Hi!

Everyone keep talking about how Roland have used cheap parts in the XP's, and that this is the reason for the decay-noise-problem. Do we know this? I don't think so. The super-JV synthesis is fairly complex, and the noise could come from anywhere in the system. I have noticed that not all patches are affected the same way, which leads me to thinking that it is no problem with the output-circuitry (DA's) or effects section.

The problem is more likely to be caused by the synth engine itself. Maybe even from one single parameter?

Besides, I hear people talking about the Triton all the time. It appears to be a regular wonder-synth. Well, sign up on a Triton mailing-list, and you will see that it has problems of its own. I will just mention a sequencer that does not read/write SYSEX, drum-sets that can not have individual filter settings for each key, noise on the output, and so on.... Don't get me wrong; I am sure the Triton is a great synth, but so are the XP/JV's. But every synth ever made has its own problems. I will just mention Yamaha EX, which has more than its share of problems... I have even seen people on this BBS refer to the EX as the ultimate synth. Well, all I can say is good luck; they will need it.......!

The perfect synth has never been built. Has anyone tried to listen for decay-noise on so called "classic" digital synths? I would not be surprised at all if decay-noise really is a decade-old problem on digital synths. And then the analogue synths have their very own problems...

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!

If you can live with the decay-noise (as I can without problem), then the XP's are great synths that have nothing to be ashamed of when compared to other synths. It is highly recommendable.

Stig,
the proud owner of a Roland XP-60 :-)