Roland System-1m User Manual

Top Panel

Ver. 1.2

Owner’s Manual

English

In order to use this device correctly, please carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” leaet and the owner’s manual) before use.

After reading, keep these instructions at hand for immediate reference.

LFO

Here you can create cyclic change (modulation) in the sound by applying vibrato (pitch modulation) or tremolo (volume modulation).

Controller Explanation

Wave knob

[FADE TIME] knob

[RATE] knob Determines the speed of the LFO. [PITCH] knob Allows the LFO to modulate the pitch, producing a vibrato eect. [FILTER] knob Allows the LFO to modulate the FILTER CUTOFF (cuto frequency),

[AMP] knob

[LFO KEY TRIG] button

OSC 1/OSC 2

Here you can select the waveform that determines the character of the sound, and specify its pitch. The SYSTEM-1m has two oscillators (OSC 1 and OSC 2).

Controller Explanation

Wave knob

[COLOR] knob The result depends on the waveform.

[MOD] knob

Octave (feet) knob Species the octave of the oscillator.

[CROSS MOD] knob

[FINE TUNE] knob

[RING] button

[SYNC] button

PLUG-OUT

What is “plug-out”?

5 A separately sold plug-out compatible software synthesizer can be downloaded to this unit,

allowing you to play this unit by itself.

5 The plug-out compatible soft ware synthesizer can also be used as a plug-in synthesizer on your

computer.

5 For details on dedicated plug-out software synthesizers and how to obtain them, and on the

operating requirements, refer to the Roland website. & http://roland.cm/sys1mpg

Controller Explanation

[PLUG-OUT] button

MIXER

Here you can adjust the volume of OSC 1, OSC 2, the sub-oscillator (an oscillator that produces a sound one or two octaves lower), and noise.

Controller Explanation

[OSC 1] knob Adjusts the volume of the OSC 1. [OSC 2] knob Adjusts the volume of the OSC 2. [SUB OSC] knob Adjusts the volume of the sub oscillator.

[OSC TYPE] button

[NOISE] knob Adjusts the volume of the noise.

[NOISE TYPE] button

Selects the LFO waveform.

R (Sine wave), S (Triangle wave), T (Sawtooth wave), U (Square wave), W (Sample and Hold), RND (Random wave)

Species the time from when the tone sounds until the LFO reaches its maximum amplitude.

Allows the LFO to modulate the AMP LEVEL (volume), producing a tremolo eect. Species whether the LFO cycle will be synchronized to begin when the key is pressed (ON) or not (OFF).

Selects the waveform that is the basis of the sound. T (Sawtooth wave), U (Square wave), S (Triangle wave),

(Sawtooth wave 2), (Square wave 2), (Triangle wave 2)

The newly added basic waveforms

To select the basic waveforms that were added, hold down the [LEGATO] button and turn the OSC 1/OSC 2 waveform knob.

(Noise Saw), U (Logic Operation), S (FM), (FM + Sync), (Vowel), (CB)

Selects the source that modulates the [COLOR] knob.

The sound is determined by the position of the [COLOR] knob. It will

MAN

not vary over time.

The sound varies over time at the rate specied in the

LFO

section.

The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the

P. ENV

PITCH section.

The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the

F. ENV

FILTER section.

The sound changes over time according to the envelope of the

A. ENV

AMP section. The sound changes over time according to the frequency of the

S. OSC

sub-oscillator.

Modies the OSC 1 frequency according to the OSC 2 waveform. Turning the knob toward the right makes OSC 1 become a more complex sound, allowing you to create metallic sounds or sound eects. Adjusts the pitch of the oscillator.

Coarse Tune

Adjusts the pitch in semitone steps.

“Other Functions” – “Adjusting the OSC 2 Coarse Tune”

This is a ring modulator. It generates a complex waveform by multiplying OSC 1 and OSC 2.

This is oscillator sync. It generates a complex waveform by forcibly resetting OSC 2 to the beginning of its cycle in synchronization with the OSC 1 frequency.

If the [PLUG-OUT] button is o, this unit will operate as a SYSTEM-1m synthesizer. If the [PLUG-OUT] button is on, this unit will operate in “plug-out” mode.

Selects the type of the sub oscillator. Lit: Sound one octave below, Unlit: Sound two octaves below

Selects the type of the noise.

Lit: white noise, Unlit: pink noise

Ver. 1.2

LFO

10 11

53 6 7 81 2 4 9

LEGATO, MONO

Here you can make the following settings for the SYSTEM-1m.

Controller Explanation

[LEGATO] button

[MONO] button

PITCH

Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for pitch.

Controller Explanation

[PORTAMENTO] knob

[ENV] knob

[A] slider [D] slider

FILTER

These settings determine the brightness and thickness of the sound. Here you can also specify the time-varying change (envelope) for the lter.

Controller Explanation

[LPF CUTOFF] knob

[LPF TYPE] button

[HPF CUTOFF] knob

[RESO] knob

[ENV] knob

[KEY] knob

[A] slider [D] slider [S] slider [R] slider

AMP

Here you can create time-varying change (envelope) for the volume.

Controller Explanation

[TONE] knob Adjusts the brightness of the sound. [CRUSHER] knob Modies the tonal character by distorting the waveform. [VOLUME] knob Adjusts the volume. [A] slider (Attack time) [D] slider (Decay time)

[S] slider (Sustain level)

[R] slider (Release time)

Applies portamento only when you play legato (i.e., when you press the next key before releasing the previous key). If this is on (lit), the synth will play monophonically (single notes). If this is blinking, the synth will play all sounds in unison (UNISON mode).

Creates a smooth change in pitch between one key and the next key played. The knob adjusts the time required for the pitch change. If this knob is turned toward the right, the pitch initially becomes higher and then returns to the pitch of the key you pressed. If this knob is turned toward the left, the pitch initially becomes lower and then returns to the pitch of the key you pressed.

These sliders operate similarly to the [A][D] sliders of the aect the pitch rather than the volume).

Species the cuto frequency of the low-pass lter. Frequency components above the cuto frequency are cut, making the sound mellower.

Selects the slope (steepness) of the low-pass lter. Lit: -12 dB, Unlit: -24 dB

Species the cuto frequency of the high-pass lter. Frequency components below the cuto frequency are cut. Resonance boosts the sound in the region of the lter’s cuto frequency. Higher settings produce stronger emphasis, creating a distinctively “synthesizer-like” sound. This knob species the depth and direction of the cuto frequency change produced by the [A], [D], [S], and [R] sliders. If the knob is turned toward the right, the cuto frequency moves in the upward direction. If the knob is turned toward the left, the cuto frequency moves in the downward direction. Allows the lter cuto frequency to vary according to the key that you play. If the knob is turned toward the right, the cuto frequency becomes higher as you play higher notes. If the knob is turned toward the left, the cuto frequency becomes lower as you play higher notes.

These sliders operate similarly to the [A][D][S][R] sliders of the (they aect the cuto frequency rather than the volume).

Species the time from the moment you press the key until the maximum volume is reached.

Species the time from when the maximum volume is reached, until it decays to the sustain level.

Species the volume level that will be maintained from when the attack and decay times have elapsed until you release the key.

Species the time from when you release the key until the volume reaches its minimum value.

AMP section (they

AMP section

EFX

Here you can adjust the amount of reverb and delay.

Controller Explanation

[REVERB] knob Adds reverberation. [DELAY] knob Adjusts the volume of delay sound. [TIME] knob Adjusts the delay time (the time by which the sound is delayed).

TEMPO

Here you can make the tempo settings.

Controller Explanation

[TEMPO] knob

[TEMPO SYNC] button

MEMORY

What is “Memory/Bank”?

You can store/recall up to 64 sets (8 memories x 8 banks) of panel settings (knobs/sliders).

Controller Explanation

[WRITE] button Stores the panel settings in memory. [SELECT] knob Recalls a memory (panel settings). Display Shows the memory number, etc.

Sets the tempo. The LED blinks at the tempo you specied.

* If MIDI clock is being input to the MIDI IN connector or the USB port, the

SYSTEM-1m’s tempo will automatically synchronize to MIDI clock. & “MIDI and Other Settings” – “MIDI Clock Source”

Synchronizes the RATE of the

EFX section to the tempo.

LFO section and the delay time (TIME) of the

Ver. 1.2

To recall settings (a sound) from the memory

1. If you want to switch banks, hold down the [PLUG-OUT] button and turn the [SELECT] knob to

select a bank (1–8).

“-” appears on the display.

* You can skip this step if you do not want to switch banks.

Ver. 1.2

2. Turn the [SELECT] knob to select a memory number, and then press the knob to conrm.

Value: N (Manual), 1–8

The number blinks while you’re selecting it. If you decide to cancel your selection, just select the original bank/memory.

What is “Manual mode”?

Causes sound to be produced according to the current settings of the knobs and sliders.

To store panel settings in the memory

When you edit the memory settings, the dot will appear in the display.

1. Press the [WRITE] button.

The [WRITE] button lights. If you decide to cancel the Write operation, press the [WRITE] button once again. The number (1–8) of the selected memory blinks. If N (manual) is selected, the number 1 blinks.

2. If you want to switch banks, hold down the [PLUG-OUT] button and turn the [SELECT] knob to

select a bank (1–8).

“-” appears on the display.

* You can skip this step if you do not want to switch banks.

3. Turn the [SELECT] knob to select the writing-destination memory (1–8), and then press the knob

to store the settings.

Ver. 1.2

Connecting Your Equipment (Jack Area)

* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn o all the

units before making any connections.

* The input/output jacks in the jack area are used for MONO mode

The input/output jacks that can be used are illuminated. Red: Audio signal, Blue: Control signal

* The state of each input jack (connected or disconnected) is stored in memory.

Input jacks in which a plug is not inserted when settings are written are stored in memory as “disconnected jacks.” Even if a plug is inserted into a “disconnected jack” when that memory is recalled, the input signal from that jack is ignored (the jack blinks). This allows you to store dierent sounds that use various combinations of external devices (input jacks). To enable a blinking “disconnected jack,” unplug and reinsert the plug.

* Use patch cables with monaural mini-plugs to connect other equipment. The system will not work

correctly if you use cables with stereo mini-plugs.

* If you’re playing via the CV ? (IN) jack and GATE ? (IN) jack, you must connect both the CV ? (IN)

jack and the GATE ? (IN) jack.

* If you’re playing via the CV ? (IN) jack and GATE ? (IN) jack, noise that enters from the power

supply or the patch cables may cause the pitch to be unstable or noise to appear in the sound. If this occurs, you may be able to improve the situation by connecting the power supply to a dierent source or by re-routing the patch cables.

* If you’re playing via MIDI (or USB MIDI), disconnect any cables from the CV ? (IN) jack and the GATE

(IN) jack. If a cable is inserted in the CV ? (IN) jack or GATE ? (IN) jack, playing via MIDI (or USB

MIDI) is not possible (when using MONO mode).

Jacks Explanation

PHONES = (OUT) jack LFO = (OUT) jack OSC 1 SYNC = (OUT) jack OSC 2 SYNC ? (IN) jack

RING ? (IN) jack

OSC 1 = (OUT) jack OSC 2 = (OUT) jack

EXT IN ? (IN) jack

MIX OUT = (OUT) jack

PITCH ENV ? (IN) jack

FILTER ENV ? (IN) jack

FILTER ENV = (OUT) jack

FILTER LFO ? (IN) jack

GATE ? (IN) jack

CV ? (IN) jack

[PITCH] knob

AMP ENV ? (IN) jack

AMP ENV = (OUT) jack OUTPUT =

L/MONO, R jacks

USB (O) port

Connect headphones (separately sold, stereo mini-plug).

Outputs an LFO signal.

Outputs a pulse signal for syncing another OSC to OSC 1.

If oscillator sync is on, OSC 2 syncs to this signal. If this jack is not used, OSC 2 syncs to OSC 1. If the ring modulator is on, OSC 2 is multiplied with this signal. If this jack is not used, the waveforms of OSC 1 and OSC 2 are multiplied. Outputs the OSC 1 waveform. Outputs the OSC 2 waveform. Inputs the waveform. If this jack is used, SUB OSC does not enter the MIXER. Use the MIXER [SUB OSC] knob to adjust the input level. Outputs the waveform that has passed through the MIXER.

* If the various MIXER knobs are set to high levels, the output waveform

from the MIX OUT jack may be distorted. If this occurs, adjust the level of

each knob. Inputs a waveform that controls PITCH from an external source. Use the [ENV] knob to adjust the eect. If this jack is not used, PITCH ENV is enabled. Inputs a waveform that controls the CUTOFF frequency from an external source. Use the [ENV] knob to adjust the eect. If this jack is not used, FILTER ENV is enabled.

Outputs the FILTER ENV waveform to an external device.

Inputs a waveform that controls the CUTOFF frequency from an external source. Use the [LFO FILTER] knob to adjust the eect. If this jack is not used, the LFO is enabled. Inputs keyboard note-on/o from an external device. Inputs keyboard pitch from an external device. This jack supports OCT/V (it does not support Hz/v).

FINE TUNE setting / KEY FOLLOW setting

These settings adjust the ne tune and key follow relative to the voltage that is input.

“Other Functions” – “CV ? (IN) Jack Settings” When you press this knob, a pitch corresponding to the position of the knob is heard. Turning the knob toward the right raises the pitch. Turning the knob toward the left lowers the pitch. Inputs a waveform that controls the volume from an external source. If this jack is not used, the AMP ENV is enabled.

Outputs the AMP ENV waveform to an external device.

Connect these jacks to your amp or monitor speakers. If your system is monaural, use only the L/MONO jack.

Use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable to connect this port to your computer. It can be used to transfer USB MIDI and USB audio data. You

must install the USB driver before connecting the SYSTEM-1m to your computer. Download the USB driver from the Roland website. For details,

refer to Readme.htm which is included in the download.

http://www.roland.com/support/

Rear Panel Connections Other Functions

DC IN jack

Connect the included AC adaptor here. Use only the included AC adaptor.

* To prevent the inadvertent disruption of power to your unit (should the plug

be pulled out accidentally), and to avoid applying undue stress to the DC IN jack, anchor the power cord using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration.

MIDI connectors

For connecting MIDI device.

* A MIDI connector is also provided on the bottom panel. Use the settings in “MIDI and Other

Settings” to specify which MIDI IN connector is used.

OUTPUT jacks

Connect these jacks to your amp or monitor speakers. If your system is monaural, use only the L/ MONO jack.

* Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

Turning the Power On/O

[POWER] switch

This turns the power on/o.

* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after turning the

unit on is required before it will operate normally.

B C

Rack Attachment Area

Attaching the Rackmount Adaptors

Remove the screws (three on each side) from the left and right sides of the SYSTEM-1m.

2. Using the screws that you removed in step 1, attach the included rackmount adaptors to

the SYSTEM-1m.

* You must use the screws that you removed. * When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage.

Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.

Values represented by the jack LEDs

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 dot: negative

Display examples Value

PITCH ENV ? (IN) jack lit + “1” LFO = (OUT)–PITCH ENV ? (IN) jacks lit + dot + “8”

Adjusting the Volume of Each Memory

While holding down the [TEMPO SYNC] button, turn the [SELECT] knob.

The display indicates the volume.

“Values represented by the jack LEDs”

Changing the Pitch Bend Range

While holding down the [LEGATO] button, turn the [SELECT] knob.

The display indicates the pitch bend amount (PITCH ENV ? (IN) jack lit means +10, PITCH ENV ? (IN) and MIX OUT = (OUT) jacks lit means +20).

Adjusting the OSC 2 Coarse Tune

Here’s how to specify the OSC 2 pitch in semitone steps.

1. While simultaneously holding down the [RING] and [SYNC] buttons, turn the [SELECT] knob.

The display indicates the coarse tune amount (PITCH ENV ? (IN) jack lit means +10; the display’s dot is lit to indicate negative).

CV ? (IN) Jack Settings

CAUTION

* After you’ve made connections correctly, be sure to turn on

the power in the order of the SYSTEM-1m rst, and then the connected system. Powering-on in the incorrect order

may cause malfunctions or damage. When turning the power o, power-o the connected system rst, and then the SYSTEM-1m.

* Before turning the unit on/o, always be sure to turn the volume

down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/o. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Using a Eurorack Power Cable

In addition to an AC adaptor, the SYSTEM-1m can also be operated on Eurorack system power (+12 V) by using the included Eurorack power cable.

Installing in a Eurorack case

Use the included screws (8 pcs.) to attach the SYSTEM-1m to your Eurorack case at the locations indicated.

Here’s how to specify the ne tune, key follow relative to the input voltage.

Tips

Adjusting the CV jack’s key follow setting will cause the tuning to change slightly. For this reason, you should adjust key follow rst, and then use ne tune to specify the overall pitch.

Adjusting the key follow

1. While holding down the [NOISE TYPE] button, turn the [SELECT] knob.

The display indicates the key follow amount.

“Values represented by the jack LEDs”

Adjusting the ne tune

1. While holding down the [OSC TYPE] button, turn the [SELECT] knob.

The display indicates the ne tune amount.

“Values represented by the jack LEDs”

MIDI and Other Settings

While holding down the [WRITE] button and press the [LFO KEY TRIG] button.

The [LFO KEY TRIG] button blinks.

2. Use the buttons and the knobs to make the setting.

Parameter Controller Explanation

MIDI channel [SELECT] knob

* Always turn the Eurorack unit o and unplug the power cord before plugging the Eurorack

power cable.

1. Insert the 16-pin connector of the Eurorack power cable into the Eurorack power connector.

When inserting the connector, align it with the groove. If there is no groove, align the wire bearing the red mark with pin number 1.

2. Connect the other connector of the Eurorack power cable to the DC IN jack of the

SYSTEM-1m.

* The +12 V power of the SYSTEM-1m draws 700 mA of current. Use a power supply that can

deliver this amount of current. For more about Eurorack power supply units, refer to the Roland website. Here you can nd the latest information about units that have been veried to be compatible. & http://www.roland.com/support/

Main Specications

Roland SYSTEM-1m: PLUG-OUT SYNTHESIZER

Maximum Polyphony 4 voices (SYSTEM-1m Mode)

Power Supply AC adaptor or Eurorack power

Current Draw 1300 mA (AC adaptor), 700 mA (Eurorack power)

Dimensions 427 (W) x 129 (D) x 70 (H) mm

Weight 1.25 kg (excluding AC adaptor) 2 lbs 13 oz

Accessories

* In the interest of product improvement, the specications and/or appearance of this unit are

subject to change without prior notice.

AC adaptor, Owner’s Manual, Leaet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” PLUG-OUT information card, Rackmount adaptors, Eurorack installation screws, Eurorack power cable, Patch cables

16-13/16 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-13/16 (H) inches

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Also read the “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” leaet.

WARNING

Electrocution hazard

Do not touch the electrical terminals when attaching the Eurorack power cable.

CAUTION

Keep small items out of the reach of children

To prevent accidental ingestion of the parts listed below, always keep them out of the reach of small children.

5 Included Parts

Eurorack installation screws

5 Removable Parts

Screws for attaching the rackmount adaptor

MIDI Clock Source

MIDI Thru

LED DEMO

Master Tune

MIDI IN connector selection

Factory Reset

[RING] Button

[OSC TYPE] button

Hold down the [LPF TYPE] and turn the [SELECT] knob

Hold down the [TEMPO SYNC] button and turn the [SELECT] knob

[SYNC] button

Hold down the [WRITE] and press the [LFO KEY TRIG]

– (OFF)

1–16

N (OMNI)

Lit (AUTO)

Unlit (INTERNAL)

Lit (ON)

Unlit (OFF)

Lit (SIDE)

Unlit (BOTTOM)

ones place digit

11 –98

Species the MIDI transmit/receive channel. (default: 1) Fully left (o) Fully right (omni) PITCH ENV ? (IN) jack lit means +10 MIDI messages of all channels are received. The MIDI transmit channel will be 1. If MIDI clock is being input to the MIDI IN connector or the USB port, the SYSTEM-1m’s tempo will automatically synchronize to MIDI clock. (default) If MIDI clock is being simultaneously input from the MIDI IN connector and from the USB port, the USB port takes priority. The SYSTEM-1m operates at the tempo specied on the unit itself. Choose the “INTERNAL” setting if you don’t want to synchronize to an external device.

Species whether data received from the MIDI IN connector will be retransmitted from the MIDI OUT connector (ON: default) or will not be retransmitted (OFF).

Species the time (minute) until the LED DEMO is shown (PITCH ENV ? (IN) jack lit means +10). If this is set to “–,“ the LED DEMO is not shown. The actual value is 440 Hz added to the display indication (PITCH ENV ? (IN) jack lit means +10; the display’s dot is lit to indicate negative).

Species which MIDI IN connector is used. (default: SIDE)

Here’s how to return the SYSTEM-1m to its factory-set state.

* Step 3 is not necessary.

3. Press the [LFO KEY TRIG] button to save the settings.

After the settings are saved, the unit returns to normal operation.

Take a Snapshot of All Controllers

Here’s how to transmit the current state of the knobs, sliders, and switches to a computer or a MIDI device.

1. While holding down the [WRITE] button, press the [SYNC] button.

Data Backup/Restore

Here’s how to back up and restore memory les.

Backup

1. While holding down the [LFO KEY TRIG] button, turn on the power.

2. Connect your computer to the SYSTEM-1m’s USB port via USB cable.

3. Open the “SYSTEM-1M” drive on your computer.

The scene memory backup les are located in the “BACKUP” folder of the “SYSTEM-1M” drive.

4. Copy the SYSTEM-1m Memory les in “BACKUP” folder into your computer.

SYSTEM-1 SYSTEM1_PATCH1.PRM–SYSTEM1_PATCH8.PRM PLUGOUT PLUGOUT_PATCH1.PRM–PLUGOUT_PATCH8.PRM

5. After copying is completed, disconnect the USB cable.

Windows 8/7

Right-click on the “SYSTEM-1M” icon in “My Computer” and execute “Eject.”

Mac OS

Drag the “SYSTEM-1M” icon to the Trash icon in the Dock.

6. Turn the SYSTEM-1m power o.

Restore

1. While holding down the [LFO KEY TRIG] button, turn on the power.

2. Connect your computer to the SYSTEM-1m’s USB port via USB cable.

3. Open the “SYSTEM-1M” drive on your computer.

4. Copy the SYSTEM-1m memory les into the “RESTORE” folder of the “SYSTEM-1M” drive.

5. After copying is completed, disconnect the USB cable.

Windows 8/7

Right-click on the “SYSTEM-1M” icon in “My Computer” and execute “Eject.”

Mac OS

Drag the “SYSTEM-1M” icon to the Trash icon in the Dock.

6. After the [LFO FILTER][OSC 1 COLOR] knobs have completely stopped blinking, turn o the

power.