Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,604

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

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 Mark Ayres uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Mark Ayres

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

"All original analogue synths of the period. EMS VCSIII, Yamaha YC45D organ, Roland SH-2000, Roland System 100M, Roland VP-330. Plus sampled Yamaha electric piano & small group of instrumentalists (percusssion, clarinet, bass clarinet, two horns, cello)."

List of Synths that Mark Ayres used to score for Shada.

M

Mark Shreeve

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Redshift

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this interview, Mark's use of the Roland VP330 is mentioned.

See how Greg Ham uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Greg Ham

Singer, Keyboardist

Men at Work

...
Verified via YouTube

Greg Ham played a Roland VP-330 at shows in 1982, as seen at 26:20 in this video. It was replaced with a Roland Juno-60 in 1983.

See how Emperor Machine (Andy Meecham) uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Emperor Machine (Andy Meecham)

...
Verified via YouTube

In a studio tour featured by MusicRadar Tech on YouTube, Andy Meecham of Emperor Machine demonstrates the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus, showcasing its role in his creative process.

See how Wojtek Olszak uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Wojtek Olszak

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Woobie Doobie

...
Verified via Olszak

The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).

See how Gerald Woodruffe uses Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Gerald Woodruffe

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Monorail Music

Gerald Woodruffe is confirmed to use the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus, as detailed in the studio equipment list for the album "Wonders Of The Underwater World" by Jezz Woodroffe, provided by Monorail Music and compiled by the Mono Staff.

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

More Roland Synthesizers

Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$289.66 - $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

$888.00 - $1,199.99

# 100

Rank

Nameless Ghoul Iñaki Vázquez Tim Millar
8 artists using
Roland JU-06A

$344.00 - $479.99

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

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides