The Roland VS-840EX is a self-contained 8-track digital recording workstation designed for home and project studios. It features a built-in 250MB Zip drive for storage, a digital mixer, and high-quality onboard effects, making it a compact «studio-in-a-box» solution for musicians and producers.
- Tracks: Up to 4 tracks record simultaneously, 8 tracks playback simultaneously
- Storage: Built-in 250MB Zip drive (100MB or 250MB Zip disks), max 200 songs per disk (depending on recording mode/length)
- Recording: 16-bit, 44.1kHz, with proprietary audio compression (transparent quality)
- Mixer: 8-channel digital mixer with EQ, pan, aux sends, and snapshot automation
- Effects: Built-in multi-effects processor (reverb, delay, chorus, etc.) and dedicated guitar effects with chromatic tuner
- Inputs/Outputs:
- 4 x 1/4″ analog inputs (including 1 dedicated guitar input)
- RCA stereo master outputs
- Digital I/O (coaxial S/PDIF)
- 1/4″ headphone output, footswitch input
- Display: Backlit LCD for metering, routing, and parameter editing
- Controls: Channel faders, trim pots, time/value wheel, cursor buttons, transport controls
- Dimensions: Compact tabletop design (exact dimensions not listed in sources)
- Power: Internal power supply
Key Points:
- All-in-One Design: Combines recording, mixing, and effects in a single unit, ideal for beginners or portable setups.
- Zip Drive: Uses affordable, removable 100/250MB Zip disks, though limited capacity compared to modern standards.
- Guitar-Friendly: Dedicated guitar input and effects based on Roland’s physical modeling algorithms.
- User Interface: Intuitive with tape-style controls but relies on menus and a data wheel for deeper functions.
- Limitations: No SCSI export for WAV files (unlike VS-840GX), requiring analog or 2-track digital transfers to computers.
The VS-840EX was a cost-effective, entry-level alternative to Roland’s higher-end VS-880, tailored for users needing a simple yet powerful digital multitracker.
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God(2)
1999
