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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Roland Synthesizers

Roland Corporation is a Japanese company that is renowned for producing some of the most innovative and influential synthesizers in the history of electronic music. The company was founded in 1972 by Ikutaro Kakehashi and is headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan.

Roland’s first synthesizer, the SH-1000, was released in 1973. This monophonic synthesizer was designed for home use and was relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of musicians. The SH-1000 was followed by the SH-2000 in 1974, a more advanced and powerful version of the original.

In 1978, Roland released the SH-09, which was the company’s first modular synthesizer. This instrument was highly configurable and allowed musicians to create a wide range of sounds using a variety of different modules.

In 1980 Roland released the Roland Jupiter-8, this was a polyphonic synthesizer that was widely used by many musicians and bands of the era. It’s known for its versatility and powerful sound, and it was used on a number of hit records, including Michael Jackson‘s “Thriller” and David Bowie‘s “Let’s Dance.”

In 1984, Roland released the Roland D-50 Linear Synthesizer, it was one of the first synthesizers to utilize digital samples, which allowed it to create more realistic sounds, such as piano, guitar, and drums. This synthesizer was widely used in the 80s and 90s and was popular in genres like pop, rock, and new age music.

In 1999, Roland released the Roland V-Synth, it was a digital synthesizer that featured a combination of wavetable synthesis, sample-based synthesis, and virtual analog synthesis. This synthesizer was widely used in electronic and dance music, and it was a popular choice among DJs and electronic music producers.

Roland also has a range of other synthesizers in their catalog like the Roland SH-101, Roland SH-5, Roland SH-7, Roland SH-3A, Roland SH-2, Roland SH-09, Roland SH-1000 and many more.

In recent years, Roland has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of synthesis technology with the release of new instruments such as the Roland FA-08 and the Roland Integra-7.

In conclusion, Roland has a long and storied history in the world of electronic music. The company’s synthesizers have been used by musicians and producers in a wide range of genres and have played a significant role in shaping the sound of popular music. From the early monophonic synthesizers like the SH-1000 to the advanced digital synthesizers like the V-Synth, Roland has consistently been at the forefront of synthesis technology, and continues to be a major player in the world of electronic music.

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Classic Synthesizers Synthesizer Models

Roland D-50

The Roland D-50 is a digital synthesizer that was first released in 1987. It is renowned for its distinctive sound, which combines real instrument samples with sound synthesis techniques to produce a fresh, hybrid sound.

The D-50 uses “Linear Arithmetic” synthesis, a technique that combines sample-based synthesis with the conventional subtractive synthesis method, making it one of its standout features. This makes it possible to have more control over the instrument’s timbre and a wider variety of sounds.

The D-50’s extensive use of presets is yet another standout feature. The instrument includes a wide range of pre-programmed sounds, such as accurate piano and string sounds and more experimental and abstract sounds. Because of this, even new users can quickly produce complex music that sounds professional.

Despite its age, the D-50 is still a preferred option for producers and musicians. Its unique sound has been featured on countless recordings and is still used in a wide range of genres, such as electronic, pop, and film scores.

The D-50’s lack of MIDI support is one drawback; it was introduced before MIDI became a standard, making it challenging to integrate with contemporary production environments. However, a MIDI retrofit or converter can be used to get around this.

Overall, the Roland D-50 is a legendary and classic synthesizer that is still highly sought after for its distinctive and adaptable sound. The D-50 is certain to spark creativity and give your music a fresh perspective, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started.

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Roland TB-303

1982 saw the initial release of the iconic analog synthesizer, the Roland TB-303. Despite having a brief production run that lasted just until 1984, it significantly influenced the evolution of electronic music, particularly Acid House and Techno.

Although the TB-303 was initially intended to be a guitar player’s accompanist, it swiftly found a new home in the burgeoning electronic music scene. It was a cost-effective choice for electronic musicians who wished to experiment with new sounds and produce their own music.

The TB-303 is known for its characteristic sound, distinguished by its squelchy, acidic tone. The TB-303 comes with a simple envelope generator for modulating the filter cutoff and amplitude and a resonant low-pass filter that may be used to shape the sound.

The TB-303 contains an integrated step sequencer that enables the construction of intricate patterns and grooves. Many techno and acid house producers relied on the TB-303 because of this function to construct the characteristic repeated patterns that characterize those genres.

The affordability of the TB-303, which made it available to many musicians and producers, was another factor in its appeal. This led to the democratization of electronic music and the creation of numerous subgenres, including Acid House and Techno.

The TB-303 significantly influenced electronic music despite its short production. The TB-303 is a famous instrument whose influence can be heard in many contemporary electronic genres thanks to its distinctive tone and capacity for intricate pattern creation.

To sum up, the Roland TB-303 is a legendary instrument that influenced the rise of electronic music. Many notable artists have exploited its distinctive sound and step sequencer, and electronic musicians are still inspired by it today.

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