Roland

Roland is best known for its legendary keyboards, but it also has a rich history in digital effects processors. Starting with early tape delays like the RE-201 in the 1970s, Roland’s innovation continued into the digital era with the SDE-2000 digital delay and the iconic SDD-320 Dimension D Chorus in 1981. Over the years, they introduced standout products such as the SRV-2000 reverb, famous for its characterful sound and use by Slash on “Sweet Child of Mine.” Roland’s attempt at high-end studio reverb with the R880 met limited success, leading them to focus on more affordable processors. The SRV-330 dimensional reverb and SDE-330 space delay are highly regarded, while the rare SDX-330 dimensional expander is famed for its superior chorus effects. Their final unit, the SRV-3030, was less successful and often confused with the well-regarded SRV-330, but they remain distinct products in Roland’s diverse effects legacy.

Released in 1994

Roland SDX-330 Dimensional Expander

Roland made chorusing their thing and cemented their place in history with the Dimension D, but by all accounts, it is the SDX-330 that is the best chorus processor. The sad thing is, by the time it was released in 1994, chorusing had pretty much run its course in recording and the sales of this processor must have been very low as they rarely ever come up for sale.
Released in 1995

Roland GP-100 Guitar Preamp/Processor

The Roland GP-100’s development took a deep dive into rock’s rich history and iconic sounds, aiming to faithfully recreate the legendary guitar amps that have shaped the genre. By comparing everything from modern, acclaimed models to vintage classics, it meticulously analysed the elements that define ‘that sound’ cherished by fans – from components and circuits to tonal qualities and overall listening experience.
Released in 1999

Roland VSR-880 Digital Studio Recorder

The Roland VSR-880 is an 8-track rackmount hard disk recorder with 24-bit sound quality, 128 Virtual Tracks, and all the powerful editing and optional effects V-Studios are known for.
Released in 1999

Roland SRV-3030 24bit Digital Reverb

With all that Roland had learned from making superb effects processors like the SRV-330 and R-880, the SRV-3030 should have been so much better than it was.
Released in 2000

Roland VP-9000 Variphrase Processor

The Roland VP-9000 VariPhrase Processor is an innovative audio processor that allows real-time manipulation of a sampled phrase’s pitch, time, and formant via MIDI while preserving exceptional sound quality. It enables instant loop matching to a common key and tempo, creates natural-sounding vocal harmonies, allows real-time note bending without altering phrase length, and offers a range of creative possibilities.
Released in 2011

Roland R-1000 48-Track Recorder/Player

The Roland R-1000 is an intuitive stand alone, dedicated recorder/player designed to work with the V-Mixing System in any live event or production. You can also connect and use the R-1000 with any digital console that has MADI output capabilities by using the Roland S-MADI REAC MADI Bridge.
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