Roland MT-32

Roland MT-32 Image
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A home marketed module with sounds like the popular D-50. It uses the same basic LAS type digital synthesis to create its sounds. And it has some rhythm presets that sound like the TR-626 rhythm machine. However this module is quite rough around the edges, and it's noisy too. It isn't rack-mountable, and was intended to be used in conjunction with a MIDI keyboard, sequencer (like the PR-100) or computer software. Aside from basic volume, tuning, reverb, and timbre/part selection, on-board sound editing is not available and can only be achieved externally with knowledge of the MT-32's MIDI implementation. Through MIDI you can edit the modulation, timbres, pan, expression and hold controls. Unfortunately, the programmable memory dissapears when turned off, requiring MIDI SysEx dumping for memory storage.

 

It has 128 sounds grouped into 17 instrument groups like bass, synth, wind, perc, etc. The MT-32 is also 8-part multitimbral, one of which is the rhythm track. There are 6 'Part' buttons on the face of the module for useful access to changing patches within a part. The MT-32 is a cheap source for quick access to D-50 sounds in a box, but remember that it is not exactly pro-quality and would most benefit newcomers to synthesizer-music who are on a very limited budget.

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Demos & Media

CM-32L Song
by
Anders Enger Jensen
ManualRoland has made manuals for most of their products available as free PDF downloads.
ALL Roland MT-32 SongsCollection of music only using the old Roland MT-32/CM-32L/CM-32P (and similar) modules by Anders Enger Jensen

Specifications

Polyphony - 8 voice (32 partials)
Multitimbral - 9 parts
Oscillators - Digital LAS (Linear Arithmetic Synthesis) & PCM
Effects - Digital Reverb
Filter - None
Memory - 128 synth presets, 64 volatile programmable, 28 rhythm presets
Keyboard - None
Control - MIDI
Date Produced - 1987

Resources

Images from Perfect Circuit Audio.