A Stage Piano for the Next Century
The A-90EX is a landmark in the evolution of the stage piano, offering incredibly realistic piano sounds, a full 88-key hammer-action keyboard and a range of powerful controller capabilities. A triumph of art and technology, the A-90EX combines the latest digital, mechanical and musical technologies to emulate the timeless sound and performance of a concert grand piano. Imagine the incomparable sound of a concert grand, the expressive action of a fine acoustic keyboard, the comprehensive MIDI functions of a master controller -- all in a portable stage unit. Then experience the reality of the A-90EX.
Superb internal sound source
The A-90EX's sound source is a technological marvel -- the end result of an
exhaustive and detailed sampling process. First, the finest concert grands from
around the world were evaluated and the best of these were selected for
sampling. Each note was then sampled individually under carefully controlled
conditions. Mic position, stage and hall acoustics, and dynamic tonal variations
were considered. After extensive trial and error, the very best samples were
selected and incorporated into the sound source. The results are unmistakable --
the pure sound of one of history's finest instruments: the Grand Piano.
The A-90EX's sound source features a huge wave memory capacity
equivalent to 24 Mbytes with 16-bit linear conversion. This gives you access to
a wide variety of sounds, including two types of true stereo-sampled grand
pianos, various styles of acoustic pianos, a variety of electric pianos
including classic Rhodes sounds and a generous selection of synthesizer
textures. The versatility of these sounds is enhanced with an impressive
64-voice polyphony. This exceptional polyphonic capability is indispensable for
realistic piano sounds, giving you all the capacity you need for lush, sustained
passages.
For additional texture, the A-90EX also provides a generous
selection of built-in effects, including several types of reverb and chorus, as
well as high-quality EQ.
Expressive 88-key keyboard
The A-90EX employs Roland's proprietary PA-4 88-note hammer-action keyboard,
which offers the natural resistance and rebound of an acoustic piano. This
remarkable feat of engineering was attained through extensive research into the
mechanical characteristics of the world's finest concert grand pianos. To play
the A-90EX is to experience an unmatched sensitivity and response to the
subtleties of your playing style.
The A-90EX's velocity-sensitive
keyboard brings out every nuance of your dynamics, from pianissimo to forte.
Selectable velocity curves let you choose the velocity sensitivity that best
suits a particular musical style or sound source. The A-90EX's keyboard also
offers channel aftertouch-sensitivity -- a powerful function for controlling
external sound sources
Sophisticated features, operational ease
The A-90EX offers a range of functions for simple, yet complete control of
even the most complex MIDI setup. The ergonomically designed front panel is
equipped with large buttons that are easy to locate, even on dimly lit stages.
These buttons give you instant control over any element in your setup, from
additional sound sources to effects to external sequencers.
While in
edit mode, the A-90EX offers one-touch operation. For instance, touch the bender
and the edit page automatically switches to the bender parameter; touch the foot
pedal and you're instantly in the foot pedal editing screen.
Eight Keyboard Zones
The 88-note keyboard can be split into a maximum of eight zones -- four for internal and four for external sound sources. The internal zones can be assigned to external devices, making all eight zones available for external devices.
Four Separate MIDI outputs
Unlike parallel outs, these MIDI outs are completely independent, allowing you to operate up to 64 MIDI channels simultaneously.
Total Volume
This slider lets you bring down the volume of your entire MIDI setup without changing the balance between different connected devices.
Global Transpose
Global Transpose lets you transpose all connected sound sources, while the transpositional relationship between the individual sound sources remains intact.
Sequencer Control Section
This function enables you to control external sequencers from the A-90EX's front panel. A separate area on the panel lets you control song selection, tempo and other parameters easily and quickly.
Patch Name Display
This innovative feature displays patch names of external sound sources. A built-in database contains patch lists of the Roland JD-990, JV-1080, Sound Expansion Series, JV-Series and SR-JV80-Series expansion boards, as well as GM/GS sound sources. You can select a list for each zone so that bank selection and program change displays the patch name automatically. You can even customize patch names and store those into the database as well.
Extensive controls
The A-90EX features more than 20 different controls and connectors providing instant access to internal and external devices. Four front panel sliders make it easy to modify parameters over a wide range. A pitch and modulation wheel are provided in addition to the bender. Up to six pedal devices can be connected (four continuous and two switch). Two MIDI inputs, four independent MIDI outputs and one MIDI Thru enable extensive MIDI communication. The A-90EX lets you assign different parameters to these controls, giving you a range of expressive options for performing and managing your setup.
Extensive storage of Performance configurations
The A-90EX can store up to 64 Performances, which may consist of up to four of the A-90EX's preset Patches along with various user-configurable parameters such as zone, effects on/off and MIDI channel. This gives you instant access to a variety of setups, perfect for any gig or session. Using optional M-512E Memory Cards, you can store an additional 64 Performances per card.
Expandability
The A-90EX's sound source is available independently as the VE-RD1 Piano Voice Expansion Board. The A-90 may be purchased without the VE-RD1, which can be added at any future time. Other optional boards are also available, such as the VE-GS1, which features a wide selection of GM (General MIDI) and GS sounds. Or you can equip the A-90 with synth sounds by installing the VE-JV1 Voice Expansion Board, which offers a range of synth textures from Roland's acclaimed JV-series synthesizers.
Keyboard: 88-key Hammer-action with
velocity and channel after-touch.
Max Polyphony: 64 voices (with VE-RD1
Expansion board).
Zones: 4 Internal + 4 External or 8 External.
Internal Memory: System Setup: 1, User Name Maps: 4, Preset Name Maps:
8, Performances: 64, Chains: 10, Manual: 1.
Front Panel: Display:
3-character backlit LCD, 17-character 2-line backlit LCD.
Rear Panel:
MIDI In x 2, Thru x 1, Independent Out x 4 Foot controller jacks: 2 Foot switch
jacks: 2 Total volume pedal jack Hold pedal jack Output jacks: L(Mono), R
Headphone jack Breath controller jack Memory card slot.
Dimensions:
WxDxH 1456x405x143 mm (57-1/3x16x5-3/5 inches).
Weight: 27.3 kg (60lbs
4oz).
Power: 15W (AC 117V), 20W (AC 230V/240V).
Accessories:
Damper Pedal DP-6.
Options: Memory Card: M-512E Stereo Headphone:
RH-20/80/120 Expression Pedal: EV-5 Pedal Switch: BOSS FS-5U Voice Expansion
Board: VE-GS1, VE-GSPro, VE-JV1 or VE-RD1.