Roland has launched two significant new keyboards, the SE-02 Analog Synthesizer and the FA-07 Music Workstation.
The SE-02 Analog Synthesizer is a collaborative effort from Roland and Studio Electronics, and is the debut product of the new Roland Boutique Designer Series. Featuring authentic discrete analog circuitry and hands-on controls for nearly every function, the compact SE-02 allows users to produce classic and modern sounds with vast programmability, Roland says.
The SE-02’s analog synth engine features three voltage-controlled oscillators, a 24 dB low-pass filter, and a dual gain-stage amplifier. The oscillators have six different waveforms ‘…with the warmth and complex character associated with true analog VCOs’. In addition, the oscillators are temperature stabilised with automatic tuning to provide solid operation while performing.
Other features include three types of cross modulation (XMOD), a filter feedback loop, a tempo-syncing LFO with nine waveforms, envelope sweeping and inverting, oscillator sync, a noise generator, and a tempo-syncing delay. The SE-02 comes equipped with 384 preset sounds that cover a wide range of classic and modern tones. With the large selection of panel controls, users can modify presets or create all-new sounds and store them in 128 available user locations.
The SE-02 also includes a 16-step sequencer that can sync to external tempo via MIDI, USB, or trigger input. Per-step gate time, adjustable glide, tempo, and patch number are stored with each sequence, and it’s possible to adjust shuffle, scale, direction, and first/last steps on the fly. Parameters can be automated by pressing a step and moving a control. Users can store 128 sequence patterns and construct 16 songs, each with up to 16 parts.
The FA-07 Music Workstation, meanwhile, is an expansion of Roland’s workstation series – a 76-note model and version 2.0 update. It features a 76-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with semi-weighted action, providing customers with a mid-level option to the 88-note FA-08 and 61-note FA-06. Available as a free download, the Version 2.0 update includes new functionality requested by FA users, Roland says. In addition, all new FA purchases now include a bundled license for Live 9 Lite, a special version of Ableton Live music production software.
Info: www.roland.com.