The Legendary D-50 Reborn
VC-1 “D-50 for V-Synth” Card

By Doug Hanson

In 2003, Roland’s V-Synthr® set the synth world on its ear, winning fans with a stunning collection of hands-on controls and unheard of methods of sonic manipulation - �multiple oscillator technologies, VariPhrase® sampling, sideband and other COSM®-modeled filtering and processing, Time Trip, and more. The V-Synth’s unique palette of sounds found its way into TV and film scores, video game soundtracks, as well as all kinds of music releases from electronic to hip-hop, pop and R&B.

However, a lesser-known aspect of the V-Synth is its DSP-based open system architecture. It is essentially Roland’s first completely software-driven synthesizer, housed in a perfectly matched black metal V-Synth case. This open system provides incredible flexibility in shaping the future of the V-Synth, which is already well on its way towards shaping the future of sounds and synthesis.

Users have experienced a small portion of this open architecture with the latest V-Synth operating system, v1.5. This free downloadable update (www.v-synth.com/downloads.html) introduced several new features to the V-Synth - �an appropriately squelchy new COSM® TB Filter, a floor-shaking sub-oscillator on the analog-modeled oscillators, and patch categories and a Clean Project utility for improved data management. So just as you might update your DAW software from version 1.0 to 1.5, the V-Synth’s software engine can be updated to add features and enhancements to its basic program.

But just tweaking the existing software is only the tip of the V-Synth’s sonic iceberg. With the new V-Cards, Roland is introducing entirely new applications for the V-Synth. The first in the series, VC-1 D-50 for V-Synth, turns the V-Synth into a complete emulation of the original D-50 Linear Synthesizer, as only Roland can. No need to sample a D-50, or program patches to sound something like the original; the D-50 for V-Synth recreates Roland’s original LA synthesis engine inside the V-Synth’s Open System architecture.

The V-Cards are not just simple sound library cards - �the VC-1 boots the V-Synth with an entirely new operating system. All the D-50’s innovative Linear Arithmetic synthesizer elements - �Partials, Tones, PCM, Structures, effects processors, etc.â€â€�are available and ready for programming through the V-Synth’s touchscreen LCD and knob-laden front panel. Now you get to hear those classic D-50 sounds in 21st century sound quality, using the V-Synth’s high quality converters or 24-bit digital outputs. You can even load old D-50 patch libraries via MIDI sysex dump, so you can recall your favorite original patches or third-party libraries.

As one of the most popular and powerful synths of all time, the D-50 is a fantastic new app for today’s V-Synth powerhouse. With D-50 for V-Synth, users can play and program some of the most memorable synth sounds ever created. You’ll instantly recognize classic D-50 signature patches like Digital Native Dance, Fantasia, Nylon Atmosphere, Staccato Heaven and Breathy Chiffer. You’ll probably also recognize how rich, full, and clean these sounds are coming from the high quality circuitry of the V-Synth. The V-Synth’s Time Trip Pad even serves as the D-50’s joystick, letting you control Partial balance in realtime, just like on the original.

Here’s how the new V-Cards work: V-Cards are PC cards that contain an application program, and, of course, fit into the V-Synth’s card slot. Simply insert the card and power up the V-Synthâ€â€�that’s it. The V-Synth boots with the new program off the V-Card. Leave VC-1 in the V-Synth and it will always boot as a D-50; remove the card and the V-Synth will boot in its original incarnation, so you’re free to switch between programs at any time with a simple power cycle.

D-50 for V-Synth is the first of Roland’s new V-Cards, building on the V-Synth’s flexible open system architecture. Stay tuned to Roland Users Group and v-synth.com for the latest developments in V-Cards and all things V-Synth. D-50 for V-Synthâ€â€�now that really is genetic reengineering! The VariOS Open System Module also uses Roland’s DSP to offer an open architecture. The current version already offers three software programs included with the VariOS module: • V-Producer offers a unique collection of audio sequencing and manipulation toolsâ€â€�such as GrooveScope and PhraseScopeâ€â€�with realtime and independent control of pitch, time, and formant. • VariOS-8 provides real replications of classic Roland analog synths from the Jupiter and Juno eras. • VariOS-303 emulates the beloved TB-303 with step-sequencing, slides, and updated pattern and MIDI features. Now with the VC-1 D-50 card, VariOS users can have an exact replication of the legendary D-50.

Buy a D-50 today!