ROL File – What is .rol file and how to open it?
ROL File Extension
Ad Lib Synthesized Instrument – file format by N/A
ROL is a file extension for Ad Lib Synthesized Instrument files developed by N/A. It stores synthesizer patch data for use with the Ad Lib sound card. ROL files contain musical instrument definitions and can be loaded into an Ad Lib sound card to play back MIDI music.
What is a ROL File?
A ROL file is a music file that contains synthesized instrument data used by the Ad Lib sound card, a popular sound card for PCs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Ad Lib sound card was capable of producing high-quality music and sound effects, and ROL files were used to store the synthesized instrument data that the sound card would use to play music.
ROL files are typically small in size, as they only contain the instrument data and not the actual music data. The music data is stored in separate MIDI files, which are then played back using the instrument data contained in the ROL file. This allows for a more efficient use of memory and resources, as the same ROL file can be used to play back multiple MIDI files.
Opening ROL Files on Windows
To open a ROL file on Windows, you can use a software program called AdLib Player, which is a freeware music player that supports the playback of ROL files. Once you have downloaded and installed AdLib Player, you can simply double-click on a ROL file to open it in the program.
Additionally, you can use a hex editor such as HxD or Bless to view and edit the contents of a ROL file. This can be useful if you want to examine the structure of the file or make changes to its contents. However, it is important to note that editing a ROL file can damage the file and make it unplayable, so it is recommended to make a backup copy of the file before making any changes.
Opening ROL Files on Other Operating Systems
If you are using a Mac or Linux computer, you can use a software program called MilkyTracker to open and play ROL files. MilkyTracker is a free and open-source music tracker that supports the playback of a wide variety of music file formats, including ROL files.
Once you have downloaded and installed MilkyTracker, you can simply drag and drop a ROL file onto the program’s interface to open it. MilkyTracker will then load the file and allow you to play it back. You can also use MilkyTracker to edit the contents of a ROL file, but as with AdLib Player, it is important to make a backup copy of the file before making any changes.
Technical Details of ROL Files
ROL files contain synthesized instrument data for the Ad Lib sound card, an 8-bit audio device popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The format stores predefined waveforms, along with parameters controlling their pitch, duration, and envelope. ROL files allow users to create custom instrument sounds for use in music and sound effects within software applications and games that support the Ad Lib card.
Usage and Compatibility
ROL files are primarily associated with the Ad Lib Music Synthesizer Card (OPL2), which was included in many IBM-compatible personal computers. The format became less common with the advent of newer sound technologies, such as Sound Blaster and Yamaha OPL3. However, ROL files remain compatible with software that emulates the Ad Lib card, enabling users to access and utilize these classic instrument sounds in modern systems. Music and audio enthusiasts may also use ROL files for archival purposes, preserving the soundscapes of retro games and applications that relied on the Ad Lib sound card.