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Description

The Roland VS-840 is a robust digital multitrack recorder that brings professional recording capabilities to your home studio. Perfect for musicians who crave high-quality sound without the need for extensive gear, this recorder offers an intuitive interface and versatile features. With the proprietary COSM effects onboard, you can achieve a polished, studio-quality sound right from the start. The recorder supports up to eight tracks of simultaneous playback and four tracks of simultaneous recording, making it ideal for capturing intricate performances or layering complex compositions.

The VS-840 also stands out with its Zip drive storage system, which ensures quick data access and ample storage for all your projects. This makes it highly reliable for both studio sessions and live recordings. Its built-in digital mixer allows for precise control over each track, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune your sound to perfection. Additionally, its compatibility with a range of MIDI devices makes it a versatile addition to any recording setup.

Whether you're a singer-songwriter laying down demos or part of a band looking to record your next EP, the Roland VS-840 provides the tools you need to bring your musical ideas to life with clarity and depth.

Key Features:

  • 8-track playback, 4-track simultaneous recording
  • Built-in COSM effects for enhanced sound quality
  • Zip drive storage system for reliable and fast data access
  • Integrated digital mixer for precise control
  • MIDI compatibility for expanded connectivity
  • User-friendly interface for quick setup and operation

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model VS-840 Digital Studio Workstation
Finish Gray
Year 1990s
Categories Recording Gear

FAQs

What type of storage does the Roland VS-840 use for recording?

The Roland VS-840 uses a built-in Zip drive that accommodates low-cost, 100MB removable cartridges for storage, making it easy to manage and transfer your recordings.

How many tracks can the Roland VS-840 record and play back simultaneously?

The Roland VS-840 is capable of recording and playing back up to 8 tracks simultaneously, providing flexibility for multitrack recording sessions.

Does the Roland VS-840 have built-in effects for audio processing?

Yes, the Roland VS-840 includes built-in digital effects, allowing users to enhance their recordings with various audio processing options directly within the unit.

Can the Roland VS-840 be used for both recording and mixing?

The Roland VS-840 functions as a digital studio workstation, offering capabilities for both recording and mixing, thanks to its integrated digital mixer and multitrack recorder.

Is the Roland VS-840 suitable for home studios?

Yes, the Roland VS-840 is well-suited for home studios, providing a compact and self-contained solution for digital recording and mixing without the need for additional equipment.

Ian Tanner

Ian Tanner

Roland VS-840 Revival!!

Video thumbnail for Roland VS-840 Revival!! by Ian Tanner

Roland VS-840 Revival!!

Ian Tanner

Ian Tanner

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland VS-840.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland VS-840 can be used as a multi-effects processor, offering unique lofi sound effects and a "scrub"-like tool for creating unconventional noises.

    Source
  • The VS-840ex's stock effects card is praised for its creative potential, with options like Lo-Fi bit-reduction and a Player gramophone emulator for unique sound processing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners have repurposed the VS-840 for live performances and sound design in theater, film, and animation, leveraging its diverse effects.

    Source
  • Owners have successfully used other models in the VS series, such as the VS-880 and VS-2480, for similar effects processing, indicating a broader application across the range.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the Zip drive with a USB/SD reader is possible, but some users find it unnecessary due to better quality alternatives for recording.

    Source
  • An aftermarket download is available for the VS series that adds more effects to the stock FX card, although it's unclear if it applies directly to the VS-840ex.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Recording on Zip discs is not recommended; they are lossy, prone to errors, and can be damaged over time as the heads wear away.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Proprietary RDAC format requires specific software for conversion; 'RDAC to Wav' and Reaper can aid in file conversion for computer use.

    Source
  • Roland offers a free program for converting RDAC files, compatible with the VS-840EX and similar devices like the Micro-BR.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users view the VS-840ex as a budget-friendly alternative to the Roland SP-404 for achieving intentional sound degradation, particularly with its Lo-Fi effects.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Mercer uses Roland VS-840

James Mercer

Singer, Guitarist

The Shins

...
Verified via Tapeop

Also, I did use a Roland VS- 840, the very first Roland digital recorder. It was a 6-track. So I used that for the drums. Then I would transfer them onto my HP one track at a time — I had to manually sync them all up. I had to run it through the card that only had two inputs.

See how Assemblage 23 uses Roland VS-840

Assemblage 23

Music Producer

...
Verified via Assemblage23

Mentioned in "Gear List for Contempt (1999)".

Album Usage

The Roland VS-840 has been featured on the following albums:

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 VS-840, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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