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Description

The Roland XP-30 Synthesizer is a versatile powerhouse that redefines what you expect from a mid-range synthesizer. Perfect for studio sessions and live performances alike, the XP-30 combines the best of Roland's acclaimed sound engines with an intuitive user interface. With a 61-key keyboard that responds to both velocity and aftertouch, this synthesizer gives musicians expressive control at their fingertips.

What sets the XP-30 apart is its expansive sound library. Featuring sound sets derived from the legendary JV-1080 and JV-2080 modules, this synth also includes patches from the Session, Orchestral, and Techno Collection expansion boards. For those looking to further tailor their sonic palette, the XP-30 offers two slots for additional SRJV 80 expansion boards.

Elevate your performances with its advanced arpeggiator, inherited from the XP-60/80, and explore endless creative possibilities using the built-in reverb, chorus, and a variety of effects with 40 algorithms. Real-time sound editing is a breeze with four onboard sliders, while the patch finder and phrase preview functions streamline your creative workflow. The large, luminous buttons and a CD-ROM loaded with Emagic SoundDiver software make navigation and customization straightforward, even for beginners.

Key Features:

  • 61-key keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity
  • Sound sets from JV-1080/JV-2080 modules
  • Includes patches from Session, Orchestral, and Techno Collection expansion boards
  • Two slots for SRJV 80 expansion boards
  • Advanced arpeggiator from XP-60/80
  • Built-in reverb, chorus, and effects with 40 algorithms
  • Four onboard sliders for real-time control
  • Patch finder and phrase preview functions
  • Includes CD-ROM with Emagic SoundDiver software

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model XP-30 61-Key 64-Voice Expandable Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1999 - 2004
Categories Digital Synthesizers, 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 64 Voices

FAQs

What type of sound engine does the Roland XP-30 use?

The Roland XP-30 synthesizer features sound sets from the JV-1080 and JV-2080, along with patches from the Session, Orchestral, and Techno Collection expansion boards, making it versatile for a variety of music styles.

How many keys does the Roland XP-30 have, and are they velocity-sensitive?

The Roland XP-30 has 61 full-size keys that are both velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive, providing dynamic expression and playability.

Can the Roland XP-30 be expanded with additional sounds?

Yes, the Roland XP-30 has two slots for SRJV80 expansion boards, allowing you to expand its sound palette with additional sounds.

What are the main connectivity options on the Roland XP-30?

The Roland XP-30 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through connections, making it compatible with various MIDI setups.

Does the Roland XP-30 include any onboard effects?

The Roland XP-30 features built-in reverb, chorus, and a set of 40 effects, which enhance its sound capabilities for live and studio use.

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

ROLAND XP30 SYNTH | JAM

Video thumbnail for ROLAND XP30 SYNTH | JAM by Synth Cloud

ROLAND XP30 SYNTH | JAM

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

Video thumbnail for ROLAND XP-30 - 1999 - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN ( FACTORY SOUNDS) #roland by Tiago Mallen

ROLAND XP-30 - 1999 - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN ( FACTORY SOUNDS) #roland

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Roland XP-30 - Atlantis 2 - Ambient Experimental Music ( xp 30 jv 2080 xv 3080 ) by ShotecMusic

Roland XP-30 - Atlantis 2 - Ambient Experimental Music ( xp 30 jv 2080 xv 3080 )

ShotecMusic

ShotecMusic

Video thumbnail for Soft pads on the Roland XP-30 by ZenithMusicNet

Soft pads on the Roland XP-30

ZenithMusicNet

ZenithMusicNet

Video thumbnail for Favorite sounds on the Roland XP-30 by ZenithMusicNet

Favorite sounds on the Roland XP-30

ZenithMusicNet

ZenithMusicNet

Video thumbnail for Adele - hello (Roland XP-30) by Luiz Melo

Adele - hello (Roland XP-30)

Luiz Melo

Luiz Melo

Video thumbnail for Roland XP-30 - Desert Crystal by ShotecMusic

Roland XP-30 - Desert Crystal

ShotecMusic

ShotecMusic

Video thumbnail for Roland XP 30 | Why do I still have one? by Jeffy G

Roland XP 30 | Why do I still have one?

Jeffy G

Jeffy G

Video thumbnail for Roland XP-30 Synthesizer Factory Demo Songs by René Feuerlein

Roland XP-30 Synthesizer Factory Demo Songs

René Feuerlein

René Feuerlein

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic "rave" sounds including Faithless Insomnia pizzicato patch

  • Built like a tank with built-in power supply

  • Over 1400 Roland sounds, with JV-1080, JV-2080, JV-3080 patches

  • Ultra expressive live performance controls and aftertouch enabled keyboard

  • Expandable with two extra SR-JV boards

  • Deep and understandable JV synth engine

  • Great key action for main keyboard use

CONS

  • Buttons may start to stick over time

  • No built-in sequencer

  • Complicated to use for some, especially keyboard splitting and overlapping instruments

  • Limiting expansion with only two slots for SR-JV boards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland XP-30 Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The XP-30 offers full synth parameter editing despite being a ROMpler, which allows users to shape sounds using PCM samples.

    Source
  • The XP-30 includes built-in SR-JV80-02 Orchestral, SR-JV80-09 Session, and SR-JV80-11 Techno expansion boards, enhancing its sound palette.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the XP-30's solid keybed, which contributes to its lasting durability and reliable performance over the years.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modifying the XP-30's switching power supply can improve its sound quality, addressing concerns about its slightly diminished audio output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The XP-30 is noted for having superior sound compared to other Roland synthesizers from the XP series, specifically the XP50, 60, and 80 models.

    Source
  • The JX305 shares the same shell as the XP-30 but has a smaller display and more knobs, offering different functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While newer synthesizers dominate the market, the XP-30 still maintains interest among those who value its unique sound from the late pop music golden age.

    Source
  • Lightweight design and programmable sounds make the XP-30 ideal for live gigs, including creating Hammond and Rhodes sounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A quick spray of Deoxit can fix non-functioning octave select buttons, restoring their functionality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that after years of use, the XP-30 remains their main controller due to its semi-weighted keybed and versatility in sound design.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
speedydtm

Ol' reliable

This used to be my bread and butter synth before I got a Fantom XR. The JV synth engine used here is deep and easy to understand, capable of practically any sound, though depending on what you make you probably won't need to mess with it as the default patches are fantastic. The ability to expand the unit with two extra SR-JV boards is nice as well, though I think JUST two expansions is pretty limiting.

nuvolino

Main Controller

I use this as my main keyboard its a bit old now but has great key action

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Röyksopp uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Röyksopp

Music Producer

Röyksopp

...
Verified via YouTube

through out this video you can see Röyksopp using multiple Roland XP-30 Synthesizers.

See how Eelke Kleijn uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Eelke Kleijn

Music Producer

Nick Hogendoorn & Eelke Kleijn

...
Verified via Photo

you can see the Roland XP-30 in the middle

See how Sam Ray uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Sam Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Teen Suicide

...
Verified via Photo

the roland xp-30 is listed in the caption of the linked instagram post

See how Jake "Virt" Kaufman uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Jake "Virt" Kaufman

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Twitter

"I still have my Roland XP30 with sharpie mod so it says POLAND, najlepsza klawiatura!!"

See how Oliver Wakeman uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Oliver Wakeman

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14 seconds into the video, Oliver Wakeman is visibly using a Roland XP-30 Synthesizer on stage, as documented in the YouTube video titled "The Oliver Wakeman Band - 'Coming to Town'," uploaded by goodenuff4jazz.

See how Coen Janssen uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Coen Janssen

Keyboardist

Epica

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Coen Janssen can be seen playing his Roland XP-30 at Hellfest Summer Open Air 2007.

See how Martin Brändström uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Martin Brändström

Keyboardist, Composer

Dark Tranquillity

...
Verified via Photo

Martin Brändström uses a Roland XP-30 Synthesizer, as confirmed on his Instagram page. He reflected, "I hadn’t turned it on for decades, but now when going thru our discography to look for new songs for our upcoming tours I dusted it off. It still works!"

See how Dana James Presson uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Dana James Presson

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, a Roland XP-30 synthesizer can be seen in Dana James Presson’s studio.

See how Darren Wharton uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Darren Wharton

Singer, Keyboardist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via Photo

Darren Wharton is seen using a Roland XP-30 Synthesizer, as evidenced by the picture available on Equipboard.

See how Elias Holmlid uses Roland XP-30 Synthesizer

Elias Holmlid

Singer, Keyboardist

Dragonland

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for Disdain's "Leave This World," Elias Holmlid is clearly seen using a Roland XP-30 Synthesizer at the 2-minute and 29-second mark, as verified by the video uploaded by Johnnydisdain on YouTube.

Album Usage

The Roland XP-30 Synthesizer 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 XP-30 Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
dkdivedude

dkdivedude

Gear IQ 199

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