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Average Price: $35

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$700+

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Description

The Roland S-770 Sampler is a classic piece of gear that has earned its place in the annals of music production. Renowned for its rich sound quality and versatility, this sampler was a staple in the studios of the late 1980s and early 1990s. It features 16-bit stereo sampling and a dynamic range that allows for pristine, nuanced audio capture. The S-770 is equipped with advanced filtering capabilities, offering musicians and producers a wide array of sound-shaping options. This sampler supports up to 32-voice polyphony, making it suitable for complex arrangements and layering.

The intuitive user interface, combined with a large, backlit LCD screen, provides clear visibility and easy navigation. Connectivity options include multiple outputs and MIDI compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with other equipment. Whether you're reviving classic tracks or exploring new sonic territories, the Roland S-770 delivers a timeless sampling experience.

Key Features:

  • 16-bit stereo sampling for high-quality sound
  • 32-voice polyphony for complex arrangements
  • Advanced filtering options
  • Large backlit LCD screen for user-friendly navigation
  • Multiple output options and MIDI compatibility

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model S-770 Digital Sampler
Finish Black
Year 1989 - 1993
Made In Japan
Categories Rackmount Synths, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 24 Voices

FAQs

What are the main features of the Roland S-770 Sampler?

The Roland S-770 Sampler is a digital rackmount sampler featuring 24-voice polyphony, 16-bit stereo sampling at up to 48kHz, and MIDI I/O capabilities. It was known for its high-quality sound and extensive editing features when released.

Is the Roland S-770 compatible with modern MIDI setups?

Yes, the Roland S-770 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, allowing it to integrate with modern MIDI setups for sequencing and control.

What is the sampling capability of the Roland S-770?

The Roland S-770 offers 16-bit stereo sampling at frequencies up to 48kHz, which provides high-quality sound suitable for professional music production.

How does the Roland S-770 compare to the S-750 model?

The Roland S-770 includes an internal hard disk drive and XLR inputs, whereas the S-750 relies on a floppy drive and standard 1/4" jacks. Both models offer similar sampling capabilities but differ in storage and connectivity options.

What kind of sound editing features does the Roland S-770 offer?

The Roland S-770 provides extensive sound editing features, including detailed waveform editing, filtering, and modulation options, allowing for comprehensive sound design and manipulation.

MOOTANT

MOOTANT

Roland S770 Sampler - Is It The Best Hardware Sampler Ever Built?

Video thumbnail for Roland S770 Sampler - Is It The Best Hardware Sampler Ever Built? by MOOTANT

Roland S770 Sampler - Is It The Best Hardware Sampler Ever Built?

MOOTANT

MOOTANT

Video thumbnail for ROLAND S770 SAMPLER by Chris Cowie

ROLAND S770 SAMPLER

Chris Cowie

Chris Cowie

Video thumbnail for Roland S770 Sampling For Beginners by MOOTANT

Roland S770 Sampling For Beginners

MOOTANT

MOOTANT

Video thumbnail for Roland S-770 & Oberheim S.E.M. - Demo Song by Banzeken

Roland S-770 & Oberheim S.E.M. - Demo Song

Banzeken

Banzeken

Video thumbnail for Roland S770 sampler replacing the backlight on the display by Take the Fear out the Gear

Roland S770 sampler replacing the backlight on the display

Take the Fear out the Gear

Take the Fear out the Gear

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland S-770 Sampler.

Software and compatibility

  • Users face challenges getting SCSI drives recognized on modern systems, with some opting for Roland S-760 and ZuluSCSI solutions for data transfer.

    Source
  • CDXtract can read S-770 sample CD image formats and runs under WINE, offering a viable solution for Linux users.

    Source
  • Chicken Systems Translator is recommended for converting old sample CD-ROMs to modern formats, compatible with both hardware and software samplers.

    Source
  • Using a Sound Canvas with the Roland S-770 is limited to MIDI functions, as the SC 8850 cannot sample or load samples.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Roland S-770 samples have unique envelope scaling, differing significantly from other samplers, affecting their translation to other devices.

    Source
  • The S-770's 16-bit 44kHz capability is a notable advantage over older 12-bit systems like the S-50, offering higher audio fidelity for samples.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Samples from S-770 retain better stereo imaging on Roland SP-760, XV-5080, and MV-8800 but may require EQ adjustments.

    Source

Other

  • Roland factory sounds use pre-emphasis, necessitating EQ adjustments on different samplers, especially for percussion sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report difficulty with Linux systems when mounting ISO files from sample CDs for the S-770.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland S770 (MT Jun 90)

muzines.co.uk

Roland's S-770 Sampler sets a high bar with its superb sound quality and user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for professional studios. The stereo 16-bit sampling and advanced digital filters offer remarkable clarity and depth, especially in the bass range. Its flexibility in sample rates and resampling abilities adds to its appeal as a powerful production tool. However, the high cost and additional expenses for memory upgrades may deter budget-conscious buyers. Despite this, the S-770's robust features and performance justify its premium price, marking it as a significant achievement for Roland.

positive

Roland S770 (MT Aug 90)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland S-770 sampler impresses with its professional-grade performance, offering extensive sampling capabilities and a user-friendly interface. Its ability to handle both analogue and digital sampling at various rates, combined with flexible memory options, makes it a versatile tool for serious musicians. The inclusion of a mouse and monitor interface enhances usability, presenting a modern, interactive experience. However, the S-770 falls short in sample data editing, lacking features like auto-finding routines and advanced crossfade options found in cheaper alternatives. Despite these limitations, its robust feature set and sound quality make it a formidable choice for studio applications.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geddy Lee uses Roland S-770 Sampler

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Cygnus-x1

S770 samplers we’re used on Roll the Bones tour.

See how Kraftwerk uses Roland S-770 Sampler

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq

Kraftwerk has utilized the Roland S-770 Sampler, as documented in the "Equipment" section of The Kraftwerk FAQ.

See how Junkie XL uses Roland S-770 Sampler

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

In video at 22:12 Tom shows Roland S-770 sampler

See how Steve Porcaro uses Roland S-770 Sampler

Steve Porcaro

Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Free

According to Keyboard magazine August 1995 issue (translated into French), the Roland S-770 was used by Steve Porcaro on Michael Jackson’s HIStory album.

See how Paul 'Wix' Wickens uses Roland S-770 Sampler

Paul 'Wix' Wickens

Singer, Keyboardist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via KeyboardMag

I had an Akai weighted motherboard on the bottom, and then a Roland A-50 I think, which was a non-weighted controller. I had two controllers that didn’t make a noise going into a Roland U-110 module. I also had a Roland S-770 sampler because I liked the sonics of it, as well as a few other modules.

See how Stan Ridgway uses Roland S-770 Sampler

Stan Ridgway

Singer, Guitarist

Wall of Voodoo

...
Verified via Mixonline

“I recently purchased a Kurzweil K2500 and maxed that out with all the memory and sound blocks and the sampler. I like that a lot, especially for soundtracks and orchestral textures. I also have two Roland 770s that I use for sampling. I’m pretty lean and mean here.”

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 S-770 Sampler, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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tastatore

tastatore

Gear IQ 544

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