For Immediate Release

Rebecca Eaddy
Marketing Communications Manager
Roland Corporation U.S.
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Eaddy@RolandUS.com

ROLAND V-SYNTH GAINS EVEN MORE SYNTHESIS OPTIONS WITH NEW V-CARDS

PC Card Turns V-Synth Into a Full-Blown D-50 L/A Synthesizer

Anaheim, January 15, 2004—Roland announces the re-issue of the legendary D-50 L/A Synthesizer in the form of a PC Card for the groundbreaking V-Synth™. The new VC-1 D-50 Card for V-Synth is the first in a new series of “V-Cards,” which are PC Card updates capable of transforming the V-Synth into completely new types of modeling synthesizers—retro or future. By booting up the V-Synth with the new VC-1 D-50 Card, the V-Synth is magically transformed into Roland’s popular D-50 L/A synthesizer—including full programmability and all the original presets.

Roland’s V-Synth is already regarded as one of the most innovative synthesizers on the market today, thanks to its unique combination of analog modeling, PCM synthesis with VariPhrase® control, and COSM® processing. Now with the V-Card Series, Roland gives V-Synth owners even more synthesis options. These optional PC Cards are capable of turning the V-Synth into an entirely different instrument—simply by booting the keyboard with the card inserted. Roland plans to introduce several V-Cards covering both vintage instruments and future-oriented synthesizers.

The first V-Card is the VC-1 D-50 Card. By popping it in, V-Synth owners will be taken back to the year 1987, when Roland’s D-50 L/A Synthesizer ruled supreme. Musicians can relive the D-50 in all its glory, with all the original Patches—including “Fantasia”, “Digital Native Dance”, “Living Calliope”, “Intruder FX” and more. All of the original D-50 parameters are included, allowing musicians to program true D-50 Patches using the V-Synth’s touchscreen, knobs and sliders. The TimeTrip Pad can even function as the D-50’s Partial Balance joystick.

Best of all, users can load original D-50 Patch data via MIDI bulk dump, opening up a world of vintage sounds with even greater sound quality and modern MIDI timing. With the D-50 Card, Roland takes the cutting-edge V-Synth into the past and future—forever. *Note that when a V-Card is inserted, normal V-Synth functions cannot be used unless the V-Synth is rebooted without the card.

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 for media use only), www.RolandUS.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.