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Jeremy R
Published on 04/24/07 at 06:49
Four connections pedal switch or expression, 1 sustain pedal connection, two programmable sliders above the pitch bend, 4 multifunction sliders. In short, there is something to control the sound in live conditions.
For the time, this synth was very complete. Now it looks like he misses the sampling, but many owners of Motif or Triton samplent do anything. I'm going very well. It's so full I give 10/10.
UTILIZATION
The sound editing and sequencing are very complete. It takes a few months of hard to begin to master the craft in my opinion. The sound editing is enormous, the number of adjustable parameters always impresses me, and all is well graded and clearly displayed on the screen.
For the sequencer, I have used the XP80 for years. I was going very fast because I used it for 9 years. It helps. However, to understand the basic configuration, I have a little gallery. Once the problem is overcome, everything goes like clockwork. Edition limited to each individual note if desired. Now I have 8 to control synths via MIDI, so I'm forced to use software.
I give "only" 9 / 10 because for someone who started on the XP-80 it can be intimidating. But if once you master it deserves 10.
SOUNDS
The sounds are those of the JV-1080 I think. The effects come from the Roland VS-1680 recorder. We have 3 sets of effects: Reverb, Chorus, and one that offers multi-effect distortion, eq, comp, flanger, phaser, etc.. It could be better, because in modern music, the effects are part of the sound design. But it is sufficient in most cases.
The basic sounds are a little older. The new generation (Motif and Fantom) is well beyond in terms of realism, but if you mix them well the instruments, one can have beautiful results. Expansion cards SR-JV80 are really essential for that.
The digital filters work well, but they do not sound as well as a JD-800 for example. They are very neutral. It is a term that I believe to be good enough sonic character of the XP-80. Unless it is in force to hear it every day ...
OVERALL OPINION
Nine years later, this synth for me is always the top of my collection. This is the first on and last off. I think the XP-80 is aging better than the Trinity, that I might have bought at that time if I had the means (61-key model was more expensive than the XP-80).
This is a purchase that I would do without hesitation. In 1997, it was really the best decision. If I had to buy a keyboard workstation nine today, I think I'd still rely on Roland and I would buy a Fantom X. And feel of the keyboard is a pleasure!
In conclusion, I would say that this keyboard is really a wonder, but take the time to learn the possibilities and the available settings. It is an absolute must for stage and studio. I have thought part with it, but I had to be in a period of extreme madness! If he dies one day, I bought one immediately. Or a JV-2080 and a keyboard 88 keys.
For the time, this synth was very complete. Now it looks like he misses the sampling, but many owners of Motif or Triton samplent do anything. I'm going very well. It's so full I give 10/10.
UTILIZATION
The sound editing and sequencing are very complete. It takes a few months of hard to begin to master the craft in my opinion. The sound editing is enormous, the number of adjustable parameters always impresses me, and all is well graded and clearly displayed on the screen.
For the sequencer, I have used the XP80 for years. I was going very fast because I used it for 9 years. It helps. However, to understand the basic configuration, I have a little gallery. Once the problem is overcome, everything goes like clockwork. Edition limited to each individual note if desired. Now I have 8 to control synths via MIDI, so I'm forced to use software.
I give "only" 9 / 10 because for someone who started on the XP-80 it can be intimidating. But if once you master it deserves 10.
SOUNDS
The sounds are those of the JV-1080 I think. The effects come from the Roland VS-1680 recorder. We have 3 sets of effects: Reverb, Chorus, and one that offers multi-effect distortion, eq, comp, flanger, phaser, etc.. It could be better, because in modern music, the effects are part of the sound design. But it is sufficient in most cases.
The basic sounds are a little older. The new generation (Motif and Fantom) is well beyond in terms of realism, but if you mix them well the instruments, one can have beautiful results. Expansion cards SR-JV80 are really essential for that.
The digital filters work well, but they do not sound as well as a JD-800 for example. They are very neutral. It is a term that I believe to be good enough sonic character of the XP-80. Unless it is in force to hear it every day ...
OVERALL OPINION
Nine years later, this synth for me is always the top of my collection. This is the first on and last off. I think the XP-80 is aging better than the Trinity, that I might have bought at that time if I had the means (61-key model was more expensive than the XP-80).
This is a purchase that I would do without hesitation. In 1997, it was really the best decision. If I had to buy a keyboard workstation nine today, I think I'd still rely on Roland and I would buy a Fantom X. And feel of the keyboard is a pleasure!
In conclusion, I would say that this keyboard is really a wonder, but take the time to learn the possibilities and the available settings. It is an absolute must for stage and studio. I have thought part with it, but I had to be in a period of extreme madness! If he dies one day, I bought one immediately. Or a JV-2080 and a keyboard 88 keys.