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Roland VP770 49-Key Vocal and Ensemble Keyboard

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      8 out of 10
Roland's VP550 introduced the world to a new category of musician -- the vocal keyboardist. Today, the VP550's successor has arrived, broadening the scope of the vocal keyboardist. With the latest technology onboard, the VP770 allows a single musician to create realistic backing parts that range from futuristic electronic vocal textures to incredible emulations of large-scale gospel choirs and beyond. Learn More...

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Roland VP550 49-Key Vocal Designer Keyboard

5 Vocal Designer types. 6 Ensemble types. Exceptionally user-friendly operation. Invisible D Beam infrared controller.

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Description
Multimedia
From Our Catalog
Add a 'Vocal Keyboardist' to Your Stage or Studio
For musicians who can't accommodate a choir or group of background singers for their gigs or recording sessions, Roland proudly presents the VP-550 Vocal Designer Keyboard. Much more than a traditional vocoder or harmonizer, the VP-550 uses Roland's breakthrough vocal-modeling technology to bring the highest-quality, interactive vocal sounds to a dedicated instrument. Connect a mic, select a sound, and play. You won't believe what can come out of this instrument: spectacular classical choirs, soulful gospel choirs, pop and jazz voices, male & female ensembles, vintage vocoder, and lush string/vocal hybrids.

Features:
Generate expressive, interactive backing vocals in real time

Vocal Designer types: Classical, Gospel, Pops, Male/Female, vocoder

Ensemble types: mixed chorus, jazz scat, boy's choir, humming, full strings, slow strings

Play Vocal Designer and Ensemble sounds simultaneously

Exceptionally user-friendly operation

Invisible D Beam infrared controller for high-impact performance

Vocal-Modeling Magic
The human voice is the most expressive musical instrument of all, so why not use it as a tool to create ultra-realistic and expressive 'virtual vocals' with words generated from your own voice! Whether you need one voice, a full choir, or surreal vocoder-like layers, the VP-550 can deliver the interactive, expressive vocal backing you need. The VP-550 is also equipped with world-class string sounds, which can be blended together with the vocal effects.

Practical Advantage
Not specific to one style of music, the VP-550 can be used for a wide variety of musical applications. It's ideal for musicians who perform alone or in small groups, for example, and who need an interactive, real-time backing chorus. Or, film and TV music composers who are challenged with time and budget can use the VP-550 to generate high-impact choral arrangements on the spot. Churches in need of a choir (or choir enhancer) will love the VP-550. The creative possibilities are vast, as are the time/money savings that this instrument can provide.

Robot Charm
The VP-550 is also equipped with high-resolution vocoder modeling, which can be used to generate surreal vocal effects -- great for electronica, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and the like. Inject a dose of 'robot voice' charm into your next recording without the hassle and expense of a separate vocoder.

Friendly Face
One look at the VP-550's inviting front panel and you'll know that this instrument has 'user friendly' written all over it. There are no hidden menus or complicated key commands required. Every feature has a dedicated button or slider that's clearly labeled and easy to reach. Performers will especially love how inviting and inspiring the VP-550 is to use onstage.
Vocals are its specialty! Capable of classic vocoder and harmonizer sounds, the VP-550 really shines in creating realistic, interactive vocals. From the mic input, it models male, female, even children's voices—from a single voice to a full choir. Add string sounds for truly lush soundscapes. D-Beam controller, MIDI in/out, XLR and line inputs.

What Our Customers Say About zZounds

"Before my purchase I contacted a rep via e-mail with a few questions. They promptly responded and answered all of my questions, so I could make the buy that day." - customer on November 9, 2009

Roland VP550 49-Key Vocal Designer Keyboard Reviews

14 People rated this product :
           8 out of 10
           5 out of 10
"Retro vocoder effects,The Vocal Harmonizer is usable but still is not believable."
Feature:
I think roland should have have made this keyboard with more editing features,some storage banks to store your patches,some talkbox imitations and more vocoder presets.

Quality:
This is Roland, always expect quality.

Value:
I think it's a bit overpriced because it's pretty much a vocoder with a human element to it.

Desirability:
It has a cool retro look to it.

Sound:
Pretty Clear but the background vocals you try to achieve on this still sounds a bit robotic.

Ease of Use:
Totally easy to use,everythings right in your face.

Support:
I didn't buy it so I can't comment on this one.

Overall:
All I can say is everyone's ears are diff't so don't take my advice,go in the store and check it out yourself.I personally own a "Digitech Talker" and a "Electrix Warp Factory" which I think are the best(For Vocoder Effects).The Vocal Harmony effects on the VP 550 are pretty good but again gives you a "Vocoder-ish" sound.I was expecting Roland with the technology they have to produce something to give TC Helicon a run for their money.Roland is a very clever company and I'm sure they will come up with the Ultimate Digital Vocoder/Harmonizer one day(Hint Hint Roland).

Submitted: 08/09/2006
7 of 15 people (46.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
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