VariOS Open System Module

By Pablo LaRosa

If you’re in the market for a hardware synth or module, one of the first things you probably want to know is whether or not it’s expandable. After all, you’re about to spend hard-earned cash and you want to know that your purchase will continue paying dividends. Well, you’ll be happy to know that the new VariOS Open System Module is so expandable that it can actually become an entirely new product! How, you ask? Simply download new firmware into the module and install the new control software on your computer. In fact, Roland is now offering two free software applications that turn VariOS into awesome-sounding modeling synths. But before we go too far, let’s take a closer look at how VariOS works.

The VariOS Concept
VariOS consists of two elements: the VariOS module and bundled control software for Mac and PC. The sleek-looking VariOS module handles all the DSP-intensive number crunching, while all editing is performed on your computer with the control software. The result is that VariOS gives you a plug-in like environment to work in, but without draining your computer’s resources. A simple USB connection is all it takes to make the module talk to your computer. And since all audio is passed through the VariOS module’s analog and digital outputs, you get nothing but the highest sound quality with Roland character. In fact, the module also features a stand-alone mode so you can take it out to gigs and leave your computer at home.

Software Application #1: V-Producer
Out of the box, VariOS comes with a special software application called V-Producer for VariOS. Once installed on your Mac or PC, this software turns VariOS into a powerful audio editing and sequencing tool based on Roland’s VariPhrase® technology. If you work with loops, you’ll love V-Producer. Just scan your hard drive for .WAV/AIFF files, and V-Producer will automatically encode them and dump them into the VariOS module for playback. Now you can arrange the loops on the six Vari-Tracks and use VariPhrase to make them all play back at the same pitch and tempo. And since this is all realtime processing, you can make changes to pitch and tempo any time and instantly hear the results. There’s never been a faster way to create loop-based music.

V-Producer comes with some powerful editing tools as well, like GrooveScope. Click on this screen and your drum loop is automatically divided into slices and displayed on the screen. Now you are free to edit the pitch and time for each slice, or even re-arrange the slices to create entirely new loops. Click on the PhraseScope editor and you can freely re-arrange a lead vocal or solo instrument’s melody just by clicking and dragging on the screen. And since VariPhrase adjusts for formant, you can also create realistic harmonies from a lead vocal performance. Talk about a time-saver! And when you’re ready to mix down, simply click on the Mixer window to adjust each track’s level, panning and effects sends (that’s right, VariOS has three independent effects processors on board).

When paired with V-Producer, VariOS is already a worthwhile investment. But when you factor in the module’s ability to take on entirely new functions via software updates, it’s a real no-brainer. To prove just how “open” this Open System Module really is, Roland has released two software applications that turn VariOS into analog modeling synths. These are Roland’s first “virtual instruments,” and they rock!

Software Application #2: VariOS-8 Analog Modeling Synth
The VariOS-8 turns VariOS into a 24-voice analog modeling synth. Looking at the control software, you might say this synth looks an awful lot like Roland’s legendary Jupiter-8.

And once you play the sounds, your ears will undoubtedly confirm what you’re seeing. Yes, the VariOS-8 was designed to emulate some of Roland’s finest vintage synths like the Jupiter and Juno Series. It comes with two oscillators, each with a choice of several analog waveforms and sub-oscillator emulation, plus low- and high-pass filters connected in serial. Of course, there’s also plenty of modulation options like LFOs and envelope generators, plus a vintage-style arpeggiator (think Duran Duran’s “Rio”) and essential effects like delay and reverb. Indeed, playing the VariOS-8 will take you back a few decades. Best of all, once you download the Patches, you can use the VariOS module on its own like a preset modeling synth!

Software Application #3: VariOS 303 Analog Modeling Bass Synth
Load up the new VariOS-303 application, and like the name implies, you’ll get a software re-creation of Roland’s legendary TB-303! All the original controls are provided - �including the step sequencer and “Slide” parameter - so you can create those chirpy analog bass and acid lines that electronica producers have been using for years. But Roland didn’t stop there; they went on to add a powerful effect section designed to give you more aggressive sounds. Now you can run those bass lines through a compressor, overdrive/distortion, chorus, delay and 3-band EQ for sounds that would definitely make Keanu Reeves say “Woah!”. And programming patterns is easy, thanks to a new Slider Pattern screen - �just click and drag the sliders to create a bass line. Forget about those other “so-called” TB-303 emulators, cause this is the one from the originators!

How do you get the VariOS-8 and VariOS 303? If you already own a VariOS module, you can download the new software at www.RolandUS.com. Otherwise, both applications will be included in the box of all new VariOS systems sold (along with the original V-Producer application). So let’s review: Buy a VariOS module and you’re really getting three products in one - �all with easy software control and zero CPU drain. VariOS, only from Roland.

Buy a VariOS System Module today!