Rather than simply speculating about what Roland (or any other company) MIGHT be bringing out over the next few months (and then finding out it was something quite different anyway!), why don't we all (myself included) just hold on to our knickers and make do with what is already out there!!!!!

But anyway, my 'vision' of the new Roland workstation will be-

a). XV3080 synthe engine, effects and expansion capabilities coupled with the 5080 screen (for easier editing), 4 outputs at the back plus a dedicated click output (like XP80- great idea Roland!). Personally, I doubt Roland will add sampling and JP capabilities to the workstations (the price would be ridiculously expensive at present).

b). The sequencer will have much the same capabilities as their MC80 hardware sequencer- this alone would make it probably the best workstation sequencer out there!

c). Choice of 61 or 76 unweighted keys- as mentioned somewhere above.

I was at a few shops the other day and they still had XP60's and XP80's being displayed for the full price!!!! This is here in Australia so it doesn't look like any new Roland workstation will be appearing here soon. There's not even mention of any new Roland workstation at the Frankfurt Musicmesse. Lets just say that Roland will no doubt bring a new workstation of one sort or another out within the next 12 months! (so will Korg, Yamaha etc etc). And guess what- an even newer more sexier workation from the above will be with us in the years 2003, 2006, 2009 etc etc etc! (yes it seems to me that they keep their top line synthes current for 2-3 years these days).

Just my 2 cents worth! All the best.