The Roland MV-8800 (launched in 2007) is a digital production studio and sampler. It represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the MV-8000, which has been a cornerstone for top hip-hop and R&B producers since 2003. It is a powerful all-in-one music production tool that combines a 64-track digital audio recorder, a 24-bit/96kHz audio interface, a 16-track MIDI sequencer, and a powerful sampler. It also features a wide range of effects. This production powerhouse seamlessly bridges hardware and software worlds, featuring VGA monitor compatibility and mouse integration, an integrated CD burner and an intuitive user interface.

Key Features

• Complete production workflow from beat creation to CD burning
• Hybrid drum machine/DAW approach with pattern and linear recording
• 64-voice polyphony, 16-bit/44.1kHz sampling
• Real-time pitch/time control and groove quantization
• Pre-installed sound library with classic Roland emulations
• Three MIDI ports (1 IN, 2 OUT)
• Color LCD with icon-based interface
• VGA monitor and mouse support

Internal Signal Processing&Audio parameters

• AD Conversion: 24 bits, 64 times oversampling
• DA Conversion: 24 bits, 128 times oversampling
• Frequency Response: MIC/Line Inputs: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0/-2 dB)
• Nominal Input Level: MIC/Line Inputs: -50 -> +14 dBu (maximum +26 dBu: balanced, maximum +20 dBu: unbalanced), Phono Inputs: -87-- -27 dBu
• Input Impedance: MIC/Line Inputs: 40 kOhms, Phono Inputs: 50 kOhms
• Nominal Output Level+4 dBu (balanced)
• Output Impedance: 600 Ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: Master Outputs: 10 kOhms or greater, Headphones: 8--600 Ohms
• Residual Noise Level: -86 dBu or less (SENS: LINE, Phono Input Jacks: short-circuited, IHF-A Typ.)

Sampling Engine

• Audio Format: 16-bit linear
• Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz (fixed)
• 64 voices of polyphony
• Sample import: WAV/AIFF, ACID, AKAI formats
• Auto-chopping function for loop slicing
• Polyphony: 64 voices
• Parts: 16 Instruments + 9 Audio Tracks + 1 Audio Phrases
• Memory: 128MB standard (expandable to 512MB)
• Sampling Time: 24 min mono/12 min stereo (128MB), 100 min mono/50 min stereo (512MB)

Sequencer

• Tracks (Song): 128 MIDI, 8 Audio, 1 Pattern, 1 Tempo, 1 Mute Control
• Tracks (Pattern): 64 MIDI, 1 Audio, 1 Mute Control
• Pattern mode with 64 MIDI tracks
• 480 TPQN resolution
• 150,000 note capacity
• Song Length: 9,999 measures
• Real-time and step recording
• Pattern and linear recording modes
• Tempo range: 5-300 BPM

Performance Features

• Real-time sample pitch/time manipulation
• Pattern chain sequencing
• Velocity-sensitive pad control
• MIDI controller functionality
• Live performance-ready durability

Project Organization

• Multiple projects stored on internal drive
• Up to 16 songs per project
• 500 patterns available
• 128 patch libraries
• Comprehensive file backup to CD-R/RW
  
• Songs: 16
• Patterns: 500
• Patches: 16 (per Song)
• Partials: 96 (16 pads x 6 banks per Patch)
• Samples: 9,999
• Audio Phrases: 512 (16 pads x 32 banks) / Patch Libraries: 128
• MIDI Clips: 100
• Mastering Tool Kit Libraries: 76 (Preset: 26, User: 50) / Still Images (Photos) for Pix Jam Function: 16
• ... see also the Effects section

Effects Processing

• Multi-effects processor with 25 types. Multi-effects (MFX) Libraries: 144 (Preset: 44, User: 100), Chorus Libraries: 52 (Preset: 2, User: 50), Reverb Libraries: 54 (Preset: 4, User: 50)
• Vintage emulations including:
• TR-808 and TR-909
• SRV reverb
• SDD-320 Chorus
• SBF-325 Flanger
• Boss BF-2 and HF-2
• RE-201 Space Echo
• Mastering tools including parametric EQ and multiband compression

Mixer

• 24-channel automated mixer
• Three-band parametric EQ per channel
• Two effect send buses
• Real-time parameter automation
• Optional expansion for 6 additional outputs

File Compatibility:

• Import: Audio CD, WAV/AIFF, ACID, S-700, AKAI MPC2000/S1000/3000, SMF
• Export: Audio CD, WAV/AIFF, SMF format 1

Hardware Specifications

• 320x240 color LCD
• 40GB internal hard drive
• Built-in CD-R/RW drive
• 16 velocity/aftertouch-sensitive pads
• 8 assignable faders
• 3 effects control knobs
• Three effects control knobs
• Balanced audio I/O
• Digital I/O (coaxial/optical)
• USB file transfer capability
• Operating temperature: 5-40°C
• Power: 35W, 115-240V AC

Connectivity

• Phono Input Jacks: L, R (RCA phono type),
• MIC/Line Input Jacks: L, R (1/4 inch TRS phone type),
• Master Output Jacks: L, R (1/4 inch TRS phone type),
• Headphone Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type),
• Digital Out Connector A (Coaxial type),
• Digital Out Connector B (Optical type),
• MIDI Connectors: IN, OUT A, OUT B,
• USB Connector (supports file transfer (mass storage class)),
• VGA Out Connector (HD DB-15 type),
• PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin mini DIN type),
• Foot Switch Jack (1/4 inch phone type)
• When installed MV8-OP1 Audio I/O Expansion (option):
  - Analog Multi Output Jacks: 1--6 (1/4 inch TRS phone type),
  - Digital In Connector A (Coaxial type),
  - Digital In Connector B (Optical type),
  - R-BUS Connector (DB-25 type)

Difference between the MV-8000 and the MV-8800

Audio Quality:

• MV-8800 adds 24-bit/96kHz audio interface capability (vs 16-bit/44.1kHz only)
• MV-8800 has improved AD/DA conversion (24-bit 64x/128x oversampling)

Display/Interface:

• MV-8800: Color LCD with icon-based interface
• MV-8000: Monochrome LCD

Sequencing:

• MV-8800: 128 MIDI + 8 Audio + Pattern/Tempo/Mute tracks
• MV-8000: 136 tracks total (128 MIDI + 8 stereo audio)

New Features in MV-8800:

• Real-time pitch/time manipulation
• Pre-installed Roland instrument emulations (TR-808, TR-909, etc.)
• More comprehensive mastering tools
• Enhanced mixer automation
• Expanded effects library with vintage emulations

Storage/Memory:

Same base specs:

• 128MB RAM (expandable to 512MB)
• 40GB hard drive
• CD-RW drive

The MV-8800 represents a significant upgrade in audio quality, interface design, and production capabilities while maintaining core hardware specifications.