Full-Featured Headphone Mixer for Band Rehearsals and Recording Sessions

For Immediate Release

Rebecca Genel
Global PR/Media Relations Manager
Roland Corporation
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Genel@roland.com

Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2014 — Roland is pleased to debut the HS-5 Session Mixer, a digital mixer and recording interface designed for rehearsing bands, vocal groups, and other ensembles. Portable and simple to operate, the HS-5 allows up to five musicians to play together and monitor the sound with headphones, with each player having hands-on control of their own mix. The HS-5 also includes built-in amp modeling and effects, and gives groups the ability to easily capture their performances to a USB flash drive or DAW software on a computer.

Featuring studio-quality sound and intuitive controls, the HS-5 offers a convenient rehearsal solution for all types of musicians, from professional bands to casual hobbyists to students in the music classroom. Each musician’s settings can be saved to USB flash memory for instant recall, providing quick setup for future rehearsals and recording sessions.

The HS-5 can be used on any flat surface, or mounted on an optional PDS-10 stand for central access by the entire group. Controls are organized in a circular, performer-friendly panel layout, and each channel provides 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch mini headphone jacks for personal monitoring.

The HS-5’s rear panel offers a versatile selection of inputs for every musician. Channels A thru D include inputs for an XLR mic, guitar, or a line-level stereo device, while Channel E’s 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch TRS inputs support an additional musician or a music playback device. Alternately, a second HS-5 can be connected to Channel E to accommodate larger groups and expand the simultaneous channels to eight.

Every player sets up their own personalized monitor mix using the Mix A thru Mix D switches located in the center of the HS-5. Once an overall mix has been decided on, musicians use the My Mix knob to adjust the volume of their own mic or instrument, and they can also add ambience with their channel’s Reverb knob. Current settings are clearly displayed with LEDs encircling the knobs, making it easy to check the status while playing.

With Roland’s famous COSM amp modeling technology on board, players can connect their electric guitar or bass directly into the HS-5 and jam with the same sound and feel as playing through an amp. Multiple COSM amp types are provided to suit different musical styles, from clean jazz to heavy rock. Vocalists can also experience enhanced sound via the built-in compressor, EQ, and delay for each mic input. Simple controls give HS-5 users the ability to quickly adjust EQ and pan settings and dial in just the right amount of guitar distortion or vocal compression.

By connecting a USB flash drive to the HS-5’s Memory jack, it’s easy to capture stereo mixes of group performances. Recordings can be played back immediately through the system, allowing for instant evaluation by all group members. It’s also possible to connect to a computer via USB and record each musician to separate tracks in DAW software, providing the ability to mix and edit individual performances later.

Timing is essential for rehearsal and recording, and the HS-5 includes a built-in metronome to keep everyone playing together. With the dedicated Click/Tap button, it’s simple to control the metronome and adjust the desired tempo for the music.

The HS-5’s snapshot function saves all the unit’s current settings to a USB flash drive. This allows an entire group to start playing right away at their next practice or recording session, even at a completely new location or a much later date.

For more information, visit www.RolandUS.com.

About Roland Corporation
Roland Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, guitar products, electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, amplifiers, audio processors, and multimedia products. With more than 40 years of musical instrument development, Roland sets the standard in music technology for the world to follow. For more information, visit http://www.RolandUS.com.

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