Roland
Introduces VS-1680 Digital Studio Workstation: A 16-Track, 24-Bit Recording PowerhouseNew
VS-1680 Takes Roland's Acclaimed VS Digital Studio Technology to High-End Audio
Recording Market January
29, 1998Representing
a true breakthrough in professional digital recording technology, Roland's new
VS-1680 24-Bit Digital Studio Workstation is an amazing 16-track random-access
digital audio recording, mixing, editing and effects processing system with superb
24-bit audio resolution in a compact table-top workstation. Building on the
same technology that has made Roland's VS-880 the best-selling hard disk recorder
in history, the VS-1680 brings users a powerful, integrated hard-disk based digital
recording studio with: 16-track playback; 8-track simultaneous recording; a 26-channel
fully automated digital mixer; 256 "Virtual" tracks for recording multiple ideas
and arrangements; totally non-destructive digital audio editing (cut, copy, exchange,
move, etc.); powerful automated digital mixing including effects and EQ; optional
CD recording capability; and two optional multi-effects boards offering four independent
stereo effects processors, including innovative effects like Voice Transformer,
Mic Simulator and COSM-based guitar preamp with Speaker Simulator. The VS-1680
further distinguishes itself with an extremely intuitive interface featuring a
huge 320 x 240 dot LCD, and the new MT-Pro recording mode: a 16-track, 48kHz audio
recording mode which boasts 256 Virtual tracks and a sound quality which far surpasses
that of standard 16-bit linear recording. These features make the 1680 ideal not
only for serious musicians and production studios, but for any audio professional
looking for 16 tracks of random-access, high-quality digital audio recording and
mixing in a compact, easy-to-use workstation. Pristine Sound and Professional
SpecsThe true test of any digital recording device is its sound quality.
To this end, the VS-1680 offers a 24-bit MT-Pro recording mode, superb 20 bit
D/A, A/D converters and massive audio editing power. Up to eight tracks of linear
audio can be recorded simultaneously, and recording time on the internal 2.1GB
hard drive is always dynamically allocated (maximized between all tracks). To
further maximize recording time, users can choose from one of six recording modes:
Master, MT-Pro, MT 1, MT 2, LV 1 and LV 2. These modes offer between 404 and 1616
total track minutes of recording time at 44.1kHz using the internal hard drive.
The enhanced 24-bit MT-Pro recording mode, for example, offers an impressive 808
total track minutes of 16-track audio recording and playback at 44.1kHz. And because
MT-Pro mode captures the full dynamic range of 24-bit audio, its sound quality,
dynamic range and headroom is notably better than industry-standard 16-bit linear
digital recording. Like the VS-880, the VS-1680 allows users to burn audio
CD's directly from its SCSI port using an optional compatible CD-R drive, the
VS-CDR-16. This provides a convenient, inexpensive media for backup, mastering
or simply for assessing a particular mix on any standard audio CD player. (VS-1680
and VS-CDR-16 drive are also available together as VS-1680CDR package.) Massive
Editing PowerWith the VS-1680's hard disk-based recording, editing, mixing
and processing, users can perform cut-and-paste style audio editing down to the
waveform level. And 256 "Virtual" tracks let users record alternate guitar solos,
vocal takes, string arrangements and other ideas without losing the original tracks.
These tracks can be used or comp'd together at any time prior to mixdown. Elegant
Graphic User InterfaceThe VS-1680's huge backlit 320 x 240 dot graphic
LCD simultaneously displays level meters, play lists, EQ and effects settings,
waveform editing and more. Knob-style icons and graphic EQ curves allow for intuitive
tweaking of levels and parameters, while a built-in "EZ Routing" function allows
users to create, name and save comprehensive recording, track bouncing or mix-down
configurations. These settings, or templates, include all signal routing, effects
settings and EQ adjustments-ready for instant recall at the press of a button.
8 Channels of Studio-Quality EffectsThe VS-1680 will accept two independent
VS8F-2 24-Bit Effects Expansion Boards, giving users 4 independent stereo multi-effects
processors-or up to 8 mono channels of independent dynamics and effects! Thirty-four
multi-effects algorithms include everything from lush Roland reverb, delay, and
chorus effects to innovative voice transformer and lo-fi effects to COSM-based
microphone and guitar amp simulation. With the VS8F-2, all signal processing remains
in the 24-bit digital domain, ensuring uncompromised audio quality and allowing
for professional effects automation. Mixing FlexibilityThe VS-1680's
intelligently designed interface lets users quickly and easily route signals,
mix and bounce tracks. This is accomplished through dedicated backlit input, track
and channel buttons that simply require a user to hold the desired input and/or
track button(s) while pressing a destination channel button. LED colors signify
when a particular source will be bounced or routed, making complex audio routing
very easy. The VS-1680's 10-input/12-output, 26-channel automated digital mixer
section lets users apply 26 channels of two-band parametric or 16 channels of
three-band parametric EQ, ensuring that every signal can be tweaked to sit nicely
in the mix. Building on the support for the extremely successful VS-880, the VS-1680
will also be OMF compatible using AirWorks(tm) V/Slink software. Connections
to the VS-1680 include: 10 audio inputs - 2 balanced XLR-type inputs w/ phantom
power, 6 balanced 1/4" inputs, and 1 stereo digital input (optical/coaxial); 12
audio outputs - 8 RCA-type outputs (Master L/R, Aux.A L/R, Aux.B L/R, Monitor
L/R), and 2 stereo digital outputs (optical and coaxial), plus a phones output;
a SCSI interface and MIDI In and Out/Thru ports. With its unprecedented features
and amazing ease of use, the VS-1680 offers a level of convenient, comprehensive
recording power that stands alone in today's professional recording market. Roland
is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical
instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation
U.S., 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040, 213.685.5141, www.rolandus.com.
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