Roland Introduces Affordable New VS-840 Digital Studio Workstation

Compact New Table-Top Workstation Gives Musicians Digital Hard Disk Recording, Mixing and Effects Processing at an Unbelievably Low Price

January 29, 1998 -- Once 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 Tracks

Each 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 Display

The 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 Routing

The 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 Media

The 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 Locators

The 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 Knobs

Seven 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 Effects

What 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 Editing

Imagine 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 Input

The 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 Port

The 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.