Roland Aira report

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Roland Aira report

Postby Thirteen » Mon Feb 24, 2014 7:06 pm

Not a vintage synth of course, but I just attended the launch in Sydney of the Roland Aira range for those who may be interested. I had heard good reports about the TR-8 and wanted to hear it first hand, along with the other devices in the family. I have to say that I was completely impressed. It's the first time that I have heard a digital modelled version of a classic that I think matches and exceeds the original. It blew me away. I won't go into the features as there are plenty of videos on the web, but to hear the TR-8 through a big PA with no EQ or compression side by side with an original TR-909 was what I had been waiting for, and the TR-8 nailed it. And it will be cheap to boot.

I actually think that owners of original TR-808's and 909's will buy this machine to take out live so that they can leave their classics safely at home. Totally worth checking out once they hit the stores. I am happy to give Roland a plug here because they have come out of left field and come up with a digital device that is better in my opinion than the analogue original, their engineers deserve kudos for something this unexpected, I think that they have a really interesting new technology here. The other devices (TB-3, VT-3 and a prototype System-1) also were seriously impressive. I don't know the exact street price but the numbers I heard mentioned were crazy cheap, not too far above the little analog boxes that Korg have been making such a killing with. This is a great time to be into electronic music hardware, there is so much sub-$600.00 cool gear coming out, it's a nice change from being tethered to a laptop.
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Re: Roland Aira report

Postby Sammas » Mon Feb 24, 2014 9:17 pm

It is funny you mention that. I met Andy Bull last week. He was rehearsing for the product launch and had a bunch of AIRA kit with him. Lovely bloke! He gave me a quick demo of the TR-8. It is impressive, particularly given the price range being mentioned!
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Re: Roland Aira report

Postby ChrisW » Tue Feb 25, 2014 8:34 am

Thanks for the report. :)
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Re: Roland Aira report

Postby Lee » Tue Feb 25, 2014 1:55 pm

I also attended the launch and was also impressed. I didn't even realize but at one point he was switching between the original 909 and the TR-8 and it was so similar that if he didn't tell us i wouldn't have known. I thought i would only be interested in the TR-8 but the other products especially the synth was amazing. What i liked about the system-1 was that when he turned the filter there were no artifacts making it sound really smooth.

Really cool products and cheap! Here is the link-
http://www.rolandcorp.com.au/products/p ... aspx?c=573
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Re: Roland Aira report

Postby Cymatics » Tue Feb 25, 2014 5:52 pm

Nice to hear that it's good! I can't wait to try one out.
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Re: Roland Aira report

Postby Thoughtlab » Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:09 pm

Thanks for providing your feedback on these Steve.

They sound really great and am looking forward to checking one out some day soon.
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Re: Roland Aira report

Postby Futureman » Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:39 pm

Ordered my TR-8 from Awave a few weeks ago.. Arrives tomorrow.

Looking forward to taking it for a spin.

First new bit of kit I've bought in ages.. Maybe decades! (except for the odd guitar pedal)
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Re: Roland Aira report

Postby ChrisW » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:35 pm

I've had mine for about a month.
It has some quirks.
I'm liking it though.
(Still haven't sent the Eventide yet :( I'll try and get on to it before the end of the week).
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