The instrument
The Roland E-20 Intelligent Synthesizer was introduced by Roland in 1987 in the first E series with the E-5 and E-10 as well as the Pro-E Intelligent Arranger. The instruments use the LA linear arithmetic synthesis system, which is also used in the Roland MT-32 sound module. It offered high-quality sounds, drum patterns and backings for the amateur keyboardist. The E-5 and E-10 were scaled-down versions. The improved E-30 came onto the market in 1990. The RA-50 Realtime Arranger is a modular version.
Details
The E-20 features a 61-voice keyboard, a built-in sequencer, a wide range of sounds including strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion, auto-accompaniment, a built-in arpeggiator, sound shaping functions, numerous effects including chorus, flanger and delay, as well as a MIDI interface and built-in speakers.