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!
Warehouse meets your house: How to sound like The Prodigy
12 Nov · The Prodigy rose from the rave scene in the late 1980s and became a hugely successful crossover act, we look at what went into their sound.
Rave pioneers: How to sound like Orbital
29 Oct · We check out some of the core studio and stage instruments that helped create the industrial, euphoric sound of rave pioneers Orbital.
How to sound like Jean-Michel Jarre
22 Oct · As one of electronic music's early exponents, Jean-Michel Jarre is an inspiration for many. We check out some of his favourite synths!
The best budget grooveboxes to take a break from your DAW
21 Oct · Are you stuck in the mud creatively? We check out some of the best budget grooveboxes for standalone beat creation and live performance.
The best budget drum machines for music production
14 Oct · Drum machines provide the creative foundation for songwriting in so many musical Genres. We check out some of the best budget drum machines.
“Inspire The Music: 50 Years of Roland History” a new book from Bjooks
07 Oct · Now available! To celebrate 50 years of inspiration and innovation from Roland Bjooks has released a massive 400-page tome of Roland's fabulousness.
REVIEW: Roland AIRA Compact T-8, J-6 and E-4
21 Sep · Over the summer Roland introduced us to 3 little AIRA Compact machines, the T-8, J-6 and E-4. Are they a perfect techno party or will they fall flat?
Roland SPD-SX PRO: Ultimate sampling pad that raises the bar
20 Sep · Roland releases a new level of sampling pad in the SPD-SX PRO. With a bunch of road-tested professional enhancements for the most demanding gigs.
The best desktop synths under $1000 for studio and live performance
16 Sep · Looking to make sounds out of the box? We check out some of the best desktop synths under $1000 for music creation and live performance.
Roland updates the MC-707, MC-101 and VerseLab to v1.8
15 Sep · The new update from Roland brings clip compatibility between devices, undo/redo, MIDI CC recording, new effects and a host of other updates.
New Roland TR-8S/TR-6S firmware brings more drums, FX and probability
31 Aug · Roland has added a bunch of new FM drums with full editing, a random kit generator, probability and some new FX to the TR-8S & TR-6S rhythm performers
How To Sound Like Muse
27 Aug · Explore the world of Muse, one of the most gear-centric bands ever. We check out some of their gear choices from studio and stage.
The Best Grooveboxes for Beat Creation and Live Performance
26 Aug · Looking to stay creative while traveling, or simply to step outside your DAW? We check out the best grooveboxes for crafting beats.
How to sound like Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode, Yazoo and Erasure
13 Aug · Dive into the world of Vince Clarke, a true legend of synth-pop. We check out his most prominent projects and how he got his sound.
The best pocket synths for getting creative on the go
12 Aug · Ever get a creative itch for synths in situations where a mobile app simply won't do? Let's check out some of the best pocket synths!
Front 242: Most-used Synths, Drum Machines and Sounds
30 Jul · Front 242: The cult electronic band famous for pioneering the EBM Genre and their role in defining the sound of Industrial music.
Roland SP-404 MKII 2.0: Update brings TR-style sequencing and more
01 Jul · Roland has released the 2.0 firmware update for the SP-404 MKII. Among many other improvements, the update brings TR-style sequencing to the SP-404.
Roland JUPITER-4: Legendary synth now as a plug-in/plug-out emulation
17 Jun · Roland has announced the classically chunky and Compuphonic JUPITER-4 as an ACB modelled VST plugin or plug it out on your SYSTEM-8.
Is NAMM worth it still? Do trade shows need to evolve?
10 Jun · NAMM 2022 was much smaller than previous shows. Do trade shows need to evolve and are they still relevant in a world of social media?
Roland AIRA Compact: 3 fun-sized machines for beats, chords and voices
10 May · With shades of Korg Volcas and Behringer Minisynths Roland's AIRA Compact series introduces the T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer and E-4 Voice Tweaker.
Roland JUNO-X: The modern Roland polysynth we’ve been waiting for?
27 Apr · The JUNO-X combines iconic JUNO-106 styling with Roland's advanced ZEN-Core synthesizer engine to offer a vintage experience with huge sound potential
Top 5 Jupiter 8 Software Synth Recreations
22 Apr · Easily one of the most famous Polysnths ever made it's high time that we looked at the best Jupiter 8 Software Synth Recreations.