After a few online sneaks, Roland has officially debuted their new SYSTEM-1m semi-modular synthesizer with their proprietary PLUG-OUT capability and a design that can be used as a Eurorack module, tabletop synth, or 19″ rackmount unit. In addition to being a standalone instrument, the SYSTEM-1m has external inputs and an array of CV/Gate connections that allow it to be re-patched and to interface with other modular synthesizer systems. The SYSTEM-1m’s CV/Gate connections combined with its ability to load classic Roland PLUG-OUT synth models like the SH-101 and PROMARS.
This must be quite an exciting time for employees at Roland. The Japanese concern had many lean years prior to the Aira lineup with the public lackluster response to many of their products, which lead to dramatic layoffs and other cost-cutting measures. Aira allowed Roland to grab some of their mojo back and introduce new technology that aimed to combine their legacy products while pushing into new audio technology.
Each Aria model utilizes Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB), a new technology that aims to provide the authentic sound and responsive behavior of analog, but with digital technology. With the TR-8 and TB-3 for example, it recreated these classic products by analyzing each analog circuit, and them emulating them with ACB. Of course analog purists poo-poo’d the concept, but Roland’s new approach not only provided a convincing emulation of these legacy products, but they did so at an accessible price point.
With the new System-1m, Roland is moving into new territory by expanding the ACB concept into new realms. The SYSTEM-1m can be placed in a rack or on a table and can be powered by a standard AC adaptor. And it can be played from any standard MIDI keyboard or receive MIDI messages from your DAW. Roland aimed to furnish the “feel” of a module, but in an accessible package, which allows users to get to business in short order.
Features:
» Semi-modular synthesizer with PLUG-OUT capability
» 19 color-coded CV/Gate and audio connections with LED lighting
» 84 HP Eurorack, tabletop and 19” rack compatible using AC adaptor or Eurorack power
» Versatile oscillators with six waveforms, Crossmod, Ring Mod, Sync and Color control
» All parameters controlled with high-resolution knobs and sliders with LED indicators
» External input for processing external signals through filter, amp and FX section
» -12 dB and -24 dB filter types with independent high-pass filters
» Integrated tone, crusher, reverb and delay effects
» Tempo syncing for LFO and delay
» 24-bit/96kHz audio and MIDI interface
» AIRA Link for easy connection to MX-1 Mix Performer
» Includes rackmount adapter and braided patch cables
Roland claims the SYSTEM-1m is a powerful instrument based on our more than 40 years of experience in designing synthesizers, and capable of a wide range of synth tones, from glistening arps to thunderous basses. The SYSTEM-1m goes beyond standard synthesizer modules with several innovative features. With the back-lit, color-coded patch points, you can experiment with reconfiguring its architecture and easily connect to many available synthesizer modules. In addition to functioning as a rackmount or tabletop unit, the SYSTEM-1m can be mounted in a standard Eurorack case and can be powered via integrated case power with the included adapter cable.
With the SYSTEM-1m’s array of high-resolution knobs and sliders you can load PLUG-OUT synths directly into the SYSTEM-1m and switch between the internal synthesizer architecture and one of a growing number of PLUG-OUT Roland classics, like the SH-101, SH-2 and PROMARS – with no computer required.
While it provides a huge amount of synthesis power on its own, interconnecting the SYSTEM-1m with other modular gear creates a vast range of sonic possibilities. Its oscillator section, filters and envelopes will add to any modular setup, but the unit’s combination of CV/Gate modularity, PLUG-OUT, and DAW integration that takes things into completely new territory. For example, load the SH-101 PLUG-OUT into the SYSTEM-1m and you essentially have a hardware SH-101 with modular capabilities, a whole new dimension. You can process external sources through the SH-101s filters, or load the SH-2 PLUG-OUT and use its oscillator section to drive any number of available Eurorack filters and envelopes.
Roland Modules
Torcido
Features:
» Classic Roland distortion sound
» CV/Gate parameter control including distortion amount, tone and tube warmth
» Tabletop unit or 21 HP Eurorack module using AC adaptor or Eurorack power
» 24-bit “GRF” knobs with over 16 million steps of resolution
» Re-programmable via Mac, PC, iOS, Android application
» 15 patchable submodules, expandable with free updates
» 2 inputs and 2 outputs with dual-mono or stereo capability
» AIRA Link compatible
» 24bit/96kHz audio interface
» Carefully crafted in Japan
» Includes braided patch cables
Torcido can produce tones ranging from gentle, warm overdrive to heavy distortion. Using the large, high-resolution knobs, or standard 1/8″ patch cables, you can independently control the distortion amount, tone, tube warmth, wet/dry signal, low-end boost and signal bypass. Both the distortion amount and tone parameters have input level controls for adjusting the modulation range when controlled from an external source. Two inputs and two outputs make Torcido a stereo-capable, 24bit/96kHz audio interface for Eurorack systems and the built-in AIRA Link USB compatibility gives it single-cable, plug and play connectivity with the MX-1 Mix Performer.
You can fully customize Torcido’s internal signal path by re-patching its array of virtual sub-modules via a custom application that works on Mac and PC as well as iOS and Android devices. Submodules are re-patched through a simple and intuitive drag and drop interface that even lets you choose which parameters are assigned to the high-resolution GRF knobs. You can reprogram Torcido in realtime via USB connection or save and recall patches with a simple audio signal. You can even share patches with other Torcido users. Torcido includes 15 virtual sub-modules with more available through future expansion: LFO, ADSR, NOISE, SAMPLE & HOLD, RING MOD, FILTER 6dB, FILTER 12dB, TONE, AMP, MIXER, STEREO MIXER, CURVE CONV, GATE DIVIDER, TRIG TO CV DELAY TIME, MIDI CLOCK TO GATE.
Bitrazer
Features:
» Intense bit and sample rate destruction
» CV/Gate parameter control including sample rate, bit depth, and filter
» Tabletop unit or 21 HP Eurorack module using AC adaptor or Eurorack power
» 24-bit knobs with over 16 million steps of resolution
» Re-programmable via Mac, PC, iOS, Android application
» 15 patchable submodules, expandable with free updates
» 2 inputs and 2 outputs with dual-mono or stereo capability
» AIRA Link compatible
» 24bit/96kHz audio interface
» Carefully crafted in Japan
» Includes braided patch cables
Bitrazer is an intense bit and sample rate crusher effect that can add edgy character or create total sonic mayhem. Using the large comfortable controls or standard 1/8″ patch cables, you can independently control the sample rate, filter type, cutoff, resonance, bit depth, and signal bypass. Both the sample rate and filter cutoff parameters have input level controls for adjusting the modulation range when controlled from an external source. Two inputs and two outputs make Bitrazer a stereo-capable, 24bit/96kHz audio interface for Eurorack systems and AIRA Link USB compatibility gives it single-cable, plug and play connectivity with the MX-1 Mix Performer.
Demora
Features:
» High-resolution, ultra-smooth delay effect
» Huge delay range from 20 microseconds to 10 seconds
» CV/Gate parameter control including delay time, feedback and width
» Tabletop unit or 21 HP Eurorack module using AC adaptor or Eurorack power
» 24-bit knobs with over 16 million steps of resolution
» Re-programmable via Mac, PC, iOS, Android application
» 15 patchable submodules, expandable with free updates
» 2 inputs and 2 outputs with dual-mono or stereo capability
» AIRA Link compatible
» 24bit/96kHz audio interface
» Includes braided patch cables
Demora is an all new delay algorithm with a smooth, creamy sound and quick response that is as fun to tweak as it is to hear. With the massive range of delay times and buffer hold function you can create anything from ultra-subtle widening to dramatic rhythmic effects. Using the large comfortable controls or standard 1/8″ patch cables, you can independently control the delay time, feedback, width, wet/dry signal, delay hold and signal bypass. Both the delay time and feedback parameters have input level controls for adjusting the modulation range when controlled from an external source. Two inputs and two outputs make DEMORA a stereo-capable, 24bit/96kHz audio interface for Eurorack systems and AIRA Link USB compatibility gives it single-cable, plug and play connectivity with the MX-1 Mix Performer.
Scooper
Features:
Single-pass looper with dramatic Scatter effects
CV/Gate parameter control including Scatter depth/type, pitch, and filter
Tabletop unit or 21 HP Eurorack module using AC adaptor or Eurorack power
24-bit knobs with over 16 million steps of resolution
Re-programmable via Mac, PC, iOS, Android application
15 patchable submodules, expandable with free updates
2 inputs and 2 outputs with dual-mono or stereo capability
AIRA Link compatible
24bit/96kHz audio interface
Carefully crafted in Japan
Includes braided patch cables
Both the Scatter Depth and Scatter Type parameters have input level controls for adjusting the modulation range when controlled from an external source. Two inputs and two outputs make Scooper a stereo-capable, 24bit/96kHz audio interface for Eurorack systems, and AIRA Link USB compatibility gives it single-cable, plug and play connectivity with the MX-1 Mix Performer.
In addition to the System-1m, Roland has also debuted five new analog eurorack modules for the System 100M. Roland partnered with modular manufacturer Malekko Heavy Industries to create the 512 Dual VCO, 530 DUAL VCA, 521 Dual Envelope/LFO, 540 Dual Filter and 572 Dual effect. Not mot much information on these new puppies, since Roland just handed them out at Messe for demos, but we’ll let you know more information as we learn more.
Roland’s new System-1m and the Torcido, Bitrazer, Demora and Scooper modules are expected to arrive by the end of the summer. Modules are reported to be about $300 each.
