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Audiofanzine FR
Published on 03/15/09 at 10:28
Value For Money :
Correct
(Originally written by Libreesprit/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
See Roland's website
UTILIZATION
Comprehensive and clear user's manual. It includes a quick start guide explaining all main functions. With lots of references to other chapters. So you'll need to make a lot of copies if you want to have everything you need without having to look it up in the user's manual.
Easy configuration if you understand Roland's concept. Many button combinations (Shift + ...) but all basic functions are easily accessible from the front panel.
SOUNDS
The factory presets sound "modern" but I'm still looking for more authentic sounds (for Latin instruments for example).
Until now I haven't found a sound bank for the 808, except for the sounds of the included and VERY intuitive software.
The effects are good enough to color the sound, but if you want more accurate effects you'll have to use an external multi-effects processor.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for six months (about 2-3 hours a day).
Great product if you take the time to understand it, but it will still remain complex if you don't know music theory because it's a music instrument!
I don't know much about music theory so I had to work really hard to learn how to use all functions.
It's a great product that allows you to produce good music.
Value for money is ok.
The SD card offers enough storing capacity and the sample memory can be extended (see Roland's website).
Would I buy it again? Yes because its versatility allows me to spare the use of any additional synths. The motorized faders and additional functions are a delight.
If you want an easy and ready-to-use device, don't buy it! But if you like sound tweaking and creation, buy it!
See Roland's website
UTILIZATION
Comprehensive and clear user's manual. It includes a quick start guide explaining all main functions. With lots of references to other chapters. So you'll need to make a lot of copies if you want to have everything you need without having to look it up in the user's manual.
Easy configuration if you understand Roland's concept. Many button combinations (Shift + ...) but all basic functions are easily accessible from the front panel.
SOUNDS
The factory presets sound "modern" but I'm still looking for more authentic sounds (for Latin instruments for example).
Until now I haven't found a sound bank for the 808, except for the sounds of the included and VERY intuitive software.
The effects are good enough to color the sound, but if you want more accurate effects you'll have to use an external multi-effects processor.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for six months (about 2-3 hours a day).
Great product if you take the time to understand it, but it will still remain complex if you don't know music theory because it's a music instrument!
I don't know much about music theory so I had to work really hard to learn how to use all functions.
It's a great product that allows you to produce good music.
Value for money is ok.
The SD card offers enough storing capacity and the sample memory can be extended (see Roland's website).
Would I buy it again? Yes because its versatility allows me to spare the use of any additional synths. The motorized faders and additional functions are a delight.
If you want an easy and ready-to-use device, don't buy it! But if you like sound tweaking and creation, buy it!