JazzCat's info on the SonicCell

[JohnG]

-You can play files on this unit from a flash drive-


But it only holds 99 of them. Read those specs and abilities real careful guys and note what programs it will work with and won't work with as well.

Here's the info on it. Now you dont eve have to click off the page and put up with loading flash and fancy webpages!

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Superior Desktop Synthesis for the PC Generation

Features
SonicCell puts the power and legendary sound quality of a Roland hardware synthesizer on your desktop. With its dual SRX expansion bay, built-in USB audio interface, and ability to play SMFs and WAV/AIFF/MP3 files, SonicCell is a dream for computer-based musicians and live performers who seek a compact, integrated pro sound module and USB audio-interface solution.
128-voice sound module with new soundset, featuring super-realistic acoustic instruments
USB audio interface functionality plus USB-memory host function
SMF and audio data playback capability via USB host function
SRX slot x 2
PC/Mac Editor and Cakewalk SONAR LE bundled
Superior Desktop Synthesis for the PC Generation

More Info
Superior Sound Module
Equipped with a state-of-the-art sound engine, SonicCell delivers the pristine sound quality of a dedicated Roland hardware synth. A remarkable new waveform set has been created for SonicCell, including a world-class collection of acoustic instruments, drums, and percussion that are expertly programmed to provide the ultimate in expression and realism. SonicCell’s internal sound bank can even be expanded and customized via its two internal SRX expansion bays. Choose from over a dozen of Roland’s famous SRX Expansion boards (sold separately) that cover a vast world of musical instruments and styles. Whether you’re driving SonicCell from a computer, another synthesizer, or a MIDI keyboard or guitar controller, you’ll enjoy unsurpassed sound quality, reliability, and flexibility.
Seamless Computer Connectivity
SonicCell is ideal for musicians who use a PC as the core of their writing, recording, and performing universe. More than a mere sound module, SonicCell is equipped with a built-in USB audio interface. Simply connect SonicCell directly to your computer’s USB port, and you can record and create music with no additional hardware required. You can even plug a microphone, guitar, or other instruments into SonicCell and record your live audio tracks directly into your computer. And since SonicCell can help minimize the burden on the computer’s processor, you’ll enjoy more efficient and stable performance. As an added bonus, a free copy of Cakewalk's Sonar LE recording software included with every SonicCell sold, as is a plug-in style PC software editor, which makes sound designing and effects programming fast and friendly. SonicCell is the perfect all-in-one solution for synthesis and recording.

Ultra-Handy Backing Machine
In addition to its high-quality synthesis and audio-interface functions, SonicCell can be used as a virtual backing band. Simply create a playlist of your songs or backing tracks with the software Playback Editor (included free with SonicCell), and transfer the playlist to a commercially available USB memory stick. Insert the stick into SonicCell’s USB port, and it will become a stand-alone song player that you can play and control onstage or anywhere you perform. SonicCell can play back WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files. It evens plays Standard MIDI Files!


Specs
Sound Generator Section
Parts
16 parts
Maximum Polyphony
128 voices
Wave Memory
128 M bytes (16-bit linear equivalent)
Expansion Slots
Expansion of waveforms and patchs for the internal sound generatorSRX expansion boards: 2 slots
Preset Memory
Patches: 896 + 256 (GM2)
Rhythm Sets: 32 + 9 (GM2)
Performances: 64
User Memory
Patches: 256
Rhythm Sets: 32
Performances: 64
External Memory
USB Memory
Effects
Multi-Effects: 3 systems, 78 types
Chorus: 3 types
Reverb: 5 types
Input Effect: 6 types
Mastering Effect: 3 bands Compressor
Audio Interface Section
Number of Audio Input/Output Channels
Input: 1 pair of stereo (MIC, GUITAR: Monaural/LINE: Stereo)
Output: 1 pair of stereo
Signal Processing
PC interface: 24 bits
AD/DA Conversion: 24 bits
Sampling Frequency
AD/DA Conversion: 44.1/48/96 kHz
Nominal Input Level
Input jack (MIC/GUITAR/LINE (L) )
Mic: -50-- -30 dBu
Guitar: -30-- -10 dBu
Line: -30-- -10 dBu

Input jack (LINE (R) )
Line: -30-- -10 dBu
Nominal Output Level
Output jacks: -10 dBu
SMF/Audio File Player Sectioin
File Format
Standard MIDI File: format-0/1
Audio File: WAV, AIFF, MP3
Others
Display
128 x 64 dots organic EL graphic display
Connectors
Output jacks (L/MONO, R)
Headphone jack
Input jacks (MIC/GUITAR/LINE(L), LINE(R)) (MIC: 1/4 inch phone type or XLR type(phantom power) / GUITAR: 1/4 inch phones type(always Hi-Z) / Line (L): 1/4 inch phone type, LINE (R) (1/4 inch phone type))
MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT)
USB Connectors
: COMPUTER (supports USB MIDI and USB Audio; Hi-Speed USB port required)
: MEMORY (supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Flash Memory)
Power Supply
DC 9 V (AC Adaptor)
Current Draw
800 mA
Accessories
Startup Guide
Manual
CD-ROM (Sound Editor, Librarian, Playlist Editor, USB Driver)
CD-ROM (SONAR LE)
Wrench
AC Adaptor (PSB-1U)
Power Cord
USB Cable
Options
Wave Expansion Board: SRX Series
USB Memory: M-UF128
SonicCell stand and PDS-10 bracket: BKT-S
Pad Stand: PDS-10


SonicCell Editor
System Requirements
[Windows PC]
Operating System
: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition/Professional
: Microsoft(R) Windows Vista(TM)
* This does not work with the 64-bit Edition of Windows(R).
CPU/Clock
: Pentium(R)/Celeron(R) processor 1.4 GHz or higher
RAM
: 512 MB or more
Hard Disk:
: 160 MB or more
Display/Colors:
: 1280 x 800 or higher/24 bit Full Color or more
Others:
: A USB connector that supports USB Specification Revision 2.0 or higher
* Intel chipset is recommended.
* SonicCell may not perform to its full specs when used with an added USB 2.0 interface card.
: CD-ROM Drive

[Macintosh]
Operating System
: Mac OS 10.4.3 or later
CPU/Clock
: PowerPC G4 1 GHz or higher/Intel processor
RAM
: 512 MB or more
Hard Disk
: 160 MB or more
Display/Colors
: 1280 x 800 or higher/1670 million colors or more
Others
: On-board USB 2.0 port
: CD-ROM Drive

[Notes]
* Although Roland has tested numerous configurations, and has determined that on average, a computer system similar to that described above will permit normal operation of the SonicCell Applications, Roland cannot guarantee that a given computer can be used satisfactorily with the SonicCell Applications based solely on the fact that it meets the above requirements. This is because there are too many other variables that may influence the processing environment, including differences in motherboard design and the particular combination of other devices involved.


Compatibility of the Plug-in Version
* The following host applications have been verified to work properly with the plug-in version SonicCell Editor.

VSTi version
- CAKEWALK SONAR LE (Windows)
- CAKEWALK SONAR 6.2 (Windows)
- Steinberg Cubase 4 (Windows/Macintosh)

Audio Units version
- Apple Logic Pro 7.2 (Macintosh)

* The following host applications have been reported to NOT work properly with the plug-in version SonicCell Editor.

- Steinberg Cubase SX3 (Windows/Macintosh)
- Mark of the Unicorn Digital Performer 4.6 (Macintosh)

* Though all of the host applications listed above performed properly in our testing, some of them may not work due to differences in inherent manufacturer design specifications and your operatinig environment. We cannot guarantee all the operations in these music applications.


Size and Weight ( Demensions )
Width
294 mm
11-5/8 inches
Depth
175 mm
6-15/16 inches
Height
55 mm
2-3/16 inches
Weight
1.2 kg
2 lbs. 11 oz.
excluding AC Adaptor

*The specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Dear JazzCat I hope you won't mind that I've moved your info on the SonicCell to this new thread?
All the best,
JohnG.

[a.j.]

I'd like to add some experiential info to the post below (which is basically Roland's techncial info). The technical info is great for people that are that way inclined, but as a working musician, I just want to know whether it will work for me.

We did our first gig on Saturday with our Sonic Cell - it was a nice quiet breakfast gig for a friend - perfect for trying out such a radical change. I should also explain where we have come from - we have always used a laptop, playing midi files via Powertracks, and using Roland's VSC as a virtual synth/sound module. We bought the Sonic Cell to use primarily for playback at gigs, rather than home recording and sequencing.

I have been away on business a lot recently, and haven't had much time to play with the Sonic Cell myself, but my husband has tweaked most of our existing files. The Sonic Cell has a huge library of sound patches (about 900) in addition to the GM sounds, but for the sake of simplicity and speed, we went with the GM standard sounds for now. IMHO, the sound fonts are a major selling point - a feature that is overlooked in the datasheet info. Even the GM fonts are great - I particularly like the piano, hammond, bass and drum sounds. I read somewhere that the patches are from one of the Roland Fantom models (can't remember which one).

In order to use the Sonic Cell for GM, Colin did have to change each track to select the Sonic Cell's GM bank (using Sonar LE, which came bundled with the Sonc Cell), if anyone wants to particularly know how he did this, let me know. As I said, I was away at the time. Once he had figured out how to do one, the other files seem to have gone pretty quickly.

At the gig, it was as easy as connecting up the unit, plugging in a USB memory stick, selecting a track and hitting play - the unit worked perfectly - no problems whatsoever.

One of the guests at the gig was a bass player that we work with, and he commented on how great the instruments sounds are.

I am always a bit concerned about introducing new technology into our setup, when everything already works well, but I have to say that, after Saturday, I am completely sold on the Sonic Cell. It works for the purpose that we purchased it, and it was worth the money spent.

I can understand why there was so much excitement at Roland about the release of this product.

At this stage, we are probably using about 5% of the product's capability - I can't wait to spend some time finding out what it can REALLY do.

[JohnG]

Thanks very much a.j. for your input on this unit. Very interesting. It's always good to hear how good these devices are for live gigs. If you have time maybe you could tell us what your PA setup is like too?
Best regards,
JohnG.

[a.j.]

Hi JohnG,

Do you mean specifically for the Sonic Cell, or the stage rig as a whole?

[JohnG]

Hi a.j.

It's always interesting to know what the PA system is that you're putting the sound module through e.g. mixer, FX, EQ, amps and speakers. A quick run down on what you use and why you chose it. Might help others who have to make a similar choice. Also type of music played and the kinds of venue you play will help others relate to whether a similar setup could work for them.

If you have the time, that is.
Best regards,
JohnG.

[a.j.]

Hi JohnG, sorry it's taken me so long to get back on this one (Christmas reluctance to get in front of a computer).

We have a choice of two PA systems:

- Yamaha 8 channel powered mixer
- 2 x 2-way moulded bins on stands. (15” 300w Scorpion and 100w flared horn in each)
- 2 x 100w 10” drivers for floor monitors
- Behringer Virtualizer (we only use it with this mixer occasionally – the mixer does have basic room effects, which suffice)

The above works for most small – medium sized venues. When we work as a two-piece, we run the Sonic Cell and the mics through the mixer, and the guitar through a dedicated amp, mic’d into the mix. If the venue is really small, we don't bother running the guitar amp through the desk.

We also have a 3-way crossover system, for outdoor work, and bigger venues, and also on a hire basis for other bands (which includes a live off-stage mix).

- Yamaha 16 channel flat desk
- Peavey 32 band stereo EQ
- Behringer Virtualizer
- Power amp (1000w stereo)
- 2 x bass bins (Fane design each with 300w 15” Celestions)
- 2 x two-way bins (each with 250w 10” Scorpions, and 50w bullet horn)
- Monitors as above
- 20m snake

For extra flexibility, when we do a PA for a band on a hire basis, we can add a guitar effects processor hooked in to the mixer for additional effects (useful if the guitarist does not bring his own amp).

Both the above systems have a nice clean sound, at any volume.

[a.j.]

Oops - I posted this into the wrong message.

[a.j.]

Oh - no I didn't - good grief!

[Rocky]

No one mentioned how much it cost...LOL

Rocky

[a.j.]

I got mine in South Africa, so the price I paid would be meaningless. Best to talk to your local music shop.

It's worth noting, however, that the music retailers here are very much relationship based, and we were able to negotiate a BIG discount off the retail price.

I don't know how this works elsewhere, but we support 2 different retailers, depending on what we need, and never pay the ticket price for anything (from strings to amps). It really is worth cultivating your local music store.

[JohnG]

Here in Europe you're going to pay around 680 Euro, about 470 pounds. That's looking at the prices here in Germany from Thomann and MusicStore (Cologne) two of the big music retail stores.
Regards,
JohnG.

[simmo123]

Hi folks, just to let you know i picked up my sonic cell yesterday (wed) at our local music store
it came with a nice padded carry bag,they were asking $au1599 but i was able to twist their arm a little & paid $au1299 which i was pretty happy with, all i've got to do is to work it all out, by just having a fiddle around with it i was amazed at the quality, i will keep you all posted on my progress & i may be asking a question or two on the forum for a few tips.best wishes to you all for 2008 & i hope it's a good year for all the members & staff.kind regards the simmo's

[Tubbs]

Good on you simmo!! Let us know what you think of it!!