LINK XV-5080: How to Emulate the Legendary Roland Synth with a Plugin
LINK XV-5080: The Ultimate Roland Sound Module in a Plugin
If you are looking for a versatile and powerful virtual instrument plugin that can produce a wide range of sounds, from realistic acoustic instruments to futuristic synth sounds, you might want to check out the LINK XV-5080 plugin. This plugin is based on the Roland XV-5080 sound module, which was released in 2000 and became one of the most popular and acclaimed sound modules of all time. In this article, we will explore what makes the Roland XV-5080 so special, how the LINK XV-5080 plugin replicates and enhances its features, and how you can use it to create amazing music in any genre or style.
LINK XV-5080 VSTi VST3 AAX V1.0.2-R2R
Introduction
What is the Roland XV-5080?
The Roland XV-5080 was a flagship sound module that offered an immense power of PCM-based multitimbral synthesis, sophisticated modulation, an array of professional-quality DSP effects, and compatibility with the popular SRX expansion board series. It had over 1000 presets covering various musical genres and styles, from orchestral to electronic, from pop to rock, from jazz to world music. It also had a huge library of waveforms, including PCM samples, analog waveforms, digital waveforms, and even vocal sounds. The Roland XV-5080 was capable of producing rich and complex sounds that could rival or surpass those of samplers or synthesizers.
What is the LINK XV-5080 plugin?
The LINK XV-5080 plugin is a virtual instrument plugin that emulates the Roland XV-5080 sound module in software form. It is compatible with VST, VST3, Audio Unit, and AAX formats, and works on both macOS and Windows platforms. It has all the features and functions of the original hardware version, plus some modern enhancements that make it even more user-friendly and flexible. The LINK XV-5080 plugin allows you to access the legendary sounds of the Roland XV-5080 on your computer, without having to deal with bulky hardware or expensive expansion boards.
Why should you use the LINK XV-5080 plugin?
There are many reasons why you should use the LINK XV-5080 plugin for your music production needs. Here are some of them:
It has a huge collection of high-quality presets that cover almost any musical genre or style. You can easily find the right sound for your project, or use them as inspiration for your own sound design.
It is compatible with SRX expansion boards, which add hundreds of more sounds to your palette. You can load up to four SRX boards at once, giving you access to thousands of additional sounds.
It has a powerful synthesis engine that allows you to create your own sounds from scratch or modify existing ones. You can choose from different types of waveforms, including PCM samples, analog waveforms, digital waveforms, and vocal sounds. You can also adjust various parameters such as pitch, filter, envelope, LFO, effects, and more.
It has flexible modulation and effects options that let you shape and enhance your sounds. You can use up to three insert effects per part, plus a global reverb and chorus. You can also assign modulation sources and destinations to create dynamic and expressive sounds.
It has an edit window that shows you different views of the sound parameters, such as waveform, filter, envelope, LFO, effects, and more. You can easily switch between the views and tweak the settings with your mouse or keyboard.
It has hardware integration with Roland SYSTEM-8 and other controllers that let you control the plugin parameters with physical knobs and sliders. You can also use the plugin as a sound source for the SYSTEM-8's analog circuit behavior engine, which adds analog warmth and character to your sounds.
With the LINK XV-5080 plugin, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the classic sounds of the Roland XV-5080 sound module, and the convenience and flexibility of a software plugin.
Features of the LINK XV-5080 plugin
Over 900 presets covering various genres and styles
The LINK XV-5080 plugin comes with over 900 presets that are organized into 16 categories: Acoustic Piano, E.Piano & Clav, Organ & Accordion, Guitar & Bass, Strings & Orchestral, Brass & Woodwind, Synth Lead, Synth Pad, Synth Bass, Synth Comp & Arp, Synth FX & Percussion, Ethnic & World, Vocal & Choir, Drum Kits, Rhythm Sets, and GM2. Each category has subcategories that further classify the sounds by genre or style. For example, under the Guitar & Bass category, you can find subcategories such as Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Distortion Guitar, Bass Guitar, Fretless Bass, and more.
The presets cover a wide range of musical genres and styles, from realistic acoustic instruments to futuristic synth sounds. You can find sounds that are suitable for pop, rock, jazz, classical, hip hop, EDM, ambient, cinematic, and more. You can also find sounds that are inspired by famous artists or songs, such as Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Synth Pad > Analog Pad > Shine On), Michael Jackson's Thriller (Drum Kits > Pop/Rock Kit > Thriller), or Daft Punk's Get Lucky (Synth Comp & Arp > Funky Comp > Get Lucky).
The presets are designed to be ready-to-use for your music production needs. They have been carefully programmed to sound great on their own or in a mix. They also have been assigned with relevant modulation and effects settings to add depth and movement to your sounds. You can use the presets as they are or tweak them to your liking.
Compatibility with SRX expansion boards for more sounds
The LINK XV-5080 plugin is compatible with SRX expansion boards, which are optional sound libraries that were originally designed for the Roland XV-5080 sound module. The SRX expansion boards add hundreds of more sounds to your palette, expanding your sonic possibilities. There are 12 SRX expansion boards available for the LINK XV-5080 plugin:
SRX BoardTitleDescription
SRX-01Dynamic DrumsA collection of expressive and realistic drum sounds.
SRX-02Concert PianoA stunning grand piano sound with natural resonance and dynamics.
SRX-03Studio SRXA selection of essential studio sounds such as keyboards, guitars, basses, drums, and more.
SRX-04Symphonic StringsA beautiful ensemble of orchestral strings with rich articulations and expressions.
SRX-05Supreme DanceA collection of dance-oriented sounds such as synth leads, pads, basses, drums, and more.
SRX-06Complete OrchestraA comprehensive orchestral library with brasses, woodwinds, percussions, and more.
SRX-07Ultimate KeysA collection of keyboard sounds such as electric pianos, organs, clavinets, and more.
SRX-08Platinum TraxA collection of contemporary sounds such as hip hop, R&B, pop, and more.
SRX-09World CollectionA collection of ethnic and world sounds such as flutes, sitars, tablas, and more.
SRX-10Big Brass EnsembleA collection of powerful and expressive brass sounds such as trumpets, trombones, tubas, and more.
SRX-11Complete PianoA collection of various piano sounds such as uprights, grands, electric pianos, and more.
SRX-12Classic EPsA collection of classic electric piano sounds such as Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, and more.
You can load up to four SRX boards at once on the LINK XV-5080 plugin, giving you access to thousands of additional sounds. You can also mix and match sounds from different SRX boards to create your own unique combinations. The SRX boards are sold separately from the LINK XV-5080 plugin, but you can also get them as part of the Roland Cloud Ultimate membership plan.
Powerful synthesis engine with PCM, analog, and digital waveforms
The LINK XV-5080 plugin has a powerful synthesis engine that allows you to create your own sounds from scratch or modify existing ones. You can choose from different types of waveforms, including PCM samples, analog waveforms, digital waveforms, and vocal sounds. Each waveform has its own characteristics and qualities that can be used to create different types of sounds.
The PCM samples are high-quality recordings of various instruments and sounds that can be used to create realistic or hybrid sounds. The PCM samples are divided into two groups: PR-A and PR-B. The PR-A group contains the original PCM samples from the Roland XV-5080 sound module, while the PR-B group contains the PCM samples from the SR-JV80 series expansion boards that were compatible with the Roland XV-5080 sound module. You can use up to four PCM samples per part, and layer them or split them across the keyboard.
The analog waveforms are classic waveforms that are commonly used in analog synthesizers, such as sawtooth, square, pulse, triangle, sine, and noise. The analog waveforms can be used to create warm and fat synth sounds that have a vintage vibe. You can use up to two analog waveforms per part, and detune them or sync them for more sonic variations.
The digital waveforms are complex waveforms that are generated by digital synthesis methods, such as FM synthesis or additive synthesis. The digital waveforms can be used to create bright and crisp synth sounds that have a modern edge. You can use up to two digital waveforms per part, and modulate them or morph them for more sonic variations.
The vocal sounds are special waveforms that are derived from human voice samples. The vocal sounds can be used to create choir-like or vocoder-like sounds that have a human touch. You can use up to two vocal sounds per part, and adjust their formant or pitch for more sonic variations.
Flexible modulation and effects options
The LINK XV-5080 plugin has flexible modulation and effects options that let you shape and enhance your sounds. You can use up to three insert effects per part, plus a global reverb and chorus. You can also assign modulation sources and destinations to create dynamic and expressive sounds.
The insert effects are high-quality DSP effects that can be applied to each part individually. You can choose from over 90 types of effects, such as EQ, compressor, limiter, overdrive, distortion, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, reverb, and more. You can adjust the parameters of each effect to suit your needs. You can also change the order of the effects or turn them on or off with a click.
The global reverb and chorus are master effects that can be applied to the entire mix. You can choose from 10 types of reverb and 10 types of chorus, and adjust their parameters to suit your needs. You can also control the send level of each part to the global reverb and chorus.
The modulation options allow you to modulate various parameters of the sound with different sources, such as envelope, LFO, velocity, aftertouch, pitch bend, modulation wheel, expression pedal, and more. You can assign up to 12 modulation routings per part, and adjust the source, destination, and amount of each modulation. You can also use the matrix control function to assign up to four modulation sources to a single destination with different amounts.
With the modulation and effects options, you can add depth and movement to your sounds, and create dynamic and expressive sounds that respond to your playing.
Edit window with separate views for different parameters
The LINK XV-5080 plugin has an edit window that shows you different views of the sound parameters, such as waveform, filter, envelope, LFO, effects, and more. You can easily switch between the views and tweak the settings with your mouse or keyboard.
The waveform view shows you the waveforms that are used for each part. You can select the type of waveform (PCM, analog, digital, or vocal), and browse through the available waveforms in each group. You can also adjust the pitch, level, pan, and output of each waveform.
The filter view shows you the filter settings for each part. You can select the type of filter (low pass, high pass, band pass, or peaking), and adjust the cutoff frequency, resonance, key follow, velocity sensitivity, and envelope amount of each filter. You can also use the filter envelope to shape the filter response over time.
The envelope view shows you the envelope settings for each part. You can use the amplitude envelope to control the volume of the sound over time. You can also use the pitch envelope to control the pitch of the sound over time. You can adjust the attack time, decay time, sustain level, and release time of each envelope.
The LFO view shows you the LFO settings for each part. You can use the LFO to modulate various parameters of the sound with a periodic waveform. You can select the waveform type (sine, triangle, sawtooth, square, sample & hold, or random), and adjust the rate, delay, fade, key sync, and tempo sync of each LFO. You can also assign the LFO to modulate the pitch, filter, or amplitude of the sound.
The effects view shows you the effects settings for each part. You can select up to three insert effects per part, and choose from over 90 types of effects. You can also adjust the parameters of each effect, and change the order of the effects. You can also control the send level of each part to the global reverb and chorus.
The edit window makes it easy and convenient to edit and create sounds on the LINK XV-5080 plugin. You can see all the relevant parameters at a glance, and access them with a click. You can also use the compare function to compare your edited sound with the original preset.
Hardware integration with Roland SYSTEM-8 and other controllers
The LINK XV-5080 plugin has hardware integration with Roland SYSTEM-8 and other controllers that let you control the plugin parameters with physical knobs and sliders. You can also use the plugin as a sound source for the SYSTEM-8's analog circuit behavior engine, which adds analog warmth and character to your sounds.
The Roland SYSTEM-8 is a hardware synthesizer that has a plug-out mode that allows you to load and play software synthesizers on its internal engine. The LINK XV-5080 plugin is one of the compatible plug-out synthesizers that you can use with the SYSTEM-8. You can load the LINK XV-5080 plugin on the SYSTEM-8 via USB connection, and use the SYSTEM-8's keyboard and controls to play and edit the sounds. You can also use the SYSTEM-8's analog circuit behavior engine to process the sounds with analog filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects.
The LINK XV-5080 plugin also supports MIDI learn function that allows you to assign any plugin parameter to any MIDI controller. You can use any MIDI keyboard or controller to control the LINK XV-5080 plugin, and customize your own mapping according to your preference. You can also save and load your MIDI mappings for future use.
With the hardware integration, you can enjoy a more hands-on and intuitive experience with the LINK XV-5080 plugin. You can also combine the best of both digital and analog worlds with the SYSTEM-8's plug-out mode.
How to use the LINK XV-5080 plugin
Installation and activation
To use the LINK XV-5080 plugin, you need to install and activate it on your computer. Here are the steps to do so:
Download the installer file from the official website or from Roland Cloud Manager.
Run the installer file and follow the instructions on the screen.
Launch your DAW (digital audio workstation) software and scan for new plugins.
Insert the LINK XV-5080 plugin on a track or as a standalone application.
Enter your Roland account email and password to activate the plugin.
Enjoy using the LINK XV-5080 plugin.
If you have any issues with installation or activation, you can contact Roland support or visit their FAQ page for help.
Loading and browsing presets
To load and browse presets on the LINK XV-5080 plugin, you can use either the preset browser or the category buttons on the plugin interface. Here are the steps to do so:
Using the preset browser:
Click on the preset name on the top left corner of the plugin interface to open the preset browser.
Use the search bar or the filter options to find the preset you want. You can filter by category, subcategory, SRX board, or rating.
Click on the preset name to load it. You can also use the arrow keys or the mouse wheel to scroll through the presets.
Close the preset browser by clicking on the X button or pressing the ESC key.
Using the category buttons:
Click on one of the 16 category buttons on the bottom of the plugin interface to select a category of presets. For example, click on Acoustic Piano to select piano sounds.
Use the value knob or the left and right arrow buttons to select a subcategory of presets. For example, use the value knob to select Grand Piano from the Acoustic Piano category.
Use the patch knob or the up and down arrow buttons to select a preset from the subcategory. For example, use the patch knob to select Concert Grand from the Grand Piano subcategory.
You can also use your MIDI keyboard or controller to select presets by sending program change messages. You can assign different MIDI channels to different parts of the plugin, and load different presets for each part.
Editing and creating sounds
To edit and create sounds on the LINK XV-5080 plugin, you can use either the edit window or the hardware controls to tweak the settings. Here are the steps to do so:
Using the edit window:
Click on the edit button on the top right corner of the plugin interface to open the edit window.
Select the part that you want to edit from the part list on the left side of the edit window.
Select the view that you want to see from the view list on the top of the edit window. You can choose from waveform, filter, envelope, LFO, effects, and more.
Use your mouse or keyboard to adjust the parameters of the selected view. You can also use the copy and paste functions to copy and paste settings between parts or presets.
Close the edit window by clicking on the X button or pressing the ESC key.
Using the hardware controls:
Connect your Roland SYSTEM-8 or other MIDI controller to your computer via USB or MIDI cable.
Make sure that your MIDI controller is set to the same MIDI channel as the part that you want to edit on the plugin.
Use the knobs and sliders on your MIDI controller to adjust the parameters of the sound. You can also use the buttons and switches to select waveforms, effects, modulation sources, and more.
If you are using a Roland SYSTEM-8, you can also use the plug-out mode to load and play the plugin on its internal engine. You can also use its analog circuit behavior engine to process the sounds with analog filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects.
You can also use the MIDI learn function to assign any plugin parameter to any MIDI controller. To do so, right-click on the parameter that you want to assign, select MIDI learn from the menu, and move the knob or slider on your MIDI controller that you want to assign. You can also right-click on the parameter again and select MIDI unlearn to remove the assignment.
Saving and exporting sounds
To save and export sounds