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Roland Sound Canvas

PCM sound module and sound card series

Roland Sound Canvas
Summary

PCM sound module and sound card series

The Roland Sound Canvas lineup is a series of General MIDI (GM) based pulse-code modulation (PCM) sound modules and sound cards, primarily intended for computer music usage, created by Japanese manufacturer Roland Corporation. Some models include a serial or USB connection to a personal computer.

Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro

Products

Sound Canvas

The first Sound Canvas units (SC-55 and SB-55) were sold in the winter of 1991, in some cases also sold as "Edirol" rather than "Roland" as the brand name, mainly with the SC-88VL.

ModelYearStandardsPartsVoicesTonesDrumsetsOutput resolutionNotesReferences
Roland SC-551991GM GS1624317916-bit @ 32 kHzHalf Rack unit, first product of the line, units without GM logo and with firmware
Roland SB-551991Half Rack unit. Floppy disk-based MIDI file player that was bundled with a remote control (Also works on the SC-55, 155, and 55mkII). Supports SMF types 0 & 1. A blank disk can be inserted for recording purposes, but only records in type 0 (A whole performance merged into one track). Playback starts automatically when a disk is inserted.
Roland SC-71992GM1628128616-bit @ 32 kHzNo display, introduced serial port for PC/Mac connectivity.cgw199310}}
Roland SC-331992GM GS1628226816-bit @ 32 kHzTable top version of SC-50, rebranded as BOSS Dr. Synth DS-330 (fewer tones).
Roland SC-1551992GM GS1624317916-bit @ 32 kHzTable top version of SC-55.
Roland SC-55mkII1993GM GS1628354918-bit @ 32 kHzHalf Rack unit. A minor upgrade to the original SC-55. ALL of them uses the very same DAC from NEC model µPD63200GS, the ONLY change is the BIT parameter, it can be 16-bit or 18-bit, selected by pin 3 on NEC. Configuration as follow: LOW/OPEN for 16-bit, or HIGH (+5V) for 18-bit.
Roland SC-55ST1993GM GS1628354916-bit @ 32 kHzHalf Rack unit. Lower cost version of SC-55mkII. No display and only one MIDI input.url=http://xv2020.s14.xrea.com/title=Roland GS Historywebsite=xv2020.s14.xrea.com}}
Roland SC-55K1993GM GS1628354916-bit @ 32 kHzHalf Rack unit. Japan-exclusive karaoke model based on the SC-55ST. No display or front panel operation but features dual mic inputs and built-in echo effects, all of which can be individually adjusted by the knobs at the front of the unit. Retains rear I/O from the SC-55mkII.
Roland P-551993328320Piano module, with a limited set of instruments. Can be used in tandem with other GS/GM compatible synthesizers via their MIDI THRU ports to override certain instruments.
Roland SD-351993GM GS1628223816-bit @ 32 kHzSC-50 with integrated MIDI sequencer.
Roland SC-501994GM GS1628226918-bit @ 32 kHzSC-55mkII without the Roland MT-32 patches, only one MIDI input.
Roland SC-881994GM GS32646542218-bit @ 32 kHzHalf Rack unit, additional height for more controls, introduced multiple triggering and EQ, SC-55 map support (with differences).
Roland M-GS641995GM GS32646542218-bit @ 32 kHzA 1U rackmount version of the SC-88.url=http://www1.hellasnet.gr/amidi/mgs64.htmtitle=M-GS64 details DEAD LINKaccess-date=14 December 2023archive-date=8 May 2008archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508091040/http://www1.hellasnet.gr/amidi/mgs64.htmurl-status=dead}}
Roland SC-88VL1996GM GS32646542218-bit @ 32 kHzSmaller sized version of SC-88, with a same size and panel layout as the SC-55. Some units are marketed as an "Edirol" product and have a distinct beige finish.
Roland SC-88ST1996GM GS32646542218-bit @ 32 kHzA black plastic box, with LEDs for MIDI activity. 2 MIDI ins, 1 out. There is one single button on the front panel for switching between SC-55 and SC-88 modes.
Roland SC-88 Pro1996GM GS326411174218-bit @ 32 kHzSC-55 and SC-88 map support, introduced Insertion EFX and unofficial XG compatibility.url=https://www.dtmstation.com/archives/51886276.htmltitle=1996年、Roland GS音源の最高峰として登場したSC-88Pro｜藤本健の "DTMステーション"date=February 1, 2014website=藤本健の “DTMステーション”}}
Roland SC-88ST Pro1997GM GS326411174218-bit @ 32 kHzA black plastic box, with LEDs for MIDI activity. 2 MIDI ins, 1 out. There is one single button on the front panel for SC-55/SC-88/SC-88 Pro modes.
Roland SC-8801998GM GS326411174218-bit @ 32 kHzA 1U rackmount unit similar to the SC-88 Pro, but with an enhanced "patch mode" and a newer DAC.url=https://www.soundonsound.com/music-business/history-of-roland-part5title=The History Of Roland: Part 5website=www.soundonsound.com}}
Roland ED SC-88501999GM GS GM26412816406320-bit @ 32 kHzDesktop module that can connect via USB. Contains a new native map as well as SC-55, SC-88, and SC-88 Pro maps for backwards compatibility. However, compatibility with these units is flawed due to modifications made to the synthesis engine as well as improper mapping of older instruments.
Roland ED SC-88201999GM GS GM2326416086320-bit @ 32 kHzMobile MIDI device with no LCD display, successor of the SC-88ST Pro. USB-powered, but does not act as a full USB audio device. A software editor such as GS Advanced Editor is required to edit sounds. Despite similarities, patches and effects occasionally play differently from the 8850 - some samples on the 8850 are stereo while the 8820 versions are mono and vice versa.
Roland ED SC-D702001GM GS GM2326416086320-bit @ 32 kHz for INST, 24-bit @ 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz for WAVEDigital audio-oriented desktop module version of the SC-8820. Contains A/D inputs as well as USB audio functionality when connected to a host system. This is also the only Sound Canvas module to have digital audio ports built in. The output can be selected either 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.

Sound Canvas Personal Computer Products

ModelYearStandardsPartsVoicesTonesDrumsetsOutput resolutionNotesReferences
Roland SCC-11992GM GS1624317 / 354916-bit @ 32 kHzPC based ISA card (8-bit). The SCC-1A and SCC-1B (different software packed with card) revision upgraded the board to 354 tones. First model technically not GM compatible (GM reset interpreted as GS reset).url=https://www.crossfire-designs.de/index.php?lang=en&what=articles&name=showarticle.htm&article=soundcards&page=10title=Crossfire Designswebsite=www.crossfire-designs.de}}
Roland RAP-101993GM1626128616-bit @ 32 kHzPC based ISA high-end Soundcard. Includes two-channel 16-bit digital audio support.
Roland GPPC-N1993GM GS1628354916-bit @ 32 kHzNEC PC-9801 card to insert in computer
Roland SCB-71995GM1628128616-bit @ 32 kHzDaughter board to attach to a Soundcard Waveblaster port. Also sold as SCD-10 and SCM-10 in bundle with MPU-401/AT.
Roland SCB-551995GM GS1628354918-bit @ 32 kHzDaughter board to attach to a Soundcard Waveblaster port. Also sold as SCD-15 and SCM-15 in bundle with MPU-401/AT. Internally 18-bit resolution, will be limited to 16-bit because of daughterboard connector, unless a hardware modification is performed (L/R external connectors or as an external unit). The SCD-15 was installed in Charlie Lab Megabeat One MIDI devices as well. Charlie Lab was very popular in southern Europe back in the 1990s/2000s.
Roland SCP-551995GM GS1628354918-bit @ 32 kHzPCMCIA card to insert in notebook/laptop computer

Computer Music Products

ModelYearStandardsPartsVoicesTonesDrumsetsOutput resolutionNotes
Roland CM-3001991GM GS1624317916-bit @ 32 kHz"Computer music" version of the SC-55, no screen. A beige box with a volume knob and two LEDs on the front, technically not GM compatible (GM reset interpreted as GS reset).
Roland CM-5001991GM GS MT-321624317916-bit @ 32 kHzA beige box with a volume knob and two LEDs on the front, technically not GM compatible (GM reset interpreted as GS reset), combines the CM-300 with a CM-64.

Sound Canvas and Keyboard

The following combine a sound canvas module with a built in MIDI keyboard

ModelYearStandardsPartsVoicesTonesDrumsetsOutput resolutionNotesReferences
Roland SK-501994GM GS1628226816-bit @ 32 kHzSC-50 with 61 key MIDI keyboard. Only SK unit with integrated speakers.
Roland SK-50 IV1997GM GS1628226816-bit @ 32 kHzSimilar to above, but in a beige finish.
Roland SK-88 Pro1999GM GS326411174218-bit @ 32 kHzSC-88Pro with 37 key MIDI keyboard
Roland SK-5002000GM GS GM2326416086324-bit @ 32 kHzSC-8820 with 49 Key MIDI keyboardurl=http://www.synthman.com/roland/134960.htmltitle=Rolandwebsite=www.synthman.com}}

Studio Canvas

A Edirol Studio Canvas SD-80 displaying a user saved patch

Studio Canvas was a series of PCM sound modules with built in audio interfaces (some models only) sold under both Edirol and Roland branding. The samples contained in the ROMs of these units do not in all cases mirror the original SC-7 / SC-55 GM/GS samples. GM2 is downward compatible with GM.

ModelYearStandardsPartsVoicesTonesDrumsetsOutput resolutionNotesReferences
Edirol SD-202002GM2 GS XGlite32646602324-bit @ 44.1 kHzA MIDI device with no LCD designed for laptops and computers, and has a very similar design to the SC-8820. USB-powered, but does not come with its own built-in audio interface. Has 3 analog output (2 RCA L/R) (1 3.5mm phones front pannel), one digital output (TOSLINK), and one input (1 3.5mm LINE IN) Has different presets than SD-80/90/50
Edirol SD-802002GM2 GS XGlite3212810503024-bit @ 44.1 kHzA 1U half-rack version of the Edirol SD-90 with 144 user patch slots (128Inst/16Rhythm) and without a built-in audio interface. Has five analog outputs (4 ¼"TS) (1 ¼"phones front pannel) and two digital outputs (1 S/PDIF) (1 TOSLINK). Digital outs locked at 44.1KHz sample rate.
Edirol SD-902001GM2 GS XGlite3212810503024-bit @ 44.1 or 48 kHzHas a built in WDM/ASIO 2.0 compatible audio interface with inbuilt effects. Does not support saving of user patches. Has five analog outputs (4 RCA L/R) (1 3.5mm stereo front pannel), three analog inputs (2 RCA L/R) (¼"TRS front pannel), three digital outputs (1 S/PDIF) (1 TOSLINK) (1 USB), and three digital inputs (1 S/PDIF) (1 TOSLINK) (1 USB)
Roland SD-502009GM2 GS1612811253216 or 24-bit @ 44.1 kHzMobile Studio Canvas. Has a built in WDM/ASIO compatible audio interface. Has three analog outputs (2 RCA L/R)(1 3.5mm Stereo), one digital (USB), three analog inputs (1 stereo 3.5mm LINE IN) (1 XLR 48V available) (1 ¼"TRS Hi-Z available), one digital (USB). Has different presets than SD-20/80/90. Does not support XGlite.

Virtual Sound Canvas

Hyper Canvas and TTS-1
Roland Sound Canvas VA (Set to SC-55 Map) playing a demo MIDI file

There is also the VSC, Virtual Sound Canvas, range of PC software which provide GM and GS synthesis on Windows PCs. Many versions of Cakewalk's Sonar software came bundled with a copy of VSC, though from Sonar 4 onwards they ship with the improved TTS-1 softsynth, which Roland has sold previously through its Edirol subsidiary as the HyperCanvas.

ModelYearStandardsPartsVoicesTonesDrumsetsNotesReferences
VSC-551996GM GS161282269
VSC-88H32000GM GS GM21612890226With SC-55, SC-88 and SC-88 Pro compatible instrument mappings. Most of the instrument samples are from the SC-55.
VSC-MP12001GM GS GM21612890226With SC-55, SC-88 and SC-88 Pro compatible instrument mappings. Most of the instrument samples are from the SC-55. A multipack containing the standalone MIDI synthesizer, a DXi plugin and a VSTi plugin. This is the only Windows NT OS family compatible version (Windows 2000/XP).
SOUND Canvas for iOS2015GM GS GM216160063iOS MIDI player app without patch editing.
Sound Canvas VA2015GM GS GM21664160063VSTi/AU plugin based on the SC-8820. Discontinued on September 1, 2024.

Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth

Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth, included in instances of DirectX as an integral part of DirectMusic, and on Microsoft Windows since Windows 98, incorporates sounds from the Sound Canvas series licensed by Microsoft from Roland in 1996. A four-megabyte file, titled "GM.DLS", contains the sample set in DLS format. Under Windows 9x, Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth is available only if WDM-capable sound driver is installed.

Apple QuickTime Software Wavetable Synthesizer

In 1997, Apple licensed the complete Roland Sound Canvas instrument set and GS Format extensions for improved playback of MIDI music files in QuickTime 3.0. This replaced the limited set of instrument sounds licensed from Roland in QuickTime 2.x.

Discontinuation of Sound Canvas VA

In July 2024 Roland announced that it would not longer be supporting the Sound Canvas VA software from the Roland Cloud service. The Software would no longer be freely available starting September 1, of 2024.

Distribution

North America

  • Roland Systems Group U.S.

Europe

  • EDIROL Europe Ltd., London, UK

References

References

  1. 藤本健. (2021-07-18). "GM登場前の1991年3月にリリースされたRoland初のGS音源、Sound Canvas SC-55｜藤本健の"DTMステーション"".
  2. "Roland SC-55 Sound Canvas Module".
  3. "Roland SB-55 Technical Specifications".
  4. [[Sound on Sound]] - [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb05/articles/roland.htm?print=yes The History of Roland Part 4]
  5. "Roland GS History".
  6. "Roland SD-35 MIDI Player".
  7. [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1994_articles/may94/rolandsc50.html Sound on Sound - Review of SC-50]
  8. [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1994_articles/sep94/rolandsc88.html Sound on Sound - Review of SC-88]
  9. "M-GS64 details DEAD LINK".
  10. "Toslink mod for somes SCs".
  11. "Roland SC-88vl Sound Canvas Edirol {{!}} Reverb".
  12. [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/mar97/rolandsc88.html Sound on Sound - Review of SC-88 Pro]
  13. (February 1, 2014). "1996年、Roland GS音源の最高峰として登場したSC-88Pro｜藤本健の "DTMステーション"".
  14. [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep98/articles/roland_sc880.html?print=yes Sound on Sound - Review of SC-880]
  15. "The History Of Roland: Part 5".
  16. [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct99/articles/rolandsc8850.htm Sound on Sound - Review of SC-8850]
  17. (18 November 2018). "Roland ED SC-8850: The First USB Synth! - Sound Profile".
  18. "SC-D70 Owner's Manual".
  19. "Crossfire Designs".
  20. (October 1993). "CGW Sound Card Survey".
  21. [http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr99/articles/rolandsk88.htm?print=yes Sound on Sound - Review of SK-88 Pro]
  22. "Roland".
  23. [https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/SD-20_OM.pdf Edirol Studio Canvas SD-20 Owner's Manual] roland.com
  24. [https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/SD-80_OM.pdf Edirol Studio Canvas SD-80 Owner's Manual] roland.com
  25. [https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/SD-90_OM.pdf Edirol Studio Canvas SD-90 Owner's Manual] roland.com
  26. [https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/SD-50_OM.pdf Roland Mobile Studio Canvas SD-50 Owner's Manual] roland.com
  27. "Exploring Sonar 4's TTS1 Synth".
  28. [http://www.roland.com/products/en/VSC-88H3/ Roland - VSC-88H3 details]
  29. [http://www.roland.com/products/en/VSC-MP1/index.html Roland - VSC-MP1 details]
  30. [https://web.archive.org/web/20150721052823/https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/sound-canvas-for-ios/id952549036?mt=8 Sound canvas for IOS] iTunes
  31. "Roland - Sound Canvas VA | Software Synthesizer".
  32. "Sound Canvas Va".
  33. (22 October 1996). "Microsoft Licenses Sound Canvas Sounds From Industry Leader Roland Corp". Microsoft Corp.
  34. (21 December 1997). "Apple Licenses Roland's Sound Canvas and GS Technology for Quicktime 3.0". Harmony Central.
  35. "Sound Canvas VA is being discontinued".
Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

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