The Roland MT-32 Multi-Timbre Sound Module is a MIDI synthesizer module first released in 1987 by Roland Corporation. Along with its compatible modules, it established an early de-facto standard in computer music and was the first product in Roland's ミュージくん (myūjikun) line of Desktop Music System (DTM) packages in Japan.
Within Roland's family of LA synthesizers, the multitimbral MT-32 series constitutes the budget prosumer line for computer music at home, the multitimbral D-10/D-20/D-110 models the professional line for general studio use, and the high-end monotimbral D-50/D-550 models for sophisticated multi-track studio work.
A home marketed module with sounds like the popular D-50. It uses the same basic LAS type digital
synthesis to create its sounds. And it has some rhythm presets that
sound like the TR-626 rhythm machine. However this
module is quite rough around the edges, and it's noisy too. It isn't
rack-mountable, and was intended to be used in conjunction with a MIDI
keyboard, sequencer (like the PR-100) or computer software.
Aside from basic volume, tuning, reverb, and timbre/part selection,
on-board sound editing is not available and can only be achieved
externally with knowledge of the MT-32's MIDI implementation. Through
MIDI you can edit the modulation, timbres, pan, expression and hold
controls. Unfortunately, the programmable memory dissapears when turned
off, requiring MIDI SysEx dumping for memory storage.
It has 128 sounds grouped into 17 instrument groups like bass, synth,
wind, perc, etc. The MT-32 is also 8-part multitimbral, one of which is the rhythm
track. There are 6 'Part' buttons on the face of the module for useful
access to changing patches within a part. The MT-32 is a cheap source
for quick access to D-50 sounds in a box, but remember
that it is not exactly pro-quality and would most benefit newcomers to
synthesizer-music who are on a very limited budget.
Item Number: mt32
Manufacturer: Roland
Manufacturer Part No: mt32