Pricing and availability

Average Price: $4,199

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus MkII is a classic synthesizer that bridges the gap between traditional keys and modern soundscapes. A beloved piece of musical history, this synthesizer is renowned for its distinctive analog vocoder capabilities and lush string synthesizer tones. Originally released in the late 1970s, the MkII version now offers enhanced performance for today’s musicians while preserving the unmistakable warmth and character of the original.

Designed to be intuitively user-friendly, the VP-330 MkII features a full-sized keyboard with 49 keys, allowing for expressive playability. Its vocoder function is celebrated for transforming the human voice into a synthesized digital signal, a feature that remains influential in electronic music production. Whether you're crafting vintage-sounding string sections or experimenting with robotic vocals, the VP-330's versatility is unparalleled.

With an easy-to-navigate interface, this synthesizer offers both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians a seamless experience. The integrated ensemble effect adds depth and richness to your sound, making it a staple for live performances and studio sessions alike. Explore the past and future of music with the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus MkII, where classic design meets contemporary creativity.

Key Features:

  • 49-note full-sized keyboard for expressive playability
  • Classic analog vocoder with iconic sound transformation
  • String and choir synthesis options for versatile sound creation
  • Integrated ensemble effect for added depth
  • User-friendly interface for intuitive control
  • Ideal for live performances and studio sessions

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model VP-330 MKII Vocoder Plus 49-Key Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

What makes the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus MkII unique compared to other synthesizers?

The Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus MkII is renowned for its iconic vocoder capabilities, combining synthesized sound with vocal input to create rich, unique tones. Its analog design and classic 1980s build offer a distinct sound quality that is highly sought after by musicians and producers.

Is the Roland VP-330 MkII suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland VP-330 MkII is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build and intuitive controls. Its full-size keys and synth action provide a responsive playing experience, making it a reliable choice for stage use.

How does the polyphony of the Roland VP-330 MkII affect its performance?

The Roland VP-330 MkII features monophonic polyphony, meaning it can play one note at a time. This limitation is ideal for vocoder and lead synth applications, where single-note articulation is often preferred for clarity and expressiveness.

What type of keys does the Roland VP-330 MkII have?

The Roland VP-330 MkII comes with 49 full-size synth action keys, providing a comfortable playing experience that is suitable for both studio and live settings.

Does the Roland VP-330 MkII require any special maintenance due to its analog nature?

As an analog synthesizer, the Roland VP-330 MkII may require occasional maintenance, such as cleaning contacts and ensuring stable power supply connections, to maintain optimal performance and longevity.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Best of Roland VP330 Vocoder Plus ~ RetroSound Demo

Video thumbnail for Best of Roland VP330 Vocoder Plus ~ RetroSound Demo by RetroSound

Best of Roland VP330 Vocoder Plus ~ RetroSound Demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus MkII.

Setup and maintenance

  • Full recapping recommended for optimal performance; Switched On in Austin is a highly praised service provider for this work.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The VP-330 boasts a polyphony of 4, providing a rich, layered sound experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The VP-330 is considered superior to the VP-03 in terms of sound quality by users familiar with both models.

    Source
  • Some users note that the Behringer VC340 sounds closer to the original VP-330 than Roland's Boutique clone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Hollow Sun's VP-330 sample library is widely appreciated for its high quality and authenticity, serving as an alternative to owning the actual unit.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Recent owner acquisition at just over $2K is considered a bargain, with typical models priced around $3,700.

    Source
  • There's a sentiment that a price of $700-1000 for a Behringer clone might be too high compared to other synths like the Deepmind.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users manage gear overflow creatively, with gear setups expanding from offices to dining areas.

    Source
  • The VP-330's low end has been described as having a "warbly crunch," attributed to its vintage nature.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts express a desire for the VP-330 to achieve classic ELO sounds, highlighting its appeal for specific musical styles.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

1 alternative for Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus MkII, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Roland Synthesizers

Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$278.85 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Porter Robinson Nick Reinhart The Prodigy
53 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Jean Michel Jarre Richie Hawtin
52 artists using
Roland Boutique JU-06

$479.99 - $1,099.00

# 31

Rank

Mike Shinoda Damon Albarn Matthew Healy
35 artists using
Roland SE-02

$404.99 - $819.99

# 48

Rank

Jon Theodore The Crystal Method Stimming
22 artists using
Roland JX-8P

$149.00 - $368.00

# 60

Rank

Tyler, The Creator John Paul Jones Max Martin
76 artists using
Roland FA-06

$614.00 - $1,199.00

# 65

Rank

Tyler, The Creator Noisia Front 242
15 artists using
Roland Juno-DS 88

$849.99 - $1,199.99

# 100

Rank

Nameless Ghoul Iñaki Vázquez Jarod Fedele
7 artists using
Roland JU-06A

$344.00 - $479.99

 
Malcolm Todd C.H.A.Y. Tiril Hognestad
3 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    mraries
    mraries

    Gear IQ 102