Roland RD-08 Stage Piano - Overview

Get a great deal on a Roland RD-08 stage piano at Kraft Music:
kraftmusic.com/collections/ro...
Adam Berzowski walks us through the Roland RD-08 compact digital stage piano in the Kraft Music studio.
00:28 Intro
01:52 Sound engine
02:52 Selecting sounds
03:10 Split mode
04:21 Dual mode
06:56 Balance control
07:55 Equalizer
08:33 Effects section
11:20 Transpose
12:11 Onboard speakers
13:00 Pitch and mod wheels
14:21 Storing favorites
15:50 Scenes
17:09 Rear panel
18:08 Conclusion
Contact Adam directly at 414-858-4008 or [e-mail] if you have any questions or would like to place an order on your very own RD-08.
The Roland RD-08 is a compact and streamlined RD stage piano with an intuitive interface for fast navigation. Its 88-note weighted-action PHA-4 keyboard with Ivory Feel provides world-class playability, while SuperNATURAL pianos and electric pianos, ported from the RD-2000 and RD-88, enable boundless expression. With over 3000 additional sounds from the ZEN-Core engine, including organs, synths, strings, and more, plus a room-filling onboard stereo speaker system, this is a versatile instrument for stage and studio.
Get more for your money with an exclusive Roland RD-08 stage piano bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new piano, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our knowledgeable Sales Advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!

[@JudgeFredd]

Great démonstration

[@timstrel1]

Sounds are pretty good.

[@FarHanSolo]

It really does sound good. For £200 more, (as of March 2024 prices) and if I were in the market, the Roland Fantom 08 (from 2019, me thinks) could just be the one for me, Sample, Vocoder and Sequencer too! However, if you want straight out of the box playing with none of the aforementioned bells and whistles, this Roland RD-08 does seem like a great option.

[@MatthewMouras]

Adam should do voice work. Just love his voice and presentation.

[@strongchord4384]

A measure of how excited people are about this product is the amount of coverage it’s generating across social media etc. 😂 Even Roland can’t be bothered to market it any further than their website. Assume it’s an early April Fool - perhaps it will morph into the new RD 3000. We can only hope.

[@ajotech]

That would be AMAZING to see an RD-3000 COME ON ROLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@strongchord4384]

Does this have the MKS 20 samples shared by its antique RD 2000 rich relation?

[@guidodeciccio3853]

thank you ! Can you play MP3 with the USB or do you have to purchase the Roland cloud and upgrade!! The question is can I use backing tracks on this RD-08 with USB insert?? Does it need a specific USB?? thank you

[@harpmanmachine]

I’ve got the RD08 but it refuses to register a scene in favourites only a tone. How do I register a favourite that I have organised on lower and upper ?

[@synergypiano]

Please, do one just like this with the RD-88!

[@synergypiano]

That's some excellent Overview! Thanks! I'm mostly decided on a RD 08, I just wish it came in White! 🥲

[@fotografjindra6442]

Do you know whether RD-08 has a possibility to change temperament or it is only set to equal temperament?

[@scarsstitches636]

2024 with all the bells, whistles, SSDs drives and AI technology.........and..........digital and stage pianos still can't find a way to sound like an at least respectable sample library smh

[@dare2win215]

At one time i would have agreed with this, but after using a laptop and VSTs for my live rig (Kontakt, Keyscape, Keysuite, etc.), I can tell you thst sample libraries aren't suited for live situations; mono destroys them every time. With all of the tweaking required for them to fit into live situations, you may as well buy a keyboard that's already optimized. Even my Nord Piano 5 sounds murky unless heavily tweaked

[@fahimdawer]

​@@dare2win215it seems that you are not satisfied with vsts/soft synths for live gigs and hardware keyboard serves the purpose well on stage...I was thinking of buying a good laptop for live use but I shall rethink looking at your experience...

[@ispianist]

I think the piano on this Roland sounded pretty nice in my opinion.

[@dare2win215]

@@fahimdawer that's precisely what i did. But, try it before you abandon the idea (tastes are unique). I bought a MacBook Pro i9 32GB (Not powerful enough for large libraries. Go 64gb). The only things that sound okay out of the box are electric pianos, basses, guitars, & synths. Pianos had to be HEAVILY tweaked or they were totally unusable (usually far too much mid & the key-off articulations & artifacts, which sound so great in the studio, only muddle things on stage). The ONLY piano library I'd recommend for live use is the iOS version of Ravenscroft. It sits perfectly in a mix, while maintaining realism as a solo instrument. But, most Kontakt or UVI piano libraries... NOPE. & I love all of the for studio.

[@fahimdawer]

@@dare2win215 hmmm tnx dear I will take your suggestions into consideration...

[@Matt16756]

How many parts can i layer this?

[@AsAntonioSanchez]

I have the Fp30x and the Juno Ds88. Very fan of Roland, but this keyboard sounds more like a Casio to me. I am planning to get the FP-E50 . What do you all think about the FP-E50?

[@SAMZIRRA]

Downward facing speakers are a big bummer on the 50

[@redexx13]

What about a new premium RD

[@guidodeciccio3853]

where can you buy flight case for RD-08

[@strongchord4384]

Hopefully this is Roland’s appetiser for the main course. Come on Roland, blow the cobwebs of the RD2000 and get its long overdue replacement on the market.

[@filiprasmussen]

If they follow the model logic from the Fantom line, where '08' is the dialed down version of the '8', it could indicate the launch of an RD-8....

[@strongchord4384]

@@filiprasmussen Possibly. Roland would enjoy that as RD8 is the name of the rip-off TR808 from Behringer. Revenge is sweet. My bet is on a RD3000.

[@scarsstitches636]

Don't say that! I'm considering buying an RD-2000! Don't make me feel bad lol.

[@ajotech]

I almost purchased the OLD Yamaha Montage when the following day I read that they would not support that model any further, then three to six months later the Montage M came out and I was elated to get that updated screen and the incredibly sounding AN-X engine. It’s your choice but I would wait for that AMAZING Roland RD update that seems to be hovering around the corner. You will be so angry when you see the masterpiece update they will release.

[@MrBitterman75]

@@scarsstitches636It’s still a great board, but 7 years old at this point. Wait a bit, its successor should be released soon.

[@oimpe]

Does this Rd08 come with an option for a music stand?

[@ritchieb1804]

No!

[@stephenrocks7004]

“ OFF SUBJECT “ I have a Yamaha NOCTURNE and I am looking to buy two replacement speakers located on the pedal case. I am not Internet literate, so if you could help,where could I buy replacement speakers and new cover cloth without going to Yamaha? It was apparent when I I got back from vacation, just two days that the “exes” cat made it a great scratching pad. !!no LOL Sorry but I do love my Nocturne, more than the others.

[@clarencehannon]

How is the polyphony of the RD-08? I'm wanting to be certain sounds don't cut out.

[@kraftmusic]

Other instruments that use Roland's SuperNATURAL piano engine appear to have 128 notes of polyphony, so I think that's a safe bet. It also has smooth sound trasition so you shouldn't experience any drop outs. Thanks for watching!

[@mfurman]

@@kraftmusicHow about FP-30X and FP-E50? They both have 256 polyphony for piano sounds.

[@eligaller9190]

I consider to buy rd08 to mimic a real piano because in my new apartment there is no place for a real physical piano and i can afford it. An alternative would be a nord piano 5 but it cost 3 times the price of the roland. I allready played this stage piano in my favourite music store in vienna. I didnt play the nord piano 5. Do you think there is a great difference in sound? My most important point is mimicing real piano, everything other is not really important. BTW: Adam fantastic presentation, Thanks

[@tonylancer7367]

So apparently with this board, if want to have an USB audio interface capability to use with your computer (DAW or Live), you need to purchase a one-time lifetime key on Roland Cloud to get those features. Is this something we are really doing now? "System expansion with the RD-08 Upgrade." The RD-08 is primed to support your ambitions as future performance needs grow. Available with a one-time Lifetime Key purchase on Roland Cloud, the value-packed RD-08 Upgrade complements the factory feature set with a host of new additions. USB Expansion-Adds USB audio interface capabilities for working with music production software on computers. Just why? Folks are Kraft Music, can you help here?

[@Auroramaya]

Just going with Occam’s razor here, it sounds like a loopcloud type of thing. You don’t have to pay to use this as a midi controller with your DAW, but rather the ability to import Roland sounds to your DAW. But if my intuition is wrong and you’re right then I agree with you that that blows.

[@rizkipuruze]

Wait so we need to buy separate price for the software upgrade too?

[@tonylancer7367]

@@rizkipuruze From what I'm understanding from the Roland website, that's correct.

[@tonylancer7367]

@@rizkipuruze $299 an upgrade.

[@rizkipuruze]

@@tonylancer7367 that's a lot, do you think it's worth it?

[@Zoco101]

Why not make a 76 key version? It would be the new most portable piano currently on sale in the world - excluding those which lack a graded weighted action of course. Anyway, something tells me that Roland is about to discontinue the RD-88. Bad news for some of us!

[@fotografjindra6442]

Yes, exactly, I would also prefer 76 or 73 keys....

[@clarencehannon]

Can the Roland RD08 be used as a midi controller?

[@SAMZIRRA]

Yes

[@clarencehannon]

Does one have to get Roland Cloud to use it as a midi controller?

[@danieldougan269]

​@@clarencehannonI doubt it. You can use just about anything as a MIDI controller!

[@TNKeys]

I hear a phaser on the Rhodes in the background music but it sounded like from the description that it only had chorus. Are all the sounds we’re hearing from the RD08? Is the phaser baked into the preset or can you select Chorus types, one of them being a phaser?

[@kraftmusic]

We have this unit out in our studio and I just checked this for you. The effects under the "chorus/delay" section include delays and a few flavors of chorus such as a Roland SDD-320, Boss CE-1, and the chorus circuit from a JUNO synth...but I'm not seeing any phasers or other effects. This is in addition to the amp modeling available on the electric pianos and the global reverb. Thanks for watching!

[@TNKeys]

I went through this device with Ed Diaz from Roland on a Face Time call and we found a quite elaborate effects section with multiple phasers. Script 90, Script 100 and a few more. The shift button was involved somehow. I was just watching his display cam. Glad it’s in there. Gotta have a Phaser for the Rhodes.

[@ajotech]

Please Roland update the RD 2000

[@ritchieb1804]

What is the difference between RD 08 and RD88

[@DerekFrampton]

a new and shiny new money grab.

[@mrtyreus0]

Less buttons

[@rizkipuruze]

​@_xPaPaDx i guess so. I was close to buy rd88 last week but chose ck88 instead because of its ocean of knobs, buttons & faders.

[@Zoco101]

No audio over USB. Not so compatible with Apple Mainstage. I'm not sure thatt these things would matter to me. Does anyone know the 08 is slimmer than the 88, and if so, does this affect the pivot point on the PHA-4 action?

[@ritchieb1804]

As far as I can make out, Rd 08 has exactly the same dimensions and weight as the RD88. The advantage over a lot of other keyboards is the size and mainly weight for me.

[@See_Sharp]

Roland RD-08 vs Yamaha CK-88 which is better?

[@rizkipuruze]

I bought CK88 last weeks. I wish I knew this rd-08 would come out before i bought it. Cuz, i like the zen core sounds with its thousands of sounds. Since i'm still new in keyboard world. Can't tell a lot which one is best. But for my reason to go with CK88, it can be connected to electric guitar & play along with my keyboard. The other thing is that it can be a full midi controller with all of its knobs and faders can be assigned to send midi to control your favorite VST plugins. That sold me to buy this gear.

[@madness8556]

CK88 by far! I say that as a very happy RD88 owner who would have bought a CK88 if I didn't already have the Roland.

[@adamwhite5553]

Depends on the type of key action you want. The RD is quite a lot 'heavier' and more like a real piano. The CK is a compromise between piano and organ, it is fine but you may feel it is a bit light and the keys don't travel far enough for how you want to play piano

[@NURREDIN]

Can i shut off the speakers?

[@kraftmusic]

Yes, and there's a dedicated button for it on the front panes. Thanks for watching!

[@NURREDIN]

@@kraftmusic Thank You! For someone like me who plays Jazz and R&B without a lot of synthesized sounds this keyboard can save me a lot of money from buying more expensive keyboards that have more than I need.I'm going to your website now,

[@mamtrithuc]

I’m planning to buy my first piano. Do you recommend fp30x or RD08

[@ElektronicCricket]

I can’t decide in your place but if I have to choose … I should go for the fp30x … especially if you want to study on a good keyboard. I have the RD88 and the FP30 (older model). The RD88 is imo to much “forte piano” (short decay) . The FP30 is totally different in piano sound and is more a home piano. But! The FP30x is an upgrade in more sounds and very interesting, this model has 2 outputs for live use … ok , a short opinion 😊 … I should say … try these in a local store

[@mamtrithuc]

@@ElektronicCricket thank you

[@rizkipuruze]

Buy whatever brand that has enough official stores near you. I want roland but Yamaha stores is everywhere here for reliable warranty. So i bought ck88 instead of rd88 last week. Now i see this rd08. I like stage keyboard a lot so rd08 or rd88 is great for doing performance on stage. Fp30x more like for home entertainment.

[@danieldougan269]

Take a good look at the Yamaha DGX-670. I have owned the DGX-650 for over a decade, and I still love it. The 670 is even better. I think it's also a killer value for the money. I would advise against it if you plan to gig with it because it's very heavy, but if it's going to just stay in place in your house like mine does, it's great.

[@ron-almog]

this low-res monochromatic screen is all you can get for $1000 ?

[@leodelosreyes275]

Wish that there was a 73/76 key version

[@ldifalco2010]

I don't believe Roland has ever released an RD version with less than 88 keys but I wish they would too.

[@Louise_1703]

@@ldifalco2010 RD250...

[@kraftmusic]

Years ago they had a 64-note RD-64...it wasn't terribly popular but it was useful if you need a shorter controller or compact piano.

[@pudgydaddy]

@@kraftmusic Yup, but they need to make it 73/76 key instead. That would sell very well. 64 keys was simply too short.

[@greglee1174]

Roland needs a serious competitor to the Nord stage.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

They keep coming out with variations of this ,rd88,fp-e50,rd800,rd700,shit is getting old

[@andreassonnenschein1250]

No jog-dial? That is a no-go.. Always choose by these clicking keys is a mess... :(

[@goldeneagleproduction5727]

Versus yamaha ck88

[@rizkipuruze]

Oh yeah...

[@MoJazzy2008]

Can’t believe Roland has launched another RD with the same crappy user interface as the RD 88. That one has nice keys, but dialing in a sound is overly complicated, the knobs useless and storing in those banks not intuitive at all. The RD it’s staying in my closet as the Fantom 06 is doing everything so much better. Setlists, layering, all working well there. Both share that ignorant Roland absence of a class compliant USB audio interface, rendering it painful to have backing teacks coming from a modern iphone or ipad. Many questionable design choices, it really feels like innovation is zero, the company is purely milking that outdated hardware and decades old sounds, mixed with an obnoxious cloud concept to death..

[@Iceland874]

It doesn’t sound very impressive so far. Does the Rd88 have more options for only $100 more?

[@Cristian-pp5oo]

So Roland essentially just proved they can make the RD88 for even cheaper...Nice 😐

[@ritchieb1804]

From what I can see the RD 08 hasn’t got as many slots to store scenes (sounds) as the RD 88. Otherwise I can’t find any difference. Except price, you can shop around.

[@mfurman]

@@ritchieb1804You do not have Digital Audio Interface unless you pay for RD-08 Roland Cloud update ($300)

[@jonathanc.r2474]

more of the same PHPS (Plastic Hardwere, Plastic Sound)

[@dionewillmann8723]

Roland não acerta nesses pianos acusticos, Casio ganha de 1000 na linha pxs.

[@ernestryles]

It’s a worse rd88 for more money lmao

[@mfurman]

What are you talking about? RD-88 is almost 40% more expensive. I like the relative simplicity of RD-08 and its speakers are better

[@ernestryles]

@@mfurman when I commented the rd-08 was listed at 12-1300 everywhere and the rd-88 was the same or cheaper.

[@mfurman]

@@ernestryles I had Roland FP-10 (twice), A88 mkIi MIDI controller and FP-30X - all with PHA-4 action. The feel of PHA-4 and its relative quietness are better in RD-08 than all the other Roland digital pianos. By the way, I also had FP-90X and a few Yamaha digital pianos (including P-515). I really like RD-08 so far. I looked at RD-88 a few times but I chose RD-08 because of its simplicity, as I already said.

[@dionewillmann8723]

Casio pxs is better.

[@AliothSenator]

This looks terrible.

[@blackmambafan24]

Outdated keyboard. Same old, bland sounds.

[@mikemaiocco2538]

As usual too much talk

[@marike1100]

Don’t you want to know how to scroll through tones before you hear them? 😂