Back in 2006, this synth arrived as an accessible gateway to Roland's analog-modeling magic, packing the legendary Supersaw waveform that defined countless trance anthems into a lightweight, hands-on package perfect for bedroom producers and stage performers alike.
Its two analog-modeling oscillators deliver ten waveforms including saw, square, pulse with PWM, triangle, sine, noise, feedback osc, and that Supersaw standout, blended via a mix section with osc sync and ring mod options. A resonant multimode filter offers high/low/bandpass at 12 or 24 dB/oct slopes, controlled by cutoff, resonance, and key follow, while two LFOs with six shapes plus sample-and-hold modulate multiple destinations. The 49 semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys pair with a logical front-panel layout of knobs and sliders—no menus needed—plus pitch bend wheel, D-Beam for gesture control, arpeggiator with 32 patterns, and effects like reverb, modulation delay, overdrive/saturation. External input lets you process audio from MP3s or gear through its filters and FX, with USB for MIDI/audio to computer and 32 presets plus 32 user patches stored internally; stereo outs and pedal inputs round out the compact 34.6 x 13.9 x 4.25-inch, 11.5 lb body.
Over the years, players have praised its intuitive design for quick sound design and that punchy, door-blowing tone on a budget, though some note the lack of a mod wheel and aftertouch as minor trade-offs for its vintage affordability on the used market.
