Roland D-50 - Revision history

MelonadeM: added rack info as well

2025-10-06T12:41:02Z

added rack info as well

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 6 October 2025
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	\| name = Roland D-50		\| name = Roland D-50
	\| image = {{Photo wanted}}		\| image = {{Photo wanted}}
	\| dimensions = 974 x 94 x 332 mm<ref name=D-50-specs>[https://archive.org/details/synthmanual-roland-d-50-owners-manual/page/n29/mode/2up Roland D-50 Owner's Manual, pg. 29 - Specifications]</ref>		\| dimensions = 974 x 94 x 332 mm (keyboard)<ref name=D-50-specs>[https://archive.org/details/synthmanual-roland-d-50-owners-manual/page/n29/mode/2up Roland D-50 Owner's Manual, pg. 29 - Specifications]</ref><br>480 x 90 x 410 (rack unit)<ref name="D-550 specs">[https://web.archive.org/web/20250516115728/https://support.roland.com/hc/en-us/articles/201947399-D-550-Technical-Specifications Roland D-550 specifications via Roland support page (archived 16-05-2025)]</ref>
	\| weight = 10.5 kg<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| weight = 10.5 kg (keyboard)<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>6.5 kg (rack unit)<ref name="D-550 specs"/>
	\| keyboard = 61 velocity and channel aftertouch sensitive keys<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| keyboard = 61 velocity and channel aftertouch sensitive keys (D-50 only)<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| rackunits = 2U, full width (D-550 only)<ref name="D-550 specs"/>
	\| type = Linear Arithmetic synthesizer		\| type = Linear Arithmetic synthesizer
	\| manufacturer = Roland~~<ref name=D-50-specs />~~		\| manufacturer = Roland
	\| releasedate = 1987		\| releasedate = 1987
	\| maxpoly = 16<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| maxpoly = 16<ref name=D-50-specs />

MelonadeM: categories

2025-10-06T12:05:00Z

MelonadeM: added d-50 vst photo among other minor spelling fixes

2025-07-24T15:58:26Z

added d-50 vst photo among other minor spelling fixes

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:58, 24 July 2025
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	== The Roland D-50 on other synths ==		== The Roland D-50 on other synths ==

	=== Roland V-Synth ===		=== [[Roland V-Synth]] ===
	The Roland V-Synth is able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card is installed. The V-Synth XT rackmount module comes with the card built-in.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>		The [[Roland V-Synth]] is able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card is installed. The V-Synth XT rackmount module comes with the card built-in.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>
	The patch recreation job, according to users, were a mixed bag, with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived)]</ref>. This seems to be due to stereo imaging/field differences, and a different frequency response.		The patch recreation job, according to users, were a mixed bag, with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived)]</ref>. This seems to be due to stereo imaging/field differences, and a different frequency response.
	All 64 original D-50 sound patches are included, as well as extra patches from the D-50 and D-550 sound libraries, plus a brand-new selection of 64 patches, which use 28 new waveforms that were not present on the original synth.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250423083908/https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-vc1-v-card Paul Nagle via Sound on Sound, May 2005 issue (archived)] - "The VC1 is supplied with all of the D50's original presets, plus the sound libraries for the D50/D550. In addition, 64 new patches are supplied using 28 extra waveforms that were too large to fit into the original synth..."</ref>		All 64 original D-50 sound patches are included, as well as extra patches from the D-50 and D-550 sound libraries, plus a brand-new selection of 64 patches, which use 28 new waveforms that were not present on the original synth.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250423083908/https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-vc1-v-card Paul Nagle via Sound on Sound, May 2005 issue (archived)] - "The VC1 is supplied with all of the D50's original presets, plus the sound libraries for the D50/D550. In addition, 64 new patches are supplied using 28 extra waveforms that were too large to fit into the original synth..."</ref>
Line 34:		Line 34:

	=== Roland D-05 ===		=== Roland D-05 ===
	The Roland D-50 ~~would get~~ a reissue in 2017 starting with the Roland Boutique D-05 synthesiser - it is in essence a compact module variant, still exposing all the controls of the keyboard, and includes an extra 5 banks of patches, as well as user storage space for up to 8 banks of 64 patches each.<ref name=D-05-specs>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724092403/https://www.roland.com/us/products/d-05/specifications/ Roland Corporation, D-05 specifications (archived)]</ref>		The Roland D-50 got a reissue in 2017 starting with the Roland Boutique D-05 synthesiser - it is in essence a compact module variant, still exposing all the controls of the keyboard, and includes an extra 5 banks of patches, as well as user storage space for up to 8 banks of 64 patches each.<ref name=D-05-specs>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724092403/https://www.roland.com/us/products/d-05/specifications/ Roland Corporation, D-05 specifications (archived)]</ref> It has since been discontinued.

	Otherwise, the feature set would stay the same, with the same polyphony limit and same selections of sounds and filters.		Otherwise, the feature set would stay the same, with the same polyphony limit and same selections of sounds and filters.

	=== Roland Cloud D-50 ===		[[File:Roland-Cloud-D50-VST.jpg\|thumb\|400px\|right\|A screenshot of the Roland Cloud D-50 VST instrument interface.]]
	Also in 2017, Roland ~~would reissue~~ the D-50 in software form via their Roland Cloud subscription service.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250613170343/https://www.musicradar.com/news/roland-celebrates-30-years-of-the-d-50-synth-with-a-plugin-version-in-the-cloud Ben Rogerson via MusicRadar news, 23rd June 2017 publication, "Roland celebrates 30 years of the D-50 synth with a plugin version in the Cloud" (archived)]</ref> This is the first time that Roland would officially issue a complete emulation of the D-50 in software form. It allows for SysEx files from the D-50 to be loaded as banks of patches as well.		=== Roland Cloud D-50 (VST instrument)===
			Also in 2017, Roland reissued the D-50 in software form via their Roland Cloud subscription service.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250613170343/https://www.musicradar.com/news/roland-celebrates-30-years-of-the-d-50-synth-with-a-plugin-version-in-the-cloud Ben Rogerson via MusicRadar news, 23rd June 2017 publication, "Roland celebrates 30 years of the D-50 synth with a plugin version in the Cloud" (archived)]</ref> This is the first time that Roland would officially issue a complete emulation of the D-50 in software form. It allows for SysEx files from the D-50 to be loaded as banks of patches as well, and because of how banks are stored, allows for theoretically unlimited user banks to be stored (however, each bank is still limited to 64 patches total).

			As of 2025, this plugin is still available via Roland Cloud, and users may either purchase a monthly subscription to access the plugin, or purchase a lifetime key to own the plugin for as long as Roland Cloud's servers are maintained. Like the boutique D-05, the feature set is very similar if not identical to both it and the original units.

	== References ==		== References ==
	<references />		<references />

MelonadeM at 15:36, 24 July 2025

2025-07-24T15:36:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:36, 24 July 2025
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	=== Roland V-Synth ===		=== Roland V-Synth ===
	The Roland V-Synth ~~would be~~ able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card is installed.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>		The Roland V-Synth is able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card is installed. The V-Synth XT rackmount module comes with the card built-in.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>
	The patch recreation job, according to users, were a mixed bag, with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived)]</ref>. This seems to be due to stereo imaging/field differences, and a different frequency response.		The patch recreation job, according to users, were a mixed bag, with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived)]</ref>. This seems to be due to stereo imaging/field differences, and a different frequency response.
	All 64 original D-50 sound patches are included, as well as extra patches from the D-50 and D-550 sound libraries, plus a brand-new selection of 64 patches, which use 28 new waveforms that were not present on the original synth.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250423083908/https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-vc1-v-card Paul Nagle via Sound on Sound, May 2005 issue (archived)] - "The VC1 is supplied with all of the D50's original presets, plus the sound libraries for the D50/D550. In addition, 64 new patches are supplied using 28 extra waveforms that were too large to fit into the original synth..."</ref>		All 64 original D-50 sound patches are included, as well as extra patches from the D-50 and D-550 sound libraries, plus a brand-new selection of 64 patches, which use 28 new waveforms that were not present on the original synth.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250423083908/https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-vc1-v-card Paul Nagle via Sound on Sound, May 2005 issue (archived)] - "The VC1 is supplied with all of the D50's original presets, plus the sound libraries for the D50/D550. In addition, 64 new patches are supplied using 28 extra waveforms that were too large to fit into the original synth..."</ref>

MelonadeM: voices correction as i think that was not correct

2025-07-24T12:25:38Z

voices correction as i think that was not correct

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 24 July 2025
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	\| effects = Reverb (16 types)<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| effects = Reverb (16 types)<ref name=D-50-specs />
	}}		}}
	The '''Roland D-50''' is a synthesiser released in 1987. It is notable for being the first synthesiser to employ the ''linear arithmetic synthesis'', or LA synthesis for short, as a method of producing sound, which employs 2 analog-like voices with subtractive filtering~~, and two~~ PCM tones, usually reserved for transients or short acoustic type sounds. A rackmount version, known as the ''D-550'', was released as well.		The '''Roland D-50''' is a synthesiser released in 1987. It is notable for being the first synthesiser to employ the ''linear arithmetic synthesis'', or LA synthesis for short, as a method of producing sound, which employs 4 tones that can either be analog-like voices with subtractive filtering or PCM tones, which were usually reserved for transients or short acoustic type sounds. A rackmount version, known as the ''D-550'', was released as well.

	The D-50 and D-550 could interface with Roland's own PG-1000 synthesiser programmer, designed to provide hands-on control to all synthesis parameters. Nowadays it is also possible to upgrade the firmware to various third-party solutions to give it more features.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075921/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/rolandd50.html Paul Ward via Sound on Sound, June 1997 issue (archived)] - "Several operating-system upgrades were made available by third-party companies. The Musitronics M-EX is probably the best known, and gives the D50 multitimbrality among a host of other useful features."</ref>		The D-50 and D-550 could interface with Roland's own PG-1000 synthesiser programmer, designed to provide hands-on control to all synthesis parameters. Nowadays it is also possible to upgrade the firmware to various third-party solutions to give it more features.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075921/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/rolandd50.html Paul Ward via Sound on Sound, June 1997 issue (archived)] - "Several operating-system upgrades were made available by third-party companies. The Musitronics M-EX is probably the best known, and gives the D50 multitimbrality among a host of other useful features."</ref>

MelonadeM at 12:15, 24 July 2025

2025-07-24T12:15:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:15, 24 July 2025
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	\| name = Roland D-50		\| name = Roland D-50
	\| image = {{Photo wanted}}		\| image = {{Photo wanted}}
	\| dimensions = 974 x 94 x 332.5 mm<ref name=D-50-specs>[https://~~support.roland~~.~~com~~/hc/en-~~us/articles/201966399~~-D-50-~~Technical~~-~~Specifications~~ Roland D-50 ~~Technical~~ Specifications]</ref>		\| dimensions = 974 x 94 x 332 mm<ref name=D-50-specs>[https://archive.org/details/synthmanual-roland-d-50-owners-manual/page/n29/mode/2up Roland D-50 Owner's Manual, pg. 29 - Specifications]</ref>
	\| weight = 10.7 kg<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| weight = 10.5 kg<ref name=D-50-specs />
	\| keyboard = 61 velocity and channel aftertouch sensitive keys<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| keyboard = 61 velocity and channel aftertouch sensitive keys<ref name=D-50-specs />
	\| type = Linear Arithmetic synthesizer		\| type = Linear Arithmetic synthesizer
Line 10:		Line 10:
	\| maxpoly = 16<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| maxpoly = 16<ref name=D-50-specs />
	\| numparts = 1<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| numparts = 1<ref name=D-50-specs />
	\| numpresets = 64 Patches~~<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>16 Reverb Patches<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>64 Tones~~<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| numpresets = 64 Patches<ref name=D-50-specs />
	\| expansion = '''Optional Card Library'''<br>PN-D50 card series 1-3<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>'''Optional RAM Slot'''<br>M-256E Duplicate of internal<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| expansion = '''Optional Card Library'''<br>PN-D50 card series 1-3<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>'''Optional RAM Slot'''<br>M-256E Duplicate of internal<ref name=D-50-specs />
	\| effects = ~~2 Band semi-parametric EQ,~~ Reverb~~, delay, chorus and flanger~~<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| effects = Reverb (16 types)<ref name=D-50-specs />
	}}		}}
	The '''Roland D-50''' is a synthesiser released in 1987. It is notable for being the first synthesiser to employ the ''linear arithmetic synthesis'', or LA synthesis for short, as a method of producing sound, which employs 2 analog-like voices with subtractive filtering, and two PCM tones, usually reserved for transients or short acoustic type sounds. A rackmount version, known as the ''D-550'', was released as well.		The '''Roland D-50''' is a synthesiser released in 1987. It is notable for being the first synthesiser to employ the ''linear arithmetic synthesis'', or LA synthesis for short, as a method of producing sound, which employs 2 analog-like voices with subtractive filtering, and two PCM tones, usually reserved for transients or short acoustic type sounds. A rackmount version, known as the ''D-550'', was released as well.

	The D-50 and D-550 could interface with Roland's own PG-1000 synthesiser programmer, designed to provide hands-on control to all synthesis parameters. Nowadays it is also possible to upgrade the firmware to various third-party solutions to give it more features.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075921/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/rolandd50.html Paul Ward via Sound on Sound, June 1997 issue (archived)], "Several operating-system upgrades were made available by third-party companies. The Musitronics M-EX is probably the best known, and gives the D50 multitimbrality among a host of other useful features."</ref>		The D-50 and D-550 could interface with Roland's own PG-1000 synthesiser programmer, designed to provide hands-on control to all synthesis parameters. Nowadays it is also possible to upgrade the firmware to various third-party solutions to give it more features.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075921/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/rolandd50.html Paul Ward via Sound on Sound, June 1997 issue (archived)] - "Several operating-system upgrades were made available by third-party companies. The Musitronics M-EX is probably the best known, and gives the D50 multitimbrality among a host of other useful features."</ref>

	It was, and is still regarded as an influential synthesiser. Many of its presets, such as Fantasia, Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance and so on have seen a lot of use throughout the late 80s and 90s media, and the synthesis engine would go on to inspire the creation of the [[D-70]], which itself would go on and ultimately lay a foundation to the [[Roland JV series]]. Its synthesis methods would also be transformed and shrunk down for use on the [[Roland MT-32]] and other related products. Many of its sounds would also go on to be recreated on numerous Roland products, as well as other manufacturers (such as [[E-MU Proteus/1]] featuring a "Phantazia" patch, for example), and notably some of its sounds would form part of the [[General MIDI]] specification.		It was, and is still regarded as an influential synthesiser. Many of its presets, such as Fantasia, Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance and so on have seen a lot of use throughout the late 80s and 90s media, and the synthesis engine would go on to inspire the creation of the [[D-70]], which itself would go on and ultimately lay a foundation to the [[Roland JV series]]. Its synthesis methods would also be transformed and shrunk down for use on the [[Roland MT-32]] and other related products. Many of its sounds would also go on to be recreated on numerous Roland products, as well as other manufacturers (such as [[E-MU Proteus/1]] featuring a "Phantazia" patch, for example), and notably some of its sounds would form part of the [[General MIDI]] specification.

	== D-50 on other synths ==		== The Roland D-50 on other synths ==

	=== Roland V-Synth ===		=== Roland V-Synth ===
	The Roland V-Synth would be able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card~~, which is a "D-50 emulator"~~ is installed.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>		The Roland V-Synth would be able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card is installed.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>
	The patch recreation job, according to users, ~~are~~ a mixed bag with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived)]</ref>. It is ~~uncertain if~~ all the patches ~~have been recreated here or if only a small selection was made available due~~ to ~~a lack of information~~.		The patch recreation job, according to users, were a mixed bag, with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived)]</ref>. This seems to be due to stereo imaging/field differences, and a different frequency response.
			All 64 original D-50 sound patches are included, as well as extra patches from the D-50 and D-550 sound libraries, plus a brand-new selection of 64 patches, which use 28 new waveforms that were not present on the original synth.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250423083908/https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-vc1-v-card Paul Nagle via Sound on Sound, May 2005 issue (archived)] - "The VC1 is supplied with all of the D50's original presets, plus the sound libraries for the D50/D550. In addition, 64 new patches are supplied using 28 extra waveforms that were too large to fit into the original synth..."</ref>

	=== [[Roland INTEGRA-7]] ===		=== [[Roland INTEGRA-7]] ===

MelonadeM: fixe drereferences

2025-07-24T10:55:24Z

fixe drereferences

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:55, 24 July 2025
Line 23:		Line 23:

	=== Roland V-Synth ===		=== Roland V-Synth ===
	The Roland V-Synth would be able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card, which is a "D-50 emulator" is installed.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>		The Roland V-Synth would be able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card, which is a "D-50 emulator" is installed.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>
	The patch recreation job, according to users, are a mixed bag with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref> https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived) </ref>. It is uncertain if all the patches have been recreated here or if only a small selection was made available due to a lack of information.		The patch recreation job, according to users, are a mixed bag with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived)]</ref>. It is uncertain if all the patches have been recreated here or if only a small selection was made available due to a lack of information.

	=== [[Roland INTEGRA-7]] ===		=== [[Roland INTEGRA-7]] ===
	A small selection of D-50 sounds was made available on Axial via the D-50 collection. This provides the INTEGRA-7 with 11 new tones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240721232818/https://axial.roland.com/articles/d-50-collection/ Axial D-50 collection page (archived)</ref>		A small selection of D-50 sounds was made available on Axial via the D-50 collection. This provides the INTEGRA-7 with 11 new tones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240721232818/https://axial.roland.com/articles/d-50-collection/ Axial D-50 collection page (archived)]</ref>

	== Re-releases ==		== Re-releases ==

MelonadeM at 10:53, 24 July 2025

2025-07-24T10:53:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:53, 24 July 2025
Line 18:		Line 18:
	The D-50 and D-550 could interface with Roland's own PG-1000 synthesiser programmer, designed to provide hands-on control to all synthesis parameters. Nowadays it is also possible to upgrade the firmware to various third-party solutions to give it more features.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075921/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/rolandd50.html Paul Ward via Sound on Sound, June 1997 issue (archived)], "Several operating-system upgrades were made available by third-party companies. The Musitronics M-EX is probably the best known, and gives the D50 multitimbrality among a host of other useful features."</ref>		The D-50 and D-550 could interface with Roland's own PG-1000 synthesiser programmer, designed to provide hands-on control to all synthesis parameters. Nowadays it is also possible to upgrade the firmware to various third-party solutions to give it more features.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075921/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/rolandd50.html Paul Ward via Sound on Sound, June 1997 issue (archived)], "Several operating-system upgrades were made available by third-party companies. The Musitronics M-EX is probably the best known, and gives the D50 multitimbrality among a host of other useful features."</ref>

	It was, and is still regarded as an influential synthesiser. Many of its presets, such as Fantasia, Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance and so on have seen a lot of use throughout the late 80s and 90s media, and the synthesis engine would go on to inspire the creation of the [[D-70]], which itself would go on and ultimately lay a foundation to the [[Roland JV series]]. Its synthesis methods would also be transformed and shrunk down for use on the [[Roland MT-32]] and other related products.		It was, and is still regarded as an influential synthesiser. Many of its presets, such as Fantasia, Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance and so on have seen a lot of use throughout the late 80s and 90s media, and the synthesis engine would go on to inspire the creation of the [[D-70]], which itself would go on and ultimately lay a foundation to the [[Roland JV series]]. Its synthesis methods would also be transformed and shrunk down for use on the [[Roland MT-32]] and other related products. Many of its sounds would also go on to be recreated on numerous Roland products, as well as other manufacturers (such as [[E-MU Proteus/1]] featuring a "Phantazia" patch, for example), and notably some of its sounds would form part of the [[General MIDI]] specification.

			== D-50 on other synths ==

			=== Roland V-Synth ===
			The Roland V-Synth would be able to access recreations of D-50 patches when the Roland VC-1 card, which is a "D-50 emulator" is installed.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_V-Synth&oldid=1299949042 Wikipedia's Roland V-Synth article], under the "Models" section.</ref>
			The patch recreation job, according to users, are a mixed bag with some good recreations and some not-so-good ones.<ref> https://web.archive.org/web/20250724104820/https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/986675-roland-v-synth-vs-d-50-now-some-proper-tests.html Gearspace forum post by Don Solaris (archived) </ref>. It is uncertain if all the patches have been recreated here or if only a small selection was made available due to a lack of information.

			=== [[Roland INTEGRA-7]] ===
			A small selection of D-50 sounds was made available on Axial via the D-50 collection. This provides the INTEGRA-7 with 11 new tones.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240721232818/https://axial.roland.com/articles/d-50-collection/ Axial D-50 collection page (archived)</ref>

			== Re-releases ==
			As part of the D-50's 30th anniversary, Roland put out two separate products to celebrate this.

	~~== Rereleases ==~~
	=== Roland D-05 ===		=== Roland D-05 ===
	The Roland D-50 would get a reissue in 2017 starting with the Roland Boutique D-05 synthesiser - it is in essence a compact module variant, still exposing all the controls of the keyboard, and includes an extra 5 banks of patches, as well as user storage space for up to 8 banks of 64 patches each.<ref name=D-05-specs>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724092403/https://www.roland.com/us/products/d-05/specifications/ Roland Corporation, D-05 specifications (archived)]</ref>		The Roland D-50 would get a reissue in 2017 starting with the Roland Boutique D-05 synthesiser - it is in essence a compact module variant, still exposing all the controls of the keyboard, and includes an extra 5 banks of patches, as well as user storage space for up to 8 banks of 64 patches each.<ref name=D-05-specs>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724092403/https://www.roland.com/us/products/d-05/specifications/ Roland Corporation, D-05 specifications (archived)]</ref>

MelonadeM: complete article overhaul

2025-07-24T09:52:46Z

complete article overhaul

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	\| effects = 2 Band semi-parametric EQ, Reverb, delay, chorus and flanger<ref name=D-50-specs />		\| effects = 2 Band semi-parametric EQ, Reverb, delay, chorus and flanger<ref name=D-50-specs />
	}}		}}
	'''Roland D-50''' is a ~~LA synthesizer~~ released in 1987. LA synthesis is a method ~~that combines~~ PCM ~~samples and subtractive analog waveforms (square~~ or ~~sawtooth)~~.		The '''Roland D-50''' is a synthesiser released in 1987. It is notable for being the first synthesiser to employ the ''linear arithmetic synthesis'', or LA synthesis for short, as a method of producing sound, which employs 2 analog-like voices with subtractive filtering, and two PCM tones, usually reserved for transients or short acoustic type sounds. A rackmount version, known as the ''D-550'', was released as well.

	It was regarded as an influential ~~synthesizer~~ in the ~~late 1980s~~ - ~~many presets like Fantasia~~, ~~Staccato Heaven~~, ~~Pizzagogo~~, and ~~DigitalNativeDance have been used~~ in the ~~pop songs~~ of that ~~era~~.		The D-50 and D-550 could interface with Roland's own PG-1000 synthesiser programmer, designed to provide hands-on control to all synthesis parameters. Nowadays it is also possible to upgrade the firmware to various third-party solutions to give it more features.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075921/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/rolandd50.html Paul Ward via Sound on Sound, June 1997 issue (archived)], "Several operating-system upgrades were made available by third-party companies. The Musitronics M-EX is probably the best known, and gives the D50 multitimbrality among a host of other useful features."</ref>

			It was, and is still regarded as an influential synthesiser. Many of its presets, such as Fantasia, Pizzagogo, DigitalNativeDance and so on have seen a lot of use throughout the late 80s and 90s media, and the synthesis engine would go on to inspire the creation of the [[D-70]], which itself would go on and ultimately lay a foundation to the [[Roland JV series]]. Its synthesis methods would also be transformed and shrunk down for use on the [[Roland MT-32]] and other related products.

			== Rereleases ==
			=== Roland D-05 ===
			The Roland D-50 would get a reissue in 2017 starting with the Roland Boutique D-05 synthesiser - it is in essence a compact module variant, still exposing all the controls of the keyboard, and includes an extra 5 banks of patches, as well as user storage space for up to 8 banks of 64 patches each.<ref name=D-05-specs>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250724092403/https://www.roland.com/us/products/d-05/specifications/ Roland Corporation, D-05 specifications (archived)]</ref>

			Otherwise, the feature set would stay the same, with the same polyphony limit and same selections of sounds and filters.

			=== Roland Cloud D-50 ===
			Also in 2017, Roland would reissue the D-50 in software form via their Roland Cloud subscription service.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250613170343/https://www.musicradar.com/news/roland-celebrates-30-years-of-the-d-50-synth-with-a-plugin-version-in-the-cloud Ben Rogerson via MusicRadar news, 23rd June 2017 publication, "Roland celebrates 30 years of the D-50 synth with a plugin version in the Cloud" (archived)]</ref> This is the first time that Roland would officially issue a complete emulation of the D-50 in software form. It allows for SysEx files from the D-50 to be loaded as banks of patches as well.

	== References ==		== References ==
	<references />		<references />

FlashyRom at 09:10, 11 June 2025

2025-06-11T09:10:28Z

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			{{Infobox module
			\| name = Roland D-50
			\| image = {{Photo wanted}}
			\| dimensions = 974 x 94 x 332.5 mm<ref name=D-50-specs>[https://support.roland.com/hc/en-us/articles/201966399-D-50-Technical-Specifications Roland D-50 Technical Specifications]</ref>
			\| weight = 10.7 kg<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| keyboard = 61 velocity and channel aftertouch sensitive keys<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| type = Linear Arithmetic synthesizer
			\| manufacturer = Roland<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| releasedate = 1987
			\| maxpoly = 16<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| numparts = 1<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| numpresets = 64 Patches<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>16 Reverb Patches<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>64 Tones<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| expansion = '''Optional Card Library'''<br>PN-D50 card series 1-3<ref name=D-50-specs /><br>'''Optional RAM Slot'''<br>M-256E Duplicate of internal<ref name=D-50-specs />
			\| effects = 2 Band semi-parametric EQ, Reverb, delay, chorus and flanger<ref name=D-50-specs />
			}}
	'''Roland D-50''' is a LA synthesizer released in 1987. LA synthesis is a method that combines PCM samples and subtractive analog waveforms (square or sawtooth).		'''Roland D-50''' is a LA synthesizer released in 1987. LA synthesis is a method that combines PCM samples and subtractive analog waveforms (square or sawtooth).

	It was regarded as an influential synthesizer in the late 1980s - many presets like Fantasia, Staccato Heaven, Pizzagogo, and DigitalNativeDance have been used in the pop songs of that era.		It was regarded as an influential synthesizer in the late 1980s - many presets like Fantasia, Staccato Heaven, Pizzagogo, and DigitalNativeDance have been used in the pop songs of that era.

			== References ==
			<references />

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:05, 6 October 2025
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	== References ==		== References ==
	<references />		<references />

			[[Category:Keyboards]] [[Category:Software_Synthesizers]]