Roland - D-50 | Software Synthesizer (2024)

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“Made in synth heaven.”
—SynthMania.com

Samples Meets Synthesis

The D-50 was Roland’s first fully digital synthesizer, and its unique sound combined subtractive synthesis with harmonically complex sampled waveforms and digital effects. This innovative marriage of samples and synthesis allowed for warm and dynamic analog tonality with the realism and flexibility of digital technology, opening up an entirely new world of sound creation possibilities.

New Wave, New Jack, New Age, and So On…

The 1980s were a dynamic period for pop music, and new genres were being forged at a furious pace. Name a famous track from the late ‘80s to early ‘90s and there’s a good chance it was built around one or more D-50 sounds. It’s the basis of classic tracks in a wide range of genres including synth pop, new wave, new jack swing, and R&B, plus new age music and countless film scores. In fact, some of the most influential recording artists in history have used the synth’s beautifully crafted presets as the cornerstone of huge international hits.

“A gamechanger. It had a whole different sound.”
—Jimmy Jam

Plug In Your Own D-50

The plug-in version of the D-50 is the only authentic software reproduction of the Roland hardware unit. It includes the same sampled waveform set, and our Digital Circuit Behavior modeling technology captures every nuance of the original, right down to the archetypal “overtone noise” that lends this synth its rich character. We’ve even included the proprietary joystick and original iconic presets. But this version of the D-50 also includes extra features that make it a unique and powerful tool for modern productions:

• Extra waveforms and tempo-syncing LFO enhance sound design capabilities and DAW integration
• A virtual PG-1000 controller (based on the optional hardware controller available for the original D-50) greatly simplifies sound design, allowing you to customize preset sounds and build unique voices from scratch
• All the original presets plus fresh new sounds and additional patch downloads

Hardware Integration

There are several ways to integrate the D-50 Software Synthesizer with other Roland hardware. Import SysEx files from an original D-50 or legacy third-party libraries and enjoy your favorite previously created patches. You can also swap patches and banks with your Roland Boutique D-05 synthesizer, and use its interface to control the plug-in.