Description
The D-550 is a rackmount version of the classic Roland D-50 synth – the first all-digital synth from Roland. At launch in 1987 it marked a big change from traditional polyphonic synths by combining 8-bit samples with subtractive synthesis to create Linear Arithmetic synthesis. The D-50 came loaded with characterful sounds, many of which – along with a number of DX7 presets – came to define the sound of the 1980s
The D-550 still sounds bright & fresh and has that great 80s Roland build quality. It also has great support from software editors & librarians
Testing this D-550 I’m struck by how much time & effort has gone into the preset sounds. They must be the result of a lot of hard work by talented musicians & engineers. They all have depth & character
“Once Roland’s hottest digital synth, it competed against the Yamaha DX7, and was much easier to use. By joining 8-bit PCM samples with “LAS” synth-generated sounds, the D-50 is capable of unique and complex sounds”
“There is something special about it though, an unusual character thats not in other synths. It’s quite a deep synth for its era. You need to program it. It excels in pads, ambiances, atmospheres”
In really excellent condition with minimal marks. Tested & working 100%. Photos show the synth for sale
I have a D50 / D550 ROM card in a separate listing
