News
NAMM 2010: Roland unveils 11 new products
Rob Hughes Jan 15 2010, 2:09pm
World-first battery-powered stereo amps among the debuts
Roland has introduced 11 new products at the 2010 NAMM show in California.
These include the HP-Series Super Natural digital pianos with V-Piano technology, the V-Piano Evolution system upgrade, the Octapad drum controller, the TD-12KX in the V-Drums V-Stage series, the KC-110 and AC-33 stereo keyboard and acoustic guitar amplifiers, V-Combo VR-700 stage keyboard and VP-7 vocal processor.
Of particular note are the HP-Series SuperNatural Pianos. Combining elements of the revolutionary V-Piano with Roland’s multisampling-technology, the HP-307, HP-305, and HP-302 SuperNatural Pianos promise to deliver the unique sound, expressivity and rich playing experience of a traditional acoustic grand piano.
All the new HP models feature the new SuperNatural Piano sound engine, which unites Roland's state-of-the-art V-Piano technology and 88-key stereo multisampling technology. This breakthrough sound engine delivers seamless variations in tone from pianissimo to fortissimo, decaying sounds that linger and fade naturally without looping, and authentic sound transition from note to note across the keyboard.
The natural touch of the PHA III (HP-307) and PHA II (HP-305, HP-302) keyboards come from the use of hammer mechanisms that accurately reproduce the unique touch of an acoustic grand piano. The PHA III keyboard interacts with the SuperNatural Piano sound engine to reflect the subtleties in a musician’s playing, and delivers rapid key-strike expressivity. The Ivory-Feel keys (featured on the HP-307, HP-305) replicate the natural appearance, texture, and moisture-absorbing properties of actual ivory and ebony keys.
To aid piano teachers, each HP-Series SuperNatural Piano model includes Twin Piano Mode, which splits the keyboard and pedals into two parts with the same octaves. This allows the teacher to play along with their student, greatly speeding up the learning process. Roland technology also enables the HP-Series to feature environmentally friendly, low-power consumption without sacrificing output level.
Roland has also paid close attention to the design elements of the HP-Series, coordinating cabinet details with simulated wood grain or matching colors, and adding the ability to cover the control panel with the fallboard for a more traditional look. The lineup is available in three finishes – polished ebony (HP-307 and HP-305 only), satin black or rosewood.
Roland has also announced the TD-12KX, which is the latest addition to its V-Stage family of V-Drums kits. Targeted at drummers who perform live and in the studio, the TD-12KX builds on the feature set of the popular TD-12SV kit, adding a larger kick, floor tom pad, and a new stand with improved pad mounts and durability. The editing features of the TD-12 module have also been enhanced for even more flexible sound creation.
The TD-12KX features Roland’s patented multi-layer mesh heads for the kick, snare and tom pads, providing dynamic feel and playing sensitivity. To enhance playability, the TD-12KX includes a larger 12-inch KD-120 V-Kick Trigger Pad for the bass drum and a 10-inch PD-105 floor tom pad for the floor tom. The TD-12KX also comes equipped with a VH-11 V-Hi-Hat and three 12-inch CY-12R/C V-Cymbals.
The brain of this newest V-Drums kit, the TD-12 Percussion Sound Module features the same COSM sound engine as the popular TD-20, and provides top sound quality and direct outputs for professional flexibility. V-Edit allows drummers to adjust parameters, such as shell material, head type and cymbal size with a simple icon-based graphic interface. V-Edit functions have also been enhanced to include microphone placement, bass drum beater selection, adding a hi-hat tambourine, and more. The TD-12 also offers many useful functions for drum practice, including onboard music patterns, a sequencer, a programmable click, and a mix input jack for connecting MP3 or CD players.
Other debuts include the latest addition to Roland’s industry-leading KC-Series keyboard amplifier lineup, the KC-110 Stereo Keyboard Amplifier (pictured). This combines two industry firsts for a portable keyboard amp – AA battery-powered operation and true stereo sound – with a host of additional features that make it flexible for a variety of performance applications. This is complemented by the arrival of the AC-33 Acoustic Chorus Guitar Amplifier. Designed for both high-quality sound and optimum portability, the AC-33 is the world’s first AA battery-powered amp designed specifically for the acoustic guitar. It features instrument, XLR microphone, and AUX inputs, along with built-in digital effects, an anti-feedback function, an onboard looper, and an integrated tilt stand for enhanced sound projection.
