Roland has announced the VP-770 Vocal & Ensemble Keyboard, a successor to the VP-550 that features new vocal designer effects, and ensemble sounds based on the company’s SuperNATURAL technology. The 770 is designed for musicians who perform in small or large groups, and/or those who need real-time background chorus. Included in its effects is vocoder modeling, which can be used to generate signature vocal effects for dance, pop and hip-hop.

The keyboard supports external USB storage, loops up to 18 seconds long, and digital formats including WAV, AIFF and MP3. Also provided are built-in mic preamps and a bundled headset microphone. A metal chassis is flanked by wood side panels. The VP-770 is now shipping at a cost of roughly $2,199.