ROLAND D-50 - Synth Review, Sounds & Demo | Linear Synthesizer
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- Roland D-50 synth review, sounds and demo. In this synthesizer review of the Roland D-50, I provide an overview of the synth, it's digital sample-based linear arithmetic synthesis engine, play Roland D-50 sounds, and provide my final thoughts on the Roland D50 including pros and cons.
TIMECODES
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00:00 - Intro
01:15- Overview
14:12 - Sounds & Patches
30:27 - Pad Sound Design
32:49 - Pros
36:42 - Cons
40:12 - Final Thoughts
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Released in 1987, the Roland D-50 is a classic digital synthesizer that still remains popular to this day. It began the new era of digital synths at Roland and featured linear arithmetic synthesis (LAS), a groundbreaking combination of PCM samples and loops for attack transients, with traditional subtractive synthesis waveforms.
The Roland D-50 has a deep and complex synthesis engine which features 16-voices and is 2-part multitimbral. Sound can be constructed using 2 tones, each which has 2 partials per tone. There are 7 different "structures" (algorithms) which enable you to change how the PCM and subtractive engine interact, including ring modulation.
The synth engine has 100 PCM samples and combines it with traditional saw or square waveforms, digital filters and effects. It has 3 LFOs, 3 envelopes (5-stage pitch, filter, amp), low and high equalizer, chorus, 32-types reverb, portamento, low-pass filter, chase (delay) mode, room for 64 patches, 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch, MIDI in/out, a joystick for mixing audio levels, and various key modes including whole/dual/split.
The Roland D-50 is well known for classic and nostalgic sounds which have been played on many hit records by artists including Enya, Prince, Michael Jackson, Sting and many others. Famous presets like "Digital Native Dance" and "Soundtrack" were designed by Eric Persing and Adrian Scott and showcased the capabilities of linear arithmetic synthesis and flexibility of the D-50's versatile sound engine.
The Roland D50 is also well known for having warm overtones and a gritty and airy organic sound, which makes it incredible for ethereal pads and soundscapes. Aside from that it can produce incredible bass, bells, leads, keys, brass and many other traditional sounds, but it can really transport you to other worlds with a little experimentation.
The Roland D-50 interface has buttons and a screen for editing, but thankfully there is the PG-1000 controller which enables you to edit sounds using sliders. The PG-1000 is somewhat rare and expensive, but really speeds up sound design on the Roland D-50 so if you have the chance to get one, go for it!
Overall the Roland D-50 is a versatile and classic digital synthesizer which still remains a popular synth to this day. It has a unique sound legacy thanks to the linear arithmetic synthesis engine and can really take you places. If you have the opportunity to get your hands on one and enjoy what it does, the Roland D-50 is still well worth picking up.
Hope you enjoy this Roland D-50 review, sounds and demo.
#roland #d50 #review #synth #synthesizer - Hudba
You highlight just why the D-50 is still relevant and competitive more than 30 years later. Still one of my all-time favorites!
Thank you Jim, much appreciated. The D-50 is definitely a classic for a reason!
36 years leater
My favorite synth and the first synth I bought new and paid so much for! In 1988 if you have a D-50, you had "the sound". Thanks for the in-depth dive into this classic!
Thanks Johnny! So cool that you have kept yours since new! :) The D-50 definitely has it's own sound and is still relevant today.
Absolutely breathtaking sound's. Even after all these years. Incredible!
Yes, D50 still sounds great many years later. :)
I lucked into a D-50 a few years ago when a friend gifted it to me after I helped her move. It's a very lush and complex sounding synth. Glad to see it presented here.
Amazing, very nice friend you have! :) D-50 is definitely complex but rewards patience!
she just gave it to you? 😲
@@jessihawkins9116 Yup! ...Well, I spent 4 hours helping her move.
@@lo-firobotboy7112 when you die can I have it? 🤔
What I like about the D-50 is that it sounds good. It has presence but is not pretentious. It can be used in any genre and it does it well. The sounds are not cheap, it sound from an era but not cheap. Is inspiring and the keybed is amazing! Once you start playing it, you can not stop. Is like the R2D2 of synths. The range of sounds you can get is huge. It sounds better than the JV 80. The JV 80 was weak in a live show.
I need that pg-1000 ! It makes a world of differences! Great video bro!
Thanks dude! PG-1000 definitely speeds up programming and makes it much more manageable.
I found mine on reverb for $200 🙂
I have two D-550s that I run in tandem detuned. INCREDIBLE synth. Needless to say, the factory sounds are pretty dull. But download some new ones and it's like all heaven's angels are whispering in your ears. Best non-analogue synth of the 80s, hands down.
Amazing! Dual D-550s together must sound huge and lush. Share some demos of this setup and sounds! Would love to hear epic pads.
I envy you.
D 50 is one of my alltime favorite synth. I had 3 of them in earlier times with PG 1000. Well times changed and I sold them.
But now I wanted after all this years this classic back, but unfortunately they are very rare here, and PG 1000 anyway you not more find..
Sometimes has D 50 but to prices I dont wanted pay for an old synth.
Well Roland came then up with the D05 Budget and I bought it right away, cause all sounds from cards are there inside plus a new D05 Bank full of cool sounds.
And the Interface is absolutely same to edit like the original, has even a sequencer inside.
But there is more. DTronics has a Programmer for the D 50 and also D 05 so I got it too. And you know what, the DT 01 is realtime on the D 05 parameters, you hear that if you modify the Filter Frequency, and Resonance.
Something you could not do on a PG 1000.
I like it, and its compact and you get a new synth for it holds sure next 30 years. No old keys rubbers are broke or such things. And all really ALL Sounds of ALL cards on board inside.
No Memory card salad where was my sound...
I can highly recommend it.
Congrats on all your D-50s and D-05. Great to hear about the other programmers, they sound very nice!
You are wring. The PG-1000 works on the D-05 the same way. No need to retrigger a note to hear changes.
@@SPAZZOID100 I think you misunderstood me... I not say it not works same on the D 05... I meant the PG 1000 works like that on the ORIGINAL D 50.
I think so the PG 1000 will work on the D 05 like my DT 01 does, cause the unit itself work realtime.
Thats what I meant, I not can test that I dont have a PG 1000. I just know how the behavier was on the Original D 50 and how its a changed behaviour with the DT 01 on my D 05 now. Wich is very cool I like.
If I one day will find a PG 1000 to a affordable price I will buy, but that seems like impossible, never seen one again here my area, at least not to a fair price.. I not pay 1000 bucks for a programmer is for a synth costs me only 400...
Thats nonsens, so my DT 01 is enough yet and does the job quite well.
Thats what I meant in comparison PG 1000 to D 50 Original --> DT01 to D 05
Man - I love the D-50. Back in 2015 I had a pristine model, but sold it pretty quickly for some stupid reason. A few years later I bought another one that was just so beat up. I still have that one. I think it's one of the best sounding synths out there. It sounds way better than the JD-800, although it doesn't have really good silky string sounds... at least not like the JD-800.
Plus, the editing sucks. I imagine the PG-1000 doesn't exactly add up to the JD-800 controls, but then again, you do have to press each part you want to edit with both of them, so maybe they're kind of similar.
Anyway, great stuff.
Thank you Midera! D-50 just really has it's own unique tone, that grainy texture really sets it apart. JD-800 was much more clear and hi-fi to my ears, probably due to the 44.1Khz samples. The PG-1000 definitely helps speed up editing but you have to remember 4 different partials' settings when you flip between them, so it's actually still quite complex.
@@synth4ever The PG800 is a very good tool for preventing dementia!
@@MisAnnThorpeHaha yes it's quite a test for your mind!
@@synth4ever Maybe I ought to get one as it seems that I'd forgotten that the programmer for the D50 is the PG1000 and not the 800!
Even though I love the DX7 due to it's great impact, designs, sounds, and legendary status in Electronic Music and in the synthesizer world. The D-50 is so well designed and well sounding that you can use it in modern music without making it sound retro/80s. If a musician or producer is really good, nobody would know if it was using a 30 plus year old synthesizer. Where the DX7 is kind of tricky to not make your modern music sound a bit retro sounding due to it's own patches. The DX7 sounds very contemporary in a good way where as the D-50 doesn't and there for it aged very well compared to other synthesizers during it's time.
One of my favorite synthesizers! Awesome video!
Thanks so much! It's a classic for sure.
Really awesome video! You've got a great style for presentation and really did this legendary synth justice!
Thanks so much, the D-50 deserves it!
What a beast of a synth! I love the D50
Agreed!
One if the greatest and most iconic synthesizers of all time. It’s unmatchable.
It's a classic for a reason! Still sounds great 36+ years later.
Adored it. Always wanted to get me one when i was a teen :) we had some synth store in the town where my school was, and i missed a lot of classes because of this synth :)))) actually never got one myself. I love the sounds this beauty is capable to create… thank you for this recording ❤
Thank you for watching and the comment. Glad you were able to enjoy the D-50 during those years!
Theres always ebay
The sound of New Age.
Yes indeed, amazing for new age. Loved Enya's use of D-50.
Sail away, sail away, sail away.
Enya said that she "felt that title was given to any musician whom critics didn't know how to pigeonhole." In regards to "New Age"
She was edgy.
Fitting, seeing as the GM 'New Age Pad' usually resembles the D50 Fantasia patch
@@smokey90 They all say that. No one ever wants to wear the label. She got plenty of air time on Echoes though and so did George Winston. I think New Age fits.
I first got the Yamaha SY99... Then the DX7... Then the Korg M1... Then the D50, which just took it to a new level. Now the Jupiter 80 is sat on the stand with the D50 on top. Still the king of synths.
D50 is still a beast today!
Love this video, great job 👍👏🎉
Thanks for watching!
What a great patch on 16’23 !!!Great video also.I am digging a d05 boutique along with a pg-1000 editor on iOS .I love it and the chase mode is so good .I really enjoyed the video!
Thanks a lot! Great to see you still here. That is a great patch, too! Happy you are enjoying your D-05 :)
I "only" have the Cloud Version of the D-50.But even this is a lot of fun for me.
Great Synth,thx for this great Video.
Wow! Only 7 days ago posted! I got my D-550 about 13 days ago! I love it! Sounds so retro and awesome! It’s a great addition to my Take 5, Poly D, Arp Odyssey, and SH-201. I wanna get a PG-1000 soon.
Funny you mentioned the battery. My D-550, if I walk away for about 20 mins and leave it on, when I hit the triggering midi controller it takes a bit to get started. Most recently it didn’t come back on after 20 mins but once I cranked up the volume it sounded very low and distorted. After I left it off for about 30 mins it was back to normal operation. I wonder if the battery needs changing or the caps for the power section are going out.
Thanks for your post and demo!
Congrats on the D-550! Hope you can get the minor issues sorted out.
Is my favorite synth and I have tons. I love it.
Awesome! D50 is great.
I've got mine when thay still were unwanted. I can say that the PG1000 is a next level option❤
I was lucky enough to have owned one of these (and an HS-60) from about 1989 until the late 90's. Looking back what I find interesting is that the many sounds I programmed myself almost always combined 4 of the synthesis partials, mixed together, detuned and covered with a splash of reverb or delay. The sample partials rarely got a look in so the D50 was generally operating as an early virtual analogue. I wonder if it was the earliest commonly-available VA synthesizer?
That's awesome. Yea, it's possible the D-50 could be considered a form of early VA... in any case it sounds great!
It's reported elsewhere as such.
Narada: "We only have the budget for one synth."
Roland: "I got you fam!"
:)
Nice Video Dude. 😃👍.
Thanks! 😁
Monster synth 💙
Totally!
Gorgeous sounds! Wish I had the hardware - currently only have the Roland soft version
If you ever get the chance, just buy one because you'll never regret it!
You better buy a old V Synth with a D50 card 😊
The hardware is still avail for reasonable prices! :) Worth picking up IMO.
Beautiful synth. I've got a load of dead keys on mine (which is a shame cos the keybed is still one of the nicest out there) but thankfully the synth engine is still strong so it's a big chunky sound module via midi now lol. The emulations are great but still not quite the real deal....The DACs on the hardware add that final sprinkle of magic dust which is why it's still hooked up in my studio.
Hope you can get your keys fixed, it's worth it! D-50 definitely has a distinct sound, I also think the hardware has something to do with it.
Awesome synth still
Yes indeed!
Nice video quality and clear commentary. Two suggestions: a) use a ducking effect when talking over the music b) turn down the goddam reverb (and chorus too, I believe?) when demonstrating basic waves. :)
:)
Both 2Unlimited (No Limit) and Hithouse (Jack to the sound of the Underground / Move your feet) used this instrument without relying on its factory presets.
They showed what this machine was capable of.
Seriously bro, im at the 1 minute mark and that intro was epic!!!! Sooo very cinematic. Kudos. (Wont have time to watch whole video today sadly.) 👍
Thank you, I appreciate that. I really enjoy that patch!
I remember from the D-20 that it doesn't really have a saw wave, but a modulated pulse wave.
So true, but it hardly makes any difference to the ear.
D-50 is almost the perfect synth ever. The only thing i miss into it is a great E.P, something that sounds like a DX7 EP or a Rhodes.
I have the MKS-50, MKS-70 and D50 with the PG-300, PG800 and PG1000 programmers now 😌
Very nice! That's a lot of hands-on control. :)
Hi, great video, what patch bank are the demos section from? I have a d550 and PG1000 and would love to know what is being used, keep up the great videos
Unfortunately I don't know as they came with the synth. A lot of them have "SG" as the designer. Maybe sort through these and you can find it: www.thekyotoconnection.com/cultofd50/
The only equivalent that i know is the SY77 by Yamaha, replace the substractive part with FM, it's a workstation as well.
Wow, the synth engine is basicly a DCO like on the Juno Alpha, but combine with sample attack inside ROM chip, very clever built, the Synclavier can do the same by combining FM additive and Sample of course it's more evolve and expensive at the time, but i think the best Roland synth base on DCO synth and sample combo was probably the JD-800 same thing as D-20 and D-50 but with more power horse manipulation inside.
Thanks for the insights!
None of the D-5, D-10, D-20 and D-50 has DCOs anywhere similar to those in the JX-3P, Juno series, and OB Matrix series for that matter. A DCO is digitally controlled, yielding an analog output which is then processed further.
The D-50 is digital from the keyboard up to and including the dual outputs that go into a Digital Analog Converter right before being connected to the output jacks.
As far as the sound engine is concerned i don't see any reason to compare it to a Synclavier.
The JD-800 and followers don't have DCOs either. The JD-800 resolves some of the D-50 's limitations regarding samples (i.e. it allows filtering of the samples, which the D50 does not). It has awesome sounds, but lacks the original rawness of the D50.
I still have my D-50 from 1987 and love it now as much as then.
What a fabulous synthesizer.
@@agervenyou mean, the oscilator is totaly Wavetable made by a primitive DAC ? that's also possible, because it use sample for the attack of the sound, but it's also have a kind of osc that finish the decay cycle, due to rom limitation, but you can use a sample for attack and another one looped for the decay, it was one of the clever trick they do back then.
It is more or less what i mean, yeah. i do have the feeling that in details we are talking different things, but overall i can agree to your view. Thanks for the response.@@Meteotrance
Digital synthesizer from 1987, yep I'm old, lol
so much more intuitive with the programmer rather than all the menu diving!
We need a good Zen Core Model of this.
Maybe someday...
I flogged my D50 and PG1000 years ago, for £250. I could kick myself.
Deals are still out there!
The sound beginning patch at 0:00 sounds soo awesome. Any idea how to reproduce it?
It's a patch called Reulex Shapes V2 from here: payhip.com/b/2lGaB
Heavily used by Jean-Michel Jarre on many of his albums.
It’s still a massive synth. Does the PG 1000 work with boutique D50?
Yes I believe so
Damn... I've seen the programmers for other Rolands, but I never saw the ridiculous 3-rows-tall too-big-to-fit-on-the-keyboard PG-1000! I like how it just has blank space next to Roland's cheapest 16-character display instead of giving you a screen as big as the D-50. But none of the other programmers even have a screen.
It's quite a handy programmer but the engine is very deep so you can still get overwhelmed. Great to have it though.
At the time I hated it. My friend had one. Now, I make so many sounds that could be from a d-50. Not deliberately D-50ish but just that feel that the D-50 can deliver when doing what it does well. The interface I think makes the synth a lot harder to grok than ideal :-)
And saying I bought mine 3 years ago in near mint condition for a mere 350 euro's.... Those are synths I'll never sell. Just like my JX3P, DW8000 and JX10.
The PG-1000 works better on the D-05, which allows for parameter changes without having to retrigger the note.
These have to be some of the best patches I've ever heard for the D50! Where are they from? I searched through the cult of D50 sysex collection but couldn't find any...
I'm not sure, they came with the synth when I bought it 2nd hand...
Found the patches, they are from here: www.encountersmedia.be/index.php?_route_=roland-d-50-analog-power-bank
@@synth4ever Thank you so much! Recently I also found some of the patches in this video, but in a completely different sysex file! After some additional digging through sysex files in the cult of D50 archive, I found a good portion of these patches in the "D-550 Factory.syx" file. Got no damn clue why it's called that way, cause those surely ain't factory presets! The baroom synth v2 patch has to be my absolute favorite in there.
Can you send the fx on a separate output and mix them on a desk instead of mixing them internally?
Not sure... I believe they are internal only. The manual can confirm.
Roland says: rolandcorp.com.au/blog/roland-icon-series-the-d-50-linear-synthesizer
"The output section of the D-50 offered four different Output modes, which would connect the effects processor to the output in different ways, with differing stereo images and effects for each mode. The output modes were:
- Stereo reverb applied to the mixed Upper/Lower tones
- Stereo reverb applied to the separated stereo output tones
- Reverb applied only to the Upper tone and tones are separated to the stereo output
- Reverb applied only to the Lower tone and tones are separated to the stereo output"
@@synth4ever ok turn them off. The processor is too slow.
Sorry for off topic question but do you recon you might get your hands on a UDO Audio Super Gemini for demo ❤
I would love to, if UDO or a distributor would like to send one my way I'd be happy to do a review and demo.
@@synth4ever I'll make recommendations to them 👌
Om 🎶🎹🪐🌟
Supringly Roland never released any additional waveforms as Korg did for the M1. I believe there is 5 more D50 cards which were just patches using the onboard factory PCM and the basic standard sawtooth and square waves. I could be wrong but if someone can confirm it would be greatly appreciated. 🎉
Unfortunately you are not wrong! I cannot 100% pinpoint it but theoretically, according to its midi specifications, it should be possible to change both the sample memory and the reverb settings through midi. i experimented somewhat with a friend back in the days, we only got crashes of the original operiting system as a result. Possibly something in the midi spec is wrong or not fully documented, or part of that memory block is used by the operating system as well.
Thankfully the factory waveforms have yield thousands of unique patches… are sounds used in this demo available for purchase????, they sound very good to my ears. Thanks for the reply 🎉🎉🎉
Con: no filter on the PCM smples.
Roland would fix that with their D70. But then it was allready to late.
The great mistake they made with the D70 is that it was not patch-compatible with the D50. Because of that many people left it in the shop, even though it had a 76 key keyboard.
Is LA and DWGS the same?
No I don't believe so. LA is short PCM attack transient + synthesized sound, DWGS is static sampled waveforms.
I can hear stepping when you move the fader
Such is the nature of older gear. :)
@@synth4ever maybe some deoxit.
Interesting it sounds backwards. ❤
The D50 is still fantastic with great sounds. The drawbacks, and they are significant IMHO, include: The hardware is seriously OLD. It is a 100% digital design and Roland offers a lifetime key for $150. All the same PCM data with the exact same digital voice architecture. Differences people show are from the DACs on the hardware which is a matter of EQ on the VST. If you have an iPad the Digital D1 is $4. Everyone knows it is a D50 that simply wants to avoid a Roland lawsuit. None of this is to detract from how great this sounds; just pointing out there are cheaper, more reliable, easier to use ways to get that.
Of course, time marches on and technology changes. However, there is still something to be said for the original, if it interests you. :)
@@synth4ever Agreed. I simply think investing in kit this old warrants prior introspection as to priorities. Same value owning the actual OG and some just want the wonderful (to my ears) sounds.
Is there difference in sound between D50 and D550?
No difference.
Also, the boutique D-05 sounds exactly the same (have one on top of my D50 and use it for extra voices. Unable to tell which voice comes from which device).
@@agerven The only problem is the 05 is discounted and it easier to find original D50 for buying these days.
Yes, i noticed that!@@DadoSimicStudiostriver
I should have never sold mine :'(
I'd say without the Programmer those modern looking submenu monsters were pretty unusable. and the added cost to be able to use them was substantial.
The programmer definitely helps but thankfully there's also software controllers these days!
@@synth4everIf I recall correctly there were also back then.
When that’s the only option you have, you use it. I loved my D50 back in 1988, created loads of patches, the UI was not so bad by any means.
Back in the day there was a program called Sound Diver, which let you edit many synths through your computer.
But enough knowledge of synthesis could take you a long way without external editors.
i never found editing on the D50 a burden!
It has a lot of short-cuts, and once you have found those editing is a breeze.
There is nothimg linear about sound synthesis. Period.
Frankly D-50 is kinda overrated. It sounds plain if you remove the EFX. Presets have too much chorus and reverb, hence everything sounds New Age. It's for sure more useful than DX7, but M1 sound engine is more versatile for doing gig or used as workstation.
It was fairly unique at the time, and nice to have FX on-board.
😩too much talk, too many ads
That was the GOLDEN AGE of synthesizers!!!! Not like todays CRIPPLED 3 octaves synths...
The good ol' days!
Who said digital synths sound 'cold' ? For whatever cold means in synthesizer sounds.
D-50 has digital warmth. :)
@@synth4ever Exactly! And thank you for the great review.