VS-840 vs. VS-840EX vs Cakewalk

[jnorman]

what's the difference between the 840 and the 840EX, and is it worth the money to get the new EX ($1000) instead of a used 840 (about $500)? i have a nice IBM laptop - should i not bother with the roland at all, and just use Cakewalk on my laptop? (i tried the demo version of cakewalk, and found it to be pretty user-unfriendly, and poor reverb.)

[warble]

I am using a VS-840 and have been for a year now. I updated the recorder to the "EX" version and am satisfied with my choice. You gain some new effects, update the operating system, and go from a 100MB zip to a 250MB zip drive. This definitely aids the recording time problem. I use to run out of time occasionally, and now have that "extra" to get by.

I've only tried out PC software for recording. It is easier to use, but for the portablility and bang for the buck, the VS-840EX is a great choice. Just for reference, the upgrade costed me $250US at the dealer. If you can pick up the VS-840 for $500US, contact a Roland dealer in your area and check on the upgrade price. It will be worth it for you.

Just my opinion!

[The Mighty Druid]

Good day old chap!

If it's a choice between the Roland VS series and computer based recorders, then do yourself a favour and choose to go with the Roland offerings every time.

I like yourself used to use Cubase VST to do my audio recordings but however since I purchased the Roland, No more rain.

I personally found the computer based systems to be unstable and problematic. I'm not saying that you will but wouldn't you rather use a solid state machine in opposed to a software emulation? Especially when we consider that they are both expensive options.

Just a thought.