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ROLAND SHIPS SP-606: First Co-Developed Product From the Roland/Cakewalk Alliance
Press Release
2004-08-25

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Roland is proud to announce they are now shipping the SP-606--a new-generation sampling workstation that does it all. It combines sampling, phrase sequencing, audio editing, effects, performance tools, computer connectivity, and soft-synthesis into one sleek, user-friendly package.

Pro-quality digital audio can be captured with the SP-606's 8-voice sampling engine by recording directly from the built-in stereo inputs and digital input, or via USB for drag & drop WAV/AIF file exchange. Samples can be twisted, sliced, and sculpted internally and/or with the companion PC software (more info below).

Audio loops can be time-stretched and locked to sequences in real time thanks to the SP-606's BPM sync control and internal 4-track MIDI sequencer. Serious audio-processing power is built into the SP-606 in the form of two high-quality effects engines. For polished, radio-ready final mixes, you can tap into the SP-606's mastering effects. Export your masterpieces with crystal-clear quality via the SP-606's digital output.

Unprecedented plug-and-play convenience, speed, and massive storage capacity is possible with the SP-606's CompactFlash card slot. Over six hours (!) of audio can be recorded, and WAV and AIF files can be imported/exported without the need for a separate CompactFlash reader/writer. Long load times are a thing of the past with the SP-606.

The SP-606 can be used as a full-featured standalone sampler or as a USB companion for the bundled P606 software app (PC compatible, included free with the SP-606). Designed by the creative braintrust at Cakewalk, P606 provides a powerful array of phrase generators, soft synthesizers, and virtual effects — the end results of which can be controlled by or transferred to the SP-606, eliminating the need for a static CD library. Best of all, the SP-606 can seamlessly control, import, edit, and play back tracks created with P606.

“We’re very excited to co-develop a best-of-both-worlds product,” comments Greg Hendershott, Founder and CEO of Cakewalk. “Musicians can perform powerful PC-based beat generation and synthesis, then unhook the SP606 and take it to the gig, it’s that simple. It’s a great product and telling of our companies’ shared vision in bringing the best innovative products to market to suit the needs of a wide range of musicians.”

Last year, Roland Corporation and Cakewalk announced a strategic alliance comprised of three components: The companies would co-develop innovative desktop music products; Cakewalk products would be exclusively distributed by Roland and its subsidiary, Edirol, in select countries outside North America; and Roland made a minority investment in Cakewalk.

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Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 - for media use only), www.RolandUS.com.