With the guitar or any other instrument, you need to connect it to the PC or other devices at times to ensure that you can keep a track of your tones for accuracy, clear them up, use them for editing, voice overlays, remixing, and to produce different types of music.
Yet, you need to make sure that you are picking the best MIDI connector along with the right software to ensure reliable connectivity and a clear sound output.
But, with so many different amps on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right option.
Fishman Triple Play and Roland GR 55 are two such highly sought-after MIDI connectors that you can get your hands on, and both are excellent for regular playability.
They allow you to enjoy the right experience along with having the perfect durability and compatibility at the same time along with the right list of features that one may require to get it going for their guitar.
A few such key features that you will need to know about both of these MIDI connectors before you make the purchase are discussed below.
Fishman Triple Play vs Roland GR 55 Comparison
| Features | TriplePlay | GR 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Yes | No |
| Compatibility | iOS, Mac, PC, DAW | iOS, Android, Mac, PC, DAW |
| USB Ports | 1 | 2 |
| Presets | No | Yes |
Fishman Triple Play
The Fishman Triple Play is something truly impeccable as it lets you seamlessly connect to any guitar with your computer or any other instrument to your PC through a MIDI cable and it comes with proprietary software of its own that allows you to have the perfect optimization across all the platforms.
The software is certainly pre-loaded with tons of effects and you can also add a variety of different effects to make sure that you’re able to get the best quality and the maximum level of customization with your MIDI controller.
Connectivity
The best thing is that the Fishman Triple Play supports connectivity with MDI cable so you don’t have to worry about anything and you can connect it with any platform without much of an issue.
In addition to that, it is certainly small in size and that makes it the perfect choice so you can move about with it without a care in the world. The Fishman Triple Play is available in two options: the Wireless and the Triple Play Connect.
They are widely regarded as two of the most accurate MIDI controllers in the market right now, and if you want to further enhance their functionality, you should consider using the Connect app or the FC-1 controller along with it.
Arrangements
The Triple Play also lets you build a wide range of custom arrangements using different instruments like bass, keys, drums, or any other virtual instrument that you want.
With the set up connected properly, you can also set up effects loops and produce different kinds of tracks with relative ease.
The iOS app or the controllers are great for those who want greater customization of their sound. It works like a charm on any PC, Mac, iPad, or any other DAW
If you need a versatile MIDI controller that’s going to easily play whatever you throw at it, this one’s an excellent choice all around.
Roland GR 55
The Roland GR 55 on the other hand is a guitar synthesizer in itself and it doesn’t need to be connected to a PC for you to be adding some effects or enhancing the tones that you might want to.
It has the software and hardware combined in a single place and you can control it with your feet while on the stage or if you are recording any guitar performance in your studio to have full liberty of use. It’s one of the best pedals in the market.
Finish and Durability
The metal finish makes it certainly durable and it is resistant to all sorts of scratches and wear and tear, and it’s ideal for use on the big stage too.
The design is certainly one of the sleekest guitar synthesizers out there and that would make it the perfect choice.
From cable management at the back to easy-to-customize footswitches on the top, everything is designed to be perfect for your playing experience.
Effects and Arrangements
In addition to all that, you also get a digital display on it to show you the tunes and effects so you can effectively keep track of all that.
Moving forward, you also have a wide range of different controls on the synthesizer that let you play the music you want and customize the tone just as you see fit.
The only drawback is PC connectivity and you will need to record the loops or tunes to a USB to have them on the PC since it is not directly connectable to the PC or Mac.
Roland calls it one of the fastest synthesizers out there, and for good reason. The company has integrated its latest pitch-detection technology in the mix, which produces really clean, really accurate sounds all around.
More importantly, it houses a triple-core generator, which offers one of the widest collections of virtual effects for a wide range of guitars, basses, amps, and synths.
If you need a versatile synthesizer that can help you produce tones that you hardly ever dreamed of, this is an excellent choice.
Whether you’re playing on stage or in the studio, the GR-55’s extensive library of preset sounds will have you exploring the amp for days on end. Whether you like playing rock music, pop music, or any other genre, it’s a fantastic choice.
And, for the maximum convenience, the company has also added a series of quick access category buttons.
The GR-55 unlocks a wide array of new sound capabilities and possibilities, offering a choice of more than 900 different tones that utilize Roland’s powerful synthesis technology.
Thanks to the company’s years of research, the synthesizer features lightning fast tracking, with its modeling engine requiring virtually no detection time whatsoever. This way, switching your sounds on the fly becomes incredibly easy.
Versatility in Playback
From overdrive tones to cleaner sounds, the Roland GR-55 is more than capable of handling everything you throw at it. Plus, with its extensive library of built-in sounds, you won’t even have to worry about any editing at all.
The presets really remove the pain from the equation, allowing you to produce those sharp sounds at the touch of a button.
Whether you’re practicing solo, jamming with a group or playing music on the big stage, the Roland GR-55 is the perfect companion all around.
Plus, there’s a rear-panel USB port on the back, and another on the side. The rear-panel is ideal for audio data comms, and works great for MIDI connections.
For the side-panel, you can hook it up to play back audio files in real time, which you can connect through a USB memory device.
One of the best things about the GR-55 is that it gives you foot control for audio playback through the USB as well, so you don’t have to worry about taking your hands away from the guitar to adjust these tiny things.
As a pro guitarist, you’ll definitely appreciate these features, since they allow you to really produce some of the finest music without being constrained.
Build Quality
On top of that, it’s pertinent to mention that the build quality is unparalleled. The all-metal construction, the shuttered ports, and the robust display are all incredibly well-built, so you don’t have to worry about any kind of damage to your synthesizer.
Whether you’re out on the road or just playing it regularly in a fixed position, this will make for a great addition to any jam session.
Conclusion
If you need a reliable synthesizer for all kinds of music, the Roland GR-55 is one of the best choices in the market, by a long shot.