The Roland System-1 synth looks simple, but has enough control over Omnisphere to make some interesting sounds. You can control all four Layers of a Patch, the Oscillators have several modulation options, and you have control over Lowpass and Highpass Filters, Bit-crushing, Delay, and Reverb. Although the keys on the System-1 are not great, it’s still a nice controller for anyone wanting something small but capable.
Roland System-1 Strengths:
- Intuitive and Powerful Layout
- 3X Effects Control
- Pitch Envelope
- Multiple Filter Types
- Small and Portable Budget Synth
Roland System-1 Details:
| Used Price | Around $400 |
|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 25 |
| Keyboard Type | Unweighted, Mini |
| Size of Controls | Medium |
| Special Features | N/A |
| Dimensions | 18 5/8” × 11 3/16” × 2 13/16” |
| Weight | 5 lbs 5 oz |
| USB Powered | No |
| Pitch Bender | No, Jog Dial |
| Mod Wheel | No, Mod Button |
| Sends Aftertouch | No |
| Sustain Pedal Input | Yes |
| Expression Pedal Input | Yes |
| Ribbon | No |
| Non-Functional Controls | Volume Tempo Knob Model: System 1 / Plug Out |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Sequencer | No |
| MIDI Messages | CC |
Omnisphere Sections Controlled by the Roland System-1:
| Independent Layer Control | No |
|---|---|
| Number of Oscillators | 4 |
| Number of Wavetables | 7 |
| Number of Envelopes | 3 |
| Number of LFOs | 1 |
| Filter Types | Jupiter LPF 2-pole Jupiter LPF 4-pole Master HPF |
| FX Units | Global Ambience Global Tone |
| Soundsources | No |
| Mod Matrix | No |
| FM | Yes |
| Ring Mod | Yes |
| Waveshaper | No |
| Unison | Yes |
| Harmonia | No |
| Granular | No |
| ORB | No |
| Arpeggiator | No |
Ratings
| Control of Omnisphere |  |
|---|---|
| Panel Layout | |
| Ease of Use |  |
| Keyboard Feel |  |
| Build Quality | |
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