REVIEW OF SRX KEYBOARDS BY ROLAND CLOUD.
The SRX Keyboards plugin is based on, as the name may suggest, the popular SRX expansion board from the 2000s. The SRX expansion board was a piece of hardware that allowed users to access a collection of Roland keyboard sounds in a single expansion. With the plugin instalment recreating this popular board, it’s easier than ever to use many of the renowned sounds from Roland straight within your DAW.
SRX Keyboards uses the DCB, Digital Circuit Behaviour, technology to accurately reproduce the rich details present in the hardware version, even down to the original waveforms and artefacts.
In this review, we dive into the details and features of the SRX Keyboards plugin.
INSTALLATION & COMPATIBILITY.
Accessing SRX Keyboards requires either a subscription to Roland Cloud Ultimate, Roland’s cloud-based software suite, or the purchase of a lifetime key. Upon signing up for a membership (a 30-day trial is currently available), the VST can be easily downloaded and integrated into your DAW, akin to any other plugin. Roland Cloud offers a convenient solution for managing, updating, and installing Roland’s extensive collection of virtual instruments, including the D-50 and Juno-106. SRX Keyboards is available in VST, AU, and AAX formats for both Windows and Mac (64-bit).
USER INTERFACE.
SRX Keyboards presents a user-friendly interface that combines a visually appealing aesthetic with comprehensive control over its extensive sound palette. The top section of the plugin features a preset browser, allowing for quick access to the vast collection of sounds. Below this, a series of intuitive buttons and sliders provide immediate access to frequently used parameters, including master level, chorus, legato, and more.
Pressing the “edit” button unveils a lower section dedicated to in-depth patch editing. Here, musicians can delve into the nuances of each preset, manipulating parameters such as structure, LFO, pitch, velocity & key range, and more. Additionally, this section houses a wealth of effects, including chorus & reverb, MFX, and routing, enabling users to sculpt their sounds to perfection.
Further customization options are available through four tone filter envelopes. These envelopes provide granular control over the tonal characteristics of each patch, allowing for the creation of a wide range of sounds, from warm and mellow to crisp and aggressive.
The plugin could benefit from a more streamlined workflow, as it can take a while to locate and adjust the desired parameters.Â
SOUND PRESETS.
The plugin’s extensive sound library spans a wide range of genres, from rich and resonant pianos to warm and inviting synths and plucky leads. The pad and synth presets stand out for their depth and richness of tone, often requiring minimal editing due to their meticulous craftsmanship. The bass presets further exemplify SFX Keyboards’ sonic prowess, often needing no further refinement due to their inherent sonic excellence.
While the plugin excels in many areas, the piano sounds and some of the string instruments fall slightly short of the overall standard. These presets occasionally exhibit a sense of shallowness and dullness in terms of tone and overall quality. While external plugins can be employed to enhance these sounds, it would be preferable if the plugin itself addressed these shortcomings from the outset.
Despite these minor drawbacks, SRX Keyboards remains a compelling choice for producers seeking a comprehensive and versatile keyboard plugin. Its extensive preset library, coupled with its rich sound design and ease of use, makes it a valuable asset for any studio arsenal.
VERDICT.
Even if you’re not familiar with Roland’s hardware products, such as the SRX Expansion, SRX Keyboards offers a compelling alternative to other keyboard plugins on the market. Its extensive collection of carefully crafted factory presets provides a rich starting point for creating music, and the use of cutting-edge Digital Circuit Behavior (DCB) technology ensures that these sounds capture the essence of Roland’s legendary keyboard instruments with remarkable accuracy.
For those who want to delve deeper into sound design, SRX Keyboards provides a comprehensive set of parameters and effects, allowing users to customize each preset to their liking. This flexibility makes it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced producers alike.
The Roland Cloud subscription platform streamlines the experience of accessing and managing various Roland instruments, including SRX Keyboards. The subscription model offers the flexibility to cancel or pause your membership if needed, and it provides a free trial period for those who want to test the software before committing.
