Roland Introduces Two New Digital Intelligent
Pianos
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| (Click for a close-up) |
February 8, 2000
Updating its flagship KR-1070 Digital Intelligent
Piano, Roland introduces two new models in its KR-Series lineup: the KR-977
mini-grand and KR-1077 grand Digital Intelligent Pianos. As Roland's top-of-the-line
models, these striking pianos feature a new PA-5R Progressive Hammer-Action
keyboard with escapement, 128-voice polyphony, newly-developed stereo
piano samples, new onboard music styles, a larger LCD with touch screen,
and a polished ebony finish.
The 128-voice KR-977 is a mini-grand piano with two 60-watt speakers. The
KR-1077, on the other hand, is a 128-voice concert grand that delivers its sound
through four 60-watt speakers located inside its full-sized grand piano cabinet.
The KR-977 and KR-1077 feature Roland's new PA-5R Progressive Hammer-Action
keyboard, capable of simulating the escapement (let-off) and amount of
resistance felt when striking keys at different levels in different ranges-just
like an acoustic grand. Combined with a newly developed set of stereo-sampled
pianos with natural ambience, plus two pedals (damper and soft) capable
of detecting 127 increments of press strength, the KR-977 and -1077 are
extremely expressive instruments.
In addition to their stunning piano sounds, the KR-977 and -1077 feature a
GS/GM2-compatible sound set with over 500 sounds including 12 drum sets and one
sound effects set, plus an Organ Footage feature. A sophisticated Arranger section,
an onboard Pianist™ function with piano accompaniments, more than 135 onboard
music styles, a Style Orchestrator, and one-touch phrase patterns make it easy
to create rich-sounding accompaniments. New SMF songs and styles can also be loaded
from these instruments' internal 3.5" disk drive.
A microphone input with effects processing make these pianos great for family
sing-alongs, or for church and school performances. Performers will also appreciate
the built-in Voice Transformer, which can make a man's voice sound like a woman's
or create Robot voices. A built-in Harmonist is perfect for creating instant duets,
while the echo effect gives singers a studio-like sound. Singers can even view
SMF song lyrics (when used with compatible disks) on the LCD screen for karaoke-type
performances. And thankfully, the touch-screen LCD with helpful graphic icons
makes all of this easy. The KR-977 and -1077 are also educational tools, thanks
to their advanced metronomes and dual headphone jacks. A built-in Music Tutor™
makes learning to play productive and fun using a variety of optional disks, while
an onboard 16-track sequencer allows users to record and edit performances. Finally,
a built-in serial port makes connecting the KR-977 and -1077 to a computer easy,
allowing students to take advantage of the wealth of music software currently
available.
For more information on
Roland visit www.rolandus.com. |
