Roland XPS 60 Keyboard (Piano)

Roland has recently released a new “XPS-60 Expandable Synthesizer” in late 2024 or early 2025, building on the success of the XPS-10 and XPS-30, and specifically targeting markets like India and Indonesia with expanded ethnic sounds. This is a new product, not related to the older XP-60 workstation.

Key Features and Highlights of the NEW Roland XPS-60:

• Expanded Sound Library: It features an even larger and updated sound set (over 1600 tones, 55+ drum kits) building on the best of the XPS-10 and XPS-30. Many new sounds are specifically tailored for keyboard performances in markets like India and Indonesia, including percussion sounds such as Tabla and Kendang.
• World Expansion Series (Roland Cloud): This is a major enhancement. The XPS-60 is compatible with Roland Cloud’s “World Expansion” series. You can download region-specific sound collections (e.g., Indian instruments like santoor, sitar, harmonium, bansuri, pungi, sarangi, tabla-dholak, etc.) and write them into the internal memory via USB. A “Special Selection” of Indian sounds (EXZ101) comes pre-installed, with more available for purchase.
• Improved Keyboard Action: It features the keyboard action found in Roland’s higher-tier FANTOM-0 series, offering an improved feel and wider expressive range for players.
• Enhanced Sample Import and Audio Player: You can import custom WAV/AIFF audio files via USB (now with USB-C for easier workflow) and map them across the keyboard. The onboard Audio Player function is more versatile, allowing you to reinforce performances with backing music (WAV/AIFF) assigned to the eight phrase pads, with independent pitch and speed control.
• Eight Phrase Pads: Expanded from the XPS-10’s six, these can trigger loaded audio files, onboard drum sounds, or imported samples in real time. They can also act as part select/mute buttons for the sequencer.
• Microphone Input with Vocal Effects: A high-quality combo XLR/TRS microphone input is included, with its own level control and dedicated vocal effects like Reverb, Auto Pitch (for “stepped” electronic vocal effects), and a built-in Vocoder. This eliminates the need for external vocal processing gear for many performers.
• Eight-Track Step Sequencer: A new addition for the XPS series, allowing you to sketch song ideas, create interactive backing with onboard sounds, and use arpeggio and chord memory functions.
• More Accessible User Scale Settings: While previous XPS models had global user scales, the XPS-60 allows you to set optimal scales for each tone individually, saving them within Scene memories for quick recall on stage.
• Intuitive User Interface: Features a large color LCD display (480 x 272 dots) and dedicated Sound Modify knobs (four knobs vs. sliders on XPS-10) for real-time sound shaping, in addition to sliders for other parameters.
• Scene Memories: Allows you to save complete setups (tones, splits, layers, effects, scale settings, etc.) for one-touch recall during live performances.
• USB-C Connectivity: Modernized USB-C port for both audio and MIDI communication with computers and mobile devices. It’s class-compliant for audio and MIDI.
• Mobile Battery Power Support: Can even be powered with a rechargeable mobile battery (via USB-C), offering ultimate portability for street gigs or busking.
• Lightweight and Portable: Weighs 5.8 kg (12 lbs 13 oz), making it highly manageable for transport.
• 128-Voice Polyphony: Ensures no dropped notes even with complex arrangements.

Who is the NEW Roland XPS-60 for?

• Gigging Musicians: An ideal workhorse for live performance across diverse genres, with its vast and expandable sound set, vocal effects, and performance features.
• Musicians Playing Ethnic/Regional Music: The strong focus on World Expansion sounds and flexible user scales makes it particularly appealing to this audience.
• Content Creators/Vloggers: The mic input with vocal effects and loopback capabilities can be beneficial.
• Producers and Composers: The expanded sounds, step sequencer, and MIDI/audio over USB-C make it a solid tool for studio work.
• Anyone looking for a modern, versatile, and portable workstation: It offers a comprehensive set of features in a lightweight package.

Given that you previously asked about the XPS-10, it’s highly probable you’re interested in the NEW Roland XPS-60 Expandable Synthesizer as the logical progression in that series. It represents a significant upgrade and modernization over the XPS-10, especially with its deeper Roland Cloud integration, enhanced keyboard feel, and dedicated vocal processing.