Tone Explorer is an exciting new Roland AI application, available as a technology preview for Roland fans to try. In this interview with the Tone Explorer project leader, Kazuyoshi Sasamori, learn about the concept, the challenges the team faced, and what might come next from Roland Future Design Lab.
Sasamori-san, please tell us about your background. When and why did you join Roland? What jobs have you had? What is your strongest memory or greatest achievement so far?
I joined Roland in 2001, driven by my passion for creating synthesizers and my love for electronic music. I studied digital signal processing at university, which laid the foundation for my career here. Over the years, I’ve held various roles, including hardware engineer, sound system designer, and synthesizer product manager. One of my most memorable achievements was working on the sound system for the V-Piano Grand. However, my greatest accomplishment has been contributing to the development of iconic instruments like the JUNO-DS, RD-2000, and FANTOM/FANTOM-0.
"Initially, I didn't realize it was AI, but once I understood its potential to solve problems beyond traditional algorithms and programming, I was captivated by its possibilities."
How did you become interested in studying the creative possibilities of AI?
My interest in AI sparked when smartphones began incorporating it to provide convenient assistance. Initially, I didn’t realize it was AI, but once I understood its potential to solve problems beyond traditional algorithms and programming, I was captivated by its possibilities.
Where did the idea for Tone Explorer come from?
As a synthesizer product manager, I often interacted with customers who found it challenging to choose sounds. Many admitted they hadn’t explored all the sounds their instruments could produce and struggled with selection. This feedback was the catalyst for Tone Explorer.
What is unique about Tone Explorer?
Tone Explorer enables users to discover unexpected sound combinations. While typical sounds are always available for any given phrase, there are also excellent but unconventional combinations. Previously, finding these relied on chance or experience, but Tone Explorer makes these discoveries more accessible. I often find myself surprised by sounds I didn’t know existed, and encountering results beyond my imagination is always a delightful experience.
Tone Explorer does not use Generative AI. Can you explain how the AI works in simple terms?
Tone Explorer learns the correlation between phrases and sound characteristics. It then suggests sounds based on that learned correlation for new phrases. Users select from these suggestions, making the process different from generative AI, which creates outputs from inputs. The results vary depending on who is making the selections, which is a significant difference.
"Tone Explorer learns the correlation between phrases and sound characteristics. It then suggests sounds based on that learned correlation for new phrases."
Were there any challenges in developing Tone Explorer, and how did you solve them?
One of the main challenges was figuring out how to develop the system and gather the necessary data. Collaborating with Qosmo opened new possibilities, and Roland’s new openness to partnership provided great support. We decided to utilize our ZEN-Core synthesizer sound library, collecting and processing associated Roland data. Personally, it was a challenge for me to write the underlying data processing program.
What was it like to work with Qosmo in the development of Tone Explorer?
It was truly rewarding to focus on delivering value to our customers. Through careful and repeated discussions about the meaning and purpose, we were able to achieve something very special together. Qosmo is a company that believes in and explores how humans can use AI to generate new creativity. Since they shared our perspective, we were able to focus on human-centered development.
The interface for Tone Explorer is unique. Where did the idea come from?
We developed it through discussions with Qosmo. We questioned whether it would be more convenient for users who struggle to choose sounds if the system selected them instead. Being chosen is convenient, but preferences and requirements vary from person to person. Therefore, we presented options and made it easy to select from a certain range. Considering that some people might want to explore deeper, we also created a screen where everything is accessible. Through various opinions, use case considerations, and simulations, the interface took shape. I believe it has become something that can be chosen for various situations, taking into consideration colors and shapes as well.
You recently demonstrated Tone Explorer at the Audio Developer Conference in Bristol. How did people react to it, and did anything surprise you?
It was a very positive experience. Many attendees were amazed at how easily they could find sounds that matched their performance phrases. People also enjoyed discovering unexpected tones and gaining new inspiration. Even those who initially thought they didn’t need something like Tone Explorer found it surprisingly convenient once they tried it. The feedback we received was very honest and often quite specific, which was both unique to ADC and a pleasant surprise.
"Through various opinions, use case considerations, and simulations, the interface took shape."
What are you thinking about next?
While we can’t discuss any details, we imagine an almost endless list of opportunities where AI can enhance and empower human creativity but not replace it. Tone Explorer is the first step, but there will be many more technology previews coming from Roland Future Design Lab.
Try Tone Explorer today
Get a glimpse of the future while helping shape it. If you’re currently a Roland Cloud Ultimate member, you already have everything you need to get started.
Tone Explorer Installation Guide
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Get Started With Tone Explorer (for non-Roland Cloud Ultimate Members)
Providing Feedback to Roland
Roland provides support and accepts feedback for Tone Explorer using a private Discord server managed by Roland Future Design Lab. You will receive an invitation to this after signing up.
Please note that we do not accept feedback from sources other than the dedicated Discord, such as our customer support webforms.
System Requirements
Tone Explorer* requires the latest version of the Google Chrome web browser (macOS or Windows).
* Tone Explorer is a web application running on a web browser on macOS and Windows. Google Chrome is confirmed to work. No other browser is supported for this technology preview.
* Tone Explorer works in combination with GALAXIAS and with ZENOLOGY. Please also check their system requirements.
