Roland SC-D70- anyone know much about it?

[Alistair]

Hey guys,

I was just curious- does anyone know about the module? I know it's got digital capabilities ,and can be a sound card, and is like an 8820- but my knowledge is kind of general and vague, and was wondering if anyone had used one or has one and could elaborate on the features of the synth.

Thanks a bunch,
- Alistair

[jbltecnicspro]

Hey guys,

I was just curious- does anyone know about the module? I know it's got digital capabilities ,and can be a sound card, and is like an 8820- but my knowledge is kind of general and vague, and was wondering if anyone had used one or has one and could elaborate on the features of the synth.

Thanks a bunch,
- Alistair

It's a fully-authentic SC-8820 with digital capabilities, as you said.  It's been awhile since I last seriously looked at one of these, but I do believe that you can mix different inputs with its sound engine and such.  The digital part is 24-bit, but as for the sound quality, I haven't the slightest.  What are you trying to do with it?

[Alistair]

It's a fully-authentic SC-8820 with digital capabilities, as you said.  It's been awhile since I last seriously looked at one of these, but I do believe that you can mix different inputs with its sound engine and such.  The digital part is 24-bit, but as for the sound quality, I haven't the slightest.  What are you trying to do with it?

I just bought one

The cool factor to me was not only do you get the sounds of the 8820, you get a digital sound card. From what I understand, you can transfer digital audio to your PC via USB, no quality loss. Should sound a lot better than an 8820 or 50 (less hiss for one than using stereo RCA cables).
I figured since it's digital it should be the best possible sounding Roland 8820/50 variant.

The benefits may all be theoretical, but that's why I wanted to ask here- I figured someone here would know about it.

But getting an 8820/digital external sound card in one is pretty sweet.

- Alistair

[jbltecnicspro]

How much did you pay for it?  Yeah, those things are really cool, and a good alternative for people seeking complete GS compatibility while retaining the best possible sound quality.  Only difference would be 8820 versus 8850 - which you already have.

[jbltecnicspro]

So how's it working for you right now?  Do you like the sound quality in the digital aspects?  Oh, and BTW - I like your policy of "buy now, ask later."   

[Alistair]

How much did you pay for it?  Yeah, those things are really cool, and a good alternative for people seeking complete GS compatibility while retaining the best possible sound quality.  Only difference would be 8820 versus 8850 - which you already have.

I paid 350 US plus shipping (another 50). I got it through a friend on eBay who sells a bunch of vintage synths.

I really bought it for:
a. digital capabilities
b. external sound card
c. a + b in one device

And yeah, I just got my brother to ship me my 8850, so I'll be able to do what I originally intended- sequence/edit MIDI using the 8850 and the ease of use of the LCD display, but then change output device to the 8820 (or SC-D70 as it turned out).
I just hope it lives up to my expectations

So how's it working for you right now?  Do you like the sound quality in the digital aspects?  Oh, and BTW - I like your policy of "buy now, ask later."

   
It only shipped about 2 days ago, so it should be here in the next week (as should my 8850).

As for buy now, ask later- I got a special deal so I had to act quick. I mean, there isn't really any reason for me not to have one- it'll be very useful and neat, I think/hope, and if there's problems I can turn around and flip it on eBay.

Naturally, I'll post some samples/comparisons and such when I get my stuff. I also sent my cables over, but I might upgrade some of them seeing as how I get a RadioShack discount.

- Alistair

[BlueMax]

Niiiiice toys!  I'm jealous!  (But trying not to be bitter!) 

[Alistair]

I'd rather just have my 8850 and MT-32, not have the others, and not be working 60 hours/week and not being able to use them

But yeah, the D70- I don't even really use it as a digital synth right now, I use the 8850 because I'm used to it and use the D70 as a high quality sound card.

The MU2000 is *really* cool, though.

- Alistair