This is Roland’s second rack mounted module to use the latest of technology after the bar was raised by the release of the Korg M1. The U-series uses synthesis type called RS-PCM - which stands for ReSynthesized Pulse Code Modulation, and it’s Roland’s 2nd generation sampling technique. It is based on high-quality samples.
The structure of this synth reminds of the D-50 and its tones, partials and patches. Here we have 128 basic components called “tones”, that can be used to build “timbres”. Timbres can then be combined in various ways to build “patches”. This is a fairly elaborate process which seems daunting at the beginning, but fairly easy once you are used to the way the U-220’s OS works.
Besides “real” instrument waveforms/tones, the U-220 also features drum samples. They are fairly punchy and typically with an 80s feel. You can certainly use these percussion tones to form patches - indeed, some of the more creative factory patches use drum sounds as starting points.
This is definitely a plug ‘n’ play, performance synth: this module responds beautifully to velocity messages, and also the aftertouch is incredibly responsive and guarantees “felt” performances. It’s also 6+1 (for rhythm) polytimbric, so you can use it to compose full songs.
The U-series can also be expanded thanks to two slots for the SN-U110-series of pcm cards, which really open up all kinds of possibilities for this machine.
It’s also interesting to note that - for what I can hear - many of the waveforms in the U-series ROM ended up in the hugely successful Sound Canvas series - which largely contributed to the success of the GM (General MIDI) standard in the early 90s.
The specs for this unit are:
Polyphony - 30 voices
Oscillators - 4MB ROM samples
Multitimbral - 6 parts + 1 drum part
Filter - None
Effects - Reverb, Delay, Chorus; arpeggiator
Memory - 64 patches, expandable to 128 with external RAM card
Keyboard - None
Control - MIDI
Date Produced - 1989
this information courtesy of vintagesynth.com
Permalink — Posted by David Neher on Jan. 25 at 4:23 PM
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