Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

In a world where seamless synchronization is key, the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box steps up as your ultimate collaborator. Whether you're juggling software instruments, hardware synthesizers, or drum machines, this multi-talented sync box ensures everything marches to the beat of the same drum. By providing simultaneous conversion between MIDI, USB MIDI, and DIN Sync, it connects your entire rig, allowing any device—or the SBX-1 itself—to act as the master clock.

But it doesn’t stop there. With built-in CV/Gate outputs, this sync box makes integrating analog synths into your digital domain a breeze, translating performance data into CV and Gate signals to control your favorite analog sounds. The SBX-1 isn’t just about connectivity; it’s a powerful performance tool. Generate LFOs and trigger data on the fly, adding depth and creativity to your live performances or studio sessions. If you crave a touch of groove, the shuffle feature injects swing into patterns, even for instruments lacking a swing function.

Designed for versatility, the SBX-1 runs on USB bus power or an AC adapter, offering flexibility for both studio and stage setups. Whether you're in the studio or live on stage, the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box ensures your musical creations are always in perfect harmony.

Key Features:

  • Simultaneous conversion between MIDI, USB MIDI, and DIN Sync
  • Integrates analog synths with CV/Gate outputs
  • Can function as a master tempo clock or utilize any connected device as the master
  • Generates LFOs and trigger data for dynamic performances
  • Shuffle feature adds swing to non-swing capable instruments
  • Operates on USB bus power or AC adapter

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model SBX-1: SYNC BOX
Finish Black
Year 2015 - 2025
Categories Sequencers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box?

The Roland SBX-1 Sync Box is designed to synchronize various electronic musical instruments and devices, allowing them to play in time together. It supports MIDI, USB, and DIN SYNC connections, making it versatile for integrating both modern and vintage gear.

Can the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box connect to a computer?

Yes, the SBX-1 can connect to a computer via USB, allowing it to interface with DAWs and other digital music production software for seamless synchronization.

Does the Roland SBX-1 support both MIDI and analog devices?

Yes, the SBX-1 supports synchronization between MIDI and analog devices, featuring MIDI I/O as well as DIN SYNC connections for older gear.

What kind of power supply does the Roland SBX-1 require?

The Roland SBX-1 Sync Box is powered via an external AC adapter, which is included with the unit.

Is the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box suitable for live performances?

Yes, the SBX-1 is designed to be robust and reliable, making it suitable for both studio use and live performances where precise timing and synchronization are crucial.

Reverb

Reverb

New Roland Synths and the Roland Boutique Series at The Winter NAMM Show - 2016

Video thumbnail for New Roland Synths and the Roland Boutique Series at The Winter NAMM Show - 2016 by Reverb

New Roland Synths and the Roland Boutique Series at The Winter NAMM Show - 2016

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for AIRA Artist Interview - Dr. Richard Boulanger on SBX-1 by RolandChannel

AIRA Artist Interview - Dr. Richard Boulanger on SBX-1

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Video thumbnail for Dr. Richard Boulanger testing AIRA SBX-1 and Modular Synth by RolandChannel

Dr. Richard Boulanger testing AIRA SBX-1 and Modular Synth

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Video thumbnail for "Sync'd" with Roland SBX-1, MX-1, System-1, JX-3P, MSQ-700, TR-808, Juno 60 & 106 by Machiwoomiapoo

"Sync'd" with Roland SBX-1, MX-1, System-1, JX-3P, MSQ-700, TR-808, Juno 60 & 106

Machiwoomiapoo

Machiwoomiapoo

Video thumbnail for Sync Box at movement by Robin Kelly

Sync Box at movement

Robin Kelly

Robin Kelly

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-606 + SBX-1, Boss HC-2, PC-2, EHX Crash Pad and Jomox Mbase 11 by gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Roland TR-606 + SBX-1, Boss HC-2, PC-2, EHX Crash Pad and Jomox Mbase 11

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-5 x TR-808 using SBX-1 & Korg SQ-1 - MESS RECIPE by Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Roland SH-5 x TR-808 using SBX-1 & Korg SQ-1 - MESS RECIPE

Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Reviews

PROS

  • Synchronizes vintage and modern gear seamlessly

  • Offers fun and creative beat manipulation with swing feature

  • Flexible control with CV/gate/bend/aux capabilities

  • Easy-to-understand menus and settings

  • Works excellently as a master clock with master-shuffle

  • Ideal for integrating TR-808 and TB-303

CONS

  • High price when new

  • Limited production availability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SBX-1 Sync Box.

Features and functionality

  • Allows syncing of older Roland gear like the Juno 60 using CV ports to send triggers directly to clock inputs.

    Source
  • The SBX-1 provides a reliable alternative for those struggling with DAW-driven MIDI sync, potentially solving issues with clocked gate sequencing in modular setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike other devices, SBX-1 provides comprehensive conversion capabilities for MIDI, USB, CV, and clock, surpassing limited options like the Future Retro Swynx.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for integrating vintage Roland devices (303, 808, 909, SH-101) with modern Aira machines, providing seamless synchronization across different eras of gear.

    Source
  • The SBX-1 is beneficial for setups needing to coordinate multiple clock sources, especially when integrating DAWs with hardware like the TR-8.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners experiencing sync issues with homemade converters find SBX-1 offers stable synchronization, eliminating BPM drift common in DAW-driven setups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Initial pricing concerns noted, with expectations around $299, suggesting potential price gouging on pre-orders.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • SBX-1 can act as a central clock source, addressing unreliable DAW timing by avoiding the PC's unreliable MIDI clock.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
clabeux

I wanted a master clock and I got so much more!

I use this device as a master clock with master-shuffle. I use the CV/gate/bend/aux to control different modular stuff from Reason (Daw). It's really flexible and does the job great. The menus and settings are easy to understand but keep the manual close in the beginning.

kinzo_chrome

Great! 👌

Perfect for Tr808 and Tb303 with swing option.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Devine uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Roland Articles

"For the actual setup, I used the Roland TR-8S and the SBX-1 as my main sync box to clock my two 303s, drum machine, and modular together."

See how Bicep uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Bicep

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen in the video at 0:03, Bicep have the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box in their live setup.

See how Ellen Allien uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Ellen Allien

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Freunde von Freunden

Ellen Allien is shown using the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box in the interview "How Ellen Allien Set the Tone for Berlin’s Nightlife" by Freunde von Freunden.

See how A Guy Called Gerald uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

A Guy Called Gerald

Music Producer

808 State

...
Verified via YouTube

The sync box can be seen clearly in the video at 4:30

See how Graham Massey uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from July 7, 2014

See how Kenny Dope uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Kenny Dope

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"SBX-1 was really really crazy. Just to be able to plug up all your old synths and drum machines, and be able to rock out with the new stuff – with Ableton, Pro Tools and so on and so forth, it’s just crazy.”

See how Paul Birken uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Paul Birken

Music Producer

...
Verified via Vine

"I guess starting with 250 BPM and doubling it again from each sync box crushes an R-100 after 4 boosts." – Paul Birken, commenting on the SBX-1.

See how Riva Starr uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Riva Starr

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "If everything's patched and organised, you end up repeating yourself": Riva Starr studio essentials, Riva Starr is observed demonstrating the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box at the timestamp 13:38.

See how Skudge uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Skudge

...
Verified via Instagram

Roland SBX-1 is visible in the top right of the video.

"@skudge_elias_landbergAcid Friday #acid #Friday #roland #tb303 #tr606 #korgvolcabeats #strymon #dig #tinypedals #mixerunit #rolandsbx1 #syncing #inthestudio #autumn #2015"

See how James Wiltshire uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

James Wiltshire

Composer, Music Producer

Freemasons

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 22:30 James says "We using Roland SBX Box"

See how Hitori Tori uses Roland SBX-1 Sync Box

Hitori Tori

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

This time, Hitori Tori experimented even more with his Live sets, expanding them to include multiple devices, which are beautifully demonstrated in this video

Album Usage

The Roland SBX-1 Sync Box has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland SBX-1 Sync Box, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Roland MIDI Interfaces

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    simfonik
    simfonik

    Gear IQ 2532