The Roland XV-5080 stands as Roland's flagship synthesizer module, representing the pinnacle of their sound engine development lineage. This powerful 2U rackmount unit combines the advanced XV synthesis engine with expanded sample playback capabilities, making it a versatile centerpiece for any professional studio setup.

At its core, the XV-5080 features an impressive 128-voice polyphony and 32-part multitimbrality through dual MIDI inputs, allowing it to function as a comprehensive "all-in-one" sound production solution. The synthesis engine builds upon Roland's successful "four tones to a voice" architecture that began with the JD800, providing extensive sound design possibilities with over 1000 multisamples in ROM - four times more than previous JV models.

What truly sets the XV-5080 apart from its counterpart, the XV-3080, is its sample playback functionality. With expandable RAM capacity up to 128MB, it can load and play samples from Roland S-series samplers (S770/750/760), Akai S1000/3000 formats, and standard WAV/AIFF files. This integration of sampling and synthesis technologies allows users to combine the XV's powerful synthesis engine with their own sample libraries. Bigger display, COSM effects and 2 more SRX expansions could also be mentioned too.

Sound quality is exceptional, particularly for orchestral and acoustic instrument emulations. The XV-5080's stereo PCM waveforms create an open, clear soundfield with minimal aliasing, producing remarkably authentic acoustic guitars, basses, and horn sections. The implementation of COSM guitar effects processors further enhances the realism of guitar simulations.

The interface features a generous 320×80-pixel graphic LCD screen that significantly improves usability compared to the XV-3080's 2-line display. The rear panel includes built-in SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), Wordclock input, eight analog outputs, digital S/PDIF and optical outputs, and Roland's R-Bus interface for direct connection to V-series digital mixers.

With eight expansion board slots (four for SR-JV80 series and four for SRX series cards), the XV-5080 offers extensive sound expansion possibilities. The effects section is equally impressive with 90 different multi-effects types allowing for three simultaneous MFX in Performance Mode, plus 4 types of reverb, 2 types of chorus, and 2-band EQ per output. Advanced effects processors include 24-bit reverbs, COSM modeling, remix effects, and RSS 3D spatial processing.

The preset memory offers an astounding 1152 patches, 64 performances, and 23 rhythm sets, while user memory provides 128 patches, 64 performances, and 4 rhythm sets. External storage is available via SmartMedia Card.

Even many years after its launch, the XV-5080 remains in demand among professionals and popular on the secondary market, outperforming alternatives like the XV-3080, XV-5050, and Fantom XR. When compared to contemporaries such as the KORG Triton Rack and Yamaha Motif-Rack, the XV-5080 maintains a leading position across virtually all parameters, cementing its legacy as one of Roland's most comprehensive and versatile synthesizer modules.

Technical Specifications

Architecture & Polyphony

• Parts: 32-part multitimbral
• Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices
• Wave Memory: 64MB (16-bit linear format)
• Maximum Waveform Memory: 386MB (with expansion)
• Features: Matrix Control, stereo waveforms

Memory & Storage

• Preset Memory:
  • Patches: 1152 (including 896 standard patches + 256 GM Level 2 Patches)
  • Performances: 64 (32 × 2 banks)
  • Rhythm Sets: 23 (14 standard + 9 GM Level 2 Rhythm Sets)
• User Memory:
  • Patches: 128
  • Performances: 64
  • Rhythm Sets: 4
• External Memory: SmartMedia card slot (2-128MB, 5V or 3.3V)

Expansion Capabilities

• Wave Expansion Slots:
  • SR-JV80 Series: 4 slots
  • SRX Series: 4 slots
• Sample Memory: Two 72-pin SIMM slots (16/32/64MB, 60μS, max 128MB)

Sample Playback

• Compatible Formats: Roland S-series (S770/750/760), Akai S1000/3000, WAV, AIFF
• Maximum Sample Memory: 128MB
• Sample Management: Sample start, loop, and end points; loop mode selection

Effects

• Multi Effects (MFX): 90 types (three different multi-effects can be used simultaneously in Performance mode)
• Reverb: 4 types
• Chorus: 2 types
• EQ: 2-Band EQ (can be sent to eight separate outputs when used as system EQ)
• Special Effects: 24-bit reverbs, SRV-3030, V-Studio, RSS 3D effects, COSM guitar modeling, remix effects

Interface

• Display: 320 × 80 dot Graphic LCD (with backlight)
• User Interface: User-friendly with direct access buttons

Connectivity

• Audio Outputs:
  • A (MIX) Output (L(MONO), R)
  • B Output (L, R)
  • C Output (L, R)
  • D Output (L, R) or Individual 1-8
  • Headphone Jack (Stereo)
• Digital Audio: S/P DIF 44.1/48kHz (Coaxial and Optical)
• Word Clock: In (BNC)
• MIDI: IN1, IN2, THRU, OUT
• Computer/Storage: SCSI Connector (D-SUB 25-pin)
• Digital Interface: R-BUS Connector (Output Only)

Physical Specifications

• Power Supply: AC 117, 230, 240V (autosensing)
• Power Consumption: 25W
• Rackmount size: 2U
• Dimensions: 482(W) × 281(D) × 88(H) mm / 19(W) × 11-1/16(D) × 3-1/2(H) inches (EIA-2U rack mount)
• Weight: 4.9kg / 10lbs 13oz

Market Position

• Alternatives from Roland: XV-3080, XV-5050, Fantom XR
• Contemporaries from other manufacturers: KORG Triton Rack, Yamaha Motif-Rack

Tags: digital synthesizer