This is how much the world has changed: we aren’t just talking the resurgent, enduring synthesizer. Nor are we talking about retro reissues. We aren’t even talking the return of analog control voltage.
We’re uttering “Roland” and “Eurorack” in the same breath.
Roland has taken the wraps off their AIRA modular plans, and they’re extensive. Make no mistake, this is still AIRA, and it’s still Roland – these are devices that look and sound like the AIRA series. That is an obvious point of differentiation for the boutique makers, the sometimes one-person manufacturers, and the uniqueness of what they produce. But we’ll have to see what the impact of Roland is on that market. What we know right now is that a big player is acknowledging the world those small makers have forged over the past couple of decades.
You can use the AIRA modulars on a tabletop – you don’t even need to rack mount them. But if you do care about Eurorack, everything they’re unveiling today can be mounted in a Eurorack setup. One mass-produced product can sit next to something that was part of a run of 50 built by hand by one guy in his kitchen.
Let’s look at the lineup.
First, there’s the SYSTEM-1m. As I noted before, Roland has already built a modular that centered around a single, all-in-one synth – the System-100, with the Synthesizer-101 at its core. That is in fact exactly the approach Roland took here. The SYSTEM-1m starts as the AIRA SYSTEM-1, so it is really a capable monosynth before you patch anything.
The “m” in “1m” is meaningful, however. There are some 19 CV/gate and audio connections added to the original SYSTEM-1. They’re color-coded with lights to make them easier to patch. (Okay, I know what is first on my videography list this week.)
“We’re gonna need a bigger rack.” Yes, that’s a whopping 84 HP Eurorack this will take up, but you can use Eurorack power.
“Euro-what? Garsh darn it I ain’t usin’t none uh that Euuuro crap with their cappuccinos and their trams and callin’ soccer football — uh, I have no idea why that would be useful to me, sorry.” Okay, fine. No problem. Plug in standard AC power and stick this in a 19″ rack.
And there’s also AIRA Link for connecting this to the MX-1 performance mixer we saw at NAMM, because it wouldn’t be a Roland product if there weren’t a half dozen brand-name gizmos to talk about.
But this is all interesting. The SYSTEM-1 already had a surprisingly unique synth engine inside, capable of some unruly sounds. PLUG-OUT got off to a funky start with compatibility issues, but it has slowly added other synth models like the PRO MARS or the classic SH-101. That feature of course is troll bait for digital haters who call all the new Roland stuff a plug-in with knobs. But I expect for others, it’s a big selling point. And even without that, the SYSTEM-1 was a reasonable enough synth that this is worth a look.
Oh, and it’s a module that also has audio and MIDI interface built in, so it’s friendly to newcomers.
http://www.roland.com/products/system-1m/
The AIRA Modules
Not content with that, you also get AIRA effects modules. They’re digital, but they have 24-bit knobs. You can use them as a tabletop effect, or 21 HP Eurorack module using either an AC adapter or power via your Eurorack. And they appear to be based on the same modeling technology in the rest of the AIRA line.
Because they’re digital, they can also receive software updates, though it’s not clear yet how Roland intend to use that. You can also re-program them via desktop (OS X or Windows), or mobile (iOS or Android) application – need to find out what that means, too.
Another surprise: they’re “carefully crafted in Japan.” I’m assuming that’s just where the housing is added, but given how much manufacturing has been off-shored by the big players, that’s still a step back to where we came from.
BITRAZER is a “bit and sample rate destruction” – a decimator effect.
http://www.roland.com/products/bitrazer/
DEMORA is a high-resolution delay, boasting a time range of 20 microseconds to 10 seconds, with delay time, feedback and width.
http://www.roland.com/products/demora/
SCOOPER is a “scatter” effect in a modular. Now, unlike that delay, this is maybe the one I’m least interested in, personally, just because I found some of Roland’s “scattering” on AIRA to be a bit unconvincing. But part of the problem was the absence of controls. Maybe they’ve made this something other than an instant-EDM effect; I’ll keep an open mind.
http://www.roland.com/products/scooper/
TORCIDO is a distortion. Here, they also hope you’ll consider buying it even if you’re not building weird sound designs in your basement on your modular, with an appeal to “keyboard players, guitarists, DJs or any adventurous musician looking to expand their sound.”
Sound – yes, we need to hear how it sounds.
http://www.roland.com/products/torcido/
And the Reissues – Roland is Going Analog
Okay, now having just baited anyone complaining about modeling, complaining about digital, complaining about toys – indeed, generally complaining about Roland …
To anyone who claimed Roland would never go analog, you’re wrong.
The update about which we have the least information is also the most interesting. Roland is doing a new Eurorack analog system based on their previous models, and it uses analog circuitry rather than the digital modeling business.
From the AIRA site:
Roland is also pleased to announce the development of the SYSTEM-500, an all-new, fully analog modular synthesizer based on two of the most revered electronic instruments of all time—the SYSTEM-700 and SYSTEM-100m. Designed exclusively for Eurorack, the SYSTEM-500 delivers classic Roland sound with all the advantages and reliability of a modern instrument.
So there you have it.
Any betting readers out there, if you had the foresight to bet against KORG and on Roland doing the first modular, you just hit the jackpot. I hope you’re buying dinner for us in Frankfurt.
We’ll try to reach the Roland folks.
And I have something special in mind for a review. Stay tuned to CDM.
http://www.roland.com/aira/airamodular/
Hardware is the new software: Ubiquitous, inexpensive and available to everyone.
One way to look at it was that around 2008-2009, we had the arrival of the social internet. With the coming of Soundcloud, professional musicians were swapped by the arrival of producers making similar music to them. It was a level playing field with no gate keepers. As the title of the book went “Here comes everybody”.
A trend emerged where some producers, looking for a differentiator from the masses, retreated into limited supply analog hardware. Resident Advisor did the studio tours with the analog hardware front and centre. Our techno/house is more authentic than your techno/house because we use original analog hardware, even if at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon no one in Berghain could tell the difference or even care for that matter. The question was asked 1000 times: “Do you make music? Yes. Do you use hardware or software?”
Now that rug has been pulled from under the scene again and it’s back to the drawing board. How will an artist differentiate themselves? Hopefully it will be creativity and I think in a small group of forward thinking younger musicians it is happening already.
Give it 5 years and we will all have moved on to the next trend and analog hardware will be once again sitting in pawn shops unwanted.
I’ve just bought my DX7 while they’re still cheap…
Play with the instrument you love using and, that’s pretty much it….
If you’re right, I’ll be happy!
Hardware is the new software: Ubiquitous, inexpensive and available to everyone.
One way to look at it was that around 2008-2009, we had the arrival of the social internet. With the coming of Soundcloud, professional musicians were swapped by the arrival of producers making similar music to them. It was a level playing field with no gate keepers. As the title of the book went “Here comes everybody”.
A trend emerged where some producers, looking for a differentiator from the masses, retreated into limited supply analog hardware. Resident Advisor did the studio tours with the analog hardware front and centre. Our techno/house is more authentic than your techno/house because we use original analog hardware, even if at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon no one in Berghain could tell the difference or even care for that matter. The question was asked 1000 times: “Do you make music? Yes. Do you use hardware or software?”
Now that rug has been pulled from under the scene again and it’s back to the drawing board. How will an artist differentiate themselves? Hopefully it will be creativity and I think in a small group of forward thinking younger musicians it is happening already.
Give it 5 years and we will all have moved on to the next trend and analog hardware will be once again sitting in pawn shops unwanted.
I’ve just bought my DX7 while they’re still cheap…
Play with the instrument you love using and, that’s pretty much it….
If you’re right, I’ll be happy!
Hardware is the new software: Ubiquitous, inexpensive and available to everyone.
One way to look at it was that around 2008-2009, we had the arrival of the social internet. With the coming of Soundcloud, professional musicians were swapped by the arrival of producers making similar music to them. It was a level playing field with no gate keepers. As the title of the book went “Here comes everybody”.
A trend emerged where some producers, looking for a differentiator from the masses, retreated into limited supply analog hardware. Resident Advisor did the studio tours with the analog hardware front and centre. Our techno/house is more authentic than your techno/house because we use original analog hardware, even if at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon no one in Berghain could tell the difference or even care for that matter. The question was asked 1000 times: “Do you make music? Yes. Do you use hardware or software?”
Now that rug has been pulled from under the scene again and it’s back to the drawing board. How will an artist differentiate themselves? Hopefully it will be creativity and I think in a small group of forward thinking younger musicians it is happening already.
Give it 5 years and we will all have moved on to the next trend and analog hardware will be once again sitting in pawn shops unwanted.
I’ve just bought my DX7 while they’re still cheap…
Play with the instrument you love using and, that’s pretty much it….
If you’re right, I’ll be happy!
I think this is wicked. System 1m, a chameleonic DSP semi-modular which you can twiddle with the rest of your system, that’s way more interesting than it was as just a standalone MIDI/USB keyboard to me.
Although I’m not so excited by the effects – the price seems a bit steep when of course they’re all exactly the same hardware with different silkscreening on them, I’d be more excited with one unit that can become different effects with the funky iPhone/Computer editor.
However, System 500, holy fuck. Unbelieveable. But interesting to see the Malekko logo on the bottom of them, seems like Roland needed a hand. Would be intrigued to know more about what’s the working relationship there – how authentic they are etc, what access has been given to the original circuits, who’s actually making them. etc.
I think this is wicked. System 1m, a chameleonic DSP semi-modular which you can twiddle with the rest of your system, that’s way more interesting than it was as just a standalone MIDI/USB keyboard to me.
Although I’m not so excited by the effects – the price seems a bit steep when of course they’re all exactly the same hardware with different silkscreening on them, I’d be more excited with one unit that can become different effects with the funky iPhone/Computer editor.
However, System 500, holy fuck. Unbelieveable. But interesting to see the Malekko logo on the bottom of them, seems like Roland needed a hand. Would be intrigued to know more about what’s the working relationship there – how authentic they are etc, what access has been given to the original circuits, who’s actually making them. etc.
I think this is wicked. System 1m, a chameleonic DSP semi-modular which you can twiddle with the rest of your system, that’s way more interesting than it was as just a standalone MIDI/USB keyboard to me.
Although I’m not so excited by the effects – the price seems a bit steep when of course they’re all exactly the same hardware with different silkscreening on them, I’d be more excited with one unit that can become different effects with the funky iPhone/Computer editor.
However, System 500, holy fuck. Unbelieveable. But interesting to see the Malekko logo on the bottom of them, seems like Roland needed a hand. Would be intrigued to know more about what’s the working relationship there – how authentic they are etc, what access has been given to the original circuits, who’s actually making them. etc.
I am blown away by how much Roland have turned around over the past 24 months. I bought a second-hand JD-800 last year at great expense because I couldn’t find any modern keyboards that matched it, and now they bring out the JD-XA. Then, to top it off, they announce the System 500. I haven’t been this excited about synths since the 1980’s. Welcome back Roland!
I am blown away by how much Roland have turned around over the past 24 months. I bought a second-hand JD-800 last year at great expense because I couldn’t find any modern keyboards that matched it, and now they bring out the JD-XA. Then, to top it off, they announce the System 500. I haven’t been this excited about synths since the 1980’s. Welcome back Roland!
I am blown away by how much Roland have turned around over the past 24 months. I bought a second-hand JD-800 last year at great expense because I couldn’t find any modern keyboards that matched it, and now they bring out the JD-XA. Then, to top it off, they announce the System 500. I haven’t been this excited about synths since the 1980’s. Welcome back Roland!
System-1M is a loads of bang for the buck if one has some eurorack and SH-101 and SH-2 plugins like i happen to have 🙂
I love both SH-101 and SH-2 plugins and been wanting desktop version of System1 to control those. So i get that PLUS it gives me all those extra eurorack “modules” to play with my little eurorack. It’s 2 o/c’s, LFO, 2 Envs, Filter.
And in addition i can take to gigs in backpack with 128 sounds loaded in. Only downside is that you can have only one plug out loaded at one time. Maybe they will release App for it 😀
500 modules are meh. In euroland there is plenty of analog osc’s and filters already. Aira modules can be great depending how the modular app thing works. Guy in the video didn’t explain how it actually works. Can i transform delay in to env generator or does the env modulate the delay. If you can’t replace the core function with the virtual modules then it’s meh and they should just release blank module where you can design what you want it to do.
‘And in addition i can take to gigs in backpack with 128 sounds loaded in.’
Where do you see that please? I think it still has the 8 sounds… from the specs:
Maximum Polyphony 4 voices (SYSTEM-1m Mode)User Memory 8
They released 1.2 update today:
You asked for more preset banks? Now you have them! The new Version 1.20 update gives you 64 banks instead of 8.
PLUS… six new waveforms!
● NOISE SAW: A sawtooth wave with movement similar to an analog circuit. Ideal for making fat sounds.
● LOGIC OPERATION: A waveform that uses a logic circuit to combine multiple waveforms.
● FM: A frequency-modulated waveform.
● FM + SYNC: Syncs a frequency-modulated waveform to the OSC pitch to produce a scale.
● VOWEL: A waveform similar to human voice.
● CB: A metallic one-shot sound.
Just to be clear: it’s 8 banks, not 64 . 🙂 64 total preset positions (8×8).
Still Waay better the Just the 8 per
🙂
Absolutely. Just trying to clear up what you get 64 of.
I don’t have one but one system 1 owner said that it’s 64 for system1 and 64 for plugout totalling 128.
Unfortunately I don’t recognise the difference after updating to 1.20.. Is there a guide that tells more? Because on the system-1 panel there are the fixed waveforms are some of them replaced? How do I get to the new waveforms of version 1.20..?
Each Module is Function specific – It’s core function is it’s core function – But the Signal Path within that core Function is what is programmable via the internal modules (you get:
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) so with those you can internally reroute and customize how your module works. So, many people may have a Demora but your’s will be truly your own. (Or Somebody elses! since you can share the programs you make) Nobody else that I know of is doing that, and it I think it certainly rates more than a “Meh” 😉
System-1M is a loads of bang for the buck if one has some eurorack and SH-101 and SH-2 plugins like i happen to have 🙂
I love both SH-101 and SH-2 plugins and been wanting desktop version of System1 to control those. So i get that PLUS it gives me all those extra eurorack “modules” to play with my little eurorack. It’s 2 o/c’s, LFO, 2 Envs, Filter.
And in addition i can take to gigs in backpack with 128 sounds loaded in. Only downside is that you can have only one plug out loaded at one time. Maybe they will release App for it 😀
500 modules are meh. In euroland there is plenty of analog osc’s and filters already. Aira modules can be great depending how the modular app thing works. Guy in the video didn’t explain how it actually works. Can i transform delay in to env generator or does the env modulate the delay. If you can’t replace the core function with the virtual modules then it’s meh and they should just release blank module where you can design what you want it to do.
‘And in addition i can take to gigs in backpack with 128 sounds loaded in.’
Where do you see that please? I think it still has the 8 sounds… from the specs:
Maximum Polyphony 4 voices (SYSTEM-1m Mode)User Memory 8
They released 1.2 update today:
You asked for more preset banks? Now you have them! The new Version 1.20 update gives you 64 banks instead of 8.
PLUS… six new waveforms!
● NOISE SAW: A sawtooth wave with movement similar to an analog circuit. Ideal for making fat sounds.
● LOGIC OPERATION: A waveform that uses a logic circuit to combine multiple waveforms.
● FM: A frequency-modulated waveform.
● FM + SYNC: Syncs a frequency-modulated waveform to the OSC pitch to produce a scale.
● VOWEL: A waveform similar to human voice.
● CB: A metallic one-shot sound.
Just to be clear: it’s 8 banks, not 64 . 🙂 64 total preset positions (8×8).
Still Waay better the Just the 8 per
🙂
Absolutely. Just trying to clear up what you get 64 of.
I don’t have one but one system 1 owner said that it’s 64 for system1 and 64 for plugout totalling 128.
Unfortunately I don’t recognise the difference after updating to 1.20.. Is there a guide that tells more? Because on the system-1 panel there are the fixed waveforms are some of them replaced? How do I get to the new waveforms of version 1.20..?
Each Module is Function specific – It’s core function is it’s core function – But the Signal Path within that core Function is what is programmable via the internal modules (you get:
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) so with those you can internally reroute and customize how your module works. So, many people may have a Demora but your’s will be truly your own. (Or Somebody elses! since you can share the programs you make) Nobody else that I know of is doing that, and it I think it certainly rates more than a “Meh” 😉
System-1M is a loads of bang for the buck if one has some eurorack and SH-101 and SH-2 plugins like i happen to have 🙂
I love both SH-101 and SH-2 plugins and been wanting desktop version of System1 to control those. So i get that PLUS it gives me all those extra eurorack “modules” to play with my little eurorack. It’s 2 o/c’s, LFO, 2 Envs, Filter.
And in addition i can take to gigs in backpack with 128 sounds loaded in. Only downside is that you can have only one plug out loaded at one time. Maybe they will release App for it 😀
500 modules are meh. In euroland there is plenty of analog osc’s and filters already. Aira modules can be great depending how the modular app thing works. Guy in the video didn’t explain how it actually works. Can i transform delay in to env generator or does the env modulate the delay. If you can’t replace the core function with the virtual modules then it’s meh and they should just release blank module where you can design what you want it to do.
‘And in addition i can take to gigs in backpack with 128 sounds loaded in.’
Where do you see that please? I think it still has the 8 sounds… from the specs:
Maximum Polyphony 4 voices (SYSTEM-1m Mode)User Memory 8
They released 1.2 update today:
You asked for more preset banks? Now you have them! The new Version 1.20 update gives you 64 banks instead of 8.
PLUS… six new waveforms!
● NOISE SAW: A sawtooth wave with movement similar to an analog circuit. Ideal for making fat sounds.
● LOGIC OPERATION: A waveform that uses a logic circuit to combine multiple waveforms.
● FM: A frequency-modulated waveform.
● FM + SYNC: Syncs a frequency-modulated waveform to the OSC pitch to produce a scale.
● VOWEL: A waveform similar to human voice.
● CB: A metallic one-shot sound.
Just to be clear: it’s 8 banks, not 64 . 🙂 64 total preset positions (8×8).
Still Waay better the Just the 8 per
🙂
Absolutely. Just trying to clear up what you get 64 of.
I don’t have one but one system 1 owner said that it’s 64 for system1 and 64 for plugout totalling 128.
Unfortunately I don’t recognise the difference after updating to 1.20.. Is there a guide that tells more? Because on the system-1 panel there are the fixed waveforms are some of them replaced? How do I get to the new waveforms of version 1.20..?
Each Module is Function specific – It’s core function is it’s core function – But the Signal Path within that core Function is what is programmable via the internal modules (you get:
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) so with those you can internally reroute and customize how your module works. So, many people may have a Demora but your’s will be truly your own. (Or Somebody elses! since you can share the programs you make) Nobody else that I know of is doing that, and it I think it certainly rates more than a “Meh” 😉
Is there really no sync or Demora?
Is there really no sync or Demora?
Is there really no sync or Demora?
Really curious about the Demora . . . not being familiar w/ modular stuff, are there comparable modular delays out there that can be used tabletop?
Really curious about the Demora . . . not being familiar w/ modular stuff, are there comparable modular delays out there that can be used tabletop?
Really curious about the Demora . . . not being familiar w/ modular stuff, are there comparable modular delays out there that can be used tabletop?
Did anyone else notice the Malekko logo on the 500 series modules?
Did anyone else notice the Malekko logo on the 500 series modules?
Did anyone else notice the Malekko logo on the 500 series modules?
Hey Peter, just letting you know that the Scooper while it is a “scatter” Module, at its heart is a Sampler, that captures audio and let you mess with it- or use the recorded audio to mess with other stuff (IIRC). During AIRAHOUSE this was actually of my Faves.
These boxes are programmable you add in the 15 Internal Modules that you can use to reconfigure the base functionality and you have a very personalized Module. (Same goes for everyone else). During AIRAHOUSE this was actually of my Faves.
As for Roland Updating them, so far Roland has taken very good care of us w/regard to functionality updates on the AIRA line. Sometimes it’s user requested fixes, sometimes it all new Features like the new System 1 1.2.0 update that gave us 64 new patch Banks and 6 new wave forms. With the advent of their use of serious FPGA tech, Roland seems to be taking steps to ensure that their gear can stay relevant. I’m mean just think of what they did with the System-1M – Classic Roland Synths like the SH 101 can now be patched into “Modular” style, heck you can’t even BUY that on the Real thing. (unless you want to do some serious surgery on your “classic” Synth.). After years of solid yet pretty boring “Working performer” synths (and some D-beam action for giggles) Roland seems to have had something put into the water over there.
Is there a limit how many sub modules u can use at the same time?
Or is it unlimited or limited to one of each 15?
I’d like to know can you have several lfo’s and envelopes modulating each other.
That I’m not sure, when they brought the ipad out the app was in Kanji script and he had already filled it up. I think that you can mix and mathch modules and I recall him bringing out one that was a 4×4 and pretty hairy. I’ll also be honest and say that When I met it was at 11:00AM on S. Beach during music Week, after all night Bender.. so I was pretty overwhelmed/stimualted by all the new toys. I was there for “show and tell” on the MX-1 and the they surprised me with trip to the back room after signing papers and saying everything was very beta.
Hey Quick Reply, sorry for the 3 month delay but I actually own the modules now. You can use up to 6 of the 15 Modules at the same time. You can use as many of one module as you like (up to 6) So 3 LFO’s controlling a “sample and hold” and two 12DB filters or 6 LFO’s all routed to each other No Problem.
But here is there Super Power- this Blew me away once I grasped what it meant. Since the In’s Out’s and Griffers are all routable in the Software tool, if you like you can completely bypass the actual effect (delay, distortion Whatever)- and build your own Custom Module and remap all the Controls to work the Virtual modules. If that isn’t enough, you can literally reprogram on the fly by playing a WAV file on your phone plugged into via the Headphone Jack. The software program can Export your Configs to an audio file). This Technique is a modern day version of Loading from an audio Data cassette (I’m dating myself). but it takes about 2 seconds (again Literally) .
Hey Peter, just letting you know that the Scooper while it is a “scatter” Module, at its heart is a Sampler, that captures audio and let you mess with it (Duh 😉 ) – or use the recorded audio to mess with other stuff (IIRC). During AIRAHOUSE this was actually of my Faves.
These boxes are programmable, so you add in the 15 Internal Modules that you can use to reconfigure the base functionality and you have a very personalized Module. (Same goes for everyone else and their modules). During AIRAHOUSE this (Scooper module) was actually of my Faves to play with, but taken together it’s a black hole for time.
As for Roland Updating them, so far Roland has taken very good care of us w/regard to functionality updates on the AIRA line. Sometimes it’s user requested fixes, sometimes it all new Features like the new System 1 1.2.0 update that gave us 64 new patch Banks and 6 new wave forms. With the advent of their use of serious FPGA tech, Roland seems to be taking steps to ensure that their gear can stay relevant. I’m mean just think of what they did with the System-1M – Classic Roland Synths like the SH 101 can now be patched into “Modular” style, heck you can’t even BUY that on the Real thing. (unless you want to do some serious surgery on your “classic” Synth.). After years of solid yet pretty boring “Working performer” synths (and some D-beam action for giggles) Roland seems to have had something put into the water over there.
Is there a limit how many sub modules u can use at the same time?
Or is it unlimited or limited to one of each 15?
I’d like to know can you have several lfo’s and envelopes modulating each other.
That I’m not sure, when they brought the ipad out the app was in Kanji script and he had already filled it up. I think that you can mix and mathch modules and I recall him bringing out one that was a 4×4 and pretty hairy. I’ll also be honest and say that When I met it was at 11:00AM on S. Beach during music Week, after all night Bender.. so I was pretty overwhelmed/stimualted by all the new toys. I was there for “show and tell” on the MX-1 and the they surprised me with trip to the back room after signing papers and saying everything was very beta.
Hey Quick Reply, sorry for the 3 month delay but I actually own the modules now. You can use up to 6 of the 15 Modules at the same time. You can use as many of one module as you like (up to 6) So 3 LFO’s controlling a “sample and hold” and two 12DB filters or 6 LFO’s all routed to each other No Problem.
But here is there Super Power- this Blew me away once I grasped what it meant. Since the In’s Out’s and Griffers are all routable in the Software tool, if you like you can completely bypass the actual effect (delay, distortion Whatever)- and build your own Custom Module and remap all the Controls to work the Virtual modules. If that isn’t enough, you can literally reprogram on the fly by playing a WAV file on your phone plugged into via the Headphone Jack. The software program can Export your Configs to an audio file). This Technique is a modern day version of Loading from an audio Data cassette (I’m dating myself). but it takes about 2 seconds (again Literally) .
Hey Peter, just letting you know that the Scooper while it is a “scatter” Module, at its heart is a Sampler, that captures audio and let you mess with it (Duh 😉 ) – or use the recorded audio to mess with other stuff (IIRC). During AIRAHOUSE this was actually of my Faves.
These boxes are programmable, so you add in the 15 Internal Modules that you can use to reconfigure the base functionality and you have a very personalized Module. (Same goes for everyone else and their modules). During AIRAHOUSE this (Scooper module) was actually of my Faves to play with, but taken together it’s a black hole for time.
As for Roland Updating them, so far Roland has taken very good care of us w/regard to functionality updates on the AIRA line. Sometimes it’s user requested fixes, sometimes it all new Features like the new System 1 1.2.0 update that gave us 64 new patch Banks and 6 new wave forms. With the advent of their use of serious FPGA tech, Roland seems to be taking steps to ensure that their gear can stay relevant. I’m mean just think of what they did with the System-1M – Classic Roland Synths like the SH 101 can now be patched into “Modular” style, heck you can’t even BUY that on the Real thing. (unless you want to do some serious surgery on your “classic” Synth.). After years of solid yet pretty boring “Working performer” synths (and some D-beam action for giggles) Roland seems to have had something put into the water over there.
Is there a limit how many sub modules u can use at the same time?
Or is it unlimited or limited to one of each 15?
I’d like to know can you have several lfo’s and envelopes modulating each other.
That I’m not sure, when they brought the ipad out the app was in Kanji script and he had already filled it up. I think that you can mix and mathch modules and I recall him bringing out one that was a 4×4 and pretty hairy. I’ll also be honest and say that When I met it was at 11:00AM on S. Beach during music Week, after all night Bender.. so I was pretty overwhelmed/stimualted by all the new toys. I was there for “show and tell” on the MX-1 and the they surprised me with trip to the back room after signing papers and saying everything was very beta.
Hey Quick Reply, sorry for the 3 month delay but I actually own the modules now. You can use up to 6 of the 15 Modules at the same time. You can use as many of one module as you like (up to 6) So 3 LFO’s controlling a “sample and hold” and two 12DB filters or 6 LFO’s all routed to each other No Problem.
But here is there Super Power- this Blew me away once I grasped what it meant. Since the In’s Out’s and Griffers are all routable in the Software tool, if you like you can completely bypass the actual effect (delay, distortion Whatever)- and build your own Custom Module and remap all the Controls to work the Virtual modules. If that isn’t enough, you can literally reprogram on the fly by playing a WAV file on your phone plugged into via the Headphone Jack. The software program can Export your Configs to an audio file). This Technique is a modern day version of Loading from an audio Data cassette (I’m dating myself). but it takes about 2 seconds (again Literally) .
Not sure if it has been mentioned yet.. but those totally drool worthy System 500 modules are indeed a result of a Roland/Malekko collaboration (methinks more Malekko than Roland though). 🙂
Here Nick Batt interviews Josh from Malekko and he tells how these were done:
https://youtu.be/Y32c9l8Sqc0
Very informative video.
Thanks for this video, and what a lovely guy Josh from Malekko is. Many congrats to him for getting the deal with Roland, and he’s doing a fine job, those System-500 units are looking very good indeed!
Not sure if it has been mentioned yet.. but those totally drool worthy System 500 modules are indeed a result of a Roland/Malekko collaboration (methinks more Malekko than Roland though). 🙂
Here Nick Batt interviews Josh from Malekko and he tells how these were done:
https://youtu.be/Y32c9l8Sqc0
Very informative video.
Thanks for this video, and what a lovely guy Josh from Malekko is. Many congrats to him for getting the deal with Roland, and he’s doing a fine job, those System-500 units are looking very good indeed!
Not sure if it has been mentioned yet.. but those totally drool worthy System 500 modules are indeed a result of a Roland/Malekko collaboration (methinks more Malekko than Roland though). 🙂
Here Nick Batt interviews Josh from Malekko and he tells how these were done:
https://youtu.be/Y32c9l8Sqc0
Very informative video.
Thanks for this video, and what a lovely guy Josh from Malekko is. Many congrats to him for getting the deal with Roland, and he’s doing a fine job, those System-500 units are looking very good indeed!
The SYSTEM-1m and the modular effects “look” nothing like each other, and yet they are all supposed to be AIRA branded products? Zero points for any kind of design consistency to be fair, a bit of a shoehorn job trying to get those effects under the same title surely, as nice as they are.
Who cares? They are System 100 style.
Erm… no they are not.
The SYSTEM-1m and the modular effects “look” nothing like each other, and yet they are all supposed to be AIRA branded products? Zero points for any kind of design consistency to be fair, a bit of a shoehorn job trying to get those effects under the same title surely, as nice as they are.
Who cares? They are System 100 style.
Erm… no they are not.
The SYSTEM-1m and the modular effects “look” nothing like each other, and yet they are all supposed to be AIRA branded products? Zero points for any kind of design consistency to be fair, a bit of a shoehorn job trying to get those effects under the same title surely, as nice as they are.
Who cares? They are System 100 style.
Erm… no they are not.
Can somebody please tell me why digital synths very rarely seem to have endless encoders and knobs? I would shave thought the onset of digital/virtual analog would have made this a relatively easy production issue, and thus done away with the nightmare situation of having a synth patch recalled, only for all the knobs and faders to be in their incorrect positions. This may be a pet hate of me, and me alone, but a rational explanation as to why this is still the case would be nice…
1: For whatever reason, people seem to hate endless encoders and much prefer regular pots. 2: Various devices use a pickup method, the value does not change until the pot = the value, so you are safe to move the control without a jump in value.
thanks or the answer. 1 is slightly non logical, sadly. as and as regards 2 – which current digital synths use this pick up method you talk of, and also how do they indicate what the value of the pot is, before pick up? I have not seen this on hardware. Though, admittedly i am no hardware expert.
The System 1 does, but there is no indicator as to what the setting is at.
Can somebody please tell me why digital synths very rarely seem to have endless encoders and knobs? I would shave thought the onset of digital/virtual analog would have made this a relatively easy production issue, and thus done away with the nightmare situation of having a synth patch recalled, only for all the knobs and faders to be in their incorrect positions. This may be a pet hate of me, and me alone, but a rational explanation as to why this is still the case would be nice…
1: For whatever reason, people seem to hate endless encoders and much prefer regular pots. 2: Various devices use a pickup method, the value does not change until the pot = the value, so you are safe to move the control without a jump in value.
thanks or the answer. 1 is slightly non logical, sadly. as and as regards 2 – which current digital synths use this pick up method you talk of, and also how do they indicate what the value of the pot is, before pick up? I have not seen this on hardware. Though, admittedly i am no hardware expert.
The System 1 does, but there is no indicator as to what the setting is at.
Can somebody please tell me why digital synths very rarely seem to have endless encoders and knobs? I would shave thought the onset of digital/virtual analog would have made this a relatively easy production issue, and thus done away with the nightmare situation of having a synth patch recalled, only for all the knobs and faders to be in their incorrect positions. This may be a pet hate of me, and me alone, but a rational explanation as to why this is still the case would be nice…
1: For whatever reason, people seem to hate endless encoders and much prefer regular pots. 2: Various devices use a pickup method, the value does not change until the pot = the value, so you are safe to move the control without a jump in value.
thanks or the answer. 1 is slightly non logical, sadly. as and as regards 2 – which current digital synths use this pick up method you talk of, and also how do they indicate what the value of the pot is, before pick up? I have not seen this on hardware. Though, admittedly i am no hardware expert.
The System 1 does, but there is no indicator as to what the setting is at.
Current draw! The digital modules draw 450mA each. Considering that your average Doepfer A-100P9 3 row 84HP case supplies 1200mA you can put in safely exact 2 modules and fill the rest of your rack with blindpanels …
Current draw! The digital modules draw 450mA each. Considering that your average Doepfer A-100P9 3 row 84HP case supplies 1200mA you can put in safely exact 2 modules and fill the rest of your rack with blindpanels …
Current draw! The digital modules draw 450mA each. Considering that your average Doepfer A-100P9 3 row 84HP case supplies 1200mA you can put in safely exact 2 modules and fill the rest of your rack with blindpanels …
football is as the name suggests foot and ball ie kicking a ball – a game called football by the rest of the world. You americans eh calling something its not like your football when you actually throw it lol its like saying waterboarding isnt torture. Any way get some of you guys to take off all their padding and come and play rugby – no face cages or under armour there. A poper mans game – they wouldnt last 2 minutes oh and they have to attack as well as defend
football is as the name suggests foot and ball ie kicking a ball – a game called football by the rest of the world. You americans eh calling something its not like your football when you actually throw it lol its like saying waterboarding isnt torture. Any way get some of you guys to take off all their padding and come and play rugby – no face cages or under armour there. A poper mans game – they wouldnt last 2 minutes oh and they have to attack as well as defend
football is as the name suggests foot and ball ie kicking a ball – a game called football by the rest of the world. You americans eh calling something its not like your football when you actually throw it lol its like saying waterboarding isnt torture. Any way get some of you guys to take off all their padding and come and play rugby – no face cages or under armour there. A poper mans game – they wouldnt last 2 minutes oh and they have to attack as well as defend