September 2013 - Roland U.S. Blog

Monthly Archives: September 2013

Recording Tips Part 3 – Mic Placement

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How to Find the Magical Sweet Spot

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Mic placement can make or break a great take

Author: Paul White, Editor-In-Chief for Sound on Sound and Roland UK Features Team

After vocals, the acoustic guitar is the next most commonly recorded instrument in the home studio, and I have to say that recording using a microphone almost always gives sweeter sounding results than using an under-saddle pickup system. Acoustic guitars sound good recorded over a hard floor, so if yours is carpeted, put down some hardboard, MDF or even a few trays on the surface between the guitar and the mic stand. A reflective wall can help, but you don’t want to let in the room boxiness, so redeploy your duvet so that you have wall, guitar, microphone and then the duvet. More

The Evolution of Piano Foot Pedals

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Foot Pedals for Modern Keyboards & Synths

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Image: V-Piano Grand Foot Pedals

Have you ever wondered what some of the jacks on the back of your synthesizer or stage piano are for? On some Roland synthesizers, you’ll see inputs for “HOLD” and “CTRL1 and CTRL2,″ and on other instruments, you might see inputs for “SOSTENUTO” or “DAMPER.” These inputs are actually for foot pedals that enable the player to change the timbre or the expressiveness of the piano. The modern piano foot pedal configuration has been in its current form since the late nineteenth century, with three foot pedals: sustain (damper pedal), sostenuto, and una corda or soft pedal (sometimes referred to as the shift pedal). More

King of Clean: The JC-120 Guitar Amp

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The Go-To Clean-Amp Sound for Over 30 Years

Originally introduced in 1975, the JC-120 and its famous clean-amp sound have been heard on countless records over the past three decades. The fact that the JC-120 continues to inspire musical legends like The Police’s Andy Summers and The Cult’s Billy Duffy while being dubbed responsible for “that unmistakable Metallica clean tone” and embraced by up-and-coming acts like Diiv is no small feat, either. With shimmering chorus effects, dual-amp design, and high-quality reverb, the JC-120 “sound” has become a legend in its own right. More

Recording Tips Part 2 – Recording Vocals

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Practical Advice to Make Your Tracks Sing

Author: Paul White, Editor-In-Chief for Sound on Sound and Roland UK Features Team

The main problems associated with making a great recording can be broken down into two areas — the sounds you record and the way you mix them. Paul White of Sound on Sound explains how this applies to recording vocals. More

The New HandSonic HPD-20 has Arrived!

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Dynamic Instrument and Pad Controller for Stage and Studio

HPD-20 HandSonic Hand Percussion Unit

Roland’s acclaimed HandSonic series invented the category of digital hand percussion over a decade ago, and the latest generation is now here! The all-new HandSonic HPD-20 seriously heats things up with its SuperNATURAL sound engine, user sound import and computer connectivity via USB, and many other enhancements. More versatile than ever before, the latest HandSonic is not just for percussionists and drummers—it’s also ideal for EDM performers, DJs, studio producers, and other modern music makers. More

F-20 Digital Piano: Top Quality – Great Price

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Your Best Choice for an Entry-Level Piano

F-20 Digital Piano

Are you looking for top quality in an affordable first piano for you or your family? Then look no further than the new F-20 Digital Piano! Outfitted with Roland’s highly respected piano technologies at a landmark low price, the F-20 delivers the best performance you’ll find in an entry-level instrument, period. With sound and playability typically found in pianos costing much more, this compact and stylish instrument provides a solid foundation for many years of musical development and enjoyment. In addition, the F-20’s great digital features provide many advantages to make playing fun and stimulating for kids and adults alike, including onboard recording, built-in rhythm accompaniments that follow your playing, and compatibility with Roland’s free piano apps for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. More