New SP-808EX Phrase Sampler e-MIX Studio from Roland

SP-808EX
(Click for a larger picture)

February 4, 2000 -- Now, Roland is pleased to announce the SP-808EX e-Mix Studio, an updated version of the Groove Sampler concept with a larger 250 MB Zip™ drive, new effects algorithms, and a stunning translucent design that’s sure to turn heads.

Like its predecessor, the e-Mix Studio is one-part professional quality phrase sampler and one part multi-track digital audio recorder. Samples can be triggered from any of 16 assignable sample pads per bank (64 banks total), while audio can be recorded to four stereo audio tracks. Samples can be quickly truncated, looped and sync’d with automatic tempo calculation and Timestretch features. Once sampled, audio phrases can be transformed using an impressive array of DJ-oriented and studio effects and then resampled to another pad or track. Three assignable control knobs and the infrared light-sensing D-Beam controller provide for realtime control of samples, effects and the built-in DSP synth.

One of the major enhancements on the e-Mix is its new internal 250MB Zip drive. This removable media drive records all audio to low-cost, removable Zip disks for quick access to samples and a virtually unlimited workspace. The new 250MB Zip drive can hold approximately two-and-a-half times as much audio per disk as the original SP-808—giving users 61 minutes of stereo or 122 minutes of mono sampling/multi-track recording.

New e-MIX Studio effects include a Guitar Multi, Vocal Multi, Voice Transformer (with pitch control via MIDI), Mic Simulator, and a 10-band Vocoder. Optional expansion boards add individual track outputs, coaxial and optical I/O and a SCSI port (SP808-OP1 board) or balanced XLR inputs and outputs, coaxial I/O and a SCSI port (SP808-OP2 board). Users can choose the board suited to their needs—the SP808-OP1 for music studios or the SP808-OP2 for broadcast and live applications.

These professional features and expansions make the SP-808EX e-Mix Studio a complete production studio. But perhaps even more attractive is the SP-808EX’s new translucent design. Just as the iMac® caught the computer world by storm, the SP-808EX’s outstanding new appearance makes it as cool looking as it is to play.

For more information, visit Roland on the web at www.rolandus.com.