Ultra-Compact Audio/Video Mixer with Direct Streaming Encoders
Ultra-compact and filled with innovative Roland AV technologies, the VR-6HD is the ultimate all-in-one solution for everyday business livestreaming events. 

Offering advanced features and versatile connectivity in a portable, go-everywhere format, the VR-6HD is ideal for corporate meetings, online sales presentations, worship services, and other professional streaming and video capture applications.

Video switching, audio mixing, and LAN/USB streaming encoders are integrated into a single streamlined unit, eliminating the hassle and frustration that comes with connecting multiple devices. And one operator can easily handle all production tasks with minimal study, thanks to the smart interface, deep automation tools, one-touch macro sequencing, PTZ camera control, and more

Roland VR-6HD Direct
Streaming AV Mixer

Pro hybrid event mixer with six HDMI inputs, three HDMI outputs, 28-channel audio mixing, direct LAN and USB-C webcam streaming outputs, advanced automation features, and more.

SKU: VR6HD
MPN: VR-6HD

$2,995.00 MSRP

• Powerful live production automation with sequencing, macros, and scene memories
• Built-in streaming encoders for transmitting two livestreams at rates up to 1080p/60 FPS
• Record streams directly to an SDXC card for archiving, editing, and distribution
• Six 1080p HDMI inputs with frame rate converters and scalers
• Support for cinema and broadcast frame rates
• Five-layer video effects engine
• Five total outputs: three HDMI, USB-C streaming, and a dedicated direct streaming output
• Six selectable output modes: Program, Sub-Program, Aux, Preview, Multi-View, and Still-View
• 28-channel digital audio mixer with advanced effects and processing
• 16-slot still store function supports screen capture or uploaded BMP, JPEG, and PNG images with alpha channel in the internal non-volatile memory
• Enhance your livestreams with sound effects, still images, and video sources stored on an SDXC card
• Audio Player function with six trigger pads and onboard storage for 12 audio files
• Control six PTZ cameras with support for multiple brands and mixed protocols
• 4.3-inch touch screen with graphical menu
• Extensive device control with Bluetooth®, USB, RS-232, and LAN
• Remote control software available for iPad, macOS, and Windows*
• Wireless and wired camera tally support 

Broadfield is Your Source for Roland ProAV
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High-Quality Presentations Made Easy
The powerful video capabilities in the VR-6HD make it simple to bring professional production values to business streaming productions. Connect multiple cameras and computers via HDMI for different views, and incorporate robotic PTZ cameras to change angles at the touch of a button. Quickly assign and switch among sources on the fly, including live HDMI inputs, presentation decks, still images, and video clips. You can also create custom feeds for live and online viewers by assigning composition layers to multiple busses.
 
Multiple HDMI Inputs
The VR-6HD supports HDMI—the most common video connector in the world—and you can seamlessly combine six HDMI sources in Full HD with a range of broadcast and cinematic frame rates and color spaces. Built-in scalers with EDID and HDCP support provide easy integration with sources like computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and legacy 4:3 devices.  
 
Integrated Playback of Stills and Video Clips
Enhance events with onboard support for graphics and video playback. Call up still images during transitions between presenters, display graphics, and use PNGs to create dynamic lower thirds. The integrated video player lets you trigger video clips directly from the SDXC card, with no need to connect an external playback device.
 
Layers and Keyers
Video effects and graphics are must-haves to bring polish and excitement to productions. The VR-6HD’s effects engine features five composition layers that can be assigned to the Program, Sub-Program, and Aux outs, so you’ll always keep audiences engaged. With up to two picture-in-picture windows and one downstream key layer with transparent PNG and external key support, you can manage any creative need. For example: 
Layers 1-2—Start with mixable live background video layers. 
Layers 3-4—Place two picture-in-picture layers or chroma/luminance key effects. 
Layer 5—Add a downstream keyer with support for fill and key inputs. 
 
Assignable Video Outputs
The VR-6HD puts a high-end video matrix at your fingers with three HDMI outputs, a USB-C streaming output, and an ethernet streaming output. Feed program displays, auxiliary monitors, multi-view producer displays, and the online audiences at once, complete with a clean output left over for recording the presentation to an SDXC card. 

Professional-Class Digital Audio Mixing
The VR-6HD delivers world-class audio quality with 28 simultaneous channels and Roland’s acclaimed sound mixing features. Comprehensive EQ and dynamics processing is provided on every channel, complete with convenient preset libraries for achieving pro results instantly. Powerful problem-solving tools are on hand, including audio sync alignment, de-essing, noise suppression, and more. It’s also possible to play back stored audio during streams with quick touches on the panel.        
 
Multi-Channel Audio Inputs and Bluetooth 
The VR-6HD offers professional analog audio connectivity with six balanced XLR/TRS combination jacks, high-quality mic preamps, and phantom power. Stereo RCA inputs are available for audio players, electronic instruments, and other line-level devices, and you can mix the embedded digital audio from sources connected to the HDMI and USB inputs. And with onboard Bluetooth, it’s easy to stream wireless audio from any mobile device.
 
Powerful Mixing Tools
Set up direct control for your most important sound feeds with seven assignable faders. And when you have multiple presenters to deal with, engage Auto Mixing to lighten your load and ensure that the mix between microphones remains balanced. You can set specific inputs to take priority when someone starts to speak, and other audio levels are automatically reduced as needed.
 
A Mix for Each Audience
Two auxiliary audio busses let you set up unique mixes for a variety of applications. For example, you can feed a monitor system for presenters while livestreaming a specialized mix that’s independent of the in-person program. Versatile routing allows you to freely assign the mix and aux busses to the two stereo XLR outputs, RCA stereo output, USB and stream/record outs, or HDMI outputs.
 
Shape Your Sound
The VR-6HD combines the full power of the latest digital audio consoles with expansive Roland effects. Four-band EQs and dynamics processing are provided for every input and output, and high-quality reverb is available for music applications and special effects. You also get specialized tools to quickly handle audio issues, like automatic anti-feedback for stage mics and adaptive noise reduction to suppress background noise and hum.
 
Audio On Demand
With the VR-6HD’s unique Audio Player section and six assignable pads, it’s simple to enhance events with custom sounds. With a quick press, you can trigger sound effects, event announcements, countdowns for e-sports, or theme songs for presenters—the sky’s the limit.

Ethernet/USB Streaming and Onboard Recording
The VR-6HD’s advanced technology makes livestreaming to the most popular platforms smooth and worry-free. With direct streaming over ethernet, computer streaming over USB, and Adaptive Bitrate support, you can deliver high-quality presentations to any audience. And with simultaneous SDXC recording, it’s easy to capture presentations for archiving and distribution.  

Secure and Reliable Streaming Over LAN
The VR-6HD’s powerful LAN streaming capabilities allow you to directly connect with Twitch, Facebook, and other platforms without the need for a computer. The Adaptive Bitrate function monitors the quality of the network connection and automatically adjusts the streaming rate to reduce interruptions due to bandwidth issues. An adjustable Safety Delay is also available, allowing you to confidently stream unscripted events and prevent offensive content from being broadcast.

Dual LAN Streaming Destinations
Reach a wider audience by broadcasting to two different livestream channels at once. You can also use a mobile phone with a 4G or 5G data plan as the primary streaming connection or a redundant backup.

USB-C Streaming Up to 60 FPS
Stream to any audience in Full HD to a computer via USB. The USB-C connection offers the same plug-and-play technology as webcams,* so you can begin streaming immediately with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or any platform that can use a webcam as its source. 
*USB video class (UVC) and USB audio class (UAC) compliant.YUY2 (uncompressed) and Motion JPEG (compressed) formats supported.

SDXC Card Recording
With the onboard recorder, you can easily record an event to an SDXC card and provide your client with an H.264 MP4 video file* for their editing and distribution needs. Stereo WAV audio can also be recorded independently for podcasts and other audio-driven media. It’s even possible to capture still images to internal memory from any video output bus and save them to the card for later use.
*The recording bitrate is the same as the livestream encoding bitrate.

Take Full Control of Your Productions
Thanks to its well-organized panel and intuitive workflow, even novice operators will feel comfortable using the VR-6HD. Hardware knobs, faders, and buttons offer direct control for essential functions, while the 4.3-inch touch display provides smooth access to deeper parameters and settings. Scene memory, macro, and sequencing features simplify operation even more, letting you pre-program complicated actions and fire them off with simple actions.
 
Fast Recall of Complex Compositions
Storing and recalling custom looks can be accomplished with just a few button presses. The 32 scene memories and advanced effects engine work together to provide seamless changes, including synchronizing the transition of all composition layers at the program output. The 100 macros go even deeper, allowing you to build and execute complex action lists that include switching, DSK on/off, audio mixing adjustments, PTZ camera movements, and much more.  
 
Sequencing Magic
The VR-6HD’s sequencer makes scene memories and macros even more powerful, letting you perform perfectly timed cues with ease. Up to 1000 steps can be recorded in the sequencer, and each step can include both presets and macros. Set up your cues ahead of time in the sequence list and trigger them in order for a stress-free production.  
 
Automated Switching and Mixing 
When there are many presenters, you need to follow the action and switch audio and video together. The automated video switching and audio mixing features in the VR-6HD make this complicated task simple, greatly easing your workload and creating a smooth experience for the audience. 

PTZ Camera Support
Robotic PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras eliminate the need for multiple operators, provide enhanced broadcast-quality coverage, and can be placed in discreet locations thanks to their small size. The VR-6HD features integrated support for select Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Sony, PTZOptics, Avonic, and VISCA-compatible PTZ LAN cameras. Mix and match different brands as you like and operate up to six PTZ cameras simultaneously. 

Deep Remote-Control Options
The VR-6HD supports extended workflows with dedicated software apps and a variety of remote devices. 

• Connect footswitches or expression pedals to execute over 100 different switcher commands.  
• Trigger start/stop on select third-party recorders over HDMI. 
• Set up a tally light with Roland’s Smart Tally or the rear-panel hardware connector. 
• Seamlessly integrate with system installations via the RS-232 and TALLY/GPIO D-Sub connectors.
• The free VR-6HD Remote app for iPad connects via Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly operate functions at events via a portable touch interface.* (*Coming in Q4 2023)
• Use the free VR-6HD Remote Control Software to operate the switcher from a Mac or Windows computer.* (*Coming in Q4 2023)

Roland’s VR-1HD ($1,495) is an inexpensive video mixing appliance that’s an alternative to software-based mixers like Wirecast or vMix. In this two-part series, we’ll look first at the basic hardware mixing capabilities of the VR-1HD, and then look at some advanced audio mixing capabilities, and features available when you connect the VR-1HD to a computer, including recording, streaming and some additional mixing functions.

As an overview, the VR-1HD mixes audio and video from multiple sources and sends a configurable webcam-like USB stream to a computer to push to a live streaming service. The unit has features appropriate for a broad base of users, including gamers and musicians, though my focus will be on more prosaic interviews and webinar-type productions.

Video I/O

The unit has three video inputs, all HDMI. Input 3 is a no-latency input with a passthrough to an HDMI output, so if you’re a gamer you can route your monitor output through the board with zero delay. Besides the Through output, there’s a Main output which displays the live audio and video feed and a Monitor input you use to control the menu options and configure the outputs. You can probably live without the Main output if you’re space-constrained, but you should set it up the first few times you run the unit to get familiar with what it does and how it works.

You can input audio from any of the HDMI sources. Besides that, there are two XLR/1/4″ combo jacks with phantom power and a line input via RCA connectors. Plus, the unit can accept audio via USB input from a computer.

The onboard mixer contains volume controls for the two mics and line input, but not for audio coming in with the HDMI signals or USB, though you can set levels for these via menu commands. You can listen in via a headphone jack, and send audio out to any monitor, plus line out via two RCA jacks, plus audio with the live USB feed.

Basic Video Switching

Figure 1 (below) shows the switching surface with the three video inputs on the bottom right. When running, the buttons for all live feeds are lit; red if the feed is currently live, white if available but not live. As you would expect, you switch through the feeds by clicking each button.

Figure 1. The VR-1HD switching surface

To the left of the three inputs is the Auto-switch button, which lets you select one of the four auto-switch options discussed in the second segment of this review. As with all configurable options, you choose and configure your options via the Setup box in the middle top, where the Menu button opens the menu and the Value knob lets you move through and select your options.

Above the video inputs is the Scene section, which lets you combine inputs via picture-in-picture or horizontal or vertical screen splits as shown below buttons A-E. The unit comes configured with the combinations shown below the buttons which you can customize to your liking by clicking the Scene Edit button and using the Value knob from the Setup section.

Configuring the Scene Settings

My basic configuration was two input cameras and a PowerPoint presentation coming in from a computer. Though I didn’t need to configure any of the inputs, the VR-1HD can zoom, scale, position, and adjust the brightness, contrast, or color values of any input.

To combine the inputs into the picture-in-picture shown in Figure 2 (below), you work with the buttons in the Scene box in the middle right of the switching surface (Figure 1). Click the button to configure (I used Button A for Figure 2) and then Scene Edit, which exposes controls that you work through using the Value knob at the top of the unit. Here you choose the background and foreground videos and can adjust the size, aspect ratio, cropping, zoom ratio, and position of the smaller window.

Figure 2. The Roland makes it easy to configure picture-in-picture shots like this one, with PowerPoint coming in via HDMI from a computer and the video coming in from a camera.

I configured Button A for the picture-in-picture shown in Figure 2 and Button C for a side-by-side shot of the two video feeds. During the production, the configured Scene buttons act like individual inputs that you switch to by pressing them, as you do with the three input buttons on the bottom right. So, if the host is input 1, the guest input 2, and a side-by-side combination that you’ve configured as input C, you would manually switch between the three shots by pressing input 1, input 2, or scene C, which transitions into the selected shot or scene. Very simple and very easy for a producer/performer to manage.

However, transitions were downright funky. For example, when switching to a composited video, the two videos comprising the composited shot never appeared simultaneously. So, if you transition from a single shot to a side-by-side composite, the videos in the side-by-side video appear at slightly different times. You can minimize this by shortening the transition time but you can’t eliminate it; even with a zero transition time, one video in the composited shot will appear before the other.

In addition, you have three transition options, either a mix fade (dissolve) or black fade (fade to and from black), or a cut if you set the transition time to zero. But only transitions to, from, and between composited scenes can be black fades; all others are mix fades or cuts. So, if you choose the black fade transition, when you switch from a camera input to a scene or scene to scene, you’ll get a black fade, but if you switch directly to and from camera inputs, you’ll get a dissolve or cut. You can configure a Scene to mimic a camera input and avoid this issue, but then you lose up to three scenes. Not a show stopper, but a bit unusual.

Titles and Still Images

You can create a title in any image editor so long as you output the file in 24-bit uncompressed BMP format. You can key out either black or white so I created the title shown in Figure 3 (below) as a 1920×1080 white image in Photoshop with the text and red background shown. You copy the title onto a USB stick, plug that into the back of the VR-1HD, load the image into the unit, and display the title by pressing the Key button on the upper right of the unit.

Figure 3. Inputting and displaying a title is simple enough.

This is simple enough in the hardware for a single title, but if you have to switch titles for the host and guest, you’ll have to work through the menu system to load the second title, which could be tough to do if you’re producing and performing. There is a software alternative for this that I’ll discuss in the next segment.

To display images in the presentation you have to assign them to an input channel, bringing the HDMI inputs down from three to two. You can load two images into the unit, but there’s no easy way to switch between them; you have to enter the menu system which, again, would be cumbersome if you’re both producer and on camera.

Overall, configuring and switching your video inputs will be simple for all users, even if you’re producing and performing. If your productions are image intensive you may wish to find a different alternative.

That’s most of the video side; now let’s look at audio.

Audio Mixing

The VR-1HD manages audio on the left side of the control surface (Figure 4, below). Start by pressing the Level Setup button, which lets you set incoming dB levels for all inputs. You see the individual volume controls for Mic 1, Mic 2, and the Line input, plus output controls for the Main output, USB Stream, and headphones.

Figure 4. Audio mixing controls

In default mode, audio follows video, so if you have your mics connected to the cameras, only the audio from the currently selected camera makes it to the output channel. If that isn’t what you want, you can easily correct this via the menu system in the Audio Follows Video menu.

The unit comes with four audio effects that you can apply by clicking the buttons on the upper left of the panel. The voice changer lets you broadly adjust the voice, like male to female or vice versa. Background music (BGM) lets you play a loaded music file in the background, which is nice for atmosphere and breaks. Special Effects (SE) let you play a loaded audio file, with a polite applause track loaded by default. Reverb lets you apply the eponymous effect to the incoming audio.

Note that while you can apply reverb to any incoming audio track, you can deploy the voice changer only to inputs from microphones 1 and 2. More seriously, you can apply other audio effects like noise gate, compressor, limiter, and high-pass filter only to mics 1 and 2, though you can equalize all incoming audio tracks.

You can also apply some effects to the Main and Auxiliary audio bus outputs and the USB stream, including the ability to resync audio and video and apply echo cancellation to correct audio from a speaker picked up by a separate microphone. This is just an overview of the unit’s audio capabilities; if sophisticated mixing and control is critical to your use I suggest that you download the manual here and check for yourself.

Saving the Setup

Once you’ve completed your audio/video setup, you can save it to the USB memory stick so you can pick up where you left off for the next production. I’ll be using that feature to return to discuss the broadcasting and recording options, the VR-1HD software, and some advanced audio switching features.