(GEAR ALERT) Next Big Loop-processing toy?

[Dpcoffin@aol.com]

Howdy---
In case you haven't seen it, this looks like a big step forward in signal
processing options for the looper/player....A physical-modeling synth that 
has
external-audio processing functions; there's a little picture at
http://www.rolandus.com/PRODUCTS/MI/MI_SEB.HTM
Don't know the price/date, or what would be the best kinda 
floor-controller to
run it with...
dpc



ROLAND INTRODUCES JP-8080 ANALOG MODELING SYNTHESIZER MODULE
-- New JP-8080 Combines Intuitive Realtime Sound Synthesis With External
Audio Manipulation --

LOS ANGELES, July 10, 1998 -- Forging ahead into uncharted synthesis
territory, the new Roland JP-8080 Analog Modeling Synthesizer Module
offers cutting-edge realtime synthesis technology in the vein of
Roland's popular JP-8000. Distinguishing itself from any synthesizer or
synth module on the market today, the new JP-8080 module adds to the
feature set of the JP-8000 by offering a 10-note polyphonic Analog
Modeling sound source with powerful realtime sound shaping controls,
external audio synthesis capabilities unlike anything currently
available, a unique built-in Voice Modulator which can use the human
voice to shape and filter external audio signals, and SmartMediaú
storage capability -- all in a cool, retro-styled 6U rack-mount module.

Using Roland's acclaimed Analog Modeling technology, the new JP-8080 can
be used to produce ultra-phat analog synth sounds, as well as futuristic
tones never heard before. The key to this massive sonic power is a
dedicated onboard DSP oscillator which produces seven totally
independent waveforms. So unlike modern PCM (sample-based) synths, the
JP-8080 can instantly apply drastic tonal changes, envelope controls,
sharp filters and radical sweeps -- just like a classic analog synth.
And like the vintage synths, all JP-8000 sonic shaping is intuitive,
with 40 knobs and sliders ready for everything from mild tweaks to
realtime sonic mayhem -- no menus, no scrolling. Similarly, the 10-voice
polyphonic JP-8080 even sports a new Unison mode, which can combine all
voices into one to produce some of the phattest tones ever generated by
a digital musical instrument.

Forging into new synthesis territory, the JP-8080 also features External
Audio, Instrument and Mic inputs which can be used with powerful onboard
external audio synthesis functions and a unique Voice Modulator. The
JP-8080's two 1/4-inch External Audio inputs allow for processing
external instrument/ audio signals as OSC2 waveforms using the onboard
synth controls. This feature can be used to construct entirely new
sounds -- combining external audio signals with the onboard OSC1
waveforms and then applying the JP-8080's filters, envelopes, modulation
routings, effects and tone controls.

The external signals can also be sent through the Voice Modulator, which
allows JP-8080 users to control the envelopes of synth sounds and
external audio signals with the human voice, producing some classic and
unique effects which are particularly dance-music friendly. There are
three Voice Modulator modes: Formant Filter, Filter Bank and Vocal Morph
Control.

Formant Filter produces a variety of "talking" effects by analyzing the
frequency bands from vocal sounds and applying them to incoming audio or
synth sounds. Using the two dedicated and assignable Voice Modulator
control knobs, the Formant Filter mode can produce some wild sounds and
interesting modulations like "talking" breakbeats. The Filter Bank mode
provides a powerful 12-band stereo filter for ultimate external audio
processing. Finally, the Vocal Morph Control mode allows the JP-8080's
synth sounds to be modified and filtered as desired based on mouth
movement. The Voice Modulator features 26 editable parameters including
Ensemble level, Delay parameters, Noise parameters, Robot effects, and
Release and Resonance controls.

The JP-8080 also features an Arpeggiator with 90 variable beat patterns
and 48 RPS locations for creating your own patterns. These RPS locations
can be used to store rhythmic and melodic phrases and slicer-style
cutting effects using external audio sources. The JP-8080's onboard
effects section features Flanger, Chorus, Phaser, Distortion and Delay.
It also offers Bass and Treble tone controls. Effects control is
accomplished through the intuitive LCD and a host of dedicated knobs,
while all effects and tone control settings can be stored with
corresponding Patches for instant recall.

All JP-8080 knob and slider tweaks can be transmitted via MIDI for
expanded sonic control. And the JP-8080's Preview function is available
by using the Bank and Number keys as musical keyboard. To make
connection easy, the JP-8080 features a Remote Keyboard Input to which
users can simply attach a MIDI cable -- without regard to which MIDI
Channel the module is set to receive on.

In addition to its internal memory, the JP-8080 lets users store
Patches, Performances, Motion Control loops and RPS patterns on optional
2MB and 4MB SmartMediaú cards. (Yielding an additional 4,000 or 8,000
Patches, respectively.) The Patches and Performances on a SmartMediaú
card can be called out via simple program changes on the JP-8080, while
all Motion Control and RPS patterns can be played back directly -- great
for live performance!

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of
electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia
products and music accessories.

Preliminary Specifications (May be subject to change.)

SynthesizerParts2 (Upper, Lower)Key ModeSingle, Dual, SplitMax.
Polyphony10 (Voice Modulator OFF) , 8 (Voice Modulator ON)WaveformsOSC
1:SUPER SAW, TRIANGLE MOD, NOISE, FEEDBACK OSC, SQUARE (PWM), SAW,
TRIANGLE OSC 2:SQUARE (PWM), SAW, TRIANGLE, NOISEEffectsTone Control
Multi-Effects (13 types) : SUPER CHORUS SLOW, SUPER CHORUS MID, SUPER
CHORUS FAST, SUPER CHORUS LEAR, FLANGER SLOW, FLANGER DEEP, FLANGER
FAST, DEEP PHASING SLOW, JET PHASING, TWISTING, FREEZE PHASE 1, FREEZE
PHASE 2, DISTORTION Delay (5 types): PANNING L->R, PANNING R->L, PANNING
SHORT, MONO SHORT, MONO LONGInternal MemoryPreset memory- Performances:
192, Patches: 384 User memory- Performances: 64, Patches: 128Voice
ModulatorFormant Filter/Filter Bank/Vocal Morph Control, Noise
Oscillator, Robot Oscillator, Ensemble, Delay

ArpeggiatorArpeggiator modeUP, DOWN, UP&DOWN, RANDOMArpeggio Beat
Pattern90 types 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/32, PORTA A1-11, PORTA
B1-15, SEQUENCE A1-7, SEQUENCE B1-5, SEQUENCE C1-2, SEQUENCE D1-8, ECHO
1-3, MUTE 1-16, STRUMMING 1-8, REFRAIN 1-2, PERCUSSION 1-4, WALKING
BASS, HARP, RANDOMArpeggio Range1 to 4 octavesArpeggio HoldOn, Off

Realtime Phrase SequencePattern Numbers48Recording methodRealtime (Loop
Recording)Max. Loop Length4 measuresResolution24 TPQN Gate Time Ratio
REAL, STACCATO, 33%, 50%, 66%, 100%Input QuantizeOFF, TRIPLET 1/16,
1/16, TRIPLET 1/8, 1/8, TRIPLET 1/4, 1/4Tempo20 to 250

Motion ControlMotion Numbers2 by 2 sets (Set A, B)Recording method
Realtime (Loop Recording, One Shot Recording)Max. Loop Length8 measures
Max. Recording Length99 measures (One Shot Recording mode)Tempo20 to 250


Realtime Phrase SequenceExternal storage capacity (SmartMedia)S2M-5
(2MB) Performance: 64 x32, Patch: 128 x 32, RPS pattern: 48, Motion
Control: 2 x 4, System setup: 1 S4M-5 (4MB) Performance: 64 x 64, Patch:
128 x 64, RPS pattern: 48, Motion Conrtrol: 2 x 4, System setup: 1
Display16-character 2-line backlit LCDConnectorsMIDI (Remote KBD In, In,
Out), Output (L/Mono, R), External Input (Inst/Lower/Mono, Vocal/Upper,
MIC In) Headphones (Stereo)Power ConsumptionAC 17W (AC 117V/230V/240V)
Dimensions482 (W) x 88 (D) x 264 (H) mm / 19 x 3-7/16 x 10-3/8 in.Weight
4.5 kg / 9 lbs. 15 oz.

For more information, contact

Roland Corporation U.S.
7200 Dominion Circle
Los Angeles, CA 90040
213.685.5141
www.rolandus.com.

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