Sound Module

[mastercaster]

I started a thread on This Roland SonicCell back in march when it was announced at MusicMesse. Well it has been announced again at Summer Namm in Austin. Now due out in september. Suggested retail price has been dropped from when first suggested. Now on Roland's site a nice video and almost 300 page pdf manual. here is a link.

rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=897&ParentId=72

This really look the ticket to me.

[midimart]

I'll be looking forward to finding out the price on this little beauty.

[Tiny]

wow! this look,s awsome..... problem is it will be an
arm and a two leg,s..... thank,s mastercaster for link
Tiny

[mastercaster]

The suggested retail price seems to have gone down since first shown at Musikmesse. I have seen it listed at £440 and $800 on various online retailers. It could save me some money in the long run since I need an audio/midi interface. Also I was going to buy some software instruments and apparently it functions within a DAW as a VST or AU. Will take some strain off my fast becoming outdated G4 mac mini. I think I could use it as a guitar amp simulator also. Most important to me is its file playing capabilities, great for performance. It will take me some time to decipher its large manual. Thats ok because I will need some time to save up.

[a.j.]

Has anyone got one of these yet?

There are 5 currently on shipment to South Africa, and I'm curious to hear a real review.

[gspro]

I'm finally back after about 2 months. Been very busy between work, the family and onother baby on the way. Missed this forum alot. I have lots of catching up to do and this is the first subject that I choose to pick.

This module sounds very interesting and was wonderin' when will more or less will be available.

It's good to be back

[a.j.]

I think it may already be available in the US. Some UK sites indicate that it will be available there from September 2007.

[charlie]

Hey thanks! Mastercaster....this baby sounds great (heard the demo) and with sounds from the Roland Fantom X series keyboard, my GM files will be awesome. I see where it also includes playlist functions. I dont think I will need that as my software sequencer "Showplay 3" handles that great. One thing I was unclear about in the demo was the ability to play audio MP3 files and SMF off the same soung engine....that seems like saying SMF files will be playing audio based sounds. (dont know the correct terminology). So am I to assume playing SMF will end up sounding like playing an audio MP3 file? If so, man...I cant wait to get my hands on one. One other question.....do you know if the Sonic Cell can play SMF and audio MP3 simultaneoulsy? Like if I pre-record backing vocals and I want to sync them up with a SMF for live performance....wow, this is getting intense. I checked some of my vendors over here in the US, and nobody has them in stock yet...at least the vendors I looked at. Can you direct me to a vendor that actually has them for sale?

Thanks!

Charlie

[gspro]

janesmith said:

I think it may already be available in the US. Some UK sites indicate that it will be available there from September 2007.

Thanks for the reply

[gspro]

charlie said:

Hey thanks! Mastercaster....this baby sounds great (heard the demo) and with sounds from the Roland Fantom X series keyboard, my GM files will be awesome. I see where it also includes playlist functions. I dont think I will need that as my software sequencer "Showplay 3" handles that great. One thing I was unclear about in the demo was the ability to play audio MP3 files and SMF off the same soung engine....that seems like saying SMF files will be playing audio based sounds. (dont know the correct terminology). So am I to assume playing SMF will end up sounding like playing an audio MP3 file? If so, man...I cant wait to get my hands on one. One other question.....do you know if the Sonic Cell can play SMF and audio MP3 simultaneoulsy? Like if I pre-record backing vocals and I want to sync them up with a SMF for live performance....wow, this is getting intense. I checked some of my vendors over here in the US, and nobody has them in stock yet...at least the vendors I looked at. Can you direct me to a vendor that actually has them for sale?

Thanks!

Charlie

Hello Charlie,
I Have a Fantom X8 and the Sonic Cell has the same sound engine.
To answer your question about play/sync an SMF and MP3 on the Sonic Cell it doesn't sound like you can unless, you'll sync the SMF file(s) to an MP3 with/through a software sequencer or if you own a FantomX (any version), and then bounce the whole mix to a new MP3 file.

As vor vendors try the links below:

www.musiciansfriends.com

www.samash.com

www.zzounds.com

www.americanmusical.com

Hope that helps

GSPro

[mastercaster]

Hey, Roland has put up a new site just for Soniccell. It has more sound samples. Looks like the making of a pretty intensive site. Takes a long time to load. Appears as though they are putting much effort behind the Soniccell.

www.roland.com/SonicCell/en/index.html

[JohnG]

Latest news about SonicCell.

The German music store based in Cologne now has the SonicCell advertised on its site for 679 Euro. That includes VAT at 19% over here. If you log in from the UK you should find they'll quote you a price with UK VAT. Sadly however it's currently listed as being on backorder. I imagine there's quite a demand for them. The other site that's been listed before, Thomann, has the SonicCell at the same price. When I logged in as a UK user it gave me 445.40 UK pounds.

Hmmm, looks at bank account. Oh bother. (expletive deleted)

Try these links:
www.thomann.de/gb/search_dir.html?sw=soniccell
and:
www.musicstore.de then change country to UK and do a search on "soniccell".

Hope this helps, Who'll be the first I wonder?
Best regards,
JohnG.

[frankie]

Those links where good thanks guys...

[a.j.]

Good news - we're collecting our Sonic Cell from the retailer tomorrow (confirmed by the agent as the first one sold in South Africa). A couple of months ago, we were at a function and met the Roland Sales Manager from Japan - it seems as though the sound fonts are a big selling feature. I'm looking forward to hearing what it can do.

Has anyone else had any experience with one yet? I'm keen to exchange notes.

Unfortunately I have a heavy work schedule with a lot of travelling in November, so my time at home will be limited, but I'll post an opinion when we've had a chance to play with it properly.

Our current setup uses a laptop running Powertracks via Virtual Sound Canvas 3.2 - be interesting to see how the sound compares.

[gibbo]

Looking forward to hearing your conclusions about Sonic Cell, AJ.
One thing you should be prepared for is a bit of re-mixing of your midis, you're going to hear plenty of sounds in them that you missed completely using VSC.
It seems like every time I change modules I usually have to remix my stuff.
Have fun and let us know how it sounds.
Cheers, Dave.

[a.j.]

I realise that there will be some tweaking.

We usually edit the fonts on most of the files that we get anyway, as there are some sounds that just don't sound good via the VSC (most guitar fonts, for example), so we may end up changing some instruments back, if the sounds are significantly better.

It's all about trying to eliminate any cheesy electronic sounding fonts.

[trout]

You can play files on this unit from a flash drive

[mastercaster]

Hey U.K. users here is the best price I seen for the soniccell in U.K.

www.absolutemusic.co.uk/shop/view_product.php?product=rolsoniccell&gclid=CJeSofyRw48CFQ3mlAodK24JPg

Also there is a more information up on the Roland Soniccell site regarding the capabilities of the Soniccell.

www.roland.com/SonicCell/

[JazzCat]

-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!

========================================================

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.

[klaus]

I managed to pick on of these baby's up from absolute music for £415. Thanks to whoever located that a put the link on the forum. Must say, good customer service from them. However, the unit itself is very cool. Easy to use, great sounds. Used it live with the usb function as backing machine, superb. My only real criticism is that in can only have 99 songs on the usb pen which is unfortunate as I have well over 200 songs. Don't know why this limitation is there but maybe this will change later in a firmware update.