Los Angeles, Calif. (MuseWire — Roland today announced their “new gear new inspiration” lineup of new products for Sept. 2009. Roland's popular GW-8 workstation evolves with Version 2. Building on the foundation of intelligent backing-track functionality, contemporary sounds from around the world, and expressive interactive musical styles, the GW-8 Version 2 adds a new Style Composer that lets you edit the Styles as well as create your own interactive backing tracks. Put your personal stamp of creativity on this amazing instrument.

•Contemporary music workstation with high-quality 128-voice sound engine
•Wide variety of contemporary sounds and interactive backing styles with special focus on world-music genres
•Onboard 16-track sequencer for saving your interactive performances
•USB Memory Player feature allows direct playback of MP3, WAV, AIFF, and SMF files from USB key; Center Cancel feature for audio files enables karaoke-style sing-along
New in Version 2
•Style Composer to create and customize Styles
•New preset Styles added to Version 2
•The NTA (Note to Arranger) function allows handsfree control of the arranger engine from external MIDI gear such as Roland's PK-5A MIDI pedal (sold separately) and Roland V-Accordions
•Create multi-track rhythms for a complex drums/percussion ensemble
•Edit SMF files and save them as new songs.