Products / Arrangers / Backing Keyboards / EM-55

Taking a bold step that could possibly change the future of arranger-based keyboards, Roland introduces the EM-55 – 61 note interactive keyboard which boasts a brand new user interface, a totally redesigned control panel and a host of newly developed features.
With newly programmed styles, 3641 sounds and a music assistant function only previously found on our top of range VA keyboard, the EM-55 is the perfect instrument for live performances and educational purposes alike.

• Flagship interactive keyboard with 61 velocity-sensitive keys and built-in floppy drive
• 3,641 professional-quality tones, 116 drum kits and 32 multitimbral parts
• Up to 128 onboard music styles (64 ROM styles and 64 via floppy disk)
• Helpful Music Assistant with setup templates for your favorite music
• New Session Partner Pads allow realtime triggering of pre-recorded phrases
• Create cool DJ mixes using DJ Pads with 64 realtime phrases
• 16-track song recorder for recording performances or loading Standard MIDI Files

The Sounds

Loaded with 3641 sounds, 128 styles, 116 drum kits and 47 M-FX (multi-effects) the EM-55 is definitely at the top of the EM line up. Furthermore, it's 64 voice polyphonic, GM/GS compatible sound engine can be equally compared with Roland's professional VA-Series keyboards, which, according to the press, provide the best and most dynamic sounds currently on the market.

User Interface

Featuring a large, wide backlit LCD and colour coded buttons for style and tone selection, the EM-55's control panel and user interface have been totally re-designed for ease of use. Improvements include quicker access to the Style Morphing and orchestrator functions and a new EZ search function which allows you to select music styles and sounds at the touch of a button.

Session Partner

The EM-55's new Session Partner Concept allows users to add realtime phrases to the selected style and helps them Create 'groove music' thanks to the 64 onboard DJ phrases. Encompassing three functions you Can:
- switch on/mute the arranger's accompaniment parts;
- select from among 8 phrase patterns to be played either in isolation or together with the selected music style (thus adding a ninth accompaniment part;
- use the eight Session Partner buttons to create remixes of existing phrases.

The session partner buttons can also be used for muting and switching on individual tracks of the 16-track sequencer, allowing you to be creative even with your recorded music.

Performance Functions

Assigning a function to the D Beam controller has now become more flexible and straightforward with the addition of 50 ready-to-use settings. Their subdivision into four groups: DJ Gear;Instruments; Sound Effects; and Controls allows for quick selection of the desired function and makes life easier when controlling the keyboard through the invisible ray.
You also have the option of connecting either a Sustain footswitch, an expression pedal, or using the pitch bend/modulation lever for even more realtime control.

16-track Recorder

Of course. the EM-55 also sports a l6-track Recorder with several edit functions. You can use it for recording and arranging Your own songs and your versions of existing song material. Playing back Standard MIDI Files is also possible. while one track can be used interactively.

Music Assistant, games & More

Previously only found on our top of the range VA keyboard, we've added Music Assistant (a database with instant access to 100 pre-loaded programs) for quick set ups of your favourite music. In addition there are 64 user programs for saving your own registrations and new musical games like guess the note, guess the chord and chord finder.
With the addition of style morphing and orchestrator functions, You can blend two styles together to create a unique sound or create your own styles. and with 18 types of melody intelligence you can add harmony parts to your solo lines.

• Keyboard 61 keys (with velocity)
• Max. Polyphony 64
• Tones 3 641
• Part 32
• Display Newly designed large backlit Custom display (Adjustable contrast)
• Music Styles ROM Style: 64, Disk Link (loaded directly from Floppy Disk): 64, One Touch Settings: 4 x 64, Style Orchestrator: 3 levels, Style Morphing, Melody Intelligence : 18 types
• Songs 16-Track Recorder
• User Programs 64
• One Touch 4 for each style
• Effects Reverb types: 8, Chorus types: 8, MFX types: 47
• Disk Drive 3.5" FDD (2DD/2HD)
• Connectors MIDI (In, Out), Output (L/Mono, R), Footswitch/Expression Pedal, Headphones x 2, DC In
• Rated Power Output 10 W x 2
• Speakers 5 inch (12cm) x 2
• Accessories ACJ Adaptor, Owner's manual, Music Data Disk, Music Rest
• Dimensions 1016(W) x 3986(D) x 153(H) mm or 40(W) x 15-11/16(D) x 6-1/16(H) inches
• Weight 9.5 kg or 21 lbs 0 oz