Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $453
Budget/Beginner
$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
The Roland W-30 is a classic sampling workstation synthesizer that offers a unique blend of 16-voice polyphony and versatile sampling capabilities, making it a standout choice for musicians who crave both power and flexibility in their creative arsenal. Released in the late '80s, this synth became a powerhouse in the realms of electronic and hip-hop music, thanks to its sleek integration of sampling and sequencing functions.
At the heart of the W-30 is its ability to sample up to 15 seconds at a time, which can be expanded with optional memory upgrades. Whether you're crafting intricate soundscapes or laying down hard-hitting beats, the W-30's 61 semi-weighted keys provide a responsive and expressive experience. Its intuitive interface, featuring a user-friendly LCD display and a dedicated disk drive for storing samples and sequences, ensures that your workflow remains smooth and efficient.
Perfect for live performances and studio projects alike, the Roland W-30 supports MIDI connectivity, allowing seamless integration with other devices. This synthesizer's robust construction and reliable performance have made it a favorite among touring musicians and producers who demand durability alongside functionality.
Key Features:
- 61 semi-weighted keys for expressive playing
- 16-voice polyphony for rich, layered sounds
- Built-in sampling capability with up to 15 seconds of sampling time
- Expandable memory for extended sampling capacity
- Integrated sequencer for creating complex compositions
- User-friendly LCD display for easy navigation
- Dedicated disk drive for sample and sequence storage
- MIDI connectivity for seamless integration with other gear
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | W-30 61-Key Sampling Music Workstation |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1989 - 1992 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Workstation Keyboards |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 16 Voices |
FAQs
-
What type of synthesis does the Roland W-30 use?
-
The Roland W-30 is a digital sampling workstation, allowing users to create and manipulate sounds using its built-in sampler and digital synthesis capabilities.
-
How many keys does the Roland W-30 have and what is their action type?
-
The Roland W-30 features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive feel suitable for a variety of playing styles.
-
What is the polyphony of the Roland W-30?
-
The Roland W-30 offers 16-voice polyphony, enabling the playback of up to 16 notes simultaneously.
-
Does the Roland W-30 support MIDI connectivity?
-
Yes, the Roland W-30 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, allowing for integration with other MIDI-compatible devices.
-
What is the sampling capability of the Roland W-30?
-
The Roland W-30 features a built-in sampler with a 30kHz sampling rate, providing 14.4 seconds of sampling time for creative sound design.
Videos
Espen Kraft
Roland W-30 | The first Roland workstation
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland W-30.
Features and functionality
-
To make samples play fully without holding keys, access the W-30's sample edit menu and set the "Gate" parameter to "OFF".
Source -
Utilizing "Subtone of" under Tone Parameters allows for resampling without additional memory by setting start/stop points in Wave Settings without truncating.
Source -
The ZuluSCSI board uses a different processor unaffected by chip shortages, offering an advantage over SCSI2SD and BlueSCSI models.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Ensure to save changes after adjusting sample parameters to avoid losing the new settings.
Source -
Replacing a dark screen involves disassembling the entire unit, which can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with the process.
Source -
Users have managed screen replacements by purchasing new parts, indicating availability but also the complexity involved in installation.
Source -
Booting the W-30 requires a 1.07 boot disk, as earlier versions like 1.06 cause disk errors and fail to boot.
Source -
The W-30 boots from the hard drive with the highest SCSI ID; ensure no higher ID disks are added post-setup to maintain boot functionality.
Source
User experience
Software and compatibility
-
ZuluSCSI eliminates the need for special SD card formatting, simplifying the setup with .img and .hda files for hard drives and CD ISOs.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 19 Ratings
128
Simple, but effective for its time.
After using the 808 to trigger DDL, using the EPS and the SP, I settled for the W30. The ability to edit sounds when the sequencer runs, and the alternate loops and the crunchy bass-heavy sound was cool. Perfect for golden age chop-shop-hiphop. I made my first album with it straight to dat argumented by 2 303s, an Sh09 with audio input for proccesing and some drum machines and fx. When I switched for a Akai/Cubase setup, my jingle clients wanted the old grit back....http://www.discogs.com/Aum-Morph/release/578409
Artist usage
Add artist
Alexander Metzger, also known as Alex Butcher, who is associated with World of Intros, Vengeance Sound, and Refx, is seen using the Roland W-30 synthesizer in a cover photo on his Facebook page.
In his hardcorejunglism.com interview, John recounts the studio setup of his Foul Play days:
"... the set-up changed quite a bit over the first couple of years but the kit we used included an Atari ST, Akai S1000, Yamaha DX7, Roland W-30 Workstation and later an Apple Power Macintosh 8100"
Howard Goodall has confirmed the use of the Roland W-30 workstation, as well as Proteus modules and an Akai S-series sampler, stating, "Yep amongst other things I used all the Proteus modules, an Akai S-series sampler, and a Roland W-30 workstation back then." This information is verified through his post on Bluesky Social.
In an interview with Musit, WATCHMAN confirms that he used the Roland W-30, a sequencer/sampler/keyboard, during the early days of his band The Sleepwalk:
使用機材は姉から譲り受けたYAMAHAのストラトキャスター(型番不明)に、音楽仲間たちから頂いたBOSSやMAXONなどのコンパクトエフェクター群、それと自分の最初期の宅録機材であるROLAND:W-30(シーケンサー/サンプラー/キーボード)、BOSS:SE-50(マルチエフェクター)、TASCAM:PORTASTUDIO 424(4chカセットMTR)を使っていました。歌は当時マイク知識がゼロだったので笑、普通のカラオケ用マイクとリハスタにあったSHUREのSM58か何かで録っていました。
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 W-30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.