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Roland A-80
Midi Controller
1989 - 1995
64 patches, expandable to 128. Furthermore 13Kb SysEx memory
88 keys weighted
The keyboard
The weight
The keys of the A-80 is made by IVORY, not wooden
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
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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 A80, 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:
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
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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)
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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
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
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
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
- Clean the top of the rubber pads
- Clean properly below the rubber pad and
the circuit card. Rubber can be dry of
Isopropyl, but the option is dirty rubber...
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
- The rubber pads are plane
- All connectors are properly connected
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
ROLAND A-80 MANUAL
Roland A-80 Turbo facts
Roland Owner Manuals
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
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