Roland RD-2000 EX

A New Milestone in the RD DNA: Power, Control, and Reliability

Heir to the RD lineage launched with the RD-1000 (1986) and carried forward by the RD-2000, the Roland RD-2000 EX (announced in 2024) modernizes the professional stage piano approach: immediate access to essential sounds, ultra-clear real-time control, and architecture designed for touring. It natively includes V-Piano expansions such as "German Concert" and "Essential Upright", covering both the grand concert piano and the more intimate colors of the upright piano, while retaining the direct ergonomics that made the series famous.

Keyboard Design

With its PHA-50 88 keys, the RD-2000 EX aims for an ideal compromise between acoustic feel and durability. The progressive hammer action combined with escapement offers fine control over dynamics, credible attack in both pianissimo and fortissimo, and fast repetition useful for rapid passages. The hybrid wood/plastic keys provide natural inertia, while the "ivory/ebony" type surface improves grip and comfort during long performances. The advanced sensor detection enhances velocity precision for a consistent response across the keyboard.

Sound Quality

The V-Piano engine relies on modeling for a lively acoustic behavior (resonances, dynamics, interaction) with full polyphony, especially appreciated when using sustain or layering sounds. Complementing this, the SuperNATURAL engine (128 voices) handles electric pianos, keyboards, PCM sounds, and Virtual ToneWheel organs, offering an immediately usable palette for pop, funk, jazz, gospel, or contemporary music. With over 1,100 sounds, colors inspired by the RD-1000 and MKS-20, and a performance-oriented architecture, the RD-2000 EX positions itself as a premium stage piano designed to interface with monitors, front-of-house systems, or studio setups (it does not include built-in speakers).

Built-in Effects

• Modulation FX: 4 systems, 62 types (chorus, phaser, flanger, and modulation variations).
• Tremolo/Amp: 4 systems, 6 types (tremolo and amp treatments for electric pianos and keyboards).
• Reverb: 6 types, to place the piano in a believable space from studio to large stage.
• Delay: 5 types, useful for widening lead sounds or thickening pads.
• Sympathetic Resonance (SuperNATURAL pianos), for a more organic feel.
• 3-band Compressor and 5-band Digital EQ, to sculpt the sound according to the room and mix.
• Emulations: BOSS CE-1 and Roland Dimension D, perfect for vintage 80s-style textures.

Technical specifications

Effects	Tremolo, Reverb, Delay, EQ, Compressor	Touch	Heavy
Arpeggiator	No	Split & layer	layer, split
Bluetooth	No	Max polyphony	128
Controller	Pitchbend, Modulation, Drawbars	USB to Host port	Yes
Number of speakers	0	Inputs	Expression pedal, Stereo mini jack
Velocity sensitive	Yes	Outputs	USB Type B, Mono & stereo audio, XLR, USB Type A
MIDI DIN I/O	Yes	Color	Black
Number of keys	88	Finishing	Matt

Keyboard	PHA-50, 88 keys, hybrid wood/plastic structure, escapement, "ivory/ebony" surface.	MIDI	In, Out1, Thru/Out2.
Action	progressive hammer action, velocity sensitivity, advanced sensor detection.	Pedal inputs	Damper, FC1, FC2, EXT.
2 independent engines	V-Piano (modeling) + SuperNATURAL (EP/Clav/PCM/Virtual ToneWheel Organ).	Audio processing	24-bit; sampling frequencies 44.1/48/88.2/96/192 kHz.
Polyphony	full V-Piano; SuperNATURAL 128 voices.	Recording/playback	2 channels.
Tones	over 1,100; Parts: 16 (up to 8 per Program); Programs: 300; Scenes: 100; Zones: 8.	Audio playback/recording	WAV 44.1 kHz/16-bit via USB flash drive (USB Memory).
Modulation FX	4 systems, 62 types; Tremolo/Amp: 4 systems, 6 types.	Display	256 x 80-dot graphic LCD.
Reverb	6 types; Delay: 5 types; sympathetic resonance (SuperNATURAL pianos).	Controllers	9 illuminated faders, 8 LED encoders, pitch/mod lever, 2 assignable modulation wheels.
Processing and emulations	3-band compressor; 5-band digital EQ; BOSS CE-1 and Roland Dimension D emulations.	Dimensions	1,412 x 367 x 140 mm.
MAIN outputs	XLR L/R + 1/4" L/Mono, R jacks; SUB outputs (L/Mono, R) via 1/4" jacks.	Weight	21.7 kg.
AUX input and headphone jack	stereo mini-jack AUX input; 1/4" headphone jack.	Power consumption	23 W; mains socket (AC IN).
USB ports	Computer (Audio/MIDI, type B); Memory (type A); for Update (type A).