Roland System-500 521

$294.99

Create unique electronic music compositions with the Roland System-500 521, the ultimate modular synth system.

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SKU: 7747080 Category: Tags: , , , ,

Description

Roland System-500 521 Synthesizer: A Classic Synthesizer Reborn

Roland has been synonymous with quality music products for decades, and one of the latest additions to their extensive line of synthesizers is the Roland System-500 521. This synthesizer is a collaboration between Roland and Malekko, and it’s one of the most versatile and powerful synthesizers on the market today.

Design

The design of the System-500 521 synthesizer is classic Roland. It’s sleek, compact, and sturdy with a metal chassis that can withstand the rigors of live performances and studio work. The front panel is easy to navigate with large, rubberized knobs, and each function has its LED indicator. The entire synthesizer is powered by AC, and the back panel contains the power input along with a series of inputs and outputs.

Features

The System-500 521 synthesizer has a vast array of features, making it a powerful and versatile instrument. Its voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) has a wide range of adjustable controls, including pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (FM). The VCO’s waveforms include triangle, sawtooth, and square waves, which can be combined to create new complex waveforms. The filter is a classic Roland design, featuring low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters with 24 dB per octave slope.

What sets the System-500 521 apart from other synthesizers is its extensive modulation capabilities. It has two envelope generators, two LFOs, and a sample-and-hold module. These modulation sources can be routed to a variety of parameters, including the filter cutoff, oscillator frequency, and pulse width.

The System-500 521 also has a powerful step sequencer with eight steps and CV/Gate outputs. Each step can be programmed to generate a different pitch or modulation value, making it easy to create grooves and patterns.

Sound

The sound of the System-500 521 synthesizer is classic Roland. Its oscillators are warm and rich, and its filters are buttery smooth. The sound is reminiscent of classic Roland synths like the SH-101 and the TB-303. The System-500 521’s extensive modulation options make it easy to create complex evolving sounds.

Conclusion

The Roland System-500 521 synthesizer is a classic synthesizer reborn. Its intuitive design, powerful features, and classic Roland sound make it a must-have for any synth enthusiast. Whether you’re a professional musician or a hobbyist, the System-500 521 synthesizer is an excellent addition to any setup.

Roland System-500 521 properties

Product name System-500 521
Brand Roland
Type Keyboard Instruments
Keyboard Instrument Synthesizer
Drawbars/Sliders Yes
Rotary Controls Yes
Colour Black

Additional information

Brand

Product type

Keyboard Instrument

Drawbars/Sliders

Rotary Controls

Colour

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the Roland System-500 521 Mixer module differentiate itself from other analog mixers in terms of sonic character and functionality?

The Roland System-500 521 Mixer module stands out from other analog mixers due to its unique sonic character and advanced functionality. Firstly, the 521 offers a distinct sound that is both warm and transparent, thanks to its high-quality components and design principles. This makes it an excellent choice for musicians who want to achieve a rich and natural sound in their mixes. In terms of functionality, the 521 provides a range of advanced features that go beyond basic mixing duties. For example, it includes a built-in noise gate and expander/compressor module, allowing users to shape the dynamics of their signals and eliminate unwanted background noise. It also offers a high-pass filter section, which can be used to remove low-frequency content from sources such as bass guitars or synthesizers to make more room in the mix for other instruments. Another key feature of the 521 is its flexibility in terms of routing and signal processing. It offers a total of 64 inputs and outputs, making it suitable for large-scale systems with multiple sources and destinations. Additionally, it supports a range of external modules via its modular interface, allowing users to expand their system as needed. In summary, the Roland System-500 521 Mixer module stands out from other analog mixers due to its warm, transparent sound, advanced functionality such as noise gate and EQ controls, and high degree of flexibility in terms of routing and signal processing capabilities.

How does the Roland System-500 521 module interface with other components in a modular synthesis setup?

The Roland System-500 521 module, which is designed for use in modular synthesis setups, interfaces with other components through its modular input and output ports. These ports allow it to connect to other modules that also have similar input and output capabilities, such as oscillators, filters, amplifiers, and effects processors. The user can then patch cables between the 521 module and these other modules to create complex signal routing and processing chains. Additionally, the 521 module has built-in power supplies that allow it to provide power to other modules in the system, making it a versatile and integral part of any modular synthesis setup.

What is the optimal settings configuration for achieving a rich, warm analog sound using the Roland System-500 521 module?

To achieve a rich, warm analog sound using the Roland System-500 521 module, follow these optimal settings configuration:

1. Connect your System-500 to an external power supply for stability and less noise. Set up two oscillators (VCO's) in the 521 module; one oscillator should be set to a stable waveform like saw or square, while the other oscillator can be set to a more complex waveform such as pulse width modulation (PWM). Use a low-pass filter (LPF) on both oscillators' output signals. Set the cutoff frequency of the LPF to around 200Hz or lower for a warm, rich sound. Apply some ring modulation (RM) to both oscillator outputs. Adjust the depth and mix levels of the RM to achieve a thicker, warmer sound. Use an envelope generator (EG) to shape the amplitude of one of the oscillators. Set up the EG with a relatively slow attack and release time for a more organic feel. Add some noise using the internal noise source or an external one connected to the 521 module's IN jack. Mix it in with the other signals, but keep it low enough not to overpower them. Use an analog delay (AD) effect on the final output signal. Set up the AD for a short delay time and low feedback level to add warmth and depth without introducing too much echo. Finally, route all signals through a stereo amplifier or headphone amp for better audio quality. Remember, the settings configuration may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences, but these guidelines should provide a good starting point to achieve a rich, warm analog sound using the Roland System-500 521 module.

Can you explain how to properly calibrate and optimize the voltage control inputs on a Roland System-500 521 module to achieve precise pitch control over external analog sources?

1. Begin by connecting your external analog sources to the CV input jacks on the 521 module. These should be bipolar linear or exponential voltage-controlled generators that can supply a range of voltages between -10V and +10V. Next, connect the output of one of these generators to the CV input on channel 1 of the 521 module. Connect the output of another generator to the CV input on channel 2 if you're working with a dual-VCO setup. Power up your system and adjust the bias voltage for each VCO on the 521 module until they start producing sound. This should be done using the VCO's built-in coarse tuning knobs, not the fine tuning knobs. The coarse tuning knobs are used to set the base frequency of each VCO, while the fine tuning knobs are used for precise pitch control. Once both VCOs are producing sound, adjust the CV range and response characteristics on the 521 module to match your external analog sources. This is done using the CV Range and Response controls. The CV Range control determines how much of a voltage change will result in one octave of frequency change for the associated VCO. The Response control sets how fast or slow the VCO responds to changes in the controlling voltage. Now, with the CV Range and Response set, adjust the fine tuning knobs on each VCO until they're producing the correct pitches when controlled by your external analog sources. This is typically done through trial and error, as the exact settings will depend on your specific equipment and desired performance. The final step in optimizing your setup is to adjust the voltage offset for each VCO. This can be done using the VCO's built-in coarse tuning knobs or the offset controls on the 521 module itself. Adjusting the voltage offset allows you to fine-tune the pitch of each VCO, ensuring that it matches exactly with its controlling source. Keep in mind that precise calibration and optimization may require patience and persistence as well as a good understanding of how your external analog sources are functioning. It's also worth noting that some experimentation may be required to determine the optimal settings for your specific setup, so don't be afraid to try different configurations until you achieve the desired performance. Also, it's worth mentioning that when working with voltage-controlled oscillators, slight variations in temperature and humidity can affect their performance. Therefore, it's recommended to perform calibration and optimization under a controlled environment where these factors can be minimized.

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