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Description
The Roland VP-550 is your gateway to a world of immersive vocal harmonies and rich soundscapes. Designed for musicians and performers who crave the support of a full choir or the classic charm of a vocoder without the logistical headache, this Vocal Designer Keyboard delivers stunning vocal effects right at your fingertips. With its groundbreaking vocal-modeling technology, the VP-550 allows you to connect a microphone, choose your desired sound, and play with ease.
Explore a diverse range of vocal styles, from classical choirs and gospel ensembles to pop and jazz voices, all enriched by the option to blend in lush string sounds. The user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience on stage or in the studio, with every function clearly labeled and easily accessible. Perfect for solo performers, small bands, and even film and TV composers, the VP-550 offers a versatile solution for creating high-impact choral arrangements and surreal vocal effects on demand. Its ability to provide real-time, interactive backing vocals makes it a valuable tool for any music creator looking to elevate their sound effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Real-time expressive backing vocals with Roland's vocal-modeling technology
- Vocal Designer types: Classical, Gospel, Pops, Male/Female, vocoder
- Simultaneous play of Vocal Designer and Ensemble sounds
- Ensemble types include mixed chorus, jazz scat, boy's choir, humming, full strings, slow strings
- Intuitive operation with dedicated controls for each feature
- Invisible D Beam infrared controller for dynamic performance effects
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | VP-550 49-Key Vocal / Ensemble Keyboard |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2006 - 2009 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Keyboard Synths, Vocoders |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 128 Voices |
FAQs
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What kind of sounds can the Roland VP-550 create?
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The Roland VP-550 is known for its vocal and ensemble sounds, offering realistic vocal harmonies and choirs, as well as lush string and brass ensembles, thanks to its built-in vocoder and sound engine.
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Is the Roland VP-550 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland VP-550 is designed for live performance with easy-to-use controls and high-quality vocal and ensemble sounds, making it ideal for musicians who need versatile sound options on stage.
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Does the Roland VP-550 have MIDI connectivity?
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The Roland VP-550 features MIDI input and output, allowing it to be integrated with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and performance options.
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How many keys does the Roland VP-550 have and what is the action type?
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The Roland VP-550 has 49 full-size keys with synth action, providing a responsive feel suitable for both traditional keyboard playing and synthesizer techniques.
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What is the polyphony capacity of the Roland VP-550?
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The Roland VP-550 offers 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.
Videos
Doctor Mix
Roland VP-550 Vocoder: Unboxing & Fun
Reviews
PROS
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Offers complete polyphony for intricate compositions
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Inspirational vocoding experience with expressive output
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High-quality internal sounds enhance creative potential
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Produces rich harmonies even for non-singers
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Includes unique features like Roland scat and humming accompaniments
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Dynamic and fun to play, ideal for creative exploration
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Highly rated by users for its specific capabilities
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Accurate tuning and MIDI integration for precise performance
CONS
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Lacks versatility compared to other synthesizers
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland VP-550.
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
According to this article, Damon uses this in his recording studio.
At 7:10 in the above video, Jean Michel Jarre discusses his use of the Roland VP-550
In a photo taken by Francis Chung at Webster Hall during CMJ 2008, Ethan Kath of Crystal Castles is seen using a Roland VP-550 synthesizer.
Per DJMag, Feb 4, 2020:
“My Ableton session controls patch changes to Ross’s Strymon FX pedals, along with Dustin’s SPD-SX, the SV-1, and the backing choirs on the VP-550. They’re also sending control changes continuously to the Subsequent37, OB-6 and Prophet-6."
In the YouTube video titled "Keinemusik’s Rampa and &ME talk Tech and TEILE (Electronic Beats TV)" by Telekom Electronic Beats TV, Rampa can be seen with a Roland VP-550 in the background. The distinct layout of the knobs on the device confirms it is indeed the Roland VP-550.
Used live with both Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals, as stated in this November 16, 2020 MusicRadar interview. It is erroneously stated as a "JP-500" in its first mention.
Which synths and keyboards (hardware and software) do you have in your live and studio setups right now, and what would you say are your all-time favourites?
“Live set up for Anderson: I use a Nord Stage, two Korg Kronos’, Roland JP-550, and Talkstar talkbox. For Free Nationals, I use a Rhodes, Korg Prologue, Roland VP-550 and Talkstar talkbox
“In the studio, I currently have a Motif that I use as a MIDI controller, and I use VSTs such as Omnisphere,Trilian, Kontakt, Addictive Drums and Addictive Keys. I have an upright piano, 88-key Rhodes, a Moog Voyager, and a Juno-106
“Hmm, all-time favourite?! I always love the sound of a good clean Rhodes.”
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-550, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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