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Average Price: $2,604

High-end/Boutique

$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
3 star
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 Kitaro uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Kitaro

Keyboardist, Composer

Mickey Hart, Philip Glass and Kitaro

...
Verified via Gigapolis

The only vocoder in Kitaro's setup. Easy to hear for example in the song "Cosmic Love" (from the album Queen Millennia).

See how Marty Willson-Piper uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Marty Willson-Piper

Guitarist

The Church

...
Verified via Marty Willson-Piper
See how Emile Haynie uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Emile Haynie

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this article it says Emile Haynie uses the Roland VP-330 and is shown in one of the photos

See how Paul Epworth uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is the Roland VP-330 vocoder.

See how Meat Beat Manifesto uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Meat Beat Manifesto

Music Producer

The Orb vs. Meat Beat Manifesto

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"The vocals on this are going through the Roland VP-330 Vocoder, which was a rackmounted version they had in the studio we used in Yorkshire called The Slaughterhouse. It really added something."

See how Stephin Merritt uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Stephin Merritt

Singer, Guitarist

The Magnetic Fields

...
Verified via Discogs

Stephin is credited using this equipment in the liner notes for 69 Love Songs.

See how Luke Million uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Luke Million

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Swiss

...
Verified via YouTube

Luke Million uses a Roland VP-330 vocoder in his rendition of Never Ending Story, as seen in this video from his studio.

See how Rick Smith uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Rick Smith

Music Producer

Freur

...
Verified via Roland Australia

“The actual emulation of the VP-330 is really good but I’m hoping for better off the VP-770. I did a really stringent direct A-B test of one of our original VP-330 vocoders against the modeled one and it was good enough for me to go, ‘Look, I think we should go with this live.’”

See how Überzone uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Überzone

Music Producer

...
Verified via Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

the Roland VP-330 vocoder is on the Instrument List on this article

See how Freezepop uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Freezepop

...
Verified via Freezepop

In this page from their official website listing their gear, The Duke says they use the vocoder for all of their recordings since 2001.

See how Firechild uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Video of Firechild performing on the VP-330 in his studio.

See how Michael Beinhorn uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Michael Beinhorn

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

Michael Beinhorn is credited on Material's One Down with using a Roland vocoder.

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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