Roland VariPhase (VP-9000 vs VariOS)

[mineral walter]

Hi!

I sold my EMU sampler for some time ago and now I am looking for something that does not sound like a software.
(do not misunderstand the EMU sound was great but since I do not have it I use software)

I found the Roland Variphase quite interesting and I would like to give a try, but now I do not know the differences between the VP-9000 and the VariOS module.

The V-Producer software looks quite nice but I am not sure what I get.
I would use it mainly for drum sound manipulations and pitch corrections, but it would be a nice feature if it could load my old sample libraries. (AKAI S1000 format mainly)

If anyone has experience with these Variphase processors please share it.

Thanks.

[Hugo76]

mineral walter;
I don't have hands-on experience with neither, but I do have the V-Synth, which is essentially the VP-9000 + lots more. Have you considered the V-Synth?

[Stab Frenzy]

Yeah get the V-Synth, it's a lot easier to use than either with the touchscreen. You also get a great controller and VA in the package. Somebody's selling one for $850 in the For Sale forum, I'd jump on that.

[OriginalJambo]

The V-Synth (or Variphrase in general) kicks a*s, but if you are expecting to have access to realistic patches (piano, strings, brass, woodwind etc.) it's likely to disappoint. This is because it doesn't really support multi-samples - well unless you duplicate your patch and set them to different zones or use one of the rhythm sets (of which there are only 4!) and even then it's not ideal and pretty cumbersome.

The time stretching algorithm can give you usable ranges with one sample for some instruments, but you can only push it so far - it's not really a viable alternative to multi-samples for many applications. There are a few great woodwind patches among the factory presets however.

All in all the V-Synth is great at what it was designed to be - a modern (it'll integrate easily into a modern DAW setup with its USB storage/MIDI, Compact Flash card support and the option of both optical and S/PDIF interfacing), performance-driven sample mangler and audio processor that's very hands on, with a complete VA synth chucked in as a bonus. The touch screen is extremely inviting so you'll be flying around in no time - at the very least it's a lot of fun just screwing around with the COSM effects.

As Stab says you can pick up an original V-Synth for next to nothing these days. Remember it was once Roland's flagship synth, and for good reason!

[stikygum]

I'd recommend the V synth also. You won't have to deal with outdated software. I think the VariOs is more capable than the VP9000. There is USB on the VariOs. I didn't like dealing with scsi all the time on VP9000. Plus the software for the VariOS only will give you more freedom. It has the ability to automate the Variphrase stuff. VP9K sounds good like the others, but is outdated in the software dept. Check on the VariOs and see if the software requirements meet up with your setup.