Roland wasted no time in releasing a bunch of new products at this year’s MusikMesse in Frankfurt, Germany. Here’s a brief run down of the main releases this week.
Roland JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesiser
AT NAMM in January, Roland revealed their new JD-XI synth. Now at Frankfurt, they have launched the JD-XI’s bigger brother, the JD-XA. Roland’s JD-XA is a unique crossover synth that brings together analog warmth and digital versatility in one ultra-creative instrument. It features four-part digital engine powered by Roland’s Super NATURAL synth technology, with an impressive array of effects.
Here’s a demo of the JD-XA!
Roland TD-25KV V-Drums
Equipped with a sound engine derived from Roland’s flagship TD-30, the TD-25KV delivers incredible expressiveness. A streamlined interface makes it easy to create personalised kits, while the built-in audio recording function allows you to capture performances for evaluation and sharing.Other features of this mid-level kit include mesh-head pads, positional snare sensing and the VH-11 V-Hi-Hat.
Roland TD-25 Drum Sound Module.
Also new from Roland’s percussion department comes the TD-25 Drum Sound Module, which delivers pro-level sounds, intuitive operation, and natural playability. Create personalised kits and record yourself and learn with the onboard audio player/recorder, coach functions and built-in metronome.
Roland Blues Cube Tour amplifier
Driven by Roland’s acclaimed Tube Logic design, the Blues Cube Tour brings punch, presence and authority to your backline. The flagship Tour head packs 100 watts to provide ample watts for concert-level playing, while the companion Blues Cube Cabinet410 delivers a clear, wide range sound with smooth highs and a rich low end.
Roland Blues Cube Artist 212 amplifier
Tap into Roland’s acclaimed Tube Logic tone in a dual speaker amp that’s ready for bigger stages. The Artist 212 is equipped with the same primary features as its 1×12 cousin, but with two custom 12-inch speakers and 85 watts of power for additional clean headroom when you really need to cut through.
Roland BC TC-EJ Eric Johnson Blues Cube Tone Capsule
The Tone Capsule is a modification circuit unit that changes the tube circuit characteristic of the original Blues Cube and attaches under the amp chassis. Once connected, the circuit modification on the Tone Capsule changes the tuning of the amp giving you Eric Johnson’s remarkable tones and responses. Compatible products: Blues Cube Artist, Blues Cube Artist212 and Blues Cube Stage
Roland System-1m Plug-out Synthesiser
The SYSTEM-1m is a semi-modular synthesizer with PLUG-OUT capability and a unique design that can be used as a Eurorack module, tabletop synth, or 19” rackmount unit. In addition to being a powerful standalone instrument, the SYSTEM-1m has external inputs and an array of CV/Gate connections that allow it to be re-patched and to interface with other modular synthesizer systems. The SYSTEM-1m’s CV/Gate connections combined with its ability to load classic Roland PLUG-OUT synth models like the SH-101 and PROMARS give it power and flexibility that is simply unparalleled.
Roland Torcido Modular Distortion
TORCIDO is a versatile modular effect combining classic Roland distortion sound and unprecedented control and flexibility. Able to be used as a tabletop unit or as a Eurorack module, and with an array of CV/Gate inputs, this compact 21 HP unit has a wide range of uses from studio production to live performance. Not only for modular synth users, TORCIDO is perfect for keyboard players, guitarists, DJs or any adventurous musician looking to expand their sound. Carefully crafted in Japan, TORCIDO has large, ultra-smooth controls with over 16 million steps of resolution and is fully re-programmable via computer, smartphone or tablet.
Roland Bitrazer Modular Crusher
BITRAZER is a unique modular effect combining intense bit and sample rate crushing effects and unprecedented control and flexibility. Able to be used as a tabletop unit or as a Eurorack module, and with an array of CV/Gate inputs, this compact 21 HP unit has a wide range of uses from studio production to live performance. Not only for modular synth users, BITRAZER is perfect for keyboard players, guitarists, DJs or any adventurous musician looking to expand their sound. Carefully crafted in Japan, BITRAZER has large, ultra-smooth controls with over 16 million steps of resolution and is fully re-programmable via computer, smartphone or tablet.
Roland Demora Modular Delay
DEMORA is a unique modular effect combining an all-new, high-resolution delay with unprecedented control and flexibility. Able to be used as a tabletop unit or as a Eurorack module, and with an array of CV/Gate inputs, this compact 21 HP unit has a wide range of uses from studio production to live performance. Not only for modular synth users, DEMORA is perfect for keyboard players, guitarists, DJs or any adventurous musician looking to expand their sound. Carefully crafted in Japan, DEMORA has large, ultra-smooth controls with over 16 million steps of resolution and is fully re-programmable via computer, smartphone or tablet.
Roland Scooper Modular Scatter
SCOOPER is a unique modular effect combining a single-pass loop recorder and Scatter effect with unprecedented control and flexibility. Able to be used as a tabletop unit or as a Eurorack module, and with an array of CV/Gate inputs, this compact 21 HP unit has a wide range of uses from studio production to live performance. Not only for modular synth users, SCOOPER is perfect for keyboard players, guitarists, DJs or any adventurous musician looking to expand their sound. Carefully crafted in Japan, SCOOPER has large, ultra-smooth controls with over 16 million steps of resolution and is fully re-programmable via computer, smartphone or tablet.
Boss SY-300 Guitar Synthesiser
Grab your favorite axe and dive into an extraordinary world of sound creation with the SY-300 Guitar Synthesizer. The SY-300 can be used with all your guitars right away, with no special pickup required—just plug into the standard 1/4-inch jack and play! Thanks to revolutionary new BOSS technology, you’re able to explore fat, analog-style polyphonic synth sounds with zero latency, seamlessly extending the natural expressiveness and familiar feel of your own instrument. In addition, you can shape your normal guitar with the synth’s filters, amps, and LFOs to create all sorts of cool sounds never heard before. From unique lead textures to rich, evocative soundscapes, the SY-300 brings untapped dimensions of inspiration and creativity to your music.
Boss PW-3 Wah pedal
The all-analog PW-3 delivers pro wah tones in a rugged, space-saving design that conserves precious real estate on your pedalboard. Newly developed by BOSS, the PW-3’s Rich mode has a uniquely full wah voice that retains the low-end definition and fullness lost with typical wah circuits. Want a more traditional tone? Just flip the rear-panel switch to Vintage mode for that classic wah vibe.
Unlike other pedals that sacrifice feel and functionality when trimmed down in size, the PW-3 strikes the perfect balance between practicality and playability. Its die-cast aluminum chassis is solid and substantial underfoot, and the long, smooth pedal action is highly responsive and feels great. Another issue with downsized pedals is that it’s hard to see when the effect is on or off, because your foot blocks the view. The PW-3 solves this with status LEDs on each side of the pedal, making it much easier to see when the wah is activated.