Back then, music stores where plenty, every town had one or two. We used to go there after school and check the new synths, and every year, they sounded more spectacular. The D-50 was one early highlight that really had people queued up, haha
The D-50 will always have a special place in my heart! It is the synth I lusted over when I first got into synths in 1988 and religiously purchased Keyboard Magazine every month. I owned 2 of them over the last 30 years. I have been tempted to find a D-05 every now and then, but honestly, the Roland Cloud version sounds just like the real thing to me. I am hoping Roland releases a D-50 model for my Fantom 6. I would buy it in a heartbeat!
Still have my D-550, waiting until Roland releases a D-50 model for the Fantom. Like you I would buy it in a heartbeat. D-50s were a part of my studio and live setup for many many years.
I compared the plugin to the hardware a few years ago and got very close once I toned down the plugin reverb which I felt was OTT so maybe the D05 is the same?
I never owned a Roland (more of a Korg guy), but best patches of the Roland D50 expansion packs? Yes! I'll be back for that video. Thanks Woody, your enthusiasm and love for these instruments is why I keep coming back. You see, I was once a young teenager in those music stores, who couldn't afford the best instruments of those days.
I have a D-50, and at the time of release I also bought as a D-05, as a backup in case the D-50 really dies on me :-). Now I also have the Roland Cloud D-50 which I got as a lifetime license to keep. E.g. I have a bunch of D-50ies. :-) Do I use them much? No. But I will never let go of them. They are so special. I remember at the time of the release of the D-50 I could only dream of owning one. Then, as you said, 7 years ago, I saw your video about the D-50, and that totally renewed my interest in the machine and in professional synths in general. I ended up buying a second hand D-50 pretty soon after your video. Effectively you rekindled my love for the D-50 and synthesizers/music in general :-)
The D50 has grown on me the last couple of years, but I can't tell you how much I wanted that digital native dance patch to end already back in the day.
Joke: In 1988 i went into a music shop and ask: - "may i have a demonstration of the D50, please?" - " OK, just buy the latest Jean-Michel Jarres's LP" 😁😉
Always wanted one of these! Ended up going for the MC-101 instead (it comes pre-loaded with a bunch of D-50 inspired Zenology presets). Still sounds wonderful, and it's nice that it's probably one of the more authentic boutique recreations (I've got a JX-08 and it gets out JX-8P's by the free PG-8X VST)
I remember seeing your video on the D-05 many years ago and rushing out to put a pre-order down at my local instrument store. It still to this day remains my favourite of my boutique collection, so thank you very much Woody for causing that impromptu purchase to occur 😅
Never got rid of my D-05. It doesn’t take up space and it’s ready to go when I call upon it. The Integra 7 has some optional D-50/D-550/D-05 patches and it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the D-50.
Pure nostalgia! I remember hearing the D-50 for the first time, completely out of my price range, and going home and trying to coax a similar sound to "Fantasia" out of a Juno pad coupled to a Mirage pluck and an FB-01 marimba. Got and interesting sound, but nothing like the D-50. I've had a couple over the years and have now resorted to the boutiquite D-05, which sounds fine to my ears.
Yes..I have D-05 too. It has in memory a total of 14 banks (8 user and 6 preset).. by 64 patches everyone..!! You can do SysEx like the original D50.. and works with the virtual PG-1000 for programming. The cards are in preset banks..✌🏻 And there is a wonderful poly sequencer..😅 I don't know why Roland has stopped production of the best synths of the 80s.. in boutique version.
I borrowed a D-50 as a kid for a few months. I loved it. And I am happy to report that even weird and strange patches work on the D05 *exactly* as on the original. This is one little synth I will never ever sell.
I was able to purchase the license to the Roland Cloud version for $150 earlier this year. My Roland D-50 journey: I originally bought one new in college with a personal bank loan lol, but then sold it a little while later to get a D-70. I bought the D-05 when it came out, but then sold it a few years ago to buyt a used D-50 and I quite enjoyed it for a time. But then sold it earlier this year in favor of just having the cloud version, which is good enough for me. Love the sounds and it had a great keybed.
Great purchase Woody. The D-05 is my favourite Boutique (the JX08 is excellent too). You can get the display to show the full name of the patch by pressing the right arrow (beneath the display) twice. If it is still too big to fit the screen F1 and F2 scroll the text.
All the Boutiques have USB audio (apart for SE-02 and maybe someone else). If I remember correctly the D-05 suffers from really low output volume compared to for example JU-06.
Yes, exactly, but strangely enough my D-05 sounds very loud when I connect it to the aux minijack input of my Juno DS. It is definitely possible to properly record the D-05 via analog output or connect it to a mixer.
When you do your comparison, keep in mind there's a 'sound mode' setting: original and clear. I think clear is the default, but original should be closer to an actual D-50.
You won't notice it, it just expands the dynamic range and reduces aliasing on the VERY quiet note/effect tails. It also provides more accurate pitch on SOME low notes when using PCM sounds. Almost indistinguishable without extreme sound processing.
D50 and D05 do sound different on the same patch, though. It’s subtle and I wouldn’t say one sounds better than the other.. so I’ve always thought they’d be superb for layering together I think the differences probably come from the hardware emulation they’re doing not being byte perfect/timing perfect It’s like a game console emulator.. where getting the game working doesn’t mean it’s a perfect simulation. But later more advanced emulators can get byte perfect to the original hardware (but it’s much heavier work) Think snes9x vs Higan with the D05 “DCB” being more like snes9x - runs the original code great, but it’s not a perfect emulation
i agree, the setting is very negligible, i have a video demonstrating sounds with those settings. i couldn't hear the difference iirc. that setting is there to satisfy the nerds, if I may say... :D
@@WoodyPianoShack Actually a very usable setting if you want a crystal clear mix. It improves signal to noise ratio, especially when using audio via USB.
@@Wagoo I'd say that this is not a fair comparison. The only thing Roland didn't emulate in the D-05 was the dying amplifier of the late 80's unit. It even supports original SysEx messages and can exchange them with a real D-50.
I bought D-05 years ago because of you Woody, and never regretted it, one of my favourite purchases. For context I have a MT-32, and can’t remember how I found about the d-50 and found your channel, and the d-05 you reviewed went as an instant buy or nearly 😂
Another fine video from Woody! Such a nostalgia trip... Also i miss the times when synths were blasting thru PA in stores. After you mentioned it, this memory is now vivid in my mind again! Miss those times.
Its fantastic. And the lineage of synths that followed from it were great. I have the roland cloud D50 and JD800, and 1080 of course. Theyre simply enjoyable to just scroll through the presets and have an aimless play. Digital Native Dance… kicked of Future Sound of Londons Papa New Guinea. The D50 has a magical otherworldy ethereal atmosphere. I would quite like a D5 and the Boutique JD.
10:10 Used D50's typically start around $600. I got mine on Reverb for $700 plus $150 shipping (it came from Vienna.) It did come with a hard case and survived the voyage from Europe to the USA. I got a Hypersynth Hcard-750 for it so I can have 64 banks of 64 patches.
I had a job when the original D-50 came out, but also a mortgage and 3 kids. I really, really wanted one but settled for a used Kawai K1. Roland Cloud ticks all my Roland boxes now.
I have a question for when you get the MC-101 again. How much the Fantasia and Soundtrack patches on Zencore compares to the original D-50 patches?. I think the Zencore ones are from the JV series (Sountrack is in Bank F on the MC).
@@WoodyPianoShack i have seen them a bit cheaper, and the occasional ebay auction may have a good deal, but yeah I regularly check and most of the time that's the starting range.
I quite the boutique factor for this d-50 clone fair enough the only drawback is the 3.5 mm jacks but not an issue i've found as i don't unplug and replug that often and with a decent cable haven't found any detriment to sound quality. The best set i've found for this is the K-25 base rather than the plain base. With the K-25 its a great take anywhere module. The left most strip acts as a keyboard strip when not connected to midi or k-25 bed. Added bonus is the memory for more patches and the rudimentary 64 step sequencer. Don't want to go into vintage d-50 then upkeep or repairs costing nearly as much as an original d-50 costs. For a hardware lover like me this is the perfect solution aswell as the vst version will be to others😊
The Flute sounds, etc were all over the training scene in the ancient amphitheatre, in the film kickboxer, with Jean claude Van-Damme. Watching you get hit in the feels put a lump in my throat too. the music and that patch certainly hits you.
The D50 was my first synth; I was actually saving up for a JX10, but was blown away by a demo of the D50 (which was cheaper, had more polyphony, and effects built in, which was a first). Still have my original one, but purchased a second hand d550 a few years back to have it available in a rack format. I was considering the D05, but from various demos, the sound was ever so slightly different from the original, and as I'm so familiar with the original, I feared I would regret that.
I've had my D50 since 1987 I bought when I was 15 (I'm old lol) and it works perfectly . . . except for the aftertouch. ..have to open it up and fix that somehow.
D-50 demos never get boring. I had to check when you said "D-05 is back" if they started manufacturing them again - seems not - you meant you got an used one obviously. Cool! I have two D-50's and the D-05 and my V-Synth XT can also play D-50 sounds. They should make a D-05 rev2 that would be multi-timbral - and yes, then they could make the display full length too. I have recently coded my own D-50 librarian and editor. I plan to demo that on my UA-cam channel sometime soon.
I had a D50 from 1989 til 2010 when I sold it... then missed it and bought another a year later, then sold it, then bought a D05! Yes I sold it.... BUT I now have, yet again, an authentic D50. I've been shouted at by my Synth mates to "keep it FFS". Anyway, awesome review Woody. Take care. And I know... SODDER???? Indeed.
the intruders d50 patch, can be heard on Sheena Easton's "Ice out in the rain", remix version. I even think some of the d50 famours synth brass can be heard in Sabrina' s pop songs "boys boys boys, i am looking for a good time". sabrina ❤❤😂😛😬😬😛😃.
Sounds like an episode of Star Trek Next Generation, though I believe most of those sounds were the Yamaha SY99. Same clarity and warm memorable tones!
Nice! I have the D05 and JP08. Should have purchased the others, but recently got the Arturia AstroLab and have been using V Collection for many years, and Pigments since it was released. The AstroLab can cover so much synth, keys, organs, bass, pianos, etc., it's a great addition to my gear. The AstroLab has a USB-A port for MIDI controllers; I plan to see if I can add a 61-key MIDI keyboard, and map the lower to it; I'm primarily an organist and like to have at least 2 x 61-key manuals...if I had the money and the space for it, I'd have an Allen TO-5G with 5 manuals!
As a D-50 fan, you might look into a V-Synth XT rack/desktop module. Not only do you get the V-Synth, but it includes the VC-1 D-50 (and VC-2 Vocal Designer) “cards” built in. The D-50 mode is fantastic and patches are fully editable via a custom interface designed for the V-Synth touchscreen, which I believe is unique to the V-Synth series!
I hear so much about the various drum machines, and I know next to nothing about them. If you had a way to create a video on how the 707 is different from the 808 vs 909 vs the Lindrumm (not just explaning, but letting us hear the characteristic sounds) I'd definitely enjoy that video.
Some of the Roland boutiques are a bit hit & miss and have me scratching my head on what Roland was thinking!- BUT the D05 is definitely not one of them it’s a fantastic recreation, with the charm of the original plus some important extras. Good Choice Woody👍. (Agree about the digital synth in this format, I’m probably only person who want one & would make no economic sense, but I did hope they’d do a sort of super expanded D70 as a boutique 😢)
I owned this-one. But sold it as soon asI realised that it sounds exactly the same as the software version (Roland Cloud). And in this case, the hardware version doesn’t really have an added value, because it doesn’t really have any tweakable knobs (like the JX-03, which I still have). What’s the point of menu-diving on a (4 voices polyphonic) synth if finding voices and/or programming is so much easier with the software? Sorry for being a killjoy, but this is just my honest take on this.
I have always been of the opinion that digital synths have no advantage over a vst unless there's an interesting control paradigm, so I'm with you halfway, but I recently picked up an elektron model cycles and, beyond the excellent sequencer and interface, it has a really full rich sound unmatched by even far more complex software. That said, I wouldn't see the value proposition without the knobs and sequencer...so unless the d-05 is especially creamy, I don't know I'd need it. (my virus scanner doesn't let me install roland cloud btw 😅)
@@dyscotopia Yeah, I can see how the interface of the elektron model cycles would be something that makes it interesting. With regard to its sound: I guess I will have to take your word for it. In the case of the D-05: it sounds great, but so does the software which doesn’t have the 4 voice limitation. Maybe the D-05 would have an added value for a live musician that needs a solid reliable box on the stage. But that is about it, I think.
It’s one thing that Roland doesn’t make what everyone in online forums asks for. (Because who knows if that really correlates with what would sell.) But it’s really strange that when the market makes it really clear what would sell, they still don’t make it.
@@WoodyPianoShack The D-05 is selling used for more than it was new. And sometimes more than a D-50 itself. So that means there’s money to be made if they just made more of them. (Although they’ve shown that they know people don’t want the pitch/mod strips, so a D-05a would probably sell even better.)
There is another way of looking at it. Those D50 sounds are fine if you are prepared to not edit them in any way and use them as is. But that is also not such a great thing either. I for one would want to either edit those sounds a lot or create completely new sounds which I am sure the D50 can do. But then again so can the thousands of other software instruments out there now can do that too. And probably much better at it. Spend less time on the tools and much more time on the music. Great ideas transcend the tools by a long way.
That is true, but no other synth has a character of the D-50. It is a combination of a limited set of waveforms, very harsh and crisp early-digital sound of 8 bit oscillators going through a very dull sounding early-digital 16 bit FXs section. It just has that very special sound like nothing else
@@Acrimonious_Snake The problem though is if you start using the sounds as they were without any editing, the music itself will most often be dated back to the same era too. Its much harder to create something new and fresh and modern using D50 sounds that came out from that time. All of that 80's and 90's music has been done to death and when people recreate it, then for me anyway its just boring. I prefer to think now and modern and create ideas that have not been heard before. Once you start doing that then you don't actually need a D50 at all. The synths we have today are actually better at doing that.
@@jeffevansmusic I honestly disagree. Good sound never gets old, that is true for guitars, human voice, violin, saxophone, electro piano, organ, drums, etc. Of course this is also true for electronic musical instruments, that is why people still buy one-voice monophonic Moog synthesizers, classic delay pedals etc
D-05 has better-clearer sound on some presets, I've found that the Cloud version's EQ sounds a bit harsher. Although this is barely noticeable and I don't know which is closer to a real D-50. Also there is a Clear mode on the D-05 which adds more dynamic range to the output (so fx and note tails sound better in their quietest parts). The difference is tiny, to be honest
It’s well worth getting a librarian / editor then searching for sounds. There’s some great freebies and of course plenty of space no need for cards etc.
Bought my D-50 in 2010 for apx £180, like you, after almost 30 years of yearning😅 Mostly used as a keyboard just to create midi notes in Logic, but occasionally I'll record audio from it. Hope it doesn't start breaking down as my soldering skills are diabolical 😂
Wauh, McRib 😀...I mean...the D-50 is back. The Roland D-50 is totally 1980s. Just like the Korg M1 and the Yamaha DX7. Or how about Miami Vice? I have a music request for a future video. Crockett's Theme by Jan Hammer. 😎 How much of it could you play in a video, before the police comes to your house to confiscate all of your synthesizers? lol
Woody, every time a sound patch hits you and you become emotional it sets me off as well. The problem with getting swept up in the moment is that it's pretty-much guaranteed that one of my bloody kids will walk into the studio at that exact moment to talk about sandwiches or something, look straight at me and ask, "Are you crying?!" "What? Me? No! I was yawning and rubbed my eyes and now I've got dust or something in them... pass me one of those tissues please" "You really are crying..." "I really am NOT! I'm watching Woody play a keyboard for God's sake -- why would I be crying?!" "Mum! Dad's crying at weird stuff on the Internet again!" "NO -- I'm NOT! Listen, it's secret men's business and you wouldn't understand! Leave me alone!"
I have no idea where you are finding all these synths for such good prices. I was searching on ebay and the D-50 manual is £70! over £500 for an actual D-50, I've seen the D-05 going for over £700! Please tell me where they are available for $400! :)
Speaking of nostalgia. I remember that poor Indian bloke who copy striked (is that a word) your exploration of the D50 presets :-) Did I remember correctly that you had Eric's help to get this resolved ?
I remember when it came out in 87....fond memories, but now I feel the sounds are very nice but can't be used anymore because they have been overused and feel a little dated. Nice to play and go down memory lane, but ... no sure about it.
The original D50 keyboard was crap, not when it came fresh from the store but after one or two years the keyboard of most early D50s started to act up. The problem is with the rubber key contacts. Taking it apart and giving it a good clean only helps for a short while. Roland did improve the contact rubbers and there is a easy fix, replace all rubber key contacts with new ones.
I bought one new in 1987 and one used in 1989. Sold both in 2021. Two different batches, actually, quite different internally. But none of those had the issue you refered to. When did they implement the fix?
@@matroswe Got mine in 1987 in the first week after release. Don't know when the fix came. At some point I noticed the repair tech in a local shop was working on 4 or 5 D50s. I told him about my keyboard problems. He said it was a known issue, gave me a hand full of new contact rubbers and kindly showed how to change them.
I want to tell you something. I have been playing the piano since childhood, and my dream is to have a piano to play, but circumstances do not allow me to buy it. I very much hope that you will help me to achieve my dream. I am from Morocco, and here piano prices are very expensive. I hope that you will help me achieve my wish because I love the piano and music very much. I hope Good luck. Please allow this request.
Now you needs to try Jarre's patches, which has been used on his album "Industrial Revolution", if this machine have full sysex support. (machine_run.syx, kokubostrings.syx, motor_orchestra.syx, etc..) 🙂
Back then, music stores where plenty, every town had one or two. We used to go there after school and check the new synths, and every year, they sounded more spectacular. The D-50 was one early highlight that really had people queued up, haha
Many of the patches that Eric Persing designed for the D-50 and JD-800 were absolutely beautiful. The Boutiques do a very good job with them.
The D-50 will always have a special place in my heart! It is the synth I lusted over when I first got into synths in 1988 and religiously purchased Keyboard Magazine every month. I owned 2 of them over the last 30 years. I have been tempted to find a D-05 every now and then, but honestly, the Roland Cloud version sounds just like the real thing to me. I am hoping Roland releases a D-50 model for my Fantom 6. I would buy it in a heartbeat!
I've got a D-550, a V-Synth keyboard with D50 card and a V-Synth XT. I did have a D50 years ago.
Still have my D-550, waiting until Roland releases a D-50 model for the Fantom. Like you I would buy it in a heartbeat.
D-50s were a part of my studio and live setup for many many years.
Doesn't the Integra rack module have D-50 sounds a.o.?
it has some d50 style patches, yes, that do sound great in their own right
@@Michel-r6mgood question indeed. I own a D-05 but searching for the Integra. I think the integra does not support LA Synthesis
Woooo-hoooo!!! We do need MORE d-50 videos. Yes!
I picked up locally a very fairly priced D-50 just a couple of months ago, I'm so glad I did! It's a joy to play!
A blast from the past! Great Woody! ;-)
I compared the plugin to the hardware a few years ago and got very close once I toned down the plugin reverb which I felt was OTT so maybe the D05 is the same?
which hardware the d50 or d05, cloud d50 is identical to the d05, same code and resources afaik
@@WoodyPianoShack The D50 vs Cloud version, it didnt sound the same as the hardware until I tamed the reverb.
I never owned a Roland (more of a Korg guy), but best patches of the Roland D50 expansion packs? Yes! I'll be back for that video. Thanks Woody, your enthusiasm and love for these instruments is why I keep coming back. You see, I was once a young teenager in those music stores, who couldn't afford the best instruments of those days.
I have a D-50, and at the time of release I also bought as a D-05, as a backup in case the D-50 really dies on me :-). Now I also have the Roland Cloud D-50 which I got as a lifetime license to keep. E.g. I have a bunch of D-50ies. :-) Do I use them much? No. But I will never let go of them. They are so special. I remember at the time of the release of the D-50 I could only dream of owning one. Then, as you said, 7 years ago, I saw your video about the D-50, and that totally renewed my interest in the machine and in professional synths in general. I ended up buying a second hand D-50 pretty soon after your video. Effectively you rekindled my love for the D-50 and synthesizers/music in general :-)
The D50 has grown on me the last couple of years, but I can't tell you how much I wanted that digital native dance patch to end already back in the day.
Joke:
In 1988 i went into a music shop and ask:
- "may i have a demonstration of the D50, please?"
- " OK, just buy the latest Jean-Michel Jarres's LP"
😁😉
Indeed, the JMJ 'Revolutions' album was full of D50 ear candy 🙂
Always wanted one of these! Ended up going for the MC-101 instead (it comes pre-loaded with a bunch of D-50 inspired Zenology presets). Still sounds wonderful, and it's nice that it's probably one of the more authentic boutique recreations (I've got a JX-08 and it gets out JX-8P's by the free PG-8X VST)
yeah, zencore has some sweet d50 inspired presets!
Now all you need is the mythical PG1000 programmer-hands on control of all parameters, compatible with your d05!
or any of the software editors!
@@WoodyPianoShack Great point!
I remember seeing your video on the D-05 many years ago and rushing out to put a pre-order down at my local instrument store. It still to this day remains my favourite of my boutique collection, so thank you very much Woody for causing that impromptu purchase to occur 😅
nice, yeah, it's a handy thing to have around for sure
yeah, the d50 is not that much fun to program. this one i believe is compatible with many software d50 editors... another option.
Never got rid of my D-05. It doesn’t take up space and it’s ready to go when I call upon it.
The Integra 7 has some optional D-50/D-550/D-05 patches and it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the D-50.
Just love it Woody, yes please some more I really appreciate it, cheers.
I own a Roland Boutique D-05 and it is become a collectors item already. If you own one never sell it.
Very nice! I had the original. Loved it.
Pure nostalgia! I remember hearing the D-50 for the first time, completely out of my price range, and going home and trying to coax a similar sound to "Fantasia" out of a Juno pad coupled to a Mirage pluck and an FB-01 marimba. Got and interesting sound, but nothing like the D-50. I've had a couple over the years and have now resorted to the boutiquite D-05, which sounds fine to my ears.
I've sold my D50, buy I'll never sell my D-05. Its so good with thousands of fabulous sounds.
Yes..I have D-05 too.
It has in memory a total of 14 banks (8 user and 6 preset)..
by 64 patches everyone..!!
You can do SysEx like the original D50..
and works with the virtual PG-1000 for programming.
The cards are in preset banks..✌🏻
And there is a wonderful poly sequencer..😅
I don't know why Roland has stopped production of the best synths of the 80s..
in boutique version.
I borrowed a D-50 as a kid for a few months. I loved it. And I am happy to report that even weird and strange patches work on the D05 *exactly* as on the original. This is one little synth I will never ever sell.
Eddie Moores Music! a blast from the past
I was able to purchase the license to the Roland Cloud version for $150 earlier this year. My Roland D-50 journey: I originally bought one new in college with a personal bank loan lol, but then sold it a little while later to get a D-70. I bought the D-05 when it came out, but then sold it a few years ago to buyt a used D-50 and I quite enjoyed it for a time. But then sold it earlier this year in favor of just having the cloud version, which is good enough for me. Love the sounds and it had a great keybed.
Great purchase Woody. The D-05 is my favourite Boutique (the JX08 is excellent too). You can get the display to show the full name of the patch by pressing the right arrow (beneath the display) twice. If it is still too big to fit the screen F1 and F2 scroll the text.
All the Boutiques have USB audio (apart for SE-02 and maybe someone else). If I remember correctly the D-05 suffers from really low output volume compared to for example JU-06.
Yes, exactly, but strangely enough my D-05 sounds very loud when I connect it to the aux minijack input of my Juno DS. It is definitely possible to properly record the D-05 via analog output or connect it to a mixer.
thanks for pointing that out. i tend to avoid audio over usb tho, too many ground loop noise issues.
@@WoodyPianoShack Audio over USB is a digital data stream, the D-05 works as an ASIO audio interface for a computer when Roland drivers are installed.
Very nice. I still have my D50 and love to play it. :)
When you do your comparison, keep in mind there's a 'sound mode' setting: original and clear. I think clear is the default, but original should be closer to an actual D-50.
You won't notice it, it just expands the dynamic range and reduces aliasing on the VERY quiet note/effect tails. It also provides more accurate pitch on SOME low notes when using PCM sounds. Almost indistinguishable without extreme sound processing.
D50 and D05 do sound different on the same patch, though. It’s subtle and I wouldn’t say one sounds better than the other.. so I’ve always thought they’d be superb for layering together
I think the differences probably come from the hardware emulation they’re doing not being byte perfect/timing perfect
It’s like a game console emulator.. where getting the game working doesn’t mean it’s a perfect simulation. But later more advanced emulators can get byte perfect to the original hardware (but it’s much heavier work)
Think snes9x vs Higan with the D05 “DCB” being more like snes9x - runs the original code great, but it’s not a perfect emulation
i agree, the setting is very negligible, i have a video demonstrating sounds with those settings. i couldn't hear the difference iirc. that setting is there to satisfy the nerds, if I may say... :D
@@WoodyPianoShack Actually a very usable setting if you want a crystal clear mix. It improves signal to noise ratio, especially when using audio via USB.
@@Wagoo I'd say that this is not a fair comparison. The only thing Roland didn't emulate in the D-05 was the dying amplifier of the late 80's unit. It even supports original SysEx messages and can exchange them with a real D-50.
I bought D-05 years ago because of you Woody, and never regretted it, one of my favourite purchases.
For context I have a MT-32, and can’t remember how I found about the d-50 and found your channel, and the d-05 you reviewed went as an instant buy or nearly 😂
Another fine video from Woody! Such a nostalgia trip...
Also i miss the times when synths were blasting thru PA in stores. After you mentioned it, this memory is now vivid in my mind again! Miss those times.
The Roland D-50 and the Korg M1 are probably my favorite synths
Oh wow, I was at Eddies in Boscombe when they launched the D50. I ended up borrowing one off of them to sample it for live shows.
I’m so happy you’re posting so much more these days. I saw the D50 video when you first posted it and I’m pleased you have it back in your collection.
hi zoe, have you been around that long, respect!
Its fantastic. And the lineage of synths that followed from it were great. I have the roland cloud D50 and JD800, and 1080 of course.
Theyre simply enjoyable to just scroll through the presets and have an aimless play.
Digital Native Dance… kicked of Future Sound of Londons Papa New Guinea. The D50 has a magical otherworldy ethereal atmosphere. I would quite like a D5 and the Boutique JD.
10:10 Used D50's typically start around $600. I got mine on Reverb for $700 plus $150 shipping (it came from Vienna.) It did come with a hard case and survived the voyage from Europe to the USA. I got a Hypersynth Hcard-750 for it so I can have 64 banks of 64 patches.
I had a job when the original D-50 came out, but also a mortgage and 3 kids. I really, really wanted one but settled for a used Kawai K1. Roland Cloud ticks all my Roland boxes now.
I have a question for when you get the MC-101 again. How much the Fantasia and Soundtrack patches on Zencore compares to the original D-50 patches?. I think the Zencore ones are from the JV series (Sountrack is in Bank F on the MC).
i don't think they were intended to be an exact emulation, just inspired by, and in that regard they did a fantastic job
wish they'd re-release the D-05 , pretty hard to find one second hand these days , and the D50's i see for sale look really rough / old ..
They need to re-release this, I think it was the best of the boutique series! It was affordable too and now the used ones are like 500+ at very least!
did my reply vanish? i said wow, that much?!
@@WoodyPianoShack i have seen them a bit cheaper, and the occasional ebay auction may have a good deal, but yeah I regularly check and most of the time that's the starting range.
I quite the boutique factor for this d-50 clone fair enough the only drawback is the 3.5 mm jacks but not an issue i've found as i don't unplug and replug that often and with a decent cable haven't found any detriment to sound quality. The best set i've found for this is the K-25 base rather than the plain base. With the K-25 its a great take anywhere module. The left most strip acts as a keyboard strip when not connected to midi or k-25 bed. Added bonus is the memory for more patches and the rudimentary 64 step sequencer. Don't want to go into vintage d-50 then upkeep or repairs costing nearly as much as an original d-50 costs. For a hardware lover like me this is the perfect solution aswell as the vst version will be to others😊
I'm looking to finally get my hands on an original D50 soon! Great video Woody
The Flute sounds, etc were all over the training scene in the ancient amphitheatre, in the film kickboxer, with Jean claude Van-Damme.
Watching you get hit in the feels put a lump in my throat too. the music and that patch certainly hits you.
one of my favorite movie
Superb.
‘Soundtrack’ was perhaps one of the best loved presets on the analogue Roland JX-8P in the 80s
The D50 was my first synth; I was actually saving up for a JX10, but was blown away by a demo of the D50 (which was cheaper, had more polyphony, and effects built in, which was a first).
Still have my original one, but purchased a second hand d550 a few years back to have it available in a rack format. I was considering the D05, but from various demos, the sound was ever so slightly different from the original, and as I'm so familiar with the original, I feared I would regret that.
Love my D-550. $120 CAD from Goodwill, 7 years ago!
Every time I watch your videos I get more and more jealous. I would love a real D50 but studio space dictates I might have to get a D05.
There’s a D550 rack if you want an original
good call wagoo!
I've had my D50 since 1987 I bought when I was 15 (I'm old lol) and it works perfectly . . . except for the aftertouch. ..have to open it up and fix that somehow.
Korg needs to do a Volca M1 so we can have the 3 “digital groundbreakers” in mini hardware format.
yeah, i'd be all over that!
That’s a great idea!
very nice
D-50 demos never get boring. I had to check when you said "D-05 is back" if they started manufacturing them again - seems not - you meant you got an used one obviously. Cool! I have two D-50's and the D-05 and my V-Synth XT can also play D-50 sounds. They should make a D-05 rev2 that would be multi-timbral - and yes, then they could make the display full length too. I have recently coded my own D-50 librarian and editor. I plan to demo that on my UA-cam channel sometime soon.
wow, quite the d50 fan then! good luck with the software and the video, respect!
You should check the dedicated controllers with faders for sound design for the D 05
Can't help but wonder if Roland will give us any new boutiques soon. I've never used one but I am not exactly keen to get any of the current ones.
I had a D50 from 1989 til 2010 when I sold it... then missed it and bought another a year later, then sold it, then bought a D05! Yes I sold it.... BUT I now have, yet again, an authentic D50. I've been shouted at by my Synth mates to "keep it FFS". Anyway, awesome review Woody. Take care. And I know... SODDER???? Indeed.
the intruders d50 patch, can be heard on Sheena Easton's "Ice out in the rain", remix version.
I even think some of the d50 famours synth brass can be heard in Sabrina' s pop songs "boys boys boys, i am looking for a good time".
sabrina ❤❤😂😛😬😬😛😃.
In the day awsome new way of synthesis. Had a D20 in the mid 90's. Enya's Watermark album was mainly D-50.
Great demo of the D-05. Scored one on FB Market last year for $300, couldn't pass it up.
Sounds like an episode of Star Trek Next Generation, though I believe most of those sounds were the Yamaha SY99. Same clarity and warm memorable tones!
Nice!
I have the D05 and JP08. Should have purchased the others, but recently got the Arturia AstroLab and have been using V Collection for many years, and Pigments since it was released. The AstroLab can cover so much synth, keys, organs, bass, pianos, etc., it's a great addition to my gear.
The AstroLab has a USB-A port for MIDI controllers; I plan to see if I can add a 61-key MIDI keyboard, and map the lower to it; I'm primarily an organist and like to have at least 2 x 61-key manuals...if I had the money and the space for it, I'd have an Allen TO-5G with 5 manuals!
As a D-50 fan, you might look into a V-Synth XT rack/desktop module. Not only do you get the V-Synth, but it includes the VC-1 D-50 (and VC-2 Vocal Designer) “cards” built in. The D-50 mode is fantastic and patches are fully editable via a custom interface designed for the V-Synth touchscreen, which I believe is unique to the V-Synth series!
I hear so much about the various drum machines, and I know next to nothing about them. If you had a way to create a video on how the 707 is different from the 808 vs 909 vs the Lindrumm (not just explaning, but letting us hear the characteristic sounds) I'd definitely enjoy that video.
Some of the Roland boutiques are a bit hit & miss and have me scratching my head on what Roland was thinking!- BUT the D05 is definitely not one of them it’s a fantastic recreation, with the charm of the original plus some important extras. Good Choice Woody👍. (Agree about the digital synth in this format, I’m probably only person who want one & would make no economic sense, but I did hope they’d do a sort of super expanded D70 as a boutique 😢)
d70 would be fun yes, i gigged with one for years, but it never reached iconic status and was not even that successful afaik.
I owned this-one. But sold it as soon asI realised that it sounds exactly the same as the software version (Roland Cloud). And in this case, the hardware version doesn’t really have an added value, because it doesn’t really have any tweakable knobs (like the JX-03, which I still have). What’s the point of menu-diving on a (4 voices polyphonic) synth if finding voices and/or programming is so much easier with the software? Sorry for being a killjoy, but this is just my honest take on this.
I have always been of the opinion that digital synths have no advantage over a vst unless there's an interesting control paradigm, so I'm with you halfway, but I recently picked up an elektron model cycles and, beyond the excellent sequencer and interface, it has a really full rich sound unmatched by even far more complex software. That said, I wouldn't see the value proposition without the knobs and sequencer...so unless the d-05 is especially creamy, I don't know I'd need it. (my virus scanner doesn't let me install roland cloud btw 😅)
@@dyscotopia Yeah, I can see how the interface of the elektron model cycles would be something that makes it interesting. With regard to its sound: I guess I will have to take your word for it.
In the case of the D-05: it sounds great, but so does the software which doesn’t have the 4 voice limitation. Maybe the D-05 would have an added value for a live musician that needs a solid reliable box on the stage. But that is about it, I think.
It’s one thing that Roland doesn’t make what everyone in online forums asks for. (Because who knows if that really correlates with what would sell.) But it’s really strange that when the market makes it really clear what would sell, they still don’t make it.
what is this that you are referring to?
@@WoodyPianoShack I think he means that Roland stopped selling de D-05 Boutique even though there's demand for it.
@@WoodyPianoShack The D-05 is selling used for more than it was new. And sometimes more than a D-50 itself. So that means there’s money to be made if they just made more of them. (Although they’ve shown that they know people don’t want the pitch/mod strips, so a D-05a would probably sell even better.)
Great to see this wee module again, but does it do a straight grand piano sound?
no, acoustic sounds are pretty rubbish by modern standards
Hello!Good Musical
Sunday!
same to you!
There is another way of looking at it. Those D50 sounds are fine if you are prepared to not edit them in any way and use them as is. But that is also not such a great thing either. I for one would want to either edit those sounds a lot or create completely new sounds which I am sure the D50 can do. But then again so can the thousands of other software instruments out there now can do that too. And probably much better at it. Spend less time on the tools and much more time on the music. Great ideas transcend the tools by a long way.
That is true, but no other synth has a character of the D-50. It is a combination of a limited set of waveforms, very harsh and crisp early-digital sound of 8 bit oscillators going through a very dull sounding early-digital 16 bit FXs section. It just has that very special sound like nothing else
@@Acrimonious_Snake The problem though is if you start using the sounds as they were without any editing, the music itself will most often be dated back to the same era too. Its much harder to create something new and fresh and modern using D50 sounds that came out from that time. All of that 80's and 90's music has been done to death and when people recreate it, then for me anyway its just boring. I prefer to think now and modern and create ideas that have not been heard before. Once you start doing that then you don't actually need a D50 at all. The synths we have today are actually better at doing that.
@@jeffevansmusic I honestly disagree. Good sound never gets old, that is true for guitars, human voice, violin, saxophone, electro piano, organ, drums, etc. Of course this is also true for electronic musical instruments, that is why people still buy one-voice monophonic Moog synthesizers, classic delay pedals etc
@@jeffevansmusic p.s. alhough I do agree that the D-50, of course, as any other instrument, doesn't fit for every genre and style
I'd love the D-05 but they're never for sale in my area. :(
Is there any advantage (except for Roland of course) to buy a D-05 if you already use the Roland Cloud version?
D-05 has better-clearer sound on some presets, I've found that the Cloud version's EQ sounds a bit harsher. Although this is barely noticeable and I don't know which is closer to a real D-50. Also there is a Clear mode on the D-05 which adds more dynamic range to the output (so fx and note tails sound better in their quietest parts). The difference is tiny, to be honest
Want one......
Can't have one.......
Waaaaaaa........😥
In the 1990's I had a D110 and created an analogue drum kit.
Absolute FAT sounds! 💙
It’s well worth getting a librarian / editor then searching for sounds. There’s some great freebies and of course plenty of space no need for cards etc.
"A-81. Intruder FX" reminds me of the patches that Gary Numan used.
Gary Numan used D-50 extensively (live and studio) for many years.
Bought my D-50 in 2010 for apx £180, like you, after almost 30 years of yearning😅 Mostly used as a keyboard just to create midi notes in Logic, but occasionally I'll record audio from it. Hope it doesn't start breaking down as my soldering skills are diabolical 😂
Is it as good as the real one? Is there a editor with it?😊
It is even better because it has much much more preset and user banks
Interesting (I used to one). Its hell to program though.
Hey Woody, have you checked out the D50 patches in Omnisphere? They're pretty good. Great demo of a great synth Woody! God bless you and yours!
Wauh, McRib 😀...I mean...the D-50 is back. The Roland D-50 is totally 1980s. Just like the Korg M1 and the Yamaha DX7. Or how about Miami Vice? I have a music request for a future video. Crockett's Theme by Jan Hammer. 😎 How much of it could you play in a video, before the police comes to your house to confiscate all of your synthesizers? lol
I can hear Mike + The Mechanics all over these sounds
Woody, every time a sound patch hits you and you become emotional it sets me off as well. The problem with getting swept up in the moment is that it's pretty-much guaranteed that one of my bloody kids will walk into the studio at that exact moment to talk about sandwiches or something, look straight at me and ask, "Are you crying?!"
"What? Me? No! I was yawning and rubbed my eyes and now I've got dust or something in them... pass me one of those tissues please"
"You really are crying..."
"I really am NOT! I'm watching Woody play a keyboard for God's sake -- why would I be crying?!"
"Mum! Dad's crying at weird stuff on the Internet again!"
"NO -- I'm NOT! Listen, it's secret men's business and you wouldn't understand! Leave me alone!"
You can NEVER truly get rid of the D-50, lol.
I have no idea where you are finding all these synths for such good prices. I was searching on ebay and the D-50 manual is £70! over £500 for an actual D-50, I've seen the D-05 going for over £700! Please tell me where they are available for $400! :)
I thought this was the weakest of the boutique line. The reverb on the presets seems a lot wetter.
got a feeling you might be right. hard to 100% re-create those algorithms in the new sound engine i guess.
Paid £1350 quid for mine when it came out😁 only problem was the membranes were a bit iffy under the keys, was also quite heavy.
1350 in 1987 you mean? new, what that the going rate? seems cheap.
@@WoodyPianoShack yep £1350 in 1987 was a lot of money then for me😁
@@WoodyPianoShack i am tempted to buy the boutique version but can't see one on line at the moment
Eddie Moors Music...Blimey!..There's a blast from the past.. M-Audio was their in-house brand..i seem to remember
i don't even think in-house brands were a think back then, and it was not a chain, only a small independent. glad you remember it fondly!
@@WoodyPianoShack maybe, then, that was the brand they seemed to be pushing quite a lot.. it's a shame EMM is no longer around.
Does anyone remember the good ole' Salad Centre just down from Eddie's? 😂
D-50 always sounds like Clannad to me
Speaking of nostalgia. I remember that poor Indian bloke who copy striked (is that a word) your exploration of the D50 presets :-) Did I remember correctly that you had Eric's help to get this resolved ?
I remember playing the Alesis Ion and the Nord Lead through a set of premium nearfield monitors back in the old DV247 days in Southampton.
I remember when it came out in 87....fond memories, but now I feel the sounds are very nice but can't be used anymore because they have been overused and feel a little dated. Nice to play and go down memory lane, but ... no sure about it.
Amazing Even you Big Deferent from D-50 Video .Allah Bless You 😍
thanks for that mohammad!
@@WoodyPianoShack Welcome Sir
-=[Welcome to 1987]=-
I just realized UA-cam had unsubscribed me from this channel somehow... Sorry Woody!
the main thing is you're back!
The original D50 keyboard was crap, not when it came fresh from the store but after one or two years the keyboard of most early D50s started to act up. The problem is with the rubber key contacts. Taking it apart and giving it a good clean only helps for a short while. Roland did improve the contact rubbers and there is a easy fix, replace all rubber key contacts with new ones.
I bought one new in 1987 and one used in 1989. Sold both in 2021. Two different batches, actually, quite different internally. But none of those had the issue you refered to. When did they implement the fix?
@@matroswe Got mine in 1987 in the first week after release. Don't know when the fix came.
At some point I noticed the repair tech in a local shop was working on 4 or 5 D50s. I told him about my keyboard problems. He said it was a known issue, gave me a hand full of new contact rubbers and kindly showed how to change them.
@@ezion67 I see! Thank you for sharing.
I want to tell you something. I have been playing the piano since childhood, and my dream is to have a piano to play, but circumstances do not allow me to buy it. I very much hope that you will help me to achieve my dream. I am from Morocco, and here piano prices are very expensive. I hope that you will help me achieve my wish because I love the piano and music very much. I hope Good luck. Please allow this request.
maybe somebody from morocco with a piano they don't want will see you comment. good luck!
I said bye-bye to all my boutiques. They are just souvenirs rather then proper instruments. Let somebody else play the toys.
don't say that, i have about 5 of them now! although in some ways a bit toy-ish.
Al you minium?? Ack! Unsubscribing! 😂
Google cult of D-50. Thousands of free patches.
nice, thanks for the tip
Now you needs to try Jarre's patches, which has been used on his album "Industrial Revolution", if this machine have full sysex support. (machine_run.syx, kokubostrings.syx, motor_orchestra.syx, etc..) 🙂
thanks for the tip, will check that out, yeah full sysex compatibility with d50 afaik