From: ka@world.std.com (Kevin Andresen) Subject: Re: Roland cards Message-ID: Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA References: Date: Fri, 17 Nov 1995 14:50:35 GMT Lines: 92 jeff.glatt@horizonsbbs.com writes: >Roland Sound Cards Hi Jeff, I noticed a few inaccuracies (in my experience): > ----------------------------------------------------- >| SCC-1 (SCC-1B) | >|-----------------------------------------------------| >Early SCC-1 units had less than 354 patches (ie, didn't have >the extra MT-32 sounds). The only difference between new I believe all early SCC-1's had 317 sounds which include the 128 MT-32 sounds. The extra 37 sounds came in about a year after they were introduced on the SC-55mkII (the SCC-1 was based on the SC-55, the original Sound Canvas). >SCC-1 units and the SCC-1B appears to be that the latter >includes bundled software, such as a nice patch editor (ie, >although you can't change the GM waveforms used in a patch, >you can adjust VCA and VCF envelopes to contour the sound. >This is different than the RAP-10 or SC-7 more hard-wired GM >Patch sets). The SCC-1 also offers MT-32 sounds (but not >without some of the patch customization that the MT-32 "not without" should read "without" >offered). MT-32 sounds are mediocre by today's audio >standards, but some older games were designed to support >MT-32 rather than GM. >| SC-55ST | >The SC-55ST is essentially the SCC-1B in an external box >that attaches to the computer's serial port. (It can >attach to both the IBM and Mac serial ports). >See the RAP-10 description for remarks about the SC-55ST's >MIDI Synth engine. It's the same as the SCC-1B's, so all >SCC-1B remarks are pertinent. Actually, it uses the SC-55mkII engine which is a totally new chip set offering 28 voices (vs. 24). It is very similar. >SC-50 >The SC-50 is essentially the SC-55ST without the MT-32 >sounds. The MT-32 sounds are mediocre by today's audio >standards, so are really only useful for older games that >support MT-32 but not GM. Actually, there are some unique sounds there that many composers still use. >SC-88VL >The SC-88 therefore >offers a substantially different and improved MIDI Synth >than all other Roland Sound Canvas cards. "different ... than" should be "different ... from" in this sentence. While the SC-88 has a sonically superior processor, its Cutoff Frequency is set lower on most patches giving, by default, a very slightly duller overall performance when listening to games, pre-recorded .mids, etc. >SCD-15 >The SCD-15 is the same thing as the SCD-10 except that >it has the full set of GS patches (ie, 354 instead of >only 128) plus some MT-32 sounds. It has a few extra drum >kits too. Otherwise, all other remarks concerning the >SCD-10 apply to the SCD-15. What about all the GS controllers and SysEx address sound editing access? >MPU-401/AT The proper designation is "MPU-401AT". Kevin Andresen ka@world.std.com SCC-1B, SC-55mkII, ... p.s. It was very interesting to read about the buffering in Roland cards. Do you think it applies to all of them? From: jeff.glatt@horizonsbbs.com Message-ID: Date: Thu, 16 Nov 95 19:20:00 EST Organization: New Horizons BBS (315)337-3610 v.34 Lines: 587 Roland Sound Cards RAP-10 ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | RAP-10 | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 @44.1, 22.05, or 11.025kHz, | | 16 or 8 bit. (Any combination of | | the above, for example play 1 | | channel at 22.05kHz 8-bit, and the | | other at 44.1kHz 16-bit). | | Output rate/resolution: 44.1 kHz (max.), 16-bit | | Digital input: Stereo jack, 44.1, 22.05, or | | 11.025kHz, 16 or 8 bit. (Any | | combination of the above, for | | example, record 1 channel at | | 22.05kHz 8-bit, and the other at | | 44.1kHz 16-bit simultaneously). | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GM Patches (128) in | | ROM. 6 Drum kits. 26 voice polyphony. | | (Digital audio has its own 2 voices). | | 16-Part multi-timbral, with the | | option to set Parts to any channels | | or disable Parts. | | On-board memory: No information | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. | | Connections: Joystick (MIDI), stereo line/mic in, | | stereo aux in, stereo line out, | | stereo headphone. All jacks are mini | | plugs. CD audio internal connector. | | Expansion: None. | | System req.: 1 port, 1 IRQ, 2 DMA channels. | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Windows 3.x. | | Compatibility: MPU-401 (UART). Windows drivers. | | Street price (typical) (USD): $249 | ----------------------------------------------------- The RAP-10 is essentially the SCC-1's MIDI Synth (first 128 patches only, like the SCD-10) with 2 tracks of CD-quality digital audio added. As such, it sports the much-acclaimed Roland Sound Canvas waveform set as found in cards like the SCC-1, SCD-10, SCD-15, and SC-7 (but not the newer Sound Canvasses such as the SC-88, which have newer waveform sets and improved playback circuitry). The RAP-10 does not support replacing any of its GM waveforms. The RAP-10 has a digital reverb (with choices of various rooms or halls, decay time, and level) which can alternately be used as a delay (with repeats and delay time adjustable). Furthermore, the RAP-10 has a chorus (with feedback, delay, rate and depth). These effects can be applied both to the MIDI Synth Parts as well as digital audio (with separate reverb/delay and chorus levels for each Part and each of the two tracks). In fact, the RAP-10's digital audio tracks each have a number of settings including tuning (in both half steps and cents), panning, reverb level, chorus level, volume, brightness, and sample rate. For playback, these can be adjusted via System Exclusive messages (ie, so any software that supports System Exclusive can be used to adjust all of these parameters) even during digital audio playback. In essense, the RAP-10 allows a lot of the realtime control over digital audio tracks that it allows for one of its GM MIDI Synth Parts (but by using SysEx instead of Controller messages). The MIDI Synth Parts understand and respond to Channel Pressure (which can be used to control Brightness, Volume, Vibrato Depth, and/or Vibrato Rate, with each Part responding to Pressure in any or no combination of the above ways, independently of other Parts), Modulation (which can be used to control Vibrato Speed and/or Depth), Volume Controller, Effect1 Controller (ie, reverb level), Effect3 Controller (ie, chorus level), Hold Pedal Controller, Expression Controller, Pan Controller, Pitch Bend, Program Change, Reset All Controllers, All Sounds Off, and All Notes Off. Furthermore, using Registered Parameter Number Controller, each Part's Pitch Bend Range, as well as tuning (in half steps and cents) can be controlled. Using Non-registered Parameter Number Controller, you can control the pan, volume, tuning, chorus level, and reverb level for each drum sound in a kit (in addition to being able to control the entire kit's overall volume, pan, chorus level, and reverb level). The RAP-10 has a master Volume and master tuning (ie, for all 16 Parts and 2 digital audio tracks) in both half steps and cents. The RAP-10 ships with a Windows MPC driver, and also some software that graphically mimics a multi-track mixer for recording/playback. The bundled program is more geared for hobbyist and multi-media work than pro musician's use. The RAP-10 can be used with pro software such as CakeWalk, SAW, Sound Forge, or other Windows titles, utilizing both its MIDI Synth and digital audio simultaneously. In order to obtain the actual MIDI In/Out/Thru jacks, you need to attach a "breakout box" to the joystick port. The joystick port is compatible with the Sound Blaster, so any breakout box for the SB will suffice (ie, you don't need the overpriced MCB-10). SC-7 ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | SC-7 | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 | | Output rate/resolution: 16-bit @ 44.1KHz | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GM Patches (128) in | | ROM. 6 Drum kits. 26 voice polyphony. | | 16-Part multi-timbral, with the | | option to set Parts to any channels | | or disable Parts. | | On-board memory: No information | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. | | Connections: COM port, MIDI In/Out, stereo line | | outs (RCA jacks), headphone (mini), | | AC power (uses a wall-wart). | | Controls: Volume knob. | | Expansion: None. | | System req.: Attaches to computer's serial port. | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Windows 3.x. | | Compatibility: Windows drivers. | | Street price (typical) (USD): $207 | ----------------------------------------------------- The SC-7 is essentially the SCC-1's MIDI Synth (first 128 patches only, like the SCD-10) in an external box that attaches to the computer's serial port. (It can attach to both the IBM and Mac serial ports, and instructions are given on using the SC-7 with either. This is a cheap way for Mac owners to get a nice, low cost Roland GM sound module). As such, it sports the much-acclaimed Roland Sound Canvas waveform set as found in cards like the SCC-1, SCD-10, SCD-15, and RAP-10 (but not the newer Sound Canvasses such as the SC-88, which have newer waveform sets and improved playback circuitry). The SC-7 does not support replacing any of its GM waveforms, nor does it record/play digital audio. See the RAP-10 description for remarks about the SC-7's MIDI Synth engine. It's the same as the RAP-10's, so all RAP-10 remarks (except as concern digital audio tracks) are pertinent (ie, its effects and support for MIDI messages is the same). The SC-7 is a complete, standalone unit. It can be used without the computer. It has its own power supply and case. An external keyboard (or other MIDI controller) can be plugged directly into the SC-7 MIDI In to play it as a 16-Part multi-timbral module. The SC-7 ships with a Windows MPC driver, and also some software (Ballade, a sequencer, and Band in a Box). It can be used with pro sequencers such as CakeWalk. Furthermore, because the SC-7 offers MIDI In and Out jacks to which you can attach even more MIDI gear, it becomes a MIDI interface between your computer and all other external gear. This makes the SC-7 nice for laptop use since it allows connecting external MIDI gear via a clone or Mac serial port, is a 16-part multi-timbral unit also, and can even be used without the computer. It's very small, light, and therefore portable. SCC-1 ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | SCC-1 (SCC-1B) | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 | | Output rate/resolution: 16-bit @ 44.1KHz | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GS Patches (354) in | | ROM. 9 Drum kits. 28 voice polphony. | | 16-Part multi-timbral, with the | | option to set Parts to any channels | | or disable Parts. | | On-board memory: 4 MEG (compressed) ROM | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. | | Connections: MIDI In/Out, 2 line outs (RCA), | | stereo headphone (mini). | | Expansion: None. | | System req.: 1 port, 1 IRQ. | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Windows 3.x. | | Compatibility: MPU-401 (UART and Intelligent). | | MT-32. Windows drivers. | | Street price (typical) (USD): $275 (SCC-1B) | ----------------------------------------------------- The SCC-1 is a MIDI Synth only (ie, no digital audio, ie, WAVE recording/playback). It sports the much-acclaimed Roland Sound Canvas waveform set as found in cards like the RAP-10, SCD-10, SCD-15, and SC-7 (but not the newer Sound Canvasses such as the SC-88, which have newer waveform sets and improved playback circuitry). The SCC-1 does not support replacing any of its GS waveforms. See the RAP-10 description for remarks about the SCC-1's MIDI Synth engine. It's the same as the RAP-10's (with extra patches and drum kits, plus recognition of Bank Select Controller to select such), so all RAP-10 remarks (except as concern digital audio tracks) are pertinent (ie, its effects and support for MIDI messages is the same). Early SCC-1 units had less than 354 patches (ie, didn't have the extra MT-32 sounds). The only difference between new SCC-1 units and the SCC-1B appears to be that the latter includes bundled software, such as a nice patch editor (ie, although you can't change the GM waveforms used in a patch, you can adjust VCA and VCF envelopes to contour the sound. This is different than the RAP-10 or SC-7 more hard-wired GM Patch sets). The SCC-1 also offers MT-32 sounds (but not without some of the patch customization that the MT-32 offered). MT-32 sounds are mediocre by today's audio standards, but some older games were designed to support MT-32 rather than GM. Furthermore, the SCC-1 has a fully intelligent MPU-401 compatibility, so it understands all MPU-401 commands. (That's not as important today since most software, especially Windows stuff, no longer uses MPU-401 Intelligent Mode). The SCC-1 ships with a Windows MPC driver, (and the SCC-1B with some apps). It can be used with pro sequencers such as CakeWalk. SC-55ST ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | SC-55ST | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 | | Output rate/resolution: 16-bit @ 44.1KHz | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GS Patches (354) in | | ROM. 9 Drum kits. 28 voice polyphony. | | 16-Part multi-timbral, with the | | option to set Parts to any channels | | or disable Parts. | | On-board memory: No information | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. | | Connections: COM port, MIDI In/Out, stereo line | | outs (RCA jacks), headphone (mini), | | AC power (uses a wall-wart). | | Controls: Volume knob. | | Expansion: None. | | System req.: Attaches to computer's serial port. | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Windows 3.x. | | Compatibility: Windows drivers. MT-32 | | Street price (typical) (USD): ??? | ----------------------------------------------------- The SC-55ST is essentially the SCC-1B in an external box that attaches to the computer's serial port. (It can attach to both the IBM and Mac serial ports). See the RAP-10 description for remarks about the SC-55ST's MIDI Synth engine. It's the same as the SCC-1B's, so all SCC-1B remarks are pertinent. The SC-55ST is a complete, standalone unit. See the SC-7 description for what advantages Roland standalone units offer. SC-50 ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | SC-50 | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 | | Output rate/resolution: 16-bit @ 44.1KHz | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GS Patches (226) in | | ROM. 9 Drum kits. 28 voice polyphony. | | 16-Part multi-timbral, with the | | option to set Parts to any channels | | or disable Parts. | | On-board memory: No information | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. | | Connections: COM port, MIDI In/Out, stereo line | | outs (RCA jacks), headphone (mini), | | AC power (uses a wall-wart). | | Controls: Volume knob. LCD Panel and editing knobs.| | Expansion: None. | | System req.: Attaches to computer's serial port. | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Windows 3.x. | | Compatibility: Windows drivers. | | Street price (typical) (USD): ??? | ----------------------------------------------------- The SC-50 is essentially the SC-55ST without the MT-32 sounds. The MT-32 sounds are mediocre by today's audio standards, so are really only useful for older games that support MT-32 but not GM. See the SC-55ST description for remarks about the SC-50's features. The SC-50 does have an LCD panel and knobs, so that SC-50 Patch parameters can be edited from the SC-50 itself (as opposed to the SC-7 and SC-55ST requiring a software "patch editor" to change various parameters). SC-88VL ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | SC-88VL | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 | | Output rate/resolution: ??? | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GS Patches (654) in | | ROM. 22 Drum kits. 64 voice polyphony.| | 32-Part multi-timbral, via two MIDI | | inputs. | | On-board memory: No information | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. EQ effects. | | Connections: COM port, 2 MIDI In/Out, stereo line | | outs (RCA jacks), headphone (mini), | | AUX in, AC power (uses a wall-wart). | | Controls: Volume knob. LCD Panel and editing knobs.| | Expansion: None. | | System req.: Attaches to computer's serial port. | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Windows 3.x. | | Compatibility: Windows drivers. MT-32 | | Street price (typical) (USD): ??? | ----------------------------------------------------- The SC-88VL is an external box that attaches to the computer's serial port. (It can attach to both the IBM and Mac serial ports). It contains not only the SCC-1's waveform set, but also newer waveforms (over 300 more) and improved playback circuitry. The SC-88 therefore offers a substantially different and improved MIDI Synth than all other Roland Sound Canvas cards. The SC-88VL does not support replacing any of its waveforms, nor does it record/play digital audio. The SC-88VL is a complete, standalone unit. It can be used without the computer. It has its own power supply and case. An external keyboard (or other MIDI controller) can be plugged directly into the SC-88VL MIDI In to play it as a 16-Part multi-timbral module. A second controller can be plugged into the second MIDI In to play 16 more multi-timbral parts. (In order to use all 32 mult-timbral parts with the computer, you have to attach the 2 SC-88VL MIDI Ins to 2 MIDI outs on a computer card that offers 2 independent MIDI outs. Attaching the SC-88 directly to the serial port only supports 16 parts, with 64 voice polyphony). Furthermore, because the SC-88VL offers MIDI In and Out jacks to which you can attach even more MIDI gear, it becomes a MIDI interface between your computer and all other external gear. This makes the SC-88 nice for laptop use since it allows connecting external MIDI gear via a clone or Mac serial port, is a multi-timbral unit also, and can even be used without the computer. The SC-88VL does have an LCD panel and knobs, so that its Patch parameters can be edited from the SC-88VL itself (as opposed to the SC-7 and SC-55ST requiring a software "patch editor" to change various parameters). SCD-10 ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | SCD-10 | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 | | Output rate/resolution: 16-bit @ 44.1KHz | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GM Patches (128) in | | ROM. 6 Drum kits. 28 voice polyphony. | | 16-Part multi-timbral, with the | | option to set Parts to any channels | | or disable Parts. | | On-board memory: No information | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. | | Connections: None. (Uses host card's output stage).| | Expansion: None. | | System req.: Attaches to host card. (ie, It's a | | Sound Blaster compatible | | daughterboard). | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Uses host card's driver. | | Compatibility: Depends upon host card. Designed | | for an SB or compatible. | | Street price (typical) (USD): $179 | ----------------------------------------------------- The SCD-10 is essentially the SCC-1's MIDI Synth (first 128 patches only) in the form of a daughterboard that attaches to a Sound Blaster's Waveblaster connector. (It is not a self-contained card). The SCD-10 does not support replacing any of its GM waveforms, nor does it record/play digital audio (which is left up to the host card). See the RAP-10 description for remarks about the SCD-10's MIDI Synth engine. It's the same as the RAP-10's, so all RAP-10 remarks (except as concern digital audio tracks) are pertinent (ie, its effects and support for MIDI messages is the same). Unlike self-contained Roland cards such as the SCC-1, RAP-10, or SC-7, the SCD-10 uses its host's output stage, which in typical Sound Blaster cards and compatibles, is not quite as noise and distortion free as Roland cards. The SCD-10 ships with some strictly hobbyist software (DoReMi and Easy Juke). It can be used with pro sequencers such as CakeWalk, provided your host card has proper driver support. One real advantage of the SCD-10 (and SCD-15) over other Roland cards is that, since these cards attach to an SB compatible host, they offer the best audio solution to a game player. The RAP-10's digital audio hardware is not SB compatible, and therefore not supported by game software (which is typically MS-DOS software that writes directly to hardware rather than Windows software that uses MPC drivers). The other Roland cards do not offer digital audio playback. So they can't be used to play voice and sound effects in games (which are usually done with WAVE files. On the other hand, since most game software can play its background music via an MPU-401 port, all Roland cards can be used to play background music for those games). The SCD-10, in combo with its host, offers a complete solution, as the host plays voice and sound effects, and the SCD-10 with its renowned Roland waveform set plays the background music, without requiring two separate sound cards. SCD-15 ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | SCD-15 | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: 2 | | Output rate/resolution: 16-bit @ 44.1KHz | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: WaveTable synth, GS Patches (354) in | | ROM. Numerous Drum kits. 28 voice | | polyphony. 16-Part multi-timbral, | | with the option to set Parts to any | | channels or disable Parts. | | On-board memory: No information | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: Digital reverb/delay. Chorus. | | Connections: None. (Uses host card's output stage).| | Expansion: None. | | System req.: Attaches to host card. (ie, It's a | | Sound Blaster compatible | | daughterboard). | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Uses host card's driver. | | Compatibility: Depends upon host card. Designed | | for an SB or compatible. MT-32 | | Street price (typical) (USD): $225 | ----------------------------------------------------- The SCD-15 is the same thing as the SCD-10 except that it has the full set of GS patches (ie, 354 instead of only 128) plus some MT-32 sounds. It has a few extra drum kits too. Otherwise, all other remarks concerning the SCD-10 apply to the SCD-15. The extra patches are really not of much use to game players since most game software sticks to the smaller GM set of patches. A musician seeking a greater variety of sounds for MIDI file recording/playback may find the extra GS patches more useful, although the extra MT-32 sounds are mediocre by today's audio standards. MPU-401/AT ======================================= ----------------------------------------------------- | MPU-401/AT | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Chipset: Roland custom chipset | | Output channels: N/A | | Output rate/resolution: N/A | | Digital input: N/A | | MIDI synth.: N/A | | On-board memory: N/A | | Custom sample upload: N/A. | | Effects: N/A | | Connections: MIDI In and Out. SB compatible | | WaveBlaster connector. Stereo line | | outs (RCA). | | Expansion: None. | | System req.: 1 Port, 1 IRQ. | |-----------------------------------------------------| | Driver support: Windows 3.x. | | Compatibility: MPU-401 (UART and Intelligent). | | Windows drivers. | | Street price (typical) (USD): ??? | ----------------------------------------------------- The MPU-401/AT is a MIDI interface card without any built-in sound module nor digital audio tracks. It is meant to control external MIDI units as well as any SB compatible daughterboard plugged into the MPU-401/AT's internal connector (such as the SCD-10 or SCD-15). But, the MPU-401 itself is not SB compatible. It offers MPU-401 Intelligent and Uart modes. An advantage of using this card as the host for an SCD-10 or SCD-15 is that this card's audio output circuitry is cleaner and quieter than what is normally found in an SB type card. Earlier MPU-401 units did not have the daughterboard connector. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON ROLAND CARDS: One nice thing about the Roland cards which they have over cheap cards is a hardware buffered MIDI output. This allows the computer's CPU to typically stream MIDI messages to the card without requiring the CPU to wait for the card to accept MIDI bytes. With the RAP-10, this can even happen at the full bus speed of 8MHz. This can result in a more stable timing for sequenced playback, especially under CPU-taxing OS's such as Windows. Other cards typically make the CPU wait until the card has shifted out a MIDI byte at 32KHz before the card will accept another byte. The MPU-401, SCC-1 and RAP-10 can use an MPU-401 driver for OS/2 written by Delta Music Systems. This driver requires special software written for it. There are a few freeware titles written for it, including SysEx dump utilities, various diagnostic apps, etc. I've also written my own OS/2 MPU-401 driver and OS/2 utilities which can be found at: ftp.servtech.com/pub/users/wraymond/os2midi