Discuss other brands keyboards, synthesizers, modules, software, controllers including how they compare or work with the Nords.

Thoughts on the Roland RD-800?

Postby SingerNick » 24 May 2014, 06:56

Its easy to call Nord the "Apple" of stage pianos. Their products are smaller, more robust, and just do their job without the interface getting in the way. And Apple's designs have the power to redefine entire industries... Usable smartphones and tablets were essentially non-existent before Apple layed the groundwork for those markets.

It looks like Roland is finally taking a step towards the simplicity of the Nords: a newer, lighter model with a simpler interface. In addition to these design cues, it looks like the piano samples have so much customizability that its almost piano modeling.

Do you guys think Nord will eventually implement piano modeling to stay competitive?
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Thoughts on the Roland RD-800?


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Re: Thoughts on the Roland RD-800?

Postby Mr_-G- » 24 May 2014, 13:11

Moved to this forum as it is not Nord Piano related.
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Re: Thoughts on the Roland RD-800?

Postby Gustavo » 25 May 2014, 00:00

I do not know if there will be piano modelling, but I do not think it is a must. It could be cool, but maybe it would mean a more complex interface to change things like the V-Piano could.

I think we are ok with our sample based aproach, it keeps things simple.
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Re: Thoughts on the Roland RD-800?

Postby SingerNick » 25 May 2014, 03:10

Mr_-G- wrote:Moved to this forum as it is not Nord Piano related.


Fair enough:) I assumed that the feature set/price point put this board in the direct spotlight of current/future NP2 users.
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Re: Thoughts on the Roland RD-800?

Postby spradders » 25 May 2014, 23:57

Hi, not exactly a comment on piano modelling, but some thoughts about the RD800 for anyone interested.
I considered the RD800 because my RD700 needs replacing. The RD800 is an excellent keyboard and I really hoped it would leapfrog the Nord - it is a lot cheaper. The action is great and the interface is good; it's very flexible for creating split / layer set-ups. In many ways it is better than the Nord: the display is better, splits more flexible, great strings / pads / brass and loads of other sounds on board, better action (subjective), better outputs (includes XLR), lots of illuminated knobs, nicer keys, quieter keybed etc. But.... I just enjoyed the Nord more when I played it. With the RD800, the organ lets it down (you can sort of change 4 of the 9 drawbars in real time; you chose which 4 you edit and can't easily edit the middle bar at all), and the vintage keys just aren't as cool. The new Nord piano samples just seem more fun to play somehow, maybe more expressive. There are many fewer realtime editing options on the RD800 too, e.g. kicking in a bit of extra distortion on the organ is tricky, and you don't have the same concept of morph / assign.
Given the capability of the very cheap Roland VR09 (includes drawbars and iPad interface), I was expecting the RD800 to include these and beat the Nord Stage 2 hands-down, but it didn't and I prefer the Nord :-/
I haven't given the Korg Kronos a decent thrashing, but that looks interesting if you're particularly into setups etc.
Last edited by spradders on 25 May 2014, 23:59, edited 1 time in total.

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