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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

How many keys does the Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller have?

The Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller features 76 full-size keys, providing a broad range for playing complex compositions.

Is the Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller suitable for live performances?

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.

What type of keyboard action does the Roland A-30 have?

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.

What MIDI connectivity options does the Roland A-30 provide?

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.

Can the Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller be used with modern DAWs?

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.

Tecnologia Samples

Tecnologia Samples

Setup para Roland A-30 Samples Kontakt 32 Tibres

Video thumbnail for Setup para Roland A-30 Samples Kontakt 32 Tibres by Tecnologia Samples

Setup para Roland A-30 Samples Kontakt 32 Tibres

Tecnologia Samples

Tecnologia Samples

Video thumbnail for ROLAND A30 + KURZWEIL K2000r V3 | JAM by Synth Cloud

ROLAND A30 + KURZWEIL K2000r V3 | JAM

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

Video thumbnail for ROLAND A-30 by Keyboards - review - repair

ROLAND A-30

Keyboards - review - repair

Keyboards - review - repair

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

  • Roland A-30 isn't recognized by Garageband on M1 Macs with some USB-C MIDI adapters; compatible interfaces like Roland UM-ONE are recommended.

    Source
  • Reaper and Cantabile Lite are recommended for beginners looking to use the Roland A-30 with virtual instruments without full DAW features.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Issues noted with MIDI setup recognizing two inputs when using basic USB/MIDI adapters, suggesting a potential compatibility or configuration problem.

    Source
  • Black-dot-marked keys may produce unexpected sounds due to incorrect MIDI mapping; selecting General MIDI (GM) mapping resolves this issue.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Edirol UM-1EX, although older, is mentioned as a potential alternative but requires checking for available drivers due to its age.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • M-Audio Midisport Uno is highlighted as a reliable adapter choice for smooth integration with the Roland A-30.

    Source
  • Replacement keys for broken ones are available from Syntaur, offering an option for maintaining functionality of older units.

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User experience

  • Users report success using Roland and MIDIMan Uno interfaces, emphasizing their reliability over generic adapters.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Factory reset can be performed by holding the WRITE button while powering on for 30 seconds, as detailed on manual page 34.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Guitar amps may sound poor with the Roland A-30 due to their voicing, better suited for guitars, leading to potential noise and tonal mismatch.

    Source
  • Audio interfaces like Focusrite can bridge the A-30 to amps, but care is needed to avoid damaging the amp with excessive bass or volume.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland A30 (MT Jan 93)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller strikes a sweet chord with its impressive 76-key layout and robust build, making it a solid choice for stage and studio use. Musicians will appreciate its weighted keys and responsive controls, which elevate playability. However, the keyboard's reliance on the GS format may alienate those not using compatible instruments, limiting its broader appeal. Additionally, some may find the plastic keys a bit too clicky for their liking. Overall, while the A-30 shines in specific contexts, its niche focus means it might not suit everyone's needs.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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snoking

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
See how John Linnell uses Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller

John Linnell

Singer, Keyboardist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via Museumofidiots

"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."

See how Mark De Gli Antoni uses Roland A-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Mark De Gli Antoni

Keyboardist, Composer

Soul Coughing

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 3:34 you can clearly see that this is the keyboard that Mark is using to control his 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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