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Average Price: $761
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Dive into a world of rich tonal possibilities with the Roland Boutique VP-03, where classic vocoding meets modern versatility. Its compact design packs a punch with the Voice Step Sequencer and dual ribbon strips, offering a seamless integration of traditional and innovative controls for both studio and live settings. Whether you're crafting intricate melodies or exploring the depths of vocal synthesis, the VP-03 stands ready to inspire your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Voice Step Sequencer: Offers 16 steps with up to 6 notes each for complex patterns.
- Dual ribbon strips: Enhance expressiveness and control in performances.
- Vocoder functionality with chord memory for dynamic vocal effects.
- Includes a gooseneck mic, perfect for live vocoding.
- Versatile connectivity: XLR input, line/headphone out, MIDI in/out, USB powered.
- Covers a wide range of sounds: Strings, Human Voice, and Vibrato for creative flexibility.
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | VP-03 Boutique Series Vocoder Plus Synthesizer Module |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2016 - 2025 |
| Categories | Desktop Synths, Digital Synthesizers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Roland Boutique VP-03 polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Roland Boutique VP-03 is polyphonic, offering 6-voice polyphony, which allows for richer and more complex chordal textures in your performances.
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What kind of MIDI connectivity does the Roland VP-03 offer?
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The Roland VP-03 features both MIDI Input and Output, as well as USB MIDI, providing versatile options for integrating with other MIDI-compatible equipment and DAWs.
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Does the Roland VP-03 come with built-in vocoder capabilities?
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Yes, the Roland VP-03 includes vocoder functionality, allowing you to create classic vocoder sounds by processing your voice or other inputs through its sound engine.
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Can the Roland VP-03 be powered via USB?
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The Roland VP-03 can be powered via USB, making it convenient for use with computers and portable setups without the need for an additional power adapter.
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How does the Roland VP-03 differ from other Roland Boutique series synthesizers?
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The Roland VP-03 is unique in the Boutique series for its vocoder capabilities, while other models may focus on different synthesis methods or sound emulations.
Videos
Kosmic Sound
Roland VP-03 Vocoder In Depth Review
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic emulation of VP-330's vibe
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Intuitive and well-built
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Clear sounding vocoder
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Versatile with battery power option
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Good for compact setups
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Voice Step Sequencer stands out as a new feature
CONS
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High price not justified by some
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Included gooseneck microphone of low quality
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Weak sound output compared to other models
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Construction not suited for live performance
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Lacks dedicated power supply input
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Outputs are 1/8" minijacks, seen as a downside
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Boutique VP-03.
Features and functionality
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The VP-03 has a hidden function that allows users to change the formant by holding the memory button and pressing Step 10, enhancing vocoder clarity.
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The VP-03 includes a set of sliders labeled as "STRINGS," hinting at string and possibly choir sound capabilities like its predecessor, the VP-330.
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Enthusiasts speculate on the possibility of the VP-03 offering more than four-note polyphony, which would be a first for the Boutique series.
Source
User experience
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Owners report that altering the formant via the mod strip significantly improves intelligibility and overall sound quality, potentially changing users' opinions on keeping the device.
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Some users express concern about the XLR placement on the front panel, fearing it may interfere with tiny faders or sustain damage.
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Owners who enjoy vocoder effects in tracks from artists like Röyksopp are likely to appreciate the VP-03's capabilities.
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Setup and maintenance
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Roland product manuals are often criticized except for models like the TR8S and SH32, suggesting a need for better documentation for the VP-03.
Source
Comparisons
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 16 Ratings
163
Great sound, cheap construction
This is a love and hate situation with this guy, I love the sounds, really close to my RS101 for the strings and the choir are beautiful. But the construction quality on this is awefull for live situation. USB Powered, 1/8 output minijacks and the unit is too lightweight, when everything is pluged in the back, it almost fall backward without the mic pluged in. These are not features well receive in a live situation.
Artist usage
Add artist
The module at the bottom of this photo posted by Dirty South is the Roland VP-03 Vocoder. He says:
"The trifecta of old school goes new school is complete...and yes the old original analog versions are nice...but these babies sound wonderful and i say, just make music with whatever inspires you... @roland_us"
The VP-03 Vocoder can be seen on the floor next to a Korg Monolouge in this (now deleted) Instagram picture.
"Then I did this other project last year which was a documentary for Red Bull. It's called Distance Between Dreams with Ian Walsh, the star surfer. That was a very soft, ambient electronic score. I did everything live with MIDI and just mixed it on the board and that was the end result. I used the Jupiter-8 for that, the Jupiter-6, the Juno-6 with the sequencer, the MSQ, the Roland 60, the 106, also the GB4, Roland VP-03, the vocoder. I used a Roland S-770 sampler, which has a really great tone to it. A couple of Yamaha synthesizers, the CS-60, the CS-70M—all pretty rare machines to have. But for that kind of stuff they sound so fantastic."
As you can see in this picture, this is Roland Vocoder VP-03. Gracie is clearly pictured and has posted video to social media in the past using this.
In this article it says Emile Haynie uses the Roland VP-03 boutique module and is shown in one of the photos
Album Usage
The Roland Boutique VP-03 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 Boutique VP-03, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Roland Boutique VP-03, curated by the Equipboard community.
$50.00 - $148.99
$2,605.05
Almost as rare as the original, the newer Roland Boutique series is another hidden gem of a synth. Buried inside its solid metal structure (yeah heavy) is very, very, small circuitry.... lol.. call me Captain.... Obvious... and a Sampler.... and a compression filtered talkbox, a Vocoder, a String Synth, a Vocant Controller Synth, a Vocant Recorder, a Vocant Chorus Delay with really awesome ooooohs and aaaahs... that can be dialed in so close... they sounded like I was playing a Mellotron when I closed my eyes... the breath can be pitched short to sound like a tape machine playing lol... it's a fantastic synth that once again reviewers did not go full course on. It just has so much to talk about. Oh did I say it has a Sampler.... well I couldn't get it to work!...yet. I'm a musical idiot remember? Sooooo.... as it goes.... you select any current slot buttons 1-16 then while holding down the PLAY/STOP button you record you sample via Microphone or anything else plugged into the XLR port, (Turntable, Synth, Drum Machine, Pocket Operator, Radio Station, TV, yeah... any sound device) then let go of (stop pressing) the PLAY/STOP button to automatically save it to the slot/Button you first selected.... get it? I didn't... but I will not give up!~! Here's some more on that feature, they made a video in Australia by Roland its good...https://youtu.be/Vrlkm6KRxWM
Also you can get some more information on the hiden feattures over in the Roland Blog in Australia... its better than the US blog for some reason.. not sure why they don't combine but who knows...https://rolandcorp.com.au/blog/boutique-more-hidden-features
The VP-03 has a Voice (vocant recorder they call a Voice Step Sequencer) very powerful for live recording of the strangeness that lurks within...works great with Ableton and everyting else!
This synth creates the wonderful... the divine.... synth vocals in the music O Superman by Laurie Anderson. She used the original on her song, but on mine I used this in lots of new ways... O Superman if you've never heard it or seen Mrs Anderson use the VP-330 whoa ... you're in for a treat! but it will make you want one, so be warned synthheads.lol!!! ... "O Superman," from Laurie Anderson's 1982 debut album, 'Big Science.' https://youtu.be/Vkfpi2H8tOE
THIS IS AN AMAZING SYNTH!!! CHECK OUT MORE ITEMS @: https://www.SNÖKing.com
@@HEAR THE VP-03 ON MY LATEST TRACK@@ https://youtu.be/uuhGWxv8vyk
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