Roland D-20 61-Key Multi-Timbral Linear Synthesizer / Multitrack Sequencer

​The Roland D-20 is a digital synthesizer workstation released in 1988. It was part of Roland's highly successful D-series of synthesizers, which popularized the company's innovative Linear Arithmetic (LA) Synthesis method. The D-20 was designed as an "all-in-one" music production tool, combining a synthesizer, a multi-track sequencer, and a rhythm machine into a single, relatively affordable package. It can be seen as a direct successor to the legendary Roland D-50, packaging a similar sound engine into a more consumer-friendly workstation format. ​Core Technology: LA Synthesis ​The sound of the D-20 is defined by LA Synthesis. This was a groundbreaking technique at the time, designed to create realistic and complex sounds without requiring the massive memory storage that full-length samples needed. It worked by combining two elements: ​Sampled Attacks: Short, sampled recordings of the initial, complex part of a sound (the "attack"), such as the pluck of a string, the breathy "chiff" of a flute, or the strike of a hammer on a piano tine. ​Sustained Synth Waveforms: Simpler, synthesized waveforms (like saw or square waves) that were looped to create the sustaining body of the sound. ​By blending these two components, the D-20 could produce sounds that had the realism of samples but the flexibility and character of traditional synthesis. This method is responsible for the D-series' iconic sound palette: ethereal pads, glassy electric pianos, and breathy wind instruments. ​Key Features ​Sound Engine: 61-key synthesizer with 32-voice polyphony. It is 8-part multi-timbral, meaning it can play up to 8 different synthesizer sounds (or "patches") at once, plus a dedicated rhythm part. ​Sequencer: An onboard 8-track sequencer (plus a rhythm track) allowed users to compose and arrange entire songs directly on the keyboard without needing an external computer or sequencer. While limited by modern standards, it was a powerful feature for its time. ​Rhythm Machine: The D-20 included a built-in drum machine with a collection of PCM drum and percussion sounds characteristic of the late 1980s. The sounds are often compared to those from the Roland TR-505 and TR-626 drum machines. ​Onboard Effects: It featured built-in digital effects, including various types of reverb and delay, which were crucial for giving the LA sounds their signature atmospheric and spacious quality. ​Storage: A 3.5" floppy disk drive was included for saving and loading user-created sounds, sequences, and songs. ​Control: It features Roland's classic joystick for pitch bend and modulation, along with sliders and buttons for editing sounds, though programming can involve some "menu-diving." ​The Sound and Legacy ​The Roland D-20 is synonymous with the sound of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its sounds were widely used in pop music, new age, ambient, and video game soundtracks. While it doesn't have the "warmth" of analog synthesizers, it excels at creating: ​Ethereal and Atmospheric Pads: Lush, evolving soundscapes. ​Glassy and Bell-like Tones: Bright, digital electric pianos and bell sounds. ​Punchy Digital Basses: Clean and precise bass sounds. ​Unique Hybrid Instruments: Sounds that blend acoustic and synthetic characteristics.

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Brand

Roland