Roland acquires V-MODA

High-end headphone manufacturer V-MODA have come together with Roland, creator of the classic 808 machine for a merger that appropriately arrives on 808 day (August 8).

According to Val Kolton, founder of V-MODA, the amalgamation of the two music technology brands came about after representatives of Roland tested variations of headphones for their new drum machine TR-8 and settled upon V-MODA's Crossfade M-100's as the highest of quality and best to be paired with Roland's outstanding equipment.

The merger sees Roland purchasing 70 per cent stake in V-MODA with the headphone company retaining 30 per cent following V-MODA's 12 years as an independent, family-owned business.

"Partnering with Roland’s sterling reputation for leading innovation in the audio industry, V-MODA will now have deeper resources to accelerate product development, push the boundaries of audio innovation and reach a larger global audience of music aficionados," Kolton said of the partnership. "There is no doubt that V-MODA and Roland synergy is going to inspire and disrupt the future of music. We aim to make not only game-changer products, but genre-changing products."

Notably, the two companies will remain separate and continue to operate under their separate brands with Kolton remaining the CEO of V-MODA. He'll also adopt a new role as the Consultant to Roland in the electronic, dance and DJ product division.

Already beloved by many in the DJ and producer community, V-MODA continues to maintain its esteemed stature in the music technology department, only now powered forward with a strategic investment from the revered Roland brand.

As for what's in store for the near future following the exciting announcement?

"One thing V-MODA is excited about will be a Bluetooth speaker to be launched in Q4," Kolton shared. "For now, you can mark on your calendars 909 Day (September 9). In a month from today, something special will happen that all music lovers worldwide should stay tuned for."

****Valerie Lee is Mixmag's US Digital Editor. Follow her on Twitter here****