There's also two new data‑compression modes: a high‑quality 24‑bit mode, and an extended‑play, low‑quality mode (see 'Compress Me' box). The VS1680 addresses many of the shortcomings of its smaller ancestor, boosting the spec to 16 channels of 24‑bit audio (each with up to 16 virtual tracks), adding a large backlit display and offering clearer, more logical operation. But even Roland's programmers could only squeeze so much from the VS880 and, inevitably, a new model was needed. A succession of enhancements to the VS880 included new effect types, the playback of six (as opposed to the original four) uncompressed tracks, and even a CD‑writer system. It used Roland's own compression algorithm to coax more recording time from the hard disk in 8‑track mode, which was usually perceived as a drawback by those who hadn't heard the results. There were only a few gripes with it - namely that it didn't have a backlit LCD, didn't have phantom power, and its small screen and menu layers made some operations initially confusing.
Roland's VS880, released in early 1996, was a great hit for the home and semi‑professional studio, providing 8‑track playback of digital audio, optional internal effects, comprehensive synchronisation, and SCSI as standard. Paul Nagle admires the VS's sparkling new options. In the space of just two years, Roland have doubled the power of their hard disk multitrack concept, going from the eight tracks of the VS880 to the 16 of their latest baby.
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