VP-550: Vocal & Ensemble Keyboard

For musicians who can’t accommodate a choir or group of background singers for their gigs or recording sessions, Roland proudly presents the VP-550 Vocal Designer Keyboard. Much more than a traditional vocoder or harmonizer, the VP-550 uses Roland’s breakthrough vocal-modeling technology to bring the highest-quality, interactive vocal sounds to a dedicated instrument. Connect a mic, select a sound, and play. You won’t believe what can come out of this instrument: spectacular classical choirs, soulful gospel choirs, pop and jazz voices, male & female ensembles, vintage vocoder, and lush string/vocal hybrids.
- Generate expressive, interactive backing vocals in real time
- Vocal Designer types: Classical, Gospel, Pops, Male/Female, vocoder
- Ensemble types: mixed chorus, jazz scat, boy’s choir, humming, full strings, slow strings
- Play Vocal Designer and Ensemble sounds simultaneously
- Exceptionally user-friendly operation
- Invisible D Beam infrared controller for high-impact performance
Vocal-Modeling Magic
The human voice is the most expressive musical instrument of all, so why not use it as a tool to create ultra-realistic and expressive “virtual vocals” with words generated from your own voice? Whether you need one voice, a full choir, or surreal vocoder-like layers, the VP-550 can deliver the interactive, expressive vocal backing you need. The VP-550 is also equipped with world-class string sounds, which can be blended together with the vocal effects.
Practical Advantage
Not specific to one style of music, the VP-550 can be used for a wide variety of musical applications. It’s ideal for musicians who perform alone or in small groups, for example, and who need an interactive, real-time backing chorus. Or, film and TV music composers who are challenged with time and budget can use the VP-550 to generate high-impact choral arrangements on the spot. Churches in need of a choir (or choir enhancer) will love the VP-550. The creative possibilities are vast, as are the time/money savings that this instrument can provide.
Robot Charm
The VP-550 is also equipped with high-resolution vocoder modeling, which can be used to generate surreal vocal effects — great for electronica, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and the like. Inject a dose of “robot voice” charm into your next recording without the hassle and expense of a separate vocoder.
Friendly Face
One look at the VP-550’s inviting front panel and you’ll know that this instrument has “user friendly” written all over it. There are no hidden menus or complicated key commands required. Every feature has a dedicated button or slider that’s clearly labeled and easy to reach. Performers will especially love how inviting and inspiring the VP-550 is to use onstage.
- Keyboard:49 keys (with velocity)
- Tones:Vocal Designer (7 tones): CLASSIC, MALE & FEMALE, GOSPEL, POP, VOCODER1, VOCODER2, EXT IN,Ensemble (6 tones): STRINGS1, STRINGS2, JAZZ SCAT, MIXED CHORUS, BOYS CHOIR, HUMMING,Bass & Percussion (4 sets): BASS1, BASS2, BASS3, PERC
- Ambience (3 types),HALL1, HALL2, STUDIO
- Maximum Polyphony,128 voices (Changes depending on the sound and the playing technique)
- Controllers:D Beam Controller, Pitch Bend / Modulation Lever
- Octave Shift:+/- 1 Octave
- Number of Registration memories:4
- Master Tune:415.3 Hz to 466.2 Hz
- Sound Check Function:Records OUTPUT signal for 10 seconds and plays it back.
- Nominal Input Level:INPUT (MIC): -50 to -10 dBu, INPUT (EXT IN): -36 to +4 dBu
- Connectors:Headphones Jack, Output Jacks (L/MONO, R)(1/4 inch phone type), MIC Jack (XLR type), External Input Jack (1/4 inch phone type), MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT), Hold Pedal Jack, Expression Pedal Jack, AC Inlet
- Power Supply:AC 115 V, AC 117 V, AC 220 V, AC 230V, AC 240V (50/60Hz)
- Accessories:Owner's Manual, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY", Leaflet "Mics recommended for the VP-550", Power Cord
- Options:Keyboard Stand: KS-12, Pedal Switch: DP-2/6/8, Foot Switch: BOSS FS-5U, Expression Pedal: EV-5, BOSS FV-300L, Microphone: DR Series