Roland VS880EX Digital Studio Workstation with Effects
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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Brand new VS880 complete with backlit display and built-in effects! The latest and the greatest. Now includes Logic Audio.
Overview
The World's Most Popular Digital Recording Workstation is Reborn... The VS-880EX Digital Studio Workstation resets the standard for full-featured, compact digital recording workstations. Building upon the legendary success of the original VS-880, the upgraded VS-880EX model offers high-powered digital recording with stunning built-in effects, more inputs and outputs, more simultaneous recording tracks, more Virtual Tracks, a refined backlit display, and a simplified user interface complete with acclaimed EZ Routing navigation.
Completely self-contained digital recording studio: fully digital recording/editing, 16-channel automated mixing, expanded EQ capabilities.
World-class built-in dual independent stereo multi-effects processing with 34 algorithms: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, COSM Guitar Amp Simulation, Voice Transformer, "Lo-Fi" mode, Mic Simulator, Vocoder, and more (no optional effects board required).
64 Virtual Tracks x 2 Banks* of digital hard disk recording; up to 8 tracks** of simultaneous recording and playback.
New! 20-bit A/D and D/A converters for pristine audio quality and increased dynamic range.
Expanded Input section with 6 balanced TRS inputs and 2 digital inputs (Optical or Coax.)
Expanded Output section with 4 analog outputs and 4 digital outputs (Optical and Coax.)
Non-destructive audio editing: cut, copy, erase, exchange, move, insert, etc.; 999 levels of Undo for "no fear" recording and editing.
Built-in SCSI port offers storage/interface with a… read more variety of drives, computer peripherals, etc.
MIDI Time Code and MIDI Machine Control for sync.
Audio CD recording and data backup with optional CD-R drive.
* Only one Bank can be used at a time, with Virtual Tracks freely exchanged between Banks.
** Number of simultaneous recording tracks is dependent upon speed of hard drive and recording mode used.
EX-panded Recording Power
The VS-880EX literally expands upon the recording power of the original VS-880 in several ways. First, the number of simultaneous recording tracks has been increased to a maximum of 8* so tracking an entire band without submixing is finally a reality. Similarly, the number of available Virtual Tracks has been doubled to 128 (8 tracks x 8 V-tracks x 2 banks) more than enough tracks to capture every take, comp, solo or instrumentation idea a song could require. As with the original VS-880, the VS-880EX's Virtual Tracks can be bounced or comp'd together with its primary tracks to create the ultimate take, just like having an extensive scratch pad for all of your audio ideas.
Audio resolution has also been upgraded thanks to the VS-880EX's pristine 20-bit A/D and D/A converters. This translates into added headroom and increased dynamic range over competing 16- and 18-bit recording systems: an improvement which you'll notice in your recording from day one. Ensuring a stronger signal and less noise, the VS-880EX offers 6 balanced TRS-style inputs and 2 digital inputs (optical or coax.) for tracking.
* Number of simultaneous recording tracks is dependent upon speed of hard drive and recording mode used.
EX-pressive Built-in Effects
One of the major selling points of the original VS-880 was its optional effects expansion board. The VS-880EX, however, incorporates all of the VS-880's optional expansion board algorithms and more and they're already built-in no effects board required! That means that every VS-880EX comes standard with a built-in high-quality dual stereo effects processor incorporating 34 of Roland's best effects algorithms, from lush reverbs and choruses to COSM Guitar Amp Simulations, Voice Transformer effects, Mic Simulation, and much more. These effects can be fully customized, automated via mixer scenes and stored with a particular song or project, making things downright easy.
Mixing FLEXibility and EZ Routing
Thanks to its additional inputs, the VS-880EX now allows for 16-channel automated mixdown using any 8 internal tracks and 8 additional inputs which can be automatically triggered via MIDI. This mixdown flexibility is enhanced further by the VS-880EX's expanded EQ section, which features 8 channels of 3-band parametric digital EQ or 16 channels of 2-band parametric digital EQ which can also be stored and automated via mixer scene memory.
Streamlining recording and mixing operations dramatically, the VS-880EX features the acclaimed EZ Routing navigation system. EZ Routing takes you step-by-step through basic recording, editing, routing, and mixing operations, instantly configuring the VS-880EX to the way you want to work via a series of simple yes/no questions. Just hit the EZ Routing button, select the operation you wish to perform and let the VS-880EX walk you through every step of the process. EZ Routing also lets you customize and save settings into helpful mixer templates (e.g., band recording template, drum submixing template, guitar comp'ing template, etc.). Powerful random-access digital recording, editing, and mixing was never this easy!
When it's time to mixdown, the VS-880EX gives you 8 individual outputs, including 4 analog outputs and 4 digital outputs (optical and coax.), plus the ability to record audio CDs or simply save project data on an optional CD Recording System. This means that for the first time, you can go from inspiration to finalized audio CD using one, self-contained and affordable system.
Enhanced User Interface
The VS-880EX incorporates an enhanced version of the original VS-880 interface, including such improvements as an angled backlit LCD for easier operation, luminous buttons that indicate operational status, and larger fader knobs for an ergonomically improved feel.
V-Studio Lineup
The V-Studio Digital Studio Workstations provide integrated digital recording, mixing and effects processing with non-destructive audio editing capability. The entry-level VS-840 provides affordable digital recording for guitarists and songwriters, while the professional 16-track VS-1680 is Roland's flagship model designed for serious recordists and project studios. read less
Completely self-contained digital recording studio: fully digital recording/editing, 16-channel automated mixing, expanded EQ capabilities.
World-class built-in dual independent stereo multi-effects processing with 34 algorithms: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, COSM Guitar Amp Simulation, Voice Transformer, "Lo-Fi" mode, Mic Simulator, Vocoder, and more (no optional effects board required).
64 Virtual Tracks x 2 Banks* of digital hard disk recording; up to 8 tracks** of simultaneous recording and playback.
New! 20-bit A/D and D/A converters for pristine audio quality and increased dynamic range.
Expanded Input section with 6 balanced TRS inputs and 2 digital inputs (Optical or Coax.)
Expanded Output section with 4 analog outputs and 4 digital outputs (Optical and Coax.)
Non-destructive audio editing: cut, copy, erase, exchange, move, insert, etc.; 999 levels of Undo for "no fear" recording and editing.
Built-in SCSI port offers storage/interface with a… read more variety of drives, computer peripherals, etc.
MIDI Time Code and MIDI Machine Control for sync.
Audio CD recording and data backup with optional CD-R drive.
* Only one Bank can be used at a time, with Virtual Tracks freely exchanged between Banks.
** Number of simultaneous recording tracks is dependent upon speed of hard drive and recording mode used.
EX-panded Recording Power
The VS-880EX literally expands upon the recording power of the original VS-880 in several ways. First, the number of simultaneous recording tracks has been increased to a maximum of 8* so tracking an entire band without submixing is finally a reality. Similarly, the number of available Virtual Tracks has been doubled to 128 (8 tracks x 8 V-tracks x 2 banks) more than enough tracks to capture every take, comp, solo or instrumentation idea a song could require. As with the original VS-880, the VS-880EX's Virtual Tracks can be bounced or comp'd together with its primary tracks to create the ultimate take, just like having an extensive scratch pad for all of your audio ideas.
Audio resolution has also been upgraded thanks to the VS-880EX's pristine 20-bit A/D and D/A converters. This translates into added headroom and increased dynamic range over competing 16- and 18-bit recording systems: an improvement which you'll notice in your recording from day one. Ensuring a stronger signal and less noise, the VS-880EX offers 6 balanced TRS-style inputs and 2 digital inputs (optical or coax.) for tracking.
* Number of simultaneous recording tracks is dependent upon speed of hard drive and recording mode used.
EX-pressive Built-in Effects
One of the major selling points of the original VS-880 was its optional effects expansion board. The VS-880EX, however, incorporates all of the VS-880's optional expansion board algorithms and more and they're already built-in no effects board required! That means that every VS-880EX comes standard with a built-in high-quality dual stereo effects processor incorporating 34 of Roland's best effects algorithms, from lush reverbs and choruses to COSM Guitar Amp Simulations, Voice Transformer effects, Mic Simulation, and much more. These effects can be fully customized, automated via mixer scenes and stored with a particular song or project, making things downright easy.
Mixing FLEXibility and EZ Routing
Thanks to its additional inputs, the VS-880EX now allows for 16-channel automated mixdown using any 8 internal tracks and 8 additional inputs which can be automatically triggered via MIDI. This mixdown flexibility is enhanced further by the VS-880EX's expanded EQ section, which features 8 channels of 3-band parametric digital EQ or 16 channels of 2-band parametric digital EQ which can also be stored and automated via mixer scene memory.
Streamlining recording and mixing operations dramatically, the VS-880EX features the acclaimed EZ Routing navigation system. EZ Routing takes you step-by-step through basic recording, editing, routing, and mixing operations, instantly configuring the VS-880EX to the way you want to work via a series of simple yes/no questions. Just hit the EZ Routing button, select the operation you wish to perform and let the VS-880EX walk you through every step of the process. EZ Routing also lets you customize and save settings into helpful mixer templates (e.g., band recording template, drum submixing template, guitar comp'ing template, etc.). Powerful random-access digital recording, editing, and mixing was never this easy!
When it's time to mixdown, the VS-880EX gives you 8 individual outputs, including 4 analog outputs and 4 digital outputs (optical and coax.), plus the ability to record audio CDs or simply save project data on an optional CD Recording System. This means that for the first time, you can go from inspiration to finalized audio CD using one, self-contained and affordable system.
Enhanced User Interface
The VS-880EX incorporates an enhanced version of the original VS-880 interface, including such improvements as an angled backlit LCD for easier operation, luminous buttons that indicate operational status, and larger fader knobs for an ergonomically improved feel.
V-Studio Lineup
The V-Studio Digital Studio Workstations provide integrated digital recording, mixing and effects processing with non-destructive audio editing capability. The entry-level VS-840 provides affordable digital recording for guitarists and songwriters, while the professional 16-track VS-1680 is Roland's flagship model designed for serious recordists and project studios. read less
Specs
Digital Recorder
Number of Tracks
8 tracks x 8 V-tracks x 2 banks. Up to 8 tracks can be recorded simultaneously. Up to 8 tracks can be played back simultaneously.
Max. Usable Disk Capacity
32GB= 1GB x 4 partition x 8 (IDE x 1 + SCSI x 7)
Memory Capacity
200 Songs per partition, 8 Scenes, 64 Locate Points, 1,000 Marker Points per Song
Recording Mode
Master (MAS), Multitrack1 (MT1), Multitrack2 (MT2), Live (LIV)
Digital Mixer
Channel
16 (8 tracks + 8 inputs)
BUSS
Output Buss: 8 , Effect Buss: 4
Equalizer
3-band EQ x 8 or 2-band EQ x 16
Common
Signal Processing
Internal: 24-bit (mixer section), AD Conversion: 20-bit 64 times oversampling, DA Conversion: 20-bit 128 times oversampling
Sample Rate
48.0 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 32.0 kHz, Sample rate can be adjusted between 21.96 kHz to 50.48 kHz by using vari-pitch function
Frequency Response
Sample Rate 48.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 22 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB), 44.1 kHz: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB), 32.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 14 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.004% or less (Input Sens: 0 dBu, 1 kHz at nominal output level, recording mode: MAS)
Nominal Input Level
Input 1 to 6: -50 to +4 dBu (Balanced: max. +26 dBu, Unbalanced: max. +20 dBu)
Input Impedance
Input 1 to 6: 30 k
Nominal Output Level
Master/Aux: 0 dBu
Output Impedance
Master/Aux: 1 k, Headphones 22
Recomended Load Impedance
Master/Aux: 10 k or greater, Headphones: 8 to 50
Residual Noise Level
Master/Aux: -85 dBu or less (Input terminated with 1 k, Input Sens: Line, IHF-A, typ.)
Effects
Algorithms: 34, Preset Patches: 210, User Patches: 100
Display: 70.6 x 24.5 mm angled backlit LCD
Connectors
Digital Inputs (S/PDIF Coaxial, Optical), Digital Outputs (S/PDIF Coaxial, Optical), Analog Inputs (1/4 in. Balanced TRS) x 6, Master Outputs (RCA) x 2, AUX Output (RCA) x 2, MIDI (In, Out/Thru), Phones (Stereo 1/4 in.), SCSI (25-pin D-Sub), Footswitch
Power Consumption: 18W (AC 117V/230V/240V)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 434 x 317 x 89 (17-1/8 x 12-1/2 x 3-9/16 in.)
Weight: 4.7 kg (10 lbs., 6 oz.), including hard disk
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Number of Tracks
8 tracks x 8 V-tracks x 2 banks. Up to 8 tracks can be recorded simultaneously. Up to 8 tracks can be played back simultaneously.
Max. Usable Disk Capacity
32GB= 1GB x 4 partition x 8 (IDE x 1 + SCSI x 7)
Memory Capacity
200 Songs per partition, 8 Scenes, 64 Locate Points, 1,000 Marker Points per Song
Recording Mode
Master (MAS), Multitrack1 (MT1), Multitrack2 (MT2), Live (LIV)
Digital Mixer
Channel
16 (8 tracks + 8 inputs)
BUSS
Output Buss: 8 , Effect Buss: 4
Equalizer
3-band EQ x 8 or 2-band EQ x 16
Common
Signal Processing
Internal: 24-bit (mixer section), AD Conversion: 20-bit 64 times oversampling, DA Conversion: 20-bit 128 times oversampling
Sample Rate
48.0 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 32.0 kHz, Sample rate can be adjusted between 21.96 kHz to 50.48 kHz by using vari-pitch function
Frequency Response
Sample Rate 48.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 22 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB), 44.1 kHz: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB), 32.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 14 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.004% or less (Input Sens: 0 dBu, 1 kHz at nominal output level, recording mode: MAS)
Nominal Input Level
Input 1 to 6: -50 to +4 dBu (Balanced: max. +26 dBu, Unbalanced: max. +20 dBu)
Input Impedance
Input 1 to 6: 30 k
Nominal Output Level
Master/Aux: 0 dBu
Output Impedance
Master/Aux: 1 k, Headphones 22
Recomended Load Impedance
Master/Aux: 10 k or greater, Headphones: 8 to 50
Residual Noise Level
Master/Aux: -85 dBu or less (Input terminated with 1 k, Input Sens: Line, IHF-A, typ.)
Effects
Algorithms: 34, Preset Patches: 210, User Patches: 100
Display: 70.6 x 24.5 mm angled backlit LCD
Connectors
Digital Inputs (S/PDIF Coaxial, Optical), Digital Outputs (S/PDIF Coaxial, Optical), Analog Inputs (1/4 in. Balanced TRS) x 6, Master Outputs (RCA) x 2, AUX Output (RCA) x 2, MIDI (In, Out/Thru), Phones (Stereo 1/4 in.), SCSI (25-pin D-Sub), Footswitch
Power Consumption: 18W (AC 117V/230V/240V)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 434 x 317 x 89 (17-1/8 x 12-1/2 x 3-9/16 in.)
Weight: 4.7 kg (10 lbs., 6 oz.), including hard disk
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Reviews
Submitted August 23, 2004
"Good project studio - obsolete now"
I just ordered a 2400CD. I am selling mine with a CD burner for $500.
Sound
It is a good project studio but as for high quality sound it isn't there.
Features
It has everything you need to make a complete recording
Quality
Nice unit holds up well - looks great
Value
It didn't take long to go obsolete.
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No longer available at zZounds
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