| Classification | Electronicsampler |
|---|---|
| Developed | Groovesampler 1998 E-Mix Studio 2000 |
TheRoland SP-808 GrooveSampler andSP-808EX/E-Mix Studio are both discontinuedworkstations, which function asdigital samplers,synthesizers, andmusic sequencers. The digital samplers are a part of the long line of bothRoland Corporation's andBoss Corporation'sGroove Gear, which includes the more popular and successfulBoss SP-303 andRoland SP-404 versions.
Being an early installment in the SP lineage, the SP-808 GrooveSampler was originally released in the year of 1998.[1] Sometime in the year 2000, the sampler was updated, redesigned, and released as the SP-808EX, with the additional name of "e-Mix Studio."[2] Despite receiving an upgrade, both versions of the SP-808 have and also lack certain features of the succeeding SP installments.
The following list is a correct order of each SP installment's release, as an attempt to help musicians avoid any confusion.
The original Roland SP-808 GrooveSampler can play up to four stereo samples simultaneously, with the sample rates of 44.1 and 32 kHz. The maximum sample time allowed is 25 minutes of stereo at the rate of 44.1 kHz. Being an predecessor to more popular SPs, the sampler itself can hold over 1,000 samples, while 100MB Zip disks can store up to 1024 samples, roughly amounting to 64 minutes. Unlike some of the succeeding SP installments, the sampler has noUSB orCompactFlash card option. Furthermore, audio samples can only be stored, read, and transferred directly from thezip drive rather thaninternalRAM. In an effort to maximize storage space on zip disks, Roland decided against the use of AIFF and WAV audio formats.D-Beam controller is also included.[3][4]
Being an upgrade from the Groovesampler, the SP-808EX E-Mix Studio includes a virtualmonophonic synthesizer for use with thestep sequencer andD-Beam controller. Vocal effects, guitar multi-effects, a 10-bandVocoder, Voice Transformer, Mic Simulator, and a number DJ-oriented groove effects were added as well. A larger 250MB Zip drive replaces the original 100MB Zip. Sampling and recording time was extended possible to 61 stereo minutes. Expansion options include the OP-1 interface (6 analog outs, 2 digital I/Os, SCSI) and OP-2 interface (XLR I/Os, digital I/O, SCSI). In regards to storing and transporting audio, the method is the same as the Groovesampler.[5][6]
Despite receiving little popularity in comparison to the later SP-303 and SP-404 installments,Slipknot member133 is known to have utilized the sampler for a number of years.[7] DJ and music producer,Rekha Malhotra is known for utilizing the SP-808 as well.[8]
| Synthesizers |
|  |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic drums | ||
| Keytars | ||
| Grooveboxes | ||
| Samplers | ||
| Workstations | ||
| Sequencers | ||
| MIDI interfaces | ||
| Modules | ||
| Software | ||
| Amplifiers | ||
| Effects units | ||
| Organs | ||
| Boss effects | ||
| Founder | ||
| Other | ||