Secrets of the Roland MT32

As both a synthesizer fan & a vintage computing enthusiast, I've oft chuckled at the two camp's polar opposite opinions on sound modules. It seems like the very instruments that PC gamers revere are loathed by electronic musicians:

• Ad-lib? A nasty/cold/brittle FM synth!*
• Roland Soundcanvas? - A ROMpler for kids, with barely any editable parameters!
• Yamaha TG100 - It doesn't even have a filter!

It's not surprising - different people have different needs, after all. Whilst musicians struggled, (sound design with menus & tiny screens!) gamers experienced - a magical combination of vivid graphics and skillfully arranged soundtracks. The scores were often densely layered, creating a large multi-timbral impression (and perhaps hiding deficiencies in sample size or quality!)

One revered classic from this time is the Roland MT32. Based on the LA Synthesis of Roland's D-series, the MT32 combined synthesis, sampled instruments and an internal reverb. Compared to other, cheaper consumer options in 1987, the variety & polish of Roland's sounds lead to a long life for the device - it's offspring surviving well into the General MIDI era. Just check out the opening to Monkey Island - as an Amiga fan, I'm partial to that version, but even I have to admit, the MT32 is breathtaking!

It wasn't perfect of course! To keep costs down, certain corners were cut when designing the DAC, leading to clicks, pops & audible quantisation noise on long-release sounds. There's also no internal battery for saving your edits, but it's nonetheless a very interesting box; one that commands high prices on the second hand market. Actually, the lack of patch storage is kind of charming; on startup, some games would dump patches to the unit whilst displaying a message on the screen. My favourite is Space Quest III's "Insert Buckazoid!"

Tell Me Something New

So, if you happen to own an MT32 (or MT32-pi emulator) what are the possibilities, you ask? You have a synthesis engine incredibly similar to Rolands D5/D10/D110/D20 range - albeit one that can only be accessed via a computer editor that saves patches. On the unit itself, you are limited to choosing presets and setting their respective volume levels, so get those MIDI cables out!

S.Fryers MT32 Editor is one of many ways to program Roland's little black box. I've chosen this screenshot because it shows off the potential of the device - this thing is deep! I'm going to talk through the points of interest I found; you may have entirely different tricks!

• There are 4 partials per patch. Each may be a synth wave (square or saw) or a PCM sample - depending on the structure chosen. 4-partial patches eat up more polyphony, but offer richer timbres.
• By varying the TVA (amp) and TVF (filter) envelopes for each partial, evolving sounds can be made.
• Structures designate the function of each pair of partials. You can choose two synth waves, OR two PCM waves, OR one of each. A further choice, which I am so grateful for, is the decision to turn on ring-modulation between the two partials. This feature inspired some of my favourite sounds.
• The pitch envelope allows for some real chaos alongside this ring-modulation. Try pitching one of the "jam loops" down several octaves and then ring-modulating it! Instant industrial!
• There's a pitch LFO but no TVA one. Oh well, ring-modulation can help there too, sometimes!
• The square wave has PWM, but it cannot be modulated via LFO, sorry Nick! You can modulate it via an envelope, however. These lesser LA Synths have quite a pronounced character in the PWM!

With it's LOFI but varied sample ROM, the MT32 is a nice little synthesis playground. But wouldn't it be great if you could hear some of these unusual features? Something outside of the usual PC Game Muzak shtick? Well today's your lucky day, because I programmed a tonne of weird patches & then made a demo video:

Every sound (sans vocals) came out of the '32. Anything that sounds a bit weird or abrasive is probably the ringmod! Anyhow, enjoy & see you next time!

*I love FM synths :)

Posted by MagicalSynthAdventure an expert in synthesis technology from last Century and Amiga enthusiast.

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