To me, the xp50 is a JD-800 without all the knobs. Complex sound layering system, and a huge library of sounds to choose from are what make this and its sister (xp-60, xp-80, jv-1080, jv-2080) boards/modules so attractive. I do not like roland sample play back a whole lot, but the filters and the ability to customize and layer 4 sounds on top of each other really makes me like this synth. I find the effects to be a bit weak but useable. This in no way compares to the trinity. The trinity is a much better workstation. But this board has much more 3rd party sounds to choose from. Stock there are 4 banks 3 kool ones and a general midi. I find that there are a lot of sounds to choose from just stock. It has some analog sounds, but they sound way to digital and the filter helps but I would never pump bass sounds out of this thing. But for strings and acoustic type sounds it is really great. It does have some nice sweeps and sound effects that would fit in techno, industrial or ambient really well.

I find that if I pump more than 3 sounds out of this at once it sounds way to muddy so I never go above that at once. This synth also sounds bright. But I think the Trinity has it beats hands down sound wise. If you want to get a synth to start on I recommend the trinity, but if you pair the xp50 with with other synths it works great. Buy some of the add in sound cards, this makes it useable. Otherwise its just a decent sound module. Only having 1 midi drum track is a bummer. The trinity has way more drum power. But if you buy the techno or hip hop cards, the drum limitation disappears a bit. The poly is 64, but I find to make any sound sound good you must use 4 voices layered in 1 sound which kills your poly. Used on Fun With Knives.