Roland CM series: Difference between revisions
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The '''Roland CM''' series is a line of sound modules intended to be used with computers. | The '''Roland CM''' series is a line of sound modules intended to be used with computers. Each module in the series is essentially a variant of one or two other modules from a different Roland series, but in a uniform plain box design with no panel controls or display. | ||
== Roland CM-32L == | == Roland CM-32L == | ||
The '''Roland CM-32L''' is a variant of the [[Roland MT-32]] LA synthesis multitimbral sound module, | {{Photo wanted|right}} | ||
The '''Roland CM-32L''' is a variant of the [[Roland MT-32]] LA synthesis multitimbral sound module, with the only notable difference aside from the casing being that it adds 33 new sounds to the drum kit, intended for use as sound effects. These are located from note 76 onwards right above the clave sound (in GM, note 76 is labelled "High Woodblock" so just count 33 from there). | |||
== Roland CM-32P == | == Roland CM-32P == | ||
The '''Roland CM-32P''' is a variant of the [[Roland U-110]] PCM synthesis sound module. | {{Photo wanted|right}} | ||
The '''Roland CM-32P''' is a variant of the [[Roland U-110]] PCM synthesis sound module, marketed as a companion device for the MT-32 and CM-32L. The CM-32P includes stereo audio input jacks on the rear, intended to allow for the output of the two devices to be mixed. It is expandable with a PCM card slot, using the same 'SN-U' series ROM cards as the U-110. | |||
== Roland CM-64 == | == Roland CM-64 == | ||
The '''Roland CM-64''' combines a CM-32L and CM-32P into one box, on separate boards. The two synths are active simultaneously, listening on different MIDI channels. | {{Photo wanted|right}} | ||
The '''Roland CM-64''' combines a CM-32L and CM-32P into one box, on separate boards. The two synths are active simultaneously, listening on different MIDI channels (channels 2-10 for the LA part, and 11-16 for the PCM part). | |||
== Roland CM-300 == | == Roland CM-300 == | ||
The '''Roland CM-300''' is a variant of the original [[Roland SC-55]] GS sound module. | {{Photo wanted|right}} | ||
The '''Roland CM-300''' is a variant of the original [[Roland SC-55]] (mk1) GS sound module. | |||
== Roland CM-500 == | == Roland CM-500 == | ||
The '''Roland CM-500''' combines a | {{Photo wanted|right}} | ||
The '''Roland CM-500''' combines a CM-300 and CM-32L into one box. It has a switch that allows switching between 4 modes (Mode A through Mode D, all of which toggle various GS and LA source channels on and off.), among others a GS-only mode and a CM-64 emulation mode (the GS sound source emulates the CM-32P part of the CM-64).<ref>Roland CM-500 Owner's Manual, page 9.</ref> It does not have a PCM card slot. The GS sound source includes the CM-64 bank,<ref>Roland CM-500 Owner's Manual, pages 31 and 32.</ref> like the SC-55, even though the CM-500 also has a real LA sound source in it. | |||
* Page 10 of the Owner's Manual will display exactly which parts are and are not in use with each respective mode. | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
Latest revision as of 02:08, 4 July 2025
The Roland CM series is a line of sound modules intended to be used with computers. Each module in the series is essentially a variant of one or two other modules from a different Roland series, but in a uniform plain box design with no panel controls or display.
Roland CM-32L
The Roland CM-32L is a variant of the Roland MT-32 LA synthesis multitimbral sound module, with the only notable difference aside from the casing being that it adds 33 new sounds to the drum kit, intended for use as sound effects. These are located from note 76 onwards right above the clave sound (in GM, note 76 is labelled "High Woodblock" so just count 33 from there).
Roland CM-32P
The Roland CM-32P is a variant of the Roland U-110 PCM synthesis sound module, marketed as a companion device for the MT-32 and CM-32L. The CM-32P includes stereo audio input jacks on the rear, intended to allow for the output of the two devices to be mixed. It is expandable with a PCM card slot, using the same 'SN-U' series ROM cards as the U-110.
Roland CM-64
The Roland CM-64 combines a CM-32L and CM-32P into one box, on separate boards. The two synths are active simultaneously, listening on different MIDI channels (channels 2-10 for the LA part, and 11-16 for the PCM part).
Roland CM-300
The Roland CM-300 is a variant of the original Roland SC-55 (mk1) GS sound module.
Roland CM-500
The Roland CM-500 combines a CM-300 and CM-32L into one box. It has a switch that allows switching between 4 modes (Mode A through Mode D, all of which toggle various GS and LA source channels on and off.), among others a GS-only mode and a CM-64 emulation mode (the GS sound source emulates the CM-32P part of the CM-64).[1] It does not have a PCM card slot. The GS sound source includes the CM-64 bank,[2] like the SC-55, even though the CM-500 also has a real LA sound source in it.
- Page 10 of the Owner's Manual will display exactly which parts are and are not in use with each respective mode.