Roland V-SynthXT MIDI Synth Module

Named the "Synthesizer of the Year" at the 2004 MIPA Awards, Roland's groundbreaking V-Synth now has a travel-friendly offspring. The XT is a portable new V-Synth with some spectacular tricks up its sleeves -- and with enough synthesis and audio-processing power to make heads spin. It's fully stocked with a potent array of synthesis types, including the V-Synth's famous Elastic Audio Synthesis engine, plus analog synth modeling, vocal modeling, and classic D-50 emulation. Add to that a rich lineup of COSM effects, external audio processing, a touch-sensitive color display, eight universal edit knobs, and you have an instrument that redefines rack/tabletop technology.

Features
The V-Synth's powerful variable-oscillator synthesis in rack/tabletop module

New patches by world-class artists, and Sound Shaper function for fast navigation through extensive editing parameters.

Rhythm Sets for unique rhythmic manipulation

Multi-Step Modulator for incredible sound-design possibilities

Extended analog-modeled waveform set, including SuperSaw, Polyphonic Feedback Oscillator, and X-mod (cross modulation) Oscillator

USB streaming-audio, MIDI, and file transfer for one-cable computer connectivity

VC-1 D-50 card and VC-2 Vocal Designer card pre-installed; live switching function enables V-Card application to be launched without rebooting

Color touch-screen and eight universal edit knobs for fast, friendly operation

Front-panel combo XLR/phono input for external audio processing

Standard or surreal
The original V-Synth's factory soundset was a showcase of twisting, bending, otherworldly sounds. But the V-Synth is no one-trick pony, as evidenced by the new batch of unique "playable" patches created by an A-list group of star artists and producers. The patches might sound classic at first touch, but they explode to animated life when modulated. Start on familiar terrain, then hit the launchpad V-Synth style!

Sound shaper
Experts onboard! The XT's innovative Sound Shaper function allows you create new sounds with the virtual "know-how" of professional sound designers. By selecting your destination sound type -- whether a pad, bass, lead sound, etc. -- this macro function guides you quickly through relevant parameters while editing. Complex editing is made easy.

Audio inputs
The XT provides a variety of input paths for sampling and external-audio processing. You can sample directly into the synth via its audio inputs (XLR and 1/4-inch), you can import samples through USB (WAV and AIF format), or you can feed live audio to the XT for processing in real time. The front-panel Hi-Z input allows the XT to function as a unique and powerful effects rack for guitar or other instruments, the XLR input (with phantom power) allows the XT to be utilized as a full-blown vocoder. USB audio streaming enables computer-aided sound design and additional audio-processing possibilities.

Flexible hardware design
Physically speaking, the XT is the most flexible rack unit Roland has ever manufactured. It can be mounted in a rack, where it can be positioned flush or tilted and locked at an angle that best suits your working environment. Or, if you prefer, you can take the XT out of the rack, and place it on a flat surface. Its angled profile is designed to make the XT work perfectly as a standalone tabletop unit. Whether used in a rack or on a tabletop, the XT's large, color touch-screen display provides luxurious navigation, and its row of eight universal edit knobs makes using the synth fast, friendly, and expressive.

VC-1 & VC-2 built-in
In addition to its user sampling, elastic-audio manipulation, and analog-synth modeling, the XT comes pre-installed with Roland's VC-1 (D-50 emulator) and VC-2 (Vocal Designer). It's like getting two additional instruments for free!

VC-1
The VC-1 transforms the XT into Roland's legendary D-50 synthesizer. Relive the D-50 in all its glory. Every circuit and precise detail of this legendary synthesizer has been faithfully modeled. It doesn't just sound like a D-50, it is a D-50.

VC-2
The VC-2 brings advanced vocal modeling to the V-Synth XT platform -- from legacy vocoders to massive choir models with a level of expression never before achieved from conventional voice-processing algorithms.

Technical Info

Sound generator
Configuration: oscillator (envelope x 4 + LFO x 1) x 2, modulator x 1, COSM (envelope x 2 + LFO x 1) x 2, TVA (envelope x 1 + LFO x 1) x 1

Methods by which oscillators produce sound: analog modeling (14 OSC types, 16 COSM/Filter types), PCM / VariPhrase (preset waveforms + sampling waveforms),external input

Modulator: 4 types + MIX

COSM: 16 types

Zones (splits): 16

Maximum polyphony (varies depending on the load placed on the sound generator): 24 voices

Internal memory
Project: 1

Patches: 512

Waves: 999

Wave memory (RAM)*: 50 M bytes

Sample storage memory (FLASH): 10 M bytes
*When the unit ships from the factory, 32 M bytes of this is taken up by the preset waves.

External storage device
PC CARD slot *PC card adaptor is required for Microdrive, SmartMedia, and CompactFlash

Effects
MFX(Multi-effects): 41 sets

Chorus: 8 sets

Reverb: 10 sets

System EQ: 4 bands

Pre-installed VC Systems: VC-1 D-50 LA synthesizer, VC-2 Vocal Designer

Sampling frequency
Internal: 44.1kHz

Digital audio in/out: 96, 48, 44.1 kHz

Internal signal processing
Sound generating section: 32 bits(floating point)

Effects section: 24 bits (fixed point)

DA conversion: 24 bits

AD conversion: 24 bits

Nominal output level
Main out: +4 dBu

Direct out: +4 dBu

Nominal input level
Input (line): -20 dBu

Input (mic): -46 dBu

Arpeggiator
Patterns: user programmable, (support use of control change messages)

Motifs: 8 types

Tempo: 20 to 250 BPM

Multi step modulator
Tracks: 4

Maximum steps: 16

Tempo: 20 to 250 BPM

Display
Graphic 320 x 240 dot backlit Color LCD with touch screen

Connectors
Headphones jack, main output jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4 inch phone type), direct output jacks (L, R) (1/4inch phone type), line input jacks (L, R) (1/4 inch phone type), mic input connector (XLR type or 1/4 inchphone type), (equipped with phantom power/Hi-Z switch), MIDI connectors (IN, OUT, THRU), USB connector (audio streaming/data transport/USB-MIDI), digital audio interface (24-bit, S/P DIF), coaxial (in, out), optical (in, out)

Physical
Power supply: AC 117 V

Power consumption: 16 W

Dimensions (W x D x H): 19 x 7 1/8 x 6 3/4 in.

Weight: 9 lbs 15 oz

Accessories: owner's manual, cd-rom (driver), pc card protector, power cable

Audio Samples
  Roland V-Synth XT Interactive Demo

Combines multiple oscillator technologies with real-time control of a waveform's pitch, time, and formant (using Variphrase)! Includes user sampling to create entirely new waveforms, powerful COSM filtering, and a killer arpeggiator. Intuitive color touchscreen interface. USB port for WAV/AIFF file transfer and simplified MIDI connections. Stereo line 1/4" I/O, phantom-powered mic/instrument XLR-1/4" input, S/PDIF optical and coaxial I/O.