What makes the RD-88 EX different from the original RD-88?

The EX version adds 3,000 additional sounds and includes the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion. It maintains the same compact form factor and PHA-4 keyboard action but offers a significantly larger internal library.

What type of keyboard action does the RD-88 EX use?

It features the PHA-4 Standard keyboard action. This is a progressive hammer-action system that includes Escapement and an Ivory Feel texture on the key tops for better grip.

Does the RD-88 EX have built-in speakers?

Yes, it includes a built-in stereo speaker system. This system is designed to provide room-filling sound for home practice or small rehearsals without needing an external amplifier.

How many sounds are included in the RD-88 EX?

The instrument features over 3,000 additional sounds compared to standard models. These cover a wide range of categories including pianos, electric pianos, organs, synths, and brass.

Can I use the RD-88 EX as a MIDI controller?

Yes, it has a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface. It also features a dedicated control mode for Apple MainStage, making it highly effective as a master controller for virtual instruments.

What sound engines are used in this model?

The RD-88 EX utilizes the ZEN-Core Synthesis System and the SuperNATURAL engines (specifically for Acoustic and Electric Pianos). This combination allows for both high-fidelity acoustic samples and complex synth textures.

Is the RD-88 EX portable?

Yes, it is designed with a lightweight and compact chassis specifically for touring and gigging musicians. Despite having 88 weighted keys, its footprint is smaller than many traditional stage pianos.

What connectivity options are available for audio output?

In addition to the built-in speakers, it typically features standard 1/4-inch line outputs for connection to PAs and mixers, as well as a headphone jack for silent practice.

Does it support the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion?

Yes, this expansion is one of the core upgrades included with the RD-88 EX. it provides enhanced acoustic piano realism and playability.

How does it compare to the Korg D1?

The Korg D1 is a more basic stage piano without built-in speakers or the extensive ZEN-Core synth engine. The RD-88 EX is a more comprehensive performance workstation with deeper software integration.

Who is the RD-88 EX designed for?

It is aimed at professional musicians who need a lightweight 88-key piano for live performance. It is also suitable for players who use software like MainStage and need a keyboard with an integrated audio interface.

What are the key benefits of the ZEN-Core engine in this piano?

The ZEN-Core engine allows the RD-88 EX to access a vast array of modern Roland sounds. This makes it more versatile than a standard digital piano, as it can produce professional-grade synth and orchestral tones.

Gear article

Roland RD-88 EX Compact 88-Key Stage Piano

The Roland RD-88 EX is a professional-grade compact stage piano featuring an 88-note weighted action and a versatile sound engine combining SuperNATURAL and ZEN-Core technologies. An updated version of the original RD-88, it includes the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion and a high-performance stereo speaker system designed for both performance and practice.

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Background and Development

The RD series has been a staple of Roland’s professional keyboard lineup for decades, known for reliability on tour. The RD-88 EX represents the latest evolution in the compact segment of this range. It builds upon the hardware foundation of the standard RD-88 but expands the internal sound library significantly. The most notable addition is the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion, which provides more nuanced and detailed acoustic piano tones compared to previous iterations.

Sound Engines and Performance Features

The RD-88 EX utilizes a dual-engine approach to cover a vast sonic territory. The ZEN-Core synthesis system handles modern synths, brass, and world sounds, while the SuperNATURAL engines focus on the authentic recreation of acoustic and electric pianos. The instrument comes pre-loaded with over 3,000 additional sounds.

Key performance features include: * PHA-4 Hammer Action: Provides a realistic touch with Escapement and Ivory Feel materials. * Built-in Speakers: A stereo system designed to fill a room without requiring external amplification for smaller settings. * Control Layout: Optimized for live use with dedicated knobs and buttons for quick access to zones and effects.

Integration and Connectivity

Modern stage requirements often involve software-based instruments. The RD-88 EX features a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface, allowing for seamless communication with a computer. It includes a dedicated control mode specifically for Apple MainStage, enabling performers to combine internal hardware sounds with virtual instrument libraries in a single streamlined setup. This integration allows the RD-88 EX to act as both a standalone piano and a master controller.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned in the mid-range price bracket (typically around £1,133), the RD-88 EX competes with several notable stage pianos. Its primary advantage is the combination of a full 88-key weighted action with a lightweight, compact chassis.

Alternatives include the Yamaha CP73 and YC88, which offer different tactile experiences with drawbars or shorter keybeds, and the Kawai MP7SE, known for its specific key action. For users requiring extensive high-end library access, the Nord Stage 4 88 remains a premium alternative, while the Korg SV2S offers a more vintage-inspired aesthetic and interface.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the RD-88 EX different from the original RD-88?: The EX version adds 3,000 additional sounds and includes the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion. It maintains the same compact form factor and PHA-4 keyboard action but offers a significantly larger internal library.
What type of keyboard action does the RD-88 EX use?: It features the PHA-4 Standard keyboard action. This is a progressive hammer-action system that includes Escapement and an Ivory Feel texture on the key tops for better grip.
Does the RD-88 EX have built-in speakers?: Yes, it includes a built-in stereo speaker system. This system is designed to provide room-filling sound for home practice or small rehearsals without needing an external amplifier.
How many sounds are included in the RD-88 EX?: The instrument features over 3,000 additional sounds compared to standard models. These cover a wide range of categories including pianos, electric pianos, organs, synths, and brass.
Can I use the RD-88 EX as a MIDI controller?: Yes, it has a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface. It also features a dedicated control mode for Apple MainStage, making it highly effective as a master controller for virtual instruments.
What sound engines are used in this model?: The RD-88 EX utilizes the ZEN-Core Synthesis System and the SuperNATURAL engines (specifically for Acoustic and Electric Pianos). This combination allows for both high-fidelity acoustic samples and complex synth textures.
Is the RD-88 EX portable?: Yes, it is designed with a lightweight and compact chassis specifically for touring and gigging musicians. Despite having 88 weighted keys, its footprint is smaller than many traditional stage pianos.
What connectivity options are available for audio output?: In addition to the built-in speakers, it typically features standard 1/4-inch line outputs for connection to PAs and mixers, as well as a headphone jack for silent practice.
Does it support the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion?: Yes, this expansion is one of the core upgrades included with the RD-88 EX. it provides enhanced acoustic piano realism and playability.
How does it compare to the Korg D1?: The Korg D1 is a more basic stage piano without built-in speakers or the extensive ZEN-Core synth engine. The RD-88 EX is a more comprehensive performance workstation with deeper software integration.
Who is the RD-88 EX designed for?: It is aimed at professional musicians who need a lightweight 88-key piano for live performance. It is also suitable for players who use software like MainStage and need a keyboard with an integrated audio interface.
What are the key benefits of the ZEN-Core engine in this piano?: The ZEN-Core engine allows the RD-88 EX to access a vast array of modern Roland sounds. This makes it more versatile than a standard digital piano, as it can produce professional-grade synth and orchestral tones.