Roland SonicCell or SC-8850

[whitepony]

Hi Everyone,

First post, just signed up to these boards.. Looking at getting into Midi backing for my cover band. We are 5 piece looking to add a bit of extra sound.

My question is:

Which is the better module out of the SonicCell and the SC-8850? After looking around these seem to be 2 of the best self contained, great sounding modules.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks!

[JohnG]

Hi whitepony and welcome aboard,

I've got an SC-8850 and mighty good it is too. But I think you'll only find one 2nd hand these days. the going price in the UK seems to be about 250 quid. Good value at that price.

However the SonicCell is a much more up to date device with probably much better samples. Memory prices for holding those samples was much more expensive in '99 when the 8850 was invented than today. So the quality of those samples won't be as good. There are also loads more facilities on the SonicCell but it's a fair bit more money.

So my 2d worth would say that if you can afford it go for the Soniccell, you won't regret it based upon feedback by the people here who've got one. You'll also get a warranty and support.

If you're really a bit strapped for cash go for the SC if, and it's a big IF, you can find one on the 2nd hand market. It took me several months to find mine. If I had to make the choice again I'd almost certainly go for the SonicCell.

And I plan to get one sometime in the future when funds permit!

Hope that helps,
JohnG.

[whitepony]

Thanks for the reply JohnG. Any idea's where the SD-90 sits?

[JohnG]

Hi whitepony,
Well the SD90 is a bit younger than the SC-8850 but I can't comment on the sound sample quality. It certainly has a good spec. and is more capable (more ins and outs) than the SC-8850.
When Sound-on-Sound reviewed it they seemed to like it. See here: www.soundonsound.com/sos/Jul02/articles/edirolsd90.asp
There was also an SD80 and I think an SC-D70
www.soundonsound.com/sos/Jan03/articles/edirolsd80.asp
BTW here's the review of the SC-8850:
www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct99/articles/rolandsc8850.htm
When reading these articles you need to bear in mind that the SD90 was written 3 years after the SC-8850 and the market was changing away from sound modules to computer generated sounds or hard disk samples.
These are all good units but the SonicCell is "the latest thing" or state-of-the-art if you like.
Any of these devices would do well (sound good) I believe in a band setup at the right price.
But I don't have any direct experience with any of the SD units all I have is hearsay.
If budget is tight then I believe any of them would do. I think.
But if you can stretch to it go for the SonicCell.
JohnG.

[whitepony]

Thanks again JohnG. I think I'll be keeping an eye out for a SonicCell....

[ramon1108]

I am currently using the old reliable SC 55mkll but I am planning to buy a new sound canvas or module to use for my gigs. I am using a laptop. Need your professional advice. Thanks.