You're welcome, Jacki.
Yes, as far as I know it should contain all all of the same effects, since when you upgrade the regular vs880 with the V-expanded software, it adds several new FX algorithms as well.
For most typical use, I doubt the compression will be extremely noticeable, although it will affect the quality of your recording to some degree. I originally bought
my VS880 some time ago on a whim basically, and I used it mostly as a means for getting musical ideas down. So, for that purpose I simply left compression on all of the time. For final mixes I would always turn compression off because I'm always a stickler for using the absolute best quality for the final mix.
Once you turn compression off you're left with 6 tracks that you can use for recording and/or playback. It has been a while since I've recorded with a v-expanded VS880, but I do believe you can record 6 tracks at the same time (if not 6, four for sure). The EX upgrade is certainly a step up from the original VS880, especially in the department of recording capabilities since the original would turn the VS into a 4 track recording/playback unit once compression was turned off!
I haven't had a chance to use the Roland CDR, although I have heard that it works great with the VS. I doubt that any 3rd party CD writers will work with the VS880, since the Roland CDR probably needs some proprietary software/drivers to function properly. I always prefer to use a CDR in a computer simply because they are much more flexible. Depending on how much the person wants extra for the Roland CDR, I would suggest picking up a CDR for your computer, transferring the audio from the VS880 to your computer via s/pdif and then burning with a dedicated redbook program such as Red Roaster, Sonic Foundry's CD Arch. or similar. It might cost a little bit extra, but in the long run I think it would be worth it!
Or...if you have a fairly powerful computer already and you don't need the portability that a VS880 will offer you, you could go completely computer-based with your multi-track recording and eliminate the need for a 880 altogether...
Ryan.
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