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Description
The Roland MT-32 is a classic piece of music technology, perfect for both vintage enthusiasts and modern musicians looking to add a distinctive touch to their setup. Originally released in the late 1980s, this multi-timbral synthesizer module has found its place in the hearts of musicians and composers for its unique sound palette. Known for its versatility and the ability to produce up to 32 voices simultaneously, the MT-32 offers a wide array of sounds suitable for various genres and compositions.
The MT-32 features a Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis engine, which combines sample-based and synthesized sound to create rich, complex tones. This approach was revolutionary at its time, offering users a diverse range of textures and timbres. Its expansive sound library includes orchestral sounds, synth leads, basses, and more, making it an ideal sound module for anyone looking to expand their sonic horizons.
Musicians appreciate the MT-32 not only for its sound quality but also for its compatibility with a wide range of MIDI devices. Whether you're integrating it into a modern setup or using it to reproduce the sounds of classic video games, the MT-32 consistently delivers with precision.
Key Features:
- Multi-timbral synthesizer module with 32-voice polyphony
- Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis engine
- Wide array of built-in sounds: orchestral, synths, basses, and more
- MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with various devices
- Ideal for both vintage sound enthusiasts and modern music production setups
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | MT-32 Multi-Timbral Synthesizer Module |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1987 - 1992 |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What is the primary use of the Roland MT-32 sound module?
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The Roland MT-32 is a multi-timbral synthesizer module primarily used for music production and as a sound source for computer music applications, particularly in the late 80s and early 90s.
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How does the Roland MT-32 connect to other devices?
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The Roland MT-32 connects to other devices via MIDI, featuring MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports for integration with keyboards, computers, and other MIDI-compatible equipment.
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Is the Roland MT-32 suitable for modern music production?
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While the Roland MT-32 is a classic piece of equipment with a distinctive sound, it may not meet the demands of modern music production due to its limited polyphony and older digital architecture.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MT-32 offer?
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The Roland MT-32 provides 8 voices of polyphony, allowing it to play up to 8 notes simultaneously.
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What is the difference between the old and new versions of the Roland MT-32?
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The primary difference is that the newer version of the MT-32 includes a headphone jack, while the older version does not. Additionally, the newer version may have some internal improvements for sound quality.
Videos
8-Bit Keys
The Best Sound for MS-DOS Games - Roland MT-32
The Best Sound for MS-DOS Games - Roland MT-32
8-Bit Keys
LGR - Roland MT-32: Retro PC MIDI Music Revisited
LGR
Bad Gear - Roland MT-32 - The OG Retro Gamers Synth
AudioPilz
Roland MT-32: Redefining Desktop Music Forever! - Sound Profile
Speedy DTM
Roland MT-32 sounds
Keyboards - review - repair
Reviews
PROS
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Offers the iconic D-50 LA synthesis sound affordably
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Easy to use setup for beginners
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Capable of producing realistic instrument sounds
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Runs 32 voices simultaneously, top for its day
CONS
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Somewhat noisy audio output
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No easy way to modify sounds without sysex
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Lacks a headphone jack for direct monitoring
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Soundset may not appeal to everyone
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Experiences constant note drops, affecting performance
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Not as rich sounding as expected without additional equipment
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MT-32.
Use cases and applications
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The MT-32 is especially valued for enhancing audio experiences in late '80s and early '90s PC games, offering a unique retro sound.
Source -
Five classes of MT-32 MIDI use determine the necessary ROM version, highlighting the importance of selecting the correct one for authentic sound reproduction.
Source
Comparisons
Value and pricing
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Owners suggest that the MT-32's appeal is mostly nostalgic, and for $50, more versatile options like the Korg Monotron line might be preferable for music production.
Source
Features and functionality
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The CM-32L ROM is often recommended for broader game compatibility due to its support for additional sound effects not present in the MT-32 "old."
Source -
The BlueRidge ROM is a modded version introducing battery-backed RAM, but it may cause additional bugs not present in the original 1.07 ROM.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
254
Great for the day... not so much now
I made a full soundtrack with this thing and I can't say I enjoyed it much. Trying to do music that sounds rich on it with the assistance of nothing else, like it was so often used, was a huge hassle due to constant note drops. This is without sound laying by the way. Used in addition to other tone generators... eh? It feels like a worse D-50 which it kind of is. I really don't think it's worth the cash now, and if you must get its sound, go buy a D-110 instead which is very similar but way cheaper.
108
Very vintage high quality sounds
Enjoyed this and the sounds as it was the top sound module for its day that could run 32 voices at the same time.
Artist usage
Add artist
Don Airey, the renowned keyboardist, has confirmed his use of the Roland MT-32 sound module, as evidenced by his own comments in the article "Living in the Past" from MT February 1988. Airey stated, "Ian kept copies of all the stuff he'd done on an FB01 for the album, although I'm using an MT32 triggered by an MC500." This quote highlights Airey's efforts to replicate the original sounds for live performances, ensuring authenticity without resorting to pre-recorded tracks.
Eric Persing has had a unique and influential relationship with Roland Corp for two decades. He started as a product demonstrator in 1984, showing some of Roland's first MIDI instruments. He quickly became involved in the R&D side with Roland Japan, earning the title "Chief Sound Designer", and began contributing his design ideas, real-world studio experience and sound design expertise. Persing's skills have left their mark on countless classic Roland instruments.
He is the originator of many legendary Roland sounds that have become part of the vocabulary and lexicon of musical sound. These include the Factory D-50 sounds such as Fantasia, Soundtrack and Digital Native Dance, a majority of the JV/XP/XV series Classics, all the Factory JD-800 sounds, the original Juno "Hoover" sound and thousands of others.
Here is a partial list of the Roland instruments that Eric has contributed his sound design, sampling and design consulting skills:
Juno-106 Alpha Juno 1&2 JX-3P JX-8P JX-10 Jupiter 6 Super Jupiter D-50 D-550 D-110 D-10 D-20 D-70 MT-32 U-110 U-20 U-220 Sound Canvas JD-800 JD-990 JV-80 JV-90 JV-1000 JV-1080 JV-2080 XP-10 XP-50 XP-60 XP-80 XV-3080 XV-5050 XV-5080 Fantom JP-8000 JP-8080 S-10 S-220 S-50 S-550 S-770 S-760 S-750 MC-303 MC-500 MC-505 VP-9000 MSQ-700 MSQ-100 MKS-20 MKS-30 MKS-50 MKS-70 MKS-80 R-8 R-5 DR-660 DR-770 R-70 V-Drums V-Drums expansion board SRV-2000 DEP-5 RSP-550 R-880 SRV-330 SE-50 SE-70 VS-880 VS-1680 SR-JV series expansion boards SRX series expansion boards Sound Canvas Project series CD-ROM libraries Archives series CD-ROM libraries Composers series CD-ROM libraries
Michael Z. Land stated that he used the Roland MT-32 when composing the music for Monkey Island, as mentioned at the 15:59 mark in the interview on "Tech Talk with Daniel Albu."
Album Usage
The Roland MT-32 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 MT-32, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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