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Forgive the pun. ;) The System-1m maintains the majority of the features of the original System-1 (minus the keyboard, scatter effect, and arpeggiator) and adds a host of patch points. This instrument is essentially a simplified modular synthesizer. It has an LFO, two oscillators, a filter, an amp, and effects. This can be cross-modulated via 3.5mm TS patch cables. The instrument can also be interconnected with other eurorack modules. In fact, the System-1m can be mounted natively into a eurorack system. It can also mount into a standard 19" rack or be used as a tabletop synth as well. Like the System-1, it also has the ability to hold another synthesizer engine developed by Roland. I bought the SH-101 plug-out for mine and it sounds wonderful! Unlike most digital synths, the knobs on the System-1m are not limited to 256 MIDI steps (8-bit). I believe that they are roughly 32,000 steps (15-bit). This means that when you push the resonance and turn the filter cut-off, you don't hear the zippering or stair-stepping effect that you get from most digital or digitally-controlled filters. It sounds smooth like an analog instrument should. Be aware that in its standard mode, the System-1m has a maximum of 4-note polyphony. However, if you want to use a plug-out synth, it will limit itself to a monophonic instrument. Also, if you want to use the patch points, you must put it in monophonic mode. The lights are a bit bright and somewhat overwhelming, but the sound is remarkable. Be warned...if you haven't started to explore modular synthesis, this might tempt you to begin to add modules. Once that happens, good luck finding your way back from that rabbit hole. It's a flexible and powerful instrument and is well-suited as a learning instrument for those new to synthesis as well as being a powerful tool in the hands of an experienced user. There is much to learn and enjoy in this little black box.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned