![]() The ability to merge analogue warmth with detailed sample libraries will definitely get the creative juices rolling. Something that I’m definitely looking forward to is the true analog filter, something practically unheard of in workstation keyboards. I find myself preferring smooth, usable experiences over compromising power, and that’s why I tend to prefer the Korg Krome over the Kronos, the MODX over the Montage, and so on.Įxpandability also seems to be a focus, as Roland promises expandable sound palettes via downloadable content, and you can even utilize your own sound library with the sample pad matrix. We haven’t had a chance to test it out yet, but it seems to be focused on delivering a streamlined yet in-depth experience, with an emphasis on workflow. It was quite surprising that Roland announced 3 new models in the range, and they’re clearly aimed at dethroning the current kings. The same field has been dominated by Korg’s Kronos and Yamaha’s Montage (previously Motif) series for the longest time, and Roland has seemingly diverted their resources towards more performance focused keyboards (to great effect!). The Fantom series has been dormant for the past decade, but it used to be a solid contender with the other flagship, no-compromise workstations. If you really want to make full-fledged arrangements, a workstation can help (though computer-based digital audio workstations are now the norm). While workstations were designed specifically for studio use, having huge bulky bodies that aren’t easy to transport, their power and sonic capabilities meant stage performers could do just about everything from a single board. Workstations have slowly become the weapon of choice for stage performers in recent years. Like the JD-series, the Juno-DS keyboards include an onboard vocoder as well and come with a lot more sounds and instruments, giving them a ton of sonic variety. The synthesizer features here are entirely digital (as this was released before the synth rebirth around 2015), but the modulation features are reminiscent of the way classic synthesizers work. The Juno-DS works great as a performance keyboard though and is a popular stage keyboard among gigging musicians due to its flexibility. The modern-day Juno-DS series takes a more hybridized approach to synthesis, having more in common with the Fantom FA-series workstations (discussed later) than the analog synthesizer of days past. The Juno synthesizers were some of Roland’s best work back in the day, with the classic Juno-60 being coveted to this day for its rich saw wave and dual-mode chorus. While portable digital pianos focus on delivering a compact yet complete experience, console digital pianos feature large furniture-style cabinets that look similar to real acoustic uprights and grands. The same design was recreated with the FP-60X, with slight differences to achieve a lower price point. This beat out 5,500 entries in its category, which was no small feat. It is important to note that you’re getting a no-frills experience here, as well as a limited selection of sounds, though they are of a significantly higher quality than those on the GO:series above.įun fact! The FP-90 (predecessor of the FP-90X) received the 2017 Red Dot Design award for an excellent control scheme, which is futuristic and intuitive. The FP-series is one of Roland’s best-selling product lines, and it’s not hard to see why.Īll FP-series digital pianos (except the flagship FP-90X) feature the PHA-4 Standard key action and the SuperNATURAL sound engine, essentially making them the complete package when it comes to piano playing. These are sometimes referred to as slab digital pianos due to the way they look. If you’re budget-conscious, this means you’ll be looking into portable digital pianos. This means you’re looking for good keys and sound quality. ![]() ![]() If you’re serious about learning to play the piano, you NEED to have some semblance of realism. Standard arranger features aside, the deal maker here is the piano sounds, which sound quite realistic considering the price point. While we’ve yet to get our hands on the newcomer, many publications are giving it glowing reviews, citing an improved sound engine as a massive plus over the competition. ![]() However, the recent release of the E-X30 might just be the break-out hit Roland was looking for. Roland’s E-X20 didn’t exactly turn heads when it was released, doing little to separate itself from the pack. ![]() The E-X Series keyboards are arranger models, but this market has always been dominated by Yamaha (with their affordable PSR range) and Casio (with their CTK-series).
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