XP-80 History — Roland

XP-80

TheRoland XP-80is amusic workstationthat uses digital PCM subtractive synthesis and combines an updated version of theJV-1080synthesizerengine with the sequencer capabilities of theRolandMRC-Prosequencer. The XP-80 was introduced in 1996and is now discontinued. The XP-80 has a 76-key semi-weighted keyboard. A smaller 61-key variant, the XP-60 was introduced shortly afterward. The synthesis engine is capable of 64-voicepolyphonyand 16-partmulti-timbrality. The XP-80 includes the 128General MIDIinstrument set, as well as 384 additional preset instruments ("patches" in Roland parlance), for a total of 512 preset patches. Additional user memory is provided for making copies of up to 128 patches, allowing the user to edit patch parameters and save them in memory. There are 8 preset percussion instrument combinations (called "rhythm sets") and 2 user configurable rhythm sets. The XP-80 includes 64 preset combinations of up to 15 existing patches and 1 rhythm set. These patch and rhythm set combinations are referred to as "performances" in Roland parlance. There are an additional 32 user memory locations to store user configurable performances. There is a built-in backlitLCDdisplay of 320 by 80 pixels.

OverviewThe Roland XP-80, released in 1996, was a 76-key workstation combining Roland's JV synthesis with comprehensive sequencing. This professional instrument offered 64-voice polyphony, extensive sound libraries, and a sophisticated 16-track sequencer.
The XP-80 featured a large backlit LCD display, comprehensive effects processing, and expansion slots for SR-JV80 cards. The 76-key velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard supported expressive performance.
The XP-80 competed at the high end of Roland's workstation range. It provided professional capabilities for studios and performers requiring comprehensive synthesis and sequencing in a single instrument.