Roland
Introduces Affordable New VS-840 Digital Studio WorkstationCompact
New Table-Top Workstation Gives Musicians Digital Hard Disk Recording, Mixing
and Effects Processing at an Unbelievably Low Price January
29, 1998Once
again breaking the digital recording price/performance barrier, Roland introduces
the VS-840 Digital Studio Workstation. Building on the technology of the Roland
VS-880-the best-selling hard disk recorder in history-the affordable new VS-840
combines 8 tracks of digital audio recording; powerful digital mixing and editing;
64 "Virtual Tracks" for recording different ideas without losing original takes;
built-in studio-quality effects and removable Zip(tm) disk technology in an extremely
musician-friendly, ultra-affordable table-top workstation. The VS-840 is in
many ways a "little brother" to the VS-880, bringing Roland VS hard disk recording
technology to the "under $1,400" home recording market most commonly associated
with MiniDisc(tm) recorders and high-end multi-track cassette units. Yet as an
integrated workstation with eight tracks of digital audio recording and playback,
non-destructive digital editing with 999 levels of Undo, built-in stereo effects
processing, EZ Routing functions, onboard Zip(tm) storage and an optional SCSI
port, the VS-840's capabilities far surpass any MiniDisc system or hard disk audio
recorder in its price range. Designed with the musician in mind, the VS-840
features tape-style transport controls (Rec., Play, Fwd., Rew., Stop), dedicated
track faders, straightforward Track Cue/Panning knobs, assignable Locate buttons
and an enhanced high-resolution backlit LCD. Eliminating much of the learning
curve associated with sophisticated digital recording gear, the VS-840 also includes
an innovative EZ Routing feature which guides users step-by-step through all basic
recording, mixing and effects processing functions. In this manner, those with
little or no previous digital recording experience can be performing sophisticated
track bouncing, rhythm loops, effects routing, mixing and more in no time. Further
distinguishing itself from other digital recording products in its price range,
the VS-840 records its 64 Virtual Tracks of audio, effects settings and mixing
information to 100MB Zip(tm) disks. These low-cost disks-widely available through
computer resellers and electronic musical instrument dealers-allow VS-840 owners
to store between 37 and 103 minutes of music on each disk (depending on recording
mode and sample rate), as well as collaborate with other VS-840 users worldwide.
Because all audio recording is non-linear and pointer-based, recording time is
always maximized, eliminating wasted space on "unused" sections of tracks, etc.
Another distinguishing feature of the VS-840 is its built-in stereo multi-effects
processor. This processor features 26 high-quality multi-effects algorithms borrowed
from the acclaimed VS8F-1 Effects Expansion board for the VS-880, including reverbs,
delays, flanging, chorus, vocal and guitar multi-effects, cool "lo-fi" and vocoder
features and several proprietary 3-D RSS sound processing algorithms. Of special
note are the variety of stunning COSM-based guitar preamp models, which allow
guitarists to plug directly into the VS-840's dedicated Guitar Input and record
killer guitar sounds direct to disk. As is common in project studio recording,
these effects can be individually selected and "printed" per track during the
tracking process, freeing up the effects processor during mixdown. Connections
to the VS-840 are made via five 1/4-inch audio inputs (one of which is a dedicated
guitar input), stereo RCA-type Master Outputs, two RCA-type Auxiliary/ Monitor
Sends, MIDI Input and Output, and coaxial/optical Digital Outputs. The -840 can
record up to four tracks of audio simultaneously and play back up to eight of
its 64 "Virtual Tracks" at any given time. During mixdown, users can configure
the VS-840 as a 12-channel digital mixer, simultaneously mixing eight onboard
tracks and four external audio inputs using 24 bands of digital EQ. For those
unfamiliar with Roland's popular VS recording technology, following is a glossary
of distinguishing features, as well as other features unique to the VS-840. These
capabilities easily make the VS-840 the most powerful digital audio recorder in
its class, signifying the arrival of powerful and affordable digital recording
for musicians worldwide. 64 Virtual TracksEach of the VS recorders'
eight tracks contains seven additional "Virtual" tracks, giving users the ability
to record multiple guitar solos, instrumentation ideas, arrangements, and even
bounce tracks without losing the originals. That's a total of 64 tracks of digital
recording from which they can choose any eight tracks at mixdown-or even edit
or mix together different Virtual and original tracks during mixdown to get that
perfect take. New DisplayThe bright backlit LCD has been enhanced
and angled for easy viewing of all VS-840 operations. New display software lets
users view audio in several different ways, providing precise level indication
and data display for copying and pasting audio, looping drum patterns, etc. EZ
RoutingThe VS-840's EZ Routing function walks users step-by-step through
basic operations including recording, mixing, track bouncing, and effects routing.
Removable Zip(tm) Storage MediaThe VS-840 records onto removable 100MB
Zip disks, letting users save and re-load songs and collaborate with friends.
One Zip disk can hold between 37 and 103 minutes of VS audio depending upon the
recording mode-all for about the price of a S-VHS tape! Familiar Tape-Style
Controls & Helpful Markers and LocatorsThe VS-840 features straightforward
Play, Record, Stop, Fwd, Rew and Pause buttons-just like a cassette multi-track.
But on the VS-840, these are random-access controls, so users don't have to wait
around for tape to rewind. Plus it's got helpful Markers, Locators, Auto Punch
In/Out and Loop Record buttons. Faders & Multi-Function Track Cue KnobsSeven
faders control playback and mixing levels for 64 Virtual Tracks of digital audio.
Multi-function Track Cue knobs let users monitor recorded tracks, set pan, effects
and auxiliary send levels, etc. In mixing mode, the VS-840 can function as a fully-digital
12-channel mixer, mixing 8 internal and 4 external audio tracks simultaneously.
Built-In EffectsWhat studio would be complete without great-sounding
digital effects? VS-840 onboard effects include high-quality Roland reverb, delay,
chorus, and compression algorithms as well as vocal multi-effects and Composite
Object Sound Modeling (COSM)-based guitar amp simulations for recording guitar
parts "direct." Non-Destructive Audio EditingImagine being able to
record a guitar part, erase it, change your mind and instantly "re-do" it or move
it to another place in a song. All of this would be pretty difficult or even impossible
to do on tape or MiniDisc(tm)-based digital recording systems. On the VS-840,
however, it's a snap. And with 999 levels of Undo, users can try tons of different
ideas and arrangements without worrying about losing that "perfect" take. Inputs/Outputs
& Special Guitar InputThe VS-840 Input section features five 1/4" audio
inputs (one is a dedicated guitar input) and two RCA-type inputs. Its Output section
features four RCA-type outputs (Master L/R, Aux/Monitor A/B), coaxial and optical
digital outputs, and a headphone output. MIDI In and Out provide for MTC output,
MIDI clock output and MMC input and output. Optional SCSI PortThe
VS-840's optional SCSI port allows users to archive songs to an optional external
Zip drive 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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