Published
Sat, Sep 9, 2017, 09:29
- The staple of early techno and '80s pop will be available for under $400.
Roland has announced the next synth in its Boutique range, the D-05.
It's based on the D-50, which was Roland's flagship digital synthesiser in the late '80s and early '90s. It was competing against Yamaha's DX7, which used a synthesis technique called frequency modulation to create lifelike sounds. The D-50, however, used 8-bit samples for the attack portion of the sound, while linear arithmetic synthesis generated the sustain part. This allows it to generate complex, morphing patches not possible on analogue synthesisers.
The D-05 recreates the original circuitry using Digital Circuit Behaviour technology and contains the signature joystick, which is used to blend between different layers of a sound. There's also built in chorus, reverb, delay and EQ effects in addition to a 64-step polyphonic sequencer. It runs off USB power or batteries and functions as a soundcard when connected to a computer. Sweetwater has listed a pre-order price of $345.
The D-50 is regularly associated with acts like Michael Jackson, Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre. But its complex timbres made it a staple of early techno and electro, particularly for its bell-like lead tones.
The hybrid sound engine is also capable of generating abstract, evolving tones that are suitable for experimental music and techno alike.
Its strength, however, is soft, Aphex Twin-esque pads.
Roland will release the D-05 later in 2017 and will retail for around $345.