Roland VP550 49-Key Vocal Designer Keyboard

No longer available at zZounds
5 Vocal Designer types. 6 Ensemble types. Exceptionally user-friendly operation. Invisible D Beam infrared controller.

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, read more 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.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Submitted August 9, 2006

"Retro vocoder effects,The Vocal Harmonizer is usable but still is not believable."

Overall: 2.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
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).
Sound
Pretty Clear but the background vocals you try to achieve on this still sounds a bit robotic.
Features
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.
Ease of Use
Totally easy to use,everythings right in your face.
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.
Manufacturer Support
I didn't buy it so I can't comment on this one.
The Wow Factor
It has a cool retro look to it.
12 of 21 people (57%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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