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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
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What is the primary function of the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box?
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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.
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Can the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box connect to a computer?
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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.
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Does the Roland SBX-1 support both MIDI and analog devices?
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Yes, the SBX-1 supports synchronization between MIDI and analog devices, featuring MIDI I/O as well as DIN SYNC connections for older gear.
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What kind of power supply does the Roland SBX-1 require?
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The Roland SBX-1 Sync Box is powered via an external AC adapter, which is included with the unit.
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Is the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box suitable for live performances?
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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.
Videos
Reverb
New Roland Synths and the Roland Boutique Series at The Winter NAMM Show - 2016
Reviews
PROS
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Synchronizes vintage and modern gear seamlessly
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Offers fun and creative beat manipulation with swing feature
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Flexible control with CV/gate/bend/aux capabilities
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Easy-to-understand menus and settings
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Works excellently as a master clock with master-shuffle
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Ideal for integrating TR-808 and TB-303
CONS
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High price when new
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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
Comparisons
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Unlike other devices, SBX-1 provides comprehensive conversion capabilities for MIDI, USB, CV, and clock, surpassing limited options like the Future Retro Swynx.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for integrating vintage Roland devices (303, 808, 909, SH-101) with modern Aira machines, providing seamless synchronization across different eras of gear.
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The SBX-1 is beneficial for setups needing to coordinate multiple clock sources, especially when integrating DAWs with hardware like the TR-8.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners experiencing sync issues with homemade converters find SBX-1 offers stable synchronization, eliminating BPM drift common in DAW-driven setups.
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Value and pricing
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Initial pricing concerns noted, with expectations around $299, suggesting potential price gouging on pre-orders.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
184
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
"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."
As seen in the video at 0:03, Bicep have the Roland SBX-1 Sync Box in their live setup.
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.
"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.”
"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.
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.
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"
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.
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