The original SP-808 was a classic Roland product that offered something that no-one had thought of before. A ZIP disk based hard disk recording workstation with a powerhouse effects unit bolted on, and innovative real time performance features such as the D-beam and an onboard mono-synth. The dance fraternity, who went straight for the classic Roland filters and blistering scope of the effects, particularly took the product to heart.We now unveil the latest revision of the SP-808, the SP-808 emix studio, which builds on the concept of the 808 but takes it into a new direction. The SP-808 is such a unique product that its uses do not stop with the dance scene. We envisage the SP-808EX sitting in a wide variety of situations, from post-production work to theatre, adopted by live radio and software houses alike.
To help achieve this vision, the capacity of the ZIP drive has been increased to 250M and the amount of onboard effects has been increased by 50%, to 150 preset and 150 user algorithms. Innovative effect algorithms such as a Vocoder and guitar based effects means that the SP-808EX is at home in a variety of applications.
Further versatility is provided by the addition of an OP-2 expansion board, which offers SCSI, Coaxial and optical digital in and out, as well as four XLR track output connectors. Of course, all the original features such as the D-beam and on board mono-synth [and those blistering effects] are still present. The rethink doesn't stop "under the bonnet" either, since the SP-808EX now comes in a translucent casing, allowing you to see into the heart of the machine.
Quote: "Another dance favourite gets upgraded and broadens its horizons at the same time. Software houses, for example, can use this as an excellent tool for speech scripting in their games, and theatres will benefit from its portability, without compromising on quality. A future classic!"