Roland VP-550 Keyboard

ROLAND VP550 Details ^top

Let's face it... not every musician can afford to hire a choir for their gigs or recording sessions. Sometimes just finding a qualified background singer or two can be a chore. Dilemma solved with the VP-550 Vocal & Ensemble Keyboard. Much more than a traditional vocoder or harmonizer, the VP-550 uses Roland’s breakthrough vocal-modeling technology to bring the highest-quality, interactive vocal sounds to a dedicated instrument. Connect a mic, select a sound, and play. You won’t believe what can come out of this instrument: spectacular classical choirs, soulful gospel choirs, pop and jazz voices, male & female ensembles, vintage vocoder, and lush string/vocal hybrids. A great addition for lounge musicians playing at bars and hotels.

Generate expressive, interactive backing vocals in real time
Vocal Designer types: Classic, Male/Female, Gospel, Pop, Vocoder, Ext In
Ensemble types: Strings 1, Strings 2, Jazz Scat, Mixed Chorus, Boy's Choir, Humming
Play Vocal Designer and Ensemble sounds simultaneously
Exceptionally user-friendly operation
Built-in “Voice Check” recorder for handy vocal-model auditioning
Invisible D Beam infrared controller for high-impact performance
Ambience types: Hall 1, Hall 2, Studio

Vocal-Modeling Magic

The human voice is the most expressive musical instrument of all, so why not use it as a tool to create ultra-realistic and expressive "virtual vocals" with words generated from your own voice? Whether you need, a full choir, or surreal vocoder-like layers, the VP-550 can deliver the interactive, expressive vocal backing you need. The VP-550 is also equipped with world-class string sounds, which can be blended together with the vocal effects.

Practical Advantage

Not specific to one style of music, the VP-550 can be used for a wide variety of musical applications. It’s ideal for musicians who perform alone or in small groups, for example, and who need an interactive, real-time backing chorus. Or, film and TV music composers who are challenged with time and budget can use the VP-550 to generate high-impact choral arrangements on the spot. Churches in need of a choir (or choir enhancer) will love the VP-550. The creative possibilities are vast, as are the time/money savings that this instrument can provide.

Blast From the Past

The VP-550 is equipped with ultra high-resolution vocoder modeling, which can be used to generate surreal vocal effects great for electronica, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and the like. Inject a dose of that classic retro “robot voice” charm into your next recording without the hassle and expense of a separate vocoder.

Friendly Face

One look at the VP-550’s inviting front panel and you’ll know that this instrument has “user friendly” written all over it. There are no hidden menus or complicated key commands required. Every feature has a dedicated button or slider that’s clearly labeled and easy to reach. Performers will especially love how inviting and inspiring the VP-550 is to use onstage.

ROLAND VP550 Specs ^top

Keyboard 49 keys (with velocity)

Tones Vocal Designer (7 tones): CLASSIC, MALE & FEMALE, GOSPEL, POP, VOCODER1, VOCODER2, EXT IN

Ensemble (6 tones): STRINGS1, STRINGS2, JAZZ SCAT, MIXED CHORUS, BOYS CHOIR, HUMMING

Bass & Percussion (4 sets): BASS1, BASS2, BASS3, PERC


Ambience (3 types) HALL1, HALL2, STUDIO

Maximum Polyphony 128 voices (Changes depending on the sound and the playing technique)

Controllers D Beam Controller, Pitch Bend / Modulation Lever

Octave Shift +/- 1 Octave

Number of Registration memories 4

Master Tune 415.3 Hz to 466.2 Hz

Sound Check Function Records OUTPUT signal for 10 seconds and plays it back.

Nominal Input Level INPUT (MIC): -50 to -10 dBu, INPUT (EXT IN): -36 to +4 dBu

Connectors Headphones Jack, Output Jacks (L/MONO, R)(1/4 inch phone type), MIC Jack (XLR type), External Input Jack (1/4 inch phone type), MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT), Hold Pedal Jack, Expression Pedal Jack, AC Inlet

Power Supply AC 115 V, AC 117 V, AC 220 V, AC 230V, AC 240V (50/60Hz)

Power Consumption 14 W

Accessories Owner's Manual, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY", Leaflet "Mics recommended for the VP-550", Power Cord

Options Keyboard Stand: KS-12, Pedal Switch: DP-2/6/8, Foot Switch: BOSS FS-5U, Expression Pedal: EV-5, BOSS FV-300L, Microphone: DR Series

Size and Weight
Width 865 mm 34-1/8 inches

Depth 346 mm 13-11/16 inches

Height 99 mm 3-15/16 inches

Weight 8.5 kg 18 lbs. 12 oz.

ROLAND VP550 Demos ^top