Vintage Synth Explorer

Roland • XV-5080

The Roland XV-5080 128-Voice Synthesizer Module is the ultimate sound module based on the best-sounding, most expressive and expandable new synthesizer/sample player architecture in Roland history. With a massive 128 voices, the it is capable of extensive layering and multitimbral applications! There are true stereo waveforms per tone, expressive Matrix Control, expandability via 4 expansion slots for 64MB SRX-series waveboards (when converted into 16-bit linear format) and four SR-JV80 expansion slots. The sounds include those from the JV-2080 plus many more new sounds and waveforms from the JD-990 and Super JD.

Packed with the most professional features you can find in a synthesizer, the XV-5080 has plenty of quality built-in digital effects including reverb and effects derived from Roland SRV-3030, V-Studios, and RSS technology. There is an R-Bus port which provides eight-channel 24-bit digital output to other R-Bus devices as well as an S/PDIF digital output! The XV-5080 is compatible with Roland S-700 and Akai S1000 CD-ROMs via its SCSI port. The sample-memory can be expanded up to 128MB, allowing you to load, edit and playback sounds from these libraries!

Programming the XV-5080 is in-depth but intuitive and well documented. There's a Patch Finder for quickly finding sounds sorted by type, as found on the JV-2080. Programming the new Matrix Control gives sounds an unprecedented level of nuance! The XV-3080 is almost identical to the XV-5080. The XV-3080 does not have the ability to read and playback Akai or S-700 sample libraries. The 3080 does not have digital output. It also lacks the COSM effects processor. The XV-3080 only has a 2-line LCD display screen whereas the XV-5080 has a giant JV-2080 style LCD display. Minus these few limitations, the XV-3080 is still an immensely powerful pro-quality sound module. But for the most professional and elegant Roland synthesizer ever, look no further than the XV-5080.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Mic Romoog

Posted 2 days ago

to Joe: there must have been somtheing changed at DA-converteres or achitecture of the synths since the XV-series.
I bought one in addition to my S-7xx Samplers, but the sound lacks.
A S-7xx give you a "PPPLASH", same sample loaded in the XV there is only a little "blash". Sounds like using BPF, no bass and silky treble anymore...
Where is the beef?

JOE

Posted 60 days ago

had this one for many a year. great all rounder.replaced it with a roland d50. the d50 is so much more organic sounding.i dont think any of the xv or jv units will stand the test of time like the d50 has.especially when yo put the voice crystal 3 keith emmerson card into the d50. if roland could make a xv with the same classy d50 sound engine you would have a sure winner.

Christian

Posted 91 days ago

Rush also uses this per the R-30 and Snakes & Arrows tour book equipment list.

Francesco

Posted 201 days ago

I own one since 3 years with the SRX-07 installed, 128 Mb sampling ram, and a couple of Roland strings samplecds, the best synth i have with Kurzweil K2500, flexy synth, acoustic-etheral-, analog feel, basses, leads, pads...all in one.
128 voices allow it to be used also on studio, when i compose i always use it somewhere.... cant be replaced!
Note: In the Roland official sound you can download the free editor (mac and pc), is very usefull for quickly editing.

Soundworld A.D.

Posted 240 days ago

Load this heavy duty machine with 4 SRX and 4 JV-80 expansion boards and you have a box of sounds that will last for years. Couple that with a smart card, upgrade theRAM to 128MB and get sample libraries and you have sounds that will last a lifetime. This 128-voice synth took the legacy of the JV-1080 and JV-2080 to new heights. There are even some waveforms from the venerable old JD-990 in this box! The effects are solid and the sound is crystal clear. Even without all of the expansions, it is still a "mean machine." I was stunned to see the price listed as $2,400 (I don't think it cost that new!), but, considering the sonic potential of this thing...well worth it!

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