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.

[@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 !!! 👌

[@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 ;))

[@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”.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@bobcastro3220]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@morphoice]

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

[@donwrangler]

Studio looking real nice with that organ!

[@DRP6812]

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

[@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..

[@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!!!

[@VikingTheNorwegian]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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 !

[@sjay4673]

(6:25) Digital Native Dance

[@coda31313]

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

[@konnick5262]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-Wqir29482]

Amazing, i love this synthesizer

[@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.

[@paremigue]

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

[@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

[@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 :)

[@FreakOTechnology]

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

[@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.

[@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"

[@bacenote]

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

[@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.

[@odgeUK]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@teco6964]

The metallic presets with digital artifacts are amazing❤

[@jaggass]

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

[@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

[@sadalite]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@michaelcordingley-heinze5648]

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

[@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.

[@carl13220]

4:55 Nice Tears For Fears lick ! Thank you Claudio.

[@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.

[@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"!

[@leaderpol_youtube]

I grew up with this synth, memories

[@e.v.gyouhh5930]

Roland D-50 un clásico de la cumbia sound chilena

[@nanahachiroku786]

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

[@lewisjones4158]

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

[@azziz4biz]

D-50!!! 2 of them... I miss them...😢

[@ElinaGalaxy97]

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

[@Doctormix]

100 %

[@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.

[@3riccarlson]

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

[@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.

[@MilanMcAlevey]

Wonderful demo! Great playing!

[@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.

[@luciferbox5577]

I bought a brand new one back in the late 80’s, early 90’s because Gary Numan used the D50 on at least two albums and for touring. I remember being amazed by some of the sounds he was using, especially Intruder, which popped up for years afterwards in films and tv shows. It really was an amazing synthesiser, with beautiful clean sounds. My biggest regret was selling it.

[@SchuleFuerTontechnik]

I sold all my analog synth´s (MS10, Polysix, Juno) in 1988 for a new D50 - "only" 2500 DM (germany). I visit the synth store every day after school and played the D-50. So the owner of the synth store sold me the D-50 for this low price. Now, more than 30 years later I played the D-50 every day again. ...believe me, the software version is only the soft version. love&makemoremusic from germany

[@aliengin5900]

A legendary synthesizer with wonderful and inspiring sounds🧡💚💙

[@hikarilife4945]

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

[@FrenchToasted1995]

This, the JX-3P, the Emulator III, the Prophet 5, CS-80, and the D-20 are my dream synths to own... If I had the money... 😔

[@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.

[@neilgreenwood6992]

Just hearing the theme from taxi just took me right back!

[@moussybruno2113]

I have my D50 since 1988. This synthesizer was used by many musicians, even into 1992 Alberville winter olympic games music in France . Il have also the four other sound cards using MIDI Sysex with an old SQD8 Korg sequencer and 1'8 QuickDisk (full 32ko memory data😂) and loading data runs.

[@XPJV]

D-50 is legend sounds! (Way more complex & musical than any CS or Moog.)

[@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

[@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 🍷🍷🍷🍷

[@Tiki_Jim]

Love the D 50, played one, but never owned one, instead I have a fully working, fully expanded (4 boards), XP50, absolutely love it to this day 🎹😎🐾

[@ChrisP3000x]

Cool board.

[@RecordingStudio9]

I owned my D-50 for the past 27 years, still as new.

[@Doctormix]

🚀 Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code DOCTORMIX for an extra 4 months free at surfshark.deals/doctormix 🚀

[@patkelly8309]

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

[@MaxisMaximal]

Nylon Atmosphere

[@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!

[@sergeyserzhov5180]

Thanks, dear Doctor MIX!!!

[@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

[@Feendyl]

BEAUTIFUL DEMONSTRATION AND PERFORMANCE ❤❤❤

[@thegazwaz640]

Absolutly loved that. The sounds from these older synths are so honest. The MJ patch sent tingles down my spine. I don't think MJ himself edited that sound for that famous song.

[@davidkuijl]

I own a D-550. Used to own a D-5 which was a delight to play still regret selling it.

[@Johnsormani]

D110 is an amazing module which still can be had cheaply. A hidden gem

[@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.

[@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.

[@Mr.Facebox]

I love when the focus is on Classic gear!

[@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...

[@StargateMax]

I got my D-50 just 4-5 years ago, and it's in near-mint condition. :)

[@Salamfish]

I recently watched the show "Alf" again and heard a jingle (C3, G3, C4, G4, C5, G5, C6) that was probably also created using the D-50 with the Sound 31 "Breathy Chiffer."

[@lovemadeinjapan]

16:51 The GOAT. Forget the rompleresque sounds like Fantasia, Digital Native Dance or Staccatto Heaven. Spacious sweep is THE SIGNATURE sound of the D-50. Fun fact: it is one of very few presets that uses the digital resonant filter, maybe 10 of the presets of all 5 preset cards use this! And isn't that what we bought the D50 for? Its signature resonant filter sound, phat and unique unlike many analog ones.