The A-PRO series focuses on intuitive real-time performance and ergonomic playability, making it perfect for soft synths in a live or studio setting. These controllers combine the best of both worlds: Cakewalk’s legendary ease of use and Roland’s world-class engineering and keyboard expertise. The new keyboards are:
A-300 Pro — 32-key USB MIDI keyboard
A-500 Pro — 49-key USB MIDI keyboard
A-800 Pro — 61-key USB MIDI keyboard
All A-PRO series keyboard controllers feature:
The feel of a Roland-quality Instrument
• A superior key mechanism providing aftertouch and increased sensitivity for a wide range of expressive dynamics
• Rounded key assemblies for smooth and comfortable glissando
• Selectable velocity curves to fine tune the A-PRO to your playing style
• Roland's proprietary FPT (Fast Processing Technology) USB driver provides ultra-low latency and ensures subtleties of performances are captured
Eight Dynamic Pads
• Precise velocity sensitivity makes the A-PRO a formidable controller for finger drumming
• Hold function is perfect for triggering loops and sequences
Ergonomic design puts everything at your fingertips
• Ultra-
• Controls and onboard settings are easily accessible and intelligently laid out
• Over 45 fully assignable controls, including knobs, sliders, and buttons
• Dedicated Transport section
• Sure-grip Pitch Bend/Modulation Stick offers expressive control of both parameters simultaneously
• Easy and streamlined connection with side panel ports
Total control
• A-300 PRO Editor for Mac and PC makes it easy to customise the controller for use with your favorite synth or DAW
• When working in ACT (Active Controller Technology) mode, DAWs like SONAR LE (also included with the keyboard) will remap parameters automatically
• Trigger clips, video effects and transitions from your A-PRO musical performance using any video hardware with V-LINK support
• Expand playability with Sustain and Expression Pedals (available separately)
The Production Plus Pack
• Three inspiring virtual instruments for Mac and PC:
o Rapture LE
o Cakewalk Sound Centre
o Studio Instruments Drums
• SONAR 8.5 LE, a special version of Cakewalk’s professional recording software for Windows
Also making its debut is the A-500S, an inexpensive 49-key USB MIDI keyboard that shares many of the same design elements as the A-PRO series keyboards. The A-500S also comes with the Production Pack Plus 3 software bundle. It has three power options — USB, AC and also battery (4 x AA) — and features a 3-digit, 7-segment LED screen to easily monitor settings. Compact and portable, the A-500S is perfect for anyone making music at home or in a project studio with a computer, academic institutions needing great sound at low cost, or live performances and mobile recording applications.
The A-PRO series and the A-500S will be available in April 2010.
# # #
Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products, and music accessories.
