Roland Debuts System-100 Plug-out Software Synthesizer

Roland_System-100

Roland has introduced the System-100 Plug-Out Software Synthesizer – a software reproduction of the classic semi-modular monosynth from 1975.

The System-100 Plug-Out integrates the features of the original Model 101 Synthesizer and Model 102 Expander units, resulting in an ‘incredibly fat and uniquely versatile’ two oscillator monosynth, with modular routing capabilities.

The System-100 Plug Out synthesizer is designed for System-1 and 1m, as well as Mac and PC hosts.

Roland_System-100_pic2

Features:

  • Replicates System-100 sound and behavior
  • ACB provides expansive, liquid tone of the original
  • Model 101 Synthesizer and Model 102 Expander in a single instrument
  • Sophisticated architecture with dual VCO, dual LFO, S&H, Ring Mod, Noise and more
  • Versatile semi-modular patching capabilities
  • Integrated Phaser with modulation inputs, Reverb and Delay
  • Advanced arpeggiator with Scatter capabilities
  • VST, AU and PLUG-OUT compatible

Modular Monosynth

The System-100 had modular patching capabilities, vastly increasing the sound design options. Pairing a Model 101 Synthesizer with a Model 102 Expander gave you two VCOs and two LFOs to work with, as well as Sample and Hold, Ring Modulation and a Noise Generator that all worked seamlessly together.

The New System-100

With the new SYSTEM-100 PLUG-OUT Synthesizer, the features of the original Model 101 Synthesizer and Model 102 Expander are combined into a single interface, allowing you to use both VCOs, both LFOs, S&H, Ring Mod and so on with no patching.

The signal path can be altered and parameters modulated by connecting cables between the patch points. A new 14×15 Routing Matrix makes for quick patching, with all connections still visually reflected as patch cables on the SYSTEM-100’s control panel. You can toggle patching on/off as well as quickly see the entire signal flow with convenient buttons right above the Routing Matrix.

Like other Plug-Out synths, there are dual ADSR envelopes (VCF and VCA) and the advanced pattern generation of the Scatter-equipped Arpeggiator. Six arpeggio types with six step settings combine with variable Scatter type and depth to create a seemingly infinite selection of patterns. A phaser with modulation inputs joins the reverb and delay, creating an effects section suited for synth sounds.

Roland_System-100_pic3_patches

Plug-in and Plug-out

While multiple instances of the System-100 plug-in can be used in any VST or AU compatible DAW, the System-100 Plug-Out Software Synthesizer offers seamless integration and unique capabilities for SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m owners, including knob-per-function hardware control, stand-alone portability, and semi-modular patching capabilities (1m only).

Connect a SYSTEM-1/1m to your computer and it becomes a dedicated controller, only lighting the appropriate knobs and sliders pertinent to the SYSTEM-100. Transfer sounds back and forth between the hardware and software and even use the SYSTEM-1/1m as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface. Or break free entirely and PLUG-OUT directly to the SYSTEM-1/1m, creating a stand-alone hardware SYSTEM-100 synthesizer, with physical controls that doesn’t require a computer.

Pairing the SYSTEM-100 with the SYSTEM-1m gives you dedicated high-resolution controls and both virtual and physical routing and modulation capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

Roland’s new System-100 Plug-Out is available now for $195 US via the Roland Content Store. The soft synth is also available on a free trial basis. System requirements here, and additional information on the System-100 Plug-out is available on the Roland website.

22 thoughts on “Roland Debuts System-100 Plug-out Software Synthesizer”

  3. It would be really helpful if there were audio demos available on the Roland website. I won´t just download and install something only for testing purposes. The price is IMO quite steep for a virtual mono synth, but maybe it´s worth it.

  5. £95 for System-1 owners?? What’s with the recent price hike on this and the System-1 Plugout (preset manager). Too expensive. Stop milking us Roland.

  6. I’m going to wait for the System 500 modules. The System 100 (not the 100M) was the first synthesiser I ever played and I’ve wanted an original ever since. Now System 100s in good condition and fully complete are very rare and very expensive. There’s no way I could afford one. The ‘plugout’ for a System 1 just does not interest me. Firstly, I’m not hugely impressed with the System 1 – and plugout, whilst an interesting concept, is essentially a VST with the System 1 as a glorified MIDI controller. There are much better MIDI controller keyboards out there. I know the System 100 plugout is available as a VST, but I want a real System 100 to work with – not a virtual instrument. For me its more about using a piece of synthesiser history, and personal nostalgia. I know Roland probably won’t re-issue a System 100 in hardware form, so the System 500 as a modern day System 100M seems a better bet for my interests.

    1. Problem is that if they did release a hardware version for $1500.00 you guys would be bitching that it costs way too much and it should be like $400.00, so Roland can’t win no matter what it does. And this IS NOT a fancy midi controller! You can unplug it from the computer and run it straight, Jeez you guyz.
      Go Roland, GO!

  7. Yeah, Nowadays, i do not know if instruments companies are still selling music instruments or if they are selling electronic devices to dive in nostalgia

  8. But most of the audience for this weren’t born when it was released. This isn’t nostalgia, its something else I need a dictionary to help me with

  9. Looks nice but woah that price is a bit excessive. You can get Bazille for a lot cheaper and it’s going to be able to do a lot more.

    1. Sure, it can do more… but can I load it in my System-1m? And last time I checked, $130 for Bazille, $145 for System 100… Bazille’s not a lot cheaper if you’ve already got the Roland hardware : )

      1. You have faulty logic in your argument, based on the assumption that all potential users will own the Roland hardware.

        1 – it’s not $145 for the Roland software unless you own the hardware. For the person making a choice as a VST, it’s $195, which as R7 pointed out is noticeably more than Bazille.

        2 – you can only load the Roland software into Roland hardware. So for the majority of users who will not own that hardware, that is a useless feature and won’t factor in to a purchase decision.

        1. Also we really should be comparing it with Ace and not Bazille. I said Bazille because it can do so much more and sounds amazing, but Ace is more of a direct competeor in sound and features to the System 100 Plug out and is way cheaper at only $85.

        2. I think we’ve kind of got an ‘apples and oranges’ thing going on here, guys – and you may have missed my point (or I did not convey it properly). You make valid points certainly, but I was neither making an argument, nor was I assuming anything about “all potential users”.

          I was only looking at this from the perspective of a current Roland System-1/-1m hardware owner – not someone who may want this as just a plug-in – and in doing so, was trying to point out that for someone like me, who already has the System-1m hardware, the price of this plug–in isn’t that much more than Bazille, or even Ace – if we go with that comparison. I wasn’t really factoring in those folks who may (or may not) buy this for the software alone.

          That being said, I fully understand the premise of this software, and obviously get the fact that these Roland plug-ins can only be used in the Roland System-1/-1m hardware. My point was that for those of us who do own the hardware, and choose not to be tethered to a computer screen, it’s a cool thing to be able to load this into my hardware unit – something I cannot, however, do with Bazille. Therefore, this “useless feature” is, in fact, an actual selling point for me.

          I apologize if my previous comments set the wrong tone for what I was trying to get across…

      1. That does add alot of functionality but System 1m and the System 100 plug out are going to cost about $744. That’s enough that you could get a few modules of Eurorack and start building a real hardware modular setup.

  10. Roland should have an intro sale on their plug-outs. $200 for an emulation is crazy. Just about every other synth emulation goes for half that amount.

  11. The VCS3-like pin-matrix is a pretty smart addition, but until they do the Jupiter-8 again, people will keep sending them dead rats at Christmas.

  13. If people buy it, we will all be worong and Roland’s marketing dept will be right
    Maybe they are testing higher prices for their future releases.

  14. I am confused. Why is it that if you pay 10-30 euros you get a really good sounding, complex(if you need it) and sweet synth app but as soon as it is for a bigger computer it costs 150-200 euros? i don`t mean only the Roland here. In general. the ipad apps don`t sound bad. like not bad at all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *