Roland RD-08: The most affordable RD-series Stage Piano ever
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The Roland RD-08 is the most affordable stage piano in the successful RD series to date. Despite the lower price, Roland says that it offers beginners and pros a combination of high-quality sounds, playability, and expandability in a compact, lightweight package for on the road.
Roland RD-08
The Roland RD series has stood for professional stage pianos for decades. The latest addition is the Roland RD-08 – an entry-level model that presents an affordable alternative to the larger RD-88 and RD-2000. In terms of sound and features, however, Roland says that the RD-08 is no less professional than its larger siblings.
The RD-08 comes with the PHA-4 Standard hammer-action keybed with escapement and Ivory Feel. At 88 keys, the stage piano weighs just 13.5 kg / 29 lbs, so it’s light enough to take it anywhere.
The piano and electric piano sounds come from Roland’s well-known SuperNATURAL engine with sympathetic resonance. In addition to this, the RD-08 offers a wealth of other sounds like organs, synths, and strings. These are based on the same ZEN-Core engine that powers heavyweights like the Roland FANTOM and Jupiter-X. All in all, the RD-08 offers 100 scenes and more than 3000 tones.
The effects section is no less comprehensive. In addition to three zone multi-effects with 90 types each, there’s an additional scene multi-effect. Moreover, the stage piano offers global chorus/delay and reverb effects, as well as a master compressor and EQ. There’s even a reverb and EQ for the microphone input.
Versatile Connectivity
In addition to headphone and stereo line outputs, the Roland RD-08 offers a microphone input (1/4”) and a line input (1/8” stereo). Furthermore, there are three pedal jacks (sustain and two foot switches), MIDI Out, and two USB ports. While one of these is reserved for updates, the other transmits and receives MIDI. Thanks to the built-in speakers, you can use the stage piano without external amplification should the need arise – perfect for sessions on the go!
Just in case the built-in sounds aren’t enough for you, you can expand the RD-08 through Roland Cloud with the optional RD-08 Upgrade. In addition to another SuperNATURAL piano sound, Apple MainStage support, and two slots for wave expansions, this includes a USB expansion that turns the RD-08 into a USB audio interface.
Price and Availability
You can now pre-order the Roland RD-08 from Thomann* for $899 / £859 / €989.
More info about the Roland RD-08
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- Roland RD-08: Roland
- Connectivity: Roland
- New entry-level model for the RD series: Roland
- Roland RD-08: Roland
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One response to “Roland RD-08: The most affordable RD-series Stage Piano ever”
Can yo ship piano to Tanzania?