ROLAND MV-8800 PRODUCTION STUDIO
Jul 1, 2007 12:00 PM, BY STONI
PLATINUM STATUS
The MV-8800 comes straight out the box with a generous 128 MB of RAM, for approximately 24 minutes of mono sampling and 12 minutes of stereo sampling. Expanding the memory to the maximum of 512 MB gives you approximately 100 minutes of mono sampling and 50 minutes of stereo sampling.
From the Sequence screen in Song mode, you can record as many as eight stereo or mono audio tracks directly via the Mic/Line input or 128 MIDI tracks. In Song mode, you are allowed one pattern track for pattern-based producing. In Pattern mode, you are allowed one audio track and 64 MIDI tracks. I've used lots of sequence-based drum machines, and having the option to record audio for integrating live instruments with the MIDI-based instruments gives me the flexibility to put all my song ideas down in one machine. Audio phrases can be assigned to a patch for MIDI playback, which gives you the option to use the LFO, envelopes and filters. Audio and MIDI tracks can be edited in the Sequence Edit page.
The Effects button accesses an effects function screen, where there are three built-in effects processors. The MFX multi-effects processor has 44 presets and 100 user memories; the Chorus processor has two presets and 50 user memories; and the Reverb processor has four presets and 50 user memories. There are 25 different effects algorithms in total. You can also change the routing to apply effects to a variety of locations. Three control knobs (C1 to C3) can be assigned to each of the different effects parameters with the Knob Assign function.
Once a sound has been sampled or imported, there are a few ways to use it. I particularly like the drum-pad stacking feature, which stacks four drum sounds on one pad to layer them and create a wide dynamic with drums. While in Song mode, press the Instrument button and then the Quick Edit button, which brings you to a screen with the Partial Edit option. Press F2/SMT, and at the next screen, select the sample box you want to edit to bring up another set of F-key options. Select F1/Sample List, which is a list of all the samples available in the MV-8800 that are loaded up in the machine's current instruments.
Other options include Easy Quick Zoom, Time Stretch and Auto Chop. You can also spread your sample notes across the pads and keys or change the pitch and pan levels.
When it's time for mixing, press the Mixer button to call up four function options in the Mix page using the F1 to F4 keys: the F1 Audio Track screen to adjust levels, pan and output assign; the F2 Mixer screen for each instrument part; the F3 Mixer screen for the aux buses, effects, audio phrase parts and inputs; and the F4 Equalizer screen, where you can adjust the tone for the audio/instrument tracks. You can control the mixing using the sliders, and the slider functions will always change depending on the working screen.
THE HOOKUP
When the optional MV8-OP1 audio I/O expansion card is installed, you can record and sample in digital. This card's options include six ¼-inch analog outputs and coaxial (S/PDIF), optical (Lightpipe) and R-Bus DB-25 digital inputs. The R-Bus can connect to Roland's DIF-AT24 Interface Box to convert the 8-channel R-Bus audio format found in the MV-Series drum machines to the more popular ADAT format. This conversion allows you to use a pipeline cable and record to your ADAT-compatible interface with eight digital tracks at a time.
The rear of the MV-8800 houses all of the connectors for input/output connectivity, as well as a power switch to turn off the machine (but only after you perform Shutdown). Other connections include MIDI In, Out A and Out B; coaxial and optical digital outputs; ¼-inch headphone jack; ¼-inch master outputs; ¼-inch L/R TRS analog Mic/Line inputs; and RCA L/R Phono inputs. The USB port allows you to work with computer-based software and transfer files. If you want to connect a mouse, there is a serial port connection. You can switch the digital outputs to output either the master out audio or the audio from the multi-output bus. There is a VGA video output for an optional monitor, as well as a footswitch connection for use with the Roland DP-2 or Boss FS-5U.
REAL TALK
The new MV-8800 allows the producer an opportunity to do everything in a solid box. Having the freedom to sample, sequence, record vocals, mix, master and burn to CD totally outweighs its bulky size. You can perform these tasks without compromising the quality of your recording project. The freedom to quantize before and after any recording is also a superb feature. Color-coded tracks make it easier to navigate in groups of instruments. And if you are short on classic Roland modules, then you will be happy with the pre-stocked library sounds.
The long learning curve may scare off some of its potential fans, but the MV-8800 has sampling capabilities that go far beyond your basic drum machine, so the extra effort is worth it. All the extra options will definitely build character in your studio. With the MV-8800, your studio life will evolve.
ROLAND USA
MV-8800 > $2,699
Pros: Color LCD. Full-screen display of instrument-assigned pads. External monitor connection available. R-BUS for connecting DIF/AT24 interface box (with additional MIDI I/O and ADAT connection). Preinstalled 400 MB sound library and effects (50 drum kits). Expandable to 512 MB RAM. PC and Mac USB option. Undo/Redo button.
Cons: Much longer learning curve. No DVD drive available. ADAT connection doesn't come standard. Noncustomizable screen.
Contact: www.rolandus.com
SOUND SHUFFLES
Here are the different methods for moving sounds, songs and other data in and out of the MV-8800 and the compatible file formats.
IMPORT
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Import from an audio CD/CD-R/CD-RW/CD-ROM
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Import from a PC or Mac via the USB port
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Import file compatibility: WAV; AIFF; Acidized WAV; S700 sample, partial or patch; MPC2000 program file (.PGM) or sound file (.SND); Akai S1000/3000 program or sample; Standard MIDI File, still image (BMP/JPG); MV-8000 patch or project (backup data)
EXPORT
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Burn audio to a CD-R/CD-RW
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Export as an MV-8800 sample, audio phrase (WAV/AIFF), MV-8800 song or a pattern (as Standard MIDI File)
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