Roland SDE-2500
The Roland SDE-2500 is a MIDI-compatible digital delay from 1985. Modern Recording (August 1985, p.61) announced it as the first delay with MIDI compatibility aimed at both musicians and engineers. Up to 64 front-panel programs could be assigned to any of 128 MIDI program locations, which made it one of the earlier outboard effects you could recall from a MIDI system. Recording Engineer (April 1985, p.148) also noted that the unit could be interfaced with other MIDI equipment for automated outboard effects.
Delay time runs to 750 ms, with fine 0.1 ms increments from 0 to 10 ms and 1 ms steps above that. Frequency response is specified at 10 Hz to 17 kHz for delay times up to 375 ms. The audio path uses a 15-bit A/D/A converter. Modern Recording (November 1985, p.58) listed a 96 dB dynamic range, less than 0.05% THD, and an 84 dB S/N ratio. Recording Engineer quoted the same THD figure but gave the dynamic range more conservatively at 90 dB. The two press specs don't fully agree. Each of the 64 memories stores delay time, feedback, modulation depth and rate, plus the dry/delay balance.
Beyond those period mentions, documentation is thin. No owner's or service manual, production year range, or original price has surfaced in the usual archives. The 1985 press record confirms the following:
- Type: MIDI-compatible digital delay
- Max delay: 750 ms
- Delay increments: 0.1 ms (0–10 ms), 1 ms (above 10 ms)
- Frequency response: 10 Hz–17 kHz (up to 375 ms delay)
- A/D/A: 15-bit
- Dynamic range: 96 dB Modern Recording / 90 dB Recording Engineer
- THD: <0.05%; S/N: 84 dB
- Memories: 64 front-panel programs assignable to 128 MIDI locations
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