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Description
Dive into the world of vintage synthesis with the Roland D-70, a classic digital synthesizer that has captured the hearts of musicians since its release. Known for its powerful sound capabilities and expressive features, the Roland D-70 combines a host of innovative attributes that set it apart from other synths of its era. This synthesizer is celebrated for its LA (Linear Arithmetic) synthesis technology, which allows for a rich tapestry of sounds ranging from lush pads to cutting leads.
The D-70 boasts a 76-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch, providing a dynamic playing experience that enables you to expressively articulate your music. It features a comprehensive set of built-in sounds that span multiple genres, making it a versatile tool for any musician looking to explore the depths of sound design. With its intuitive interface and dedicated performance controls, the D-70 ensures that you have everything you need at your fingertips for both studio production and live performances.
Whether you're a seasoned synth enthusiast or a budding musician eager to dive into digital synthesis, the Roland D-70 offers an authentic sonic experience that remains relevant in today's music landscape.
Key Features:
- 76-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch for expressive playability
- Advanced LA (Linear Arithmetic) synthesis technology
- Wide range of built-in sounds suitable for various music genres
- Intuitive interface with dedicated performance controls
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation for seamless integration with your setup
- Onboard effects for enhanced sound shaping and creativity
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | D-70 76-Key Super LA Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1990 - 1994 |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 76 Keys |
| Polyphony | 30 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Roland D-70 a polyphonic synthesizer?
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Yes, the Roland D-70 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 30 voices, allowing you to play complex chords and layered sounds without voice stealing.
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What type of keyboard action does the Roland D-70 have?
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The Roland D-70 features a synth action keyboard, providing a smooth and responsive feel suitable for dynamic playing styles.
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How many keys does the Roland D-70 have?
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The Roland D-70 is equipped with a 76-key full-size keyboard, offering an extended range for versatile performance capabilities.
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What kind of MIDI connectivity does the Roland D-70 offer?
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The Roland D-70 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible gear and setups.
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During which years was the Roland D-70 produced?
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The Roland D-70 was manufactured between 1990 and 1994, marking it as a classic digital synthesizer from the early '90s.
Videos
HowDoesItSound
Demo Roland D70
Demo Roland D70
HowDoesItSound
Roland D-70 demo - Performances 11-25
SynthMania
ROLAND D-70 Digital Synthesizer 1990 | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
Roland D-70 - Factory Presets Demo (Sounds Only)
wolfgang S vukan
Roland D70 demo, Sounds, programmiert
Markus Hobmeier
ROLAND D70 | No Talking
Synth Cloud
ROLAND D-70 Digital Synthesizer (1990)
Synthesizer Home
Roland D70 Part 2: Sound Architecture and Synth Sounds
wedream2
Roland D-70 - "Linear Legacy" Soundset
LFOstore
Reviews
PROS
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Unique DLM wave modulation allows for creative waveform rebuilding
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Exceptional multitimbrality with up to 20 sounds and 76 drums programmable
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Large, logical display for easy navigation and control
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Offers a vast array of customizable sounds with extensive synth parameters
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Capable of producing high-quality voice, guitar, bass, and ethnic sounds
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Comparatively low used price for its capabilities and sound quality
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Can function as a powerful all-in-one digital synth and controller
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Includes a variety of effects (reverb, delay, chorus, flanger) for sound enhancement
CONS
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Keyboard prone to miss-triggering or not triggering, requiring maintenance
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Lacks built-in arpeggiator and sequencer, limiting performance versatility
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Acoustic samples considered fair, with room for improvement by today's standards
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Complexity of the system might overwhelm beginners or those preferring simpler interfaces
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland D-70.
Build quality
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The keybed's rectangular weights often detach due to adhesive failure, causing sticking keys; fixing this is challenging due to the adhesive's resilience.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Internal connector ribbons are fragile and difficult to manage during repairs, with parts becoming increasingly scarce.
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Repairing the keybed due to red glue issues is feasible for DIYers, but requires patience and caution with fragile parts.
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DIY repairs involve cleaning contacts and regluing weights, with guides available online to assist in the process.
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The D-70's backlight foil can be replaced with an EL type, which is a fiddly but cheaper alternative to replacing the entire screen.
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Opening the D-70 requires careful handling of self-tightening ribbon connectors, which are challenging to release and reseat without damaging the pins.
Source
Features and functionality
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Offers filters, envelopes, and cross-modulation, distinguishing it from the U series and marking the end of an era before the JV series.
Source
User experience
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Known to produce characterful pads, the D-70 excels in delivering sounds authentic to its era, which remain largely unexplored in today's synth revival.
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Replacing ribbon cables can take over two hours, with repeated attempts needed to ensure the display functions correctly due to garbled output from incomplete connections.
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The D-70 can serve as a reliable MIDI module even with keybed issues, offering versatility without immediate repair.
Source
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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The D-70 is likened to a rompler, with similarities to the JD-08 in sample-based architecture but with more complex programming challenges.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
This photo from the vinyl "Gira Chile 88" confirms that Eduardo Parra Pizarro used the Roland D-70 during the tour.
In this YouTube video of a Dire Straits performance of ''Romeo And Juliet'' from 1992 Alan has a Roland D-70 in his live rig. At 0:49 in the video the D-70 can be seen on top of the keyboard Alan is playing.
Persing is the founder of Spectrasonics, a company specializing in developing World Class software 'virtual instruments' since 1994. He has produced dozens of the sampling industry's top selling titles and gone on to create the award-winning Omnisphere, Keyscape, Stylus RMX, Trilian, Atmosphere and Trilogy software virtual instruments. Eric's ground-breaking instruments and sound libraries are the best selling and most widely used in the world. Spectrasonics products are in constant use on thousands of major film, television, music, game and multimedia productions.
In addition to being the Creative Director of Spectrasonics, Eric was a longtime consultant and the Chief Sound Designer for Roland Corporation Japan from 1984-2005, creating the key sounds for many popular Roland synthesizers, samplers, CD-ROMs, expansion boards, processors and groove devices - from the vintage Jupiter and JX series, to the legendary D-50, D-70, JD-800/990, R8, S-series samplers, JV-880/1080/2080, the Sound Canvas, JP-8000/8080, MC-505/909, The V-Drums, XV-5080, Fantom series, the V-Synth and many more.
In a user-uploaded photo on Travellersintime, Ken Hensley is seen playing a Roland D-70 alongside a Hammond organ.
The Official Quo site states that Andy uses (along with others) a Roland D-70 Keyboard.
In this 2016 interview, Soichi mentions the gear from his first studio. He still uses most of them to this day.
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Ulf Ekberg is seen playing a Roland D-70 synthesizer in the music video for "Don't Turn Around," as documented by DJZEZINHO on YouTube in the video titled "Ace Of Base - Don't Turn Around (Live @ The Goldmillion Show)."
"I've got an 8100 Power Mac that was basically outdated the second I bought it. I use Performer, and I have four 760 Roland samplers. I have a Korg TR rack sound module, a Korg O1RW sound module, a Korg X3R, an old Proteus FX and a Roland JD-1080. I've got a Roland R-8M. My keyboard is a Roland D-70. I have an old Ensoniq ASR-10 sampler. I have a Tascam DA-88 and a Mackie 32*8 mixing console, plus a couple of Lexicon reverb units."
At 11:07 in the YouTube video Winger - Live in Toronto (10-9-1993) - Upscaled to 4K UHD!, John Roth can be seen using a Roland D-70 live with Winger.
SOUND MODUALS and SAMPLERS
Kurzweil KR2500-S Kurzweil KR2000-S Roland V-synth Roland S-550 Roland D-70 Roland JP-8000 EMU Procussion Korg 01R/W Korg Wave station A/D Alessis DM-5, DM-4 Alessis DM Pro Peavey Spectrum Bass Yamaha DX7 with E!
Album Usage
The Roland D-70 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-70, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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