Roland XV-5080: Is It Worth It?

[@joonglegamer9898]

Hi Zach, as an old technician and electronics repair guy from the 80s, I can def. see and validate your point. In the early 80s, PCM and AWM sounds were just "born", and sampling was a new way of playing back sound to replace hardware generated sound synthesis. And as you may already know - memory was precious back then and very costly, so most of the synth manufacturers had to use sample memory sparingly and use them in various ingenious ways such as customizeable looping, adding hardware layered effects and treating the samples with hardware synthesis rather than like a VST or just playing the samples "as-is" as we just didn't afford the memory. However in later years such as the 90's and 2000 - we had much bigger memory, and it was a lot cheaper too, this meant that we could not only afford more space for patches and make cheaper expansion cards, but we didn't have to use so much hardware trickery to make the samples sound good, and I think it's this "magic" you are missing with the later models, I think your ears are correct but you look and listen to it from a musicians point of view, so you've technically discovered the same thing I explained above, but more in laymens terms (which is good!), so I just wanted to chime in that I think you're correct about your fidelity observations. That said tho, both have their place as you'll find cleaner more pure samples in the later units, but more technical magic in the earlier models which were needed to replace the lack of sample memory, but in turn gave us a very special "sound" that we have come to love.

[@Greenaresy]

The 5080 is a monster. I still use mine a lot. For those that want the sounds of the previous Roland models, but want waaay more options and much easier editing, this is the one.

[@davidw.washington7583]

Ditto. It's a beast and is still a workhorse in my studio.

[@stanleyassor3172]

do you get all these sounds native or do you have to get expansion bcards? and where to get them?

[@JJTFishing]

I got mine at a thrift store for $30.00. Worth every penny. It's my go to when I want everything to sound like a unimaginative soundtrack.

[@revokdaryl1]

Unimaginative can still sound beautiful.

[@LousyFacelift]

I like all of these synths and settled for a JV-2080 as the best compromise between all of them for me personally. All in all I also prefer the sound of the JVs over the XVs, at least for bass and synths stuff, some natural insttuments and brighter sounds like bell tones or certain orchestral sounds appeared better to me on the XV-5080 though. Comparing the JV-1080, JV-2080, XV-3080 and XV-5080 there is this slight increase in hifi quality but also a decrease in warmth. The sounds from the XV-5080 are also part of the MC-707 and 101 grooveboxes.

[@memorablemusicformedia1337]

I bought the XV-5080 when it first came out, many years ago. I bought two orchestral modules, and supplemented them with Roland samples. I remember that I had to buy a CD-player with a SCSI interface, and translate the samples into a format that the XV-5080 could handle. Then I put the samples onto a memory card that the XV-5080 could read. It was truly a complicated process. Using the unit was so very complicated, with a 300-page manual that was translated poorly from Japanese. Nevertheless, with all the difficulties involved, I LOVED IT! I composed a lot of music with it, and even scored some films as my sole sound source. The selector knob died (workaround was possible using the buttons), and I finally sold it a couple of years ago.

[@TheWarriorSongProject]

There is no sonic loss of bass. You're just used to hearing the grit you grew up with, and thats ok. I like it too, and I love vintage rock insruments and sounds....But sonically, the 5080 is hands-down higher quality.

[@justinmerritt3843]

I have a 5080, 1080 a vintage synth rack and M- GS64. I love my 5080, it stacks very well in a mix and the sound is very good in my eyes. I love my 1080, but I love my 5080 just as much. I also love the fact you can put your own samples in it also. It's a very very good unit.

[@Guyforkz]

I had a JV1080 in the 90's, but swapped it out for the XV3080 I still own. My all time favourites are the JD-990 with the vintage board and the Fantom XR.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

Still have my 5080. It has some very nice sounds. Roland really hasn't changed their sound much, other than the analog modeling stuff.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

i think it sounds fine

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I had the XV-3080. Reasonable stock sounds, but all I did was lust after expansion cards.

[@anonymous_friend]

Is there another way to get the sounds?

[@pcuimac]

People have soooo many different components in their audio chain, but still think their is some magic sauce or ingredient in their circuits. Most of the time it's just some characteristic we got attuned too, bevause we heard some songs in a specific emotional state or situatikn that defines our preferences for the rest of our life. I am born 1966. So my main musical journey started in 1978. Obviiusly I love the sound of bands from the late Seventies and Eighties and the instruments they used. Since I am not into gituars, it's mostly synths like Oberheim, Sequrntial, Roland, Korg, Moog and ithers from that time. Foreigner, Alan Parsons, Police, Peter Gabriel (solo), Genesis, JMJ and Bladerunner are the sounds that make my hair stand up. Nothing sounds to me like an Oberheim Xa .. until I start up my Roland V-Synth v2.0 and get the same feeling, if I play the same chords with nearly the same patches. It's all a tangled mess of memories, emotions, circumstances and technology that make us love some machines. In a double blind test most people would be unable to hear the differences, if a competent cover band would perform the same pieces with different synths and other equipment. Otherwise there wouldn't be so many good 'Oxygen IV' covers everywhere.

[@GuilhermeMittmann]

Really when we talk about digital synths, people appears to forget about DAC and decompression algorithm and these things are very relevant. I think that those things (and the filters in case of XV5080) that makes de difference between the same patches in all JD-JV-XP-XV series.

[@project-95]

5080 and 1080, both must haves! 1080 for its unique sound, 5080 for its advanced FX, sample playback and sound quality.

[@stueyapstuey4235]

I bought mine when it came out - eons ago! It is still rocking and apart from the now obsolete expansion disc, has more surprises and new uses than I've yet imagined. As units go - they don't get much better...

[@park171]

I own JV880, JV2080, XV5080, even Integra but they all have unique differences audio and also physical attributes. But I’m a fan of all the little quirks.

[@Nick.Magnus]

I have the JV1080, JV2080 and XV5080 - each has their own quirks and charms. Even though I use virtual instruments for most of my work, I do occasionally turn to the Roland modules for certain sounds. More often than not it's from the JV1080 - not because it sounds 'better', but because I usually only need one particular sound from it, and it's so easy to make tweaks from the front panel. I bought the XV5080 to replace my S700 sampler (this was in the days before Kontakt). The XV was a no-brainer at the time - it had more sample memory, more polyphony, a far more versatile synth engine and built-in effects. Sadly the XV5080 has died, but it's never been worth having the it fixed - Kontakt fills the gap 1000 times over, and the JV1080 and JV2080 are still soldiering on quite happily.

[@audiolego]

13.32 , that pad is sooo ❤️

[@jmzorko]

I still have one of these, as it allows me to keep the sounds I used when I had my JV90 / JV880 / XP80. To be honest, I don't usually turn it on, but when I do (once I wait for it to boot up, which takes a lot longer, though that may be because I have several expansion cards in mine) it's kind of nostalgic. I have a Motif ES Rack for similar reasons, as I had a Motif ES6 in the early naughts as well. I really appreciate these videos, as i've had a lot of these over the years - SY77, DX7, JV / XV, Motif, etc.

[@andrewsmyth1652]

Great video as always. I've never tried the 5080 but I own two fully maxed jv1080s, a MC909 and a MV-8800. They all have many of the same patches and each has a distinct character. I find that when I'm just not happy with a cleaner sound I always just sample it into any older sampler. Never failed yet.

[@FotoxBr_nl]

Owned a JV90 back in the day. Now I use Roland Cloud (also still own a D05 boutique). Sound wise it is all hair splitting to me. But hey I am old now :-) In general I do not like what they call lofi / retro sounds. Prefer CD over vinyl etc.

[@joshuareavis4401]

I think you are my favourite human on Earth. Thank you

[@DJDigitalJosh]

I've owned the XP-50, XV-2020, & XV-5050. Loved them all. Kept the 5050.

[@saren6538]

Why the 5050 over the 5080 ?

[@eman0828]

I all Roland modules JV-2080, XV-5080, XV-3080 was the stable sound of 90s and early 2000s R&B and Hip Hop used on countless R&B/Hip Records from Whitney Huston, to Brandy Norwood, to Destiny Child, strings for Fat Joe - Lean, Back Usher Confusions album and so on. Producer Rodney Jerkins is one of the most noticeable of using the JV-2080/XV-3080. That Harp patch for Brandy & Monica - The Boy Is Mine came straight from the JV-2080. All the JV-2080 sounds carried over to the XV-5080. I own the Roland Integra-7 which is essentially the modern XV-5080 that includes all sounds from the JV modules, SRX expansion boards and the entire XV sound library.

[@patrikknoerr9777]

I asked myself: "Do I want to buy it?". I chose the JV2080 because I liked the sound better (which is still a joke and is only halfway bearable when the Chorus and Reverb are bypassed and the unit gets recorded through a tube preamp). I still like it very much for what it does. And I still consider the XV5080 to be not my taste.

[@reinaldotorres3429]

Why you upload a KZbin video when you have no clue what you are saying? - The XV-580 has nothing to do with the D50, they are 15 years apart. That is like saying that NFT is the evolution of Twitter. - Earlier lower fi? That does not exist. - Waveform 32 bit or lower? You mean 32K, totally different things. - When you get high quality waveforms you lose some of the low end? You get more low end. 3 minutes into the video, you have no clue what you are talking about, you are making all that stuff up. You should not talk about technical terms if you do not know what you are saying, and from "the musician stand point" you are not making any sense neither. Imagine you are giving a German class and you are writing a bunch of nonsenses on the board, then you say: German is not my native language BUT I like German and I write it like this...

[@realitycheck2539]

Totally agree.

[@Unikladhalo]

Haters gonna hate.

[@lundsweden]

Zac's right, when you lose the top end with a 32khz sampling rate, like on the 1080/2080 etc, it will boost the bass/mids simply cause the top end isn't there. The JV1080 certainly had a very production ready type sound.

[@pavelcollee-foley7997]

I got one of these for free after a friend of mine was clearing out an old music room and thought that it was broken. For some reason the power button was stuck and unsticking it made it work like new. I have a love hate relationship with the 5080 but I am starting to appreciate it for the y2k silly sound box that it is.

[@Gin-toki]

The XV-5080 is 100% patch-compatible with the JV-1080, i.e. it is capable of all the same things the JV-1080 is with the same exact effects algorithms (it does also have a lot of different ones). What primarily makes the 1080 sound different to the 5080 is that it runs at a lower samplerate, 32KHz instead of 44.1 as the 5080 does, aswell as it has lower quality digital to analog converters on its outputs. Both run the same bitdepth of 16bit waveforms (the ones on the 1080 and the expansionboards are the exact same waveforms put in the memory of the 5080) This makes the 1080 have a darker sound than the 5080 which is more high fidelity sounding. Depending on what type of music one produces, both have their places. It is possible to get similar sound on the 5080 by postprocessing the signal, running it through a good preamp to give it a bit of drive aswell as EQ to recreate the darker sound. I own and like both machinces. The 1080 is darn quick to work on and I find it really sits well in genres such as Dub Techno. The 5080 is great at making more complex sounds and this is further strengthened by integrating own samples. If I had to choose one of the two, it would be the 1080, both due to its ease of use aswell as its sound that fits easily into the genres I primarily work with. That said, the 5080 is still a great and powerfull machine.

[@oupahens9219]

Wait a minute. The JV1080 was years before the XV5080. The original waves were 32kHz/16bit. So how will you get them to 44.1kHz/16bit without using a different sample. You cannot "upgrade" the quality of a sample.

[@murdockscott]

I like my XV-5080. It’s a great resource for a huge variety of quick sounds. I often end up replacing sounds from it with plugins that have a more unique quality, but it’s fantastic to have this huge hardware library of high quality sounds to quickly pull from. I never really liked the Roland 90’s gear much, but my XV-5080 was purchased cheap and I find it useful enough that it will likely have a permanent spot in my rig long after I sell off many other bits of hardware.

[@Johnsormani]

I own several 880‘s a 1080, a 2080 and 2 3080‘s. But I never compared them side by side. I like them all in some way or for. I was looking to get a 5080 as well but I don’t care so much for the Hi-Fi sound, since the samples are outdated anyway

[@devondetroit2529]

You are hoarding

[@Bulkvanderhuge]

My go to on my Jupiter X is the XV.. it’s a work station almost in its own because of the amount of sounds it has. I almost always turn it on.. go to an E piano sound and start playing. West coast.. fantasia.. d50 stack.. some Of these sounds are my all time faves and instant 80s feels. I went down the rabbit hole Going through all the sounds and it has a great mixture.

[@Bulkvanderhuge]

Funny you mention low end though. I almost always play these sounds an octave lower

[@Greenaresy]

@@Bulkvanderhuge Same here.

[@matt_mkv]

I find the filter a little harsh on my XV-5080, but never felt the lack of dynamics. One thing to keep in mind is that there is a optical audio / adat out on the XV-5080. Bypassing the DAC and listening to the straight digital signal… I find the XV-5080 to be one of my favorite Roland Romplers. Finding that Roland Dif/at ADAT converter can be really tough, but when you do it’s a great way to get 8 outs of 48khz audio from the XV5080.

[@asoundlab]

Great point! I’ll have to try that.

[@KazmaHD]

cant you just plug the digital audio cable into an interface that also has a s/pidif input?

[@matt_mkv]

@@KazmaHD of course, and it sounds just as great! but you wouldn't get 8 outs like with ADAT.

[@scottfrost317]

I don’t think I have ever seen someone walk off the dance floor because they realized the pad was from a 5080 vs the 880.

[@RoHen-pw5ol]

Well you cpuld say that about every misical instrument. It doesb't mean though that there is no difference. Radiohead have deliberately used Sequential synths for their tone, there's no doubt other synths could have been used, and would anyone have bothered? As an artist though, you want the sound that inspires you the most to write. I can't imagine soneone walking out of a clssical concert because a violinist used a cheap sounding violin, but to say it doesn't matter at all isn't correct

[@avace917]

You know what's odd? Although you're one THOUSAND percent right, the acoustic guitar patch on the 880 had finger noise on the release that wasn't present on the 1080 patch of the same name. I thought that was so weird. Eventually I got a Proteus 2000 with a better ac guitar sound than the other 2 but I was still shocked

[@MG53v8]

How do you know they didn't

[@marcusholder495]

I like the sound of the 5080 maybe its because I own one.

[@park171]

It still sounds good. The XV5080 had the addition pcm Offering three more bags of sounds, but they weren’t really integrated along with the classic 1080 sound set. So it’s sort of a hybrid.

[@axs203]

I've got the plugin. I use it quite alot - though going through the patches I think I prefer the Triton sounds......of couse some are better some are worse. It is a good stock rompler on the whole....I do prefer the sounds from the earler Rolands.............they are very strong even today. I do realise some of these sounds carried over.....anyway I've used a few MCs recently and those grooveboxes have those JV sounds and boy of boy are they good. I was quite suprised actually with the stock rom. I always remember people saying the XV's were much brigher and too clean.........credit to all of them though - Korg - Roland Yammie - and let's also remember E-mu- they all produced some great sounds with only 8MB - really creative. They fit well into a mix. I think the filters are nice in the JV's....

[@angeljorge5371]

I would really like to see you guys review the XP series of keyboards one day. Would be a great video to show off the sequences and all the features in depth!

[@richardhermans4457]

I've always loved the Roland stuff, but less so the last decade or more. Still have my original D50, and have owned the XP50, JD800, JD990, and for their time, they were phenomenal. I still use my D50 on a few tracks, not the primary tracks, but when it's played it fills in beautifully. My main keyboard is the Yamaha Montage*White) and it's become my main source for writing/recording. About a year ago I picked up the Korg Triton/Triton extreme vsts and I have to say, the sound still holds up today, especially the evolving pads. I was thinking of picking up the XV5080 as hardware(screw the Cloud), but have to agree with Zach, this doesn't cut it. I honestly find the sounds very dated sounding, dull and lacklaster as well. The Triton VST runs circles around the XV5080.

[@ohheyitskevinc]

What’s funny about the XV and the JV series is they’re both great pieces of hardware, but honestly I have Roland Cloud and can’t stand either in VST. The 5080 is far easier to program than the 1080, but I do prefer the sound of the 1080 even though it’s supposedly lower quality samples. Reflects in their current reverb and eBay prices too. The 990 though… another level entirely.

[@marcusholder495]

Good job Zack!!!!!!

[@72cpugeek]

Alamo Music Audio Lab..... My Man !! What in the Ham sandwich are you talking about ? Do you not not know that these units JV-880 ,JV1080, JV1010, JV2080, XV3080, XV2020, XV5050 & XV5080 are legendary units and of course the tech is primitive but the Grammy's ,Diamond , Platinum and Gold Artists have millions behind these units ! Calm-down Haus the Hammond Organ was built off a Asynchronous clock but there nobody's complaining about it ? And after 30 years in my rig umm i'm still using it !! Live and in the studio ...Facts ! The 5080 was 9 years of tech making way for Fantom series of boards which is still relevant till yhis day but the Jv's where the blueprint of it all ! Then the expansion cards to the units to the next level !! And those cards still sort after till this day !! Come on homie !! do you research ! my advice !!

[@marcusholder495]

I like the 5080

[@mjrisinsd6836]

Get these while you can. Seems like these companies are dead set on moving to subscription based sounds, which is the most ridiculous thing ever imo. I’ll be hoarding standalone hardware like this unit.

[@squeakD]

Roland did a great job with the VST version of the 1080 and 5080. You can even get the JV and XV sounds through Zenology via a basic Core membership for $30 a year. The major benefit IMO to the software version is when it comes to adding effects. Don’t get me wrong.., I loved using these back in the day, but the software versions are quite good and versatile.

[@arthurwilliams3479]

i've tried both and the real thing is far better. the vst is not unusable, but it is a massive drop in sound quality and feel compared to the real xv5080. There is just something that the physical device does that is better.

[@squeakD]

@@arthurwilliams3479 I agree the hardware versions had a better overall sound quality, but honestly the only ones who’ll notice are us old heads who owned and used them. The VST’s however do offer a certain versatility with DAW’s that simply wasn’t available then.

[@agentooe33AD]

TAL makes a pretty inexpensive plugin that emulates the lower res DACs from back in the 80s/90s. It's simply called TAL DAC. I haven't used it personally because I kinda cheap out with just putting a 15khz low pass filter on the EQ, but others I've spoken with who've used it really praise it. Might be worth looking into if you'd rather have the convenience of the software version or the classic Roland modules.

[@arthurwilliams3479]

​@@squeakD I think Roland could make a true 1:1 VST of the original if they wanted to, but they prefer not to, to seperate the physical hardware from the vst. they did the same with the Jupiter and Juno vsts. I think it was an on purpose decision for Roland cloud to sound different. I think what they were going for was a more flat representation that would cut better in a mix and be more usable in a studio, that could be mastered to taste later. Whereas the physical hardware was meant to be EQd to have full sound that would impress on the spot, but that sound engineers would have to turn down to cut in a mix for it to be usable.

[@WarrenFullerSMF64]

the XV-5080 was used in the Nintendo DS game Mario Kart DS

[@m.a.freund3332]

I fix synths for a living, at least a dozen of the JD/JV/XP/XV/etc family synths have crossed my workbench. There's absolutely a notable sound difference between them! The D-70 & JD-880/990 are total magic, there's just something ineffable to the sound of them, like you're experiencing frequencies beyond human hearing or something. It can be kinda exhausting. The JV/XP series dropped the audio quality down a bit to be cheaper, and the XV-5080 brought back whatever was available of the quality with the tech at the time. I have an XV-5080 because it's really a JD-990, JV-2080, and S-750 combined with COSM FX & SRX expansion compatibility, but man, it can sound like a crummy old CD Walkman. It has a smushed low-res digital audio file timbre to it that's glaring in the aliasing you hear in the upper registers and sounds like a 128kb mp3 in the low notes. It can sometimes sound like an iffy mislabled mp3 downloaded from Limewire back in the day, if you know what I mean. If it weren't for all the endless use I get outta the sample import, COSM FX, the lo-fi MFX, and the entire JD-990 multi-FX section, I'd trade it for a JV-2080. Of the entire line, I think the JV-1080/2080 sounds the best, the most warm & balanced. I find even the simplest patch on a JV-1080 sounds record-ready. With the XV, you need a little post-processing to prep it for a final mix. There is a secret trick though: in the global settings, there's a master output EQ. You can add back the low end and tame the treble a bit...

[@looneyburgmusic]

"... but man, it can sound like a crummy old CD Walkman." - There is something wrong with your XV then, since the sound quality I get from my XV easily matches any of my "modern" synths - including my Motif XF...

[@m.a.freund3332]

@@looneyburgmusic Nothin’ wrong with it, I replaced all the main board SMD electrolytics before they had a chance to leak. It’s just that the sound of an early 00’s DAC is so dang distinct to me. The digital artifacts and the aliasing-filtered frequency response of the tech stands out to me after years of using budget portable CD players.

[@m.a.freund3332]

@@henrybrant-lf7ge I meant the JD-800, WHY DID I GET THAT WRONG OMFG WILLIEVERLIVETHISDOWN I'm pretty sure the JD-990 is what you want, then. I think only that now-expensive-as-hell rack with the distortion bug in the filter resonance lets you access all the patches on the expansion cards. Even though the prices on 'em are frickin' Reverb robbery, having finally heard one in person, I see the prices and have to shrug and say, "That's probably fair, actually.".

[@saren6538]

880 sounds even darker than the 1080 / 2080

[@SacSynths_Jack_Z]

Doesn't float my boat... I want that vintage digital grit!

[@williamoates9887]

Thanks, really good informative video, but shame you didn't name the patches you were playing. There are so many patches that a XV-5080 owner is left wondering 'Which patch was that ??

[@theandroids]

Wish you would have put the names of the patches...

[@2manyinterests2count]

Spend a little time with the sample playback functions of the 5080 and you will appreciate this unit more.

[@jcole3614]

I had both the 5080 and the 1080 with sound cards. Yesterday I put all cards in the 1080 and sold the 5080. For me there was too much weeding thru film score sounds and layered patches I never used. Same when I bought the Korg T2 instead of the M1. A lot of specific abilities most aren't looking for.

[@downpatmusic]

I've always noticed an inconsistency between the digital to analog converters between the JV and XV series line up. The oldest JV880 audio outputs sounded very clear and sonically transparent. I don't remember exactly but when the 1080, 2080, 3080 (I think it was) then the 5080 came out the 1080 outputs were okay but then I think with the 2080 the outputs sounded muffled, less transparent compared to my Roland S760 sampler outputs and even my older JV880 outputs. It was unusable compared to better sounding synth modules audio outputs. I was surprised and disappointed by this. New but not improved outputs. I also had bugs in the line after the 1080 with midi sync problems between the card sounds an internal sounds. I also had problems with bad outputs on my 5080. And this was for studio work never moving it around. I gave up on those modules after I repaired my 5080 I retired it. Perhaps the Integra 7 would be a good sound playback only module to replace those older modules. I haven't tested the Integra 7 but with its iPad app for sound library control and mixer control, and with its access to all of the old SRX library it may be the way to go. However you only get 4 SRX libraries loaded into RAM only on the Integra 7 at a time. If you turn it off, you have to reload your SRX expansions using the iPad. Sort of a pain there.

[@revokdaryl1]

I'm very disappointed that Roland didn't include the GM/GM2 soundsets in the VST version of the XV-5080. They curiously did the same thing with their VST of the JV-1080. The only reason I can think of for this is they want people to buy their VST for the Sound Canvas VA, which includes the SC-55, SC-55pro, SC-88, SC-88pro and SC-8820, I believe. I've taken a look into this and they've intentionally disabled the General Midi functionality of the software versions of the XV-5080 and the JV-1080. Well, at least now I have a very good reason to get an actual hardware unit as I like to use these modules for playback of general midi music for older video games, some of which have phenomenal soundtracks.

[@Motorola14-dl7bg]

16-bit vs. 24 bits: Older modules, such as the JV series, use 16 bits, which was common at the time. Newer models, such as the Integra-7 and the XV series, use 24 bits, allowing for better sound quality with more detail and a wider dynamic range. 24-bit: 24-bit depth offers greater resolution and is capable of capturing and reproducing a wider range of dynamics, which is especially important for complex, expressive sounds.

[@lucid484]

the 5080 sounds amazing!!

[@cmaynes]

I have a XV5050, JV2080, and an 880- I prefer the utility of the 2080, and I do like the sound of it over the XV's- the XV is brighter, but I think the filters and general OS is not quite as nice as the 2080. (I have the 2080 loaded as well with cards)

[@marcusholder495]

Thanks for the video can you please do a video on the roland jupiter 80

[@berlincount]

Yeah you owe an apology. The split between XV-5080/Jupiter-X was not marked in the video, the patches used were neither legible on the display, nor given in the video, and all I got was an opinionated piece about technological differences cause differences in sound. No mention of the various input/output options or why the XV-5080 has two MIDI INs or why it needs them for its full functionality, and no mention of the rhythm section or the various extension boards at all I can only assume that the assumption is that I had consumed another (almost) 30 minutes video for context, or possibly more than one. Spending so much time on such a versatile device without even mentioning any or these - or its sampling capability, or the possibilities CD-ROMs (let alone ZuluSCSI) offer in conjunction with it feels ... selling me short for the time invested. Both yours and mine 😬 sorry.

[@geoffk777]

I have an XV-5050 (a slightly smaller 1U rack), an Integra-7 and a JV-2080 (and the Cloud XV VST). Actually, most of my recent Rolands like the Jupiter-80 and Fantom also include all of the XV sounds. The recent models all have an advantage over a real XV-5080 in that they include all of the SRX card expansions, which would cost a fortune if you bought them all for real. I love the Roland sound, and the XV-5080 perfectly captures it. I thought all of the played examples sounded great. I suppose that there are some small differences between a real XV and the various emulations, but they all sound fine, so I wouldn't consider them very important. I'm not sure why Zach didn't care for the XV. I have to guess that it just sounded too good for him, as he seems to be mostly fond of equipment that sounds like crap.

[@eman0828]

I wouldn't say that the fantom has all the XV sounds as it has very little in common with the XV and JV series. Very few waves were carried over to th Fantom X has I own both thr Fantom-XR and Integra-7. Most of wave forms are quite different between the two module's as my Integra-7 is the closest thing to the XV-5080 a modernized version of it which has all th wave forms of the XV-5080, JV2080, Jupiter 50 and all 12 of the SRX expansion boards. The Fantom doesn't have the same Harps found in the JV, XV-5080 or Integra-7 for a example.

[@geoffk777]

@@eman0828 That may be correct. I haven't tried to do a comparison myself. However, the Fantom does have all of the SRX cards and associated presets.

[@eman0828]

@@geoffk777 You have to buy those SRX cards. I have three of them installed in my Fantom-XR sound module that I bought years ago before I recently bought my Integra-7. Those cards are worth a lot of money given how rare they are and hard to find. I'm keeping both sound modules since there are still a lot of Fantom patches I still use in my productions that you wouldn't find on the Integra-7. The two modules are like two different beast. Too bad that Yamaha stop making sound modules as the MOTIF XS rack was that last module they made. I have both the MOTIF ES and MOTIF ES Rack. I will soon be retiring my MOTIF ES keyboard possibly upgrade to at least an XF.

[@geoffk777]

@@eman0828 イェアh、I have quite a few of the earlier JV-SR80 cards in my JV2080, and those are quite expensive now too. But the SRX downloads for the Fantoms are all free, even for the Fantom-0. However, the Fantom-0 can only hold two or three, whereas the big Fantom can load all of them at once, which even the Integra-7 won't do. I agree that it's a shame that rack modules are so rare now.

[@quantumeseboy]

Well, it has better drum kits and acoustic piano than jv1080, otherwise I'm with you. Old, but not vintage enough? I used old Fantoms(S and X) and I assume they were the same?

[@audiolego]

Hey mannn, my Sunday wake up video. After prayer of course. I want all the sound packs so Integra 7 for me. These days I use an EMU rack sampler Ultra and I just sample. I find it very rewarding and exciting. XV they say sounds like Jd900 converters

[@uwemanns9668]

I‘m gonna stick with my Juno Stage, it has a similar engine. Since I used JVs in late 90s not too much has changed, you get used to the concept

[@samiam9059]

You can get virtually the whole roland libraries of those days are in the Integra.

[@allanfc2335]

Hi Zach - Very interesting discussion . Roland XV5080 seems to lack some warmth on the low end on the strings and pads but certainly sounds clear and dynamic on most other sounds . I have the XV3080 which is very impressive !

[@petertorda5487]

Well somehow you don't feels POWER from that sounds, most likely that was an intention, to please studio engineers to make it more mix friendly. Result is, that it sound quite uninspiring , if you take D-50, JV-1080/2080 they sounds quite immersive and strong, so it is joy to play on them. Just note that JV line has been only 32Khz machines (maybe part of they charm), while XV had 44.1Khz mixing frequency with 32Khz/44.1Khz samples.

[@marcusholder495]

Zack is are king!!!!

[@roelofpaas334]

Niceone Thanks.!.....and on Vocals???!👍

[@kevrenshaw6177]

Hi Zach.. After 4 minutes I had to stop the video. Your missing the point. If you want to create and write songs quickly and get ideas down super fast. ALL of the JV's were fantastic. However, not all were super realistic. If you want to create, play and edit sounds to the Nth degree, the JV's were simply not good enough. I sold my 5080 and regret it but needed the money. the only instrument that came close to allowing me to create a song so quickly from a standalone unit was the Proteus Orchestral. I need quick inspiration not sound design.. Horses for courses. Its all about perspective and knowing what you need, not what you want. That applies in life by the way lol

[@realitycheck2539]

I had stop the video as well and was not even because of that. This guy may win the dumbest character on the internet this year.

[@kevrenshaw6177]

Agreed. Although I'm sure there have been some honorable mentions for dumbest guy on internet lol. I have been a Roland Feck boy for donkeys years starting with a Juno 6, 60, 106, JV1000, 5080, D50, Jupiter 8 and still own a little JDXi (love it) then I got into the V drum Kits and had TD10, TD9, TD20 and now a TD27. (God if I had kept most of them how much they would be worth...)

[@RorertoLombardo]

What are you talking about? Just get a dx7 for the best electric piano, then add the rest of what you want. Add Rack mount synths and sampled piano stuff. Nothing beats the dx7 electric piano sounds and you can have Rhodes and Wurlitzers that sound much better then Roland or a a red Nord. Got my dx7 25 years ago used for $200 US. Good luck finding it today at that price. Trust me live the dx7 sounds the best because I’ve tried the others and they sometimes come a close 2nd best or worst.

[@That125Kid]

What about the fa-06 doesn't this keyboard have all the sounds or presets of the xv 5080?

[@richikeys6535]

Nice Demo Zach, love them both maybe a gig pedal give the good fibe. Does the modulation wheel effect this rack?

[@raul0ca]

I have a Yamaha CK61. The modulation lever affects the sounds

[@pollojean4500]

Hello good afternoon boss can you please do a video on how to use it please I just got me one of cv5080 and I can’t program it like some sound are n mute mode please help us out

[@NachozMan]

Cheapest way to get old Roland sounds on hardware with this machine. Got mine with 3 sound modules pre installed for 500$, steal of a deal for how much a monster of a machine it is. Romplers need to make a comeback imo, or at the least 19" racks do 😭

[@KingCarl36]

Where can I purchase the xv5080?

[@davidpetersonharvey]

That would have been 16 but in the 1080, not 32 bit. Companies were still struggling to get into 24 but in the early 2000s. They would release keyboards that claimed 32-bit processing but that would have been only the effects. Yamaha did this with a synth I took back. The 1080 and 2080 would have been 16 but all the way. My JV-1010 is as well.

[@realitycheck2539]

He has no clue what he is saying at all in any of his videos.

[@shcade8926]

how many fps in fallen order will it play with twitch (i watch regurlary)

[@rockyhill9965]

Let's say that you have an assignment to build a "synth" sounding movie score. Whether you use a XV-5080 or a JD-990 or a JV -1080 or a VST, any of those will get the job done.

[@lancelotxavier9084]

If one wants the highest quality with huge waves files sampled at rediculous sample rates and bits go with a PC. Most people do not even notice the latency, not even famous musicians. I am one of the few people that can notice the latency. So I prefer synths over PC. I prefer less processing and quicker response. Old synths have very low latency. One gives up on resolution and processing though. The old synths have simple highly optimized algorithms with tiny wave files. A sound module with a bunch of waves is only 8 megabytes. Yes megabytes, not gigabytes. Pushing data through something as complex as a Intel i9 running Windows 11 takes time. But for composing tracks, of course a PC is better. But for playing, at least for me, a old synth is better especially when pushed through analog equipment. Just so much more responsive., like playing on real piano.

[@mawo1096]

Not for me. Used the 2080 in the past but for me a simple xpand2 sounds better than all these JVs and XVs

[@EmilioNorrmann]

0:17 sounds like it is deflating

[@midichlorian73]

Don't be a hater!

[@asoundlab]

😅😅 thanks for letting me borrow it. The sound bank in it is mind blowing. A lot to love….and a little to gripe about ;)

[@midichlorian73]

Haha! I’m just being silly. You’re welcome to tweak anything in my collection. Tons more to explore!

[@Jzh733]

I liked 3080 better. Clearer sounding than 5080.

[@looneyburgmusic]

The 5080 is the culmination of the JV/XV line, so of that bunch it's obviously the best. The XV then remained the top Roland synth until the release of the Integra, years later.

[@marcusholder495]

ZACK PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON THE ROLAND JUPITER 80!!!!!

[@eladreltuc]

Still flailing his arms all over the place

[@antoniocalimero1173]

I have sold this old gear. There is a Integra in the world :-)

[@alphaomegamusicschool]

Might not be your taste bro, but the XV5080 is a monster. What a horrible review.

[@ksager123]

Lol. Exactly

[@marcusholder495]

Please do the Juipter 80

[@RoHen-pw5ol]

Once is enough

[@circlemagazine]

His rational is the same thing that people say when talking about analog v digital hahahahahaahahahahaa

[@reinaldokoster2227]

Hey Zach, can you have some dignity, delete this video and re do it again? The amount of ineptitud you are showing within the first 3 minutes is abismal. You have no clue about Hz and bits. You are showing a complete ignorance. When something has a better resolution the low end is better, not worse. You are just spreading ignorance all over.

[@krispbacon7620]

You talk better than you play

[@sajp8859]

Bah-the 5080 is great. Go practice.

[@Itaketoomanypics]

Zach is worth it