Conference napalm::commusic_v1

1997.0. "Roland S220 Sampler Blowout" by PCOJCT::RYAN () Thu May 18 1989 14:19

    Once again I need to ask all you folks for advice and/or comments,
    I have been looking for a module to add to my existing setup which
    is currently a Roland D-10, a Yamaha DX27 and a 360 Systems Midi
    Bass (the new one - rackmount etc.) My main wish list was pretty
    simple, better strings and piano's than I currently have and a
    wider selection of sounds in general.
    
    Then life got sequenced (opps, I mean complex!) I got hold of a
    used QX21 sequencer and now to my wish list was added multi-tim.
    capabilities. 
    
    To the point....Yesterday I tried out a ROland S-220 sampler
    module, I was pretty impressed with the sound and the fact that
    it was Multi-tim. but what impressed me more was that Sam Ash
    is blowing them out a $499.99  This seemed like a great buy to
    my untrained eye.
    
    Problem: I really don't know much about this box and I need some
    input from you folks....Does that seem like a good deal....
    is this a decent box?.....Support??....SOUND!!!!..
    
    I realize that there are better,quicker, flashier etc boxes
    around, please try to review this in the context that this is
    an under $500 box....
    
    Other Questions:
    1) Can I sample my other keyboards into this and eliminate
       something from my stage set-up. Will they sound O.K.?
    
    2) QUick Disks, are they reliable, can this unit be transported
       every weekend without having it in the shop every other?
    
    3) Cost of disks, Sam Ash wants $49.99 for 10, this seems
       expensive...What do you folks think???
    
    
    Thanks in advance for you patients and assistance,
    
    Gary ( I think I understand partials and structures, but this
    sampling stuff is new to me!) Ryan

The S220 has not been a real popular box. One reason is the "Quick Disks",
which are excessively expensive and store less information. I think that
Roland regrets ever using that disk drive, as do many owners. It's a big
caveat emptor when they dump equipment cheap. It usually means that it's
either obsolete or unpopular, and they are having a clearance. The sound
quality leaves a lot to be desired IMO. It really depends on your needs,
budget, and how critical your ear is. If you want maximum quality for
minimum bucks, I would highly recommend that you check out the EMU Proteus.
It doesn't sample, and costs a little more, but you don't have to futz with
expensive quick disks, and the sound is awesome. (See Proteus note)

dave

    There are several S10/MKS100 topics floating around here.  Suggest you
    review them for product features.  (Dan Eaton did a very nice review a
    while back, if I remember correctly.)

-b

    Thanks for the quick reply(s)
    your comments pretty much echo what I'm hearing locally form my
    Sampling friends.....
    
    Oh well, the search continues......
    
    Gary R.