Roland System-500 521

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