This page about Roland SBX-80 Sync Box is a stub. You can help improve it:

Roland SBX-80 Sync Box

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Roland SBX-80

2 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated May 13, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* 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

Edit description

Experience seamless synchronization of your digital and analog music gear with the Roland SBX-80 Sync Box. Designed for musicians and producers who need precise control over their setups, the SBX-80 bridges the gap between devices, allowing you to synchronize MIDI, DIN Sync, and analog clock signals effortlessly. Whether you're integrating vintage hardware with modern equipment or coordinating multiple digital workstations, this sync box ensures everything plays in harmony.

The Roland SBX-80 offers unparalleled flexibility with its ability to serve as the master or slave clock. It features advanced MIDI processing that provides rock-solid stability for your performances and studio sessions. With intuitive controls and a clear display, navigating through its features becomes second nature, giving you more time to focus on your creativity.

Beyond just a sync box, the SBX-80 includes a unique feature that allows real-time tempo adjustments, giving you the freedom to experiment with your sound without missing a beat. Its robust construction and reliable performance make it a trusted companion for both studio environments and live performances.

Key Features:

Synchronizes MIDI, DIN Sync, and analog clock signals
Functions as both master and slave clock
Real-time tempo adjustment capabilities
Advanced MIDI processing for stable performances
Intuitive interface with a clear display for easy navigation
Suitable for both studio and live performance settings

Videos

Add video

Vinnie Barbarino

Playing The Roland TR 909 And TB 303 Synced Up To A Roland SBX 80

Vinnie Barbarino

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SBX-80 Sync Box.

Features and functionality

0 0

The SBX-80 is primarily a synchronization device, not a sequencer, designed to align timing signals across devices like the TB-303 and TR-606.
Source
0 0

The SBX-80 offers multiple DIN and MIDI outs, as well as a trigger sync output, functioning effectively as a master clock.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Utilizes SMPTE for synchronizing with tape systems, making it ideal for vintage setups requiring precise timing without manual intervention.
Source
0 0

The clock/metronome output on the SBX-80 can drive modular/CV setups, making it versatile for different synchronization needs.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Modern sync units offer similar functionality with updated tech and are generally preferred unless specifically seeking a retro aesthetic or setup.
Source
0 0

The SBX-80 is considered more compatible with 70's/80's gear, whereas the SBX-1 is better suited for modern studios involving computers.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Units like the SBX-80 are rare but may be priced higher on platforms like Reverb, appealing mainly to collectors or vintage enthusiasts.
Source
0 0

Some owners find the SBX-80 to be priced competitively at less than half the cost of an SBX-1 when purchased second-hand.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland SBX80 Sync Box (EMM Feb 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland SBX-80 Sync Box impresses as a versatile tempo controller and sync solution, efficiently bridging MIDI and DIN sync formats. Its standout Tap function allows real-time tempo synchronization, ideal for live sessions. However, the absence of features like autolocation or dual tape machine synchronization is notable. While some manual instructions could be clearer, the Sync Box performs its tasks reliably, offering impressive capabilities for its price. A practical tool for musicians needing solid sync options, even if it doesn't cover every base.

neutral

Full Review

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Daft Punk

Music Producer

Verified via Imgur

Daft Punk is shown using the Roland SBX-80 Sync Box in a photo available on Imgur.

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from May 24, 2023

DJ Premier

Music Producer, DJ

Gang Starr

Verified via Photo

You can spot the Roland SBX-80 on the picture from D&D Studios and double-confirm it from the Equipment List For Sale: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/rap-hip-hop-engineering-and-production/682429-909-premiers-studio.html

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded photo, Ryuichi Sakamoto can be seen with the Roland SBX-80 Sync Box, highlighting its role in his MIDI setup.

RZA

Rapper, Music Producer

Wu-Tang Clan

Verified via Gearslutz

Used for Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, as stated by mix engineer Carlos Bess in this February 18, 2009 Gearslutz post.

At the time RZa used an SP-1200, EPS 16 Plus then Graduated to an ASR-10. We would lockup the units to tape using a Roland SBX-80

The Following machines were used for the following Tracks

1 Bring da Ruckus - EPS16+

2 Shame on a Nigga - ASR10

3 Clan in da Front - ASR10

4 Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - ASR10

5 Can It Be All So Simple/Intermission ASR10 /Sp-1200 for Intermission

6 Da Mystery of Chessboxin' ASR 10

7 Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit - EPS16+

8 C.R.E.A.M. EPS16+

9 Method Man SP1200

10 Protect Ya Neck EPS16+

11 Tearz -EPS16+

12 Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber, Pt. 2 ASR 10 ( I provided the live Drums )

Danny Elfman

Singer, Guitarist

Oingo Boingo

Verified via Photo

In the September 1987 issue of "Keyboard Magazine," the upper third column on page 31 mentioned that Danny Elfman owned a Roland SBX-80 Sync Box, alongside a Yamaha KX88, Prophet VS rack, Sequential Circuits Prophet 2002 rack, and Prophet VS keyboard. The article was authored by Bob Doerschuk and Jeff Burger.

Luca Anzilotti

Composer

Snap!

Verified via Discogs

According to the inner-sleeve of the Off – Electrica Salsa (Baba Baba) single, Luca Anzilotti uses the Roland SBX-80 Sync Box. This information is documented on Discogs, confirming the use of this equipment.

Tom Robinson

Singer, Guitarist

Tom Robinson Band

Verified via Muzines

Although Tom owns an SBX80, swears by an RE501 Chorus Echo and is recording much of his current song with a Juno 106, it's the Drumatix and TB303 Bassline which he finds indispensable.