NAMM 2005: Roland has announced an upgrade to the V-Synth family with the release of Version 2 software. This user-installable system upgrade adds significant new features to the already-powerful V-Synth.

V-Synth Version 2 has a completely new set of patches. The “V-Synth Producer Edition” is a collection of highly playable sounds from an acclaimed roster of international artists. Many of the sounds are familiar at first touch — sparkling EPs, lush strings, thick synth leads, etc. — but, in V-Synth fashion, all patches allow instant and exotic tonal changes via modulation.

Additional analog-modeled oscillators have been added in Version 2, including the massive SuperSaw, which generates multiple sawtooth waveforms in unison, the Polyphonic Feedback Oscillator for screaming sounds, and the X-mod Oscillator for creating clangorous distorted timbres. All these can be modified and modulated through multiplex synthesis only available from the V-Synth.

Also new is the Rhythm Set function, which deploys complete V-Synthesis power separately to each key for complex and expressive drum kits. Program a multi-dimensional, Time-Tripping swirling cymbal with Side Band Filter on one key, a monstrous sub-octave kick on another, and so on — with each key offering its own independent realtime processing parameters.

The new Sound Shaper function allows new sounds to be created with the virtual “know-how” of professional sound designers. By selecting a destination sound type — whether a pad, bass, lead sound, etc. — this macro function guides users quickly through relevant parameters while editing.

V-Synths can be upgraded to Version 2 via free download. Visit the Roland website for details.