Roland D-550 Rack Mount Digital Synthesizer Rack
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The Roland D-550 (released in 1987) is the 2-unit rackmount sound module version of the legendary Roland D-50. Known for defining the sound of 1980s pop, new wave, and R&B with its lush, airy, and ethereal pads, it is considered one of the most influential synthesizers of its era.
Key Features & Technology
- Linear Arithmetic (LA) Synthesis: The D-550 pioneered combining digital PCM attack transients (like the pluck of a guitar or the hit of a trumpet) with traditional, digitally-generated synth waveforms (sawtooth and square) for the sustaining portions of a sound. [1, 2]
- Polyphony: 16-voice polyphony (8 voices in Dual/Split mode). [1]
- Built-in Effects: Features high-quality built-in digital reverb, chorus, and EQ, which were revolutionary inclusions for synthesizers at the time. [1, 2]
- Patch Structure: A patch consists of two Tones (Upper and Lower), which are made up of two Partials each, allowing for massive, complex sound stacking. [1, 2]