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Average Price: $789
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
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Description
Experience an exhilarating fusion of classic and modern synthesis with the Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer. Engineered for versatility, this semi-modular powerhouse seamlessly integrates into any setup, from standalone operation to complex modular rigs. Whether you're a novice exploring sound design or a seasoned synth wizard, the System-1M's intuitive layout and extensive connectivity options make it an invaluable addition to your sonic arsenal.
At its core, the System-1M features dual oscillators with six selectable waveforms, allowing you to craft everything from lush pads to gritty basslines. An onboard LFO and dedicated filter and effect sections offer further sculpting potential, with backlit controls ensuring ease of use even in dim settings. The modular nature of the System-1M invites experimentation, providing endless patching possibilities via MIDI, USB, and AIRA connections. Its compact 84 HP design means it fits snugly into any Eurorack setup, ready to breathe new life into your performances.
Whether you're diving into analog-inspired textures or integrating it into a digital workflow, the Roland System-1M delivers unmatched flexibility and character, making it a must-have for any sound adventurer.
Key Features:
- Semi-modular synthesizer with plug-out capability
- Dual oscillators with six selectable waveforms
- LFO and dedicated filter and effect sections for sound sculpting
- MIDI, USB, and AIRA connectivity for extensive integration
- Compact 84 HP design, perfect for Eurorack setups
- Intuitive backlit controls for easy navigation
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | System-1M Plug-Out Synthesizer Module |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2014 - 2025 |
| Categories | Complete Modular Synth Systems, Eurorack Modules and Cases |
| Horizontal Pitch | 84HP |
| MIDI I/O | USB MIDI |
| Modular Synth Format | Eurorack |
FAQs
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Is the Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Roland System-1M is a polyphonic synthesizer, capable of playing up to four voices simultaneously, which allows for complex chordal textures and layered sounds.
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What is the "Plug-Out" feature of the Roland System-1M?
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The "Plug-Out" feature allows you to load classic Roland synth emulations into the System-1M, effectively transforming it into a different synthesizer model. This provides flexibility and access to a wide range of sounds.
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Can the Roland System-1M be integrated into a Eurorack modular setup?
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Yes, the Roland System-1M is designed to fit into a Eurorack modular setup, offering 84HP width and providing extensive patching capabilities for modular synthesis.
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What connectivity options does the Roland System-1M offer?
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The Roland System-1M offers USB MIDI connectivity, allowing it to interface with computers and other MIDI devices for enhanced control and integration in a digital setup.
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Does the Roland System-1M require an external power supply?
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Yes, the Roland System-1M requires an external power supply, which is included with the unit, to operate in standalone mode or within a Eurorack system.
Videos
Sweetwater
Roland System-1 Plug-out Synthesizer Overview - The Sweetwater Minute, Vol. 257
Reviews
PROS
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Semi-modular design offers a great start for building a modular system
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Unmatched in plugging out different synths for versatile control
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Abundant CV patch points enhance modular functionality
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Intuitive knob-based interface for hands-on sound shaping
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Aesthetic design doubles as a conversation piece
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Quality sound output that impresses both beginners and professionals
CONS
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Requires a learning curve, especially for those new to synthesis or modular setups
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer.
Use cases and applications
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The System-1M is seen as a logical purchase for those already invested in Roland AIRA effects modules, especially given the rising costs of other modular systems.
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Users find the poly glide feature particularly effective for creating smooth, shifting pad sounds in polyphonic mode.
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The System-1M's polyphonic mode is identical to the System-1, making System-1 demo videos a valuable resource for understanding its capabilities.
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SH-2 is noted for its experimental capabilities, inspired by artists like Hainbach.
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Promars is favored for a spacey, sci-fi texture, ideal for a 70s vibe in compositions.
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Software and compatibility
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Updating to the latest firmware is crucial as it provides additional waveforms, enhancing the synth's versatility and sound design options.
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Integration with other AIRA devices is praised, though limitations exist with the MX1's four AIRA connections, impacting workflow for some users.
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The System-1M allows plug-out freezing during a free Roland Cloud trial, avoiding ongoing subscription costs.
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Mods and upgrades
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Customizing the fader knobs with bright colors is a popular mod that adds a personal touch and improves visual aesthetics.
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Features and functionality
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The "Tone" knob is noted for extending the range of character, potentially affecting the EQ or filter, adding depth to sound shaping.
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The System-1M has distinctive red and blue lights to indicate active audio and CV/Gate jacks, respectively, enhancing usability during live performances.
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CV/Gate features are only accessible in mono mode, and in poly mode, the external audio input turns off, replaced by sub oscillator control.
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The System-1M is fully polyphonic with 4 voices, each having its own filter and amplitude envelope, not paraphonic as some sources mistakenly suggest.
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Green LEDs are noted as a favorable feature for some users, enhancing the visual experience.
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The System-1M's internal sound engine is often preferred for its flexibility and sound quality over the plug-out options.
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The System-1M includes two oscillators with unique modes, cross-mod, ring modulation, and independent envelopes for amplitude, filter, and pitch.
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Ease of use on the System-1M interface is crucial, focusing on knob usability and integration.
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Build quality
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The keybed of the System-1M is criticized for being subpar by some users, affecting playing experience.
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Comparisons
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 33 Ratings
924
Modular CV digital switching mayhem
this synth is unmatched. Roland has definetly "redefined the future" with this one. plugging out different synths and controlling them over cv or patching them out to different modules feels surreal. so glad to own this piece. my top recommendation for someone who is trying to get into modular as it comes with so many cv patch points and built in modular functions like the osc out and lfo out
Doesn't just look great, but it sounds great too
This is the first hardware synth that I bought and because I was still in the process of getting into synthesis, I completely fell in love with it. It doesn't just look great, but it sounds great too. Also, the 1m is semi modular, so it's a great start to building a modular system.
464
I need serious study with this one. Only have scratched the surface.
I don't even have a toe in the Eurorack Ocean, and I figured this System-1m and the Moog Mother 32 I got would give me a nice baptism. I know that I still need major help with it, but I've seen System-1m operated by a real pro and had to reattach my jaw from falling on the floor.
193
Really Fun
It's really nice to be able to turn knobs. It sounds great and is definitely a conversation piece.
165
Really fun synth to play with and can make some great powerful sounds.
The System 1m doesn't just look great, but it sounds great too. Also, he 1m is semi modular, so I'm really looking forward to expanding on it with some modules.
Artist usage
Add artist
official website of his projekt Quaeschning-Schnauss: ULRICH SCHNAUSS:Software: Steinberg Cubase all tracks bar PRISM and AMONG MANATEES** (Logic)*Peripheral equipment: Manikin Schrittmacher sequencer.*Hardware synths:Roland JD XA synthesizerRoland Jupiter-8 synthesizerRoland JD-800 synthesizerOberheim OB-8 synthesizerRoland System 1 synthesizerRoland MKS-70 synthesizer moduleRhodes Chroma synthesizerWaldorf Q synthesizerMicrowave XT synthesizer module*Software synths & effects: Various modules from Sonic Core’s SCOPE system.*Hardware effects: Ensoniq DP4
In a live performance at ASOT 832 in Amsterdam on September 21, 2017, Giuseppe Ottaviani is seen using the Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer.
Did I hear somebody say Wild PiTcH?! I gotta tell you that recently I’ve been re-releasing my Wild Pitch stuff from the 90s, and when it came to recreating the sounds I used on those tracks, the System-1 was the only keyboard that could emulate the Juno 106 bass patch I used for 90% of my Wild Pitch tracks. Do I really have to list any other reason I have this in the studio? I didn’t think so.
Album Usage
The Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer 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 System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.