. the basic sounds are generally very good (acoustic and electric guitars are to die for). I bought it for acoustic sounds and I'm not too disappointed. I compensate for some weaknesses (eg violin) by loading samples via CD ROM. The pianos are disappointing compared to my DR 600. The effects are great.
Overall, in the context of an orchestration is really good. I put 8 by what I'm difficult: it is above the high end samplers or software (which is the same given the investment in micro computer)

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a months and the budget that I will ever have that choice (as I said, it takes a lot more expensive to have a bit more).
I spend nights of musical pleasure, with a ratio of passion: love (the sounds, effects, fun to edit and play) and hatred (the SCSI version ancient quest of RAM EDO, the limited edition of multi-samples)

I can't really say that there's anything missing that I'd need, but I've yet to find a decent easy-to-use PC based editor for the module.

Price paid

$1875 US

UTILIZATION

I haven't read the manual too much, as it's pretty difficult to understand. This is standard for Roland manuals though (unfortunately). Still, the unit is relatively easy to figure out without a manual. I purchased the XV5080 over the XV3080 for a few reasons, one of which was the interface. Having been spoiled by the interface on the Korg Triton, I was drawn the larger display on the front panel of the XV5080, which makes things FAR easier to program and understand. I'm a guy who has 2 x 19" monitors in the studio, so the bigger the screen is, the better!! For beginners, it's very easy to scroll through patches and understand the basic functions. Things get a little more difficult to understand when you dig deeper, but I've never gotten lost or stuck in the interface. It's not the most elegant or graceful, mind you, but it does the job nicely.

SOUNDS

Roland has continued its JV/XP range in this new series (the XV5080, XV3080 and XV5050). Most of the waveforms have been recycled from the former modules, however, the patches and performances still hold up today as they did then. There are quite a few new waveforms, however, and the enhanced architecture (including 128 polyphpny) make the XV5080 a tough competitor to beat. The module caters to all styles of music, and there's something there for everyone. The only thing lacking, in my mind, is drums. The drums in the module are pretty pathetic compared to the rest of the pallette of sounds. Also, the relative volume of patches is completely skewed. Sometimes I'll have to turn up the volume 100% to get a decent level on a patch, other times, the level is WAY TOO LOUD (especially on the synth basses and other synth patches). However, this is fixed quickly in a multi-timbral setting with a simple MIDI volume message. There are 4 effects available in free configuration in Performance mode, which is a nice touch, as I often use it in the mode for writing. When I record, however, I will often revert to Patch mode to allow each part to have full use of the effects. The XV5080 has a sample-playback feature, but I have not yet used it.

OVERALL OPINION

The only time I ever had the XV5080 act up on me was when I was using it in multi-timbral (Performance) mode. It was making odd noises and telling me that the buffer was full. It turns out, however, that there was a MIDI loop between my MIDIMAN Thru 3x8, my sequencer and the XV5080. Disabling the "Thru" on my sequencer resolved the problem. The module is ROCK-SOLID, and I wouldn't think twice about taking it out to a gig. If you're running in the 64+ voices range, however, I've heard of some issues regarding MIDI timing. However, since I print my MIDI tracks to audio almost immediately after I've written them, I've had no problems whatsoever with MIDI timing.

I really like this module. Well, I might even LOVE this module. It has an incredible range of sounds on-board and unbelieveable room for expansion (via SRJV-80 and SRX expansion boards). It is my new #1 "go-to" module, and it comprises about 50% of my MIDI tracks. I'm sure it will have a home in my rack for a long time to come!

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 4-, 2002)

This is an amazing workhorse of a synth. The only gripe I have is 3 master effects. Thats why I've not given it a 10 as I'd like to have seen maybe 5 master effects....

Price paid

£1500

UTILIZATION

Full marks - I found this a very intuitive module. Now I have an editor for this beast I'm in heaven. Manual gives good insights.

Good build quality - if I was gigging I'd get this racked in a shock-proof case. Nothing has broken but I did have a problem updating my operating software on it as I had a power cut. Luckily I reapplied the update and everything worked again. Just at the same time a help response came from Roland - same day !

SOUNDS

Sound quality is Immense. Stereo partials - amazing. I love playing this module with a velocity sensitive keyboard with aftertouch. Everything is pristine, great detail. Guitars, strings and pads, drums - everything in usual Roland warmth.

OVERALL OPINION

My girlfriend sits in a rack now and the 5080 sleeps with me.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown (January 2-, 2002)

No. There is nothing missing from this piece. Anyone who complains that it has "no arpeggiator" needs to find something else to complain about...

$1,800

UTILIZATION

It is NOT easy to use. It took me about three weeks to figure out many of its finer points. But like most Roland gear, investing the time is well worth it.

It is a worthy piece.

SOUNDS

Well, it is a Roland. The sounds are pretty incredible. I use mostly the piano, strings, and drums -- all the SRX boards.

OVERALL OPINION

I really like this thing a lot. In fact, I traded my Korg Triton Rack in -- but I will probably never sell the Roland. I just love the fact that it was the last and greatest-ever Roland piece that looks like it -- the two-space, black-metallic box with a big-old LCD on the left upper corner. This look dates back to the MKS-80 and the ensuing JV series. It seems to me as though the 5080 offers the culmination of everything that Roland ever did, throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Although it is truly a sample box and not a true synth, with 128 voices of polyphony, who cares? You can create anything with the XV engine that you can do with their older analog stuff.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: SammyJames (January 0-, 2005)