Anybody own a VP-550 yet?

[udo]

Is this already available in some parts of the world? In Germany the release is expected to be next week. I am thinking seriously about getting one. I would be interested in your experiences if you already own it.

On the other hand I could get a used V-Synth XT for a little bit more cash. Since I only plan to use the VP-550 for songwriting and not for performance maybe the V-Synth would be the more flexible option? I am not a patch tweaker, but the VC-2 would give me much more presets.

By the way, I am really curious about the VC-2 patch "P012 GuitarAmpVox". Would you care to comment on it? Maybe even record a short demo, like the ones alrerady posted on the site?

Cheers

[Artemiy]

I would get the XT if I were you. For some more added to the VP-550 cost, you get two synths in addition to the vocal designer. V-Synth's main engine will give you a whole new world of sounds.

Also, as I remember, that patch you mention sounds close to the Vox Synth 2 demo in this Sound Check thread.

[udo]

Thanks, Artemio. I had not noticed this thread before.

Despite having read through the FAQ on Rolands VP-550 site I still don't fully understand the VP-550's concept. Is it possible to create lead vocals (like in the Vox Synth 2 Demo) with it or only background choirs?

My main application of either synth would be the composition of lead vocal lines for my songwriting and composing. But the VC-2 seems to sound far more interesting and diverse.

[Artemiy]

VP-550 is basically a preset version of the VC-2 and it can only do choir and vocoder sounds. Yes, the VC-2 is far more deep in the variety of sounds and you can create your own patches.

[udo]

Hey Artemio, do you know if the RPS data of the Fantom is put out via Midi? I wonder if I can use the patterns i created on my Fantom to control the VC-2.

[nsheldon]

Hi udo.

Though slightly off the topic of the original thread, yes, RPS on the Fantom can (and does by default) output MIDI for each pattern. Each pattern track used by RPS can be set to either transmit both internally and externally (default), transmit only internally, or not transmit at all (muted). These settings are available in the sequence edit screen.

By the way, welcome to the Roland CLAN, if you haven't already been welcomed here before!

Regards,

Nathan Sheldon
http://www.nathansheldon.com/

[udo]

Thanks, Nathan and Artemio.

But one question still remains: is the VP-550 able to create lead vocals? I guess it should be, if I play only a melody line.

I am still thinking about getting the VP, because for me productivity is key and sometimes too many options can slow you down. And I don't need any of the V-Synth's sounds. Maybe I will order the VP next week and if I feel I need more options I'll return it to the store.

So nobody owns a VP-550 yet?

[nsheldon]

Hi again udo.

I have the V-Synth with the VC-2 (which is basically what the VP-550 is) and you cannot really create lead vocals using it. It was designed for and works best as a backing choral accompaniment. There are no models for solo human voices, only choral human voices and vocoders. There are some simulated solo human voice patches but they are not convincing enough to pass for anything other than interesting gimmicks or special effects.

Regards,

Nathan Sheldon
http://www.nathansheldon.com/

[udo]

Okay, I see. I don't really want to create lead vocals to use them alone in a recording. I mainly want to compose vocal melody lines. Then I would open the so created line in Melodyne as a reference and possible backing file for my "real" singing.

It really might be best to go for the VP first in case things don't work out the way I expect. But if can create something similar to your "Human Lead" recording it should be okay for my needs.

[RunBeerRun]

I found this video(not mine) http://www.otownmedia.com/JR_&_VP550.mov

[udo]

Yeah!

Thanks!