Sound Modules

The Roland MKS-20 was a 16-note-polyphonic SA digital-piano module derived from the RD-1000. Eight basic keyboard voices, 56 programmable variations, individual equalisation, chorus and tremolo gave it a focused but adaptable sound set. MIDI program selection, Voice Preserve, cartridge storage and balanced outputs supported its use within keyboard and recording systems.

The Roland MKS-50 was a six-voice polyphonic synthesiser module that housed the sound circuitry of the Alpha-JUNO in a compact EIA-1U rack format. It featured a DCO with fourteen waveforms, a seven-parameter envelope generator, and Roland’s Chorus circuitry. The unit stored 128 Tones and 128 Patches, the latter including settings for volume, portamento, key range, and MIDI reception.

The Yamaha TX802 FM Tone Generator was a versatile module that utilised six-operator FM synthesis to deliver bright and dynamic sounds, incorporating advanced features from the DX7IIFD and DX7IID synthesisers. It offered 256 total voices, including 128 presets and user-editable memories, with the ability to combine up to eight timbres in a single performance. It featured advanced programming tools such as Microtuning, Fractional Level Scaling, and Random Pitch, alongside comprehensive MIDI capabilities and RAM 4 cartridge support for expanded storage.

The Yamaha TG55 was a tone generator that utilised second-generation 16-bit Advanced Wave Memory technology to offer superior sound quality and extensive musical control. It featured a versatile voice architecture allowing for one, two, or four elements per voice, with each element equipped with digital filters, envelope generators, and individual editing parameters. The unit included 74 preset waveforms, 64 preset voices, and 34 programmable effects, alongside a 16-part multi-timbre mode and built-in drum sounds. Its complete MIDI implementation, stereo positioning capabilities, and compact 1U rack-mount design made it a powerful tool for both performance and production.

The Yamaha TG77 Tone Generator was a rack-mount synthesiser that combined AFM and AWM2 tone generation systems with RCM synthesis to offer advanced sound design capabilities in a compact format. It featured a 16-voice multi-timbre mode, eight individual outputs, and a comprehensive user interface with a backlit LCD display.

The Roland JV-1080 was a 2U rackmount synthesiser module combining PCM-based sound generation, a maximum of 64 voices and 16-part multitimbral operation. Its internal library, editable four-Tone patches, built-in effects and four SR-JV80 expansion board slots provided a configurable sound source for MIDI sequencing and performance. Separate output pairs, General MIDI compatibility and user memories for patches, performances and rhythm sets completed its combination of synthesis, arrangement and sound library functions.

The Roland JD-990 was a high-performance digital synthesiser that expanded on the JD-800 platform with 195 internal waveforms sampled at 44.1kHz and 18-bit D/A conversion. It featured a flexible synthesis engine with FXM, Oscillator Sync, and Tone Delay, alongside a TVF and TVA with four-stage envelopes.

The Roland Fantom XR was a 1U rackmount synthesiser and sampler module featuring 128-voice polyphony and a 128MB wave ROM expandable to 512MB via SRX boards. It supported user sampling with 16MB of internal memory, expandable to 528MB with DIMMs, and included .WAV/AIFF compatibility via USB.

The Roland INTEGRA-7 SuperNATURAL Sound Module is a 16-part, 128-voice flagship sound module containing more than 6,000 sounds. It combines SuperNATURAL Acoustic, Synth and Drum technologies with PCM synthesis, the complete collection of 12 Roland SRX expansion libraries and sounds from the Roland XV-5080.