Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $400
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Description
Unleash your creativity with the Roland EM-101 Sound Plus Analog Synthesizer Module, a seamless blend of retro analog warmth and modern versatility. Designed for both studio enthusiasts and live performers, this module is perfect for adding depth and character to any musical setup. With its authentic analog sound engine, the EM-101 delivers rich, dynamic tones that capture the essence of vintage synthesizers. Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or punchy basslines, this module provides the flexibility and expressiveness you need to bring your musical ideas to life.
The EM-101 is equipped with a wide array of waveforms and modulation options, allowing for extensive sound-shaping possibilities. Its intuitive interface ensures that even beginners can dive into the world of synthesis with ease. The module's compact design makes it an ideal choice for musicians with limited space, while its robust construction ensures durability for years of creative exploration.
Key Features:
- Authentic analog sound engine for vintage warmth
- Wide array of waveforms and modulation options
- Intuitive interface for easy sound shaping
- Compact design suitable for any setup
- Robust construction for long-lasting performance
- Ideal for both studio and live applications
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | EM-101 Sound Plus Analog Synthesizer Module |
| Year | 1985 - 1986 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Roland EM-101 Sound Plus use?
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The Roland EM-101 Sound Plus utilizes analog synthesis, providing warm and classic sounds characteristic of vintage synthesizers.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland EM-101 offer?
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The Roland EM-101 Sound Plus features 8 voices of polyphony, allowing for richer, more complex sound layering.
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What MIDI connections are available on the Roland EM-101 Sound Plus?
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The Roland EM-101 Sound Plus includes MIDI Input and MIDI Through connections, enabling integration with other MIDI-capable gear in your setup.
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Is the Roland EM-101 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland EM-101's rackmount design and MIDI capabilities make it suitable for live performances, offering reliable analog sound in a compact form.
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What is the primary use case for the Roland EM-101 Sound Plus?
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The Roland EM-101 Sound Plus is ideal for musicians seeking classic analog tones in a rackmount format, perfect for both studio production and live setups.
Videos
Alamo Music Sound Lab
A BUDGET JUNO-106 for $200 | Roland EM-101
A BUDGET JUNO-106 for $200 | Roland EM-101
Alamo Music Sound Lab
Roland EM-101 Sound Plus Synth Hidden Presets Demo
Kemek
Roland EM-101 SoundPlus analog sound module demo (1985)
Dr Ralf Madness
Tour of the Roland EM-101
gwEm’s gwEmbassy
Roland EM-101 Sound Plus - Quick Demo
tafony
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland EM-101 Sound Plus Analog Synthesizer Module.
Features and functionality
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The 'Brilliance' button functions as a stepped control of the LPF, enhancing sound modulation.
Source -
The unit includes a third bank of 8 electric piano presets, adding versatility beyond the initial 16 presets.
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The EM-101 features 8-voice polyphony with a split mode, offering more voices than the JU-06A which only supports 4-voice polyphony.
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It is noted that the EM-101 operates as a preset box with limited sound shaping capabilities and lacks deep control access via SYSEX, unlike the MKS-7.
Source
User experience
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Owners describe the low end as exceptionally "meaty", particularly effective with string patches and added effects.
Source
Comparisons
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Shares architecture with the JUNO-106, highlighting its analog character and sound palette.
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The EM-101 is limited by its paraphonic design, with only one VCF shared across all voices, unlike the JU-06A which offers more individual control over its polyphony.
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While the Dreadbox Nymphes offers a Juno-like sound and 6-voice polyphony, it’s suggested the Behringer Deepmind series provides more voices and a better interface for a similar price.
Source
Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
97
Love it
I picked up the EM-101, reading it was often referred to a preset Juno 106 (or poor man's Juno 106). A 106 is well out of my league price rise so thought I'd give this a go. I wasn't initially that impressed by the EM-101 due to the restricted number of 24 presets. The bass patches were quite cool and some of the other presets may be useful for synthwave but overall, it had limited amount of configurability (as expected with a preset machine). As a positive, it is quiet (though a tiny bit smelly as it warms up) and importantly, it had a lot of potential due to the onboard chips - shared with some really high quality Roland synths of the time. Being dissatisfied, I tried out a mod (by Ryan - Plutoniq) that enabled CC control and this thing blew me away, especially for the price I paid. As a result, I wrote the EMMY1OH1 so that I could tightly configure the sounds (getting surprising levels of subs and highs), save my presets and work with the EM-101 in my DAW. I wrote a 128 preset bank for it and now, I love it. I do not have a Juno 106 and therefore cannot compare the sound but I can say that I do like the sound. From what I gather (I think this is correct), it's shaped by an analogue filter and analogue effects which gives it nice character. I can see it can also take an external input which I'm looking forward to trying out with the fantastic onboard chorus. I think the right EM-101s are possibly sleepers at current low prices. They're so cheap, I picked up a second. At some point, I'll record a video of the EMMY1OH1 to give you a flavour of my editor.
To see a video of the EMMY1OH1 - visit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhFNlMe_4LY
Preferred Settings + Usage:
BS MP ELECTRO BS ERIC IS FLAT LD FEEDBACKER PL LUSH
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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