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Roland W-30 Information

This is my little trove of technical information on the Roland W-30 Music Workstation.

Contents


Specifications


The W30 Music Workstation was released in 1989. It is a 12/16-bit sampler (12-bit samples, 16-bit playback) with full sample editing, onboard MIDI sequencing and wave table synthesis. It can read several sampler disks types, including S50, S550, S330 and of course W30 disks.

Unfortunately it also has some drawbacks:

  • It does not understand MIDI Sample Dump Standard, so the only way of getting samples into or out of the W-30 is through the floppy disk (or SCSI via special programs).
  • No realtime control of the filter cutoff. But, there is a trick to use the EV-5 input and pedal, or a homemade knob-box (100k pot). Or a mixer map in your sequencer as it does respond to MIDI Sysex commands.

  • Maximum simultaneously producible voices
    • 16
  • Multi-Timbral Capacity
    • 8 parts
  • Sound Source
    • Sampling rate: 30kHz/15kHz
    • Data format: 12 bits Linear
    • D/A Converter: 16 bits
    • Sampling Time:
      • 7.2 sec. x2(A,B) @ 30kHz sampling rate
      • 14.4 sec. x2(A,B) @ 15kHz sampling rate
    • INPUT:
      • -50dBm /47kOhm (GAIN: max)
      • +10dBm /47kOhm (GAIN: Min)
    • OUTPUT: 0 dBm /6.7kOhm (1 Voice: Max)
  • Sound Memory
    • Internal
      • Wave Memory: 384k byte x 2 banks
      • RAM Wave Data (rewritable): 512K word
      • ROM Wave Data (not rewritable): 512K word
      • RAM Wave-using Tones: 32/Tone Parameters
      • ROM Wave-using Tones: 64/Tone Parameters
      • Patches: 16/Patch Parameters
      • FUNC Parameters
      • MIDI Parameters
    • System Disk
      • ROM Wave-using Tones: 128/Tone Parameters
      • ROM Wave-using Patches: 32/Patch Parameters
    • Sound & Song Disk
      • Wave Data: 512K word
      • RAM Wave-using Wave Data: 512K word
      • ROM Wave-using Tones: 32/Tone Parameters
      • Patches: 16/Patch Parameters
      • FUNC Parameters
      • MIDI Parameters
  • Song Memory
    • Internal
      • Number of Songs: 20 max.
      • Number of Steps: Max. of approx. 15,000 steps (20 song total)
    • Song Disk
      • Number of Songs: 64 max.
      • Number of Steps: Max. of approx. 100,000 steps (64 song total)
    • Sound & Song Disk
      • Number of Songs: 64 max.
      • Number of Steps: Max. of approx. 7,000 steps (64 song total)
  • Sequencer
    • Editing Functions
      • Track, measure and event basis
      • Resolution: 96 clock pulses/quarter note
      • External Synchronization:
        • MIDI Sync Clock, Song Select, Start, Stop, Continue and Song Position Pointer compatible
      • Song Data Length: Max. of 9,998 measures
    • Tracks
      • Phrase Tracks (16 MIDI Channels/Tracks): 16
      • Tempo Track: 1
    • Maximum simultaneously inputable sounds
      • 128 (Total for all tracks)
    • Maximum simultaneously outputable sounds
      • 128 (Total for all tracks)
  • Keyboard
    • 61 Keys (velocity and aftertouch equipped)
  • Panel
    • Bender Modulation Lever
    • Volume Knob
    • Performance Button
    • Sequencer Button
    • Sound Button
    • Start/Stop Button
    • REC Button
    • Tempo Button
    • Skip Button
    • Forward/Reverse Button
    • LCD Display (240 x 64 dots)
    • User Button
    • Function Buttons (F1 - F5)
    • EXIT Button
    • Numerical Keyboard
    • Cursor Dial
    • Value Dial
  • Rear Panel
    • Power Switch
    • Headphone Socket
    • Multi Output Sockets x8
    • Input Socket
    • Gain Knob
    • MIDI Sockets (THRU, OUT, IN)
    • Pedal Control Socket (DP-2, EV-5)
    • SCSI Connector (Compatible with the SCSI Standard)
    • Contrast knob
  • Disk Drive
    • 3.5 Inch Micro Floppy Disk Drive
    • Storage Type: Double Sided, Double Density, Double Track
  • Dimensions
    • 1,014 (W) x 301 (D) x 106 (H) mm
    • 39-15/16" x 11-7/8" x 4-3/16"
  • Weight
    • 9.8Kg
  • Power Consumption
    • 18W
  • Accessories
    • Owner's Manual for FD
    • Mode Chart for FD
    • Sound Chart
    • MIDI Guide Book
    • System Disk for FD
    • Data Disk x3
    • Connecting Cable PJ-1 x1
  • Options
    • DP-2 Pedal Switch
    • EV-5 Expression Pedal
    • KW-30 (W-30 Upgradekit)
    • MF2-DD 3.5 Inch Micro Floppy Disks
    • CD-5 CD-ROM Player

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