Sound Canvas VA: A Review of the Features, Sounds, and Effects
Sound Canvas VA Windows Download: How to Get the Classic Sound Module on Your PC
If you are a music producer, composer, or enthusiast, you might have heard of the Roland Sound Canvas series. These are sound modules that provide a rich and diverse collection of sounds for various musical genres and applications. They were first introduced in 1991 and became the de facto standard in GS sound modules for many years.
Sound Canvas Va Windows Download
But what if you want to use these classic sounds on your modern PC? That's where Sound Canvas VA comes in. This is a software synthesizer that emulates the original Sound Canvas hardware modules as a VSTi or AU plug-in. You can access over 1,600 high-quality sounds, 64 different insert effects, global effects like reverb and EQ, and extensive sound editing capabilities. You can also play MIDI files created on the SC-88 Pro and other Sound Canvas hardware modules with sound maps.
In this article, we will show you what Sound Canvas VA is and why you might want it, what are its main features and benefits, and how to download and install it on your Windows PC. Let's get started!
What is Sound Canvas VA and why you might want it
Sound Canvas VA is a software synthesizer that recreates the sound source of the Roland Sound Canvas series. The Sound Canvas series was a line of sound modules that offered a wide range of sounds for music production, gaming, education, and entertainment. They were popular among professional and amateur musicians alike for their high-quality sounds, easy operation, and compatibility with various MIDI devices and software.
The most famous model in the series was the SC-88 Pro, which was released in 1996. It had over 1,100 sounds, 42 drum kits, 64 insert effects, and a powerful tone editor. It also supported GS format, which was an extension of General MIDI (GM) that added more sounds, effects, controllers, and polyphony. Many MIDI files were created using the SC-88 Pro as the sound source.
Sound Canvas VA is based on the SC-88 Pro sound engine, but also includes sound maps for the SC-8820, SC-88, and SC-55. This means you can play MIDI files created on these original hardware modules with accurate sound reproduction. You can also create your own sounds using filters, envelopes, and other GS sound parameters.
Sound Canvas VA is ideal for anyone who wants to use the classic sounds of the Sound Canvas series on their PC. Whether you want to compose new music, remix old tunes, play games, or just enjoy listening to MIDI files, Sound Canvas VA can provide you with a versatile and authentic sound source.
What are the main features and benefits of Sound Canvas VA
Sound Canvas VA has many features and benefits that make it a powerful and flexible software synthesizer. Here are some of them:
Sound library: Sound Canvas VA comes with over 1,600 high-quality sounds and 63 drum kits that cover nearly every musical genre. You can find acoustic instruments, electric guitars, synthesizers, drums, percussion, ethnic instruments, sound effects, and more. You can also load custom sounds from WAV files or SF2 files.
Effects: Sound Canvas VA comes with 64 types of insert effects plus global reverb, chorus, delay, and EQ. You can apply effects to each part individually or to the whole mix. You can also adjust various parameters such as level, depth, rate, feedback, etc. Many effects support automation so you can create dynamic changes in your music.
Editing: Sound Canvas VA comes with a powerful integrated editor for adjusting sounds in fine detail. You can use the graphic interface to create original tones using filters, envelopes, and numerous GS sound parameters. You can also store sounds and quickly load favorites from your custom library.
Compatibility: Sound Canvas VA supports host DAW automation for a variety of parameters such as volume, panning, expression, modulation, etc. You can also use MIDI CC messages to control these parameters from external devices. Sound Canvas VA supports VSTi (Windows) or AU (Mac) plug-in formats so you can use it with your favorite DAW software such as Cubase, FL Studio, Logic Pro, etc. You can also use it as a standalone application with ASIO drivers.
Versatility: Sound Canvas VA can be used for various purposes such as music production, gaming, education, and entertainment. You can create music in any style from classical to rock to techno using the diverse sounds available. You can also play MIDI files created on the SC-88 Pro and other hardware modules with sound maps. You can even use it as a karaoke machine by muting the vocal parts or changing the key or tempo.
To give you an idea of how to use Sound Canvas VA as a plug-in with your DAW, here is a simple example:
Create a new project in your DAW software.
Add a new track and insert Sound Canvas VA as a plug-in.
Select a sound from the preset list or load a custom sound from your library.
Record or import a MIDI clip on the track.
Add some effects to enhance the sound.
Mix and master your track as usual.
To give you an idea of some musical genres and styles that can be created with Sound Canvas VA, here are some examples:
GenreStylePreset Sounds
RockHard RockGuitar Distortion, Guitar Overdrive, Pick Bass, Rock Drum Kit
JazzBossa NovaNylon Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Jazz Organ, Bossa Nova Drum Kit
PopDance PopSynth Brass, Synth Bass, Synth Lead, Dance Drum Kit
ClassicalSymphony OrchestraViolin Section, Cello Section, French Horns, Timpani
WorldAfrican MusicKalimba, Marimba, Shakuhachi, African Drum Kit
How to download and install Sound Canvas VA on Windows
If you are interested in trying out Sound Canvas VA for yourself, you have two options: you can either get it from Roland Cloud or from Roland website.
Roland Cloud is a subscription service that gives you access to various Roland software instruments including Sound Canvas VA. You can sign up for a free trial or choose from different plans depending on your needs. You can also get exclusive sounds, updates, and support from Roland Cloud.
Roland website is where you can buy Sound Canvas VA as a standalone product without subscribing to Roland Cloud. You can also download updates, manuals, and support documents from Roland website.
To download and install Sound Canvas VA on Windows from either source, follow these steps:
Here is the rest of the article: Sound Canvas VA to other formats by using your DAW software or Sound Canvas VA itself. You can export your music to WAV, MP3, OGG, FLAC, or MIDI formats depending on your needs. You can also export your sounds and settings to SCVA files for backup or sharing.