{"id":1386,"date":"2014-02-19T09:30:10","date_gmt":"2014-02-19T17:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rolandus.com\/blog\/?p=1386"},"modified":"2015-02-25T18:40:15","modified_gmt":"2015-02-26T02:40:15","slug":"roland-synth-chronicle-1973-through-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rolandus.com\/blog\/2014\/02\/19\/roland-synth-chronicle-1973-through-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"Roland Synth Chronicle: 1973 – 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2014-RSC\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Download a PDF version of the Roland Synthesizer Chronicle, 1973 through 2010.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

View in Pinterest<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"roland<\/a>

SYSTEM-1 PLUG-OUT Synthesizer<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

2014: SYSTEM-1<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>In the spirit of its predecessors (SYSTEM-100, SYSTEM-100M and SYSTEM-700), the SYSTEM-1 breaks new ground with remarkable flexibility. It’s the worlds first Plug-Out synth, which\u00a0gives access to plug-in versions of legendary Roland synths that can be hosted in the SYSTEM-1 without a computer.\u00a0It also features new Roland technologies, Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) and Scatter Effects.<\/p>\n

\"fa-06

FA-06 Music Workstation<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

\"fa-08

FA-08 Music Workstation<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

2014:\u00a0FA-06<\/a>\u00a0& FA-08<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>The series completely reimagines the music workstation, streamlining it for effortless real-time power, ultra-fast workflow, and maximum versatility. Ready to support any type of music you play, the FA-06 is packed with a massive sound collection inherited from the flagship INTEGRA-7, a ton of studio-quality effects, expressive real-time controls, and Axial<\/a> ready.<\/p>\n

*The FA-08 features 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard. Provides premium weighted-action performance.<\/p>\n

\"V-Combo<\/a>

VR-09 Live Performance Keyboard<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

2013: V-Combo VR-09<\/a><\/strong> This synth is travel-ready, affordable, and outfitted with top-level Roland sounds, the V-Combo VR-09 is the ideal all-in-one solution for performing keyboard players. Dedicated piano, organ, and synth sound engines\u2014organized in three intuitive blocks on the front panel\u2014provide all the essential tones you need, right under your fingertips. \"2012<\/a> 2012: INTEGRA-7<\/a><\/strong> The powerhouse rack comprises a \u201cgreatest hits\u201d collection of sounds from Roland\u2019s flagship keyboards and V-Drums modules, plus a coveted lineup from the legacy SRX library. It also introduces a new technology called Motional Surround, a 17-part ambience engine that lets you graphically control the distance and position of each part within 360-degree sound field. \"2012<\/a> 2012: JUPITER-50<\/a><\/strong> By combining the supreme expression of the JUPITER-80 with the travel friendliness of the JUNO series, the new JUPITER-50 brings SuperNATURAL\u00ae sound and pro performance to every stage and studio. JUPITER Synth Legends Vol. 1<\/a><\/strong> The emulations in\u00a0JUPITER Synth Legends<\/em>\u00a0provide you with a large selection of authentic vintage sounds to use alongside the advanced acoustic and synth capabilities already in the JUPITER-80\/-50. Featured synths include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. JUPITER-8<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. SH-101<\/li>\n
  3. TB-303<\/li>\n
  4. JUNO-60<\/li>\n
  5. JUPITER-6<\/li>\n
  6. JUNO-106<\/li>\n
  7. D-50<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"2012<\/a> 2011: JUPITER-80<\/a><\/strong> A live-performance powerhouse that pays homage to its legendary namesake with road-proven hardware and massive sound, yet blasts into the future with advanced SuperNATURAL\u00ae technology. \"JUNO-Gi<\/a> 2010: JUNO-Gi<\/a><\/strong> What propels this power-synth into another realm, however, is its supercharged feature set with over 1,300 fresh sounds, an onboard eight-track digital recorder, and pro effects created by BOSS. Write, record, mix, master, and perform anywhere with the new JUNO-Gi. \"2010<\/a> 2010: \u00a0GAIA SH-01<\/a><\/strong> Affordable yet powerful, the GAIA SH-01 is a high-performance value with old-school charm. The triple-stacked engine provides massive virtual-analog synthesis under the control of hands-on knobs, sliders, and buttons. \"2010<\/a> 2010: Lucina AX-09<\/a><\/strong> This 37-key ultra-light synth is designed to fit\u00a0all musicians \u2014 even kids. It\u2019s loaded with 150 excellent sounds, all easily selectable with the onboard category buttons, and features a USB Audio Player function for jam-along fun. \"VR-700\"<\/a>2010: V-Combo VR-700<\/a><\/strong> With a legendary Virtual Tone Wheel organ and dedicated harmonic bars onboard, plus banks of essential ensemble sounds, the V-Combo melds an entire rig into one convenient instrument for easy transport and fast setup. \"2009<\/a> 2009: JUNO-Di<\/a><\/strong> A traveling musician\u2019s dream, the JUNO-Di is\u00a0lightweight, can run on batteries, and is easy to use. It\u2019s packed with 1,000+ great sounds, has a friendly control panel for easy editing, and a Song Player for larger-than-life performances. \"2009<\/a> 2009: AX-Synth<\/a><\/strong> The battery-powered AX-Synth is an eye-catching\u00a049-key remote keyboard with a high-quality sound generator onboard. It\u2019s self-contained and equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland\u2019s latest generation of synths. \"Fatnom-G8<\/a> 2008: Fantom-G8<\/a><\/strong> The Fantom-G8 is outfitted with Roland\u2019s top-of-the-line PHA II \u201cIvory Feel\u201d keyboard. This amazing keyboard technology reproduces the real surface feel of ivory acoustic piano keys providing a familiar stability and comfort to the pianist. \"2008<\/a> 2008: Fantom-G7<\/a><\/strong> The Fantom-G series redefines the boundaries of playability and creativity with its advanced sound\u00a0engine, revolutionary ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay, large-sized color LCD, powerful 152-track audio\/MIDI sequencer, and more. \"Fantom-G6<\/a> 2008: Fantom-G6<\/a><\/strong> The Fantom-G6 is a dream instrument that redefines the boundaries of playability and creativity with its advanced sound engine, revolutionary ARX SuperNATURAL\u2122 expansion bay, large-sized color LCD, powerful new audio\/MIDI sequencer and more. \"JUNO-STAGE\"<\/a> 2008: JUNO-STAGE<\/a><\/strong> Decked out with an extra-large display, USB backing-track functionality, a Click output for drummers, performance knobs, hands-free patch select, master MIDI control, and more, the 76-key JUNO-STAGE offers onstage power at a great price. \"2007<\/a> 2007: SonicCell<\/a><\/strong> With its dual SRX expansion bay, built-in USB\u00a0audio interface, and ability to play SMFs and WAV\/AIFF\/MP3 files, SonicCell puts the power and legendary sound quality of a Roland hardware synthesizer on the desktop. \"2007<\/a> 2007: V-Synth GT<\/a><\/strong> Onboard dual-core engine supercharges\u00a0Elastic Audio Synthesis with revolutionary Articulative Phrase Synthesis, which models the performance behavior and nuance of acoustic music instruments, plus Vocal Designer. \"2006<\/a> 2006: JUNO-G<\/a><\/strong> For songwriters and performers, the JUNO-G\u00a0synth offers a 16-part MIDI sequencer with four companion stereo audio tracks, plus a powerful Fantom-X-quality sound engine, 128-voice polyphony, and SRX expansion. \"V-SYNTH<\/a> 2006: V-SYNTH XT<\/a><\/strong> Named the \u201cSynthesizer of the Year\u201d at the 2004 MIPA Awards, Roland\u2019s groundbreaking V-Synth now has a travel-friendly offspring. The XT is a portable new V-Synth with some spectacular tricks up its sleeves \u2014 and with enough synthesis and audio-processing power to make heads spin. \"2006<\/a>2006: SH-201<\/a><\/strong> This 49-key analog-modeling synthesizer\u00a0provides the famous Roland Super SAW waveform. It also has an External Input for manipulating audio, a D Beam, and plentiful knobs and switches for realtime control. \"2004<\/a> 2004: Fantom-Xa<\/a><\/strong> For musicians who craved Fantom power, but\u00a0wanted a more cost-effective way to Fantomize their rig, the Fantom-Xa was the answer \u2014 a multifaceted sampling workstation with a 16-track sequencer and affordable price tag. \"NKB<\/a> 2004: Fantom-XR<\/a><\/strong> The stunning sound of a Fantom-X workstation in a 1U rack module, the Fantom-XR provides room for over 1GB of sounds when fully expanded with\u00a0six SRX cards and DIMMs for user sampling. \"NKB<\/a> 2004: JUNO-D<\/a><\/strong> Budget priced yet big on features, the Juno-D\u00a0offered 640 of new patches, a world-class array of expressive multi-effects, realtime performance controllers, and tools for groove creation and composition. \"2004<\/a> 2004: Fantom-X7<\/a><\/strong> The Fantom-X Series were the first\u00a0\u201cGiga-Workstations,\u201d providing nearly 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded with four SRX cards. They also offered 128-voice polyphony, eight stereo audio tracks, and a large color LCD. \"2003<\/a> 2003: VariOS \/ VariOS-8 \/ VariOS 303<\/a><\/strong> Thanks to its open-ended hardware\/software system, VariOS could emulate Roland\u2019s most popular synths. VariOS 8 emulated Roland\u2019s vintage Juno and Jupiter, and VariOS 303 emulated the classic TB-303, without draining the host computer\u2019s CPU. \"RKYBTT2\/\/0\"<\/a> 2003: RS-50<\/a><\/strong> A scaled-down version of the RS-70, this\u00a0live-performance synthesizer provided great Roland sounds and performance-friendly features including Phrase\/Arpeggio Generator and Multi Chord Memory to the entry-level market. \"NKB<\/a> 2003: RS-70<\/a><\/strong> With a fresh collection of quality sounds, a Loop\u00a0Sequencer, and friendly Direct Access buttons for instantly selecting patches, the RS-70 introduced a new level of performance power for live or song production at an attractive price. \"2003<\/a> 2003: Fantom-S<\/a><\/strong> This 61-note workstation keyboard offered seamless integration of audio and MIDI with advanced sampling features such as realtime time-stretching and Skip Back Sampling, plus a Dynamic Pad Bank, mastering effects, and USB file exchange. \"2003<\/a> 2003: V-Synth<\/a><\/strong> The V-Synth integrated Variphrase technology,\u00a0allowing realtime control of waveform pitch, time, and formant for organic and animated sounds.\u00a0It also offered analog-modeling synthesis, COSM filtering, and the unique TimeTrip Pad. \"2002<\/a> 2002: XV-2020<\/a><\/strong> The XV-2020 synthesizer module put Roland\u2019s\u00a0acclaimed XV sounds in a half-rack unit with USB and GM2 compatibility. It offered two SRX expansion boards, 16 multitimbral parts, and three effects processors. \"2001<\/a> 2001: SH-32<\/a><\/strong> After 20 years in retirement, the \u201cSH\u201d prefix was\u00a0revived. This ambitious product integrates the traditional panel interface to evoke images of the first SH-series, plus programmable arpeggiator and many other new features. \"2001<\/a> 2001: XV-5050<\/a><\/strong> This 64-voice, 16-part sound module fits the high sound quality of the XV-5080 into a 1U-rack size.\u00a0Editing software is also included that allows all parameters to be controlled via computer. \"2001<\/a> 2001: Fantom<\/a><\/strong> A new breed of workstation with a large graphical\u00a0LCD and centralized control of its numerous functions. This 76-key workstation featured professional XV-5080 quality sounds and a wide range of realtime performance functions. \"2000<\/a> 2000: XV-5080<\/a><\/strong> The top-of-the-line XV module, it had the\u00a0highest-performance sound generator of its time, as well as a smorgasbord of attractive features, including Matrix Control and sample playback via SIMM. \"2000<\/a> 2000: XV-3080<\/a><\/strong> This 2U-rack synthesizer module had the same\u00a0sound generator as the XV-88. It could hold up to two SRX-series and four SR-JV80-series sound expansion boards. \"2000<\/a> 2000: XV-88<\/a><\/strong> The XV-88 was the full-sized keyboard model\u00a0of the XV series. This 128-voice synthesizer was equipped with an 88-key, hammer-action keyboard. It could hold up to four expansion cards (two SRX series and two SR-JV80 series). \"2000<\/a> 2000: RS-5<\/a><\/strong> While reasonably priced, this synthesizer\u00a0contained the same high-quality sounds as the JV\/XP\/XV series. It was also easy to operate, with knob controls for LFO, filter, and other parameters. \"1999<\/a> 1999: JV-1010<\/a><\/strong> This compact half-rack module inherited the\u00a0rich preset sounds of the JV-1080 and 2080. Able to hold one SR-JV80-Series expansion board, it could handle up to 1,151 patches. \"1999<\/a> 1999: XP-30<\/a><\/strong> The last model in the XP-Series. Although\u00a0the sequencer was removed in order to lower the price, it boasted a full lineup of features, including 1,406 patches and an arpeggio function. \"1998<\/a> 1998: JP-8080<\/a><\/strong> This rack version of the JP-8000 sound generator upped the power even more. Built-in Unison and Voice Modulator, an increase in polyphony from 8\u00a0to 10, and external audio input were some of the features that distinguished this module. \"1998 1998: JX-305<\/strong> The playability of a keyboard was added to the\u00a0functionality of the MC-505 Groovebox, which was a hit product at the time. The main appeal of the model was easy operation with inspiring realtime operation. \"1998<\/a> 1998: XP-60<\/a><\/strong> This model compressed the features of the\u00a0XP-80 into a compact 61-key body. All operations conformed to the XP-80. New expansion boards went on sale at the same time, increasing the appeal of this instrument even further. \"1997<\/strong><\/a> 1997: JV-2080<\/a><\/strong> This sound module became so popular, it was\u00a0considered a world standard. With features such as 640 patches and 16 multitimbral parts, it represented the pinnacle in sample-playback synthesis at the time. \"1996<\/a> 1996: JP-8000<\/a><\/strong> This 8-voice synthesizer offered an impressive array of knobs and sliders to manipulate its analog modeling synthesis engine. It had a built-in Motion Control function that allowed operations on the panel to be recorded and played back. \"1996<\/a> 1996: XP-80<\/a><\/strong> The top model in the XP series, this synthesizer\u00a0was based on the XP-50 with many refinements added on, plus 76 keys with weighted action. The sequencer memory could hold about 60,000 notes, three times that of the XP-50. \"1995<\/a> 1995: XP-10<\/a><\/strong> This XP-series model was aimed at the more affordable price range. Equipped with 16-part multitimbral GM\/GS sound generator, it also incorporated a newly developed arpeggiator with 30 different styles, a Combination Palette, and more. \"1995<\/a> 1995: XP-50<\/a><\/strong> This workstation featured the sound generator of the JV-1080, and a sequencer with loop recording\u00a0and quick play. It also featured Realtime Phrase Sequence (RPS). \"1994<\/a> 1994: JV-1080<\/a><\/strong> This synthesizer module featured 64 voices and 16-part multitimbral specs. Nicknamed the Super JV, the module could carry four wave expansion boards simultaneously, enabling up to 1,741 patches that spanned a wide range of music genres. \"1993<\/a> 1993: JD-990<\/strong> This sound-generator module achieved the\u00a0operability of the JD-800 via a large-screen display. In addition to enabling ring modulation and oscillator sync, it was equipped with an FXM function and eight multi-effects processors. \"W-50<\/a> 1993: W-50<\/strong> Intended for Professional Use \/ Church Environment (Complete library of rich Organ sounds,etc).\u00a0This keyboard was a collaboration with Rodgers Organ (a Roland subsidiary). \"1993<\/a> 1993: JV-50<\/strong> This model featured the same functions as the\u00a0JV-35, with a built-in SMF player. As with the JV-35\/90, it was based on the JV-series concept of expandability, capable of up to 56 voices. \"1993<\/a> 1993: JV-90<\/strong> The JV-1000 synthesizer with the sequencer\u00a0removed, the JV-90 was based on the concept of expandability. Expansion boards could be used to expand the number of voices and sounds as needed. \"1993<\/a> 1993: JV-35<\/strong> This model offered superb cost performance.\u00a0While low priced, it allowed expansion boards to be installed, adding extra sounds and voices The separately sold VE-JV-1 provided the synth-engine equivalent of the JV-1000. \"1993<\/a> 1993: JV-1000<\/strong> This workstation featured a refined version\u00a0of the JV-80 sound generator, with a built-in MC-50MKII sequencer engine. Expansion boards made this workstation expandable up to 993 patches, and 56 voices. \"1992<\/a> 1992: JW-50<\/strong> This workstation had an onboard GS sound\u00a0generator with a built-in 16-track sequencer. In addition to a backing function as a composition-support tool, the JW-50\u2019s ease of editing tones made for an appealing instrument. \"1992<\/a> 1992: JV-880<\/strong> This PCM sound module, with the high-quality sound and functionality of the JV-80, was made to fit into a compact 1U rack-size. In addition to four main and sub outputs, the module has\u00a0a Preview function that allowed users to check tones without using any other equipment. \"1992<\/a> 1992:\u00a0JV-30<\/strong> The lower model of the JV-80, this 16-part\u00a0multitimbral synthesizer captivated users with its 189 high-quality, built-in PCM tones and ease of operation. Editing filter, envelope generator, and vibrato was possible. \"1992<\/a> 1992: JV-80<\/strong> With eight paramaters sliders, this PCM synthesizer could be operated with an analog feel. This was the first synth compatible with the best-selling SR-JV80-Series expansion board. \"1991<\/a> 1991: JX-1<\/strong> While low priced, this playback keyboard had\u00a0the ultimate selection of preset sounds, from acoustic instruments to analog synthesizers. It also had an edit function with eight parameters. \"1991<\/a> 1991: JD-800<\/strong> This digital synth employed a large number of\u00a0sliders on the panel to allow real-time control of all parameters with an analog feel. Each Patch could consist of up to four Tones for creating fat sounds. \"1990<\/a> 1990: D-70<\/strong> This synthesizer used Advanced LA synthesis, which is an evolved form of LA synthesis. It had a built-in DLM function that could generate a variety of wave data for synthesizing. This innovation created an infinite range of sound creation possibilities. \"1989<\/a> 1989: U-220<\/strong> Employing the RS-PCM sound generator system, this upper model of the U-110 aimed at even higher sound quality. Preset tones were increased from 99 in the U-110 to 128 in U-220, and an onboard effects processor provides built-in chorus and reverb. \"1989<\/a> 1989: D-5<\/strong> The greatest feature of the D series was an\u00a0onboard LA sound generator. With a chase function and arpeggiator at a price of \u00a599,800 in Japan (roughly $725), this synthesizer offered outstanding cost performance. \"1989<\/a> 1989: U-20<\/strong> This keyboard used the RS-PCM sound generator, which retained compatibility with the U-110’s tone data. It was distinguished by a unique system of operation, with sound patches that managed tone data, and keyboard\u00a0patches\u00a0that managed MIDI data. \"U-110<\/a> 1988: U-110<\/strong> A simple-playback sound module with a DC-PCM\u00a0sound generator. In addition to a wide range of built-in musical instrument tones, it could hold up to four memory cards at once. By combining these, users could create custom sounds. \"1988<\/a> 1988: D-20<\/strong> This model contained the same basic features\u00a0of the D-10 but added a sequencer capable of 9-track multi-recording and a 3.5-inch floppy drive. The sequencer supported real time recording method. \"1988<\/a> 1988: D-110<\/strong> A stand-alone version of the D-10 sound\u00a0generator, this sound module fit in a 1U rack. In addition to its main stereo output, it also had six individual outputs. \"1988<\/a> 1988: D-10<\/strong> Although this digital synthesizer was reasonably priced, it borrowed the D-50\u2019s LA sound generator, and also had multitimbral capability and rhythm machine functions. It had seven types of digital reverb, and the first built-in ROM player. \"1988<\/a> 1987: D-550<\/strong> This rack-mounted version of the D-50 synth also had an LA sound generator. Creating sounds was made simply by using a PG-1000 external controller that enabled manipulation of edit parameters in real time. \"1987<\/a> 1987: D-50<\/strong> Equipped with the Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis, this was Roland\u2019s first digital synthesizer. It also had a digital filter\/effects processor. One of Roland\u2019s best-selling models, this synthesizer also excelled at analog-style sound. \"1986<\/a> 1986: MKS-50<\/strong> This rack-mounted model of the\u00a0\u03b1 JUNO series made it possible to add portamento, detune, and other parameters to patches. It was equipped with chord memory, and could also use the PG-300. \"1986<\/a> 1986: MKS-70<\/strong> A rack version of the JX-10, this model could\u00a0also use the same PG-800 sound programmer as the JX-10. Equipped with three different effects \u2014 portamento, delay, and chorus \u2014 it also had a memory cartridge slot. \"1986<\/a> 1986: JX-10<\/strong> This 76-key, DCO-type analog synthesizer incorporated 2 JX-8P sound generators. With 12-voice polyphony, this synth was nicknamed the Super JX. The PG-800 sound programmer could be used with it. \"1985<\/a> 1985:\u00a0\u03b1 JUNO-2<\/strong> A step up from the \u03b1\u00a0JUNO-1, the\u00a0\u03b1\u00a0JUNO-2 had 61 keys. The JUNO series was always popular\u00a0for its string and bass sounds, and still is to this day. The PG-300 programmer, common to the \u03b1\u00a0JUNO-1 and -2, was also available. \"1985<\/a> 1985:\u00a0\u03b1 JUNO-1<\/strong> Pronounced “alpha JUNO-1”, this was a low-cost model in the JUNO series. It had 49 keys, and a specially designed sound-generator IC. Although it had 6-voice polyphony and 128 sound memory, it was below\u00a0\u00a5100,000 in Japan (roughly $420) – quite an appealing combination. \"1985<\/a> 1985: JUNO-106S<\/strong> This JUNO was equipped with stereo speakers;\u00a0other than that, the specs were completely identical to the JUNO-106. As a common feature in this time \u2014 internal sound memory could be backed up to a cassette tape.<\/p>\n

    \"MKS-7<\/a>1985: MKS-7<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The MKS7 was a single unit that offered four sections with independent outputs: a duophonic lead synth, a monophonic bass synth, and a four-voice polyphonic synth (hence the name… 2+1+4 = MKS7) plus a drum machine with 11 PCM sounds drawn from the TR707. \u00a0 \u00a0 \"1984<\/a> 1984: JX-8P<\/strong> An upgraded version of the JX-3P, the JX-8P\u00a0analog synthesizer featured 6-voice polyphony and two DCOs per voice. A separately sold PG-800 sound programmer was also available. \"1984<\/a> 1984: MKS-80<\/strong> 2U-rack size, 8-voice polyphonic version of the Jupiter-6. Nicknamed the Super Jupiter, it stood out for its ability to play a wide range of sounds, from musical instruments to special effects. The MPG-80 sound programmer was also available as an option. \"1984<\/a> 1984: MKS-30<\/strong> A 2U-rack vesion of the JX-3P. Although the\u00a0JX-3P\u2019s MIDI receive channel was fixed to ch. 1, the MKS-30 has programmable channels. The PG-200 sound programmer for the JX-3P could also be with this model. \"1984<\/a> 1984: JUNO-106<\/strong> This 1DCO per voice, 6-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer was the successor of the Juno-60. Equipped with 128-sound memory and MIDI, it would become a favorite of dance and techno artists. \"1983<\/a> 1983: JX-3P<\/strong> This MIDI-capable, 2DCO per voice, 6-voice\u00a0polyphonic analog synthesizer was released at the same time as the Jupiter-6. A PG-200 sound programmer (could be placed on the upper right on the panel) was also available. \"1983<\/a> 1983:\u00a0JUPITER-6<\/strong> Scaling down the Jupiter-8 to 6-voice polyphony, coupled with creative tweaking by Roland\u2019s engineers, allowed the Jupiter-6 to hit the market at half the price of the Jupiter-8. It also made news with its highly stable oscillator and MIDI terminal. \"1982<\/a> 1982: JUNO-60<\/strong> A Juno-6 with newly added memory functions\u00a0for 56 sounds. Roland\u2019s proprietary DCB interface standard was used for exchanging control information with external devices. \"1982<\/a> 1982: SH-101<\/strong> A 1VCO analog mono synth available in three color variations; modulation grip was also an option. The synth could run on batteries, allowing it to be slung on a shoulder strap and worn like a guitar. \"1982<\/a>1982: JUNO-6<\/strong> This 6-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer used\u00a0a DCO per voice to generate sound. Built-in chorus effects increased the range of sounds that could be produced. This synth also had a key transpose feature. \"1981<\/a> 1981: JUPITER-8<\/strong> A deluxe 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with 64-sound memory. Its smorgasbord of features, including key split, patch preset, and auto arpeggio, earned this synth global praise and legendary status. \"OLYMPUS<\/a> 1979: PROMARS<\/strong> This is the monophonic version of the Jupiter-4 with 2 VCOs. As with the Jupiter-4, it had eight\u00a0user sound memories and 10 preset sounds. \"1979<\/a> 1979: JUPITER-4<\/strong> Roland\u2019s first polyphonic analog synthesizer\u00a0(4 voices). The 4VCO sound in unison mode\u00a0is superb, and it also has built-in user sound memory function. The synth carried a price tag of \u00a5385,000 in Japan at the time (roughly $1750). \"1979<\/a> 1979: SH-2<\/strong> The meaty sound of 2VCO + 1 sub-oscillator made this analog synthesizer quite popular. As with the SH-09, a price of under \u00a5100,000 in Japan (roughly $450) propelled this synth\u2019s popularity. It\u2019s a coveted classic. \"1978<\/a> 1978: SYSTEM-100M<\/strong> A version of the System-700 aimed more at the general consumer. This compact modular synthesizer was made up of various modules and a rack with built-in power supply (a 32-key and 49-key keyboard was available).<\/p>\n

    \"paraphonic<\/a><\/p>\n

    1978: PARAPHONIC\u00a0RS-505\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> This\u00a0analog synthesizer features three tone sections: a strings section, a polysynth section and a bass section. The keyboard has 49 keys and is split down the middle with different sounds on the left and right sides. \"OLYMPUS<\/a> 1978: SH-09<\/strong> A number of cost-cutting measures were applied to the SH-1. The result was this 1VCO analog synthesizer, the first to sell for below \u00a5100,000 in Japan (roughly $450). This synth played a major role in popularizing synthesizers in Japan. \"1978<\/a> 1978: SH-7<\/strong> This 2VCO analog synthesizer was released as the successor to the SH-5. The case was made somewhat smaller, and it could play two voices, taking advantage of the two VCOs. \"1978<\/a> 1978: SH-1<\/strong> A 1VCO analog synthesizer with a basic circuit design derived from Roland\u2019s System-700. In addition to being the first synth to incorporate a sub-oscillator, it was also the first to use a molded plastic case. \"1976<\/a> 1976: SYSTEM-700<\/strong> The first \u2014 and only \u2014 modular synth to be made in Japan. It included 9VCO, 4VCF, 5VCA, 4ENV, 3LFO, mixer, analog sequencer, effects processors, and more. The full system was priced at \u00a52,650,000 in Japan (roughly $9,000). \"1976<\/a> 1976: SYSTEM-100<\/strong> This system consisted of a small 2VCO\u00a0synthesizer, expander, mixer, analog sequencer, and a pair of speakers (photo showed the basic model 101 synth). It was possible to purchase each unit separately. \"1975<\/a> 1975: SH-5<\/strong> Roland\u2019s first 2VCO analog synthesizer. The\u00a0huge one-piece case blew away keyboardists at the time. This synth was also the first to have pitch bender levers. \"1974<\/a> 1974: SH-2000<\/strong> This preset-only analog synthesizer (1VCO)\u00a0is equipped with aftertouch. Although Roland analog keyboard synthesizers have 1V\/1oct VCOs, this one uses Hz\/V. \"1974<\/a> 1974: SH-3<\/strong> 1VCO analog synthesizer making full use of control functions. There are two types \u2014 the SH-3 and SH-3A (photo) \u2014 which differ slightly in terms of appearance and internal construction. Additive synthesis oscillation creates a distinctive meaty sound. \"1973<\/a> 1973: SH-1000<\/strong> This 1VCO analog synthesizer\u2019s claim to fame is being the first mass-production synthesizer made in Japan. It had a selection of preset tones to choose from, and control functions to give the user freedom when producing sounds. It carried a price tag of \u00a5165,000 in Japan (roughly $600). [jetpack_subscription_form]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Download a PDF version of the Roland Synthesizer Chronicle, 1973 through 2010. View in Pinterest 2014: SYSTEM-1\u00a0In the spirit of its predecessors (SYSTEM-100, SYSTEM-100M and SYSTEM-700), the SYSTEM-1 breaks new ground with remarkable flexibility. It’s the worlds first Plug-Out synth, which\u00a0gives access to plug-in versions of legendary Roland synths that can be hosted in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[22],"tags":[737,16,45,680],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\nRoland Synth Chronicle: 1973 - 2014 - Roland U.S. Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"View all of Roland's Synth history from 1973 to the present. 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