SYNTH LORE: THE ROLAND XV-88 128 VOICE EXPANDABLE SYNTHESIZER +QUIZ

Sharing my views regarding the Roland XV-88 after buying it new in 2000, so I have over 20 years of ownership experience.
Plus, a listening quiz of the Roland XV-88 vs the Korg Kronos X88. Can you tell which one is which?
0:00 Intro
1:11 History and specifications
12:38 Quiz: XV-88 vs Korg Kronos X88
17:04 Quiz answers and more info
21:58 Postscript: Drum demos

[@Gerald_Daniel]

I've caught up on this video because you've recently talked about XV88. Further I've played the quiz, though this time've only got 7 meager right guesses, what actually speaks for XV88's sound..

[@marcusholder495]

This is my favorite 88 key keyboard they dont make them like this in this time and age, a true high-quality instrument.

[@JeffreyScottPetro]

Indeed. Thanks for the comment.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I really dig this synth lore videos. I only got 7 right. By the way I love the gear in the background those Lexicon units and what appears to be an RME interface.

[@JeffreyScottPetro]

Glad you like them- more coming. Yes, 4 lexicon processors and it is an original RME UFX.

[@marcusholder495]

The AD converters are very strong on this keyboard. 💪

[@xp50player]

I remember finding the XV-88 to be lame when it came out. They should have put a larger display from the XV-5080/JV-2080 or the XP-60/80. Ok it was 128 voice, but then the new stereo samples cut that in half and it was still only 4 osc. The A90 was a nicer controller, and just get a module. Roland didn’t do enough to add sounds and functionality after 5 years of the XP architecture, while Korg had touch screens all that time. The FA-76 Fantom was a better proposition, soon after.

[@JeffreyScottPetro]

Interesting perspective. I certainly agree that the display should have been bigger, like the 5080. Thanks for the comment.

[@thejollyjoker187]

I scored 20/20, but that's because I used to own a Roland RS-9 and a Korg Triton and am familiar with their sounds..

[@JeffreyScottPetro]

That's awesome. Thanks for the comment.

[@terryvargo7720]

Hi Jeffrey, loved the video. I am curious which XV-88 patch you used for Jump? The XV-88 patch you chose sounds exactly like the Oberheim OB-Xa that Van Halen used. The Korg sound you picked does sound fuller than the XV sound but it is not as faithful to the actual sound in the Jump recording; I was surprised to hear this. I have always used PR-D:060 "Osc Brass" as my "Jump" patch on my XV and it compares well to the Kronos patch you picked. But your XV-88 patch is closer to the recording. Good pick! I have owned my XV-88 for over 24 yrs and don't know if Ill ever part with it. 🙂

[@JeffreyScottPetro]

Glad you enjoyed the video. It's a factory patch. PR-E: 118 Oscillations.

[@serchpiano8448]

Gracias

[@JeffreyScottPetro]

De nada.

[@mudi2000a]

If you ever used both Korg and Roland synths some are very recognizable as they are typical Korg or Roland sounds.😊 Edit: A question would be, if the XV-88 is already $800 and up used, how much sense would it make to get one? I don‘t know how the keyboard feel is, but the RD-88 is a new keyboard and has the SuperNatural Piano engine and the ZenCore synth engine. Because of the latter, it also has all the XV-5080 sounds built in and of course many more newer sounds as well. In Europe it is less than 1200 bucks so at least from this POV this sounds like the much better deal even if it costs a bit more. Don‘t know the US price however.

[@JeffreyScottPetro]

I have heard of the RD-88, but I'm not super familiar with it. I know it has a good sound set, but I don't believe it is a synthesizer? The XV-88 is a synthesizer, so you can go beyond basic editing. Like I said, not really familiar with the RD-88, so I could be mistaken. Thanks for the comment.

[@mudi2000a]

@@JeffreyScottPetro Yes you are correct, I was only aware of the feature set, I checked after I posted and found that apparently you can‘t really edit the sounds, which is a pity with such a powerful engine. Only you could probably edit the sounds if you have the Zenology Pro VST where you can create your own patches and export them to a file the hardware can load. The only device that I personally own with the ZenCore engine is the MC-707 which allows full editing; so I thought that were possible everywhere. Apparently not.