The U-20 is described by Roland as a 'RS-PCM keyboard', where RS stands for ReSynthesized because the sound-engine can play back a modified version of stored PCM samples.

Nevertheless, sample playback can be slightly customized via editing its ADSR envelope and applying DSP effects, like reverb or chorus.

Editing sounds is limited and relatively complicated due to the small screen and menu layout.

Along with the JV series, this was also another Roland model that was plagued by the "red epoxy of death".

Roland Japan offered a recall repair on the keybed for a number of years, but has since ceased.