BACKGROUND
When Midi came (December 1982) it became possible to control different synthesizers from one Midi keyboard. Instead of stacks of keyboards the keyboard player could have a rack with modules and one single keyboard that controlled them all. It is also less expensive to buy a module version of a synthesizer if the keyboard of the synthesizer not will be used when adding synthesizers, and real good keyboard could be used instead.
DESCRIPTION
Roland A-80 is a professional MIDI Controller, also called Master keyboard, with 88 weighted keys with piano action. A-80 has a little bit heavier velocity feeling compared to many other Master keyboards with 88 weighted keys such Elka MK88, Yamaha KX88, Oberheim MC series, M-Audio and Fatar Studio Logic series. A MIDI Controller don't contains sound, except by way of exception.
This keyboard is heavy - 66 lb, because it's rugged key frame and keyboard gadget. And no plastic cover here, it's robust like a tank.
Roland A-80 can store up to 64 different patches. A chain of up to 32 patches can be linked together, and 32 chains can be stored. External sequencers can be started/stopped directly from the panel.
It has a large backlit LCD display and one other very good thing: Wheels of Moog type as well as Roland's leveler. There are also 4 sliders that can be programmed for different controllers such volume, portamento, balance etc.
Roland's successor to A-80, A90 and A90 EX (contains VE-RD1 expansion board with 128 sounds, including a good piano patch) has less rugged and cheaper construction, and that is the PA-4 hammer action keyboard, found at Roland digital pianos such RD500, FP1 and others. There is also another model of this MIDI Controller, Roland A-50, that is exactly the same master keyboard as A-80, but with 76 semi weighted keys instead of 88 weighted keys
Many users think the manual is especial messy or hard to understand. We don't agree.
We had our A-80 repaired 2003 after an accident. New display (more than $200 - Roland knows how to make business running!), new contact rubbers, new felting etc. So it's a new A-80 anno 2003. And that's wonderful!
ROLAND A-80 CONTAINS:
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88 keys made of IVORY (not of wooden!). The keyboard is velocity sensitivity and has aftertouch (you have to press hard for that)
- 4 independent programmable zones (on each patch)
- Monophonic and polyphonic aftertouch
- Double sets of pitch and modulation controller (Roland- and Moog style)
- 2 MIDI inputs and 4 MIDI outputs, 1 MIDI thru
- 64 patch memory, expandable to 128 via memory cartridge
- 32 chains of up to 32 patches (for fast changes of setups live)
- 40 letters x 8 rows LCD (back lighted)
- 12 user define performance controllers (4 sliders / 4 switches / 4 foot controller jacks)
- Dimensions: 53 9/16"(W) x 13 15/16"(D) x 4 5/8" (1360 x 354 x 118 mm)
- Weight: More than 64 lbs (30kg)
KEYS REPLACEMENT ON A-80
If the keys gives a bad response, are heavy or doesn't work it can be fixed by cleaning the contacts under the keys or adjust the rubber pads above these. If you need to change keys you'll need:
- Isopropyl - at the drugstore
- Tops
- Screwdriver (cross)
| 1. Release the screws at the bottom |  |
| 2. Open up the top |  |
| 3. Release the copper shield (3 screws) |  |
| 4. Release the keyboard (6 screws) |  |
5. You don't need to, but it will be easier if you: Carefully release the 3 connectors RA1 / RA2 / RA3 that connect the keyboard These cables can only be mounted in one waywhen puting it together |
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6. You don't need to, but it will be easier if you: Release the cable from the connector CNB Mark the cable that shall be mounted at pin 1 |
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7. You don't need to, but it will be easier if you: Release the keyboard If you passed step 5 and 6, carefully flip over the keys |
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| 8. Push (with a screwdriver etc) the white small circular parts of the keys (at the flipside of the keyboard), at the same time as you pull and release the key |  |
9. Clean the connectors with Isopropyl on tops: - Remove all visible dust When the tops will be no more dirty the connectors are clean |
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10. Begin to put the A-80 together again. It's important that: - It's dry below the rubber pads Check all the keys before you done all the screws. If a key doesn't work properly - check what described here above, for instance that the rubber pad is plane |
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ROLAND A-80 MANUAL
RESET A-80
While press down 1st, 3rd and 5th button below the display, press CHANNEL
LINKS
- Harmony Central
- Roland A-80 & A-50 aftertouch modification & review
- Roland A-series Homepage
- Roland U.S.
- Sonicstate
- Synthzone