Southern California Distribution Issue 02 Part 03

eZine lover (@eZine)

Published in 

Southern California Distributi

 · 5 years ago

  

 
                        Roland LAPC-1/PC-CMS/MT-32 
                                by MIDIman 

 
       There have been a few misconceptions dealing with Roland's personal 
computer music line.  Mainly, people seem to get confused as to what the 
difference is between the LAPC-1 and the MT-32.  In the SCD release #1, 
Skylord discussed sound cards and their differences in general very well. 
I will simply compare and contrast Roland's complete music line for the 
IBM.  Here is a general outline of each package: 

 

       "-" = LAPC-1         "*" = MT-32 

         - Full size interface that plugs into any 8-bit or 16-bit slot. 
       * - 8 synthesizer parts 
       * - 1 rhythm part 
       * - Maximum polyphony of 32 sounds at once 
       * - 128 pre-programmed instrument programs 
       *   64 user programmable memory locations 
       * - 34 PCM sampled percussion timbres 
         - 33 PCM sampled sound effects 
       *   Backlit LED display 
       *   Built-in digital reverb 
       *   MIDI IN/OUT/THRU 

               LAPC-1 

               Pro's: 1. Extra 33 PCM sampled sound effects. 
                      2. No bulky thing to lay around your desk. 

               Con's: 1. No built-in MIDI (optional). 
                      2. No digital reverb. 
                      3. Not easy to access/edit. 
                      4. No allocated memory for user programs. 

               MT-32 

               Pro's: 1. Built-in digital reverb. 
                      2. Easy to access/edit sounds. 
                      3. Memory for 64 user programmable programs. 
                      4. Built-in MIDI ports. 
                      5. Can be carried around! 

               Con's: 1. MIDI interface needs to be puchased. 
                      2. No special sound effects. 

 
       The LAPC-1 was built specifically for the computer gamer, whereas 
the MT-32 was originally built as a tone generator add-on module for 
electronic musicians.  Both contain the same instruments and same 
technology yet there are many differences.  If you play keyboard or would 
like to just mess around on the MT-32/LAPC-1, it's kinda hard to play 
the internal LAPC-1 card without an external device to control it.  Here's 
where the PC-CMS comes in.  Roland put out a complete package deal at the 
same time they released the LAPC-1 and this is what it contains: 

 
       PC-CMS 

       1. LAPC-1 card 
       2. MCB-1 MIDI Connector box 
          (MIDI IN/OUT/OUT, SYNC OUT, TAPE IN/OUT, Metronome OUT) 
       3. PC-100 external MIDI keyboard controller 
       4. Ballade Sequencer/Librarian/Tone Editor by Dynaware 

               Pro's: 1. Conveniently packaged 
                      2. Nice software 
                      3. Nice controller keyboard 

               Con's: 1. Too damn expensive. 
                      2. The software could easily be obtained from a BBS. 
                      3. Controller keyboard doesn't have any other purpose. 

 
       The PC-CMS contains some useful things for some major screwing around 
but the same could be achieved if you already have a MIDI setup currently. 
All you would have to do is purchase a MIDI interface, along with the MT-32 
and hook your existing MIDI keyboard (most any home keyboard supports MIDI 
nowadays) up to it.  You can produce some pretty fine tunes with an MT-32 
or an LAPC-1.  One more thing, The PC-100 included in the package is JUST 
A CONTROLLER, it does not make any sound of it's own, but simply controls 
the LAPC-1.  This package is ideal for that filthy rich mama's boy, because 
the retail price on this puppy isn't very cheap (approx. $1000+).  The MT-32 
on the other hand, is about $300 NEW at your local Guitar Center.  The 
LAPC-1 however, is still pretty expensive ranging from $500-$800 (+-$100). 

 
       Other miscellanneous products available from Roland are units such 
as their CS-10 Stereo Monitor Amplifier which is magnetically shielded 
to prevent damage to disks, etc.  A few other things available are: 

       CA-30 Intelligent Arranger (pre-programmed rhythms) 
       CN-20 Music Entry Pad (for the VERY beginning keyboard player) 
       CF-10 Digital Fader (does what it says!) 
       CM-32P PCM Sound Module (LAPC-1 in a box w/mainly PCM samples) 
       CM-32L LA Sound Module (LAPC-1 in a box w/reverb & MIDI) 
       CM-64 LA/PCM Sound Module (LAPC-1 in a box w/64 partials) 

 
       All of the products listed above are made for Roland's computer music 
line, so all of them are made to fit snugglely on top of or around your 
computer. 

       At the moment, Roland seems to be the leader in computer music 
systems AND professional music products.  Which is why the LAPC-1/MT-32 
sounds so impressive.  The very same techology they use in their award 
winning D-50 (L/A Synthesis) and other D- series keyboards, they use 
in the LAPC-1/MT-32.  So in closing, if you want THE ultimate card for 
computer sound effects and that's it, buy the LAPC-1.  If you would like 
to make some music and use the unit as a source of sound for your computer 
buy an MT-32, they're cheaper and a lot easier to use. 

 
 - MIDIman