Roland CM-32P

[jbltecnicspro]

What is this unit?  The reason I ask is that there are some floating around locally for about $60, and I want to know what this thing is.  I know it's MT-32 compatible, but what makes this different than the CM-32L?

[Caliburn]

Unfortunately, no, the CM-32P is not MT-32 compatible.  The CM (Computer Music) line of modules are basically other Roland synths repackaged especially for desktop computer use, housed in white cases and without any front panel controls or display beyond a volume knob.  The nomenclature of the CM line is a bit confusing.

The CM-32P is equivalent to a Roland U-110.  The 'P' stands for PCM synthesis, the technology that the U-110 used.  The U-110 and consequently the CM-32P have pretty much no use for games, but it is a nice sounding older module in its own right, for someone interested in synths and composition in general.  Sounds are fewer than the SC-55 but arguably better in some instances, and there are a series of add-on cards, if you can find them, to provide additional sounds.

The 'L' in CM-32L, on the other hand, stands for Linear Arithmetic synthesis, the technology of the MT-32.  It also has a few extra sound effects that the MT-32 lacks, so technically speaking it's more properly equivalent to the LAPC-I, but at any rate it is MT-32 compatible.

The CM-32P and CM-32L were also combined into a single module featuring both synthesis technologies called the CM-64.  This is also MT-32 compatible, of course, though solely by virtue of its CM-32L half.

Hope this helps.  For a little more info, you can look here:
http://www.synthony.com/vintage/cm32l32p64.html

There's also a wonderful list somewhere on the Internet with detailed specs on pretty much every Roland synth, but I've misplaced the link and I'm afraid I don't have time to track it down at the moment.

Take care,
-Luke

[HondaSiR]

jbltecnicspro: Nope, the CM-32P is not MT-32 compatible...and it doesn't even conform to GM. It is a purely PCM module with very limited on board sounds not supported by the average game of the era (except the occasional Japanese sort). It does sound very nice if fitted with aftermarket cards that you can insert at the front of its panel.

Just for the record, the only Roland synths that are 100% compatible with the MT-32 are: MT-100, LAPC-1, CM-32L, CM-64, and CM-500. Other Roland synths claim to have low-level MT-32 compatibility (SC-55 MKII and SCC-1) but they only rearrange the tone bank to mimic the MT-32 map. They don't really have L/A sound mixing capabilities.

EDIT: Whooops, Caliburn beat me to the explanation...