Roland GW-8 Version 2

Information

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For more information about full lineup of Roland Synthesizers, please visit Synthesizer Global Official page.

The Freedom to Create

Roland’s popular GW-8 workstation evolves with Version 2. Building on the foundation of intelligent backing-track functionality, contemporary sounds from around the world, and expressive interactive musical styles, the GW-8 Version 2 adds a new Style Composer that lets you edit the Styles as well as create your own interactive backing tracks. Put your personal stamp of creativity on this amazing instrument.

New on Version 2
- Style Composer to create and customize Styles
- New preset Styles added to Version 2
- The NTA (Note to Arranger) function allows hands-free control of the arranger engine from external MIDI gear such as Roland’s PK-5A MIDI pedal (sold separately) and Roland V-Accordions
- Create multi-track rhythms for a complex drums/percussion ensemble
- Edit SMF files and save them as new songs

- Contemporary music workstation with high-quality 128-voice sound engine derived from Roland's renowned sound-module lineup
- Wide variety of contemporary sounds and intelligent backing styles, plus additional banks of ethnic sounds and styles from around the world
- USB Memory Player feature allows direct playback of MP3, WAV, AIFF, and SMF files from USB key; Center Cancel feature for audio files enables karaoke-style sing-along
- Newly designed graphical display, plus Style Select button, Analog Modify knob, and D BEAM
- Style Converter and Playlist Editor software included
- Onboard 16-track sequencer for saving your interactive performances

New on Version 2

You can easily create a new Style or customize an existing Style by accessing the STYLE MAKEUP screen, then changing the sounds or modifying the way the sounds are produced. Dedicated MFX (Multi Effects) for Styles are now provided, allowing you to apply MFX to the sound of a Style independently from the keyboard performance.

Flagship Sound Engine with Easy User Interface

With Roland's world-leading sound technology at its core, the GW-8 rivals any workstation on the planet with its rich, expressive sound. The GW-8 comes loaded with hundreds of the freshest and most essential sounds culled from Roland's top sound modules. In addition to its authentic sound set, the GW-8 is equipped with many user-friendly control devices, such as the expressive D BEAM and the Analog Modify knob, which instantly adjusts sounds to suit your taste. The GW-8 is perfect for live entertainers who play multiple roles in their performances.

Intelligent Backing Styles

The GW-8 is packed with a huge collection of styles, representing a broad range of music genres, from contemporary rock, pop, dance, jazz and beyond. In addition to the excellent library of contemporary sounds and styles, the GW-8 is equipped with ethnic instrument sounds and authentic regional musical styles.* Each backing style has four intros, four main patterns, and four ending progressions for you to craft your own arrangements live.
*Style selection may vary from country to country. For details, please inquire your local Roland distributor.

USB Memory Player Feature

One of Roland's most popular new features is built into the GW-8: the Multi-format Song Player that allows song data to be played directly from USB Flash memory (accepts MP3, WAV, AIFF, and SMF format). In addition, the GW-8's Center Cancel function can minimize main vocals from pre-recorded songs, great for karaoke-style performances or music practice.

Style Converter & Playlist Editor

Bundled with each GW-8 is Roland's Style Converter software for PC, which lets you convert your own MIDI data into GW-8 backing styles via commercially available USB Flash memory devices.
Also included is the Playlist Editor for customizing the order of songs. Users can easily create a dedicated Playlist for each gig.

Keyboard: 61 keys (with velocity)

Sound Generator

Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices
Parts: 16 parts + Keyboard part
Wave Memory: 256MB (16-bit linear equivalent)
Preset Memory: Performances: 128, Tones: 896 + 256 (GM2) + World, Rhythm Sets: 32 + 9 (GM2) + World
User Memory: Performances: 128, Favorite Performances: 100, Favorite Tones: 100
Effects: MFX: Upper and Lower / 78 types, Chorus: 3 types, Reverb: 5 types

Backing Track

Backing type: Style, Song, USB Memory Player
Tempo (MIDI): 20 to 250
Style Variations: 4 Intro, 4 Main, 4 Ending, 4 Fill In, Sync Start, Stop, One Touch Setting
Song (16-track Recorder): 16-track, Rec mode (Mix, Replace), Count in, Punch In-Out, Input Quantize
USB Memory Player: 999 songs, SMF: format-0/1, Audio File: WAV/AIFF/MP3
Preset Memory: Styles: 130 + World
User Memory: Styles: 100, Songs: 200

Other

Controllers: D BEAM Controller x 1, Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever x 1, Control Knobs x 2
Display: 240 x 64 dots white graphic LCD
Connectors: Output Jacks (L/MONO, R), Ext Input Jack, Headphones Jack, MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT), Hold Pedal Jack, Control Pedal Jack, USB Connectors: COMPUTER (supports USB MIDI) / MEMORY (supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Flash Memory)
Power Supply: DC 9 V (AC Adaptor)
Current Draw: 1,000 mA
Accessories: Owner's Manual, CD-ROM, (Style Converter 3.0, Playlist Editor), AC Adaptor (PSB-1U), Music Player Pad, USB Memory Protector

USB (MIDI)

Operating System: Windows: XP Home SP2 or later/Windows XP Professional SP2 or later/Windows Vista*
This does not work with the 64-bit Edition of Windows Vista.