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Roland VP-03 Vocoder Boutique synthesizer module

4.0 / 5

1 review

Discontinued, this product can no longer be ordered.

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Product information
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Roland VP-03 Vocoder Boutique synthesizer module
Product no: 9000-0029-5389 Bax Music Warranty: This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

General

Vocoders are something of a paradox: retro and hip at the same time. With the VP-03 Vocoder Boutique, Roland pays homage to the legendary VP-330 Vocoder Plus. The VP-03 is part of Roland's Boutique series that reissues iconic equipment from the past in modern, compact forms. The VP-03 uses ACB technology to emulate the fusion between the sound of a synth and the human voice. There are sound sources for vocoder, human voice and strings built into the device and a gooseneck microphone is even included too. For the best performance, the VP-03 can be attached to the Roland K-25m, which is not included.

VP-03: VP-330 and more

The VP-03 has everything the VP-330 had and more besides. There are 16 chord memory setups that allow you to play chords with one finger, and a voice step sequencer for creating dynamic rhythm effects. As well as the line and headphone outputs, there is a MIDI out for connecting to other devices. It's also possible to connect the VP-03 to DAW software using the micro USB connector. USB can also power the vocoder, as can the 4 AA batteries that come with it. There is even an active mini speaker built in. Creating synthesized vocals has never been possible on a device as compact as the Roland VP-03 Vocoder Boutique synthesizer module.

Tips or comments about this product

Specifications

Product features

19-inch rack size	not applicable
Number of keys	none
Arpeggiator/sequencer	sequencer
Control	ribbon
Synthesizer inputs	microphone input
Sound source	virtual analogue
MIDI & other	MIDI in, MIDI out, MIDI over USB
Synthesizer outputs	line out jack, headphone
Type of keys	not applicable
Synthesizer type	desktop module

Weight and dimensions including packaging

Weight (incl. packaging)	1,6 kg
Dimensions (incl. packaging)	35,5 x 18,0 x 11,0 cm

Product specifications

Roland VP-03 Vocoder Boutique
synthesizer module
equipped with an active mini speaker
controllers:
- volume control
- tune knob
- ribbon controllers C1, C2
- plug-in power mic switch
- C1 mode switch
- pitch shift section: time knob, pitch set knob, auto/off/manual switch
- balance section: direct mic slider, human voice slider, strings slider
- vibrato section: rate slider, delay time slider, depth slider
- vocoder section: vocoder on/off switch, ensemble switch, level slider, tone slider
- human voice section: male 8' switch, female 4' switch, ensemble switch, attack slider
- vocoder/human voice/string common section: release slider
- strings section: strings switch, attack slider, tone slider
- memory knob: 1-16 knobs, play/stop knob
effects: ensemble (chorus)
step sequencer: 16 steps, 16 patterns, 5 notes, sampling voice (100 ms)
indicators: peak LED, signal LED
connectors:
- mic in jack: XLR type
- headphone jack: stereo jack
- output jack: stereo jack
- MIDI in/out connectors
- USB port: Micro B type (Audio, MIDI)
power supply:
- rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4 (not included)
- alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 (included)
- USB bus power (adapter not included)
power consumption: 500 mA (USB bus power)
operating time: approximately 6 hours
dimensions (LxBxH): 300 x 128 x 46 mm
weight: (including batteries): 940 gr
compatible with: Roland K-25m, Roland DK-01 (neither are included)
included: microphone, manual, alkaline battery (x4)

A review can no longer be written about this item

Terence B. June 8, 2017

Wrote the following about Roland VP-03 Vocoder Boutique synthesizer module

A cool piece of kit that's nearly great - but not quite. It's marred slightly by the non-intuitive USB side. (I still haven't figured out to use USB audio as the carrier signal, for example, but it is apparently possible.) Also, the built-in microphone is rubbish - definitely benefits from using something like an SM57/58. It's a very solid metal unit and doesn't look as if it would damage easily. The vocoder sounds great although admittedly not too many modification options exist. The strings and voice sounds are great/cheesy depending on where you sit - but the string machine definitely sounds the part if you're looking for a late 70s/early 80s vibe. The chord sequencer is an interesting feature that didn't grace the original vocoders but have already been fun and musically inspiring. The ribbon controllers are also quite interesting, especially when used to alter the voice forment on the fly. I bought the VP-03 without the keyboard, but, in retrospect, I think that was probably an error - especially as Bax were doing a deal on the two items. I think if I could pick one up cheaply I would. In all, I'm pretty happy with the VP-03, and am inclined to try out the boutique polysynths in the future. This was my first order with Bax - which was much the cheapest price I could see online - and it all arrived safely, on time, and the delivery was trackable. So I will probably use them again.

New Roland Synths are Modern and Retro!

Monday 12 September 2016 By Lizanne

On September 9, 2016, the very first 24-hour online music event hosted by Roland took place, which was nothing short of a tsunami of all kinds of new products. As we've come to expect from Roland, they've introduced some products synth-lovers are sure to appreciate, including the Roland SYSTEM-8 and three new Roland Boutique synth modules.

Roland #909day Online Music Festival: The Future. Redefined.

Saturday 10 September 2016 By Lizanne

On September 9, 2016, something remarkable is going to happen. Roland will present the very first world-wide 24-hour online streaming music festival to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of their legendary TR-909 drum machine. Besides various live acts, performances, and product demonstrations, they will launch more than 30 new products from eight major cities around the globe. If you don't want to miss the kick off, set your alarm for 5:00 AM (6 AM CET) on September 9th! You can follow the whole thing live via this link and use the hashtag #909day to stay up to date via social media.