One really important thing I think that you need to show is what the sustain is like on the piano so we have no idea how good the piano sounds really because a lot of people like to sustain with that sound.
Do you guys know if there's anyway to control the volume of the Delay say when you're using one of the electric piano voices? I know how to change from different types of delay but I haven't figured out how to change the volume of the Delay, just the speed and type. Thanks!
Love the board so far BUT...is there any way to adjust the depth of the tremolo in the MFX ... it's way too deep and wiggly for the wurli piano patches.
I always wonder why in general digital/stage/performing keyboards usually have pretty good electric piano sections, and in the last years, pretty decent organ section too. But NONE of them (incl the most expensive ones) have those lush, warm, synth strings from the 70s incl Arp, Eminent, (and I'd add mellotron too). And of course Roland RS202, and the best VP03 sounds (with those great modulation and facilities options of both). I know there're some softwares and all that, but it would be nice to have AT LAST an instrument with al those truly great string synths. Most of performing keyboards have plenty of those cheesy synths sounds based on DX7, but why they can't put the good stuff we all loved from the 70s? Thank you!
Hi mate!. Sadly, that Waldorf Streichfett doesn't come close to the genuine 70s strings. It doesn't sound anything like Arp Solina, Logan, Crumar, Roland, etc. There's a review @ soundonsound about that. To this day, we don't have a keyboard with all those iconic synth strings.
MrPonkine yes your not wrong .I've not played the Waldorf ,I suspect I'd probably like it for what it is.I have owned the Solina string ensemble,Roland string synth 202 and the Logan strings ,didn't like the latter 202 was better than expected but the Solina one sound but what a sound the other five or so sounds were passengers . it's not possible to emulate these instruments you need the originals ,studio use ok lugging around maybe get the little Waldorf lol!
I'm curious about the impedance of the outputs. I recently bought a VR730, and there's nothing in the manuals that states what it is. It just gives a visual graphic of powered monitors and says you connect 1/4" plugs. Okay ... What kind of 1/4-inch plugs? TRS? TS? Will this need a DI box on stage? This is called a "Performance keyboard", and a critical part of the performance starts with a proper signal path.
Wow - this guy can play!! I've been SO attached to my A33 because of the waterfall technology. It's great to see Roland have identified the superior quality of this technology and have re-introduced it into their range. But if I trade my A33 MIDI controller in for this - will it allow me to import VSTs via Logic Pro?
Hi Ed, I need some of your input. Going to replace my Korg PA3X. I have been using this board for about 8 to 10 years. Before that I had a Yamaha 9000 pro. Which I loved! The Korg is a great sounding board but always comes up short in areas of use. At the time I replaced the 9000 pro, Roland only had the G or Fantom's. They were too heavy, I needed to lighten the load I was carrying around to gigs. I need a board with a good usable drum machine. I don't need the all the auto play stuff the Korg or Yamaha offers. I am looking at the Roland FA-07 or the VR730. I need something I can play MP3 and midi files through it to sound source in the board. I need quick access to my tracks on the fly. I do a solo act, dance stuff or easy listening, all styles. Whats your opinion on what board would work for me. ??
Any controller you like and a Macbook. Doesn’t even need to be MacBook pro. Will do everything you asked straight out of the box. GarageBand is included and is totally gigable. I’ve done 40 song sets with a chick singer as the only backing with zero problems. Lots of recording and sequencing to put it together, but that’s the fun part. Give it some thought. By the way, I’m playing the cheapest M-Audio 88 key controller and it’s awesome.
Anyone here familiar with the brass options on the VR-730? Specifically I need a good POP BRASS sound for stabs, etc. ... also I need the brass sound for Toto's 'Africa'--(kalimba/marimba would be a bonus!). Thanks in advance for comments.
~ An extra octave, for one thing, which is really important for playing live (IMO). I have NEVER liked 61-key boards, and 88-key boards are generally too large and heavy for gigging. 73 - 76 seems to be perfect (again, IMO). ~ Waterfall keys, which are ideal for playing organ.
Anyone have ANY idea what "Key Touch" in the "Keyboard" menu actually does? I can't tell any real difference in changing it from 'Super-light' to 'Super-heavy'. I have to come here and ask because Roland's crap-@$$ manuals don't explain it anywhere. It has explanations for all the OTHER "Keyboard" settings, but nothing about "Key Touch"
@@officialWWM I’ve been playing a very long time. I have numerous professional keyboards with adjustable velocity curves. I know exactly how they’re supposed to respond - both in feel and sound (attack, brightness, warmth, etc). I find the velocity curves on my VR730 to have zero difference in anything.
acoustic piano sounds truly dreadful, fizzy and electronic. not good by todays standards. Organs are indeed impressive though . Bad pianos are a deal breaker for me..just too uninspiring
Three TYPES of organs - the same standard 3 you find on most other electronic organs. Its sound is based around the B3 ("Rock" and "Jazz") and the old Vox organs of the 60's ("Transistor").
The B3 sounds and synth sounds are all really wonderfully rich, and the rotary emulation is very sweet. The plastic housing is great for hauling in and out of shows. No one in your audience cares how your board looks, they care how you sound playing it. But the VR series has other issues, such as zero product support or updates. The onboard effects are meager at best, the overdrive is just horrible on the organ, and there’s no EQ adjustment. There’s a Tone knob, but that’s really just a contour knob that affects the midrange curve. If this board were $1200.00 US, it would be worth it. But it’s currently (2020) overpriced for what you get, as most Roland products tend to be.
Vanessa JazP I care what it looks like cause the vibe affects my playing. My main instrument is guitar and the look of guitar gear is very important. Saying the look doesn't matter is like saying the look of the band doesn't matter! Why should keyboards all look like black plastic boxes? It amazes me that manufacturers haven't tapped into how important aesthetics are. Anyway, I ended up buying the Vox Continental. 1, because it looks cool, 2, because it's not plastic, it's metal., 3 because it sounds amazing, especially the organ sounds, it has a real tube on board for distortion ! 4, cause the keybed is beautiful, 5, because the digital drawbars are per fect. 6, because at $2000 Australian it's incredible value for money, especially considering it comes with a cool stand and expression pedal. I think the Roland is just old and outdated now. I have a Juno DS and while that sounds decent, it feels like a cheap plastic box and the operating system is a nightmare!
@@officialWWM Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting the VR730 is God’s gift to keyboardists. I’m just saying that of all instruments in a band, the aesthetics of the keyboard matter least of all. You should be able to play phenomenally no matter what a board LOOKS like. I also play bass, and spent a good amount of money on customizing it specifically for looks, because with guitars and bass that matters. Same with drums. But I also come from a time when no one cared what you looked like, when the keyboard section was often one guy surrounded on 3 or 4 sides by 2 or 3 tiers of analog synths. None of them were particularly aesthetic, but oh the sounds they generated! I’m also at an age where I greatly appreciate the benefit of a lighter-weight keyboard. The. R730 has some incredible sounds. It also has some shortcomings. I love the idea of the real tube that Vox incorporates. I wish more boards would do that, but the Vox sound never thrilled me.
Vanessa JazP the Vox sound works better with a band than in isolation. That's the point of the instrument. It's a stage keyboard, do it has everything you need and nothing you don't. The layout is excellent and well thought out and everything is easy to turn off and on, you can play a whole gig without needing to use a single preset. Although the vibe may not be important to you, it is to me and I'm sure a lot of other players. Vox has tapped into that. The only other keyboard manufacturer who has done that is Korg with SV1/SV2. They are considered classics, largely because of their aesthetic. "Form" is important in the design of most things, I just think keyboard players, particularly those who come from a piano playing background, tend to be really conservative. They are the nerds of the music world.
@@officialWWM I would agree the SV1 & 2 have a very sexy look. Interestingly, I was actually looking at the SV1 back in 2018 (pre-SV2 era) when deciding what what to get next. I went with the VR730 because of overall sounds and functionality. But it had enough shortcomings that I shelved it this past summer in favor of Yamaha’s new YC61, which has its own shortcomings. Sigh ...
One really important thing I think that you need to show is what the sustain is like on the piano so we have no idea how good the piano sounds really because a lot of people like to sustain with that sound.
Do you guys know if there's anyway to control the volume of the Delay say when you're using one of the electric piano voices? I know how to change from different types of delay but I haven't figured out how to change the volume of the Delay, just the speed and type. Thanks!
How do I change the default sound when I start the keyboard.?
How do i adjust the mix/level on the delay effect?
Love the board so far BUT...is there any way to adjust the depth of the tremolo in the MFX ... it's way too deep and wiggly for the wurli piano patches.
I always wonder why in general digital/stage/performing keyboards usually have pretty good electric piano sections, and in the last years, pretty decent organ section too. But NONE of them (incl the most expensive ones) have those lush, warm, synth strings from the 70s incl Arp, Eminent, (and I'd add mellotron too). And of course Roland RS202, and the best VP03 sounds (with those great modulation and facilities options of both). I know there're some softwares and all that, but it would be nice to have AT LAST an instrument with al those truly great string synths. Most of performing keyboards have plenty of those cheesy synths sounds based on DX7, but why they can't put the good stuff we all loved from the 70s? Thank you!
MrPonkine How about that Waldorf module with all the string synts in it .
Hi mate!. Sadly, that Waldorf Streichfett doesn't come close to the genuine 70s strings. It doesn't sound anything like Arp Solina, Logan, Crumar, Roland, etc. There's a review @ soundonsound about that. To this day, we don't have a keyboard with all those iconic synth strings.
MrPonkine yes your not wrong .I've not played the Waldorf ,I suspect I'd probably like it for what it is.I have owned the Solina string ensemble,Roland string synth 202 and the Logan strings ,didn't like the latter 202 was better than expected but the Solina one sound but what a sound the other five or so sounds were passengers . it's not possible to emulate these instruments you need the originals ,studio use ok lugging around maybe get the little Waldorf lol!
I imagine because they want you to buy 2 or more keyboard?
Are these keys weighted?
I'm curious about the impedance of the outputs.
I recently bought a VR730, and there's nothing in the manuals that states what it is. It just gives a visual graphic of powered monitors and says you connect 1/4" plugs.
Okay ... What kind of 1/4-inch plugs? TRS? TS? Will this need a DI box on stage?
This is called a "Performance keyboard", and a critical part of the performance starts with a proper signal path.
always use TRS cables...best signal!
Does the VR- 30 COME with the Master Transpose? How do the Vibes sound in the VR-30 ?
Would love to have this. The keybed is far superior to the VR-09. Have to sell some stuff first it seems.
Hi, the 1' drawbar does not sound on its own, is that a normal feature ?
Wow - this guy can play!! I've been SO attached to my A33 because of the waterfall technology. It's great to see Roland have identified the superior quality of this technology and have re-introduced it into their range. But if I trade my A33 MIDI controller in for this - will it allow me to import VSTs via Logic Pro?
Can u import midi files AND play the keyboard.essential for practicing away from my band! ??
Fantastic live keyboard
Aha!! GREAT - he's just covered that in the video - it does work as a USB MIDI Controller.... It also has MIDI IN/OUT - you've thought of everything!
Hey how can I change the touch sensitivity on the Roland VR-730?
Yes you can
Hi Ed, I need some of your input. Going to replace my Korg PA3X. I have been using this board for about 8 to 10 years. Before that I had a Yamaha 9000 pro. Which I loved! The Korg is a great sounding board but always comes up short in areas of use. At the time I replaced the 9000 pro, Roland only had the G or Fantom's. They were too heavy, I needed to lighten the load I was carrying around to gigs. I need a board with a good usable drum machine. I don't need the all the auto play stuff the Korg or Yamaha offers. I am looking at the Roland FA-07 or the VR730. I need something I can play MP3 and midi files through it to sound source in the board. I need quick access to my tracks on the fly. I do a solo act, dance stuff or easy listening, all styles. Whats your opinion on what board would work for me. ??
Any controller you like and a Macbook. Doesn’t even need to be MacBook pro. Will do everything you asked straight out of the box. GarageBand is included and is totally gigable. I’ve done 40 song sets with a chick singer as the only backing with zero problems. Lots of recording and sequencing to put it together, but that’s the fun part. Give it some thought.
By the way, I’m playing the cheapest M-Audio 88 key controller and it’s awesome.
Vr730 is compatible with vocoder?
Anyone here familiar with the brass options on the VR-730? Specifically I need a good POP BRASS sound for stabs, etc. ... also I need the brass sound for Toto's 'Africa'--(kalimba/marimba would be a bonus!). Thanks in advance for comments.
What’s the difference between the VR 09 and this keyboard?
zelbarnap it's basically just a new case and waterfall keys. Not really justifying the new price tag.
~ An extra octave, for one thing, which is really important for playing live (IMO). I have NEVER liked 61-key boards, and 88-key boards are generally too large and heavy for gigging. 73 - 76 seems to be perfect (again, IMO).
~ Waterfall keys, which are ideal for playing organ.
Vanessa P I forgot about that extra octave. Thanks!
I like my Roland VR-760. This seems like a cheaper version of the same instrument.
Why this over VR-09B? They seem identical.
Waterfall keyboard and an extra octave. Extra keys worth it for me.
Anyone have ANY idea what "Key Touch" in the "Keyboard" menu actually does? I can't tell any real difference in changing it from 'Super-light' to 'Super-heavy'.
I have to come here and ask because Roland's crap-@$$ manuals don't explain it anywhere. It has explanations for all the OTHER "Keyboard" settings, but nothing about "Key Touch"
Vanessa JazP it's supposed to affect how hard you have to hit the keys to get sound to adjust for different playing styles.
@@officialWWM I know what it’s SUPPOSED to do, but I don’t hear it actually doing any difference.
Vanessa JazP it more of a feel thing than an audible thing.
@@officialWWM I’ve been playing a very long time. I have numerous professional keyboards with adjustable velocity curves. I know exactly how they’re supposed to respond - both in feel and sound (attack, brightness, warmth, etc). I find the velocity curves on my VR730 to have zero difference in anything.
acoustic piano sounds truly dreadful, fizzy and electronic. not good by todays standards. Organs are indeed impressive though . Bad pianos are a deal breaker for me..just too uninspiring
I know what you mean, but I use an 88-key Yamaha for pianos. The VR-730's organ sounds are very impressive, and that's what I mainly use it for.
Only 3 organs?!
ernest hairston
It has a complete set of drawbars, lots of FX, roll you own.
Three TYPES of organs - the same standard 3 you find on most other electronic organs.
Its sound is based around the B3 ("Rock" and "Jazz") and the old Vox organs of the 60's ("Transistor").
Vanessa JazP What Yamaha are you using?
Porque ocupan los sonidos más feos para las demos?
2018 but piano sound like a s...toy....sorry!!! Organ sound not impressive.....KEYBOARD TOUCH IS GOOD!
If this thing had a better name and didn't look like a block of black plastic, I'd probably buy one.
The B3 sounds and synth sounds are all really wonderfully rich, and the rotary emulation is very sweet. The plastic housing is great for hauling in and out of shows. No one in your audience cares how your board looks, they care how you sound playing it.
But the VR series has other issues, such as zero product support or updates. The onboard effects are meager at best, the overdrive is just horrible on the organ, and there’s no EQ adjustment. There’s a Tone knob, but that’s really just a contour knob that affects the midrange curve.
If this board were $1200.00 US, it would be worth it. But it’s currently (2020) overpriced for what you get, as most Roland products tend to be.
Vanessa JazP I care what it looks like cause the vibe affects my playing. My main instrument is guitar and the look of guitar gear is very important. Saying the look doesn't matter is like saying the look of the band doesn't matter! Why should keyboards all look like black plastic boxes? It amazes me that manufacturers haven't tapped into how important aesthetics are.
Anyway, I ended up buying the Vox Continental. 1, because it looks cool, 2, because it's not plastic, it's metal., 3 because it sounds amazing, especially the organ sounds, it has a real tube on board for distortion ! 4, cause the keybed is beautiful, 5, because the digital drawbars are per fect. 6, because at $2000 Australian it's incredible value for money, especially considering it comes with a cool stand and expression pedal. I think the Roland is just old and outdated now. I have a Juno DS and while that sounds decent, it feels like a cheap plastic box and the operating system is a nightmare!
@@officialWWM Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting the VR730 is God’s gift to keyboardists. I’m just saying that of all instruments in a band, the aesthetics of the keyboard matter least of all. You should be able to play phenomenally no matter what a board LOOKS like.
I also play bass, and spent a good amount of money on customizing it specifically for looks, because with guitars and bass that matters. Same with drums.
But I also come from a time when no one cared what you looked like, when the keyboard section was often one guy surrounded on 3 or 4 sides by 2 or 3 tiers of analog synths. None of them were particularly aesthetic, but oh the sounds they generated!
I’m also at an age where I greatly appreciate the benefit of a lighter-weight keyboard. The. R730 has some incredible sounds. It also has some shortcomings. I love the idea of the real tube that Vox incorporates. I wish more boards would do that, but the Vox sound never thrilled me.
Vanessa JazP the Vox sound works better with a band than in isolation. That's the point of the instrument. It's a stage keyboard, do it has everything you need and nothing you don't. The layout is excellent and well thought out and everything is easy to turn off and on, you can play a whole gig without needing to use a single preset. Although the vibe may not be important to you, it is to me and I'm sure a lot of other players. Vox has tapped into that. The only other keyboard manufacturer who has done that is Korg with SV1/SV2. They are considered classics, largely because of their aesthetic. "Form" is important in the design of most things, I just think keyboard players, particularly those who come from a piano playing background, tend to be really conservative. They are the nerds of the music world.
@@officialWWM I would agree the SV1 & 2 have a very sexy look. Interestingly, I was actually looking at the SV1 back in 2018 (pre-SV2 era) when deciding what what to get next. I went with the VR730 because of overall sounds and functionality.
But it had enough shortcomings that I shelved it this past summer in favor of Yamaha’s new YC61, which has its own shortcomings.
Sigh ...
Please stop diverting to show the face, it's about the keyboard