XP-10 
XP-50
XP-80
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XP-10
XP-50
XP-80
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One of the newest musical gear I have purchased is the Roland XP-50 Music Workstation. It has great sound which is the same as the acclaimed rack mount synth JV-1080. In addition, it has a capability of adding up to 4 expansion boards to expand patches, waves, and drum sets. I use this to make my own songs and it's hooked up to a Roland D-20. I use my computer for sequencing. Following the overwhelming success of the XP-50 Music Workstation, Roland has introduced the XP-10 Multitimbral Synthesizer and the XP-80 Music Workstation.
Notice: This text is copied from a Roland brochure.
The Roland XP-50 is a new music workstation developed along the concept
of instant response and more realtime operation. A complete rethink of
the music workstation, the XP-50 streamlines operational flow and increases comprehensive music
workstation power, effectively handling everything from music production to live
performance, without compromise. The 32-bit RISC chip exercises optimal control over all the new XP-50
features. Like a newly developed MRC Pro sequencer system that is highly advanced, yet allows
spontaneous operation to maintain your creative flow. And a sound source that is
equivalent to the acclaimed Roland JV-1080, providing superb sound quality, advanced functions and
maximum expandability. The XP-50's advantages synergistically combine to establish a new reference
standard for music workstations in terms of sheer expressiveness, performance scope and
operational versatility.
The XP-50 also offers multiple quantize functions. Grid
Quantize accuratley aligns manually input data according to
the beat. Shuffle Quantize can be set for variations
in precise 1% increments. Groove Quantize creates
grooves containing timing as well as minute velocity variations as a
convenient template. Simply assign phrases to the emplate to obtain
different intricate grooves, such as dance grooves, in an instant.
A preview function is also included for editing while confirming
data variations on the monitor in realtime.
Songs do not have to be loaded, since the XP-50 can play data
directly from the disk. Songs saved to a single disk can also be
played continuously without waiting between songs. Using a 2HD disk
allows continuous play of up to 180,000 notes.
There are 10 Tone structures including two wave generators, time
variant filters (TVFs) and time variant amplifiers (TVAs) as well as a
ring modulator and booster. To aid in creating sounds, a full battery
of high-quality effects are provided including eight reverbs, one
chorus and 40 insert effect, like phaser and distortion.
Instant response from a 32-bit RISC chip for more realtime potential
32-bit RISC chip enables instant response
The XP-50's main CPU is a 32-bit RISC chip for lightning fast and accurate
response to performance data. Using this chip places all workstation
operational flow under advanced central processing control.
Onboard high-performance MRC Pro Sequencer
The XP-50 incorporates a new MRC Pro sequencer that expands and
advances editing functions of the industry-standard MC-series
sequencers. Emphasizing realtime production to accommodate today's
musical applications, the MRC Pro promotes off-the-cuff production and
performance that maintain your creative flow. The MRC Pro features 16
phase traces, each capable of controlling up to 16 MIDI channels, plus
a tempo track.
Features that make song composing much easier
Loop Recording lets you smoothly create a song without
interrupting the musical flow. Pattern Paste speeds
up song creation because complete patterns can simply be pasted. The
XP-50 memorizes up to 100 customized patterns.
Functions that enhance performance
Realtime Phrase Sequencing allows the user's own
patterns to be assigned to a key. Then play back the selected phrases
such as fill-ins and obbligato, that suit performance.
Compatiable with popular data formats
The XP-50 features Standard MIDI File compatibility and its tone map
contorms to General MIDI for conveniently playing commercial SMF song
data in GM. The XP-50 can also convert Super MRC format data created
on a sequencer like the Roland MC-50mkII for instant use.
A sound source that copes easily with the most demanding
requirements
The XP-50's 64-voice polyphony copes with the most sophisticated
playing requirements and 16-part multitimbral capability makes it easy
to handle elaborate sequence data with multi-instrument arrangements.
The XP-50's most important advantage for the professional user is that
now there are no more worries about hardware limiting musical
expression.
Access to more sounds than ever before
Many of Roland's latest waveforms are included to give sounds more
impact. In addition to the 8 megabytes of internal ROM, the XP-50 can be
expanded using Roland's SR-JV80 8 megabyte expansion boards. The XP-50 can
accept up to four SR-JV80 series wave expansion boards at one time, to
significantly boost the internal memory to a total of 40 megabytes.
There are currently 10 available titles:
with many more to follow.
This extensive library can provide just about any waveform desired.
And more...
XP-50 Specifications:
Synthesizer Section
Keyboard: 61-key, velocity and aftertouch sensitive
Maximum Polyphony: 64 voices
Number of Multitimbral Parts: 16
Memory Capacity Performances: Internal 96, User 32
Memory Capacity Patches: Internal 640, User 128
Memory Capacity Rhythm Sets: Internal 10, User 2
System Common Effects: Chorus, Reverb (8 types)
EFX: 40
Sequencer Section
Data Storage: 3.5" Micro Floppy Disk (MF-2DD/2HD)
Data Format: MRC Pro, Standard MIDI File (Format 0/1)
convert load MRC (for MC-500/300/50/50mkII)
Tracks: 16 Phase Tracks (16 MIDI Channels per Track)
+ 1 Tempo Track, 100 Pattern Tracks
Resolution: 96 clocks per quater note
Internal Memory: 20,000 notes
External MFD: 99 Songs or 180,000 notes per disk
Max. Length of Song: 999 measures
Others
Display: 40 characters X 2 lines backlit LCD
Connectors: Output (L(Mono)/R), Hold, Pedal 1/2, Phones,
MIDI IN / OUT / THRU
Dimensions: 1023(W) x 348(D) x 97(H) mm (41" x 14" x 4")
Weight: 9.2kg (20 lbs 5 oz)