I'm into the process of buying a new synth. I had narrowed my choice to the Roland XP-30, but it turns out that I could get a XP-60 instead at an unusually better price (don't know about retail prices out there, but here in France, the XP-60 is normally $150-180 more expensive than the XP-30).

I don't need the onboard sequencer of the XP-60 since I'll be using my computer, and it's my understanding that the XP-30 has more sounds anyway with its three expansion boards, so the XP-30 seems like the obvious choice despite the unusual price difference... Then again, I have no experience with these synths, or any other Roland gear for that matter.

Anyone here had any experience, good or bad, with both these synths? Any reason (other that the onboard sequencer) I should go with one more than the other?

You should check out the Orchestral, Techno, and Session Expansion Boards if you don't like any or all of these boards-that's too bad-they come standard on the XP-30. If you don't like these boards you may want to get the XP-60. But then you said you didn't want the onboard sequencer. I would say you will need to go to a music store and do a lengthy side by side comparison. Either way you may end up paying for something you may not use or even want.

Advantages of XP30: more sounds (if you like the 3 on-board expansions), a bit easier to transport from place to place.

Advantages of XP60: if the boards that come installed on the XP30 don't suit you more than the other available expansion cards, the 60 lets you add 4 boards of your choice instead of just 2; floppy disk drive (floppies are so incredibly cheap!); much better user interface/display...going from menu to menu and programming sounds is much, much easier on the 60; even if you use your software sequencer, the 60's onboard sequencer is nice to have as a little musical idea "notepad" and it is great to have if you want to take the 60 on the road and do some composition.

The XP60s sequencer is much more powerful than what was described here as a "Notepad". The XP60s sequencer is more on par with the best of computer sequencers. The only drawback is that the resolution is 1/96. But that is inded a great resolution and it is accurate.

If you have a computer, the XP30 and a JV editior would be the best choice. More sounds, and the JVEdit would solve your problem with the 40x2 Character Display.

The Infamous EPU.

Epu,

Yes, the sequencer on the XP synths is as good as hardware sequencers can be. I was trying to illustrate that it can come in handy by FUNCTIONING as a quick musical idea recorder without having to boot up the PC and open the sequencing software.

Although it doesn't really relate to this topic, do you really think that the XP sequencer is "more on par with the best software sequencers"? I used the sequencer on my XP80 exclusively up until recently when I switched to Logic Audio. Everything the hardware sequencer did, LA does better, faster, and more easily, plus is capable of much more.

It is important to remember, that besides from the sequencer and interface, the XP-60 and XP-30 are identical. They have the same synth-engine, effects processors etc.

The XP-60 is more expandable, with 4 expansions. Besides, the floppy drive is, in my opinion, an advantage. The XP-60 has a much better interface.

The internal sequencer on th XP-60 is great in my opinion. I use only this. But if you want to use computer, you really don't need this.

On the plus side for the XP-30, is that three expansion-boards are included.

Stig

Hi!

I don't really know how to help you.
My best idea is about getting either one cheaper if you are from Europe...

PERHAPS WORTH A TRY:
I just know that three months ago I saw an XP for less than the average European second-hand price (!) of that instrument in a shop. One reason was that it had been used in the shop to show customers the synth, and the onther reason might be that in Europe we're having some important music promotional festivals and so on. For example, in Germany the XV series is supposed to have just been introduced. Therefore, it might be a good idea anyway to talk to people at shops and tell them that the XP series isn't going to be Roland's state of the art any more soon... they might reduce prices or they may not, I don't know.

MY PERSONAL PROS AND CONS OF BOTH SYNTHS:
If you appreciate the XP-30's preset waveform expansion boards, it would be a good argument for that one in every case. The XP-30 also has storing possibilities from what I know (SmartMediaTM thingies) that seem to be Roland standard but perhaps not commonly used, which might be a problem once your synth isn't produced any more, or even turns vintage :-)
Whereas it doesn't feature a sequencer, the rest of the XP-30 seems to be identical to the XP-60's functions.
Well, the ease of use seems to be a bit better on the XP-60, but then on the other hand if you don't want to have a sequencer why not try an XP-30.

-->ALL I CAN TELL YOU IS: try to gather information about all the important functions of both instruments. Know your preferences, likes & dislikes. Know what you are and what you are NOT looking for, and try to lower the price with the help of some nice arguments like XV-series and so on or try finding one that is in good shape, yet was used in a shop for promotional use... now that sounds pretty unrealistic I have to admit...

But in the end, you yourself know better than I do in every case!

Thanks to all of you for your input, it was much appreciated. FWIW, I've finally decided to go with the XP-30... Hope I won't regret it! :-)