Edirol PC-80 Complete Software Synth Package: Keyboard, Audio / Midi Interface, Sonar LE, and speakers Review
Edirol PC-80 Complete Software Synth Package: Keyboard, Audio / Midi Interface, Sonar LE, and speakers Feature
- Mac OS X and Windows XP/2000 support
- Powerful low-latency driver performance
- 61-note, standard-sized keys
- High quality keyboard mechanism
- Split or layer mode
The PC-80 is the easiest and most cost-effective way to put together your home studio or music lab. This 61-note keyboard offers power, flexibility, and a highly-expressive key mechanism. Unlike many compact USB keyboards, the PC-80 is designed to genuinely feel like a musical instrument. Each key is felt-lined and spring-loaded using a recently developed key mechanism that represents Roland’s 30 years of experience in the field. Never before has there been a USB MIDI Keyboard Controller built with the quality and technology of the PC-80. The PC-80 has built-in audio capabilities, and comes complete with a standalone GM2 software synth. This allows the PC-80 to function as a complete synth, all through one USB connection to the computer. Through this one connection, the PC-80 can draw power, send and receive MIDI, and send and receive audio.
About the Keyboard
The PC-80 features a keyboard mechanism derived from Roland’s newest technology. It's specifically designed to offer a wide dynamic range with incredible subtlety. The redesigned keys offer a better response to the player's touch, while also reducing mechanical noise and eliminating vertical shake in the key stroke. The PC-80 allows you to send different key ranges to different MIDI channels, effectively allowing you to split the keyboard among different instruments or layer multiple instruments.
The PC-80 is designed to adapt to anyone’s playing style by offering 12 settings for velocity. It includes four curves, each with the choice of soft, medium, and hard playing style. To further the expressive capabilities of the PC-80, they've included both sustain and Expression pedal connections.
Audio Interface
The PC-80 functions much like a soundcard, connected to the computer through USB. It offers incredible audio resolution up to 24-bit/96kHz. The PC-80 offers stable low-latency audio drivers for both PC and Mac, for powerful performance. You can record using the two 1/4" inputs, play out through the RCA outputs, two separate headphone outs, as well as built-in speakers. The PC-80 is equipped with a Bass Enhancer as well as a sub-out for use with 2.1 speaker systems. The PC-80 also includes Direct Monitoring, allowing you to hear audio your recordings with zero latency.
Software Synth
This premium GM2 software synth represents Edirol's finest set of GM2 sounds packed into a powerful, stand-alone application for Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Mac OSX. When open, this synth can show up as a MIDI output device from your MIDI programs, offering you immediate access to incredible instruments, whether you’re using the PC-80 for notation, music education, or for sequencing. The software synth includes a standard MIDI file player and a metronome, 256 different instruments, nine drum sets, multi-timbral playback of up to 18 parts, and 256 note polyphony: two parts, 128-note polyphony for the live playback, and 16 parts, 128-note polyphony for SMF playback.
Feature List
- 24 Bit / 96 kHz Audio Capability
The PC-80 offers high quality audio capabilities. Low latency driver support including CoreAudio, WDM, ASIO 2.0 and OS-standard for fast response in all major music applications. In addition, the PC-80's Direct Monitoring function (Input Monitor button) lets you listen to audio being recorded directly without routing through software. The input goes straight to the output to provide ZERO latency monitoring and you can easily record any audio source (Line, Dynamic Mic or Guitar). - 2 W + 2 W Built-in Stereo Amplifier and Speaker
Listen to the sound via the built-in stereo speaker powered by a 2W + 2W stereo amplifier with a Bass Enhancer circuit. Loud enough for personal use, the PC-80 offers a strong low end in a very compact set of speakers. In addition there is a Sub-Woofer output port for when you need to isolate the very low frequencies. - High Quality Mechanism for the Serious Player
With a newly designed key mechanism --- taken from Edirol's 30 years of synthesizer development --- players can control a wide dynamic range with incredible subtlety. The re-designed key assemblies have a rounded shape for better reaction to the player’s touch and more comfortable glissando, plus changes have already been made to reduce the low mechanical noise of the PC-80 and eliminate vertical shake on the key strokes. The newly developed pitch bend and modulation design offers you easier and more expressive control. All these features add up to a keyboard that even the most discerning player can appreciate. - Twelve Selectable Velocity Curve Combinations
Pick from 12 velocity curves to precisely match your playing style. As the PC-80 has 4 different velocity curves and 3 kinds of sensitivity (Light, Medium, and Heavy), the player can find the combination that perfectly suits them and can produce the precise MIDI performance and programming of a true professional. In addition a Fixed Velocity Mode is provided where the PC-80 always outputs a fixed velocity (from 1 to 127) providing practical input for drum and percussion programming in step recording. - Split or Layer Mode
The PC-80 has a Split/Layer function. By pressing split, upper or lower buttons, you can instantly set up a favorite performance over two different MIDI channels. When the upper and lower keys of the split points are configured you can easily use layered sounds. - Expression and Sustain Pedal Ports
The user can connect Edirol’s EV-5 Expression pedal or DP-2 or DP-6 Sustain pedal to the PC-80 directly. Control parameters through these ports. - 3 Digit 7-segment LED and Rotary Encoder
The MIDI control function on the PC-80 is via a rotary encoder. Both easier and faster control than using the notes for numerical values. With this knob you can set up MIDI channel, Program Change, Control Change and more and instantly see the values on the LED. - USB Bus Powered for Mobile Use
No AC adaptor is required. Just connect one USB cable to your laptop to build your mobile station. 2 W + 2 W amplifiers and speakers are loud enough for home lesson use. For your desktop use, the PC-80 package comes with the AC adaptor. - MIDI Out Port
It is easy to connect the PC-80 to a MIDI device with just one cable. The PC-80 can export the same MIDI signals to both USB and MIDI cable at the same time - very convenient.
Complete Software Synth Package: Keyboard, Audio / Midi Interface, Sonar LE, and speakers
