Roland Connect - New Gear / New Inspiration

Hey guys!

Roland has put up a new website detailing some hot new products coming from them soon. Normally we wouldn't see stuff like this until sometime around NAMM, but apparently Roland really loves their fan club this year.

Anyways, the website is up here: http://rolandconnect.com/

Wired and I have been looking through this to see what is new. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Mostly upgrades to old stuff. Actually, I think it's all upgrades to old stuff, except for the JR-8. However, these upgrades are the result of Roland actually paying attention to their customers.

Here's a list of the new stuff:
TD-20kx Electronic V-Drums Series
eBand JS-8 Audio Player with Guitar Effects
JUNO-Di Mobile Synthesizer with Song Player
TD-4kx Electronic V-Drums Series
VE-20 Vocal Effects Stomp Box
SP-404sx Sampler
BA-330 Stereo Portable Amplifier
FRV-1 Fender Reverb Pedal
FR-7x V-Accordion
GW-8 v2 Keyboard Workstation

I am most interested in the SP-404sx and the VE-20. From the description on the VE-20, it sounds like it could be used to do some crazy weird stuff with vocal sounds.

Also, the SP-404sx has a ton of upgrades from the old SP-404. Let's start with the fact that you can now copy patterns. That's a HUGE upgrade. For those unaware, check the tips and techniques board on how you can copy patterns on the old 404. It's not nice. Speaking of patterns, you can now use a shuffle function for the quantize on pattern record mode. Hooray, now we can use swing beats on the 404. Cheesy

The effects have been moved around a little bit, and apparently have been improved a bit from the old 404. Also, there is no onboard memory anymore, but it comes with a 1GB SD card (yes, CF cards are gone now). It will handle up to a 32GB SD card, I believe.

And most lovable of all, it has a sleek new look to it. I love the original silver box as much as anyone else, but you have to admit the black and orange is pretty sexy. Also, that little blue ring around the display appears to flash red now, as well. I am not sure of why it now flashes two colors, but there is obviously a good explanation (probably to do with metronome and/or mode stuff).

I encourage the rest of you to check this stuff out and leave your thoughts on it. It's nice to see that Roland has been listening to their fanbase (especially with the 404sx). Hopefully we see this stuff hitting shelves in not too long. I've gotta get my hands on the 404sx.