Roland XP80 Keyboard Workstation

Here she is: the XP80, Mothership of the incredible XP fleet. At the heart of this music workstation is a famed synth engine that boasts 10 synthesizing structures including a ring modulator and booster. At your disposal are 512 preset and 128 user patches of the lush and innovative sounds the XPs are known for! But this is only the beginningÖyou can drastically increase your sonic palette up to 1,660 patches through 4 SR-JV80 expansion slots. Layer the sounds on as think as you like, because theXP80 has 64-voice polyphony and 16-part multi-timbral capabilities. The effects are pro all the way, with digital reverb, chorus, and a separate multi-effects unit with 40 studio-quality algorithms.

Yet great as they are, the sounds have to share the spotlight with the incredible MRC Pro sequencer. This 16-track, fully-loaded sequencer features Non-Stop Loop Recording, a sophisticated Groove Quantize function and RPS (Realtime Phrase Sequence). Combine a powerful production tool like this with the XP80's muscular 33-style Arpeggiator and you've got everything you need to create complex and polished original compositions. On the hardware side, you've got all the class and flexibility a professional needs, with 76 weighted keys, 4 assignable pedal jacks, and 2 independent stereo output pairs. The huge, backlit LCD has received raves from musicians who felt like Mr. Magoo when squinting over other keyboard LCDs. This is certainly one of the most powerful workstations we've ever seen!

The XP80 will make an excellent centerpiece for your MIDI studio, but it is also designed to be an excellent live synth. The interface is logical, so even newcomers won't be completely mind-boggled. We really wouldn't hesitate to suggest this keyboard to anyone, as it is certainly one you can grow into. However, if your fingers are itching to get onto this incredible workstation but your wallet is just a little too light, check out the XP60Öit has most of the features of the XP80 in a less-expensive, 61-key package.

Technical Info

Does not include sustain pedal.

Pro-quality 76-note weighted-action keyboard; velocity/aftertouch-sensitive

64-voice polyphony; 16-part multi-timbral capabilities

8 Mbytes of internal waveform memory; 40 Mbytes and more than 1500 patches when fully expanded

Accommodates up to four SR-JV80 expansion boards simultaneously

16-track MRC-Pro sequencer with direct-from-disk playback

New sequencer functions like "non-stop" loop recording for added ease

Huge 320x80 full-dot backlit LCD for instant verification of all parameters

Onboard sequencer memory: 100 patterns, one song, 60,000 notes

Advanced arpeggiator including MIDI sync and guitar strum mode

Realtime Phrase Sequence (RPS) for on-the-fly triggering

42 insert effects: reverb, chorus, delay, ring modulation, distortion, etc.

2 pairs of independent stereo outputs

Quick Palette with four assignable sliders; click out with volume knob

Collection of dedicated function buttons for increased operational ease