Roland D-50 D-550 demos, tips, patches, transfer

[Don Solaris]

Originally Posted by dhollmusik

I think I'll sell some gear to fund the D-50 programmer

On the PG-1000 each knob has multiple functions. You move something, need to adjust something else, but then decide to go back, however the slider is now on the different position... can be really frustrating. Not to mention when you get back to existing patch some time later, your sliders are in totally different position, you have no overview of what's in use and how, unless you go from fader to fader and load-in the value, which again is not fully possible since all the faders are multiple function. I sold PG-1000 for that reason and moved to software editor.

Home - D50 Librarian

[The Listener]

Originally Posted by Don Solaris

On the PG-1000 each knob has multiple functions. You move something, need to adjust something else, but then decide to go back, however the slider is now on the different position... can be really frustrating. Not to mention when you get back to existing patch some time later, your sliders are in totally different position, you have no overview of what's in use and how, unless you go from fader to fader and load-in the value, which again is not fully possible since all the faders are multiple function. I sold PG-1000 for that reason and moved to software editor.

Home - D50 Librarian

Thanks for this!!

@dholl - the strings patch was already there, I didn't program it, so I wouldn't know. It is nice, yes. I am not primarily into electronic music, and seeing how awkward the programming on D50 is I never gave it a serious try until now. Might change with this nice software if it works out.



Can you give more details on that patch of yours? I really really like it. It sounds very "organic". Did you use some alrernate tunings? It sounds microtonal, how do you control the movement in sound and what parameters - aftertouch, the vector stick or the wheels? Or everything... Care to share that patch?

[dhollmusik]

Originally Posted by Don Solaris

On the PG-1000 each knob has multiple functions. You move something, need to adjust something else, but then decide to go back, however the slider is now on the different position... can be really frustrating. Not to mention when you get back to existing patch some time later, your sliders are in totally different position, you have no overview of what's in use and how, unless you go from fader to fader and load-in the value, which again is not fully possible since all the faders are multiple function. I sold PG-1000 for that reason and moved to software editor.

Home - D50 Librarian

Yikes...that doesn't sound very friendly. Maybe I'll try integrating my Behringer BCR2000 first. I personally avoid software editors, if the synth needs it then I avoid the synth.

Shame tho', as there are some amazing digital synths that requires software editors (D-50, FS1R, Nord Modular etc).

Originally Posted by The Listener

Can you give more details on that patch of yours? I really really like it. It sounds very "organic". Did you use some alrernate tunings? It sounds microtonal, how do you control the movement in sound and what parameters - aftertouch, the vector stick or the wheels? Or everything... Care to share that patch?

I tend to evolve patches and just record the audio, not many I actually save. I think I saved this one, tho'. I think it's possible to save the patch and upload to the interwebs, but I'm not sure how.

The filter I assigned to the aftertouch, and the evolving drones were experimentations with all those "L" and "T" parameters (envelopes), and of course full-on onboard reverb, some chorus too.

My tip to you is just to INIT all 4 partials of the patch you're on. Then deactivate (or set volume to 0) the two partials of the L-tone, and the first partial of the U-tone. This leaves you with just partial 2 of the U-tone.

It's a credit to the D-50 that even this INIT tone sounds quite healthy. Now just go through each possible parameter, making sure you understand what each one is doing to the sound. Use your ears. Some parameters won't do anything unless another parameter is set a certain way, but the principles are generally subtractive synthesis so if you know about that you should be able to make your own interesting patch after a coupla hours spielen.


I'm far from a D-50 expert, tho'...I'm still a beginner on it, really.


@Don, maybe you could move all the D-50 posts in this thread to our big D-50/D-550 thread?

[Don Solaris]

I felt sorry for the guy who bought my PG-1000. He's from Spain and actually knows me from some totally different area of work. So now i feel a little unfair for not telling him the true reason why i was selling it.

Today, i wouldn't work on a PG-1000 if it was for free.

[Synth Buddha]

Originally Posted by Don Solaris

On the PG-1000 each knob has multiple functions. You move something, need to adjust something else, but then decide to go back, however the slider is now on the different position... can be really frustrating. Not to mention when you get back to existing patch some time later, your sliders are in totally different position, you have no overview of what's in use and how, unless you go from fader to fader and load-in the value, which again is not fully possible since all the faders are multiple function. I sold PG-1000 for that reason and moved to software editor.

Home - D50 Librarian

Which is why I really don't get why the PG-1000 commands the prices it does. Must be the scarcity principle at work.

[dhollmusik]

Originally Posted by Synth Buddha

Which is why I really don't get why the PG-1000 commands the prices it does. Must be the scarcity principle at work.

The Scarcity Principle...great title for a Robert Ludlum story.

[MikeMiller]

It's a pity that D-50 Librarian is only available for Windows :(

[omvibes]

Ah, the resurrection...

A quick question: can you use the D50 joystick to control similar parameters in the D550? I have both (don't ask), but I can't seem to get the D550 to respond to D50 joystick movements, even though other Midi functions seem to be fine. I guess I must be missing some option in one of the menus?

[djugel]

Feeling a bit lazy... what are your favorite Roland D50 patches out there on the interwebs?

[Futureman84]

If I said I was too lazy to answer would you be offended?

[omegaomega]

Originally Posted by Futureman84

If I said I was too lazy to answer would you be offended?

That's a good one!...

[synthdood]

This should keep you busy for a while Not my own sounds, found 'm on the interwebs a while ago. Some good stuff in there!

[bitleyTM]

Originally Posted by Don Solaris

Today, i wouldn't work on a PG-1000 if it was for free.

I agree. The D's are more simple to use without it. And by use I do mean programming wise.