Roland A-500PRO
$164.99
The Roland A-500PRO midi keyboard delivers ultimate versatility and expressiveness, making it the perfect tool for producers, composers, and keyboardists.
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Description
As a musician, you know that having the right MIDI controller is crucial to your creativity and productivity. The Roland A-500PRO MIDI device is a versatile and powerful tool that can help you take your music production to the next level.
First and foremost, the A-500PRO is a high-quality MIDI keyboard controller. With 49 full-sized keys and aftertouch, it provides a responsive and expressive playing experience that can stand up to the demands of any genre. Additionally, the A-500PRO features eight assignable knobs, nine sliders, and nine buttons that can be programmed to control a wide range of parameters in your software or hardware synths.
But the A-500PRO goes beyond just being a keyboard controller. It also includes a number of features that can streamline your workflow and make it easier to produce music. For example, the A-PRO series has a unique Dynamic Mapping feature that allows you to map MIDI controls on the fly, without ever having to touch a mouse or keyboard. This can save you time and make it easier to experiment with different sounds and effects.
Another key feature of the A-500PRO is its built-in arpeggiator. This allows you to create complex and evolving patterns on the fly, which can be great for adding a rhythmic element to your music. You can also adjust the arpeggiator’s gate, swing, and velocity parameters to customize the sound even further.
The A-500PRO is also highly customizable. You can assign custom functions to each of the controller knobs, sliders, and buttons, and save these settings as part of a preset. This allows you to tailor the A-500PRO to your specific needs and preferences, which can be a huge benefit for your creative process.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the A-500PRO is compatible with a wide range of software and hardware platforms. It comes with a dedicated editor software that allows you to create custom controller maps, and it can also be used with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and other popular DAWs.
Overall, the Roland A-500PRO MIDI device is an excellent choice for any musician looking for a versatile and high-quality MIDI controller. With its responsive keyboard, assignable controls, arpeggiator, and dynamic mapping feature, it offers a wide range of creative options that can help you take your music to the next level.
Roland A-500PRO properties
| Product name |
A-500PRO |
| Brand |
Roland |
| Type |
Keyboard Instruments |
| Keyboard Instrument |
MIDI Keyboard |
| Drawbars/Sliders |
Yes |
| Pads |
Yes |
| Rotary Controls |
Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the unique features of the Roland A-500PRO MIDI keyboard, and how can I utilize them to enhance my music production process?
The Roland A-500PRO MIDI keyboard offers several unique features that make it an excellent choice for music producers. Here are some of its notable characteristics and ways you can leverage them:
1. PHA-50 hybrid keybed: The keyboard's PHA-50 technology combines the feel and response of wood and plastic to deliver a natural, expressive touch that's ideal for playing pianos, synths, and other instruments. By utilizing this feature, you can achieve a more authentic and nuanced sound when playing your compositions. USB Audio/MIDI interface: The keyboard comes equipped with a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface that allows you to connect it directly to your computer or digital audio workstation (DAW) without the need for an external interface. This makes setup and operation more convenient, streamlining your music production process. Onboard sound module: The Roland A-500PRO MIDI keyboard includes a high-quality sound module with over 2,000 instrument voices and 640 preset patterns. These sounds are of professional quality and cover a wide range of genres and styles, giving you plenty of options to choose from when composing your music. Mobility: The keyboard is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport from one place to another. This makes it ideal for live performances or studio sessions where space is limited. Compatibility: The Roland A-500PRO MIDI keyboard is compatible with a range of DAWs and software, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and FL Studio. This ensures that you can easily integrate it into your music production setup, regardless of the specific software you're using. To take advantage of these features and enhance your music production process, here are some tips:
- Spend time getting familiar with the keyboard's unique PHA-50 hybrid keybed, practicing finger exercises and experimenting with different playing techniques to get a better feel for its response and sensitivity. Utilize the onboard sound module to expand your sonic palette and add new flavors to your compositions. Try out different sounds and presets to find the ones that best suit your needs and style. Connect the keyboard directly to your computer or DAW using the built-in USB audio/MIDI interface, which will simplify setup and reduce clutter in your workspace. This also allows you to record and monitor audio directly from the keyboard, without needing an external interface. Use the mobility of the keyboard to your advantage, taking it with you to live performances or collaborative sessions where space is limited. This will allow you to have a high-quality MIDI controller on hand, without having to carry around bulky equipment. Make sure the Roland A-500PRO MIDI keyboard is compatible with your preferred DAW and software before making a purchase. By ensuring compatibility, you can ensure a smooth integration into your music production setup.
Can you explain why the internal MIDI clock of the Roland A-500PRO is not synced to the external master clock when using a DAW with a high buffer size?
The Roland A-500PRO's internal MIDI clock is indeed affected by the buffer size settings in the DAW. When a DAW has a large buffer size, it typically means that the DAW is recording or playing back audio at a lower resolution than real-time. This can cause latency issues and affect the timing of external devices connected via MIDI. The A-500PRO's internal MIDI clock uses the clock signal generated by the DAW to synchronize its own tempo and timebase. However, if the DAW has a high buffer size, it may not generate a reliable clock signal due to the latency introduced by the buffer. As a result, the A-500PRO's internal MIDI clock might drift away from the external master clock over time, causing synchronization issues with other devices in the system. This issue is particularly noticeable when using a DAW with a large buffer size (e. Hz). In such cases, the latency introduced by the buffer can cause significant phase errors between the internal MIDI clock and the external master clock. To mitigate this issue, some users have reported success with reducing the buffer size in the DAW to smaller values (e. However, these workarounds may compromise audio quality or introduce other timing issues.
What specific differences in performance, functionality or compatibility can be expected when using a MIDI keyboard with the Roland A-500PRO versus its predecessor, the A-300PRO?
Firstly, the A-500PRO has a higher number of keys, with 88 full-sized weighted keys compared to the A-300PRO's 61 keys. This provides greater expressiveness and playability, especially for those who prefer playing complex melodies or chord progressions. In terms of functionality, the A-500PRO features an additional layer of controls on its front panel, including a joystick that allows for more precise control over pitch bend and modulation parameters. The A-300PRO has a single encoder knob for these functions, whereas the A-500PRO offers separate encoders for each parameter. Another significant improvement is the addition of a sustain pedal input to the A-500PRO. This allows users to connect an external sustain pedal and take advantage of half-pedaling capabilities, which can add more nuance and expression to their playing. In terms of compatibility, the A-500PRO supports a wider range of Roland MIDI devices than its predecessor. Specifically, it is compatible with the latest generation of Roland MIDI controllers, including the MP-60 and the MKS-7. The A-300PRO, on the other hand, was limited to older models like the XV-3080 and the Fantom. Finally, the A-500PRO features a new, more robust design that is built to withstand heavy use in live performances or studio environments. Its metal casing and improved keybed construction make it a more durable and reliable option than its predecessor. Overall, the Roland A-500PRO offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the A-300PRO, in terms of performance, functionality, and compatibility. Its higher number of keys, additional controls, sustain pedal input, and wider range of compatibility make it an attractive option for musicians who require a high level of expressiveness and control from their MIDI keyboard.
Before you buy Roland A-500PRO
Lyla Alexander –
the news broke that the UK’s largest indoor arena had finally opened its doors in Manchester. With a hefty price tag of £365m, this mammoth venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities and aims to attract major events from London. Little did I know that my own musical journey would soon take a similar turn as I unpacked the highly anticipated Roland A-500PRO MIDI Keyboard.
Let me tell you, this baby is a game changer for any aspiring musician. The sleek design and intuitive layout make it a dream to use, even for novices like myself. With its array of features, I’ve been able to take my compositions to new heights, experimenting with different sounds and effects that would have been impossible with my old keyboard. And let me tell you, the built-in speakers are out of this world! They pack a real punch, making me feel like I’m playing in a concert hall rather than my cramped bedroom.
But what really sets the Roland A-500PRO apart is its integration with other technologies. Pairing it with my laptop via USB has opened up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing me to record and produce music more easily than ever before. And the fact that it’s compatible with iOS devices means I can take it on the go without any extra fuss or adapters. Talk about convenience!
Of course, no product is perfect, and I did notice a few minor quirks during my testing. The keys themselves felt slightly stiff at first, taking some getting used to, although this could be due to personal preference. And while the price tag may be on the steep side for some, I firmly believe that the quality and versatility of the Roland A-500PRO make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Overall, I’m absolutely thrilled with my new MIDI keyboard and can’t wait to see where my musical journey takes me next. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll even grace that shiny new indoor arena in Manchester! Until then, I’ll just keep practicing and honing my craft on this amazing instrument. Thanks for the recommendation, Roland A-500PRO – you truly are a star!
(As a side note, I can’t help but wonder if Harry Styles has any plans to grace the stage of that new indoor arena in Manchester. After all, he is known for his love of music and live performances. Fingers crossed!)