Roland CM-500

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The Roland CM-500 is a MIDI synthesizer module first released by Roland Corporation in 1991. Its appearance is identical to the CM-32L. The front included a volume knob, a power switch and two leds indicating power and "Audio" data as the previous model Roland CM-300. On the rear panel there are three MIDI connectors (IN, OUT and THRU), a balanced 1/4" jack connector for headphones and two unbalanced 1/4" jack connectors for a mono/stereo output (-10 dBu).

The CM-500 is also a combined module, containing both a GM/GS part like the CM-300 and a MT-32 giving the user a complete module compatible with both "new" MIDI files at the time and also being able to play old MT-32/CM-32L songs or computer games. The GM/GS part conforms to the specifications of the CM-300/SC-55 module at 317 instruments and 9 drumkits, plus the 128 sounds from the MT-32 enabling a total of 56 notes polyphony. It still only responds to 16 MIDI channels and the user had to access the different sound engines by using any computer sequencer software or sending sys-ex (system exclusive messages).

On the back of the unit, there is a switch knob that allows the user to choose between four different combinations of the MT-32 & SC-55 synthesis engines.

Mode A - SC-55 on Midi Channels 1-16 & CM-32L on Midi Channels 2-10.
Mode B - CM-64 Mode (CM-32L on Midi Channels 2-10, emulated CM-32P on Midi Channels 11-16.)
Mode C - CM-300 Mode (SC-55 on Midi Channels 1-16.)
Mode D - SC-55 on Midi Channels 1-10, CM-32L on Midi Channels 11-16.

This information is based on various pamphlets and brochures from Roland Corporation and personal user experience

See also: Modules: Roland MT-32, Roland CM-32L, Roland CM-32P, Roland CM-64 and Roland CM-300. Sequencers: Tentrax, Roland Ballade, Roland Ballade GS, Musicator