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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

Is the Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

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.

What is the "Plug-Out" feature of the Roland System-1M?

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.

Can the Roland System-1M be integrated into a Eurorack modular setup?

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.

What connectivity options does the Roland System-1M offer?

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.

Does the Roland System-1M require an external power supply?

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.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Roland System-1 Plug-out Synthesizer Overview - The Sweetwater Minute, Vol. 257

Video thumbnail for Roland System-1 Plug-out Synthesizer Overview - The Sweetwater Minute, Vol. 257 by Sweetwater

Roland System-1 Plug-out Synthesizer Overview - The Sweetwater Minute, Vol. 257

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Roland System-1M Semi Modular Presentation by sonicstate

Roland System-1M Semi Modular Presentation

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for AIRA Start – SYSTEM-1m (a short tutorial) by RolandChannel

AIRA Start – SYSTEM-1m (a short tutorial)

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Video thumbnail for Roland AIRA System-1 and System-1M Demo with Peter Brown by Kraft Music

Roland AIRA System-1 and System-1M Demo with Peter Brown

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Exclusive hands-on: Roland System-1m Plug-Out Synthesizer by MusicRadar

Exclusive hands-on: Roland System-1m Plug-Out Synthesizer

MusicRadar

MusicRadar

Video thumbnail for Roland System-1m Plug-out Synthesizer Demo by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Roland System-1m Plug-out Synthesizer Demo by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Roland System 1M - Aira Plug Out Synthesizer - First Look at Musikmesse 2015 by Matthias plays

Roland System 1M - Aira Plug Out Synthesizer - First Look at Musikmesse 2015

Matthias plays

Matthias plays

Video thumbnail for Roland Aira System 1M Plug-Out Synthesizer Module Exclusive Demo with David Ahund by Gear4music Guitars

Roland Aira System 1M Plug-Out Synthesizer Module Exclusive Demo with David Ahund

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Roland Aira System 1M Plug-Out Synthesizer Module Exclusive Performance by David Ahlund by Gear4music Guitars

Roland Aira System 1M Plug-Out Synthesizer Module Exclusive Performance by David Ahlund

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Musikmesse 2015 - Roland System-1m Modulair Plug-Out Synthesizer by Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Musikmesse 2015 - Roland System-1m Modulair Plug-Out Synthesizer

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Reviews

PROS

  • Semi-modular design offers a great start for building a modular system

  • Unmatched in plugging out different synths for versatile control

  • Abundant CV patch points enhance modular functionality

  • Intuitive knob-based interface for hands-on sound shaping

  • Aesthetic design doubles as a conversation piece

  • Quality sound output that impresses both beginners and professionals

CONS

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • Users find the poly glide feature particularly effective for creating smooth, shifting pad sounds in polyphonic mode.

    Source
  • The System-1M's polyphonic mode is identical to the System-1, making System-1 demo videos a valuable resource for understanding its capabilities.

    Source
  • SH-2 is noted for its experimental capabilities, inspired by artists like Hainbach.

    Source
  • Promars is favored for a spacey, sci-fi texture, ideal for a 70s vibe in compositions.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Updating to the latest firmware is crucial as it provides additional waveforms, enhancing the synth's versatility and sound design options.

    Source
  • Integration with other AIRA devices is praised, though limitations exist with the MX1's four AIRA connections, impacting workflow for some users.

    Source
  • The System-1M allows plug-out freezing during a free Roland Cloud trial, avoiding ongoing subscription costs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Customizing the fader knobs with bright colors is a popular mod that adds a personal touch and improves visual aesthetics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The "Tone" knob is noted for extending the range of character, potentially affecting the EQ or filter, adding depth to sound shaping.

    Source
  • The System-1M has distinctive red and blue lights to indicate active audio and CV/Gate jacks, respectively, enhancing usability during live performances.

    Source
  • CV/Gate features are only accessible in mono mode, and in poly mode, the external audio input turns off, replaced by sub oscillator control.

    Source
  • The System-1M is fully polyphonic with 4 voices, each having its own filter and amplitude envelope, not paraphonic as some sources mistakenly suggest.

    Source
  • Green LEDs are noted as a favorable feature for some users, enhancing the visual experience.

    Source
  • The System-1M's internal sound engine is often preferred for its flexibility and sound quality over the plug-out options.

    Source
  • The System-1M includes two oscillators with unique modes, cross-mod, ring modulation, and independent envelopes for amplitude, filter, and pitch.

    Source
  • Ease of use on the System-1M interface is crucial, focusing on knob usability and integration.

    Source

Build quality

  • The keybed of the System-1M is criticized for being subpar by some users, affecting playing experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the sound of the Korg Minilogue xd over the System-1M, indicating a strong personal taste factor in synth choice.

    Source
  • SH-101 is excluded due to identical ACB technology present in other owned gear.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the System-1M as polarizing with some finding it not intuitive out-of-the-box, highlighting the importance of hands-on testing before purchase.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ecco_aqua

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

gemproductions

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.

spaker

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.

amelia_crowe

Really Fun

It's really nice to be able to turn knobs. It sounds great and is definitely a conversation piece.

lewis_campbell

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
See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen in the background throughout this video

See how Ummet Ozcan uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Ummet Ozcan

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Ummet Ozcan using aira system 1-m.

See how Richard Devine uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

as seen in this image of Richard Devine's studio

See how Ulrich Schnauss uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Ulrich Schnauss

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Thorstenquaeschning

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

See how Giuseppe Ottaviani uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Giuseppe Ottaviani

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Vinny uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Vinny

Singer, Guitarist

Red Vox

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo you can see vinny posing with the synthisizer

See how Mujuice uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Mujuice

...
Verified via YouTube

Roland System 1 on 1:00

See how DJ Pierre uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

DJ Pierre

Music Producer

Phuture

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

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.

See how Seismal D uses Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer

Seismal D

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Seismal D showcases the Roland System-1M AIRA Plug-Out Synthesizer in an Instagram post, welcoming it as a new addition to his setup.

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.

Community setups

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hypernova303

hypernova303

Gear IQ 134

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