Roland Forums

I have just received the version 2 upgrade pack for my store's E80. This update adds a key new feature, with some extra styles thrown in to the kit too!

With version 2 installed, I am now able to play Mp3 files directly from the E80 and play along with them. The Mp3's are stored either in the internal memory, or on an external memory card such as the 1GB compact flash card I use. I tried this out using some karaoke cd's which I ordered, and converted to Mp3. These sound fabulous, and already have the lead part removed so I may play along, adding up to 6 instruments for good measure! Incidentally, it sounds amazing through a PA system for gigging! It is also possible to create playlists of mp3 songs to play back in order, and to vary the volume of playback, so that it may be balanced with the keyboard parts. Plugging a mic in, allows me to sing along. Being someone who trully cannot sing, I can use the auto-tune function to pitch my voice correctly, as this can follow the pitch of the notes I play on the keys. For those who can already sing, you may wish to just add some effects (reverb and delay parhaps?) to you vocal performance, then accompany your song with a piano accompaniment or even use the guitar mode to strum along!

There are also 15 new 'gold' standard styles added. These are very generic sounding. I.e. they suit a wide range of songs, not just one specific song. They are top quality.

The upgrade pack is available to order from your local dealer now. I would recommend that all users of the E80 should get this update, as it adds a completely new way to play your keyboard, and some fantastic new styles.

Hi mate!
I'm new there, and as I can see, this forum is a little unusable. Nobody provide exactly answer and many question living alone there a long time...

Whatever, I can't find answer that is so important for me. Well, I have E-60 (for now) and this is perfect instrument. All what I want, except one: I can't play *mp3 songs from my memory card, like you with upgrade/update software. I realy don't know what is implemented into update file for my keyboard. Who knows?..Who know to tell me if is possible to play *mp3 with "new" update for E-60. New version is 1.08 and I working with version which come with dealer (v. 1.07)
I was send some e-mail to the Roland, but without any answer.

If I can play *.mp3 from my keyboard, that will resolve all my problem...

Thnx anyway and best regards!

Hello there!

Welcome to the forum! The whole forum is new here so it will take time to establish itself so that more users come up with tips and tricks of their own etc.

Regarding your E60, I am afraid it will not support *.mp3 file playback. I do not have knowledge of the development plans for this product, so do not know if this will be possible in the future, but I think it is unlikely it will be able to do this. Regardsing the new update for E60, to version 1.08, I don't know what is in it either, though it is likely to be an incremental upgrade which addresses problems identified in the current OS, rather than be one which introduces new features. It is likely if new features were to be added, then that new OS would be version 2. Perhaps if you desperately need to have the mp3 feature you should consider upgrading your instrument for the E80.

I am delighted though that you currently enjoy your 'perfect instrument.'

Hi BobaCH,

I may have missed a trick with my posting above. I think you should consider adding a Roland Sonic Cell to your existing setup. This will add loads of new sounds, and will give you the option to play back mp3 files from a USB memory key.

As this has a Fantom X class sound production engine in it (the same type as the E80) the new sounds will be a welcome addition to your setup. there are other features which may also be handy such as its ability to work as a high quality audio interface to your computer. It ships with recording software too, so you could make loads of recordings with both your e60 and SonicCell sounds, then add on 'live' guitar or vocals for that matter. the finished song can be saved as a mp3 file then stuck on your USB key for playback at a gig.

As the SonicCell sells for under £500 it would be much cheaper for you than upgrading to a E80.

Thnx for reply, mate! Maybe is the best solution if I will go tu buy/change my E-60 with new one E-80. I think (after your post) that will be like your suggestion.

Anyway, can you answer me in short...do you have any trouble with update? Mean, is that simple? And, what happend with your data? (about user prog., style,..)

Can you send me pict. how it looks like your display when you choose list of mp3, or playlist..? That will be help me so much...('cause I need to work with *mp3 for (big) live event and concert, and this must be so quick to choose from one to another file/*.mp3)

my contact:
keyboard.com@gmail.com

Hi again!

I had no trouble completeing the update. I always have all my data stored on an external compact flash card, so even if my user programs etc had been wiped from internal memory, they are on the flash card so I could just reload the user program set.

Personally, I find this the best way to operate with these instruments. All my songs and styles are on the card as it loads so quickly anyway. It also means I can use one flash card between each of the E80/60/50 in the shop, as it works in them all.

I'll take a picture and send it on to you shortly.

Regards

John