SYNTH JOURNAL
Roland - News and Rumours
You want all the latest news, rumours and everything else there’s to know about Roland? We're happy to oblige: On this page you’ll find everything at a glance – and it’s always up to date!
Stage Keyboards
Best Stage Keyboards for Organ Players: All-in-one Gigging Machines
01 Jun · Modern stage keyboards are all-in-one gigging machines that include everything you need for a live performance. Let's check out the best stage keyboards!
Silent Drum Kit
The Silent Drum Kit: How to Play Quietly at Home, on Stage, and in the Studio
01 Jun · From mesh heads and drum dampeners to e-drums and risers: here's how to build a silent drum kit for any situation and budget.
What Makes Vangelis’ Epic Blade Runner Soundtrack Such a Powerful Touchstone for Electronic Music?
31 May · Why is Blade Runner so revered and referenced by those both inside and outside electronic music making, and how did the tools he used enable the great man? I have a theory...
Boards of Canada Sound: These 3 Synths and Samplers Are a Perfect Match
29 May · The new Boards of Canada album is here. We explore their sound and the gear behind that iconic lo-fi electronica aesthetic.
Roland Spring Sale 2026: Up to 80% Off Synth and Drum Machine Plugins
26 May · Roland Spring Sale 2026: Up to 80% off JUNO-106, Jupiter-8, TR-808 and more at Plugin Boutique. Available until May 31, 2026 only.
SD CARD SHORTAGE
The SD Card Shortage: Will it Impact Music Gear Prices?
23 May · There’s an SD card shortage caused by AI data centers. With memory prices shooting sky high, how will this affect us musicians?
TB-303
Roland TB-303: Classic Acid Gear
22 May · Roland’s little silver box became a must-have synth on the used market - but was it a failure the first time? All about the Roland TB-303.
Voice as Instrument: 3 Pieces of Gear for New Sounds – Perfect Match
22 May · Voice as instrument: Use it with this hardware Perfect Match: Shure SM58, Elektron Tonverk and Zoom V3 for complete tracks without a DAW or plugins.
Pedal Platform
The 6 Best Pedal Platform Amps of 2026: Let Your Pedals Shine
18 May · When it comes to the best pedal platform amps, there are many solutions that will all keep your pedals' sound as uncolored as possible. Check out our picks!
SYNTH TRENDS
Synth Trends of Superbooth 2026: Putting the Conference in Context
15 May · Looking at the synth trends of this year’s Superbooth can tell us where the industry may be headed. Here’s what stood out.
BOSS Effects Pedals Plugin: Update Adds PW-2, XT-2 and CS-2 to your DAW!
13 May · The Boss Effects Pedals plugin roster is growing! This time featuring: PW-2, XT-2, and CS-2 are now added to the suite!
Roland Releases ZENOLOGY GX for iPad: Free for a Limited Time!
13 May · Roland has released ZENOLOGY GX for iPad. During the introductory period, the app is completely free!
CURTIS CHIPS
Curtis Chips: Why Do Synths Sound Different?
08 May · A surprising number of synths use the same oscillator and filter Curtis chips yet they don’t sound the same. Why is that?
Mobile Beatmaking 2026: This Gear Is a Perfect Match!
08 May · Mobile beatmaking in 2026: AKAI MPC Sample, KORG handytraxx play, and the right headphones make a perfect portable setup for producers on the go.
Roland TR-1000 Update Adds Lo-Fi Effects, 808 and 909 Bass Lines, More
08 May · Roland's TR-1000 gets even better with update version 1.20, bringing new MFX, locked-in LFOs, 808 and 909 ACB bass sound generators, and more.
WHAT IS DVS?
DVS and DJing: Everything You Need to Know About Digital Vinyl Systems
07 May · Interested in playing digital files from turntables? Then you want DVS. Here’s what you need to get started with Digital Vinyl Systems.
Roland Project LYDIA Phase 2: The AI Pedal That Makes Your Guitar Sound Like a Trumpet – in Realtime!
07 May · Roland Project LYDIA Phase 2 uses neural sampling to transfer any sound onto other signals in real time. Prototype on show at Superbooth 2026.
BUDGET SAMPLERS
The Best Budget Samplers for Music Production
04 May · Sampling is still one of the most powerful aspects of music production, we've selected some of the best budget samplers for creating beats.
Best Guitar Cable
Best Guitar Cable 2026: Durable, Noiseless, Perfect for your Needs
27 Apr · Looking for the best guitar cable? Our picks for 2026 cover everything from budget practice leads to pro-grade options.
ROLAND JX-3P
Roland JX-3P: Classic Gear – The Synth That Thinks it’s a Guitar
24 Apr · The Roland JX-3P can certainly hold its own against the competition. Did you know that it actually started life as a guitar synthesizer?
The Perfect Techno Kick in 3 Steps – Perfect Match
17 Apr · The perfect techno kick rarely happens by accident. These three steps work together to create a kick that really punches through the mix.
Deals Of The Week: Roland, KORG, and Elektron
11 Apr · In this instalment of Deals of the Week, you can find a range of music creation and performance tools from top brands like Roland, KORG, and Elektron.
SYNTH JOURNAL