V-Synth XT: Synthesizer
V-Synth XT: Synthesizer
Elastic Audio Synthesis To Go
Features
Named the “Synthesizer of the Year” at the 2004 MIPA Awards, Roland’s groundbreaking V-Synth now has a travel-friendly offspring. The XT is a portable new V-Synth with some spectacular tricks up its sleeves — and with enough synthesis and audio-processing power to make heads spin. It’s fully stocked with a potent array of synthesis types, including the V-Synth’s famous Elastic Audio Synthesis engine, plus analog-synth modeling, vocal modeling, and classic D-50 emulation. Add to that a rich lineup of COSM® effects, external audio processing, a touch-sensitive color display, eight universal edit knobs, and you have an instrument that redefines rack/tabletop technology.- Next-generation V-Synth in rack/tabletop form
- V-Rhythm Mode
- Multi-Step Modulator
- USB streaming audio & MIDI
- VC-1 D-50 card & VC-2 Vocal Modeler card pre-installed
Elastic Audio Synthesis To Go
More Info
Standard or SurrealThe original V-Synth’s factory soundset was a showcase of twisting, bending, otherworldly sounds. But the V-Synth is no one-trick pony, as evidenced by the new batch of unique “playable” patches created by an A-list group of star artists and producers. The patches might sound classic at first touch, but they explode to animated life when modulated. Start on familiar terrain, then hit the launchpad V-Synth style!
Sound Shaper
Experts onboard! The XT’s innovative Sound Shaper function allows you create new sounds with the virtual “know-how” of professional sound designers. By selecting your destination sound type — whether a pad, bass, lead sound, etc. — this macro function guides you quickly through relevant parameters while editing. Complex editing is made easy.
Audio Inputs
The XT provides a variety of input paths for sampling and external-audio processing. You can sample directly into the synth via its audio inputs (XLR and 1/4-inch), you can import samples through USB (WAV and AIF format), or you can feed live audio to the XT for processing in real time. The front-panel Hi-Z input allows the XT to function as a unique and powerful effects rack for guitar or other instruments, the XLR input (with phantom power) allows the XT to be utilized as a full-blown vocoder. USB audio streaming enables computer-aided sound design and additional audio-processing possibilities.
Flexible Hardware Design
Physically speaking, the XT is the most flexible rack unit Roland has ever manufactured. It can be mounted in a rack, where it can be positioned flush or tilted and locked at an angle that best suits your working environment. Or, if you prefer, you can take the XT out of the rack, and place it on a flat surface. Its angled profile is designed to make the XT work perfectly as a standalone tabletop unit. Whether used in a rack or on a tabletap, the XT’s large, color touch-screen display provides luxurious navigation, and its row of eight universal edit knobs makes using the synth fast, friendly, and expressive.
VC-1 & VC-2 Built-in
In addition to its user sampling, elastic-audio manipulation, and analog-synth modeling, the XT comes pre-installed with Roland’s VC-1 (D-50 emulator) and VC-2 (Vocal Designer). It’s like getting two additional instruments for free!
VC-1
The VC-1 transforms the XT into Roland’s legendary D-50 synthesizer. Relive the D-50 in all its glory. Every circuit and precise detail of this legendary synthesizer has been faithfully modeled. It doesn’t just sound like a D-50, it is a D-50.
VC-2
The VC-2 brings advanced vocal modeling to the V-Synth XT platform — from legacy vocoders to massive choir models with a level of expression never before achieved from conventional voice-processing algorithms.
Elastic Audio Synthesis To Go
Specs
- Sound Generator
- Configuration
- Oscillator (envelope x 4 + LFO x 1) x 2
Modulator x 1
COSM (envelope x 2 + LFO x 1) x 2
TVA (envelope x 1 + LFO x 1) x 1 - Methods by which Oscillators produce sound
- PCM / VariPhrase (Preset waveforms + Sampling waveforms)
Analog Modeling (14 OSC types: SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SINE, RAMP, JUNO, HQ-SAW, HQ-SQUARE, NOISE, LA-SAW, LA-SQUARE, SUPER-SAW, FEEDBACK-OSC, X-MOD-OSC)
External Input - Modulator
- 4 types (RING, FM, ENV-RING, OSC-SYNC) + MIX
- COSM
- 16 types (OD/DS, W-SHAPE, AMP, SPEAKER, RESONATOR, SBF1, SBF2, COMB, DUAL, TVF, DYN-TVF, COMP, LIMITER, F-SHIFT, LO-FI, TB-FILTER)
- Zones (Splits)
- 16
- Parts
- 16 (normally)
12 (when using a rhythm kit) - Maximum Polyphony
- 24 voices
(Varies depending on the load placed on the sound generator.) - Internal Memory
- Project
- 1
- Patches
- 512
- waves
- 999
- Wave memory (RAM)
- 50 M bytes
(When the unit ships from the factory, 32 M bytes of this is taken up by the preset waves.) - Sample storage memory (FLASH)
- 10 M bytes
- External Storage Device
- PC CARD slot
(Microdrive, SmartMedia or CompactFlash can be used with PC card adapter.) - Effects
- MFX (Multi-effects)
- 41 sets
- Chorus
- 8 sets
- Reverb
- 10 sets
- System EQ
- 4 bands
- Internal V-Card applications (system expansion)
- VC-1 D-50 LA Synthesizer, VC-2 Vocal Designer
(Switchable from the standard system while the power remains on.) - Sampling Frequency
- Internal
- 44.1kHz
- Digital Audio IN/OUT
- 96, 48, 44.1 kHz
- Internal Signal Processing
- Sound generating section
- 32 bits (floating point)
- Effects section
- 24 bits (fixed point)
- DA Conversion
- 24 bits
- AD Conversion
- 24 bits
- Nominal Output Level
- MAIN OUT
- +4 dBu
- DIRECT OUT
- +4 dBu
- Nominal Input Level
- Input (Rear Panel)
- -10 / -20 dBu
- Mic (Front Panel, XLR type)
- -50 -- -10dBu
- Mic (Front Panel, 1/4 inch TRS phone type)
- -36 -- +4dBu
- Arpeggiator
- Patterns
- User programmable, (support use of control change messages)
- Motifs
- 8 types
- Tempo
- 20 to 250 BPM
- Multi Step Modulator
- Tracks
- 4
- Maximum Steps
- 16
- Tempo
- 20 to 250 BPM
- Display
- Graphic 320 x 240 dot backlit Color LCD with touch screen
- Controllers
- Assignable MIDI Control Knobs (E1--E8)
- Connectors
- Headphones Jack
Main Output Jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4 inch TRS phone type)
Direct Output Jacks (L, R) (1/4 inch phone type)
Input Jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4 inch phone type)
Mic Jack (1/4 inch phone type / XLR type, Hi-Z, phantom power)
MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT, THRU)
USB Connector (supports USB MIDI, file transfer, and USB Audio)
Digital Audio Interface (24-bit, IEC60958)
COAXIAL (IN, OUT)
OPTICAL (IN, OUT)
AC Inlet - Power Supply
- AC 115 V, AC 117 V, AC 220 V, AC 230 V, AC 240 V (50/60 Hz)
- Power Consumption
- 16 W
- Accessories
- V-Synth XT Owner's Manual
V-Card Owner's Manual
Sound List
CD-ROM (USB Driver, Librarian)
Rotation Lock Hardware
PC CARD Protector
Power Cord - Options
- DR-Series Microphones
- Size and Weight ( When placed on top of a table )
- Width
- 482 mm
- 19 inches
- Depth
- 179 mm
- 7-1/16 inches
- Height
- 165 mm
- 6-1/2 inches
- Weight
- 4.4 kg
- 9 lbs. 12 oz.
- Size and Weight ( When mounted in a rack )
- Width
- 482 mm
- 19 inches
- Depth
- 172 mm
- 6-13/16 inches
- Height
- 177 mm
- 7 inches
- Weight
- 4.4 kg
- 9 lbs. 12 oz.
- *EIA-4U size: A vacant rack space immediately above is required in order to utilize the V-Synth XT's rotation feature.
- (0 dBu = 0.775 V rms)
- *The specifications are subject to change without notice.
Insider
AsiaThe original lineup of iconic ’80s band Asia is back — in top form — and rocking as hard as ever. |
BTThe V-Synth takes flight with BT, the pioneering electronic-music producer, film composer, and solo recording artist. |
Eric Daniels & Monte NuebleRead what Mariah Careys talented keyboard team had to say about getting the gig, sharing the keyboard parts onstage, and building their new Roland rigs for the Adventures tour. |
Eugene RobertsOn tour with Kanye West, keyboardist and programmer Eugene Roberts relies on Roland and BOSS to create a larger-than-life sound and stage show. |
Jamie MuhoberacYou may not know his name, but you’ve probably heard his keyboards. From Bob Dylan to the Goo Goo Dolls, Jamie Muhoberac has been behind the scenes, helping artists fulfill their vision. |
Josh HarrisRemixing the Backstreet Boys with a V-Synth XT. Here's how Josh Harris remade their track into a club anthem. |
Keith HillebrandtMeet the master programmer/remixer who helped sharpen the edge of Nine Inch Nails, U2, David Bowie, P. Diddy, and more. |
Kumbia KingsFamous for their blend of cumbia, reggae, R&B, pop, & hip-hop, the Kumbia Kings are attracting audiences young and old. |
LadytronFind out how this UK foursome has won over scores of fans and made their mark as pioneers in today’s ever-expanding electronic music scene. |
Lanar “Kern” BrantleyKern Brantley has been laying down deep-pocketed bass and serving as MD for a cavalcade of top stars, most recently for Destiny’s Child. |
MadonnaMadonna has returned to the road for her 2006 Confessions tour. Wait 'til you see keyboardist Marcus Brown's new all-white Roland rig! |
MatmosFor every talented musician who’s dreamed of being discovered, we present Matmos. Their encounter with Björk is a story for the ages. |
Mercy MeIt was the song heard ’round the world, the "Song of the Year" with massive crossover radio play. “I Can Only Imagine” put MercyMe on the global map. |
Monte NeubleWith Mariah Carey at Live 8, Monte Neuble and his Fantom-X were seen by billions of viewers. He's also toured with Jessica Simpson, Snoop Dogg, and more. |
OrbitalThe beloved brothers of synth music have thrown in the towel. Paul and Phil Hartnoll, collectively Orbital, have signed off with The Blue Album. |
Paul MirkovichAs musical director and keyboardist for the RockStar INXS house band, Paul Mirkovich and his all-Roland synth rig made it look like cake. |
Roger Manning, Jr.He’s a man of many hats, many talents, and many synths. Roger Manning, Jr. is a top-call keyboardist, songwriter, and a long-time user of Roland gear. |
Shiny Toy GunsAfter building a grassroots following on the internet, avid Roland users Shiny Toy Guns are embarking on a tour that includes some of the biggest music festivals in the world. |
Accessories
|
DR-30
Microphone Roland deepens its audio product line with the introduction of three new microphones — two for the stage, one for the studio. |
DR-50
Microphone Roland deepens its audio product line with the introduction of three new microphones — two for the stage, one for the studio. |
DR-80C
Microphone Roland deepens its audio product line with the introduction of three new microphones — two for the stage, one for the studio. |
Downloads & Updates
Downloads & Updates
- V-SYNTH XT Driver Version 1.0.0 for Windows Vista 32-bit Edition
- This is the Roland V-SYNTH XT driver for Microsoft(R) Windows Vista(TM).
This driver also supports ASIO(Steinberg Audio Stream I/O Interface). - V-Synth XT USB Mac OS X Version 1.20
- Use this driver for all Macintosh computer running OS X.
This drive adds support for Intel based Macs. - V-Synth USB Drivers Macintosh OS 9
- V-Synth XT USB Drivers (PC)
- This download contains the USB drivers for Windows ME, 2000 and XP.
- V-Synth Librarian (Mac)
- V-Synth Librarian (PC)
- V-Synth XT System Update Version 2.02 (PC)
- This is the latest operating system for the V-Synth XT. Please refer to the readme.pdf for the update procedure.
This update resolves a rare issue where patches would not save correctly.
Note: This download is compressed into a .zip file. Please be sure to unzip the downloaded file by either double-clicking the file or right-clicking the file and choosing extract. If you do not have a program to unzip this download, you can download WinZip here. - V-Synth XT System Update Version 2.02 (MAC)
- This is the latest operating system for the V-Synth XT. Please refer to the readme.pdf for the update procedure.
This update resolves a rare issue where patches would not save correctly. - Clean-All USB Driver Utility
- This utility clears out all Roland USB Windows drivers and should be used if you are having difficulty installing your USB driver.
Note: You will have to reinstall the drivers for any other Roland device that is using a USB connection for Audio or MIDI.
Support
If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Edirol product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.
In addition, we have a library of Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.
Support Documents
- The V-Synth Book (PDF)
- Beyond Reality
- The V-Synth Book II (PDF)
- Welcome to Elastic Audio Synthesis
- Sampler Compatibility Guide (PDF)
- Check this PDF document for compatible drives and RAM.
- V-Synth XT Brochure (PDF)

















