Mo Says...

A compact Japanese Roland sound vault from the golden age of hardware modules. The XV-2020 squeezes a formidable palette into half a rack, with two SRX expansion slots for further sonic archaeology.

Notable Particulars

• Compact half-rack Roland XV-series synthesizer sound module
• 64-voice polyphony makes it capable of substantial layered and multitimbral arrangements
• Two SRX expansion slots allow the internal sound library to be expanded with compatible boards
• MIDI In, Out and Thru plus USB MIDI provide flexible integration with keyboards, sequencers and studio setups
• Stereo analogue outputs plus digital coaxial and optical outputs offer versatile connection options

The Details

The Roland XV-2020 is a wonderfully compact descendant of Roland's celebrated XV synthesizer family, packing a broad collection of sample-based sounds into a remarkably small metal box. Pianos, organs, guitars, basses, orchestral instruments, synths, pads, drums and more are all available without surrendering precious rack space.

Its front panel provides direct access to parts, patches, performances, rhythm sets and banks, with a display and Value control for editing. Around the back you'll find MIDI In, Out and Thru, stereo quarter-inch outputs and both coaxial and optical digital outputs. USB MIDI is conveniently provided on the front panel.

Particularly appealing is the provision for two SRX expansion boards, allowing compatible Roland libraries to be installed and turning this diminutive module into an even deeper repository of sounds.

This example was Made in Japan and carries serial number ZQ96681. It shows cosmetic wear from previous use, most notably scratching and marks across the silver front panel, display area and casing. Please inspect the photographs carefully for the exact condition.

For hardware synth devotees, composers or anyone who fancies a sizeable slice of classic Roland workstation territory without accommodating another keyboard, the XV-2020 remains a remarkably neat little sonic contraption.