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Average Price: $200

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Description

Dive into the world of sound with the Roland SC880, a powerhouse synthesizer that offers an expansive sonic palette. Designed for both studio professionals and live performers, the SC880 is celebrated for its extensive sound library and intuitive interface. Equipped with a rich selection of over 1,000 patches, it provides an impressive range of sounds, from classic grand pianos to lush, evolving pads. The SC880's architecture is built around the renowned JV-1080 sound engine, ensuring high-quality, versatile audio production.

The SC880 stands out with its dual-tone layering capability, allowing musicians to create complex, textured soundscapes with ease. Its comprehensive MIDI implementation makes it an ideal centerpiece for your studio setup, offering seamless integration with your existing gear. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or performing live, the SC880 delivers consistently powerful and expressive results.

Key Features:

  • Over 1,000 patches including pianos, strings, and synthesizer sounds
  • Built on the JV-1080 sound engine for high-quality audio
  • Dual-tone layering capability for complex sound creation
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation for studio integration
  • User-friendly interface with intuitive controls for easy navigation
  • Robust sound module perfect for both studio and live applications

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model SC-880 64-Voice Rackmount Synthesizer Module
Finish Black
Year 1998 - 2001
Made In Japan
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 64 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Roland SC880 use?

The Roland SC880 utilizes digital synthesis, offering a wide array of sounds suitable for various musical styles, thanks to its 64-voice polyphony and extensive sound library.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland SC880 support?

The Roland SC880 supports 64 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex arrangements and rich sound textures without note dropouts.

Can the Roland SC880 be integrated into a MIDI setup?

Yes, the Roland SC880 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate into any MIDI setup for expanded control and sequencing capabilities.

Is the Roland SC880 suitable for live performances?

The Roland SC880 is ideal for live performances due to its robust sound module and rackmount design, providing reliable and versatile sound options for stage use.

What is the primary use of the Roland SC880?

The Roland SC880 is primarily used as a rackmount synthesizer module, offering a diverse range of digital sounds for both studio production and live performance settings.

Daniel Augusto Mac

Daniel Augusto Mac

módulo ROLAND SC-880

Video thumbnail for módulo ROLAND SC-880 by Daniel Augusto Mac

módulo ROLAND SC-880

Daniel Augusto Mac

Daniel Augusto Mac

Video thumbnail for Roland SC-880 Sound Demos by Europa

Roland SC-880 Sound Demos

Europa

Europa

Video thumbnail for Roland SC880 synthesizer - Superteclados.com chillout smooth tune relax and excited music by Superteclados

Roland SC880 synthesizer - Superteclados.com chillout smooth tune relax and excited music

Superteclados

Superteclados

Video thumbnail for Demo Songs (Roland SC-880 GS) by Friends with Skelefits

Demo Songs (Roland SC-880 GS)

Friends with Skelefits

Friends with Skelefits

Video thumbnail for TFX OST (Roland SC-880) by syllogism

TFX OST (Roland SC-880)

syllogism

syllogism

Video thumbnail for Roland Sound Canvas SC-880 synthwave by LewisMidi

Roland Sound Canvas SC-880 synthwave

LewisMidi

LewisMidi

Video thumbnail for Quick Update: Got a Roland SC-880! (#Metroid Prime Choir Source) by SynaMax

Quick Update: Got a Roland SC-880! (#Metroid Prime Choir Source)

SynaMax

SynaMax

Video thumbnail for Roland SC880  .....Saxphone by Cardano | Live

Roland SC880 .....Saxphone

Cardano | Live

Cardano | Live

Video thumbnail for Roland SC-880 User patch demo (no talking. After o/h and opamp replaced.) by もりや @ no talking synth demos.

Roland SC-880 User patch demo (no talking. After o/h and opamp replaced.)

もりや @ no talking synth demos.

もりや @ no talking synth demos.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SC880.

Features and functionality

  • The SC-880 is a more advanced rackmount version of the SC-88pro, offering a distinct set of features for sound design enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The XV-5050 offers better front-panel editability compared to other budget options like the JV1010 and XV2020, which require DAW-based parameter changes.

    Source
  • SC-880 requires manual switch to "Rhythm Mode" to select and change drum kits from the front panel, as Cubase does not transmit these commands directly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JV-880 is described as having a darker, more trip-hop sound, whereas the XV-5050 is noted for its clean and pretty tones, making them suitable for different musical styles.

    Source
  • The JV-880 and JV-1080 differ significantly, with the JV-1080 providing better interpolation, more flexible voice architecture, and enhanced effects.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SC-88 is favored for sampling due to its unique sound qualities, which are appreciated for their "old crunch" that enhances modern music production.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The JV1010 and XV2020 are highlighted as having the best value for money, particularly if editing is done via a DAW, due to their comprehensive sound libraries.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Roland Cloud offers a free trial for VST versions of various Roland synths, which can help users decide between Sound Canvas and JV-style romplers before purchasing hardware.

    Source
  • Setting MIDI channel to 10 in Cubase resolves drum kit selection issues on the SC-880, ensuring correct mapping and recall of drum sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners using Cubase with SC-880 face challenges with drum kit recall, necessitating manual intervention or specific MIDI channel settings.

    Source
  • Owners report successful battery replacements without losing sounds, even without performing a SysEx dump.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing the SC-880’s battery is simple with a CR2032 and screwdriver; factory presets can be restored if needed.

    Source
  • Factory reset involves pressing UTILITY, selecting Factory Preset with the VALUE DIAL, then pressing ENTER twice.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andrew W.K. uses Roland SC880

Andrew W.K.

Singer, Guitarist

Wolf Eyes

...
Verified via Usesthis

"The main keyboard sound module I use is the Roland SC-880, and I've used that on every recording I've ever done - I actually have 3 of them, because they don't make it anymore, but you can still find it quite easily."

See how Jimmy Nichols uses Roland SC880

Jimmy Nichols

Singer, Keyboardist

Sound City Players

...
Verified via Jimmy Nichols Live

The article talks about all the gear Jimmy uses, it states he uses a Roland SC-880 under "Sound Modules".

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 SC880, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Roland JV-2080 Synthesizer Module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Yamaha MOTIF XF8
Yamaha MOTIF XF8 Synthesizers
1
Roland JV-880 Synthesizer
Roland JV-880 Synthesizer Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Korg Triton Le88
Korg Triton Le88 Synthesizers
1

1 alternative for Roland SC880, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland SC-88 Pro

 

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