Back in 1988, this slim 1U rackmount module marked Roland's bold step into fully digital PCM sample playback, packing realistic acoustic tones into a single space where samplers once dominated bulky setups.
At its core, it delivers 31-voice polyphony across six multitimbral parts, each assignable to its own MIDI channel for layered arrangements, drawing from 99 ROM-based tones at 12-bit/30kHz resolution—pianos, percussion, strings, and more, expandable via up to four PCM cards. Controls are refreshingly straightforward on the front panel: a 16x2 LCD display, six buttons for menu navigation, a master volume knob, and dedicated sections for editing part volumes, velocity scaling, simple AR amplitude envelopes, per-part LFO with rise time for vibrato, and global chorus/tremolo effects. Connectivity shines with MIDI In/Out/Thru, two main stereo outs, three stereo aux outs (six total pairs), and a headphones jack, all in a sturdy black 4.5kg Japanese-built chassis.
Players appreciated its operational ease and reliable instrumental sounds for quick studio or live layering, though some noted sample noise and limited editing depth compared to later models like the U-220.
