Roland D-50 Synthesizer: EVERY preset! 2024

[@WahidulMamun]

in 2012 I owned a D50 and still it is in my heart....I Told my son whatever you will face dont dare to sell this in your lifetime.....this is a mother of all sythesizers .......This is the era of genuine music back in 80's and 90's

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Calling this a mother is fun.... It has David Haselhoff Knightrider looks all over it. I don't think instruments have a gender, but this as masculin an intrument can get.

[@cowboyupnc5465]

I have had my D-50 since the 90’s and I have customized it so much that it is like an extension of my musical persona. It has inspired many songs and I still use it in tracks today when I need a warm pad to fill the mix.

[@garywright3628]

Yes I have a D50. Absolutely love it. It sounds incredibly warm for a digital synth and has possibly the best key bed of any synth out there. It is a joy to play.

[@bladebrownberlin1579]

Orinoco Flow is and always will be the Pizzagogo sound 😊 For the Star Trek Next Generation intro, they used Glass Voices.

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

D-50 was all over the 1st season of ST:TNG. DigitalNativeDance was used in every scene with Lore in Datalore.

[@DrBRockstar2000]

DigitalNativeDance was the sound that started "Vision of Love", Mariah Carey's debut (and first no. 1) single

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

Tina Turner’s 1989 hit “The Best” has DigitalNativeDance all over it. Also Escape Club’s “Wild Wild West”.

[@vfx7t]

This Roland D-50 synthesizer greatly contributed to the modernization of all styles of Algerian music, especially Raï music in the 80s. I long dreamed of acquiring it without success, but I finally had the chance to obtain it 40 years later in the form of a VST. It is a magical synthesizer like you ! Voilà , Thank you from Algeria ;))

[@musicm8kr]

Dude! Yes, Philippe Saisse! Every keyboardist and pianist should know his work. I've been listening to him for 30 years...such a gifted and talented musician. Thanks for the share.

[@thylac2024]

Love your enthusiasm for THE best digital synth! Your jams on presets 44 & 55 were great!

[@joeyfisher5345]

Those unique 80s sounds are divine. Digital Native Dance is one of my favs. Such a great sound!!! I wish I could get me one cuz this is the synthesizer of my dreams!!!

[@peter-utrblk]

Mr. Persing created so many iconic presets. Thanks a lot for this.

[@Johnsormani]

Eric is the greatest sound designer in the history of electronic music

[@mikethom2119]

Jarre used a lot of D-50 presets for the Revolutions Album, the most famous one being Machine Run used for Industrial Revolutions which was on one of the cards

[@viperhd70]

I wonder whether I'm the only one who was hugely disappointed when I learned that. That intro/riff to Industrial Revolutions is so cool, and then to learn that he didn't compose any of it but got it straight from the D50 was a big let down.

[@holgernetterby4863]

@@viperhd70 I found the sample loop in 1990 going thru all the raw samples on the D-50 and tought I recognized the sound/loop. Holding a octave in the lower register of the keyboard - and yes! That was the sound from Industrial Revolutions (Overture)

[@paulgrooveside2803]

​@viperhd70 composer uses a sound in a musical instrument in a creative way. Listener says he's disappointed...???

[@thejollyjoker187]

There is nothing wrong with using preset sounds.. if you are the first one to do it.

[@paulgrooveside2803]

@@thejollyjoker187 or even if you're the hundredth one to do it. What's important is the music each person makes. The sounds are ingredients, it's the unique soul and creativity of each person that uses those ingredients to express themselves through their music. I applaud every musician, whether the building blocks of their music are sounds they've made themselves, or sounds that exist in an instrument. It's still the gift of the musicians themselves that turns the sounds into music.

[@morphoice]

You didn't pressure the Pressure Me Strings ;)) The magic is in the after touch

[@3riccarlson]

Can you please do a video on the Yamaha SY77 / TG77? Total unsung hero

[@RoyMaya]

I just bought a D-50 yesterday and up pops up a new video for it. 😂

[@XPJV]

Don't forget, your phone is always listening to you..

[@galaxystargraph]

What a coincidence! I got the VST by Roland yesterday!

[@FastLaneLyfe]

$700-900 isn’t cheap.

[@adamjacksonmedia]

​@FastLaneLyfe What are you taking about?? I have a Hammond XK-5... which is almost $7000. A Korg Nautilus... over $3000. Yamaha Modx.... $2000. $700 is a wonderful bargin.

[@theaudioeng]

You'll love it, a synth icon great sounding classic !!! 👌

[@bobcastro3220]

out of all your videos, this is my favorite so far.

[@aaronauclair]

I love how we just broke into Angela in the middle of like the middle of the video not slowly doesn’t say anything. It just moves on beautiful awesome video. Claudio absolutely loving it.

[@Musicman25-b4d]

This synth was in so many movies and hit records its unreal!! It is still being used in movie scores today. The Roland D50 is one keyboard that's never gonna die at all! My only issue with it back when it came out was its sound was too perfect and clean. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis put this keyboard on the map with some of their productions like Janet Jackson's song "Love will never do" using "Soundtrack preset"

[@nowornever23]

that very preset is in songs like "Seal - violet" and "Paula Abdul - will you marry me?" for example

[@josue.huerta]

Mexican music used it too Los Bukis, Los Temerarios, Grupo Bryndis, Industria del Amor, La Niebla and many more! Good work Doctor Mix I always enjoy your videos.

[@sergiodeoliveira5358]

I owned 2 D-50s over last 25 years. Currently rocking the D-05 Boutique and Roland Cloud D-50 VST.

[@patkelly8309]

How do they compare with one another?

[@sergiodeoliveira5358]

I barely notice a difference between D-50 and modern counterparts

[@jaggass]

Soundtrack and Cathedral Organ will always be my favourite 2 presets off the D-50

[@adamgh0]

I got my D-50 from AUSTRIA (Vienna, the "city of musician's") on Reverb. It made it's way through the countries of Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin before arriving to me and I'm grateful to have it in my studio.

[@JFinnerud]

For whoever wants to try: Patch 55 works great as a pad. Soften the attack and perhaps combine it with the JV/XP patch "Greek Power" and you'll get a pretty sweet pad.

[@wiljammusic]

I've always loved the Soundtrack preset from that keyboard, it sounds so magical. I recognize it in so many of Prince's late 80's songs, and other artists works as well.

[@umbrielmusicproductions3140]

Enya composed, in addition to the iconic Orinoco Flow, a very beautiful song with the Nylon Atmosphere preset: Last Time By Moonlight. Listen. Echoes In Rain she also used the Pizzagogo preset, reminiscent of Orinoco Flow. Nylon Atmosphere is a beautiful preset. I love it.

[@odgeUK]

06:27 - I recognise from the first minute of David Lee Roth's 1988's "Skyscraper"

[@christianchall8169]

Digital Native Dance - The Intro of Ben Liebrands "In the air tonight-Remix" 1988, which was created to show what remixing is about and whats possible...great sound...

[@nowornever23]

that's a excellent remix i must say! ..by the way ..this preset appears in the intro of MJ "Dirty Diana"

[@ekistic]

What a great song and a great mix. The soundtrack for cruising a warm Miami night..

[@synthfellow]

The D50 is one of those synths never leaving my studio just for the sake of it. Korg M1, DX7 and D50 in the stand gives me a satisfying feeling :)

[@Wolfbabypuppylove]

Living the dream nice setup friend.

[@vento99]

Same here - the holy trinity of 80s synths - I have them all, too!

[@don1mega]

I’m currently searching for an M1, I have an 01/W-fd, and a TRITON that I will NEVER get rid of, This is my third one though. Found one in BRAND NEW condition, couldn’t pass it up.😎 I don’t have a D-50, but I do have a D-05………. LOVE IT!

[@don1mega]

I’m currently searching for an M1, I have an 01/W-fd, and a TRITON that I will NEVER get rid of, This is my third one though. Found one in BRAND NEW condition, couldn’t pass it up.😎 I don’t have a D-50, but I do have a D-05………. LOVE IT!

[@Byron101_]

I´ve programmed and sold a lot of presets back then. I can´t no longer hear the D50. too cheasy, too similar sounds. ^^ DX7 and M1 are better.

[@gerhardfetka]

I bought mine 13 years ago for € 400. My D-50 is expanded by the german Musitronics module and there are all sound cards plus a 256 memory card. Some months ago I found an additional M-512E and a M-256E card. I love all the sounds of this great synth - they remember me of my youth in the great Eighties. I am very proud of this sensational vintage synthesizer!

[@m.p.958]

Hi from germany - nice to see you playing and falling in love with the D 50 ! i bought the virtuel M1 Korg for my Cubase with all expansions - very nice !! Brings me back to the 80th`s, i love it. Much greetings from germany !

[@VikingTheNorwegian]

I brought my D-50 in 1989 and still got it 🎶🎹🥰

[@briankeenan4901]

I can't afford a Roland. But I am not disappointed. I go to thrift stores and buy used keyboards. I've had some of the best items that you could imagine. I've probably owned most keyboards offered by Yamaha and Casio that they have made in the past 30 years. Probably about 80% of their catalog.The presets on some of these are fantastic. And they're dirt cheap. I'm currently using a Yamaha Ypt-300 and the touch response keys allow you to vary volume for each note you touch, which makes the string synth sound amazing. I love your videos and I am a huge fan. Keep up the good work .

[@guitarsolos89]

You still have one hell of an collection - greetings from sweden

[@WH3]

If you like the D-50 have a look for Roland Cloud deals, sometimes you get a lifetime key (you can choose the D-50 and it sounds exactly like the vintage synth) as part of a yearly subscription

[@donwrangler]

Studio looking real nice with that organ!

[@konnick5262]

Beside the content you guys create the energy you bring just make me glad. All the best🎉

[@philyoung5434]

Star Trek Voices remains one of the most beautiful pads I've ever heard from a synth. I stupidly sold my first D50 but ended up buying another a couple of years later. I had the PG1000 too but found the thing impossible to program, so Eric Persing and the programmers are gods are far as I'm concerned. Great video :)

[@patrikkrispler5239]

12:57 "Cathedral Organ" sounds like the organ on "United" of Prince Ital Joe Feat. Marky Mark" (Wahlberg)... And 22:40 "Legato Strings" was definetly used for "Rozalla" "Everybody's Free"!

[@mrlionel1965]

You close your eyes and it takes you back to the 80s. Between this, the DX7 and the JUNO60, those were on almost every hit record. The cool thing here is, I loaded the D50 sound package in my FA-06. There really is no difference between those and the original.

[@mrlionel1965]

@micziol2871 You will have to look on Roland’s Axial site and see if it’s available for that particular model. For my FA-06, the D50 sound set is there.

[@Timborob]

Hi, can you tell me where you can get the D50 sound package for the FA06 please 👍

[@Imalogike]

​@@Timborobhe cannot 😢

[@asleeds]

I have the D-05. As well as all these classic sounds it comes with all the expansion card sounds too. Love it. One of my favourites.

[@RayyMusik]

So do I, but it is uneditable as it is.

[@asleeds]

@@RayyMusik There are editors available for PC, Mac and iPad.

[@RayyMusik]

@@asleeds Tried one, didn‘t work. Doesn‘t bother me that much, having enough full-scale hardware synths. The D-05 provides hundreds of legendary presets.

[@random007nadir]

It makes me smile. I had fantasies about owning this synth as a kid, then got hold of one a few years ago for under $100 USD broken. Luckily it was easily fixed. Sound design is very enjoyable with free software and MIDI (I don't have the programmer module). The analogue modelling synth half sounds great, which gives it an edge over the Korg M1, even though that had much better samples.

[@bacenote]

Mannnn 21:17 sounds really niceeeee. Always love your playing, you know how to make each patch shine!

[@neilloughran4437]

I was 18 when the D50 came out and remember being bowled over by it... still recall the Sound On Sound/E&MM magazine review... my recently bought JX8P was starting to sound old hat.. those sounds could not have been gotten anywhere except maybe Fairlight and Synclavier but even those did not have built in fx... it was like a new world of sound. I remember the Soundtrack sound and it was just incredible... Lots of new age records of the time were using these sounds... Never did own one as they were very expensive back then and by the time I was earning money the world had moved on a little and I was in Proteus/W30 world. I'd still get a lot out of having a keyboard like this to be honest... would love a MINT one.

[@cliffordnealon]

I still have my D-50, bought it at Sam Ash (RIP) in Manhattan the year it came out. I have a modified string patch that I cannot live without, its like heaven. I will never sell it.

[@MrKersey]

Thanks for another great video, Claudio! I believe that part on 8:42 with the Griitttarr patch could be from Jean Michel Jarre's Industrial revolution part 3.

[@trstack]

Love the shout out to Phillipe Saisse Valerian - one of my favorites! The D50 was part of my slimmed down rig in the 80's along with a KX-88, MKS-20 and TX7

[@chaton51]

Still got my d50. Great synth. I was 14 when my parents bought it to me

[@idemditto]

And be sure to keep it 🙂 You have gold in your hands.

[@BinuralOdyssey]

I had a lot of fun following along with the Roland Cloud version and your video.

[@ca82MHz]

I've had mine since '94, just love it. 😊

[@FreakOTechnology]

"What a character!" That is what I say about Doctor Mix. Love Doctor Mix and the D-50

[@coda31313]

All the midi/early 90's/vaporwave aesthetic in one entire piece of hardware 😭

[@adamharris7775]

The edited/modified version of the Roland D-50 internal/PN-D50-00 patch "Griitttarr" was heard in some theme in some season 2 episode of Code Lyoko.

[@roberthollander4522]

My first synth! Bought new from Sam Ash in Brooklyn with my hard-earned weekend job at 15 years old! Still in my setup :). Great video, Claudio!!!!

[@willfomes406]

5:38 Never Can Say Goodbye by The Communards (originally sung by The Jackson 5 according to Google.)

[@studiodw12]

I like this one I already had and also the GEM S2 I'm going to try to buy these two again, complementary sounds everything you do is motivating well done !!

[@RockyBMusic]

6:24 Who made this sound? its the start of Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight (extended Version) I used this as a sample at the start of my "... Dann geh' doch (in the Air Mix)"

[@steff0791]

You can also hear it in “Catembe” by Miles Davis (Amandla, 1989)

[@adwind3055]

OMG, so many well known sounds from nearly 40 years ago 😎. And then you come with Valerian from Philippe Saisse 🥰 ... emotional shock ... unprepared catapulted back to the end of the 80ies 😲. My copy of that album must be completely grey. Thanks a mil for sharing, Claudio

[@lewisjones4158]

Really wasn't expecting a segue from Night in Tunisia to Minuano (Six Eight)! Love it 😄

[@michaelcordingley-heinze5648]

yeahhhhhh man thanks for this video so good gives me so much joy to hear this D50

[@lxdesign1]

Linda McCartney used to play a Roland D-50 back in the 90's.... I would love to find one in working order - would be awesome.

[@sadalite]

This is your best video, I love how you took the time to let us hear everything from this amazing synthesizer ❤❤❤

[@theIpatix]

14:35 I'd say sounds very much like the Marimba part of Minuano six eight.

[@ulob]

vs kind-of night in tunisia (medley) lol

[@lucasribas7665]

One of my favorite videos is the first one you did on the D-50, what a work of art. I used to listen to it like it was a song, lol. Work of art!

[@paremigue]

Lovesexy by Prince is almost made entirely with the D-50. Best ever (the album, the artist, the synth).

[@sjay4673]

(6:25) Digital Native Dance

[@rodrigoalejandrocastellano3395]

exelent video congratulaitions I am also a musician, I play the piano and I also play synthesizer keyboards and I studied this one in particular a long time ago, now I make samples for other musical keyboards, I really liked your tutorial or rather the demonstration of the sounds and effects, very good Explained even though I don't master the language, I understood it without translation. Greetings from Mexico, thank you. god bless you.

[@rogerspacebucks450]

The Grittar preset was used as the synth solo lead at the end of Jarres Revolutions Overture.

[@marioharoldtellezbarros5986]

Don't be afraid of D-50 Roland 🤣🤣🤣🤣Claudio. Many sounds came to my brain while hearing: CRYSTAL WATERS, ENYA, A-HA, YANNI, MIKE OLDFIELD, KAMAL, etc. But you really got my head up with Taxi Driver theme 😱😱😱😱 Most of new age music reflex sound from this awesome synthesizer no doubt. Thanks so much for suggesting Valerian by PHILIPPE SAISSE, I shall pay attention to that project. Greetings from CHILE, Claudio 🍷🍷🍷🍷

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

I have a D-50, and I also have the PG1000 programmer! It's still a very inspiring synth to play today. It seems it 'borrowed' a few of the early classic Fairlight style sounds. I need to dig mine out and have a play again. Great video as always.

[@abby78965]

The metallic presets with digital artifacts are amazing❤

[@IgorPomaranskiy]

Wonderful machine. I can't even imagine how blown away were musicians at the end of 80-th, when D-50 came out. This is so huuuuge leap forward when comapred to 'pure' FM synths, like DX7 and similars. And not only the new technology (sampling mixed with FM) was introduced, but the presets themselves were marvelous.

[@Johnsormani]

I can tell you because I was there. It went so fast back then. Every trade show something new came out. I bought a dx7 in 1984/85, an esq1 in 1986, a year later the d50 came out. It was hard to keep up the fantastic developments in that era.

[@arcadiushakim3675]

Dr. Mix great video, liked the classic pop songs when you get to a new sound. Enjoyed your to top ten alltime synths and 10 ten synths songs, make more of those!

[@786meranaam]

The D-50 alongside with the DX7 have became my favorite synths because of the movie Tridev. That very synth along with many other synths and drum machines (DDD1, SP12000, and DMX) were utilized across the entirety of the soundtrack. Its so good

[@vn4474]

Nice demo! Thanks! I have all these presets on my Roland VariOS with VC-1 expansion card which I've bought new on sale all together just for $300 about 10 years ago. It was a good deal though I only use few presets in my setup and see no reason to get rid of it so far.

[@distilt1238]

Hey Dr. Mix! I'm relatively new to the channel but your videos were super helpful in teaching me how to find my way around a Minimoog or persuading me towards saving up for something like a Jupiter X, and I most recently became interested in the D-50 once I found out Geddy Lee had it in his rig during the Presto era. Lo and behold, this video was here, hot off the press! Thanks for sharing so much synth knowledge and introducing me to products old and new that I didn't know I loved! I only wish I had a Jaspers synth rack or something so I could properly store the few boards I do have...

[@aliengin5900]

A legendary synthesizer with wonderful and inspiring sounds🧡💚💙

[@GrimVoxTech]

Yeah! Great demo! I bought my D-50 when it was the new toy in 1987. Recently I bought another one as a backup as I attempt improving the after touch - in case I fail and cripple it. I recently also made a D-50 editor/librarian myself. I plan to show the after touch restoration and demo the D-50 editor/librarian on my channel.

[@user-Wqir29482]

Amazing, i love this synthesizer

[@joonglegamer9898]

Aw, you make me all nostalgic now. My poor Roland D-50 is somewhere in a closet upstairs, had to make way for my modern synths. Maybe it's time to give it some love and actually use one of those old school Midi DIN cables.

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Dang.... At least screw it to a wall. It looks fantastic, better mute as wall decoration, than on the attic.

[@ElinaGalaxy97]

D-50!!! My favourite presets: 37, 47, 55, 65, 72, 77, & 87💜💜💜

[@Doctormix]

100 %

[@brianglock3099]

Great synth lots of fun, very useable presets. Also fun to tweak and program. When Keith Emerson’s “Christmas Album” came out there is D50 all over it. The track “ I Saw Tree Ships” there’s a complex really cool sounding base kind. Imagine the surprise when digging through the “ rhythm loops” and there it is…the bass line riff in the song. Forget what number, and not near my D50 to check the preset I made. Split the keyboard and put a solo preset on the upper. There are several great riffs in there. D50 and original DX7 still get used today Thank you for the memory lane tour.

[@bobcastro3220]

of course, for the pizagogo, I can think of a few, but oran oco flo, and time by enia are the one that come to mind. well, any enia track really, I loved her as a kid.

[@bernyboss]

History repeating! 🍾🍾🍾 I’ll go for the D-550 ❤️

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Nah.... you miss out on the no.1 and no.2 asset of the D-50: it's Knightrider dashboard appearance and juicy keybed.

[@jobloggs6267]

I've only just bought a D-05 in the last couple of week so thanks for that.

[@nikosvourliotis6891]

The entire "Big Blue" (1988) soundtrack by Eric Serra! So good!

[@bnjmnwst]

I love his work on The 5th Element. I'll have to check out Big Blue.

[@Mrav79]

I bought a D-110 a week ago, I want to do an 80s inspired setup, complete with an Atari ST as sequencer and Tascam tape multitrack recorder 👏

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Nice, I was building the setup from one of the Korg brochures from 1988: M1, M1R, DW8000, Mac SE/30 with Cubase.

[@Johnsormani]

The d110 is a great module

[@MilanMcAlevey]

Wonderful demo! Great playing!

[@e.v.gyouhh5930]

Roland D-50 un clásico de la cumbia sound chilena

[@mattkevin]

Also please do the Korg Wavestation! ❤

[@guywilkinson]

Oh YES! For gods sake 🙏 do the Wavestation 😂❤❤❤

[@stevem-h3562]

Yes, absolutely. Always coveted a D50, but the Wavestation was the one that we used on an album recording which changed our world. Always loved it ever since.

[@KonstantinoPolizois]

Metal Harp is used by Enya in “Orinoco Flow” bridge before the chorus (00:36)

[@EphemeralProductions]

I’ve heard these sounds in SO many places through the 1980s. I couldn’t even begin to mention all of them. Can’t even THINK about all of em. lol

[@paistinlasta1805]

"Throughout the 1980s" is maybe an overstatement for a synth that came out in 1987

[@ChrisP3000x]

@@paistinlasta1805 "through"

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

It becomes a question of how much that Roland created for the D-50 is still being utilized in their equipment today, Boutique models aside. Isn’t it true that different aspects of synthesis methods that originated here made their way into successors like the Fantom series and the V -Synth?

[@hikarilife4945]

I've recently been lucky enough to own one and it's simply brilliant !

[@たなぼた-e5b]

DX7は手放しましたがD-50はまだ所有しています。80年代最高！音もデザインも大好きです。

[@Feendyl]

BEAUTIFUL DEMONSTRATION AND PERFORMANCE ❤❤❤

[@christianlier390]

21:15 Staccato Heaven - When I Needed You by Erasure (1988)

[@viol8r]

Doc!!! Love the vid! Would love to see you try out some classic budget friendly synths like the Cz-1000 and the Esq-1 to see you work your magic!

[@joserios7024]

I got one few months ago. Need to repair the velocity sensor on some lower notes and the after touch ribbon cable and a pair of push buttons. But using it as a module is amazing synth

[@Sandelec-gm2cl]

I have the D-05...and I love it. The best boutique ever... with all the 5 original cards inside..plus the factory preset.. and 8 banks of 64 patches everyone. And if you aren't happy...there is a poly sequencer too..😍

[@idemditto]

I own one too and you are absolutely right

[@patkelly8309]

I predict the D-50 sound being really popular in the coming time.

[@robinwindsrygg9568]

I still use it regularly for recordings. It’s a perfect pad machine as all the artifacts and imperfections of the sound engine add subtle details that sit perfectly in a mix.

[@elcheguajo111]

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE GREATEST VIDEOS OF SYNTHESIZERS🙏 PLEASE DR.MIX TELL ME WHICH SYNTHESIZER IS THE BEST YAMAHA DX7 OR ROLAND D-50 . THANK YOU 🙏🇲🇽 TEARS FOR FEARS "SHOUT" 4:51 PHIL COLLINS "IN THE AIR TONIGHT" 6:25

[@azziz4biz]

D-50!!! 2 of them... I miss them...😢

[@deanrobertnoble138]

Digital Native Dance used on Skyscraper by David Lee Roth. Presume it would be Brett Tuggle on Keys. Steve Vai guitar and bits of Billy Sheehan on bass but a lot more synth bass than on Eat em and Smile.