Roland D-110 Sound Module – How Does it Work?

Basic Concept of the D-110

The D-110 uses LA synthesis, which stands for Linear Arithmetic synthesis, which is the heart of the new technology.

LA synthesis involves a great many technological advances resulting not only in a superior sound quality but. also an improved ease of programming.

In this way, Roland has succeeded in maintaining a high degree of familiarity to the user despite the technical wizardry involved.

Another feature is the D-1 l0’s Mui.ti Timbral function that allows you to enjoy ensemble style performance with only one D-110.

In other words, the D-110 has 8 Parts which work like 8 independent synthesizers and a Rhythm Part which behaves like the sounds of a rhythm machine.

The following explanation covers the basic knowledge required for the Multi Timbral function.
[Partial] – A Partial may be called the smallest unit of a sound. A Partial uses either a Synthetizer Sound Generator ( = similar to a conventional analog synthesizer) or a PCM Sound Generator (=PCM sampling).
[Tone] – A Tone consists of a Partial block and a Common block. The Partials are combined in pairs, and two sets of pairs from a Tone. An important Common parameter called “Structure” decides how two of the four Partials should be combined, or which sound generator should be used.

[Timbre] – A Timbre consists of Tones and Performance Controlling functions such as bender
range and output system. Normally, in this manual, “sound” refers to Timbre.

[Part] – The 0·110 has 8 Parts which work like conventional synthesizer modules and a Rhythm Part which behaves like a rhythm module. The volume, MIDI channel and Pan of each Part can be set individually, and more, the volume and output of the Rhythm Part can be set to the desired values.

[Patch] – A Patch is a collection of Reverb and Part (Timbre assignment) settings which are related to the overall control of the D-110.