ROLAND D-50 - A Breakthrough in LA Synthesis

The Roland D-50 is a sixteen-voice polyphonic digital synthesizer, introduced in 1987, and has become one of the most influential instruments of its time. Thanks to its groundbreaking LA (Linear Arithmetic) synthesis technology, it combined sampled attacks with subtractive synthesis, creating rich, dynamic, and realistic sounds that became iconic in pop, film, and electronic music.

The D-50 was the first synthesizer to offer built-in digital effects, such as chorus, reverb, and EQ, which added depth and spatial qualities that, until then, could only be achieved through external processing.

Sound Architecture and Flexibility

The D-50 features sixteen-voice polyphony, enabling complex sound layering and rich harmonic structures.

Key Components of the Sound Architecture:

•  LA Synthesis – Combines PCM samples for attack phase with digital oscillators for sustain,
   creating realistic and expressive sounds.
•  32 Partial Oscillators – Each voice can contain up to 4 oscillators, enabling complex sound layers.
•  Low-pass resonant filter – Provides subtle frequency shaping to mold the sound.
•  Three LFOs per voice – Allow modulation of frequency, filter cutoff, and amplitude.
•  Built-in digital effects – Chorus, Reverb, and EQ add depth and spatial qualities to the sound.

Memory and Sound Storage Options

The D-50 contains 64 factory presets and 64 user memory slots, allowing for custom sound design.

Additionally, user sounds can be stored externally on a RAM card, the Roland M-256E, providing extra storage space for sound programs.

To expand the sound palette, optional ROM cards were available, including the PN-D50-00, PN-D50-01, PN-D50-02, PN-D50-03 series, featuring new sounds and textures.

Sound Programming and Control

The D-50 includes a joystick, enabling smooth transitions between sound layers, a unique synthesis feature.

For musicians seeking deeper control over sound design, the external programmer Roland PG-1000 was available, providing direct access to all parameters through sliders.

Roland PG-1000 – Maximum Control Over D-50 Synthesis

The Roland PG-1000 was designed as an external programmer for the Roland D-50 and its rack version, the D-550, offering complete physical control over synthesis. This programmer allows detailed parameter adjustments, which are otherwise only accessible through menu navigation on the D-50.

The PG-1000 features 56 faders, giving direct access to every aspect of sound design. While the D-50’s standard interface relies on digital navigation, the PG-1000 enables intuitive real-time editing, essential for quick creative adjustments.

What Can the PG-1000 Control?

With the PG-1000, you can directly adjust:

•  LA Synthesis – Separate control over PCM samples for attack and synth oscillators for sustain.
•  Filter – Precise adjustment of resonance and cutoff without needing to navigate menus.
•  Envelopes – Quick modification of amplitude or oscillator frequency using intuitive sliders.
•  LFO Modulation – Smooth control of frequency, depth, and modulation target.
•  Digital Effects – Real-time setting of chorus, reverb, and EQ.

Advantages of Using PG-1000

•  Instant access to all parameters – Every D-50 function is available through physical controls,
   eliminating the need to navigate through menus.
•  Real-time editing – Thanks to direct MIDI connection, users can modify sounds live, making
   it perfect for concert performances and studio production.
•  Extended creative potential – Rapid PCM sample adjustment, filtering, effect processing, and
   modulation make the PG-1000 an essential tool for sound designers.

Connection and Compatibility

The PG-1000 connects via MIDI to the D-50 or D-550, allowing automated parameter control from an external source. Powered by an external adapter, it ensures reliability and stability during long production or live performances.

Why Is PG-1000 So Valuable?

Since the D-50 uses deep sound layering, programming sounds solely through menu navigation can be time-consuming. The PG-1000 significantly speeds up this process, allowing instant control over complex tones, which are essential for the D-50’s signature sound.

The PG-1000 is not just an accessory—it is an extension of the D-50, delivering full control over all aspects of LA synthesis. With 56 faders, direct MIDI integration, and real-time parameter editing, the PG-1000 is a must-have tool for musicians looking to maximize their synthesizer’s potential.

Dtronics DT-1000 – A Modern Alternative to Roland PG-1000

The Dtronics DT-1000 is a new hardware programmer that provides complete control over Roland D-50, D-550, and Boutique D-05 parameters. This programmer serves as a modern replacement for the PG-1000, offering intuitive control through physical sliders.

•  56 faders and 10 Key Features of Dtronics DT-1000:buttons – Direct access to all essential
   D-50 parameters.
•  Compatibility with Roland D-50, D-550, and Boutique D-05 – Functions as a fully-fledged
   sound editor for these synthesizers.
•  MIDI In/Out/Thru ports – Enables connection with other MIDI devices.
•  USB or MIDI DIN power options – Flexible connectivity.
•  Durable desktop design – Built for long-term professional use.

The Dtronics DT-1000 is an excellent choice for musicians who want direct control over sound design without navigating menus on the D-50 display.

Connection and MIDI Capabilities

The D-50 features MIDI In/Out 5-pin DIN connectors, allowing seamless integration with external sequencers, DAWs, and other synthesizers.

Thanks to velocity and aftertouch, the D-50 easily integrates into modern studio setups, functioning as either a main keyboard or sound module.

Roland D-50 as a Foundation for Future Roland Synthesizers

The Roland D-50 was not just an iconic synthesizer of the 1980s, but also a major technological milestone, influencing the development of future Roland instruments. Its LA synthesis (Linear Arithmetic) introduced a new approach to digital synthesis, inspiring many later models.

How Did the D-50 Influence Future Roland Synthesizers?

Transition to S&S Synthesis (Sample & Synthesis)

Following the D-50’s success, Roland expanded the LA synthesis concept, leading to a new generation of digital synthesizers combining samples (PCM) with subtractive synthesis. This approach became the foundation for the JV, XP, and XV series, which dominated 1990s music production.

Key synthesizers influenced by the D-50

•  Roland JV-1080 (1994) – One of the most popular digital synthesizers, widely used in film
   soundtracks and electronic music.
•  Roland XP-80 (1995) – An advanced workstation synthesizer, expanding sound
   design possibilities.
•  Roland XV-5080 (2000) – The flagship of S&S synthesis, offering a vast sound palette.

Built-in Digital Effects as a Standard Feature

The D-50 was the first synthesizer with built-in digital effects, such as chorus, reverb, and EQ. This concept became a standard for all subsequent Roland synthesizers, including the Fantom series, now one of the most advanced workstations available.

Influence on Roland V-Synth

In 2003, Roland introduced the V-Synth, which combined variable oscillators, PCM samples, and advanced effects. This synthesizer was a direct evolution of the D-50’s philosophy, enabling complex sound layering and expressive synthesis, similar to LA synthesis.

Artists Who Used Roland D-50

The D-50 became an iconic instrument, widely used by many famous musicians:

•  Michael Jackson – Used the D-50 in the production of Bad and Dangerous albums.
•  Prince – Experimented with the D-50 in creating digital pads and effects.
•  Pet Shop Boys – Used the D-50 for synthetic orchestral sounds.
•  Enya – Used the D-50 for atmospheric layers in new age music.
•  Tangerine Dream – Used the D-50 for synthetic textures in electronic music.
•  Jean-Michel Jarre – Used the D-50 for ambient and film sounds.

Conclusion

The Roland D-50 is a legendary digital synthesizer, introducing revolutionary LA synthesis, blending sampled attacks with digital oscillators. Thanks to sixteen-voice polyphony, built-in effects, the joystick for sound transitions, and expansion via ROM cards, it became one of the most influential synthesizers of the 1980s.

Its rich sound, flexible synthesis, and iconic presets make it a timeless instrument, still sought after by musicians and producers today.