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Audiofanzine FR
Published on 11/02/08 at 04:16
(Originally written by le.ti.ardennais/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- Types of connections (audio, MIDI, etc.):
Midi, digital, analog
- How many presets and programs are available? Are they editable? With a Mac/PC software?
Unfortunately not many presets included, which is so often the case with Roland. You'll have to buy expansion cards or find another trick to get sounds. You can connect it to a PC, which is very convenient to import data, but you'll have to be patient because the hard drive isn't the fastest!
- Does the unit have an effects section?
Yes
- Sequencer features:
Lots and lots.... very nice indeed. Otherwise it's easy to use.
UTILIZATION
- Is it easy to make settings?
- Is it easy to access the main functions?
It's ok but it's easier with the VGA option! I recommend you to use a screen.
Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?
Not very helpful: "In order to solve th problem see page 50 then page 200 and then page 257(!)" It's like a riddle and it is often written in a dialect I don't know
SOUNDS
There is no comparison to a computer! The sound is really perfect, no noise, no system crashes, very stable, no overheating problems. These are the main advantages compared to using software with Windows, even though I have a really powerful computer...
OVERALL OPINION
- I've "used" it only a few months because the manual is so awful that I've had to really work in fits and starts but I do have fun sometimes.
I love its looks and sturdiness. The sound is very good and its a very a comprehensive piece of gear.
I hate its complexity, it's irritating, and it is also very, very slow!
- How would you rate its value for money?
It's not an easy task to rate such a product.
- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?
No!!! Although the concept is great, the technology is already obsolete because of the long conception and production time needed to develop such a product. As a result, when the unit comes out some of its components (like HDD/memory) are already too slow compared to other products. It's almost like installing an old 40 Gb hard disk in a modern computer! We all love high speed!
In short, this unit didn't convince me, but that's only my opinion.
It's too slow, too irritating and the manual is awful. For me, music ought to be a pleasure not a torture every evening when you know that your project isn't going to get anywhere
- Types of connections (audio, MIDI, etc.):
Midi, digital, analog
- How many presets and programs are available? Are they editable? With a Mac/PC software?
Unfortunately not many presets included, which is so often the case with Roland. You'll have to buy expansion cards or find another trick to get sounds. You can connect it to a PC, which is very convenient to import data, but you'll have to be patient because the hard drive isn't the fastest!
- Does the unit have an effects section?
Yes
- Sequencer features:
Lots and lots.... very nice indeed. Otherwise it's easy to use.
UTILIZATION
- Is it easy to make settings?
- Is it easy to access the main functions?
It's ok but it's easier with the VGA option! I recommend you to use a screen.
Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?
Not very helpful: "In order to solve th problem see page 50 then page 200 and then page 257(!)" It's like a riddle and it is often written in a dialect I don't know
SOUNDS
There is no comparison to a computer! The sound is really perfect, no noise, no system crashes, very stable, no overheating problems. These are the main advantages compared to using software with Windows, even though I have a really powerful computer...
OVERALL OPINION
- I've "used" it only a few months because the manual is so awful that I've had to really work in fits and starts but I do have fun sometimes.
I love its looks and sturdiness. The sound is very good and its a very a comprehensive piece of gear.
I hate its complexity, it's irritating, and it is also very, very slow!
- How would you rate its value for money?
It's not an easy task to rate such a product.
- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?
No!!! Although the concept is great, the technology is already obsolete because of the long conception and production time needed to develop such a product. As a result, when the unit comes out some of its components (like HDD/memory) are already too slow compared to other products. It's almost like installing an old 40 Gb hard disk in a modern computer! We all love high speed!
In short, this unit didn't convince me, but that's only my opinion.
It's too slow, too irritating and the manual is awful. For me, music ought to be a pleasure not a torture every evening when you know that your project isn't going to get anywhere