Roland Systems Group Announces VR-3 A/V Mixer

Yesterday at the InterBEE Show in Tokyo, Roland Systems Group demonstrated the Roland VR-3 -- a fully integrated audio mixer, video switcher for live production and web streaming.

Similar to the popular Roland VR-5, the VR-3's "all-in-one" design greatly simplifies production and streaming of live events, the company says. The product's design incorporates a video switcher, audio mixer, preview monitors and streaming ready USB output all in a single unit. As a USB Video/Audio class device, web streaming is effortless by simply connecting to a computer running a live streaming service such as USTREAM, Livestream, Stickam, Justin.tv, worshipstream.com, websharelive.com, and many more streaming services.

The VR-3 is extremely portable, weighing less than 5lbs. It can be powered by the provided power supply or by external battery options like Sanyo's Pedal Juice. Its intuitive touch screen interface provides an easy way to switch video sources as well as an efficient way to access menus, the company says. This portable live production solution is ideal for schools, churches, council meetings, corporate events, sports, memorial services, or production live to web.

Highlighted features include:

• Four-channel video switcher
• Four mono (XLR or ¼") and two stereo mixable audio channels
• Built-in stereo microphone for mixing in ambient sound
• Built-in scan converter for PC input with a thru for connecting a projector or display
• Built-in single LCD monitor with touch control for easy video source and menu selection
• Built-in monitor can be used to view a quad display of inputs, program out, or combination quad view with program out.
• Compositing video effects include: keying, split screen, and picture-in-picture
• Audio effects include: noise gate, EQ, reverb, noise suppressor, enhancer, and master lo/hi filters
• USB video/audio class device for web streaming or recording with a PC/Mac.

The VR-3 will be available January 2012 through Roland Systems Group's authorized reseller channel.