Roland RD 88 EX Review

Today, I’m excited to share an overview and my thoughts on the Roland RD-88 EX stage piano. As someone who dives deep into MIDI controllers and keyboards, this one caught my attention for its versatility and sound quality, especially for the under $2,000 price point. If you’re familiar with Keyboard Kraze, we’re all about providing insights into musical gear and helping musicians find the right tools for their craft.

Pros:

• Over 3,000 sounds from the Zen-Core Sound Engine
• SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion for realistic piano tones
• Lightweight, portable design with built-in speakers
• PHA-4 key action for expressive, responsive playing (This key bed is my favorite for the price point by far)
• Easy-to-use interface with tactile controls
• Extensive connectivity options, including MIDI and USB
• Quick setup for splits, layers, and effects adjustments
• Versatile for live performances, home studios, and educational settings
• Speakers were more powerful than I had thought they would be

Cons:

• Limited onboard memory for custom sound storage
• No pitch stick, which some performers prefer for synth sounds
• Display screen is small and lacks a touchscreen interface
• Slight learning curve for accessing advanced sound customization

Key Features

The Roland RD-88 EX Stage Piano is packed with features that make it a standout choice for musicians of all levels. Here’s what sets it apart:

Over 3,000 Sounds from Zen-Core Sound Engine

What really drives the RD-88 EX is its comprehensive sound library. The Zen-Core sound engine provides more than 3,000 sounds, offering an incredible variety that caters to any musical style. Whether you’re looking to recreate the classic tones of past eras or innovate with contemporary sounds, this engine covers it all.

SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion

The inclusion of the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 expansion adds to the RD-88 EX’s appeal by offering a rich, realistic piano experience. The tones are expressive and dynamic, ensuring that your performances sound authentic and full.

Slimline Design for Portability

Designed with mobility in mind, the RD-88 EX boasts a slimline design that makes it easy to transport. Whether you’removing from gig to gig or just rearranging your home studio, its lightweight build and compact size ensure that it won’t be a hassle.

Built-in Speakers and Professional-Grade Outputs

The RD-88 EX comes with built-in speakers that are perfect for practice sessions or intimate settings. When you’re ready to take it to the stage or studio, the professional-grade line level outputs provide the quality needed for larger sound systems, ensuring your sound is clear and robust.

PHA-4 Key Action

The PHA-4 keyboard action is one of the best features of the RD-88 EX. It delivers a highly expressive and responsive playing experience, which is ideal for both nuanced performances and vigorous playing styles.

Extensive I/O Options

Connectivity is a key strength here. With three pedal inputs and MIDI capabilities, the RD-88 EX is versatile enough to integrate into any setup. It also includes stereo headphone and line outputs, USB ports, and even a control mode for Apple MainStage, making it a versatile tool for diverse musical applications.

Easy-to-Use Tactile Interface

The RD-88 EX’s control panel is designed for simplicity. You can easily access various sound categories, adjust tones, set up splits or layers, and use effects like reverb and delay. Customization is straightforward with variation and effects dials.

Sound Customization Features

Customize your sound with EQ adjustments, transposition options, and dedicated controls for pitch and modulation. These tools allow for a personalized playing experience that can adapt to any musical setting.

Applications

The Roland RD-88 EX is a versatile digital piano that fits right into various settings. This instrument is not just about the extensive library of sounds it offers, but also about where it can be utilized. With its compact size and built-in speakers, it’s ready to take on any environment you choose to place it in.

Home Studio

For those working from a home studio, the RD-88 EX is a solid choice. It doesn’t take up much space and its wide array of sounds can complement any home recording setup. The intuitive controls make it easy to switch between sounds and effects, which is great when you’re in the creative flow and don’t want to interrupt it.

Practice Room

In a practice room, the RD-88 EX shines with its simple yet effective interface. The PHA-4 key action provides an expressive touch that feels satisfying under the fingers, encouraging regular practice. The built-in metronome and rhythm patterns are handy for keeping time and adding variety to practice sessions.

Church

In a church setting, the RD-88 EX offers a broad spectrum of tones that can cater to various musical styles, from traditional hymns to contemporary worship music. Its lightweight design means it can be moved easily between different parts of a church, whether it’s on stage or in a smaller meeting room.

School

For educational institutions, the RD-88 EX is durable and versatile enough to handle different genres and teaching styles. Whether it’s for music classes or school performances, this digital piano provides students and teachers with an instrument that is both educational and inspiring.

Stage

On stage, the RD-88 EX proves its worth with robust performance features. Its comprehensive I/O options, including three pedal inputs and MIDI capabilities, make it adaptable for live gigs. The ability to quickly set up splits or layers and adjust effects is a big plus during live performances.

Recording Studio

In a recording studio, the RD-88 EX’s extensive sound library and customization options make it a valuable asset. The wide range of tones, combined with its sound editing capabilities, allows musicians and producers to craft the exact sound they need for a track. Its compact size and connectivity options also make it easy to integrate into any studio setup.

Interface and Ease of Use

When I first sat down with the Roland RD-88 EX, the interface immediately made an impression. It’s not overloaded with unnecessary complexity, which I appreciate. The RD-88 EX really embraces simplicity with its button controls for common functions like changing tones, setting up splits, or layering sounds. This isn’t just a superficial claim—it’s genuinely easy to make these adjustments on the fly.

Simple Button Controls

The RD-88 EX has clearly labeled buttons that make it straightforward to switch between tones, create splits, or layer sounds. It’s all within arm’s reach. I like that I don’t have to dig through endless menus to make these basic changes. The tactile interface is intuitive, and it just feels right when you’re in the middle of playing and need to make quick adjustments.

Three-Band EQ and Effects

Another notable aspect is the three-band EQ and effects like reverb and delay. These are accessible through dials, which allow for real-time tweaking. You can dial in just the right amount of reverb or delay to fit the room or mood you’re playing in. The EQ adjust button lets you control low, mid, and high frequencies, so tailoring the sound to your liking is a breeze.

Metronome and Rhythm Patterns

The metronome and rhythm patterns are just as easy to access. They’re there if you want them, but they don’t get in the way if you don’t. This is perfect for practice sessions or even live performance if you need a steady beat to keep you on track.

Connectivity Options

The Roland RD-88 EX offers everything you need for both live performance and studio work. First, there’s the stereo headphone output that uses a 1/4 inch jack. This is perfect for private practice or late-night sessions without disturbing others.

Standard Outputs

The RD-88 EX provides standard left and right outputs, also on 1/4 inch jacks. These are needed for connecting to external amplifiers or PA systems when you’re on stage or in a recording studio. The reliability and quality of these outputs ensure that what you hear is what you get.

Inputs

For versatility, the RD-88 EX includes both 3.5mm and 1/4 inch inputs. This allows you to bring in audio from different sources, like a smartphone or a secondary instrument. Whether you’re playing along with your favorite tracks or integrating with other gear, these inputs have you covered.

MIDI and USB Connections

MIDI capabilities are a must for any serious keyboard, and the RD-88 EX delivers with a traditional five-pin MIDI out. But it doesn’t stop there; it also includes USB connections. There’s USB to host and USB to device functions, turning the RD-88 EX into a versatile controller for your digital audio workstation. The USB port doubles up as both a MIDI and an audio interface, making it extremely useful for integration with computer-based setups.

Pedal Inputs

Finally, there are three pedal inputs, which is somewhat of a luxury in digital pianos. This allows you to connect sustain, soft, and expression pedals, giving you the full range of control you’d expect from an acoustic instrument.

Control Panel Exploration

General Sound Categories

When I’m working with the Roland RD-88 EX, the control panel is straightforward, which I appreciate. First thing to note is the layout of general sound categories. There’s a wide range of them here—pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, pads and choirs, guitars and basses, brass and winds, synths, and more. This sort of categorization is really useful when I need to find a specific sound quickly.

Variations Within Each Sound Category

Each sound category isn’t just a single sound; there are multiple variations. For example, within the pianos category, I find a variety of grand piano sounds—Concert Grand, Bright Concert, Mellow Concert, and so on. This variation is consistent across other categories too. Electric pianos, organs, and strings all offer similar depth. I use the increment and decrement buttons to cycle through these variations, which is quick and intuitive.

Easy Navigation

Navigating through these sounds is made easy with the increment/decrement buttons. This feature lets me scroll through the variations in each category without fuss. If I’m editing a sound or adjusting parameters and want to quickly reset to a default piano sound, there’s a handy OneTouch Piano button to get me back to a concert grand piano preset instantly. It’s all about ease of use, and the Roland RD-88 EX does this well by allowing me to get straight to the sound I need with minimum hassle.

Tone and Effects Adjustment

One-Touch Piano Button for Quick Reset

One of the features I appreciate on the Roland RD-88 EX is the one-touch piano button. It’s perfect when you want to reset everything back to the default Concert Grand Piano sound. After trying out different tones, tweaking effects, or experimenting with settings, this button makes it easy to return to a familiar starting point. No need for complicated menus or deep resets—just a single press, and you’re back to the basics.

Tactile Interface for Reverb, Chorus, and Delay Adjustments

The RD-88 EX comes with a tactile interface that makes controlling effects straightforward. You have dedicated dials for reverb, chorus, and delay. It’s refreshing to have physical controls that let you bring in as much or as little of these effects as you want. This simplicity means more time playing and less time fiddling. Just reach up, turn a dial, and hear the difference immediately. Whether you want a dry piano or something drenched in reverb, it’s all at your fingertips.

Independent Volume Control for Split and Dual Modes

For those who like layering sounds or splitting the keyboard, the RD-88 EX has got you covered with independent volume controls for both split and dual modes. This is crucial when you want to balance different tones. Maybe you want a little more bass in your left hand or more strings in your right—you can adjust each sound independently with simple dials. It’s all about flexibility, so you can shape your sound to fit any musical context. Having this level of control makes the RD-88 EX a powerful tool for performances or studio sessions.

Advanced Sound Customization

Splits and Dual Modes Explained

With the Roland RD-88 EX, setting up splits and dual modes is simple and intuitive. Splits allow you to assign different sounds to different sections of the keyboard. For example, you can have a bass sound on the lower section and a piano sound on the upper section. This is perfect for live performances where you need quick access to multiple tones.

In dual mode, also known as layering, you can play two sounds simultaneously across the entire keyboard. The default setup might pair a piano with strings, but you can easily swap these out for any of the 3,000+ sounds available in the RD-88 EX’s vast library. Both splits and dual modes are controlled by dedicated buttons on the interface, letting you switch between setups instantly.

Combination of Split and Dual for Complex Sound Setups

The RD-88 EX really shines when you combine split and dual modes. This allows for even more complex sound arrangements, such as having a bass in the left hand and a layered piano and strings in the right hand. This combination expands your sonic possibilities, making it ideal for creating rich, layered performances without needing additional equipment.

Tone Color and Multi-Effects Dials

Customizing your sound doesn’t stop at splits and dual modes. The RD-88 EX features tone color and multi-effects dials that provide further control over your sound. The tone color dial adjusts the width of the sound in the stereo field, which can make your piano sound either more focused or expansive, depending on what you need.

The multi-effects dial is a powerful tool that enhances different aspects of your sound, such as increasing the depth of a phaser effect on an electric piano patch. Additionally, you have dedicated dials for chorus/delay and reverb effects, allowing you to control the ambiance and echo of your sounds with precision. You can use these dials independently or simultaneously to sculpt your sound exactly how you want it. This level of customization makes the RD-88 EX a versatile instrument capable of fitting into any musical context.

Transposition and Equalization

Simple Transposition with Dedicated Button

Transposition is straightforward. There’s a dedicated button that makes it easy to shift the pitch up or down in half-step increments. This is particularly handy when you’re accompanying a vocalist who prefers a song in a different key or if you just want to experiment with different keys without changing your familiar finger positions. 

You simply press the transposition button and adjust the pitch by selecting the desired key on the keyboard. The display will guide you, indicating when you’ve successfully transposed to your target key. Returning to the original tuning is just as simple—hit middle C on the transposition settings, and you’re back to concert pitch.

EQ Adjustments for Low, Mid, and High Frequencies

The RD-88 EX provides a hands-on approach to sound shaping with its three-band equalizer. This feature allows you totweak low, mid, and high frequencies to suit your playing environment or to cut through a mix better. Each frequency band is adjusted via dedicated dials, offering quick and seamless changes on the fly. Need more bass for a fuller sound? Just turn up the low-frequency dial. Want to enhance the clarity of your sound? Adjust the mid and high frequencies to your liking. This intuitive EQ section ensures you can sculpt your sound right from the control panel, making it adaptable for various acoustic settings whether you’re on stage or in a studio.

Organ Sounds and Modulation

Tonewheel Organ Sounds

When it comes to organ sounds, the Roland RD-88 EX doesn’t disappoint. It includes a range of tonewheel organ sounds that can easily mimic the classic Hammond organ vibe. This feature is particularly valuable for those of us who love that rich, vintage sound that can add depth and character to any musical piece. The tonewheel organ sounds are not just passable; they are well-crafted and offer a genuine feel that can hold its own in a live performance setting.

Rotary Amplifier Speed Control

One of the standout features for organ enthusiasts is the RD-88 EX’s rotary amplifier speed control, which can be manipulated via the modulation wheel. This gives you real-time control over the rotary effect, allowing you to switch between slow and fast speeds with ease. It’s a great tool for adding expressiveness to your organ playing. Whether you’re looking for a slow, mellow vibe or a fast, intense whirl, the modulation wheel makes it intuitive to achieve the desired effect. The ability to control this aspect dynamically can be a game-changer, especially during live performances where you need immediate response and flexibility.

Synthesizer Capabilities

The Roland RD-88 EX isn’t just a digital piano—it’s a fully functional synthesizer, too. It’s equipped with pitch and modulation wheels, which are essential for anyone looking to expand their sound beyond traditional piano tones. These wheels offer an interactive way to manipulate sound in real-time, allowing for expressive performances that go beyond the capabilities of a classic piano setup.

Pitch and Modulation Wheels

The pitch wheel on the RD-88 EX is smooth and responsive, giving me precise control over the pitch. It’s a feature I findindispensable when working with synth sounds, as it allows me to bend notes, creating those classic pitch slides and vibrato effects that are a staple in many modern music genres.

The modulation wheel adds another layer of expressiveness. It can be used to control various parameters depending on the selected sound, from vibrato intensity to filter cutoff. This flexibility makes the RD-88 EX a joy to play, especially when exploring the vast array of synth tones available from the Zen-Core sound engine.

Suitability for Modern Playing Styles

With these synthesis capabilities, the RD-88 EX is perfect for modern playing styles. Whether I’m working on a pop track that requires slick synth leads or an electronic piece that demands lush pads and evolving textures, the RD-88 EX has got me covered. I find that the ability to seamlessly transition between piano and synth roles is incredibly useful in dynamic live performances and studio sessions.

The combination of traditional keyboard action with advanced synth controls truly broadens the versatility of the RD-88 EX. It allows me to experiment and push the boundaries of my music, integrating modern sound design into my performances effortlessly. This makes the RD-88 EX an exciting instrument for any musician looking to explore new sonic territories.

What I Like

• The extensive sound library with over 3,000 tones from the Zen-Core Sound Engine provides incredible versatility for any musical style.
• The SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion delivers a rich, expressive piano experience.
• The PHA-4 key action is incredible for the price point, offering a highly authentic and responsive feel that outperforms anything else in its price range.
• The slim, lightweight design makes it easy to transport, perfect for musicians on the go.
• The intuitive, tactile interface simplifies sound customization and real-time adjustments.
• Extensive connectivity options ensure seamless integration with various setups, both live and in the studio.

What I Don’t Like

• The built-in speakers are convenient for practice but lack the power needed for larger venues.
• The small display screen can be limiting, especially when navigating advanced features.
• Onboard memory for custom sound storage is limited, which might be a concern for those who need to save a lot of personalized settings.
• There is a slight learning curve for accessing and mastering some of the deeper sound customization options.
• The lack of a pitch stick may disappoint performers who prefer that control for synth sounds.