The SonicCell looks interesting; they apparently started with the concept introduced by Ketron with the Midjay, but took it to another level: much better user interface and operative system, better sounds, better looks... the Midjay still has an edge thanks to the hard disk recording and the arranger section, but I am willing to bet that the SonicCell sales with outnumber the Midjay... let's say 10 to 1?

AUDYA Kb + Module

I want one!!!!!!!!!

According to Roland, all you need is a SonicCell and a keyboard (or a guitar, or a saxophone...)
You place all of your backing tracks inside the little box and you are done: no need for a laptop either... and the price should be under 1000 dollars.

[This message has been edited by Dreamer (edited 08-12-2007).]

From the Thomann website (largest music store in Germany):



ROLAND
SonicCell

ROLAND SonicCell, Synthesizer-Modul and USBAudio/MIDI-Interface, 128-voices Soundmodul with newSoundset, 2 Slots for optional SRX Expansion Boards,Preset-Patches: 768 + 256 (GM2), Rhythm Sets: 20 + 9(GM2), Performances: 64, 256 User-Patches, Effects,integrated USB Audio/MIDI-Interface 24-Bit/96 kHz,Mic-Input with Phantompower and Guitar-Input, USBHost-Connection (for optional USB-Sticks for example),SMF- and WAV/AIFF/MP3-File playback, MIDI I/O, Stereo I/O1/4" TRS, Headphone-Out, 128 x 64 Pixel organic ELGraphic-Display, PC/Mac Editor-Software (VST and AUcompatible) for WIN XP / MAC OSX and Cakewalk SONAR LEDAW-Software included, Dimensions : 294 (W) x 175 (D) x 55(H) mm, Wight :1.2 kg (without Power supply) , Powersupply included
Price: 698 Euros
Availability: September 2007.

If it can run the mike with effects, a guitar with effects, .wav playback AND act as a module all at the same time (OMB software as front end), this could be an inexpensive Midjay....

I think I'm gonna order early (I heard Oct. delivery). I just bought an Alesis I/O26 as a computer backup for my Akai DPS24 so I may have some redundancy here for recording. Sounds like a winner to me, especially at that price. Now if only someone came out with a pill for gear lust. I'd buy Capt. Russ a complimentary dose .

chas

(From the Roland US website):

SonicCell: Expandable Synthesizer Module with Audio Interface
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!

Diki, The Sonic Cell will allow us to add 2 more SRX boards to our single SRX board on our G70's..,

Being able to have the additional sounds to play , and the Audio playback of wav files and MP3's..makes it very interesting to me..

One thing that has not been mentioned...I wonder if the Sonic Cell reads lyrics embedded in SMF's?

And maybe text[probably not with a small viewing screen]..