MV-8000

While there are other hardware studios on the market, none can compete with the MV-8000's ability to quickly turn raw samples into songs. With up to 100 minutes of sampling (when in mono) and compatibility with a wide range of audio formats, the MV-8000 offers unlimited possibilities. And sequencing is easy, thanks to 16 velocity/aftertouch-sensitive pads and a graphic LCD interface. Users can record both audio and MIDI tracks, apply effects and burn a CD-making the MV-8000 the first Roland product capable of handling every part of production.

The MV-8000 offers compatibility with some of the biggest formats around including the ability to import Akai MPC disks via the built-in floppy drive. Users can load Roland S-700 and Akai MPC2000, S1000/3000 libraries and.WAV/AIFF files from CD-ROM or via USB transfer (excluding S1000/3000), and "rip" audio directly from CD. The MV-8000 also loads ACID files and can automatically calculate the bars and BPM, making it easier to work with loops. Of course, user sampling is also provided—complete with Phono inputs for sampling records.

Thanks to the onboard CD-RW drive, producers can create entire songs armed with only an MV-8000 and their favorite CDs. The sampler can load sample libraries ranging from Roland and Akai to .WAV and ACID formats—all with just a few simple commands. Then it's just a matter of tapping in some beats, arranging the song and adding effects before burning it all to an audio CD.

The MV-8000's sequencer section boasts total integration of audio and MIDI and up to 136 tracks of recording. These include 128 MIDI tracks (with 32-channel operation using external MIDI gear) and eight stereo audio tracks (16 mono) that can be used as a linear recorder. Program beats on the MIDI tracks and combine them with freestyle vocals or acoustic instruments on the audio tracks, including the ability to "punch in" at any time. The innovative MV-8000 can even sync audio to the sequencer's BPM.

Users of other sampling studios can now upgrade to the MV-8000 without sacrificing the distinctive feel they're used to, thanks to 16 large, velocity pads for programming beats and triggering audio phrases. The pads are both velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive for maximum expression, and, when combined with the MV-8000's stunning graphic LCD and realtime control knobs, make sequencing more natural and spontaneous.

The dream of a complete studio in a box becomes a reality with four dedicated effects processors and an onboard CD-RW drive. The MV-8000 delivers 24-bit Reverb, separate Chorus/Delay and a versatile MFX (multi effects) processor with COSM effects made famous in Roland's V-Studios. These include algorithms like Isolator, Filter, Delay, RSS, Guitar Multi, Vocoder and Microphone Modeling-plus vintage effects like Roland's RE-201 Tape Echo, SDD-320 Dimension D Chorus and the SBF-325 Stereo Flanger. A Mastering Tool Kit offers everything needed to sweeten up mixes prior to burning a CD or exporting the stereo .WAV file to a computer.

While audio and samples are played back using the onboard RAM, the MV-8000 can store its sounds and projects to an internal 40GB hard disk. This makes it easy to manage large sound libraries once they've been converted to MV-8000 format; it's also a great way to load sequences quickly before a performance. When connected via USB, the hard drive can be accessed directly from a computer's desktop.

By purchasing the optional MV8-OP1 expansion board, users gain six additional analog outputs, a digital input, plus an R-BUS port that can be used to transfer up to eight channels of digital audio to R-BUS equipped V Studios. And with Roland's V-LINK technology inside, the MV-8000 can trigger and manipulate video clips when used with optional Edirol video equipment. MV8-VGA will add VGA monitor support and mouse-based operation. When it comes to sampling studios, don't settle for second best. Get the Roland MV-8000.