Yes. Get it all! (www.roland.com/global/search/?q=System%20500). Roland offers the System 500 Complete Set which includes the 512, 521, 530, 540 and the 572 in one System 500 case (SYR-E84). However, to get the rest of other 4 modules, you will need to purchase them separately. Complete the whole System 500 synth set by getting the 505, 510, 555 and the 531 mixer. You will also want to get the matching case (SYR-E84) to hold these 4 modules. To date there are 9 modules total in the System 500 series. I got a second mixer, the 531.
Very inspiring and very good overview, thank you and merry Christmas! One question concerning the 540 envelope generator: are the envelopes exponential?
In my experience, envelopes from this era (1980's) are not selectable as either linear or exponential; often you would use a select switch on the CV INPUT of whatever you were controlling with this envelope to determine linear or exponential response. For example the System 500 530 VCA has a literal/exponential select switch.
This video clearly shows how much stuff you need to get something that will be no way near a full song. Great system, but also great for managing modular expectations - and you still need a keyboard or sequencer...
As good as this is (and yes, its very good!) theres no way I can justify the price of this. Even a modest Behringer System 100 is over four figures. This is a lot of money for what essentially a musical toy for me to muck around with. I'm tempted to buy just the filter module though, that is really sweet!
Depicted here is a $4400 system. Just half of this is $2200 and is only as good as the Behringer Proton which costs $300. Spend $2200 on Behringer and you can get a whole System 35.
What a great comment! Yes, synthesizers such as this excellent one here can sound like many things, including a broken alarm clock, if that's a sound you'd like to create. It really is up to you...
Thanks DivKid - always a pleasure. The System 500 is a great instrument, which I have enjoyed since the first modules were released.
Thanks for the great demo. The Roland modules deserve to be more popular. The really give you that Roland sound with added modular flexibility.
I wish Roland released similar accompanying sequencer
Behringer has released a clone of the System 100M sequencer.
Very nice piece of gear, seems durable yet is pleasing to the eye, and of course sounds great
Great run-through, very helpful.
Please play with the 505!
sounds really delicious
Awesome demo. Can you do a tutorial of how you made that epic bass patch from the intro?
This sounds really great actually!
Any issues w/ the 512 not tracking over several octaves? I have read some owner complaints on muffs. thanks.
did you get this new modules in the case or you had to put it together?
simply do they sell it as assembled system ?
Yes. Get it all! (www.roland.com/global/search/?q=System%20500). Roland offers the System 500 Complete Set which includes the 512, 521, 530, 540 and the 572 in one System 500 case (SYR-E84). However, to get the rest of other 4 modules, you will need to purchase them separately. Complete the whole System 500 synth set by getting the 505, 510, 555 and the 531 mixer. You will also want to get the matching case (SYR-E84) to hold these 4 modules. To date there are 9 modules total in the System 500 series. I got a second mixer, the 531.
Very inspiring and very good overview, thank you and merry Christmas! One question concerning the 540 envelope generator: are the envelopes exponential?
In my experience, envelopes from this era (1980's) are not selectable as either linear or exponential; often you would use a select switch on the CV INPUT of whatever you were controlling with this envelope to determine linear or exponential response. For example the System 500 530 VCA has a literal/exponential select switch.
hey what do you recommend for sequencing the system 500 complete?
Cirklon
Erica Synths Black Sequencer
Thanks for the overview. Theyre tad expensive for me.
If you were to start buying these modules what would you start with?
Nice overview; thanks. It sounds awesome (has the character of synth sounds from yesteryear); great that Roland are manufacturing this gear : D
This video clearly shows how much stuff you need to get something that will be no way near a full song. Great system, but also great for managing modular expectations - and you still need a keyboard or sequencer...
Cinematic your voice is enough for a full song and is free. Everything else is a bonus if you have any money. Peace
This + boss pedals as euro rack modules......
As good as this is (and yes, its very good!) theres no way I can justify the price of this. Even a modest Behringer System 100 is over four figures. This is a lot of money for what essentially a musical toy for me to muck around with. I'm tempted to buy just the filter module though, that is really sweet!
Go buy the behringer one then, instead of complaining about the cost of the higher quality, real thing.
Depicted here is a $4400 system. Just half of this is $2200 and is only as good as the Behringer Proton which costs $300. Spend $2200 on Behringer and you can get a whole System 35.
Potential to sound like a broken alarm clock
What a great comment! Yes, synthesizers such as this excellent one here can sound like many things, including a broken alarm clock, if that's a sound you'd like to create. It really is up to you...