KVR Audio

jsp1979 · Post by **jsp1979** » Wed May 22, 2013 2:33 pm

Hi all,

After *not* playing live with other musicians for a while, I'm looking to get back into it, and I'm in need of some good portable sounds.

In years past, I used the Roland JV-1010 module. I do like the sounds of that module, but it's such a terrible pain to edit the sounds. Many times I'd get together for practice or for a performance, discover that the sounds didn't quite sound like I wanted them to, and I really had no way to edit them on the device itself.

So...I'm looking to get something new.

Here's what I'm looking for:
--Lots of usable sounds including bread and butter sounds like keys, ep's, strings, etc. I'd like some tweakable synth sounds on board as well, but I have no particular need for a true synthesizer.

--Possible to edit the sounds from the front panel. I don't mind menu diving, but I've got to have some way to tweak effect levels, filters, tones, etc. while actually on location.

--A module OR an actual keyboard is fine with me--I have a MIDI controller already, but I could sell it. I'd be fine with a 61-key keyboard.

--Ideally $600 or less, but there is some wiggle room there.

I tend to favor new over used gear primarily due to the warranty that comes with it, but I'm open to suggestions of all types.

What are some suggestions of what might fit my needs? Thanks for any help!

Gamma-UT · Post by **Gamma-UT** » Wed May 22, 2013 2:49 pm

A secondhand JV-1080 would probably do the job just fine and they seem to go for a lot less than your budget. A certain amount of clicky-clicky with buttons but at least it's got some front panel controls.

Ingonator · Post by **Ingonator** » Wed May 22, 2013 2:53 pm

a second-hand Roland XV-3080 maybe:

http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/xv3080.php

I had one back in 2005 and it was very nice.

I also had a JV-90 which was nice:
http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/jv90.php

Ingo

Xenobt · Post by **Xenobt** » Wed May 22, 2013 2:56 pm

Hey jsp, Have you looked at the Roland XP series? They're not made any longer, but they're 61 keys with aftertouch, light, and tough as nails. My XP-30 has all the sounds from the JV-2080, two JV expansion card slots, plus built-in Orch, Techno and Session expansions.

While the menu editing system is lots of drill-downs, there's a set of sliders on the front panel that give you adsr and filter control for making quick tweaks, and works pretty well for meat and potatoes editing.

They've held their value pretty well however, and $600 is right about what they're going for used in the states. On the upside, all the work you've done on your 1010 patches should port right over!

KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt

jsp1979 · Post by **jsp1979** » Wed May 22, 2013 3:47 pm

All have given some very interesting suggestions. I'll be doing some research on all of these.

Other suggestions (from Roland or other companies) are welcome!

kevvvvv · Post by **kevvvvv** » Wed May 22, 2013 4:20 pm

I've got a Roland JV-1080, and although it's got some really nice sounds, it's a pain to edit, even with a front panel.

The more complex, interesting parameters mean lots of scrolling all the time, and god help you if you make a mistake and forget where you might have made it.

iPlogger · Post by **iPlogger** » Wed May 22, 2013 4:49 pm

I also have a JV-1080 and JV-880. Not very easy to program. But you can get these for great prices. I find the Yamaha Motif series both a great replacement and complement to the Roland JV series. You can find older Motif keys/racks in the $500-$600 range. The Racks are not ideal for programming directly (get the Yamaha library/sound editor as it is the only way to get access to the full editing capabilities, but you will need your computer with you).

If you have a keyboard controller, you can program knobs/faders to MIDI CC and do some minor editing via your keyboard. That's what I do (ADSR, Filter, volume) while practicing and then save the patch for later. I can always go back and fine tune things when I get home.

JavaJ · Post by **JavaJ** » Wed May 22, 2013 5:07 pm

Yamaha's MX line. 49 key- $599 US, 61 key- $799 US.
Korg Kross 61 looks good at $699 US.
Roland Juno-Di comes in at $699 US.

I didn't like the key action on the MX line but never got to play it powered up so don't know how the sounds are- from demo's it sounded decent.
Kross is also unknown as it isn't out yet.
Juno-Di- well, I got bored of Roland sounds after my foray with the Sonic Cell (fully loaded with 2 SRX boards).

Kross may be worth the wait though. (these are all new boards- you got enough recomendations for old gear). I am assuming you want to stay hardware only and not go the softsynth route?

jsp1979 · Post by **jsp1979** » Wed May 22, 2013 7:56 pm

@JavaJ: I'm primarily looking to go the hardware route as I really don't want to lug around a computer (and interface) all the time. Maybe someone else here has a more elegant software solution than that.

I'm appreciative of all of the suggestions and am investigating all of them.

At Guitar center today, I actually found myself liking the Yamaha MX keyboards and I was pleasantly surprised by the sounds from the Korg Microstation. Lots of menu diving for that one, but it had better features than I'd expected. I've seen the specs on the Korg Kross. When will they be out?

All of that may be overkill for what I need anyway. Still thinking and investigating...

Replacement for Roland JV-1010?