http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=1025&ParentId=420


I just ordered one..sight unseen..

Has anyone tried one?

Just looked at the link and can't see what the Watts RMS output is. This must be the first amp I've ever seen where they don't publish that number. Any idea what it is, Fran?

Sweetwater catalog states 250 watts LF and 50 watts HF...but that is not correct..I contacted Roland, and they don't publish these specs....but He told me 30 watts a side...although the new technology employed makes this unit very loud...in fact louder than most mid range amps..109db

I found using all-in-one stereo amps/speakers, like the Traynor K4, quite unsatisfactory for optimum stereo separation.

I think the length of throw of the speakers in the 330 would be what I'd be concerned about if it was to be used as a PA.

The K4 was loud, but the high end dropped off rather severely when you listened at a fair distance, not to mention the stereo effect.

It's hard to beat two separate speakers for stereo, but if you don't mind the loss of that effect at a much shorter distance than the former, it would certainly be much better than a single mono amp for reproducing a stereo keyboard.

Only 30 watts a side means you'll be pushing it quite hard at larger venues...consider two Roland Cube CM-30's and you'll get an idea how loud it is.

Ian

Fran,

After reading the spec sheet I suspect that 30-watts per channel is peak power--not RMS. Keep in mind they say you can run this thing on 8 AA batteries for up to 10 hours. If you were truly drawling 60-watts those tiny batteries would be dead in less than a minute.

This looks like something you could use outdoors to play to a bunch of people sitting on a deck, or something you could use in a living room setting. And, while Roland says it will handle audiences to 80 people I seriously doubt that statement is correct. I don't think you'll have this very long.

Merry Christmas Old Friend,

Gary

Roland makes some interesting smaller stuff which, if used in the right setting, can be pretty neat. Like others, I have the CM-30 monitor, which I use for smaller parties. I also have several battery operated cubes: one for guitar (can't remember the model, but it's shaped like an old-time transistor radio) and a neat little bass unit, which sounds like has the same speakers as this one.

Believe it or not, I play enough outside jobs to pay for these units, and will look at the little PA, to add channels.

Not for everyone, but useful "in a pinch" or for use as a small powered monitor. I'd guess the output on all these little units at less than 10 watts.


Thanks, Fran,


Russ



[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 12-23-2009).]

Hey guys..I think I will be pleasantly surprised...

The unit Russ has is 2.5 watts a side..and it was nearly as loud as the Mackie 150 (100 watts)...So numbers don't impress me or discourage me..

I have had a lengthy conversation with my Sweetwater sales rep and a Roland tech...They used comparisons between the Roland acoustic amps ..both the 60 watt unit and the 90 watt unit..I have used and heard both..they are very good...They both assured me the BA330 is hands down fuller and louder than either of these...Don't forget they have 4 - 6 and a half inch woofers and a pair of tweeters..

This comparison was enough for me to order a BA330..

Ian , I can't agree with the K4 drop out of highs at a short distance..I used the K4 at DNJ's dance (250 people at tables and a large dance floor..and there was NO loss of sound..even in the bathroom ..down a hall and about 200 feet away..

I do agree that twin separate speakers are best for stereo..and I may as well add 15" , horn and tweeters are best.. Like my 25 year old Cubes..

What interest me in the BA330 is the self contained mixer with effects and feedback eliminator...and a very flexible input selections..Add the battery powered for up to 15 hours at 109 db....Why wouldn't I be excited...and under 29 pounds..

And don't forget ..it is stereo..It also has a "wide" effect....I am betting it is a winner..

I want this for small parties and double as a monitor with the band....The 80 people rating is perfect in my intended use..

BTW: I just did a dinner party in a room 30x40..I had the Prelude and a single Podium 802....I didn't even turn the Podium on...The 11 watts per side on the Prelude was more than enough volume..I used the M-10dx mixer for mic and effects into the Prelude input...

Logic tells me the easy hook up of the BA330 and just the Prelude..will be ideal..and I bet it will cover the mid size rooms without any problems....I will let you all know next week..

I don't mind if you don't agree with me Fran...believe me, if the K4 was a good as you say, I'd have one.

Unfortunately, although you say there might be no loss of sound 200 feet away, but what was left certainly wasn't worth listening to. Barely any highs left whatsoever in the test we did with one.

It was the same day we tested out the two Bose L1's.

The K4 is a monitor amp, with a short focal point for the speakers, and meant to sound all frequencies at close range, i.e. on a stage as a keyboard monitor. It was not designed as an arranger amp, but more for monitoring Stage Pianos and clonewheel organs, with which it does a great job.

But, if it works for you, that's great...it didn't work well for me at all.

Ian