Roland XP-50

It takes a while to learn how to use this synth properly, and the manual is utterly useless. Everything from using the sequencer (I use a softseqencer for the most part) to editing patches is confusing until you're really familiar with the board, though patch editing is easier from computer. However, once you DO understand how everything works, there is some sort of bizarre logic to it, and it becomes fairly intuitive. It would be a lot easier if they had called things their proper name (i.e. ADSR vs. T1,T2,T3,T4, etc), and figuring out the whole Program vs. Patch thing is rather annoying...

The XP-50 has a good selection of features for its price range -- 64 polyphony, 500+ patches, 3 FX processors (chorus, reverb/delay, and one other), velocity/aftertouch, "FXM" ring modulator, 2 sliders + mod/pitch bend, good portamento, 2 envelopes, 2 MIDI syncable LFOs, MIDI syncable delay, etc. You can throw 4 add-on cards in it, and I have the techno add-on, which is pretty good. I tried a few other cards, but I was unimpressed.

The instruments are not very realistic, though I've always felt that if you want an electric piano, use a real EP, or if you want a guitar, use a real guitar. The XP does have some very nice pads and trance sounds, though editing is almost always required to make the sounds interesting. The FX processors are very nice, w/ 40 effects to choose from, plus chorus and reverb for each sound. I use it exclusively for ambient/trance/industrial/drum n' bass, and I have been able to get some nice chill pads from it as well as some disgusting wails. It doesn't do analog very well, but I find it blends fairly well w/ the analog I have. Probably the most useful things about it are the MIDI-syncable oscillators, which allow you to make some really interesting sounds. The cutoff and resonance filters are nice (the resonance can chirp if you crank it, but it sounds like a digital chirp), and you can choose from LPF,BPF, and HPFs.

It is certianly a dependable synth -- I haven't had any problems with it. I don't have a back-up, though I mostly use it for studio work. Chances are the worst thing that would happen would an accidental change of some parameter in the system menu that suddenly causes the synth to stop making sounds...

Never dealt w/ Roland.

Had I known more about synths when I bought the XP, I probably would have spent my money on an Arp Odyssey, a Juno 60, and a sampler. Might even have been able to pick up an SH-101 as well at that time... All in all, it's a good synth for all-around usage, and if you tinker with it, you can get some quality sounds (especially if you have the techno add-on card). When I bought the XP-50, it seemed like the best choice in its price range for an all around synth for the type of music I make. I like the fact that it has an onboard sequencer, and the more time I spend making music, the more I feel the urge to get the instruments away from the computer. As for features I wish it had... well I'd love it if it clocked CV, had an arpeggiator, had the guts of a minimoog inside it, etc... seriously, the synth would be nicer had they not made as many pianos, organs, and brass patches and put more "synth" sounds on it, and I would probably rather have an onboard sampler than a sequencer. I think it's a pretty solid board (especially w/ the add-on cards), and tho it is hard to use, it is packed full of features, and once you understand how it works, you can get some funky noises from it. I don't feel I wasted my money on it.

Once again, Roland excels in making a keyboard to end all keyboards. The presets on the XP-50 are delicious. However, I think they need to use an expansion board using all 8 megs on good piano sound. The dance board presets are wonderful and with some minor editing, they're even better. Even though the samples on the dance board are from the latter years of the rave era, they can easily be reprogrammed to be updated to newer, more current sounds. To the novice, programming can be a bit tricky. But to anyone who is familiar with programming a digital synth, it's not too bad. However, a patch editor makes the whole process very simple (fun, even). The manual? Hmmmmm. During the process of trying to decipher the manual, I've learned to speak in 18 different old-world languages (none of which are used anymore), and I think I've learned some insight to the code of Hammurabi...but it didn't help me with but one or two things regarding the keyboard.

The 64-note polyphony has opened up a whole new world of sequencing possibilities for me. The action of the keys is smooth and precise. The 40 built-in effects are all great. I love being able to have chorus and reverb along with the extra effect of my choice available at all times. The expansion boards allow this keyboard to become a gigantic sound engine...and all of the sounds on the expansion boards are way above average. MIDI capabilities are quite extensive and easy to use. I love this sequencer...while it took some time to learn, I now find my way around it quite comfortably. Easy to record, easy to edit, and easy to save...what more could you ask for? But, I am a little disappointed that it only has room for 20,000 notes.

Overall, most of the sounds are very realistic and can trick a very sharp ear. I produce techno/trance/acid house music, and I am still amazed every time I play the xp. The filter allows the user to grab a very similar to analog feel and control over the sound. And the pads....my, my, my...the pads. Very big, very warm, and very yummy (for lack of a better word). The effects can make the xp's sounds even better. It is very reactive and precise. And through the sliders, aftertouch and velocity, you can control almost any parameter of each sound (or voice).

In my experiences, Roland gear just doesn't quit. My first Roland was the juno-6...still going strong (hasn't gone down even once). I then bought an jx-8p...same story as the juno. And now, the xp-50...flawless to-date. A friend of mine has an SH-101, and though it looks like a toy, and he threw it around like a toy, it still works perfectly every time. So I know the quality of Roland products...they never let you down. And I have, and always will be comfortable with using it on stage without a backup...and without a worry.

If you don't mind a 500 dollar phone bill, you could call the Roland tech support line. Then again, sending your problem to them third class might even be faster. But, after 15 proud years of Roland ownership, I've never had to call them about a problem...just questions. They were, however, very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful with my questions.

I would love to have another xp giving my xp some companionship. But, being that it is one of the greatest keyboards of all time, it needs nothing to make it more complete. If someone stole it, of course I would buy another one. It is worth far more than what I paid for it, and no other comparable keyboard (well, as close as comparable can get) compares at even twice the price. Korg...yuck. Ensoniq...ha! Yamaha...not even close. I can definitely say that I have made the best music I have ever made with the xp. Once I learned how to get around on it...it's super easy. And, it's never a headache to work with.

First of all, if you're looking for a Dance / Techno board, this is it. Then again... be prepared to spend awhile creating your own patches. The presets are good for multi-purpose applications, but if you want your sounds, learn how to make'em. Editing/creating patches with the XP-50 takes a while to master, especially with the small display, but if you have a computer and a MIDI cable patch editing can be a breeze using all those freeware XP-50 patch managers out there (WINXP). For the manual... THE MANUAL IS CRAP. No matter how many times it's looked at, it still dosen't help. But all-in-all, once you master the XP-50 and it's sequencer, it becomes extremely simple to get exactly what you want!

Polyphony is at the MAX at 64-voices and 16 parts. It was one of the reasons why I bought it. Its the power of two synthes in one (32-bit RISC chip). Any part of any patch can be modified (TVA,TVF,LFO1&2, Pitch, etc..) It's features are best used with more modern techno applications than anything else. Keyboard action is above the standard as far as 61-note keyboards. It's ideal for composing anything but classical. If you want a better feel and a couple of extra octaves buy a XP-80, but it's not much of a bonus for +$500. The SRJV series of expansions are top-notch. You can get any style of sounds that your heart desires. Right now there's about 8 +/- 2 expansions of compressed 8Mb (16-Mb linear) waveforms (another selling attraction). MIDI is fully implemented in the XP-50. Both velocity and aftertouch are sent/recieved by MIDI. The board can be used on it's own, or as a controller or as a 64-voice module. It's really limitless! The sequencer has all the functions that are really necessary for complete composition, but... I'm not really sure how much 1 song/ 20,000 notes internal memory is. It's really straight forward but it takes awhile to fully understand and feel comfortable with. (no thanks to the manual)

The XP-50 comes with +640 patches that covered all musical genres. Each one of them was distinctively different from one another, which is good! ( I don't personally like 25 types of harmonicas!) I also have a Dance, and a Vintage Synth expasion. I use them more than any other bank, but in general.. they're all are digitally delicious. I spent a few weeks trying to assign two different insert effects to two patches, but both of the patche's effect settings changed whenever one of the patches was changed. It was that I discovered that this board ONLY HAD ONE INSERT EFFECT PROCESSOR. It's too bad, the're really good (40 of'em). Though this might sound greedy, a couple more would help! The XP-50 has one of the most impressive sound pallets for it's category to date. The keyboard facilitates playing piano patches expressively. (mostly due to velocity and aftertouch) It's really a good keyboard response for it's type, but classical is really impossible to play. (unless your third arm can control the octave shift button)

Roland had made them..... they'll be here forever! Roland has made them.... they'll be here forever! Roland will make them.... they'll be here forever!
I know people who still have JUNO's, JUPITER's, etc... Roland, (like BOSS) makes 'em tough!
It's probably more reliable than your girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband.

I never experienced a problem, but I was looking into a RAM upgrade, though I haven't ever contacted Roland directly. If they can make a keyboard like this... they have be great people!

It really is a keeper! It was worth every penny put into it, and will be for a long time to come. In general.. The XP-50 can handle a whole project on it's own, it's just about the greatest board for Techno/Dance out there right now. The only thing that I could possible complain about would be it's somewhat small screen (though they tried to jam as much as possible into each page). Before buying it I had looked at Korg's O1/FW workstation. It didnt have the 64-voices or even the sounds that I was looking for. The XP-80 is a bit pricey, and unnecessary if you already have a computer with a patch manager, and mabye even a full blown windows sequencer. And the Korg Trinity is a piece of crap wrapped in foil for $3500. Sure it's great but $3500.. I think not! (the touch screen is frustrating and not very responsive. It a toy rather than a tool.) The XP-50 had everything I wanted in one package (a JV-1080 equivalent sound engine, a responsive controller keyboard, a full blown MRC-PRO sequencer, and the three effects processors. The only thing I wish it had would be a WAV sampler, where the user can import WAVs directly from the PC. (Ensoniqs new MR-series can but I hate Ensoniq and there boards. The '50 has become my sole tool for making Techno. There isn't anything that gets in the way.

For one thing, most of the presets are pretty good. Some definitely could be better with a little programming, effects, etc. Editing patches is either simple or difficult, depending on what exact sound you want to produce. I don't own a patch editor and really don't see the point in using one unless you're dealing with several megs of sounds. The manual definitely sucks, as most users agree. Documentation is terrible and many main features aren't discussed.

This unit has 64 notes of polyphony. However, I have programmed some performances that results in some tones being lost. Keyboard action is impressive, and can be controlled via velocity. The built in effects are pretty useful and easy to use. The unit has 2 effects processors, one with reverb and chorus and another with various additional or "insert" effects. Expansion is a great feature. I own the fairly new Session Board, and despite needed improvements in the presets, the waveforms are good. I don't mess with MIDI that much, but I know it responds well. The on-board sequencer is flexible, but takes time to learn. A metronome can be used for tracking, but I don't use it.

Many instruments can sound very good, but they need intense programming. I'm no whiz at it, but I've made many great sounds. Electric pianos, brass, and some strings need improvement, but sound o.k. I use my instrument for rock and alternative music, but it can work effectively for various styles of music. This unit could be a killer in dance music and techno, if you're into that. The onboard effects are pretty good, but you'll have to play with levels, decay, etc. The unit definitely reacts while playing it...anyone heard of velocity and aftertouch??? This unit has it.

Reliability can be a small problem. After 4 months with the unit, it created a loud crisping sound. I took it to my dealer and waited 3 months for it to get fixed. 7 months later, the instrument works fine. I might have had a surge or something that screwed up my board. However, I would use it on a gig without a backup. I have only one other keyboard, and it sucks. This unit blows it away.

After diligent calling and bugging the company, my unit was fixed promptly. They were friendly and well-informed of my situation (I needed it in a week before hitting the studio). As far as I know, my unit cannot be upgraded, except for expansion boards.

I would definitely buy this unit again or go up a level and buy the XP-80. It is worth every penny. I love the sounds I can make on this unit, and there isn't much to hate. Once I heard it, I had to have it. I wish it had better brasses and electric pianos, but that's nothing to whine about. The XP-50 really helps you make music and doesn't hold you back. This unit smokes(not literally) and was the best music decision I have probably ever made.

Presets sound great - a lot of excellent sounds for use in a lot of things... plus if you start adding Expansion Boards ( I have the World board), look out! Getting around the machine is a bit cumbersome, and my meager knowledge of a of sound-making makes it more difficult, however. As usual, the manual is packed full of information that is difficult to interpret. Some things the XP-50 can do aren't mentioned in the manual.

Polyphony = 64 I'm not the best judge of keyboard action, but it's adequate. Lots of built-in effects, but certain modes cause the sound effect(s) to change, depending on how everything is interacting. Four Expansion Board slots, nine Boards to choose from, up to 32 MB extra waveforms and patches. COOL! All typical MIDI; aftertouch... A pretty decent sequencer, and its not too hard yo get around and do stuff with it.A

All sounds are great. I've managed to coax some different styled stuff from it. Onboard effects are great, but they interact differently depending on the mode you're in.

They helped as much as they could, and pretty much sent me off in the right direction. Upgrade, more than likely (there's an XP-80 out there!)

I'd buy another one, if need be. I love it because it's the first REAL synth I've ever owned! But I hate the learning curve. No comparison... I walked in to the dealer, told him what my requirements were (portability, everything to make most of the music I need to make in one machine), and I walked away with the perfect instrument! I wish it had a better manual. I can make cool music with it. It rocks! If I had known that an XP-80 was coming out, I may have held out for it, but I am extremely pleased with this synth/workstation!

Killer presets! Editing patches is quite involved, having a patch editor is a plus. (Several shareware or freeware are available) The manual is typical - OK but incomplete. This is a powerful synth with many parameters to set when editing sounds. Expect a learning curve but it's worth the effort!

64 note polyphony. Nice keyboard (synth type) action. Very nice and flexible on-board effects. 4 expansion slots for JV exp. cards - can total something like 1500+ onboard sounds when fully expanded! Excellent Midi implementation. Sequencer has many good qualitites, the foremost being the ability to read SMFs directly from disk (for a toatl of 180,000 notes!)

Saxes are poor. Most other sounds are very good. With expansion boards, you can do ANY style music. Even without the exp boards it is very versatile.

It seems well built, but would I use it with out a backup? Depends on the Gig - I may not use ANYTHING without a backup :)

Love the sounds, love the sequencers ability to read from disk. I wish it had a larger sequencer buffer though (20,000 note). But since I write with CWPro and just use the XP50 to play the files live, it's no prob for me.

Presets are OK, but they don't use the Powerfull filters and synth structures on the synth. Editing takes some time to get used to, A patch editor is nice because the screen doesn't display any waveshape graphics. The manual is useless, roland was trying to cut printing cost.

64 Polyphony Great FX, 40 insert + main reverb and chours. 4 Expansion slots for up to 40Mb of Waveforms Aftertouch, great Mod controller, 2 assignable controler ports+sustain. Can be used as a master controler

good on board sounds, but the Expantions are a must for Killer sounds. Ochestral, Vintage, World, Dance are just some of the few that this baby can handel. One of the best sound sources around. Great onboard FX, could be linked to Midi controlers And syncs with Midi clock! Adjustable Velocity cuves and aftertouch

very reliable It is a gig by its own.

coustumer support is ok, NO 800 #, have to wait for a while

A good value, worth every penny. Killer sounds for every musical style "With the expantions" The onboard Sequencer has a small memory buffer which suks when you try to use controlers More expantion slots, more onboard memory for sequencing. It take your musical ideas into a new dimention whith its pattern sequencing capability. Great Keyboard that is a keeper.