Music

Roland D-50 / D-550 present ROM card. VERY handy to be able to use your factory presets in combinatiwith your own patches, after overwriting your memory, battery replacement etc. Condition is very good as you can see on the pictures. Comes with clear case without scratches.

The Roland D-50, released in 1987, is a landmark in the history of synthesizers, marking a significant shift in electronic music production. This digital synthesizer distinguished itself with a unique synthesis method known as Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis. LA synthesis cleverly combined traditional subtractive synthesis with digitally sampled waveforms, enabling the creation of complex and evolving sounds that were previously unattainable with analog synthesizers. At the heart of the D-50's appeal is its ability to produce lush, rich, and textured sounds. The synthesizer uses a combination of synthesized waveforms and sampled attack transients to generate its sounds. This approach allows the D-50 to create realistic instrument sounds and complex, evolving textures that give it a distinctive place in the world of music production. Its sound is characterized by the ability to layer and modulate these elements, providing a broad palette of sonic possibilities. The D-50 features a digital oscillator that generates waveforms, which are then processed through a variety of envelopes, filters, and effects. One of the key innovations of the D-50 is its use of digital effects, including chorus, reverb, and delay, which are integrated into the synthesis engine. This was a novel feature at the time and contributed significantly to the lush soundscapes for which the D-50 became famous. The built-in effects allowed musicians to create polished, studio-quality sounds without the need for additional outboard gear. Another aspect of the D-50's design that contributed to its success was its user interface. Although the synthesizer is digital, Roland provided a programming interface that mimicked the sliders and buttons of analog synthesizers. This made it more accessible to musicians who were familiar with analog synthesis, bridging the gap between the old and new technologies. The D-50 also came with a joystick that allowed for real-time manipulation of sound parameters, adding an expressive performance element. The preset sounds on the D-50 became iconic in their own right. Patches like "Fantasia," "Digital Native Dance," and "Glass Voices" showcased the synthesizer's ability to create sounds that were both innovative and immediately usable in a musical context. These presets were widely used in the music of the late 1980s and early 1990s, appearing in numerous hit songs and film scores. The distinctive sounds of the D-50 helped define the sound of that era, making it a staple in studios around the world. The impact of the Roland D-50 on the music industry cannot be overstated. It opened new creative avenues for musicians and producers, influencing the sound of pop, rock, electronic, and film music. Artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Prince, and Michael Jackson were among those who embraced the D-50, incorporating its sounds into their work and helping to cement its place in music history. Even decades after its release, the D-50 remains a sought-after instrument. Its unique sound and historical significance have led to numerous software emulations and modern recreations, such as Roland's own D-05 Boutique synthesizer. These modern versions aim to capture the essence of the original while offering the conveniences of contemporary technology. In summary, the Roland D-50 is a groundbreaking synthesizer that introduced a new era of digital synthesis. Its combination of Linear Arithmetic synthesis, integrated digital effects, and user-friendly interface made it a revolutionary instrument that influenced a generation of musicians and producers. The sounds of the D-50 continue to resonate in the music world, cementing its legacy as a true classic in the realm of electronic music instruments.