The Roland VSR-880 can be used with any analogue mixer, or digitally interfaced with Roland’s VM-7000-Series and VM-3100Pro V-Mixers via its R-BUS terminal for creating a complete, convenient digital production studio.
Features
- Rackmount hard disk recorder with 8 tracks and 128 Virtual Tracks
- 24-bit A/D-D/A converters for incredible headroom and dynamic range
- 6GB hard drive for over 2400 track minutes of recording
- Backlit LCD, non-destructive editing with 999 levels of Undo
- Optional VS8F-2 Effects Expansion Board provides dual onboard stereo effects processors with Mastering Tool Kit and COSM Speaker Modelling algorithms
- Built-in SCSI port for connecting external hard drives or optional VS-CDRII CD Recording System
- Fast CD Writing Mode records in Audio CD Image Format
- 8 analogue inputs/outputs (RCA-type), 2 1/4-inch TRS Mic/Line inputs, plus digital I/O via S/PDIF interface and R-BUS
The Roland VSR-880 is a versatile, high-quality Modular Digital Multitrack Recorder (MDM) that brings together essential features for a compact home studio setup.
A Revolutionary Home Studio Solution
Built with the features of Roland’s VS-880EX workstation, the Roland VSR-880 integrates a disk recorder, digital mixer, and multi-effects unit seamlessly. This enables a complete workflow from recording with mics to adding effects, mixing down, and creating the master track. You can manage every stage of recording and mixing right at home with the Roland VSR-880.
Disk Recorder Capabilities
The disk recorder section allows for playback on eight tracks and the simultaneous recording of up to eight tracks. Each track includes eight supplementary (V-tracks), giving each song up to 128 tracks (64 V-tracks x 2 banks). This provides flexibility, letting you record multiple takes or set aside temporary storage for editing.
- Simultaneous recording and playback on up to 8 tracks. The number of tracks may be limited depending on the song’s complexity or disk performance.
- At a sample rate of 48 kHz, up to 6 tracks can be recorded simultaneously. (8 tracks can still be played back.)
- With Vari-Pitch enabled, you can record up to 4 tracks at once. (8-track playback remains available.)
Markers help you quickly locate sections within a song, eliminating the need for rewinding or fast-forwarding. The Roland VSR-880 also supports non-destructive editing, with undo/redo capabilities for up to 99 recording or editing actions.
Digital Mixer Features
All mixer settings, including fader levels, panning, and effects, can be saved as “Scenes” for easy recall, making it convenient for balancing and comparing mixes. The mixer also stores time-based changes, allowing for seamless fade-ins and fade-outs. Pre-set configurations are available for recording, bouncing, mixing, and mastering, optimised for efficient use.
Effects Functionality
The optional VS8F-2 effects board provides up to two stereo effects, offering a wide range of options. It includes standard effects like reverb and delay, specialised effects for vocals and guitar, and mastering tools like the Mastering Tool Kit and Speaker Simulator. Effects are organised into 36 algorithms, making it easy to find and create new sounds. The unit offers 240 preset effect patches and 120 user-editable patches, allowing you to save custom configurations for quick access.
User-Friendly Operation
Operating the Roland VSR-880 is straightforward, designed to be as easy as traditional multi-track recorders. Its custom LCD screen shows multiple settings simultaneously, including level meters, panning, faders, and track statuses. The backlit display ensures easy readability, even on stage.
Connectivity Options
The Roland VSR-880 offers versatile connectivity features, suitable for a range of recording setups:
- Unbalanced Inputs: Eight RCA phono jacks (INPUT 1–8) for connecting unbalanced audio sources.
- Balanced Inputs: Two balanced input jacks (INPUT A/B) that support a broad input sensitivity range, from line level (+4 dBu) to mic level (-50 dBu).
- Unbalanced Outputs: Eight RCA phono jacks (OUTPUT 1–8) for unbalanced audio output.
Digital I/O Connectivity
The unit includes both coaxial and optical digital I/O ports, making it easy to connect to various consumer electronic devices like CD players, DAT recorders, and MD recorders for high-quality digital audio transfer.
R-BUS Compatibility
An R-BUS (RMDB2) port allows direct connection with Roland V-mixing system devices equipped with R-BUS (such as the VM-3100Pro or VM-7200) to transfer 8-in/8-out 24-bit digital audio. The port also supports connection to Alesis ADAT and TASCAM DA devices via the Roland DIF-AT converter.
SCSI Support
The SCSI (DB-25) connector allows for connection to external SCSI devices, including CD-RW drives like the Roland CD Recorder, for additional storage and playback options.
MIDI Integration
MIDI IN and MIDI OUT/THRU connectors enable seamless integration with external MIDI sequencers, allowing the VSR-880 to be synced with MIDI gear, controlled via a MIDI sequencer, or paired with an external MIDI sound generator alongside the metronome.
Recording Time (at 3.2 G bytes, 1 GB + 1 GB + 1 GB partition, conversion in 1 track, unit: minutes)
- Sample Rate:
- 48.0 kHz
- VSR: 371 + 371 + 371
- CDR: 185 + 185 + 185
- MAS: 185 + 185 + 185
- MT1: 371 + 371 + 371
- MT2: 495 + 495 + 495
- LIV: 594 + 594 + 594
- 44.1 kHz
- VSR: 404 + 404 + 404
- CDR: 202 + 202 + 202
- MAS: 202 + 202 + 202
- MT1: 404 + 404 + 404
- MT2: 539 + 539 + 539
- LIV: 646 + 646 + 646
- 32.0 kHz
- VSR: 557 + 557 + 557
- CDR: 278 + 278 + 278
- MAS: 278 + 278 + 278
- MT1: 557 + 557 + 557
- MT2: 742 + 742 + 742
- LIV: 891 + 891 + 891
- 48.0 kHz
The above-listed recording times are approximate. Times may vary depending on the specifications of the disk drive and on the number of songs created.
