Roland VP-03 Vocoder Synthesiser (Archived)

This item is now discontinued. Please click here for current Roland products.

The Roland VP-03 is a new miniature version of one of the most popular vocoder synthesisers ever produced, the VP-330. As part of the new Roland Boutique series, the VP-03 combines the world of synthesised sounds with the human voice and makes use of the latest ACB technologies that helps emulate the sound that made the original such an influential synthesiser. The VP-03 comes with the VP-330’s vocoder, human voice, and string sound sources and is supplied with a gooseneck microphone so you can get making music straight out of the box. When paired with the optional K-25m keyboard, you get the authentic VP-330 sound in a reliable, inexpensive setup which is highly portable so you can easily take it to and from gigs.

The VP-03 comes equipped with a brand new voice step sequencer, not included in the original VP-330, and lets you input a single note, chord, or voice into each of the 16 steps with each step comprising of up to six notes. This results in a distinctive rhythmic effect, bringing dynamic motions to the VP-03 and features a series of functions allowing you to alter the order of steps in the sequence giving you unpredictable yet highly inspiring results. You can save your favourite sequences to a computer thanks to the addition of a USB output and make use of the backup/restore function.

Another brand new feature that isn’t found on the original VP-330 is a chord memory function that lets you playback chords with just one finger. There are 16 locations available for you so you can rapidly store and recall your favourite chords with only one of the 16 step buttons. Also, you can create your own chords and save them to the locations, and then you can back up the chords to your computer thanks to the backup/restore function which is perfect if you plan on using the VP-03 in a live performance situation. The VP-03 is fitted with line and headphone outputs, both using 3.5mm mini-jack connections, as well as a full-sized XLR microphone input.

Connect the supplied gooseneck microphone to fully unlock the creative potential that the VP-03 offers, use your voice or any other sound to filter and shape the synthesised sounds. For even more creative possibilities you can connect this vocoder to other devices through the standard MIDI in/outputs or via a micro-USB connection which can handle both audio and MIDI data. The vocoder works brilliantly with the K-25m an optional 25-note keyboard that lets you take your music to the next level. Once connected to the keyboard the VP-03’s front panel can be adjusted into three positions giving you the best access to all features and controls.

This synthesiser can be powered via 4 x AA batteries or USB bus power so even when you’re away from the studio you can still make great sounding music; this makes the unit highly portable and perfect for use if you want to take it to gigs and live performances. Thanks to the addition of a USB port the VP-03 can also be used as a high-quality audio interface giving you a simple and reliable way of recording directly into your digital audio workstation and using the USB data backup function you can keep your favourite settings and voice step sequencer patterns safe.