Roland D-50

Definition

The Roland D-50 is a digital synthesizer that was released in 1987, known for its innovative Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis technology, which combined sampled waveforms with traditional subtractive synthesis. This groundbreaking approach allowed musicians to create complex and rich sounds, setting it apart from other synthesizers of its time and making it a staple in various music genres, especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The D-50 features 64 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex chords and layered sounds.
2. It includes a built-in effects processor, offering reverb, chorus, and delay, enhancing the overall sound quality.
3. The D-50 has a distinctive user interface with an LCD display and a range of sliders and knobs for real-time sound manipulation.
4. Many famous tracks from the late 80s and early 90s feature sounds created by the D-50, making it an iconic instrument in pop and electronic music.
5. The D-50's architecture allows for dynamic changes in sound over time, contributing to its popularity for creating evolving pads and textures.

Review Questions

• How does Linear Arithmetic Synthesis differentiate the Roland D-50 from other synthesizers of its time?
  • Linear Arithmetic Synthesis is key to the D-50's uniqueness because it blends sampled sounds with traditional subtractive synthesis techniques. This combination enables the creation of richer and more dynamic tones compared to the purely analog or sample-based synthesizers of that era. By utilizing both methods, musicians can achieve complex timbres that were not possible with earlier synthesizers.
• Discuss the impact of the Roland D-50 on the music industry during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
  • The Roland D-50 had a significant impact on the music industry as it became widely used in pop, rock, and electronic genres. Its unique sounds and textures inspired numerous hit songs during that period. The combination of advanced synthesis capabilities and user-friendly features made it accessible for musicians at various skill levels, contributing to its popularity in recording studios and live performances.
• Evaluate how the design and functionality of the Roland D-50 influenced modern synthesizer development.
  • The design and functionality of the Roland D-50 set important precedents for modern synthesizer development by emphasizing ease of use through intuitive interfaces and real-time controls. Its use of digital synthesis paved the way for future instruments that merged sampling with synthesis techniques. The popularity of its sound architecture encouraged manufacturers to explore similar hybrid models, ultimately shaping the evolution of digital synthesizers in contemporary music production.

Related terms

Linear Arithmetic Synthesis: A synthesis method that combines sampled waveforms with traditional subtractive synthesis to create richer sounds.

MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments to communicate and synchronize with each other.

Patch: A specific setting or configuration of a synthesizer's parameters that produces a unique sound, often referred to as a preset.