SYSTEM-100

Name: SYSTEM-100
Price: 39 USD
Author: Roland

by Roland · Synth · SYSTEM-100 semi-modular emulation

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SYSTEM-100 is Roland's software version of the 1975 semi-modular SYSTEM-100, combining the Model 101 synth and Model 102 expander.

It has two VCOs, two LFOs, sample and hold, ring mod and a 14x15 routing matrix, plus reverb, delay and phaser; it comes with Roland Cloud membership.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: modular, drag-and-drop routing, 70s, monophonic, experimental, arpeggiator, hardware emulation, tempo-synced, basses, circuit-modelled, external sidechain, fat, film & game audio, leads, modulation matrix, sound design.

What it does

SYSTEM-100 is Roland's circuit-level recreation of its 1975 semi-modular monosynth, combining the Model 101 synthesizer and Model 102 expander in one window. Roland describes the result as "an incredibly fat and uniquely versatile two-oscillator monosynth".

Two VCOs: saw, square and triangle waveforms over a 64' to 2' range, with PWM from manual, either LFO, glide or the envelopes; VCO-2 adds fine and coarse tune and strong or weak sync.
Ring mod and noise: a ring modulator and a noise generator with several types, fed through a mixer with an external input.
Filters: a resonant low-pass with keyboard tracking and a high-pass, both modulated by LFO and envelope.
Envelopes and LFOs: ADSR envelopes for filter and amp, triggered by gate, LFO or gate+trigger, and two LFOs with sine, triangle, saw, square and sample-and-hold shapes.
Sample and hold: a separate module with sample time and lag controls and a clock output.
Patch matrix: a 14x15 routing matrix for quick patching, with each connection drawn as a patch cable.
Effects and arp: reverb, tempo-synced delay and phaser, plus a tempo-synced arpeggiator with six patterns and a Scatter function with 10 types.

It runs at 44.1 to 192 kHz and works as a PLUG-OUT on SYSTEM-1, SYSTEM-1m and SYSTEM-8 hardware. Roland offers it through Roland Cloud membership.

Source: Roland product page

When to use it

SYSTEM-100 is a monophonic semi-modular with a patch matrix, so it suits experimental mono sounds, effects and sequenced bleeps with a vintage Roland character. Compared with Diva it has no polyphony, but its routing matrix, ring mod and sample and hold let you build patches Diva's fixed layout can't. Compared with Phase Plant it is far more limited, but it gives a warmer, more analog-sounding result with a simple, hardware-style signal flow. It also offers more synthesis options than Roland's own PROMARS or SH-101, at the cost of a little more setup. Unlike the original, it has no step sequencer.

Best for: experimental mono patches, sound effects, sample-and-hold bleeps, basses and leads.
Genres: electronic, techno, ambient, experimental and film.
Look elsewhere if: you need polyphony (JUPITER-8, Diva) or a fully modular modern environment (Phase Plant).
Tip: zoom the interface (up to 200%) to make the small controls and patch points easier to use, as RA suggests.

What producers say

Reviewers rate its sound highly and like the patching; complaints concern the routing matrix and the hardware integration.

Resident Advisor reviewing the PLUG-OUT, called it "one of the more impressive-sounding plug-ins" the writer had tested, scoring sound 4.8, cost 4.0, versatility 4.1 and ease of use 4.1 out of 5.
Attack Magazine said it "captures this presence remarkably well" compared with the original, and praised the pin matrix and virtual cables.
Criticisms: RA found the matrix "out of place" and missed hands-on sample and hold control on SYSTEM-1; Attack noted the original's step sequencer is gone.

Where to buy

Plugin Boutique: $39 (regular $129)
Roland: see store

Tutorials and reviews

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