Sup guys,
Im looking to have my producing equipment by 04, so im trying to do a bit of resarch of the equipment that I will be getting. I will be producing mainly trance... progressive trance and anything else in electronic dance.
Anyhow, I went to my audio store a bit a go and I saw the Roland XV-5050.. the guy tried to pitch the thing to me, but i was just checking it out. I did a search on the forum, but no results.
Does anyone currently use this machine? or perhaps anyone worked with it before?
I wondering how good is it. I know that its supposed to have the sound engine from the XV5080 (rolands flaship synthisizer module), but Im wondering what did they not include with the XV5050, cause there is a big difference in price. THe XV5080 cost about 1200 more, so Im wondering...
Also, Im wondering how a synthesizer like this would compare to lets say the Access Virus C... I know the Access Virus C is very popular amongst trance producers for some reason.
My main concern is not necessarily how many features the thing has, but Im extremely concerned with sound quality (referring with XV5050).
Any suggestions or information would be appreciated.


Thanks,
Ricky

Check out the Future Music review for some info on this gear.

I've got an XV5080, but I really don't use it because now I use software almost exclusively. I bought it to supply pads and pianos (both important for trance ) but now I use Atmosphere for pads and samples for piano (when needed...)

The XVs are sound modules, providing a very wide range of noises often based on real instruments. The Virus is a synth that generates noises rather than relying on samples. There's a world of difference between the two, so consider carefully what you really need.

The XV-5050 is provably not the best choice for trance. you should go for a Nice analog Beast.... A virus is a great Choice or get a Waldorf. If you want accustic sounds use samples or get a cheaper synth... I just Got an Kawai K1 for $5 and this thing can produce clear accustics sounds.

quote:

Originally posted by TranceInMySoul Check out the Future Music review for some info on this gear. I've got an XV5080, but I really don't use it because now I use software almost exclusively. I bought it to supply pads and pianos (both important for trance ) but now I use Atmosphere for pads and samples for piano (when needed...) The XVs are sound modules, providing a very wide range of noises often based on real instruments. The Virus is a synth that generates noises rather than relying on samples. There's a world of difference between the two, so consider carefully what you really need.

So let me get this straight.. mainly, the XV series are used to provide instruments such as pianos and other stuff (ei harp, violin, etc)
Based on the review through future music, i thought they guy mentioned that you have tones, which patches are made of. And you can make patches by layering tones, and you get many other options with besides just layering to make distinctive patches. Wouldnt you be able to make synths by layering tones? In other words, cant certain patches be synths.. or im i wrong?
Another question:
You stated that you used your XV5080 mainly to provide pianos and pads... So you werent using any type of piano??
Reason I ask is that the guy (pro audio salesman) told me I would need the module with a MIDI controller (piano), and the module basically would have the synths. From there, i could further edit them, etc. Is that true?

I understand the the XV series have expansion slots, so you can use cards. I understand that they have a techno card or something like that. Would that carry enough samples, patches, synths whatever you want to call them to compare to an Access Virus C? Talking about the card... does it contain synths?

Now I understand the difference between them. The virus processes signals coming in (making certain sounds and synths), while the sound module like the XV already has samples and instruments(patches built in), right?

Last edited by bachatu on Apr-18-2003 at 03:16

Yeah, you seem to have the idea.

The XV basically uses samples as building blocks for the end sounds. You still get plenty of control because, as you say, you can combine the samples yourself to make new sounds. But, at the end of the day, you cannot change the samples.

The Virus uses oscillators as building blocks for the end sounds. Basically, you get (arguably) more control over the sonic results you get. But, certain sounds cannot be produced easily (or at all) with a synth like the Virus.

Sure, the XV series has plenty of "synth" type sounds but if that's the main reason you're buying it, I personally think you might be better off with the Virus. If, on the other hand, you want lots of real instrument sounds as well, the XV is probably the correct choice.

Xv 5050 is a sample based synth with internal ROM memory, this means you are limited to the onboard sounds (+the extention cards). These synths are usefull for any type of music and if you have a dance board (like there was for jv1080) installed in it you will have a lot of usefull sounds. It is extremely usefull in a mix.. You won't make cutting edge leads with it therefor you need a waldorf micro q, or any decent va synth (based on the old analog synthesis) but you will have a lot of sounds usefull in a mix (ex a pad, some drums, ambiance sounds, ...) You will find some soundmodules in every complete hardware setup. Unless you have a very fast computer with loads of ram you won't replace these 128(?) polyphony beasts with full editing options.. So it all depends on what you need for the moment. Good to hear some people are still interested in hardware synths. If you still have questions bachatu, ask them

thnx TranceInMySoul & TraNcerke for the information, it was very helpful.

Trancerke:
Well, i got what you mean about the XV5050 having many useful sounds. I kinda like that idea of having ambient euphoric sounds, violins or pianos. I ideally wanted to use a module that would have everything already there, but i guess it would not cut the cheese with the synth part. Cause the only complaint I found about the virus, was that it does not have dedicated drum part to it. So I guess im leaning towards getting a sound module and a seperate synth (its already feeling heavy on my wallet just by talking about it)

I would like to use my PC mainly as the mixing board, to use a software sequencer with the hardware (logic, or whatever). I dont have a super fast PC, but i may built one. Im currently running 700mhz athlon, 320MB SDRAM, 5400RPM HD.
I was thinking of upgrading to 512MB SDRAM and 7200RPM HD, maybe at 1.0ghz CPU.
Im wondering if what im currently running would be enough for sequencing and recording on my PC. And if the upgrade in RAM, HD, and CPU would actually suffice, or if i would be better off building a monster PC w DDR memory. I would like to run with a G4 MAC, but I dont want to spend the money hehe.
One other question, considering you guys know about hardware... What is the advantage of using an digital box 24 bit DAC and ACDs?
I know that it will convert analog to digital and vice versa, but cant I get that with a good 24 or 32 bit sound card? What are your thoughts on that subject?

Last edited by bachatu on Apr-23-2003 at 05:45

About your wallet : look on the 2nd hand market.. I bought a yamaha an1x 2 years ago for about 500 € in perfect condition and I'm very happy with it. (bear in mind it only has 8 or 10 voices) Use it with the an1x edit program and you'll be creating all the killer patches you're after. If you can stretch it to a second hand virus B or waldorf micro Q you can run even more parts with it. Your pc is about my configuration and well.. it'll do the sequencing job but don't expect it to do crazy audio lines with loads of effects running or heavy softsynths. You could also take a look at the xv 2020.. Crazy specs for the price and fully editable through midi from your pc. I think they've only cut in the expansion slots and the rest is pretty much like the bigger brothers.

Also, if you have more then 2 synths in your setup it's necessary to buy a midi patcher otherwise midi commands will go through all synths.
About the AD question.. I'm not very experienced with it but if you have a good audio card (audiophile, terratec, audigy) there are decent ad-da convertors on-board.

Last edited by DeZmA on Apr-23-2003 at 13:23

quote:

Originally posted by bachatu One other question, considering you guys know about hardware... What is the advantage of using an digital box 24 bit DAC and ACDs? I know that it will convert analog to digital and vice versa, but cant I get that with a good 24 or 32 bit sound card? What are your thoughts on that subject?

Some sound cards, like mine, only have digital outputs forcing me to have a DAC at some point. Some cards have converters on them but generally that causes latency because that's extra work the computer and soundcard has to do. High end cards separate the tasks and let DACs do the job. Keep in mind DACs can be expensive.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottaculous Some sound cards, like mine, only have digital outputs forcing me to have a DAC at some point. Some cards have converters on them but generally that causes latency because that's extra work the computer and soundcard has to do. High end cards separate the tasks and let DACs do the job. Keep in mind DACs can be expensive.

Yeah, i know what you mean. Ive been researching a bit, and I may end up going with a good 24 bit sound card that has ADACs built in and that have 0 latency. They seem to average about 300-500 dollars. Something else im looking for in the sound card, is to include some interface board w analog & digital I/O and midi interface. I will have to go to my local audio shop to see what they have.
If I go with a seperate ADAC box w midi interface, it will run about 600-800 dollars (for a cheap one), and then I would still need to replace my sound card with a good 24 bit with digital input, which would run me another 199 dollars.