The Details
The Roland S-550 is a powerful 12-bit rackmount sampler that built on the foundation of the S-50, introducing enhanced hardware features, an expanded memory capacity, and real-time control that made it a standout in late-'80s sampling technology. With 16-voice polyphony, multitimbral performance, and the ability to load and manipulate samples via mouse and external CRT monitor, the S-550 remains a cult classic for producers who love hands-on sampling and hardware workflow.
It offers 8 individual outputs, time-variant filters with resonance, and a flexible voice assignment system – all wrapped in a system that’s still surprisingly intuitive with the right monitor and mouse setup. Additional features include sample mixing, truncating, crossfade looping, and graphical waveform editing. The S-550 also introduced the ability to process and preview real-time memory sampling with a pre-buffer – making it easier to capture audio on the fly.
This pre-owned unit is fully tested and in good working order. It's ideal for anyone seeking that gritty, characterful sampling sound of the late '80s and early '90s – especially fans of hardware-based editing and sequencing.
Key Features
- 12-bit digital sampler with CRT/mouse-based editing
- 16-voice polyphony with up to 8-part multitimbrality
- Sample rates: 30kHz and 15kHz
- Up to 28.8 seconds of sample memory (at 30kHz)
- 8 individual outputs + 1 mix out (all polyphonic)
- Time-variant digital low-pass filters with resonance
- Graphical editing: loop, truncate, mix, filter, draw waves
- Disk-based OS with support for updates and S-50 disks
Additional Information
Condition: 6/10. This comes with a 220v Internal PSU - IEC 2 PIN.
Weight: TBC
Warranty: 90 days
The Essentials
- Brand: Roland
- Model Number: S-550
- Mo's Secret Code: P256268