In this review, Gaz Williams takes a look at the new. The Roland D-05 is a ‘Boutique’ recreation of Roland’s D-50 synth from the 80’s. The D-05 recreates the digital circuitry of the original using what they call Digital Circuit Behavior (DCB), digitally modelling the circuits and using the actual audio samples used in the original keyboard. The Roland D-05 adds some features not found on the original D-50, including a 64-step polyphonic sequencer and featuring the complete D-50 Sound Library from rare D-50 Memory Cards – close to 900 preset sounds. Check out the D-05 review and let us know what you think of it in the comments!
I’m down with this one, as the D-50 has a unique ‘grain’ partly born of RAM & CPU limits of 1987. The famous presets are being overemphasized, because with some care, ‘lesser’ patches with only a couple of partials are layering monsters. I once layered a Juno-1 with a Mirage sampler and it made both really blossom. I also look forward to sampling this thing, steadily building folders of the best building blocks for my DAW. The other Boutiques are nice, but this one has about 5x the depth, for both emulative sounds and sci-fi patches. BTW, Gaz and Nick Batt are about even for killer fan reviews.
Good job(s), guys! Always loved the D-50.
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As a kid I remember it feeling even more special. A huge instrument capable of amazing sounds that was completely out of reach, both financially and in skill level. But it was fun to drool over it. Music stores were great to visit in the late 80’s/90’s, so much to be excited about. I’m sure I still can’t program a D-50 (probably don’t play much better than then either) but will definitely be adding one of these to my collection! Great review as always.
Wonder why there’s no VST with a similar architecture to the D-50. Seems like it’d be pretty easy to replicate the basic idea of attack sample + VA sustain/release (or the other 3 modes). Doesn’t even need to be a cheesy clone, I think it would stand on it’s own.
Heck, take it step further and let the user pick from a variety of synthesis methods for the attack and release sections. I nominate local VST superhero u-he to do it! Even better put it in Zebra 3, I’m sure it’s just a few minutes of work (just kidding about the few minutes I promise, but not about u-he being a VST superhero). A synth is only as “dated” as you allow it to be. All too much of the market IS about “dated” instruments.
That’s partly because there are only so many ways of producing sound, so a group of fans inevitably gathers around each one and fights for territory. I’ve played a real D-50. Its a PITA to program in depth, but if you turn off the effects, review the waveform options and figure out the top layer of the quirky envelopes, it becomes its own creature, like any other synth. The famous presets are just the show-off sounds. It sounds like the original in the vid. I loved my d-50 and could find all sorts of uses for its many layered lush sounds. I had a pg1000 and that made programming the d-50a lot easier.
Roland Synthesizer Parts
Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowlege. Being poorer now I find it alluring but can’t even afford that. Something to dream about and I hope some experimental creative people get their hands on this as it is made for soundtracks and cool space rock but would be wasted on the EDM movement where subtle is lost in the frantic use of the same old sounds and rhythms(my opinion after programming and playing since the late 70’s.) I am glad they are coming out again now maybe others than Tejano music will use them.
Complete Replica of the Rare PROMARS Synthesizer The PROMARS PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer is a complete reproduction of the rare and powerful PROMARS synthesizer first released in 1979. With two detunable VCOs and two sub-oscillators per voice, the PROMARS is easily one of the most deep and rich sounding monosynths ever created. Designed for SYSTEM-1 as well as Mac and PC hosts, the new PROMARS uses Analog Circuit Behavior to faithfully recreate every detail of the incredibly warm, dense sound of the original, with a level of authenticity that can only come from Roland.
Perfect replica of rare PROMARS COMPUPHONIC synthesizer. ACB provides the rich, warm vintage tone of the original. Two VCOs plus two sub-oscillators per voice.
Fast envelopes and filters with classic Roland character. VST, AU and PLUG-OUT compatible. Big Little Brother The original PROMARS was a sibling of the legendary JUPITER-4, and is often thought of as simply a monophonic version. But the PROMARS was more than that.
While the JUPITER-4 had one VCO and one sub-OSC per voice, the PROMARS had two of each. The pitch of the two VCOs could be slightly detuned to produce a unison chorus effect, and a sub-OSC was provided on each VCO. Able to produce sounds similar to a four-VCO synthesizer, the PROMARS sounded positively huge, and is practically the definition of big, fat synth tone. While not as well known as the JUPITER-4, the thick sound and “compu-memory” function that allowed sounds to be stored and recalled made it a highly regarded instrument with a unique place among the classic Roland monosynths. The New PROMARS With the new PROMARS PLUG-OUT Synthesizer, the sound of this rare, vintage instrument is perfectly reproduced with Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology.
ACB faithfully captures the sound and feel of our most revered classics, using original design specs, and a detailed, part-by-part analysis of each analog circuit. Beat mix program free. While the sound and behavior is reproduced with total accuracy, we couldn't help but improve a few things in this new version. The VCOs have increased range settings, the LFO has a “Random” waveform setting, and the Noise and and Pulse Width sections have full range control of those parameters. And like our other PLUG-OUT synths, the PROMARS has great-sounding effects and an advanced arpeggiator section.
PLUG-IN and PLUG-OUT While multiple instances of the PROMARS plug-in can be used in any VST or AU compatible DAW, the PROMARS PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer offers seamless integration and unique capabilities for SYSTEM-1 owners. Connect a SYSTEM-1 and it becomes a dedicated controller, only lighting the appropriate knobs and sliders pertinent to the PROMARS. Transfer sounds back and forth between the PROMARS and SYSTEM-1 and even use the SYSTEM-1 as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface. Or break free entirely and PLUG-OUT directly to the SYSTEM-1, creating a stand-alone, hardware PROMARS synthesizer with real physical controls that can go anywhere and doesn’t require a computer.
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