Roland U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module

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$30.00

3.5 (15)

2 Reviews

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4 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

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5.0 (5)

$30.00 7 available Used

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Description

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The Roland U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module is a versatile tool for musicians and producers seeking a robust palette of sounds without the bulk of traditional synthesizers. As a PCM-based sound module, it delivers an extensive library of high-quality sampled sounds, ranging from lush strings and orchestral instruments to dynamic drums and basses. Designed with the studio and live performance in mind, the U-220 offers easy integration into any setup with its MIDI compatibility, ensuring seamless communication with keyboards and other MIDI devices.

The sound module is renowned for its six-part multitimbral capability, allowing you to layer different sounds or assign them to different MIDI channels, thus broadening your creative possibilities. It comes equipped with a variety of onboard effects, including reverb and chorus, which enable you to shape and polish your sound directly from the module itself. Compact and efficient, the Roland U-220 fits into any rack unit, making it an ideal addition for those with limited space but unlimited ambition.

Key Features:

PCM-based sound module with a wide array of sampled sounds
Six-part multitimbral capability for layering and MIDI channel assignments
Onboard effects including reverb and chorus
MIDI compatibility for easy integration with other devices
Compact design suitable for both studio and live performance setups
Extensive library of sounds including strings, orchestral instruments, drums, and basses

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module
Finish	Black
Year	1989 - 1992
Made In	Japan
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	30 Voices

FAQs

What type of sounds can I expect from the Roland U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module?: The Roland U-220 is known for its high-quality PCM sounds, offering a range of acoustic and synthesized tones suitable for various genres, including pop, rock, and electronic music.
Is the Roland U-220 compatible with modern MIDI setups?: Yes, the Roland U-220 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, making it compatible with contemporary MIDI setups for seamless integration into your studio or live rig.
How many voices of polyphony does the Roland U-220 offer?: The Roland U-220 provides 30 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.
Can the Roland U-220 be used in a rackmount setup?: Yes, the Roland U-220 is designed as a rackmount synthesizer, making it ideal for studio environments where space optimization is key.
What is the primary use case for the Roland U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module?: The Roland U-220 is primarily used for adding diverse PCM-based sounds to your music production or live performance setup, offering a rich palette of tones from its digital engine.

Videos

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Frank Michael Lischka (soundadapter)

Excellent Synthesizer Roland U-220 Inside View and Sound Example

Frank Michael Lischka (soundadapter)

U MIGHT BE THE 1 (demo) - Roland U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module Demo (You Might Be The One)

Romantique Tp

HIGHLANDER (demo) - Roland U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module Demo

Romantique Tp

Roland U220 RS-PCM Sound Module Factory Demo ( Highlander )

House of Angels

Reviews

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PROS

Contains classic 80s sounds including sampled strings, horns, keyboards, drums
Good selection of stock sounds for a variety of applications
Decent patch editing capabilities
Affordable price point compared to similar products
Familiar sounds reused in 1991 Sound Canvas, appealing for gaming
Simple to operate with straightforward control over tone and effects

CONS

Not ideal for producing modern music styles
Limited use compared to other modules in a setup
Small character screen can be a hindrance for in-depth editing
Limited control options may not satisfy advanced users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland U-220 RS-PCM Sound Module.

Features and functionality

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The U-220 features built-in reverb and allows envelope editing but lacks a filter, making it less versatile for sound manipulation.
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The U-220's sounds are deemed highly usable, although its drum kit is often criticized for not aging well.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners find it excels in producing vintage arcade-era sounds, especially its unique guitar tones.
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Frequently praised for its high-quality samples, especially string sounds that capture early '90s electronic music, like the Prodigy.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the Korg Triton Rack, the U-220 is considered inferior in sound quality, effects, and interface.
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Some users note the U-220 offers the same samples as the U-110 but with more editability, enhancing its appeal.
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Value and pricing

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Generally considered overpriced at $200 CAD, with historical prices ranging from $80 to $100 USD.
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Software and compatibility

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Can integrate with a Moog Grandmother via MIDI, with possibilities of using its arpeggiator for polyphonic play on the U-220.
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User experience

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Despite a basic interface, users find creative potential in sequencing and processing sounds through external effects like delay and reverb.
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Owners appreciate the U-220's versatility in delivering essential pop song sounds, with its limited ROM memory impressively utilized.
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One user keeps multiple units for different purposes: home use, band rehearsal, and as a backup, reflecting its reliability.
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3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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melonadem

546

over 5 years ago

Good, albeit quite limited

I've had it for a few months now, and honestly while I like what it has to offer, I couldn't help but notice how rarely I was actually using it in contrast to my other two modules I currently own (at the time of writing this).

A lot of the sounds on it are pretty darn great - really 80s sounding, and in addition a lot of these sounds are classics in the world of gaming, as they were reused in the 1991 Sound Canvas. Really nice bass, brass and guitars, and the other sounds are also not too shabby either (although I've never found an use for them).

It is simple to operate - the small character screen really isn't too big of a hindrance, considering there isn't much you can really control - just whatever tone you want to use, the global reverb/chorus levels, that kinda stuff.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Funk / Soul Synthpop Jazz fusion

chilliusvgm

219

over 3 years ago

A good ol' rompler that can still fill in the blanks

I really like the Roland U-220, I generally find it has a good selection of stock sounds and pretty decent patch editing capabilities that can fit into a lot of general applications, whether it's for an instrument up front or for something to fill in the blanks. Of course, I wouldn't say it's something you should stick onto your hardware list if you make particularly modern music, but for those who love an 80s or early 90s kick on our songs it's practically a perfect small little first rompler!

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Rock Pop Hip Hop