At the InterBEE show in Tokyo, Japan, Roland Systems Group demonstrated the Roland VR-3, a fully integrated audio mixer, video switcher for live production and Web streaming. The VR-3 combines the power of Roland’s audio and video technology into one unit and expands the company’s growing lineup of A/V mixers and streaming-ready solutions.
Similar to the Roland VR-5 (for more information, read the Roland VR-5 A/V Mixer and Recorder Review from Mix magazine’s September 2011 issue), the VR-3 is designed to greatly simplify production and streaming of live events. The VR-3’s design incorporates a video switcher, audio mixer, preview monitors and streaming-ready USB output in a single unit. The USB Video/Audio class device allows for Web streaming by connecting to a computer running a live streaming service such as USTREAM, Livestream, Stickam, Justin.tv, worshipstream.com, websharelive.com, or other streaming services.
The VR-3 weighs less than five pounds and can be powered by the provided power supply or by external battery options, such Sanyo’s Pedal Juice. The VR-3’s touchscreen interface lets you switch video sources and provides access to menus.
The VR-3 has a 4-channel video switcher, four mono (XLR or ¼-inch) and two stereo mixable audio channels, a stereo microphone, scan converter for PC input with a Thru connector, a single LCD monitor with touch control, compositing video effects (including keying, split screen, and picture-in-picture), and audio effects (including noise gate, EQ, reverb, noise suppressor, enhancer, and master Lo/Hi filters). The built-in monitor can be used to view a quad display of inputs, program out, or combination quad view with program out.
Roland states that the VR-3 will be available in January 2012 through Roland Systems Group’s authorized reseller channel.
Find more details, photos and specifications for the Roland Systems Group VR-3.
