D-50 is a software synthesizer plugin by Roland that recreates the 1987 D-50 hardware, using its Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis engine to run inside a digital audio workstation.
The D-50 plugin reproduces Roland's 1987 hardware synth, built around the LA synthesis engine that combines sampled waveforms with virtual analog sound. Roland says the plugin includes the original sampled waveform set and Digital Circuit Behavior modeling, plus the original presets, the joystick interface and classic D-50 effects. It adds extra waveforms, a tempo-syncing LFO and a virtual PG-1000 controller for sound design.
The original D-50 was Roland's first fully digital synthesizer. Its LA synthesis mixed subtractive synthesis with harmonically complex sampled waveforms and digital effects, producing warm, dynamic tones that were new at the time.
Roland states that Digital Circuit Behavior modeling captures the details of the original hardware, including its overtone noise. The plugin keeps the original sampled waveform set and adds extra waveforms for more options.
The virtual PG-1000 controller is based on the optional hardware controller for the original D-50 and is designed to make sound design more direct. It lets you adjust preset sounds and build voices from scratch.
You can import SysEx files from an original D-50 or legacy third-party libraries. The plugin can also swap patches and banks with the Roland Boutique D-05 synthesizer and use its interface to control the plugin. Roland notes that the tempo-syncing LFO helps with DAW integration.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Roland |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Synth |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
The D-50 is Roland's software recreation of its 1987 D-50 synthesizer. It runs as a plugin inside a digital audio workstation and includes the original presets.
The plugin is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats, and runs on Windows and macOS. Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 and macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later are required.
You need a compatible DAW or plugin host that supports VST, AU or AAX, and an internet connection to install and activate Roland Cloud software.
Yes. You can import SysEx files from an original D-50 or legacy third-party libraries to use previously created patches.
