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Description

Discover a world of musical possibilities with the Roland A 90, a versatile MIDI keyboard controller designed for both studio and live performance settings. This MIDI controller is celebrated for its 88-note weighted action, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for keyboardists who demand expressive control. The A 90 is an all-in-one MIDI solution that offers extensive connectivity options, making it compatible with a wide range of digital audio workstations and external devices.

The Roland A 90 features four MIDI outputs and two MIDI inputs, allowing seamless integration into complex setups. Its intuitive interface includes a large backlit LCD display and a variety of assignable sliders and buttons, which enable real-time control over your sound. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring producer, the A 90's flexibility caters to all your creative needs, from composing intricate arrangements to delivering dynamic live performances.

With its onboard sound module, the Roland A 90 doesn’t just control other instruments; it can also operate as a standalone synthesizer. This makes it a valuable tool for musicians who appreciate having an integrated sound source alongside their MIDI capabilities. The comprehensive selection of onboard sounds covers a broad spectrum, from classic pianos to modern synthesizer tones.

Key Features:

  • 88-note weighted-action keyboard for authentic playing experience
  • Four MIDI outputs and two MIDI inputs for extensive connectivity
  • Large backlit LCD display for easy navigation
  • Assignable sliders and buttons for real-time control
  • Onboard sound module with a wide range of sounds
  • Compatible with various digital audio workstations and external devices

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model A-90 88-Key Expandable Controller Keyboard
Finish Black
Year 1996 - 1999
Categories Digital Synthesizers, 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 88 Keys

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Roland A-90 have?

The Roland A-90 features a weighted keyboard action, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both practice and performance.

How many keys are on the Roland A-90 MIDI controller?

The Roland A-90 MIDI controller has 88 full-size keys, offering a complete range for versatile playing styles.

What are the MIDI connectivity options on the Roland A-90?

The Roland A-90 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, allowing for flexible integration with other MIDI-compatible devices.

Is the Roland A-90 suitable for use as a digital synthesizer?

Yes, the Roland A-90 can function as a digital synthesizer, offering both MIDI control and sound module capabilities for comprehensive music production.

Can the Roland A-90 be expanded with additional sound modules?

Yes, the Roland A-90 is an expandable controller keyboard, allowing users to enhance its capabilities with additional sound modules.

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

ROLAND A-90 - (REMAKER) - review by Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for ROLAND A-90 - (REMAKER) - review by Tiago Mallen by Tiago Mallen

ROLAND A-90 - (REMAKER) - review by Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland A 90.

Build quality

  • The plastic around the metal weights in the keyboard mechanism is prone to cracking but can be replaced or reinforced with epoxy.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Keys can be individually repaired with epoxy to prevent failure, with reports of long-term effectiveness after reinforcement.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roland A-90EX offers superior build quality compared to many newer models, though it lacks modern features like USB connectivity.

    Source
  • The Roland A90 is noted for having a better key action for piano, while the Arturia Keylab 88's action is sometimes described as heavy and spongy.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the A90 remains highly regarded, with some owners calling it the best 88-key controller ever made.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A-90EX is valued as a master controller due to its extensive MIDI outputs and customization capabilities.

    Source
  • The A90 is favored for its versatility with different instrument sounds, making it suitable for diverse recording needs in a home studio setting.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the A90's reliability and aesthetic appeal, especially for non-gigging home studio use.

    Source
  • Some users express concerns about the XP-80's red glue deterioration, contrasting the A90's more durable design.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland A90

soundonsound.com

The Roland A90 is a heavyweight contender in the realm of MIDI controllers, blending superb keyboard feel with versatile MIDI capabilities. Its impressive build quality, exceptional piano sounds, and comprehensive controller functions position it as a top-tier choice for serious musicians. However, the small display, the pressure required for aftertouch, and some buggy software detract slightly from its appeal. Despite these minor shortcomings, the A90’s synthesis capabilities and unparalleled piano sounds make it a formidable option for those willing to invest, cementing Roland’s place back at the top of the MIDI controller hierarchy.

positive

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Prince uses Roland A 90

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

Prince

...
Verified via Guitarcloud

Prince played a Roland A 90 in the late 1990s. Prince had one housed in a dummy piano shell, which was used on the Jam Of The Year tour. He also used an A-90 on Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic, combined with a Boss RV-3 Reverb/Delay pedal.

See how Tony Banks uses Roland A 90

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Google

Tony Banks uses the Roland A-90 MIDI keyboard controller, as seen in the "When in Rome" documentary.

See how Fito Páez uses Roland A 90

Fito Páez

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Paez probando sonido con Roland A90

See how Mark Kelly uses Roland A 90

Mark Kelly

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Marillion

...
Verified via Alchetron.com

Two photos on alchetron.com show an A-90 in Mark's rig.

See how Andrés Calamaro uses Roland A 90

Andrés Calamaro

Singer, Guitarist

Los Rodríguez

...
Verified via YouTube

Andrés Calamaro en el Estadio Obras Sanitarias utiliza un Roland A90 durante todo el recital.

See how Junie Morrison uses Roland A 90

Junie Morrison

Singer, Keyboardist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Photo

A Roland A90 can found in this photo from Junie's Instagram.

See how Missy Higgins uses Roland A 90

Missy Higgins

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live clip at 1:15 and 3:22, you can see Missy play a Roland R-90 keyboard. (2003).

See how Morris Hayes uses Roland A 90

Morris Hayes

Keyboardist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via Guitarcloud

Morris Hayes used a Roland A-90 with Prince in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It appears in the Rave Un2 The Year 2000 film.

See how Clive Nolan uses Roland A 90

Clive Nolan

Singer, Keyboardist

Arena

...
Verified via YouTube

Clive used an A-90 in this video of his band Arena.

See how Fredrik Hermansson uses Roland A 90

Fredrik Hermansson

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Pain of Salvation

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in Fredrik's photo.

Album Usage

The Roland A 90 has been featured on the following albums:

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 90, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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