My prediction for the Zen-core Product line
19 Jan 2020, 13:29I don't know if this has been said before or if it is just obvious, but I think Zen-core will be like Aira.
I think that all of these instruments are intended to work together and will be almost like one production suite.
There are primarily (3) core instruments in the ecosystem: Fantom,MC Series, and Jupiter-X.
Fantom Platform - Workstation (Centerpiece)
STRENGTHS
• Fantom Platoform has 3 USB ports
◦ Sidenote: I know these can be used for class compliant controllers, but I can see Roland implementing a unified connection between all instruments in the Zen-core line that allows settings, Saves, part data and sequence data to be shared. All instruments When you load a scene on fantom all other instruments load their respective parts and settings for that sequence. When you press play, all units start to play back.
• Feature set and DAW integration is the most robust out of the 3. MainStage/Logic.
• More hands on controls/buttons for production.
• Sequencing is deeper and offers the ability to incorporate other instruments.
WEAKNESSES*
• Weak Sampling Implementation (currently)
• No Analog Modeling functions (currently)
• No Multisampling (currently)
MC series - Drums
STRENGTHS
◦ Comprehensive Sampling features
◦ Sampling is built into the engine. So you can use your own samples in parallel with VA and sample based sounds.
◦ Audio clips
◦ Timstretch/Pitch-shifting
WEAKNESSES*
◦ Limited to 8 track/parts.
◦ From what I've read, it has a step sequencer that can do quite a bit but not as flexible as the fantom's sequencer.
◦ Small screen to edit notes.
◦ Does not have ability to do long sequences or songs.
◦ No Emulations like Supernatural/V-Piano/Analog Modeling
Jupiter-X - Analog Modeling
STRENGTHS
◦ Synth Modeling
◦ Robust sound palette of 5 engines from Roland's history
◦ Deep Sound Design capabilities
WEAKNESSES*
◦ Step sequencer
◦ No sampling ability
◦ No DAW integration
◦ Limited drums programing
So I know that all of these instruments have computer integration and some of the "weaknesses" I mentioned are a non issue for most and can be solved by being connected to a computer. I mean even pairing the Jupiter X with the MC-707 could be a great pairing, but I think if they were all connected a unified system it would be phenomenal.
*NOTE: THE TERM "WEAKNESS" IS ONLY USED TO DESCRIBE A FUNCTION THAT IS BASIC AND NOT AS COMPREHENSIVE AS IT WOULD BE ON ANOTHER ZEN-CORE DEVICE. IT IS NOT MEANT TO BE A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED. SO TAKE THIS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. IT JUST MAKES IT EASIER TO FLESH OUT THE IDEA.
Any thoughts?
I think that all of these instruments are intended to work together and will be almost like one production suite.
There are primarily (3) core instruments in the ecosystem: Fantom,MC Series, and Jupiter-X.
Fantom Platform - Workstation (Centerpiece)
STRENGTHS
• Fantom Platoform has 3 USB ports
◦ Sidenote: I know these can be used for class compliant controllers, but I can see Roland implementing a unified connection between all instruments in the Zen-core line that allows settings, Saves, part data and sequence data to be shared. All instruments When you load a scene on fantom all other instruments load their respective parts and settings for that sequence. When you press play, all units start to play back.
• Feature set and DAW integration is the most robust out of the 3. MainStage/Logic.
• More hands on controls/buttons for production.
• Sequencing is deeper and offers the ability to incorporate other instruments.
WEAKNESSES*
• Weak Sampling Implementation (currently)
• No Analog Modeling functions (currently)
• No Multisampling (currently)
MC series - Drums
STRENGTHS
◦ Comprehensive Sampling features
◦ Sampling is built into the engine. So you can use your own samples in parallel with VA and sample based sounds.
◦ Audio clips
◦ Timstretch/Pitch-shifting
WEAKNESSES*
◦ Limited to 8 track/parts.
◦ From what I've read, it has a step sequencer that can do quite a bit but not as flexible as the fantom's sequencer.
◦ Small screen to edit notes.
◦ Does not have ability to do long sequences or songs.
◦ No Emulations like Supernatural/V-Piano/Analog Modeling
Jupiter-X - Analog Modeling
STRENGTHS
◦ Synth Modeling
◦ Robust sound palette of 5 engines from Roland's history
◦ Deep Sound Design capabilities
WEAKNESSES*
◦ Step sequencer
◦ No sampling ability
◦ No DAW integration
◦ Limited drums programing
So I know that all of these instruments have computer integration and some of the "weaknesses" I mentioned are a non issue for most and can be solved by being connected to a computer. I mean even pairing the Jupiter X with the MC-707 could be a great pairing, but I think if they were all connected a unified system it would be phenomenal.
*NOTE: THE TERM "WEAKNESS" IS ONLY USED TO DESCRIBE A FUNCTION THAT IS BASIC AND NOT AS COMPREHENSIVE AS IT WOULD BE ON ANOTHER ZEN-CORE DEVICE. IT IS NOT MEANT TO BE A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED. SO TAKE THIS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. IT JUST MAKES IT EASIER TO FLESH OUT THE IDEA.
Any thoughts?
Manipulating frequencies to wake the dead, shake the living.