Roland S-550
The Roland S-550 is the full-featured member of Roland’s 12-bit S-series sampler family. Released in 1987 alongside its compact sibling the S-330, the S-550 occupies 2U of rack space and expands on the S-330’s capabilities with more sample memory, a dedicated RGB monitor output, and additional I/O.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Year | 1987 |
| Format | 2U rack-mount |
| Resolution | 12-bit linear |
| Sample Rates | 15 kHz / 30 kHz |
| Polyphony | 16 voices |
| Multitimbral | 8 parts |
| Max Sample Time | 28.8 seconds (at 15 kHz), expandable |
| Memory | 512 KB, expandable to 2 MB |
| Filter | Resonant low-pass, 4-stage envelope (4 levels, 4 rates) |
| LFO | Sine and peak-hold waveforms |
| Outputs | 8 individual + stereo mix |
| Display | Dedicated RGB monitor output (640x200) + composite |
| Storage | 3.5” 2DD floppy disk |
| Control | MU-1 mouse, RC-100 remote, or MSX-compatible mouse |
History and Design
The S-550 represented Roland’s professional-tier offering in the S-series lineup. While the S-330 targeted budget-conscious musicians with a stripped-down 1U package, the S-550 provided the full experience: expanded memory, a high-quality RGB video output for a dedicated monitor, and room for memory expansion.
The two samplers share the same core architecture — the same sampling engine, the same filter design, the same 12-bit converters, and the same disk format. Sound libraries created for one can be loaded into the other (within memory constraints). The primary differences are physical:
- Memory: The S-550 ships with 512 KB and supports expansion up to 2 MB. The S-330 has a fixed, smaller memory allocation.
- Video output: The S-550 includes a dedicated 8-pin DIN RGB output producing a color display at 640x200 resolution. The S-330 only has composite video (monochrome).
- Form factor: 2U vs. 1U rack space.
- Additional I/O: The S-550 includes more rear-panel connectivity options.
The S-550 Interface
Like all S-series devices, the S-550 was designed for mouse-driven graphical editing. Its RGB monitor output displays colorful menus, waveform editors, and envelope curves. Navigation uses the same MU-1 mouse or RC-100 remote controller as the S-330.
The S-550’s color display is a notable advantage over the S-330’s monochrome composite output. Parameter groups, selected items, and waveform data are color-coded, making complex editing sessions easier to follow.
Relationship to Other S-Series Devices
The S-550 sits at the center of the S-series ecosystem:
- Roland S-330 — the compact, affordable version of the same engine
- Roland S-770 — the next-generation 16-bit flagship that succeeded the S-series 12-bit line
- Roland W-30 — a sampling workstation that pairs the S-330/S-550 engine with a keyboard and sequencer
The S-550 and S-330 are functionally interchangeable for most sampling tasks. Users who need more memory or a color display choose the S-550; those prioritizing rack space and budget choose the S-330.
See Also
- Roland S-330 Overview — the compact sibling
- Roland S-770 Overview — the 16-bit successor
- Roland W-30 Overview — the workstation variant
- The Roland S-Series Samplers — history of the full product line
- S-330 Web Editor — free browser-based editor (S-330 compatible)