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What we're buying: BeatsX wireless buds, Roland JP-08, Paprika app
As summer turns to fall, Engadget editors are looking to indoor pursuits, whether that involves paying for smarter recipe apps, a new synth toy or some wireless headphones for that indoor treadmill.
Roland reissues classic D-50 synth for its 'Boutique' line
Roland has been reissuing classic synths for a while now with its "Boutique" line based on earlier Roland keyboards like the Jupiter 8, Juno 106 and JX-3P. The company has also re-imagined the retro-tastic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines for classic beats on the go. Now, Roland wants to commemorate the 30th anniversary of another classic, the D-50 Linear Synthesizer. Named the D-05, this compact synth will run you $350 and is available now.
Roland's revival of the iconic TR-808 makes classic sounds portable
If we know anything about Roland, it's that the company loves to debut new gear on the corresponding date. Today is August 8th, or as the company calls it "808 Day," so naturally it's time for a new piece of kit. As you might've already guessed, there's a new version of the iconic TR-808 drum machine that first debuted in the '80s. Last September on so-called "909 Day," the company debuted its TR-909 revival (the TR-09) alongside a new take on the TB-303 (TB-03) and one other synth for its Boutique line. Now, the company is adding the TR-08 Rhythm Composer to its stable of reissued classics.
Roland founder and music legend Ikutaro Kakehashi dies
It's a tragic time for both music and technology. Ikutaro Kakehashi, best known as the founder of Roland Corporation, has died at 87. The engineer turned corporate leader got his start making electronic drums and rhythm pattern generators, but it was after he founded Roland in 1972 that he hit the big time. His company quickly became synonymous with electronic music effects, and the machines built under his watch didn't just become popular -- they changed the cultural landscape.
Roland's compact mixer improves audio for your phone videos
The audio that your phone captures while you're recording videos for Facebook Live, Snapchat Stories and more isn't too good on its own. You'll need another accessory for situations in which sound is paramount. Roland is looking to lend a hand with its $99 GO:MIXER, a compact mobile mixer that allows you to track two instruments and vocals at the same time. In fact, it can handle up to five audio sources at once. That includes a microphone, guitar/bass, keyboard and two stereo line instruments (e.g., a drum machine or personal music player.)
12 gifts for music nerds
Nerds come in many forms. Some build stuff, some like video games, and others sweat the tiny details of audio fidelity or salivate over vintage drum machines. That latter group can be difficult to shop for if you're not initiated in the ways of the music nerd. But don't worry. Whether the obsessive audio freak in your life is more into making music or listening to it, we've got you covered. For those that love composing sweet beats, there's the TR-09 -- a pretty solid remake of the classic 909 drum machine that was essential to creating '80s and '90s house and techno. There are also pocket synths for musicians on the go, like the Pocket Operator line from Teenage Engineering. For those who get their kicks more from listening than creating, there are subscription services like VNYL that deliver fresh pressed records to your door. You'll also need a solid turntable like Music Hall's MMF-2.3 to listen to them on, of course. And, if your favorite audiophile also happens to be an iPhone owner there's an obvious stocking stuffer: Belkin's Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar. This brings back the headphone jack and lets you charge the phone at the same time! For our full list of recommendations in all categories, don't forget to stop by our main Holiday Gift Guide hub.
Roland's System-8 keyboard is all the synths you want in one case
There's a reason professional keyboards and synths are filled with dials, buttons and levers. When a musician is getting ready for the next song, it's quicker to turn a knob than sift through multiple submenus via the onboard computer. Roland's System-8 synth has such a display, but nearly everything you need is at your fingertips, and that's great.
Roland's System-8 synthesizer does almost everything
As Roland's product-packed 909 day comes to a close, one of the more impressive announcements is the new System-8 synthesizer. Taking a design cue from the Aira line, the new keyboard is packed full of features including the ability to add and control multiple synth profiles at once.
Roland's new take on the iconic TR-909 delivers nostalgia aplenty
Roland's Boutique line of synthesizers broke from cover last fall and today the company announced three more members of the series. Appropriately enough for 909 Day, the highlight of the trio is a revival of the iconic TR-909 drum machine. The new version, officially called the TR-09, "recreates the influential hybrid sound of its predecessor" thanks to ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology according to Roland.
Roland buys majority stake in headphone maker V-Moda
In case you hadn't heard, today is 808 Day. To properly celebrate the occasion, audio gear maker Roland is padding its gadget lineup. Headphone company V-Moda announced today that it had sold a majority stake to Roland forming "a brand new partnership" that will "develop the next breakthrough music products." The press release announcing the deal calls it "a strategic investment," but Roland now owns a 70 percent stake in V-Moda and CEO Val Kolton will control the remaining 30 percent. Kolton will remain in his current role while also serving as a product design consultant for Roland's dance, DJ and electronic music division.
Roland taps iconic 808 sounds for rhythm-based gaming
Roland revived the iconic sounds of the TR-808 with last year's AIRA TR-8, and now its leveraging those tones for mobile gaming. With TR-REC, the audio company uses sounds from both the TR-808 and TR-8, as players recreate rhythms played by the app. As the game moves on, tones are layered on top of the original rhythm to create a piece of dance music. In order to progress to the next stage, you must correctly tap out the sequence before time runs out. If that sounds too intimidating, don't worry: the game starts with the basics. You can think of it like Guitar Hero, but for a drum machine.
Roland's 'Boutique' synth line leaks, ratchets up the nostalgia
Roland may have already teased its upcoming 'Boutique' line of synthesizers, but thanks to a leak, we now have a lot more info. The trio of instruments offers modern takes on the classic Jupiter 8, Juno 106 and JX-3P synths with the JP-08, JU-06 and JX-03. Of course, this isn't the first time Roland has turned back the clock, as it revealed the AIRA line in 2014 that included new versions of the TR-303 and TR-808. The JP-08, JU-06 and JX-03 are all sold as individual modules, with the option of docking them in a K-25m keyboard that packs 25 velocity-sensitive keys (hence the name). The trio also feature 16-step sequencers, can run off four AA batteries and connect to your computer via USB.
Big toys for the big kid in all of us
Some of the toys we played with as children have grown up along with us and now they pack adult-sized fun. Memorable designs have bubbled up into lifestyle products with smarts, but most offer what we always loved them for: an action-packed thrill. Sure, we can drive real cars now, but that doesn't diminish the urge to drift on a motorized Big Wheel. Skateboards and pogo sticks have powered up over the years, too, and hoverboards can now actually hover. This week we pay tribute to the big kid inside each of us with a lineup of reinvented, rebuilt and improved versions of playtime classics. [Image: Local Motors]
Recommended Reading: How baseball's tech team changed television
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. The Changeup by Ben Popper The Verge The streaming tech that powers HBO Now? It was built by Major League Baseball Advanced Media (BAM). Yes, the same outfit that handles MLB.tv and announced a partnership with the National Hockey League to handle its streaming services this week. The Verge takes a behind-the-scenes look at the department and what it's doing to build the future of television.
Roland adds modular options to its AIRA synths
Just over a year ago, Roland unveiled its successor to the iconic 808 and 909 instruments that have a firm grasp on the modern music landscape. That drum machine, the TR-8, was part of a new AIRA line with the System-1 synthesizer, TB-3 bass synth and VT-3 vocal processor. At this year's Musikmesse in Frankfurt, the company revealed the AIRA Modular: a standalone instrument that can be paired with a handful of external effects or other audio gear. What's more, it's designed to be rackmounted or used at your desk, either with all four of the aforementioned add-ons or one or two at the time. While last year's System-1 offer a more traditional keyboard-driven approach, the AIRA Modular's centerpiece is the System-1m. The unit features Control Voltage (CV) and Gate control needed to produce a range of sounds and plug-out ability allows the System-1m to be used with other classics, like the SH-101 and PROMARS. On board, the modular synth packs in tone, crusher, reverb and delay effects alongside MIDI and LED-lit controls and inputs.
'Blade Runner' tech gives 'Borderlands' its signature sound
"The Commodore 64 is like my Bible; that's when [game] music began because that's when they put an analog chip into a computer," composer Jesper Kyd says of the nearly 33-year-old home computer. "Before that it was PC or Atari and everything was like 'beep, beep, beep, beep-beep beep' and who the fuck wants to listen to that?"
'808' documentary details the rise of the legendary drum machine
Chances are you've heard Roland's iconic TR-808 drum machine at some point during your music streaming. While the name may not ring a bell, artists and producers have been using its trademark sounds since 1980. We're talking the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Beastie Boys and Kanye West. In fact, the piece of kit has amassed such a massive reputation that the company trotted out a new version last year. Now, the machine is getting a documentary that will chronicle its rise. Set to hit theaters in 2015, 808 details the music that got its sonic chops from Roland's device, including interviews from Rick Rubin, Phil Collins, Fatboy Slim, Questlove, Diplo and many more. Fans of the TR-808 recall that it was discontinued at the height of its popularity, and the film chats with Roland founder Ikutaro "Mr. K" Kakehashi to find out how that came to pass. The documentary is an effort from Atlantic Records' film arm, and is being directed by Alexander Dunn. Can't wait for it to hit the big screen? Catch the trailer just after the break.
Artists build a Roland TR-909 drum machine for giants
Roland made some of the most iconic drum machines used in electronic music, and its TR-909 is entering its 30s. So, what's the best way to celebrate three decades of tones? Well, you could build a 9-foot long playable version of the unit to rage on with your mates, and that's just what Scottish audio/visual outfit Ray did. The frame is constructed with a combination of aluminum, steel and wood with a TD-12 module (from a set of V-Drums) and AIRA TR-8 drum machine providing the sounds. That Roland gear wrangles rhythms from a dozen PD-8 drum pads mounted underneath the super-sized buttons, and MIDI signals beam visuals to a projection system for added effect. Don't take our word for it though, there's a short clip of the massive gadget in action just after the break.
Roland revives the 808 and other classics with its AIRA line
Roland has been teasing new entries in its black-and-green AIRA series for about a month. Now, it's pulling the wraps off of the new lineup that's led by the new TR-8 drum machine. It's worth noting that this isn't the first time the instrument maker has revisited the legendary 808, 909 and 303 units that debuted in the '80s. If you've listened to a bit of hip-hop, dance or techno, you've likely heard the trademark sounds of the trio already -- like the iconic snare of the 808. Building on decades of TR-808 and TR-909 use, Roland "obsessively analyzed and faithfully recreated every detail and nuance of the analog circuitry" of those machines and packed it all inside the TR-8 Rhythm Performer. There's "full reproduction" with new Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) tech that recreates the tone and behavior from the original pair. If you're thinking that this sounds like the new device is all-digital, you're correct. However, Roland says the tone and character of the analog units have been enhanced with new features like tune and decay controls on each instrument and an added scatter function. The latter feature is said to "freak and tweak" sounds with real-time adjustments and accurate sync. Needless to say, we're anxious to try it out. Like the 808, the TR-8 houses a 16-step sequencer that now has full-color LED lighting for visual status updates. In terms of recording, an improved version of TR-REC is also modeled here for creating patterns, while toggling between programming and performance modes can be done easily. For keeping tabs on tempo, there's an LED display and tap functionality for quick adjustments. A USB jack allows audio and MIDI connections (which the original didn't have) and the device can use MIDI clock info to sync with external instruments -- like the other AIRA series units that we'll examine after the break. If all of that sounds too good to pass up, the TR-8 will retail for $499 when it arrives next month.
Successor to the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine teased in promo video
What you see here is a leaked image that claims to be the upcoming successor to the classic TR-808 drum machine from Roland. If you're in need of a refresher, the unit debuted in 1980 and powered a truckload of iconic sounds over the past 30 years, including Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" and Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock." Heck, it's still getting plenty of use by musicians and producers today. In a video teaser discussing the heritage of the original device, Roland's Atsushi Hoshiai notes that the outfit feels "it's time to take the next step." Near the end of the video, you'll catch a glimpse of what appears to be the new drum machine -- labeled the AIRA -- that matches up well with the snapshot. A green-rimmed black unit is flashed briefly and what's shown of the button layout seems to match up with that image obtained by Attack Magazine. Details are scarce at this point, but the big question is whether the AIRA will be a brand-new digital version or a reissue that's analog like the original. It's also worth noting that Korg has gone analog with recent product launches, like the Volca synth series and MS-20 mini, so hopefully Roland will follow suit. We're just days away from NAMM 2014, so the new unit may get a proper unveiling in Anaheim... if we're lucky. The aforementioned video awaits just past the break, so you can have a look for yourself.
