System-1

Launched in 2014 as the world's first Plug-Out synthesizer, this compact powerhouse lets you host software recreations of legendary Roland classics like the SH-101 or PROMARS right inside the hardware—no computer needed.

At its core is Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) tech, modeling vintage analog circuits for warm, lifelike tones from dual virtual analog oscillators offering 12 waveforms each, including Super Saw, FM, Vowel, Cowbell, and Noise Saw. Mix in a sub-oscillator and noise generator, shape with versatile low-pass/high-pass filters at 12 or 24 dB/oct, dual ADSR envelopes for filter and amp, and two LFOs with fade time, rate, and destinations for pitch, filter, or amp. Hands-on control comes via 73 knobs and sliders—including coarse/fine tune, ring mod, color mixer, tone, and crusher—plus a scatter arpeggiator, tempo-sync delay/reverb effects, and a 25-key thin keyboard that's surprisingly playable despite the ultra-portable 472 x 283 x 70 mm frame. USB and DIN MIDI in/out make it a flexible hub.

Even years after discontinuation, players praise its authentic ACB sound, intuitive layout, and Plug-Out magic for endless inspiration, though some note the fixed 4-voice polyphony limits chordal patches.