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Average Price: $2,604

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Step into the realm of vintage synthesis with the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus, a beloved classic that continues to captivate musicians and producers alike. Renowned for its unique vocoder capabilities, the VP-330 combines the expressiveness of a human voice with the versatility of a synthesizer, offering a sonic palette that is both timeless and innovative. This instrument seamlessly merges strings, human voice, and vocoder sounds, providing a broad spectrum of textures for any musical setting.

Built during the golden era of synthesizers, the VP-330 shines with its unparalleled ability to transform vocal input into lush harmonic textures. Its ensemble and choir sounds are legendary, often sought after for their rich, organic quality. With a straightforward interface, musicians can easily manipulate sounds, making it a perfect choice for both live performances and studio work.

The VP-330's polyphonic capabilities allow for complex chordal arrangements, broadening the creative possibilities. Whether you're looking to recreate the iconic sounds of the past or explore new musical frontiers, this synthesizer offers a robust platform for sound exploration. Its durable design is a testament to Roland's commitment to quality, ensuring it remains a reliable tool for musicians everywhere.

Key Features:

  • Unique vocoder capabilities for transforming vocal inputs
  • Combines strings, human voice, and vocoder sounds
  • Iconic ensemble and choir sounds
  • Polyphonic capabilities for complex arrangements
  • Straightforward interface for easy manipulation
  • Durable design suitable for both live and studio environments
Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Rare Vintage Vocoder! The Roland VP-330

Video thumbnail for Rare Vintage Vocoder! The Roland VP-330 by Doctor Mix

Rare Vintage Vocoder! The Roland VP-330

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for ROLAND VP-330 "Vocoder Plus" Mk2 (1979) no Behringer VC-340 by RetroSound

ROLAND VP-330 "Vocoder Plus" Mk2 (1979) no Behringer VC-340

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for The Roland VP-330: Why is it so sought after? by Alex Ball

The Roland VP-330: Why is it so sought after?

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland VP-330 Vocoder + Moog Source Analog Synthesizer "Voices" by RetroSound

Roland VP-330 Vocoder + Moog Source Analog Synthesizer "Voices"

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for The Analog Lab NYC-Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Demo by TheAnalogLab

The Analog Lab NYC-Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Demo

TheAnalogLab

TheAnalogLab

Video thumbnail for Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus (1979)  "Wenn der nächste Schnee fällt..." by RetroSound

Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus (1979) "Wenn der nächste Schnee fällt..."

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Sleeper Sounds Tour: Roland Vocoder Plus VP-330 by Miloco Studios

Sleeper Sounds Tour: Roland Vocoder Plus VP-330

Miloco Studios

Miloco Studios

Reviews

PROS

  • No menu diving; intuitive knobs, sliders, and keys

  • Durable build with quality materials

  • Unique and versatile sound palette, ideal for film scoring and prog rock

  • Collectible with increasing value

  • Iconic strings and vocoder sounds used by renowned artists like Vangelis

  • Easy to use, even for beginners

  • Offers a distinctive timbre not found in other synthesizers

  • Can produce both delicate and aggressive sounds

  • Analog synth voices provide an iconic sound

CONS

  • Fast attack on MK2 might be too quick for some, possibly needing adjustment

  • Limited to a specific type of timbre, despite versatility

  • Expensive, especially compared to modern alternatives

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.

Setup and maintenance

  • Switched On in Austin is highly recommended for servicing and recapping the VP-330 to restore its original condition.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners report purchasing the VP-330 for around $2,000, which is significantly below the typical market price of $3,700 to $4,000.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The VP-330 is considered superior to the smaller VP-03 model, which has a polyphony of four voices.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Hollow Sun VP330 sample library is highly praised for maintaining the authentic sound quality and is a popular alternative for those unable to purchase the original hardware.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland VP330 Vocoder Plus

soundonsound.com

The Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus offers a nostalgic dive into the '70s with its lush choir and string sounds, making it a unique tool for modern musicians looking for vintage charm. While its ensemble effect adds depth, its reliance on a single envelope generator limits creative versatility, making it frustrating for complex compositions. Despite its appeal as a retro piece, high prices and limited functionality suggest potential buyers may find better value elsewhere. A classic choice for enthusiasts, but not without its drawbacks.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
rothhandlestudios

Our go to Vocoder

The main vocoder we use in the studio. Sounds great on pretty much everything.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Oldfield uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified via Photo

The attached image is from the sleeve of Oldfields "Discovery" album. The VP-330 is clearly visible in the left foreground in front of the Fairlight monitor.

See how Röyksopp uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Röyksopp

Music Producer

Röyksopp

...
Verified via The Independent

"It would seem to be a kind of love letter to each other, I suggest. Sidestepping my sentimental musing, however, they are more interested in talking about the Roland Analogue VP 330, the vocoder which they used to process their vocals. "

See how NERO uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

NERO

Music Producer

...
Verified via fabric london

Taken from their most recent interview

We own the two main synthesisers that Vangelis used for the original score (a Yamaha CS80 and a Roland VP-330)

See how Don Airey uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Don Airey

Keyboardist

Judas Priest

...
Verified

During the "Bark At The Moon" album era, Don Airey stated: "I have two keyboard sets, one is over here, and one is always in the States. There's a CS80 which is the basic keyboard, a MiniMoog, the Roland Vocoder Plus, Yamaha CF70, Oberheim OBXa, and a MemoryMoog. To them I'm adding a DX7, another MemoryMoog (because I use it so much), and the Wave 2.2 and the Waveterm." This confirms that Don Airey used the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus, as documented in the article "Wizard Of Oz" (Electronics & Music Maker, Feb 1984).

See how Jarvis Cocker uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Jarvis Cocker

Singer, Guitarist

Pulp

...
Verified via Photo

This Sound On Sound article states that Cocker uses a Roland VP-330.

See how Howard Jones uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via Muzines

As if this isn't enough, Jones' collection of sound sources is breathtaking. Inhale deeply for an (incomplete) overview: Fairlight Series III; Yamaha TX816 rack; Akai S1000; Roland Super JX, MKS50, D50, Jupiter 8, Juno 60, D550, and MKS20 digital piano; Korg Wavestation; Prophet T8; MiniMoog; Vocoder VP330; Yamaha KX88 and TG77; and somewhere in a corner his old 808 drum machine. Still there?

See how Greg Hawkes uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Greg Hawkes

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Cars

...
Verified via YouTube

Greg Hawkes can be seen playing his Roland VP-330 in “Gimme Some Slack” and “Touch and Go” during live performances on the show, Fridays.

See how Karl Bartos uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Karl Bartos

Keyboardist, Composer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"I'm using vocoder but speech synthesis at the same time. They meld well together and sometimes I sing phonemes along with it to give them more definition. You don't hear it but it's in there to support certain phonemes. I bought the VirSyn Matrix and it's perfect. I use all the other vocoders, like the Roland VP-330 and some others, but the Matrix is just so simple and easy to get a good sound that you can't beat it."

See how John Foxx uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Tumblr

"I wanted to explore these new instruments to find out what they could do. Try to make a new language for them. I’d been working at home with the synth and drum machine. Began in 1978 with an Arp Odyssey, an Elka string machine, a Roland 301 Space Echo and a Roland CR78 drum machine and a four track. "

"CM: 'Can we have a list of your gear?'

JF: 'I couldn’t possibly list all of Benge’s gear but if I work alone then sometimes I record the CR78 and then work on top of this with both analogue and digital synths and effects. I mainly use the Aryp Odyssey and the Roland Vocoder. I believe in using a limited palette of sounds - with just one or two in real focus for the track. The star sounds. This allows for consistency and some innovation at the same time. Arp Odyssey Arp Sequencer Roland Vocoder Plus Elka Strings Moog Minimoog Roland Juno 60 Roland CR78 Roland 909 Outboard: Roland Space Echo 301 MXR Phaser - orange footwitch type Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger."

  • Interview, John Foxx - Computer Music Magazine (unknown issue)
See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via Photo

The credits of the Casiopea album Make Up City lists that he used this instrument.

See how Isao Tomita uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Isao Tomita

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via AMAZONA.de

Interview German Synth Mag Amazona.de: Neben dem Moog Modular System, das nahezu vollständig Snowflakes are Dancing dominierte und später durch das 55er ergänzt wurde, besaß er zu jener Zeit einiges von Roland, etwa die Systeme 700 und 100, Jupiter-4, VP-330 und Strings RS-202. Weitere Instrumente: Fender Rhodes, Hohner Clavinet, Korg MS50, Korg Vocoder VC-10, Mellotron M-400, Moog Polymoog, Yamaha CS-80, Yamaha String Ensemble SS-30. Ab den frühen 80ern landete bei ihm dann auch digitales Equipment, darunter das Synclavier, E-mu Systems Emulator, Fairlight CMI III und auf manchen Fotos ist auch der legendäre Yamaha VP1 zu sehen.

See how Laurie Anderson uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Laurie Anderson

Singer, Keyboardist

We Are Family Collective

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen here in this YouTube video of Laurie Anderson's home studio in the rack of keyboards at the top, it is widely known that the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus was the vocoder used in Laurie Anderson's "O Superman."

Roland summarize this knowledge: " 'O Superman' transforms the mundane into the sinister. This somber oddity was a surprise hit from Anderson's 1982 debut album Big Science (Warner Brothers). Both playful and ominous, the song’s lyrics were sung through the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus. While vocoders existed prior to the VP-330, Roland’s distinctive design resonated with new audiences in a climate now fascinated by electronics.

The anchor of 'O Superman' is a loop of Laurie’s gently gated laughter in a robotic eighth-note cadence. Powered by the VP-330 Vocoder Plus, her initially neutral snicker soon becomes malicious, finally emerging as a melancholy chuckle of empathy and defeat. The narrative arc is a tongue-in-cheek conversation with the unknown as told through an imaginary answering machine message—as one might talk to God or one’s reflection."

https://www.rolandcloud.com/news/selective-synthesis-o-superman

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 VP-330 Vocoder Plus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus MkII

 

newer similar sound

It is the newer version of Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

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