Roland DJ-70 Mk II

Hello,

Basically I need HELP with this unit....

But I will remark about the some of the features asked of us.

SOFTWARE:> I have the DJ-70MKII Version 1.00 with 32 MB of RAM.
(I would like to know if there is an updated version for this synth.)
Such as VER 1.10 or 2.0

PRESETS:> I don't think this unit has presets.
(I never received a DEMO disk for this synth)
N E 1: have a Demo disk?

EDITING Patches:> are great. I just haven't gone through them all. Since I am asking for Help, I will further my response in the future once I get a better grasp of things.

PATCH Editor:> Makes a big difference. I will know further information once I dig deeper into the OS.

MANUAL:> I have read and Reread the manual in parts with subjects that seemed to be of concern.
I can Honestly say that this is the Most Difficult manual to understand.
I never had to get so frustrated reading a manual to get the Synth to function properly.

OTHER samplers, FINE! SP 202- ESI-32- JS-30 <What a Breeze through.>

The Manual I that I received with the DJ-70MKII is the DJ-70.

Is there a manual for the DJ-70mkII? Would it make a difference with the MKII manual?

I rated it a 5 based on my lack of knowledge of the Unit not on the actual functionalities and possibilities it offers the synth.

It is probably easy to use for those comfortable with the OS architecture.

That's why I am asking for Help.

From what I've read in previous submissions that this is very easy to use instrument and the OS features are good.

EFFECTS:> The DJ-70MKII has some nice features to expand the creativity spectrum. From what I have read in the Manual, I can get a good idea what this SYNTH is capable of. Once I learn this synth I can really create Nice textures and effects.

EXPANSION capability:> I have Maxed out this Synth. Actually, it was Maxed out at 32MB when I bought it.

MIDI:> I haven't gotten that far yet.

SEQUENCING:> DJ-70 MKII offer RPS. I haven't had a need for it yet.

From what I read, it is very simple.

I rated it a 9 due to the fact that it can do what it says. I have not.
But I think I will get there..

SOUNDS:> So far, as much as (I've tried numerous times) to get sounds out of the DJ-70 MkII It sounds Great. Very Clean, accurate, intimate sounding samples.

TYPES of music that it applies to:> ANY type as long as you have the creative input there will some creative output.

Onboard EFFECTS:> Very good. It expands beyond the scope of the original sampled input.

Dependability:> I would say that this unit is a very good tool to use. But don't mark my word. I haven't used it much. Old Synths are my main interest.

I wouldn't knock this Synth. It sounds like a nice workstation.

GIGS:> I really don't play keys well enough to go out and Job anywhere.
This is just a hobby, a Very Expensive Hobby * Since I own 28 Synthesizer Keyboards* but I like to create Effects and further understand the makings of sound. *SOUND Creations*

SUPPORT:> I have dealt with the company in several occasions and I found it to be a very satisfying experience.

Upgrade and REPAIR:> I have consulted with the parts department and found them to be of much help for me finding the items in question.
However, some a bit Pricey.

Help!

I am not new with using phrase samplers:> JS-30 - ESI32 - SP 202 etc...
However, I am having difficulties breezing through the architecture of the DJ-70 MkII.

I am able to get the sample to play back on the keyboard and perform minor {BASIC} editing such as TVA TFA FWD BCKWRD. Nothing Musical as of yet.

I am unable to perform the simple editing such as truncating - time stretch - assigning the pitch/MOD wheel to change an up or down with my samples.

If there is someone out the with greater knowledge of this particular synth that can help me over this Hump, would be greatly appreciated.

Is there a SIMPLER version of the Owners Manual out there?

A Little Knowledge Goes a Long Way.

I Rated it a 7. It is probably a 10 but I'll make that adjustment once I fully understand what I am missing.

OVERALL RATING:> 10? for xperienced users.

If you can grok Roland, you shouldn't have any problems.
Of course scsi can be an issue for some people.
The interface is rather strange... it's almost too easy. I suppose it's my only synth that has an index added on top of all the menu's. The assignable pads are great, and the whole keyboard has a very ergonomic feel to it.
The manual for the DJ-70 is very thourough and complete-- the manual for the DJ-70mkII is more an addemenum.

Nothing to brag to your freinds about. I will say that 32mb is more usefull than it sounds to some people. I wish there was more.. sometimes i'm tempted to put 64mb's worth of simms in just to see if it recognizes it.
The unit of course lacks some basics-fx, aftertouch, individual outputs.

I give it a ten, because samples just sound better through the roland dacs and filters than the akais. Only with the XV-5080 and MV-8000 has Roland surpassed this keyboard. That either says something good about this synth, or something bad about Roland ;)

It's never done anything weird yet, but it is itallian and sometimes i get suspicious. I've never tried to test the re-sampling to see if indeed it crashes it.

If you are persistant, you can at least get Roland tech support to admit that they made a machine once called the DJ-70mkII

I like it. The whole is greater than the sum of it's part's. They are very cheap these days, and make a nifty controller as long as you dont mind on off mod levers.

This one has OS 1.01. The OS resides on a EEPROM, there should be a version 1.10 somewhere, but couldn`t find one for my DJ-70 MkII. I had a S-760 before this one and I very much prefer DJ-70 over that. In my opinion the DJ-70 is much easier and faster to use. Especially sampling has been arranged real nicely: go to sampling page, set up few things if you like (name, lenght, level monitoring etc.), hit sample and you`re ready! And I really do mean you`re ready :) To play, to sample more, whatever...Samples will automatically have partials made out of them, looped , set to a key (in keyboard) and to a pad (first 8 samples), been made as a patch and ready to play. Now how cool is that ;)
Everyone using a (hardware) sampler knows how tedious it can be to set up the samples before you can actually play them as a patch. The DJ-70`s ingenious sampling machine does this all automatically ! Of course you can always come back and change things later (naming, looping etc.) refining your set, but I`ve yet to see a faster (pro-) sampler than this.
The claim of DJ-70 having a bad, difficult OS is understandable but not true....If and when one is ready to go to deep innards of this machine, starting to use it`s full potential, one is also faced with a fact that this sampler is a full pro-sampler having a typical Roland sound structure. And that structure is kind of hard and tedious to learn. I can tell from my own experience that DJ-70`s OS is about as easy as you`ll ever get to have with Roland S7xx samplers...

Having a keyboard-sampler is somehow much more intuitive to use than the rack versions. It brings the actual playing of the samples (/instruments) much closer to your hands (quite literally so). Having pads for sample-playing is also nice and a fast way to get grooves going, especially with the help of the "hold"-button (which also works with keyboard).

A big backlit LCD-screen shows things clearly, no problem while the DJ-70 doesn`t have a separate monitor output.
The parameter pages show quite a lot at once and one can navigate within easily with tha cursor buttons. There are separate buttons for a direct access to performance, sound and system menus, but one can also use the index button. That will pop up a screen showing all these areas on separate menu boxes, from which one can select the appropriate page. If there are more pages under these lines, they`ll show up in additional boxes. Really clever way to navigate and works like any Windows-based program menu in PC`s. Under the LCD are 5 function keys which have links to other pages, parameters and functions, so there are many ways to get around the machine. And if that`s not enough, you can mark 10 of your favourite pages and get to them straight from a dedicated "jump-page" menu.
Some time spend getting yourself to know this machine will have you flying all over the insides really not even having to think about it.

Manual is good. Just to be sure you really read it right (especially when we`re talking about Roland stuff here ;), I`ll repeat: the manual is good. I know there could be arguments over this, but I think DJ-70`s manual is made the way I hope some others` should`ve done. Manual is divided into chapters containing everything from the most basic functions to higher end tweaking. Everything is explained in easy to read good english so that even a novice can just grab the book, find the function they`re after and go for it...Index isn`t too big but because the manual is laid out so well, you`ll surely find what you`re looking for. The frustrating page hopping and flipping all over has also managed to been kept in minimum. Marvellous, indeed. Why haven`t Roland always done their manuals like this!?
As already mentioned, Roland`s sound architecture is not one of the easiest structures around, so I understand the frustration novices will have with it. Nevertheless this manual explains things as easily as possible and explain it really does. It`s no

The DJ-70 MkII is basically a S-760 equipped with the keyboard and some nice features, minus some other things.
The sound structure is the same as in all S-7xx series samplers. Everyone can check out the S-760 specs if closer info is needed. I`ll explain here just the basics and the features which only the DJ-70 has.

While the Roland synths/samplers are usually made in Japan, this keyboard was actually made in Italy !?
Polyphony 24 voices. Can hold up to 64 performances in memory, each containing up to 31 patches (any patch assignable to any MIDI-channel you want). You want a deep sound structure, you`ve got it !!
If you are patient enough, you can make this sampler polyrhytmical, polyphonic, multitimbral beast chugging mad loops and sounds all over the place! That is, within the limits of polyphony of course. With 24 voices one can get the grooves going and even add some instrumentation over the top, but for heavy orchestral work you`ll inevitably start to pile voices and these samplers all you can take.

Keyboard has 37 keys, velocity but NOT aftertouch sensitive (sound engine responds to aftertouch, though). Feel is solid if a little bit light. Octave up/down buttons for a wider keyboard span.
Has 8 sample pads, freely assignable to any samples/patches. Scratch dial is a big and, well, useless toy :) Yep, sure you can make funny bubbly noizes and "record-stopping" fx with it, but if I want to make real scratches, I`ll use a deck.
Because this sampler was for some odd reason made "for DJ`s", there`s also a crossfade function in the pitch bender/modulation stick! This function with which you can assign two samples to adjanced sides of the stick, crossfading between them, is actually quite nice. Of course one can use the bender also in the ordinary way when needed. The hold button acts like a sustain pedal and is really good for playing some loops/sounds while you can whizzle around the machine, go for an another performance page, load new sounds, tweak parameters etc.

Sample memory is 2 Mb, user expandable to 32 Mb`s with two 16Mb SIMM`s (machines own 2 Mb`s will then be neglected). For the installation the keyboard has to be opened wide open, keys removed too. Not a bad job though and there are clear pictures showing the procedure. While 32 Mb`s is enough for most basic uses, I could still use at least twice that (got some nice 20 Mb pianos for example ;). Roland samplers sound is surely one good reason for so many production sites and studios to have them...and the polyphony and RAM limitations surely one reason why they usually can have rackloads of `em. Still, for many years I managed to survive with just the half meg RAM of my W-30 so am I really complaining here ;)
Two sample frequences, 44.1 and 22.05 kHz. Internally there are four convertible frequencies, 44.1, 30, 22.05 and 15 kHz.
Resampling function with 6 different TVF/TVA-algorithms. You can resample both original samples and/or thru sampling inputs using all the performance capabilities of this machine. Great function but unfortunately there`s a bug concerning this, more of it in "reliability".

Timestretch function with 25%-400% ratio, works also partially ie. you can stretch only a set part of a sample. Nice feature is the ability to set the ratio straightly as semitones, so if you want to pitch the sample let`s say up a major third, just dial that in! The stretch process in itself is quite time consuming, due to the rather slow processor speed. But the results are good, especially when not trying to reach up/down too far. Then again, heavy timestretching on a busy loop can seriously mutate it, if that`s what you`re after.

The BPM function let`s you determine a BPM parameter to any loops you want. You can either tap along with the loop to get the right tempo, or if you know or can calculate the tempo, just dial it in. Then you can alter sampler`s "master BPM" value and every loop which has their BPM parameter set

Nice, warm, punchy pristine sounds. Just the way you can expect from any Roland sampler. I can`t tell any difference to a S-760 and that one is surely one good sounding machine too! Rolands samplers have always been said to have kind of a warmer, punchier sound. Exactly the case here too. Filters are strong (as usual) and Rolands sound library is absolutely stunning, if quite pricey also. Great 3rd party samples for these too, but this machines easy sampling features may even get you to forget about ready-made libraries for some time.
While I cannot really compare those filters for example to Akai`s (never heard them), I wouldn`t still recommend them wholeheartedly as be all end all! They`re great for minor colouring and ripping sub basses but those high shrieking resonances still leave me cold and disturbed, even. If you want "real" synth filters don`t look to the most other samplers/romplers either. IMHO only some VA`s and real analog synths have them going right. Then again I`ve been known to love audiophile and vintage tube gear, so what do I know :)
Anyways, filters have not been a priority for me in the samplers. It`s more like, put the sound in, is the output same?
In Roland`s case the answer is, yes, but maybe with some added warm character. After that I will consider how much I`ll have to "destroy" samples with the synth-stuff, added effects, resampling etc...

Using the resampling will crash yor samples, if you have maxed your RAM to 32 Mb !!! This is a known fact amongst the heavy users, but there`s nothing to be done to this!? No matter how good SIMMs you`re using, no matter how sturdy and clean etc. the machine is, your samples will crash when resampling! I don`t know if the most recent OS-chip update would have a fix for this, because it`s unavailable (?). One can save all the samples before the resampling and load them after the fact to resume (the new resample in itself seems always intact), but that`s a little bit of extra trouble here.

Other than that, there`s hardly anything to complain. The OS is stable as it always seems to be in these hardware samplers (no, not talking about new Akai`s like they were, though ;). So no crashes whatsoever.
Every now and then either of the "Execute" buttons will have a little jam, requiring a harder push to work. Other than that, everything has worked smoothly for over two years already.
Sometimes when going to different pages, the machine seems to "think" for a while but I think this is just due to the processor speed (around 16 MHz if I remember right).

Live usage? Well, this sampler is made for live use, both feature wise and as built. Solid, sturdy case and stable OS. I won`t usually even bother with stuff that wouldn`t make it in live situations too...

I have contacted the Roland Scandinavia many times, asking for manuals, sounds, OS-things and so on. They are very helpfull and nice people. Never had any problems there, they are professionals and really do know their stuff. I`ve got help even beyound what I`d call their call of duty and I`m perfectly happy with their services.

Interestingly two-sided sampler. On the other hand it`s a quick and easy "DJ-machine" with which one can really fly fast and use as a great addition for example to a live rig. On the other hand it has almost all of the deep stuff known from Rolands S-7xx-series, allowing to user some heavy features and almost like a hidden engine to be harnessed when need arises. Only the limited amount of outputs is really bugging me, otherwise I really don`t know easier and faster sampler to use. Roland has some odd thing going, making great machines which have few features crippled so as not to make the "perfect" instrument. If they had equipped this DJ-70 with couple of more outputs, more polyphony and RAM, aftertouch sensitive (full) keyboard and digital I/O, I would never again look for an another sampler. As it is now, I`m every now and then looking either for another S-series sampler as a "playback-device" (SP-700 could do very nicely here), or totally different setup alltogether. Funnily enough, there has been many occasions when I was ready to sell this DJ-70, but decided to give it one last spin. And after couple of minutes use, I couldn`t even consider selling it, not for some more months again ;)
Not really a "sampling workstation" as the label implies, but great sampler anyways. If the mentioned limits don`t bother you, you`ll never regret getting one of these!!

Interestingly enough, there seems to be really few of these DJ-70 MkII`s floating around, but every now and then those older DJ-70`s show up for sale next to nothing. Beware that those can only have 4 Mb RAM at max and there`s no SCSI connection as a standard (as an option you can have one, though). If you can live with those limitations, go get one and go home laughing, knowing that you just treated yourself with a pro-specd sampler for the price of little phrase samplers ;)

Only one software version for this 1.00, still, its very easy to use. The roland filters are second to none, even todays samplers come off second when compared to any of Rolands S700 series and the DJ70's, very warm, very flexible, but the manual is... well... shit (sorry). All of my Roland manuals are shit.

I think it has 32 voices, but it depends on complexity of sound, you see, this is a synth which uses a sampler as the sound source! Keyboard is very good, if a little short. DJ-70's can have up to 4meg memory, but the DJ-70MkII can have 32Meg and has SCSI built in, now you know what Zip drives are really for!!! The DJ-70 can have SCSI added, but you will have to enquire at the Roland samplers user group about this if you have one. Midi is excellent, and the keyboard is touch and aftertouch sensative, although that pitch thing is a little odd, but I suppose it works. There is an on board sequencer for sequencing samples, never used it though, but it appears functional

Very faithfull recreation of sound, and real kick in the bass area (a feature of all Roland samplers, my S-330 does a mean 909 kick!!!). Large backlit LCD makes editing a brease, even when the lights fail, and the operating system allows for quick sampling. The scratch dial is good, better than on the origional DJ-70, this combined with the great keyboard makes for a very expressive instrument. Better than an Akai in my opinion.

Only had one problem, due to one of the memory simms not seating correctly, no other problems. Very reliable

Never needed to contact them, but I hear that the customer support is very good. Excellent resourses on the internet, go on, your here readin this, so why not take a look

I love both of my Roland samplers, but why do they insist on supplying the worlds worsed manuals? Are they out to drive us all mad??? If you do get one of these, get recycle from steinberg. It will support the DJ70's and the S770, S750 and S760 as well. All these samplers are excellent and well woth the money