m5215tx wrote:

From what I understand it is the final version that was released of the CM-32L but works just like it. The case style looks a bit sleeker than the original CM-32L.

Does anyone know of any outstanding differences or improvements this version has over the original CM-32L?

AFAIK, the CM-32LN has the faster vibrato (same as the CM-500). This will result in certain instruments sounding a bit different when vibrato is used; Space Quest III intro for example.

Shponglefan wrote:

AFAIK, the CM-32LN has the faster vibrato (same as the CM-500). This will result in certain instruments sounding a bit different when vibrato is used; Space Quest III intro for example.

OK, then I should probably plan on keeping my MT-32 since I would assume it does not have this difference.

Now that I think about the MT-32, I wonder if the CM-32LN works as an original old version MT-32 or the newer revision? I know some games support one or the other. My MT-32 is the original older version so I would think the CM-32LN would likely work as the newer MT-32. That would be nice to have full MT-32 support coverage between the two.

Are there any members of this forum that own a CM-32LN?

Well, I own a CM64.. Not sure, though, if its internal CM32L is a CM-32LN type. 🙁

I have a couple of CM-32LNs.

The CM-32LN was designed to complement NEC's "98-Note" line of portable computers, hence its aesthetics, dimensions, lightweight build, and optional battery-powered functionality. It's the equivalent of an external LAPC-N, combining the same third-generation LA sound-source (as also found in the CM-500), and a full MPU-401N interface.

The CM-32LN can be directly connected to a 98-Note system via the 110-pin bus (through use of the corresponding adapter cable), allowing it to function both as an independent MIDI interface and synthesizer. Unless you have such a system, you'll want to concern yourself with just the "LA" MIDI IN/OUT ports for regular use otherwise.

Cloudschatze wrote:

you'll want to concern yourself with just the "LA" MIDI IN/OUT ports for regular use otherwise.

Thanks for that specific comment as I was not sure which set of MIDI inputs/outputs to use. I already have a Roland UM-ONE Mk2 USB MIDI cable so I am ready to go.

I noticed there is no MIDI thru on this unit. I have several MIDI sound modules that I am going to all connect together. All the others have MIDI thru except this one. Is the signal coming out of the LA MIDI OUT going to be unchanged so it's handled correctly by other MIDI sound modules?

My post office is holding the package for my CM-32LN so I will be getting it tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing it in action! 😁

It's always a treat to see Roland hardware in the stylistic context it was designed for. 😀 Consider the following image from a Japanese Roland advertisement on how the regular CM series was designed to fit in with the NEC PC-9801 series of computers, in particular the NEC PC-9801 RA/RX:

You're supposed to place it upright! 😉

Jo22 wrote:

Well, I own a CM64.. Not sure, though, if its internal CM32L is a CM-32LN type. 🙁

I have never seen a CM-64 with anything other than a normal CM-32L inside. What does the vibrato sound like?

m5215tx wrote:

I noticed there is no MIDI thru on this unit.

That's correct. You'll want to make the CM-32LN the last device in your chain.

NewRisingSun wrote:

You're supposed to place it upright! 😉

😁

Thank you Cloudschatze! You have been very helpful!!

Shponglefan wrote:

AFAIK, the CM-32LN has the faster vibrato (same as the CM-500). This will result in certain instruments sounding a bit different when vibrato is used; Space Quest III intro for example.

Wow, you were not kidding. The Space Quest III into sounds better on the MT-32 than it does on the CM-32LN. I wonder how common the vibrato issue comes up? All the other games I tested sounded great on the CM-32LN so hopefully this is a rare issue. In general the CM-32LN does seem to have a "cleaner" sound to it in comparison to my MT-32 so that is great. In spite of the vibrato difference, I am happy to have the CM-32LN.