what you guys think of the new Roland GW-8?
i own a G-70 and like it, but it's way heavy

all i know is that the Roland Demos for the GW-8 are HORRIBLE, except for one.

what i like on the GW-8 is that you can easily select sounds unnlike the G-70, and it seems to sound great, not sure how good the styles are...

i wish Roland would put out a good demo, sound samples, styles samples etc.

Its not even close to a G70 in so many ways FEATURE WISE.....do your homework to see if its for your NEEDS!! wait till you can try one & you'll see. Although the Gw8 does look awesome in te videos..I would take the E60 over the GW8 if your coming from a G70.
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=826&ParentId=18



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-24-2008).]

double post.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-24-2008).]

dnj,

but since it's "sonic cell" don't you think the sounds will be an improvement over G-70?

and the demo says that styles have been "totally reworked"

i would like to get my hands on one and take it for a spin"

i know the piano and acoustic guitar on GW-8 is better than that of the G-70

I don't post here much anymore, but I'll tell you this. The GW-8 has its sound from BOTH the Sonic Cell and the Fantom X. This new GW-8 is a HUGE jump over the current GW-7. The GW-8 now has 128 note poly (GW-7 only has 64). The GW-8 now has 4 intros, endings, and variations (which is twice what the current model has), The GW-8 has a completely revamped voice engine-with more indepth velocity switched instruments (found in the Sonic Cell and Fantom X), The GW-8 has a completely new screen that is literally the difference of night and day compared to the current screem on the GW-7, The GW-8 has added the USB key player feature now where you can play wav, mp3, and aiff files directly from the USB key, and there's even a voice center cancel function that greatly reduces the lead vocal track in song files. Plus the GW-8 has a completey different color scheme that looks much more pro (especially with the new screen)

This new GW-8 is a vast jump over the current model, and with these new and MUCH bigger features on this unit I'm sure we can expect a price on this puppy at no less than $1000... The only thing I haven't seen posted yet is if there were any improvements to the sequencer section both song and style. Here's Roland's video demo for it. Sonic State (at the start of Namm) had a REALLY good video demo of the GW-8, but for some reason they replaced that one with something awful! Just simply a terrible demo. I don't know why they took the first one down.
http://rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=968&ParentId=72



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-24-2008).]

my advice to you, wait until you have the chance to try it or at least roland will release a serious demo. the demonstration so far was horrible, it really kills the keyboard. but the blame goes to the demonstrator alone.
so, wait for couple of weeks.

that demo is better

they call this a "latin" arranger

but the styles are far from Latin.

that's got to be the worst salsa i've heard on any arranger, programmed by a wanna be Latin player,

salsa is all about "Guiro"
not closed, open hi-hats....

i wish Roland would get some real latin players to program their styles...

I'm going to speculate here..., and this is based off of info read on the specs (at other sites). It's possible there will be more than one version of the GW-8. The current model GW-7 is really geared for more "World" styles of music. I've read a few write ups on the GW-8 that said basically the styles may vary depending upon region. So one would assume there may be a western and eastern version of this keyboard.

The GW-7 wasn't orginally set to be released in the US. It was one of those last minute decisions by Roland. The GW was a pretty good seller for them and it appears they seem to now realize there's a need for a Western version as well.

on the Roland US site is says:

"Wide variety of contemporary sounds and interactive backing styles with special focus on Latin American genres, plus additional banks of ethnic sounds and styles from around the world"

Squeak Welcome Home !!!!

To me, GW-8 looks a lot like Frankenstein keyboard mixture of:

- great sound engine (Sonic Cell&Fantom)

- great arranger section (same as E-50/60/80 and G-70)

- 76 keys keybed (E-60, G-70)

- and mediocre synth/arranger capabilities (in line with GW-7, only 2 voices compared to 4 at E-50/60 and 5 at E-80/G-70)

- plus dot-matrix screen that looks so much like GW-7 segment based screen, and "World sounds" related

- and some gimmicks like MIDI player, mp3 player and karaoke voice remover

I can't help it but to think of it as kind of:" too much for a beginner, and too less for a pro".

Leezone.... I would assume you could use any of teh G70 styles in the GW8?

leezone, have a look at the Roland UK site. Scroll down and you'll see this "*Style selection may vary from country to country. For details, please contact our Customer Service Team on 01792 702701".
http://www.rolanduk.com/synth_room_catdet.asp?id=GW8

Donny, wouldn't consider the Zone home (sorry), I just posted on this topic as the GW-8 has really sparked my interest, and possibly Russ's GW-7

Squeak....
no prob your always welcome with me

stay in touch

I have owned the G70, E60, GW-7, Sonic Cell, and Juno G..

I will assure you , although they all sound great..the G70 is easily the winner overall and also in the sound department..

The GW-8 is a GW-7 with a Sonic Cell engine with it's player..Same sound engine in the Juno G...and most likely the new Juno [76 key]...

The drawback on the GW8 is the dialing for sounds and styles...No searching while play ..even the performances have to be dialed..

The GW-8 made be a little easier than using a controller and soft synths...maybe a lot easier..

Fran I thought so that's a deal breaker for me on stage bad navigation is no interest to me....Arggg! a Juno with styles!!!

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-24-2008).]

Man, you guys aren't looking hard enough. Perhaps your seasoned years are catching up to ya (Joking of course)

The styles now have separate category buttons! Not only is the category feature new, but the GW-8 now has numeric entry. The current GW-7 does not have the dedicated category style buttons nor numeric entry, and numeric entry would make style selections easier too.

Just look at this list of upgrades from the current GW-7.

Poly upped from 64 notes to 128 (BIG JUMP)
Category Style Buttons
Numeric Entry
New Screen
Styles now have 4 intro/ending/variations
USB key feature
More Contemporary Styles
SonicCell/Fantom X sound engine
New cosmetic look (more pro look)

Roland didn't just change minor things. They've done a major overhaul on the GW line. The Style Category button and numeric entry alone are two huge upgrades. Then you add all the other goodies. The big question now is the PRICE. My guesstimate would be $1000-$1200....



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-24-2008).]

Squeak.....my concerns are easy access to registrations/programs setups is imperative on stage.....I will certainly still check it out thoroughly...for hopefully around a Grand+ its a super bang for the buck even as a backup piece....we'll see, heres a nice demo of it.....
http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2008/06/lims08-roland-gw8-on-show.html



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-24-2008).]

You can't say that Roland hasn't listened to their customers on this one though I would say two of the biggest downsides to the current GW-7 is the lack of catergory search and lack of numeric entry. Scrolling through all those styles can be a pain in the (beep), but Roland IMO has really taken the GW to the next level with this new model.

Being able to now access styles by category and use numeric entry is a big step up which will make style selection much easier. Roland has tickled my funny bone with this model. I just need to see the online manual now. (come on Roland.., post that darn manual)

Donny also understand there's going to be "arranger bashing" going on here from Synth players. The GW has always been listed under the "synth section" on Roland's website.., they dont' include it on the arranger page, and many online retailers also list it as a synth. Synth snobs (who completely hate arrangers) are going to talk a lot of smack on this model.

Also kudos to that video link you posted. That's the original video posted on Sonic State, but it's now gone and replaced with a really terrible one.


[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-24-2008).]

Squeake it certainly sounds awesome judging by the demo....Will the G70 STYLES play without a problem, conversions etc etc ? & I'm thinking of adding the TC Helicon Harmony M unit for Vocals & VH to it and you could have a superb lightweight 61 key gigging combo rig for sure!! Performances: 128, Favorite Performances: 100, Favorite Tones: 100
http://www.voicetonepedals.com/harmonym.html

649.00 GBP = 1,278.71 USD retail




[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-24-2008).]

http://www.sonicstate.com/news/shownews.cfm?newsid=6876


bad demo OMG!!!

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-24-2008).]

YUCK!!!!! That's that gawd awful video that replaced the link you posted. Sonic State should take this video down, and someone should smack the demo guy.

*GW8 Style selection may vary from country to country. For details, please contact our Customer Service Team on

I posted that Donny in a earlier response. That's actually a GOOD thing. If styles vary by country that means there's a good possibility there will be a "western version"!

BUt if you could load amy roland styles into it or thumb drive who cares what it comes with just use what you need?

GW8 Manual


http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_08-24781/GW-8_e1.pdf

It just might load G-70 styles Donny. The GW-8 will ship with a Software Style Converter. Also with the GW-8 now having its sound engine based on the Sonic Cell and Fantom X along with the 4 intros/endings/variations.., it just may be possible. Here's the info off the Roland site:

Style Converter & Playlist Editor
Bundled with each GW-8 is Roland’s Style Converter software for PC, which lets you create and convert your own MIDI data into GW-8 backing styles and install them via commercially available USB Flash memory devices. Also included is the Playlist Editor for customizing the order of songs. Users can easily create a dedicated Playlist for each gig.

Yeah baby.... the manual

I just thought that being the G70 is Roland formated styles.... they would work in the GW8 seamlessly without conversion?

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 06-24-2008).]

After looking at the manual I have to say that I'm impressed. IMO this new model is a big jump over the current GW-7. I've noticed that the seq isn't up to par with larger workstations (and neither was the GW-7's), but that's really no biggie as the GW has both standard midi and from what I can see the USB now supports full midi. The GW-7's USB is for file transfer only

A software seq will pick up on the internal seq shortcomings. HOWEVER, there is ONE area that made me sit back and say "what the h#&$ Roland". The MFX are only applied to real-time play, and the MFX cannot be recorded within the seq. That's a bummer.

I doubt I'll find one local to try out, so I'll have to wait and see what the preliminary reviews are like. In a nutshell I'd say (if the price is right), this may make a nice add on arranger for a set up. Could be a nice alternative to take on a gig.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dnj:
[B]Squeake it certainly sounds awesome judging by the "demo"....Will the G70 STYLES play without a problem, conversions etc etc ? & I'm thinking of adding the TC Helicon Harmony M unit for Vocals & VH to it and you could have a superb lightweight 61 key gigging combo rig for sure!! Not syaing its for me though

Performances: 128, Favorite Performances: 100, Favorite Tones: 100
http://www.voicetonepedals.com/harmonym.html

649.00 GBP = 1,278.71 USD retail

1.
Press [TONE] so the button is lit.
Alternatively, use the cursor buttons in the Main screen to
move the cursor to the Tone number.
2.
Turn the VALUE dial to step through the Tones one by one.
Alternatively, you can press one of the TONE SELECT
buttons ([PIANO]–[SPECIAL]) to select a Tone by
category.
When the cursor in the screen is at the Tone number, you can
also select a Tone by turning [NUMERIC] on, using the TONE
SELECT buttons to enter a Tone number, and then pressing
[ENTER].
Choosing from the Tone list
1.
In the Main screen, use the cursor buttons to move the
cursor to the Tone number.
2.
Press [ENTER].
3.
Use [ ] [ ] or the VALUE dial to select a Tone.
You can press one of the TONE SELECT buttons
([PIANO]–[SPECIAL]) to select a Tone by category.
4.
Press [ENTER] to set the Tone.
If you press [EXIT] without pressing [ENTER], the list will
close without the currently selected Tone being changed.
You can use [ ] [ ] to step through the categories one
by one.
You can edit the currently selected Tone and store it in the
Performance. For details, refer to “Editing a Tone” (p. 40).

Selecting a Style
Using the VALUE dial
1.
Press [STYLE] so the button is lit.
2.
Use the STYLE SELECT buttons to select a Style by genre.
Immediately after you press one of the STYLE SELECT
buttons, the screen will show the name of the first Style in
the selected genre.
To select a User Style, press [USER].
3.
Turn the VALUE dial to step through the Styles one by one.
When the cursor in the screen is at the Style number, you can
also select a Style by turning [NUMERIC] on, using the TONE
SELECT buttons to enter a Style number, and then pressing
[ENTER].
Choosing from the Style List
1.
In the Main screen, use the cursor buttons to move the
cursor to the Style number.
2.
Press [ENTER].
3.
Use [ ] [ ] to select a Style genre.
To select a User style, select “USER” or press [USER].
4.
Use [ ] [ ] or the VALUE dial to select a Style.
5.
Press [ENTER] to set the Style.
If you press [EXIT] without pressing [ENTER], the list will
close without the currently selected Style being changed.
Adding User Styles
(Importing from USB memory)
Style data saved on USB memory can be imported into the GW-8.
Before you continue, the Style data you created on your
computer using the included “StyleConverter” software must
be saved to USB memory.
For details, refer to “Loading User Data Saved on USB
Memory (Import)” (p. 49).

I wish Roland added lyric and chord read on the GW-8..

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 06-24-2008).]

no one should be disappointed with the new keyboard:
1. the begginers have a nice start
2. for middle players, this could be a new add or a nice main keyboard for their needs
3. the advanced players have a good hope/preview for the next G series.


as for the variety of the styles, roland already released the exr-e2 keyboard a while ago, which is exclusively loaded with east-european styles (romanian, hungarian, serbian, balcans) so i believe it is possible they want to have the same aproach on the new GW.

GX90

What do you think about this,read here: http://roland-arranger.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=38&?topic=853.msg5155;topicseen#new

That makes sense, as the Roland UK site had that disclaimer saying that the styles may vary by country. At the moment my only real gripe about the unit (after reading the manual) is that the MFX are only applied in real-time and cannot be recorded into the sequencer. The workaround would simply be to record the MFX track as an audio track in the seq app.

The sequencer itself is a bit lacking but so was the seq on the GW-7 and those shortcomings can be addressed with a software seq. Hopefully the price is good, as this would make a great arranger to add to my set up. I've been wanting a speakerless (affordable) arranger for some time, but 99.99% of the speakerless models are the pro units. The only other speakerless arranger I can think of on the market that's not pro orientated is the Yamaha MM6.., and I aint wasting my money on that hunk-o-junk.

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-25-2008).]

Sweetwater has the GW-8 listed for under 850.00, which means that I should be able to buy from my usual source (bpmmusic in Colorado) for around 800.00! Considering the vast improvements Roland offers in this product over the GW-7 (which I currently own and will keep for my daughter's visits), this is a great deal indeed! I'm so freakin' glad that I never bought the SonicCell and waited for this board instead...it's exactly what I'm looking for.

Michael

(FANTASTIC to see squeak's postings...I've missed him!!!)



[This message has been edited by ocomain (edited 06-26-2008).]

I hope they bring out a 76...

Might make a decent lightweight alternative to the G70 for more contemporary stuff, if you don't use the VH like I don't.

I would miss the Hammond section and the V-Drums, primarily, and the action, of course. But if style compatibility is good, or it has Makeup Tool-like editing capabilities (even if software), it might make a good alternative if space is tight or I have to carry it by myself for any considerable distance. It certainly wouldn't break the bank...

How well it works over here in the US will depend a LOT on whether Roland voice the styles for us, rather than the European users (it really IS different over here!), and whether G70/E50/60/80 styles can be easily converted. I have said for a long time that basically, it makes no sense to have ANY ROM styles, now that they are burned into flash ROM rather than needing a manufactured chip. Let the customer chose for him or herself. To be honest, my needs in a style selection would be utterly different from even Donny's, so why any ROM at all has me beat...

But seeing as it will be RolandUS that have to do this, I don't hold out much hope... Arrangers, in the US division of Roland, are about at the bottom of any of their priority list. You saw that NAMM demo. That basically sums it up for RolandUS.

WOW! Just under $850 That's an incredible price! The feature update on this GW-8 is huge compared to the current model. I was half expecting $1000 at the least

I will say this though....., there's a VERY good chance that's an intro price. The price on Roland gear has been going up lately. I've seen in some places the SonicCell has increased by $100 and The Juno-D has been selling for a while at $495, and it's now up to $595. Also (not sure if it happened yet), but Fantom G prices are supposed to go up too.

So if this is an intro price (buy'em up now!). At $849 it's a great bargain.

**On a side note..., It makes no sense that the GW-8 is going for this price and the EXR5s is selling at Sweetwater for $895 The GW-8 is miles ahead of the EXR5s yet it sells for almost $50 more.. That's crazy!


--------------------------------------------
(FANTASTIC to see squeak's postings...I've missed him!!!)
--------------------------------------------

Im flattered I probably won't be a regular poster. The GW-8 really got my attention and I check in here every so often and due to a personal interest in the topic decided to participate.

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-26-2008).]

EXR being quite an old series, i believe roland will let it die quietly...

The Roland Central Europe site has 2 separate listings for the GW-8 keyboards, the GW-8L (Latin) and the GW-8E (Eastern Europe) models.
http://www.rolandce.com/products/product...&language_id=EN

There is also an Asian version as demonstrated on a Chinese music site with 2 videos (www.tudou.com). Stéphane Pigeon states that he was involved with a sampling session in China, as well as writing localized patch presets (Latin, East-Europe) for the Roland GW-8.
http://www.homeworks.be/MAH/achievements.php

I'm seriously hoping that the world samples are the same on all the various versions of the GW-8 and that the only difference is the included styles but wouldn't bet any money on it. One thing is for sure, almost all of the demos so far have been less than stellar.

Hopefully Roland has Dr. Scott Tibbs do a GW-8 demo. He did a great demo for the GW-7 too. Does Dr. Tibbs still work for Roland? I know he did a few of the more recent demos for the V-Synth GT.

Whether Roland will voice the GW-8 styles for the American market will be a pretty good indicator of just how interested they are in the market over here (or not)...

Seeing as they have ALREADY styled it for the GW-8L (Latin) and the GW-8E (Eastern Europe) models, and also an Asian version, and we have heard nothing so far about a specific US version, personally I doubt it (or it will be the usual half-assed RolandUS effort.

Somebody at Roland Japan needs to come over here and put a rocket under RolandUS's arranger division. They have utterly bollixed up the marketing, promotion and distribution of Roland arrangers in this country to the point where you can't hardly find them, and even factory web demos are pathetic, lackluster afterthoughts that must leave their competition chortling with glee.

These guys have lost it, and need to be replaced wholesale... Then retail might improve!

Hello

I was looking through the GW-8 manual in hopes that the onboard sequencer allows dubbing or re-recording of style parts (chord sequencer?)instead of just one part at a time. Can anyone confirm this based on the manual? I know that the Roland E series sequencer didn't do this and my current Korg PA800 also doesn't currently do this.

As an example I mean this:

1.)I start a song and record a performance using style data and song data which means the sequencer records style information across 16 parts. I record 8 measures.

2.)Next, I decide I want to create the next section of the song and choose measure 9 to punch in and hit record. I capture 8 more measures.

Does the sequencer capture record parts 1 thru 16 along with the style data? Or does it only allow me to record 1 part/track at a time?

It does say you can "punch in" performances, and styles are part of performances. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. I would love this ability.

thanks
Brian
http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_08-24781/GW-8_e1.pdf

[This message has been edited by greenkidd (edited 08-18-2008).]

[This message has been edited by greenkidd (edited 08-18-2008).]

[This message has been edited by greenkidd (edited 08-18-2008).]

greenkidd,

I just re-read the GW-8 manual again and I think you'll be able to record your songs in just the manner you described in your posting.

Michael

Thanks for taking the time to check this out.

Kidd,
Your Korg PA800 can record style in real time as well. I believe Korg calls this "Backing Sequence mode."
Unlike most other makes, Korg allows you to use step mode to correct mistakes made recording with styles in real time. If you play an incorrect chord for example, the error will be reflected on most of the accompaniment tracks. You can just go to the "chord" track in step mode and change the chord/bass to what it should have been. The Korg will automatically generate a new accompaniment (full midi) with the correct chord data!

Hello and thanks for the reply. You know what? Your right. Maybe it's not as complicated as I thought. If I simply correct the chords, that actually would solve the issue of not being able to get it right in one pass because I'm really not a keyboard player. I'll try that.

That's the thing that drives me crazy about these onboard arranger sequencers. One pass.


Thanks again!!


[This message has been edited by greenkidd (edited 08-18-2008).]

Whats the big deal....just load what ever Roland styles you like after you get one or am I missing something here? What I dont like is there is no Lyric reader for SMF?

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-19-2008).]

I'm not sure I understand something.

Last week I was talking to the keyboard dept at RolandUS about the GW-8. They told me clearly that it was not a "gigging" machine. That it did NOT have the ability to edit patches. He said that you can NOT set up a "patch" with the dance style and the instrumentation that you want to go with it. That you have to do all your changes one at time when you're on stage.

I didn't buy this "step backwards in arranger technology" so I asked him again and he repeated exactly that....again!

This seems a bit odd to me. Anyone know any different about this?

BTW...he also said the G-70 IS still in production.

Lucky

To clarify.
I'm talking about simply composing using just the onboard sequencers in the Roland E series and the Korg PA800. Both of these sequencers allow a first pass that records ALL the style parts. If you stop halfway through you can't just pick up WITH ALL the style parts and record the next song section. After the first pass you are forced to then re-record each part in separate takes. I simply wish they would create an onboard sequencer that would allow you to keep recording ALL the style tracks at once until the song was complete. That's the problem.

I've heard others refer to this kind of functionality as "chord sequencing". I'm hoping that Korg or Roland will release an onboard sequencer that can do this kind of thing.

thanks for the tips!

[This message has been edited by greenkidd (edited 08-18-2008).]

Kidd,
I downloaded the GW-8 manual, and I am almost certain you can accomplish what you seek with "punch in". It may not let you add to the song (i.e., punch in after the last measure.) If that is the case, record the first section, let's say 8 measures, of the song. Then just let the machine run (with no chord changes) for the rest of the song (say 32 measures total.)

After the last measure, go back and re-record with punch-in starting at measure 9. Record measures 9-16 with the appropriate chord changes. Repeat the punch-in process until you have the whole song the way you want it. Note this is still real-time recording, and you might have to repeat the difficult sections a couple of times.

If you really feel that your skills are not up to it, you might be better off with a Korg or Yamaha because their facilities for "step recording" (where you enter the chord/bass data manually) are more extensive than Roland's.

Hope this helps! -Ted

Ted, many thanks for taking the time to look at this. I already own a Korg PA800 and started looking in detail the Step Editing offers and am convinced this is the thing I overlooked about the Korg. It's very cool actually. I currently own a SonicCell but will probably trade up to a GW-8 when it's available. thanks again!

I don't know if this has been mentioned already, but Roland Central Europe has the GW-8L and the GW-8E on their list. The -L being the "Latin-focussed" one, the -E being a more "universal" styled GW-8

Roland does one better..than step record...it is called Microscope editing..every detail of a song or style can be edited..Naturally you will find this on the top model arrangers E-80 and G-70..

Both models also have an extensive 16 track sequencer..

Actually, Fran, there's something they talked about that is FAR better than Roland's system...

The 'Chord Track'. Roland have nothing like this.

Imagine you used the Recorder to capture an arranger performance, but made a few timing errors in inputting the chords, or a chord mistake, whatever. Sadly every single track derived from that erroneous input now has a problem (a nightmare to edit all of them! ). But with the Korg's, you can go in and simply edit the chord track, and then redo the 'capture', now with the timing and chords absolutely perfect!

I sure wish the Roland had something like that...

And yes, I sure wish the Recorder allowed you to 'continue' or 'punch in/out' on an existing Recording. The only way to combine multiple takes is to blow them over to your computer sequencer, and combine them there. Every time you start recording on the Recorder (remember, this is different to the 'one track at a time' 16 Track Sequencer), it erases the previous recording, and starts a new one from scratch. Admittedly, that's what I do all the time, as I FAR prefer to sequence in Cubase, but many (dare I say most?) seem to be much happier doing it all in the box.

I also wish that you could record into the 16 track sequencer on more than one track at a time. Layers and splits have to be input with the wrong sound, and then the layers and splits have to be put on afterwards. No way to do it in the box, AFAIK.

Yes, the Roland has a very, very good sequencer, especially when compared against Yamaha, but there is plenty of room for improvement

Yes, I'm glad you brought this up. Actually, I would prefer to simply use Sonar 7 and my Korg PA800 as I would not be having this conversation at all. Maybe I need to look at Cubase just for this specific thing.

Let me explain. I am no beginner to midi. I've been using it since it's inception but, I cannot for the life of me, get the Korg PA800 style playback and Sonar 7 record transport to sync properly. It is simply a cludge. I will gladly surrender that I'm an idiot but I tried 6 ways to Sunday to get midi clock to sync the two. That is the only reason why I am so interested in using the onboard sequencer. Maybe your onto something. I'll check the midi version of Cubase and see if I( have better success. thanks!

Sorry, but my workaround doesn't involve using the computer to capture the entire arranger output. Far too much data nowadays, especially with lots of sys-ex running down the pipe, which interrupts clock signals' timing. I can't get my G70 to do this either, whereas my G1000 had no trouble. I guess things are just getting too complicated. But try filtering sys-ex from the Korg's output... this MIGHT tighten up clock lock but it might cause some things to get recorded not quite the same as the original sound. Worth a try, perhaps. How is USB for MIDI between the two? Any better?

Basically, If I have to redo a section, I simply use the Arranger Recorder (the one that 'captures' the entire machine) to record JUST that section, then save it as a new SMF in the arranger, which I can (after transfer) open INSIDE the arrangement that has the earlier capture on it in Cubase. I can then chop out the 'bad' section, and drag and drop (or insert) the new section into it, then save as a new SMF.

I would have thought Sonor7 should have been capable of such a simple task... Try opening an SMF in Sonor, then ask it to 'Import' another one. Maybe you can get it to open in the same arrangement, or maybe it opens a new, parallel one, in which case you ought to be able to copy and paste between the two. I'm afraid I know next to nothing about Sonor (I'm a Mac guy), but this seems basic in any modern computer sequencer, even if it gives fits to the on board pieces of junk!

Give it a try...

Yeah, I also tried USB midi but it was in some cases less better than just standard midi communication over cables. You may have a point regarding sysex. I will have to experiment to see how much is being jammed down the pipe. I hadn't thought about that.

Well, I'm feeling better that others (sorry ) have not had much success with this either but your suggestions regarding importing I actually do use with success in Sonar. I did reach the conclusion a few weeks ago that simply saving separate midi files on the Korg for each section of song and then manually importing into the host sequencer might be how others are approaching this. Thanks for confirming that. This has really been how I've been dealing with it. Hey, it works. It's not the greatest for inspirational flow but it works. There are worse things to deal with.

thanks for your thoughts! It is appreciated.

Brian


[This message has been edited by greenkidd (edited 08-19-2008).]

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[This message has been edited by ocomain (edited 08-21-2008).]

From the GW-8 manual...

Quote:

By selecting a preset Performance, you can quickly recall settings that are appropriate for the song you’re playing.
When you select a preset performance, settings for the
following items will be recalled.
• Keyboard mode
• Upper Tone/Lower Tone settings
• Style settings
• Song settings
• Effects settings
• Transpose
• Octave shift
• D Beam settings
• Keyboard touch
• Chord mode
• Melody Intelligence

So.... given how completely clueless he was to his own products abilities, what do you think about his reassurance that the G70 is still being made, given that most of the European dealers are saying it has been discontinued?

I tell you, RolandUS is staffed by morons...


[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 08-20-2008).]

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[This message has been edited by ocomain (edited 08-21-2008).]

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[This message has been edited by ocomain (edited 08-21-2008).]

Given the generally high quality of Roland styles, I wonder if they are going to make the GW-8's latin styles available on disc for E-80/G-70 users?

[This message has been edited by Seamaster (edited 08-21-2008).]

I downloaded the GW-8 manual from the mainland Chinese site and learned a couple of interesting things. The GW-8 has 130 preset Styles + 40 World preset Styles. Apparently, these World Styles will vary based on what GW-8 model you have (Latin, Eastern Europe or Asian). Of course, with the available User Style slots, you should be able to use Styles from any of the different keyboard versions. The Chinese manual (for the Asian model of the GW-8) contains a complete listing of all the Patch (Tone) presets, 1625 in total. 1194 thru 1417 are Asian instruments...1578 thru 1625 are various permutations of Asian percussion & drum sets. Curiously, 1418 thru 1577 are unlisted...I am wondering if these are slots for loading Tones via USB (as mentioned in the English language manual...page 50 states that If you add Tones (via USB), the imported Tones will be added to [WORLD] and [SPECIAL]).

Update: On a major European music retailer's site, the GW-8E (the Eastern European model) is stated to have an additional 65 Styles and 125 Tone Presets / 15 Drum Kits that will prove useful for playing music in countries like Hungary, Greece, Turkey, Poland, CZ, Croatia, etc...

Michael

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Thanks for the information
It would be so great if we can load the sounds into the world section as well as the styles. Meanwhile for those who have been talking about GW8 VS GW7 I should say that GW8 has 250 Mb of voice memory but GW7 has only 32. So the sound must be much better than before.
Thanks

I just inquired at Sweetwater and they said they will start shipping GW-8s the first week of November. I'm going to try and find one at a local shop but I'm not very optimistic so I may end up going the internet route. Very excited!

Just an observation but Sweetwater says they have shipping delays on the GW 8. Is this standard,or is the GW 8 potentially something special,thus causing delays?

The original shipping date for the GW-8 was supposed to be in September, then was pushed back to the end of October. Sweetwater is usually pretty conservative with its "in stock" time frames (thankfully so).

Michael

[This message has been edited by ocomain (edited 09-11-2008).]

Word of advice.... DON'T EVER RELY ON THE SHIPPING DATE YOU FIND ON THESE ONLINE RETAILERS..... Many of them use a VERY dirty trick to get PRE-ORDERS.. They set so called "estimated release dates" to rake in as many pre-orders as they can, but funny thing is you'll always notice the date gets pushed back, then pushed back again. When the Roland Juno-G was first released.., it took MONTHS for it to actually hit the US online retailers (based on their constant changing of estimated shipping dates). What they do is try to sell the ENTIRE first shippment they get..., which is why you always see the bold print (often in red letters) HURRY GET YOUR ORDER IN TODAY TO GET YOURS..., Then if you're the person who's order is just ONE over the retailers initial order..., guess what.., you're now on BACK-ORDER.., which then could take several weaks.

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 09-11-2008).]