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Description
The Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller is a versatile tool designed for musicians who crave seamless integration with their digital audio workstations. With its 32 velocity-sensitive keys, this MIDI controller offers a responsive touch that captures every nuance of your performance. Whether you're composing in a studio or performing live on stage, the A-30 delivers reliable connectivity and control, making it an essential addition to any musician's setup.
This MIDI controller stands out with its user-friendly interface, featuring a variety of assignable controls that allow for customized setups tailored to your creative needs. The A-30 is equipped with MIDI In/Out/Thru ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and software. The programmable memory feature lets you save and recall your favorite settings with ease, streamlining your workflow and enhancing productivity.
Perfect for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, the Roland A-30 combines practicality with performance, ensuring it remains a staple in the realm of MIDI controllers.
Key Features:
- 32 velocity-sensitive keys for expressive playability
- MIDI In/Out/Thru ports for comprehensive connectivity
- Programmable memory for saving custom settings
- Assignable control knobs and sliders for personalized setups
- Compatible with a wide range of devices and software systems
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | A-30 76-Key Keyboard Controller |
| Year | 1992 - 1996 |
| Categories | Keyboard MIDI Controllers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 76 Keys |
FAQs
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How many keys does the Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller have?
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The Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller features 76 full-size keys, providing a broad range for playing complex compositions.
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Is the Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland A-30 is well-suited for live performances due to its weighted keys and robust MIDI connectivity, allowing for expressive playing and seamless integration with other MIDI devices.
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What type of keyboard action does the Roland A-30 have?
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The Roland A-30 is equipped with weighted keyboard action, offering a more realistic and dynamic playing experience similar to that of an acoustic piano.
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What MIDI connectivity options does the Roland A-30 provide?
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The Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through ports, ensuring versatile connectivity with a range of MIDI-compatible devices.
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Can the Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller be used with modern DAWs?
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While the Roland A-30 was released in the 1990s, its standard MIDI outputs allow it to be compatible with modern DAWs, though additional adapters or interfaces may be required for USB connectivity.
Videos
Tecnologia Samples
Setup para Roland A-30 Samples Kontakt 32 Tibres
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller.
Software and compatibility
Features and functionality
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Issues noted with MIDI setup recognizing two inputs when using basic USB/MIDI adapters, suggesting a potential compatibility or configuration problem.
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Black-dot-marked keys may produce unexpected sounds due to incorrect MIDI mapping; selecting General MIDI (GM) mapping resolves this issue.
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Comparisons
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Edirol UM-1EX, although older, is mentioned as a potential alternative but requires checking for available drivers due to its age.
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Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Users report success using Roland and MIDIMan Uno interfaces, emphasizing their reliability over generic adapters.
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Setup and maintenance
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Factory reset can be performed by holding the WRITE button while powering on for 30 seconds, as detailed on manual page 34.
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Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
325
The A-30 is a legendary simple stage and home studio controller.
Roland created a classic controller when they built the A series controllers. These were stage and studio controllers for the modern era of computer and multi-synth modules such as the JV-1080 Rack Synth from Roland. They go hand in hand. Designed for the professional, the A-30, 76-key has:
Keyboard: 76 semi weighted
Control: 2 Separate Sections (Upper / Lower), Programmable split point, programmable transpose, 32 User Patches, MIDI Soft Thru
Front Panel Master Controls: Data Entry Fader, Data Entry Assign, Transpose, Start / Stop, Modulation / Bender / After Touch Lever. Patch Mode On / Off, Variation CC 00, Variation CC 32, Capital Program Change, Patch 1 / 16, 17 / 32, Patch Recall (16), 10 Numerical Buttons, Enter, Write, MIDI / Param, Octave Down, Octave Up, Upper Section On / Off, Lower Section On / Off, Edit Upper / Lower, Chorus On / Off, Reverb On / Off.
Rear Panel Switches and Outputs: Sustain Switch, MIDI (In, Out, Thru), DC In, Power On / Off.
Power: Battery (MN 1500 x 6 pcs) or option AC Adaptor
Dimensions: 1195 x 270 x 105 mm
Weight: Kg. 8,1.
Accessories Supplied: MIDI Cable (1 meter long). Music Rest. Also supplied with your A – 30 are 6 alkaline batteries type MN 1500. These will be found in the package (Batteries life expectance = approx. 25 hours.)
Optional: AC / DC Adaptor (ACA), Sustain Foot Switch (DP2 / DP6 / FS5U).
Artist usage
Add artist
"If it weren't for the unfortunate fact that I found out installing third-party chips in the [E-mu] Proteus 2000 does something completely weird to them that more or less makes them unreliable onstage after a couple of years. I never figured out why, but I had a bunch of Proteus 2000s, and I burned sample chips and started using those. A few years into that, it completely ruined the reliability of them as live instruments. As soon as they started to warm up, the pitch would get crazy. So in frustration, I finally just completely changed my setup, and now I'm in the Roland world.
[Previously,] I used the [Roland] A-30 as the controller, and the sound sources were the Proteus 2000s with a lot of third-party stuff, including especially my own samples. You could burn your chip using flash ROM thing that you could burn in a E-mu sampler."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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