Roland News and rumors - gearnews.com

Roland TR-1000: Available Again!

12 Jun · 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.

KAWAI K1

Kawai K1: Classic Gear – The Budget D-50 That Was Surprisingly Popular

12 Jun · In the late ‘80s, D-50-style sample synthesis was too expensive for most. Enter the Kawai K1. Is this 8-bit oddity still relevant today?

Pocket Studio: This Tiny Battery-Powered Gear Is a Perfect Match for Mobile Jams

Pocket Studio 2026: This Tiny Battery-Powered Gear Is a Perfect Match for Mobile Jams

12 Jun · So many options for a Perfect Match! Here's how to build a portable pocket studio for creative jams anywhere with compact battery-powered gear.

Software Deals

Roland, Sonarworks, Steinberg: 3 Plugin Deals for Vintage Synths, Reference Monitoring, and Pro Mastering

09 Jun · Roland Cloud JUNO-60 V2, JUNO-106, Sonarworks SoundID Reference, and Steinberg WaveLab Pro 13 on sale: vintage synths and mastering software at a discount.

Live Techno with Hardware: 3 Ideas for a Perfect Match

05 Jun · Live techno with hardware: here's a solid starting point for a DAWless setup with real room to grow, plus some ideas on how to make it work live.

SYNTH JOURNAL

Is AMYboard the Cheapest Hardware Synth?: Synth Journal

04 Jun · AMYboard may be the cheapest hardware synth you can get. That and more in this week’s Synth Journal.

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 Synths and Samplers Are a Perfect Match

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.

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.