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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

What kind of sounds can the Roland VP-550 create?

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.

Is the Roland VP-550 suitable for live performances?

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.

Does the Roland VP-550 have MIDI connectivity?

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.

How many keys does the Roland VP-550 have and what is the action type?

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.

What is the polyphony capacity of the Roland VP-550?

The Roland VP-550 offers 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Roland VP-550 Vocoder: Unboxing & Fun

Video thumbnail for Roland VP-550 Vocoder: Unboxing & Fun by Doctor Mix

Roland VP-550 Vocoder: Unboxing & Fun

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Don Lewis with the  Roland VP-550 (1/4) by RolandChannel

Don Lewis with the Roland VP-550 (1/4)

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Video thumbnail for Synthesizer Secrets: The Roland VP-550 Vocoder by Doctor Mix

Synthesizer Secrets: The Roland VP-550 Vocoder

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Don Lewis with the  Roland VP-550 (2/4) by RolandChannel

Don Lewis with the Roland VP-550 (2/4)

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Video thumbnail for Don Lewis with the  Roland VP-550 (3/4) by RolandChannel

Don Lewis with the Roland VP-550 (3/4)

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Video thumbnail for Roland VP-550 Provides Easy Vocoding Solution by gearwire

Roland VP-550 Provides Easy Vocoding Solution

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for ROLAND VP550 by Keefer's Music Channel and Life

ROLAND VP550

Keefer's Music Channel and Life

Keefer's Music Channel and Life

Video thumbnail for [ Overview ] Roland VP-550 by Funky Junk Italy

[ Overview ] Roland VP-550

Funky Junk Italy

Funky Junk Italy

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers complete polyphony for intricate compositions

  • Inspirational vocoding experience with expressive output

  • High-quality internal sounds enhance creative potential

  • Produces rich harmonies even for non-singers

  • Includes unique features like Roland scat and humming accompaniments

  • Dynamic and fun to play, ideal for creative exploration

  • Highly rated by users for its specific capabilities

  • Accurate tuning and MIDI integration for precise performance

CONS

  • 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.

Features and functionality

  • The VP-550 and V-Synth GT's choir sounds can be astounding, but effectiveness depends on player's ability to compensate for tracking lag.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The VP-550's vocal harmonizer sounds can feel dated with aliasing and lag, similar to other early 2000s harmonizers.

    Source
  • The VP-550 is often compared to the VP-330, which is praised for its unique sound and versatility as a string/choir synth.

    Source

User experience

  • The VP-550 is best used live, where minor sound imperfections are less noticeable.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite criticism, VP-550's sound is appreciated for live performances, where lag and aliasing are less critical.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland VP550

soundonsound.com

The Roland VP-550, a modern evolution of the classic VP330, impresses with its Vocal Designer, offering lifelike ensemble vocal textures and clear verbal articulation. Its simplicity and expressive Ensemble sounds make it a fantastic tool for sonic experimentation. However, the Bass/Percussion section is notably quiet, and getting the best from the Vocal Designer requires practice. While it may not replace real vocalists entirely, the VP-550 is an excellent option for those seeking rich vocal textures without hiring a choir. Overall, a commendable step forward in vocoder technology.

positive

Roland VP-550 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Roland VP-550 shines as a live performance marvel with its easy-to-use interface, delivering believable vocal harmonies and classic ensemble effects. While its sounds may seem synthetic in isolation, they blend seamlessly in a mix. The VP-550's simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for live gigs, though studio perfectionists might seek more sophisticated alternatives.

positive

Roland VP-550 Vocal & Ensemble Keyboard – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

The Roland VP-550 impresses with its ability to create convincing vocal harmonies and engaging vocal effects, making it a joy to play. It shines particularly in live settings with its user-friendly interface and quality vocal processing, including standout presets like Jazz Scat. However, it requires careful input level management to avoid artificial sounds, and its limited pitch bend and MIDI options might deter those seeking deeper customization. Despite minor drawbacks, its unique charm and reasonable pricing make it a worthwhile addition for vocal enthusiasts and live performers.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Damon Albarn uses Roland VP-550

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Polymathperspective

According to this article, Damon uses this in his recording studio.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Roland VP-550

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Modulate This! Synth Blog

At 7:10 in the above video, Jean Michel Jarre discusses his use of the Roland VP-550

See how Jordan Rudess uses Roland VP-550

Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

introduces at 3:45 in the video

See how Ethan Kath uses Roland VP-550

Ethan Kath

Music Producer

Crystal Castles

...
Verified via Flickr

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.

See how Shook uses Roland VP-550

Shook

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

"Shook plays: (...) Roland VP550 Vocoder"

See how Jeff Frankenstein uses Roland VP-550

Jeff Frankenstein

Singer, Keyboardist

Newsboys

...
Verified via YouTube

Used on B Stage Medley in Go Tour

See how Moon Boots uses Roland VP-550

Moon Boots

Music Producer

...
Verified via DJMag.com

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."

See how Rampa uses Roland VP-550

Rampa

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Tnava uses Roland VP-550

Tnava

Keyboardist

The Free Nationals

...
Verified via MusicRadar

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.”

See how Terry Miles uses Roland VP-550

Terry Miles

Singer, Keyboardist

Go Kart Mozart

...
Verified via YouTube

The VP-550 (including vocoder) is amongst the many keyboards and synths Terry uses in his livestream performances.

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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2
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Behringer Solina String Ensemble Synthesizers & Sound Modules
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Synthesizers.com
Synthesizers.com Modular Synthesizers
1
Waldorf Iridium
Waldorf Iridium Synthesizers
1
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
1
Wurlitzer 140B
Wurlitzer 140B Vintage & Electric Pianos
1

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