Roland VA-76 VariPhrase Arranger Keyboard
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| VA-76 Prototype |
March 13, 2001Roland announced its most powerful arranger keyboard in history:
the flagship VA-76 V -Arranger Keyboard. The VA-76 is a 76-note intelligent arranger
which carries on the tradition of the acclaimed G-Series Arranger Workstations
while utilizing Roland's latest high-quality sounds and music styles, plus exclusive
VariPhrase technology for adding realistic vocal performances to any arrangement.
The major features of the VA-76 are:
- 76-note synth-weighted professional arranger keyboard with 128-voice polyphony
and proprietary VariPhrase elastic audio technology
- Offers 3,649 high-quality sounds and 116 dynamic drum sets with stereo waveforms
and ambient effects
- 48 preset vocal phrases and 16 user-recordable phrases which can be completely
manipulated with VariPhrase and incorporated into arrangements
- 128 authentic music styles with access to 64 additional styles via onboard
Zip100 drive
- Style Morphing function allows for seamlessly combining existing styles into
new ones
- User-friendly operation via graphic touch-sensitive LCD; also displays song
lyrics using compatible Standard MIDI Files
- 89 Multi-FX algorithms in addition to dedicated reverb, chorus, EQ processing
- D-Beam light-sensing controller and ribbon controller for exciting performance
options
Absolute Sonic Power
The VA-76 is Roland's most powerful and flexible arranger keyboard in history.
In addition to its professional synth-weighted 76-note velocity-and aftertouch-sensitive
kevboard, this flagship instrument offers a 128-voice sound engine with 3,619
GM2/GS-compatible sounds, plus 116 drum kits using stereo-sampled waveforms and
ambient effects for an entirely new level or realism. In addition, the VA-76 provides
six dedicated buttons for selecting kevboard modes, plus separate Reverie, Chorus,
EQ and 89 multi-effects for processing sounds even further.
A Keyboard that "Sings"
It may sound impossible, but the NA-76 is actually the world's first 76-note
arranging keyboard that "sings." Using a proprietary VariPhrase sound
engine, the VA-76 lets you add realistic vocal performances to your arrangements
with independent, realtime control over the vocals' pitch, time and formant. Assignable
to the Upper and Lower parts, the VariPhrase section allows players to re-pitch,
re-phrase or re-harmonize any of 48 onboard vocal samples as they play. You can
even record a VariPhrase performance directly to an existing SMF (Standard MIDI
File), imbedding vocal phrases into your music. And with 6MB of onboard sample
RAM, the VA-76 can also store up to 16 user-sampled vocal phrases; additional
VariPhrase samples can be loaded via the internal Zip100 drive using the included
ZIP disk or the optional VP-Z-Series VariPhrase Sound Library disks.
Powerful Arranging and Composing
As an arranger keyboard, the VA-76 excels: There are 128 preset styles covering
a wide variety of musical genres-all with uncanny realism. Up to 6-1 additional
styles can be loaded using the internal Zip100 drive or via floppy drive. And
of these styles can be further customized using the Stvle Orchestrator and Stvle
Morphing function, which lets you seamlessly blend one style into another.
For quick composition, the VA-76 offers a simple 2-track Song Recorder; a professional
16-track sequencer can be used for building more complete arrangements. And editing
common song parameters is simple, thanks to a convenient Song Header
Post Edit function. Users can quickly create custom styles using the 8-part
SMF-to-Style converter, while the VA-76's ability to import ".txt" files
lets you type up song lyrics on a PC and play them back in time with the music
on the VA-76's backlit LCD.
Designed for Simplicity
Built for intuitive operation, the VA-76 uses a large icon-based touchscreen
for easy navigation, and can even display song lyrics of compatible SMF disks.
An Auto Load function for Phrase Sets, User Programs, MIDI Sets and Songs makes
operation swift. Two programmable pads and five Super Tones buttons make recalling
frequently used sounds easy. And thankfully, setting up the VA-76 is a joy using
the Virtual Band function, which utilizes a multi-lingual wizard to assist in
optimal instrument setup.
Express Yourself
Ideal for creating breathtaking lire performances, the VA-76 offers aftertouch
and velocity-switching functions for maximum tonal variation, plus a ribbon controller
and an infrared light-sensing D-Beam to provide additional excitement. The D-Beam
can be used to trigger sounds, modulate effects in realtime, start and stop arrangements
and even play instruments "out of thin air"--all with hand and body
movements--a real crowd pleaser!
Professional Connections
Connections to the VA-76 include a stereo 1/4-inch audio input, four individual
1/4-inch audio outputs, Metronome output, MIDI In/Out/Thru, plus Sustain and Expression
Pedal inputs, a Footswitch input and a dedicated input for the optional FC-7 Foot
Controller (with programming capabilities). Add it all up, and you've got the
most powerful, professional and head-turning arranger keyboard on the market today. For more information, visit their web site at www.rolandus.com. |
