One of the co-founders of the original Midi specification, Roland has introduced the A-88MkII 88-note Midi keyboard controller for studio and stage.
The latest in the company’s long line of professional Midi controllers, the A-88MkII has a weighted-action keyboard, plus USB-C connectivity, RGB-lit controls. It’s also Midi 2.0 ready, making it the first Roland instrument to support the new Midi standard.
The A-88MkII employs rigid, wooden construction and the 88-note Ivory Feel PHA-4 keyboard found in established Roland instruments. With high-resolution sensing and fast response, the PHA-4 accurately translates the subtlest playing nuances, and users can personalsze the sensitivity for their own unique touch.
Equipped with a host of real-time performance features, the A-88MkII is aimed at applications both in the studio and on stage. With three user-definable zones, players can layer and split the keyboard with different sounds or instruments. Advanced arpeggiator and sophisticated split and layer functions are also on board, providing direct access to performance tools normally only found in standalone synths and workstations.
Roland’s pitch/mod lever and an array of RGB-lit knobs offer expressive, hands-on control of sounds. Eight assignable pads are available to control DAW functions, trigger sounds and clips, and pad bank set-ups can be stored for quick recall. There’s also a dedicated sustain pedal input, plus two assignable control inputs that support expression pedals or footswitches.
The A-88MkII’s USB-C offers single-cable connectivity and eliminates the need for an external power adaptor.
The Roland A-88MkII will be available in March 2020.
More: www.roland.com
