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Description

Experience a fusion of classic sound and modern versatility with the Roland D-110, an iconic member of the D-series sound modules. Noted for its Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis, the D-110 offers an intriguing combination of sampled attack transients and synthesized waveforms, paving the way for unique sound creation. This sound module is designed for musicians who appreciate the distinctive timbres that defined the late '80s and early '90s, making it a perfect addition for both retro enthusiasts and contemporary sound designers looking to add a vintage twist to their compositions.

The D-110 is equipped with multi-timbral capabilities, allowing you to play multiple sounds simultaneously across different channels, which is ideal for complex arrangements and live performances. Its comprehensive MIDI implementation ensures seamless integration with modern setups, providing a bridge from the past to the present. With a wide array of onboard sounds, from punchy basses to sweeping pads, this sound module meets diverse musical needs, whether you’re producing a synth-heavy track or adding layers to an orchestral piece.

Key Features:

  • Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis for unique sound creation
  • Multi-timbral capability supporting up to 8 parts for complex arrangements
  • Wide range of onboard sounds, including bass, pads, and orchestral tones
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation for easy integration with modern setups
  • Classic sound module from the late '80s, perfect for retro and contemporary music production

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model D-110 Multi Timbral Sound Module
Finish Black
Year 1988 - 1991
Made In Japan
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

What are the key features of the Roland D-110 sound module?

The Roland D-110 is a digital multi-timbral sound module with 32-voice polyphony, designed for use in a rackmount format. It features MIDI input, output, and through connections, making it versatile for integration into various MIDI setups.

How does the Roland D-110 compare to the Roland MT-32?

The Roland D-110 offers improved PCM samples and more of them compared to the MT-32, along with multi-timbral capabilities, making it more suitable for complex arrangements and professional use.

Is the Roland D-110 suitable for live performances?

The Roland D-110, with its rackmount design and robust MIDI capabilities, is well-suited for live performances, especially when used as part of a larger MIDI setup to access its diverse sound palette.

Can the Roland D-110 be used with modern DAWs?

Yes, the Roland D-110 can be integrated into modern DAWs via MIDI, allowing users to access its sounds and features in contemporary digital audio workstations.

What type of sounds can I expect from the Roland D-110?

The Roland D-110 provides a range of digital sounds, including synthesizer tones and PCM samples, suitable for various musical genres, from pop to electronic music.

wolfgang S vukan

wolfgang S vukan

Roland D-110 (D-10/D-20) - 64 User Presets Demo

Video thumbnail for Roland D-110 (D-10/D-20) - 64 User Presets Demo by wolfgang S vukan

Roland D-110 (D-10/D-20) - 64 User Presets Demo

wolfgang S vukan

wolfgang S vukan

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Roland D-110 - 80s Sound In A Box??? by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Roland D-110 - 80s Sound In A Box???

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Roland D-110 synthesizer module patches and tunes by Synthcomp

Roland D-110 synthesizer module patches and tunes

Synthcomp

Synthcomp

Video thumbnail for Roland D-110 Synthesizer Demo Songs by Sound Programming

Roland D-110 Synthesizer Demo Songs

Sound Programming

Sound Programming

Video thumbnail for Roland D-110 patches and tunes vol 2 by Synthcomp

Roland D-110 patches and tunes vol 2

Synthcomp

Synthcomp

Video thumbnail for Why I bought a Roland D-110 in 2022. Most frustrating synth ever, or 80s gem? by Stephen McLeod

Why I bought a Roland D-110 in 2022. Most frustrating synth ever, or 80s gem?

Stephen McLeod

Stephen McLeod

Video thumbnail for Roland D-110 and PG-10 by Takashi Sasaki

Roland D-110 and PG-10

Takashi Sasaki

Takashi Sasaki

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique MIDI sound module for easy controller integration

  • Wide variety of sounds, including synthier options

  • Integrated power cable for convenience

  • Supports complex configurations: PCM, DCOs, and external reverb/PCM cards

  • Offers mixed timbres for creative sound design

  • Can operate without a full studio setup

CONS

  • Heavy and bulky, unexpected for some users

  • Initial learning curve for navigation and sound categorization

  • Manual in French, challenging for non-French speakers

  • Some sounds, like piano, can feel unauthentic

  • Low line output necessitates a high-level pre-amp

  • Noticeable noise in output signal

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland D-110.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland D-110's menu has a multi-layered structure, with buttons progressing from top-level menus on the left to deeper settings on the right.

    Source
  • The D-110 offers a rich synth engine with the ability to layer up to 8 different timbres, allowing for significant sound flexibility.

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  • The D-110 has multi outputs, which can be advantageous for separating sounds in a mix.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that the tact switches on the D-110 are prone to failure over time, likely due to the age of the units.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A white OLED screen upgrade is noted for enhancing visibility and functionality, making it a popular modification among enthusiasts.

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  • Users have developed classic Roland drum machine emulations (CR-78, 606, 707, 808, 909) for the D-110 using its synth engine without hardware mods.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find the D-110's whimsical synth sounds reminiscent of the CZ-101, filling a unique niche that more modern synths like the Ultranova and JV880 lack.

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  • The JV-880 and JV-1080 are noted as easier to program and superior for realistic sounds compared to the D-110, which excels in early 90s electronic music timbres.

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  • The D-110 lacks real-time editing capabilities even with the PG-10 controller, requiring planning due to limited parameter visibility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Circuit bending is straightforward on the D-110, particularly by accessing the pins in the memory card slot for creative sound manipulation.

    Source
  • The D-110 suits techno and dance music from the late 80s and early 90s, aligning with iconic sounds used by artists like Drexciya.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the D-110's PCM sounds are weak, but the "synth" waveforms are notably better, although rumors of them being analog are unconfirmed.

    Source
  • Some D-110s vary in noise levels, with earlier batches reportedly having higher noise floors.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users find the front panel challenging for programming, making external editors or controllers essential for unlocking the D-110's full potential.

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  • Sysex files are used for sound creation on the D-110, with no need for PCM cards, highlighting a purely software-driven workflow.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fpszky

Really good ethereal 80's sounds, aslo a massive ballache to use.

I'm a bedroom musician that likes hardware music production (synths, samplers, etc...) i've been making music for 7 years at the time of writing this.

I have sort of a love and hate relationship with this piece of kit, part of me is happy i bought it since it does have some really nice and high quality sounds, the other part of me is pissed they only gave us a 16x2 LCD the likes of which can be seen in a cheap scientific calculator and 16 buttons to tweak over 2000 parameters. I've used it in a few tracks, it can be heard doing the melodic bit on my track "FPSzky - Sublime" which is available on streaming services if you wish to hear what this synth sounds like.

Pros: 1- Really nice-sounding synth for how cheap you can get it for. 2- Signature Roland sound from the 80's, similar to the sought-after Roland D-50. 3- Uses Roland's "Linear Arithmetic" synthesis, made to compete with the DX7 and can be heard on the aforementioned D-50. 4- Solid build quality. 5- Multiple outputs.

Cons: 1- Tiny display, not appropriate given how complex this instrument is. 2- Only 16 buttons to navigate around the UI and tweak over 2000 parameters. 3- Frustrating to use.

Gets a 3 out of 5 stars from me, it sounds great but unfortunately it its a nightmare to use, i highly recommend using a sysex editor like edisyn if you plan on buying one of these.

TLDR: Great sounds, a nightmare to program. Using a sysex editor is highly advised.

From Gear Setup
psstshh

Love it

This thing lost a star because it's a pain to program! But I love the "acoustic" sampled sounds. The synth is fun to incorporate, but its nothing spectacular. Only square/saw waves unless you get really deep into programming. It MUST have OS Ver.1.13 update from 1991(?).

luke7fps

Nice L.A. Synthesizer, a little bit tricky when to program but got nice Synth-type of sounds

L.A. Synthesis sports a couple of PCM generator alongside with two analog-like DCOs two PCM and two DCO can be linked up into a voice, Rack version play 8 voices at the time, that can be routed on the 6 separate outputs, Reverb and PCM Card complete the pack to create a nice backup or creative synth

federicovaona

Little Roland

Interesting sounds, I bought it with his big brother the D550. The low line output requires an high level pre-amp and it is a little bit noisy.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stuart Kershaw uses Roland D-110

Stuart Kershaw

Drummer

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Omd

Included in list of Stuart Kershaw's equipment published in a 1993 issue of Future Music.

See how Carlo Maria Cordio uses Roland D-110

Carlo Maria Cordio

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via |

STRUMENTI E VINTAGE KEYBOARDS Pianoforte YAMAHA C3 CONSERVATORY mezza coda (Disklavier) Piano elettrico FENDER RHODES 88 tasti Piano Digitale YAMAHA P-60 HAMMOND B3 – HAMMOND C3 – HAMMOND T-500 – LESLIE 122 – LESLIE 147 Basso elettrico GIBSON RIPPER Chitarra elettrica GRETSCH BATTERIA PEARL con rullante LUDWIG e piatti PAISTE e ZILDJIAN CONGAS – PERCUSSIONI di vario genere VINTAGE KEYBOARDS MINIMOOG KURZWEIL K250 KURZWEIL RMX 250 KORG M1 KORG Trinity ROLAND D50 Linear Synthesizer ROLAND D550 Linear Synthesizer YAMAHA DX7 FDII ENSONIQ SQ80 Analog Sinthesizer ROLAND D-110 ROLAND U-110 EMULATOR III EMULATOR III XP 2 EMULATOR IV E6400 OBERHEIM Matrix 1000 KAWAI K1m BOSS Drums Machine YAMAHA RX5 Drums Machine

(All from the website)

Album Usage

The Roland D-110 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland D-110, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
pergamoon

pergamoon

Gear IQ 157

fpszky

fpszky

Gear IQ 332

fpszky

fpszky

Gear IQ 332

thekofficial

thekofficial

Gear IQ 109

1 alternative for Roland D-110, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland D-20

$200.00

similar sound

The D-20 is a lot easier to use than the d110, it aslo has an 8-track sequencer built in, and has more buttons than the d110 for easier operation. The only downside is that it keeps the same 16x2 display.

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