Introduction
The Roland D-50 is a synthesizer produced by Roland and released in April 1987[13]. It quickly became the most popular digital synth of its era, pushing aside its main competitor, the Yamaha DX7[16]. The D-50 introduced a new synthesis method called Linear Arithmetic (LA) Synthesis, which combined PCM waveforms and subtractive synthesis[1]. Its unique sound and innovative synthesis method have left a lasting impression on the music industry, and the D-50 continues to be a sought-after instrument among musicians, producers, and sound designers[12].
Designers
The Roland D-50 was designed by a team of engineers and sound designers at Roland. One of the most celebrated accomplishments of this team was the programming of many of the factory patches for the popular D-50 synthesizer by Eric Persing, founder of Spectrasonics, and fellow sound designer Adrian Scott[15]. In celebration of the D-50’s 30th anniversary in 2017, Roland rounded up all of the original designers and engineers to shed some light on how they produced the legendary synth[16].
Impact and Popularity
The Roland D-50 quickly became the most popular digital synth of its era, pushing aside its main competitor, the Yamaha DX7[16]. The D-50’s unique sound defined the music scene in the late 80s and early 90s and was used in countless records across the world[16]. Some notable artists who used the Roland D-50 include Prince, Jean-Michel Jarre, Enya, Vangelis, and Michael Jackson[12]. The D-50’s popularity was due in part to its innovative synthesis method, which allowed for a wide range of unique and complex sounds[13].
Technical Specifications and Features
The Roland D-50 featured a 61-key keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, 16-voice polyphony, and used LA Synthesis as its tone generator[13][17]. It also included on-board effects, a joystick for data manipulation, and an analog synthesis-styled layout design[13]. The external Roland PG-1000 (1987–1990) programmer could also be attached to the D-50 for more complex manipulation of its sounds[13]. The D-50 was also produced in a rack-mount variant design, the D-550 (1987–1990), with almost 450 user-adjustable parameters[13].
Influence on Music Production
The Roland D-50’s unique sonic capabilities quickly caught the attention of numerous influential musicians and producers[12]. Its innovative synthesis method allowed for a wide range of unique and complex sounds, which helped shape the music of its time[13]. The D-50’s iconic sounds can still be heard in contemporary music, and its influence on the development of digital synthesis remains evident in many modern instruments[12]. The synthesizer’s synthesis engine, in more or less updated forms, was used in Roland’s JV and XP series synths, among others[13]. Furthermore, in 2004, Roland released a VC-1 expansion card for V-Synth and VariOS synthesizers, which emulated the D-50[13].
Citations:
[1] https://www.roland.com/global/promos/d-50_30th_anniversary/
[2] https://youtube.com/watch?v=zfMkR3JHAWo
[3] https://www.roland.com/us/rtv/piano_keys/d-50_artist_moments/
[4] https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2018/02/12/roland-d-50-why-its-still-popular-after-30-years/
[5] https://support.roland.com/hc/en-us/articles/201966399-D-50-Technical-Specifications
[6] https://www.roland.com/us/products/rc_d-50/
[7] https://review.wolfarchitects.design/roland-d-50-synthesizer-1987/
[8] http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/roland-d-50/1218
[9] https://equipboard.com/items/roland-d-50
[10] https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/993364-roland-d-50-popularity-among-hispanics.html
[11] https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/roland-d-50-technical-specifications/
[12] https://dreyandersson.com/music-production-terms/roland-d50/
[13] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_D-50
[14] https://youtube.com/watch?v=raZkAWkdpCk
[15] https://synthandsoftware.com/2019/10/eric-persing-looks-back-at-the-roland-d-50/
[16] https://dailyanalog.com/synths/roland/roland-d-50-review/
[17] http://www.synthark.org/Roland/D-50.html
[18] https://paulgrooveside.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/two-into-one-does-go-or-how-i-built-myself-a-roland-d-50-synthesizer/
[19] https://www.midera-artist.com/roland-d-50/
[20] https://soundprogramming.net/synthesizers/roland/roland-d-50/
[21] https://www.rolandus.com/blog/2017/09/09/d-50-linear-synthesizer-30th-anniversary/
[22] https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-d50
[23] https://synthsandkeyboards.wordpress.com/2014/10/01/roland-d-50/
[24] https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/1323743-roland-d-50-2020-a.html
[25] https://youtube.com/watch?v=w4vfiS6z7q4
