Aside from being stable, programmable, having an elaborate LFO, a delay and a sequencer it sounds remarkably like some synths from my youth (when I couldn't afford them). Surprisingly nice!
Nope. I don´t know how well Roland have been doing on other stuff than their synths, but their synths have been far from impressive since the nineties. The System 8 sounds good, but is so limited in terms uf functions, only 4 octaves and ridiculously overpriced. I feel that their boutique models are too small (and ironically what Roland brings to the collab), but such a nice collaboration with Studio Electronics seems like a great thing.
+James Reeno It's even worse than that - some people actually buy sequencer modules, or even just modules that form mere parts of a sequencer for their modular synths. Others have been known to buy midi sequencers too. I don't know where this madness will end. Haven't these people heard of computers?!
Excellent synth. So much great stuff coming ourt now. I was going mental up until recently thinking we are destined to live in a ouless world of garbage VST synths. I swear, to this day after 15 years of trying with VST synths I can honestly say there isnt a single one I have geled with.
Excellent excellnet demonstration. This gives the best overview so far and a good in depth listen to the sound pallete thou i guess we are still only scratching the surface with this one. By the way whats the deal with pulse width modulation ?. Is there none due to fact it has preset pulse waves ?
You can do PWM on OSC 1 + 2 using OSC 3 as the modulator. This is the 3rd XMOD. This will of course only affect the pulse shapes on 1 + 2 when selected.
mean analog signal path and a seq with per-step parameter locking?? thank you roland. at first I was a little disappointed with the finite wave selection (instead of variable waves or at least including pwm) but i realize this is more a symptom of wanting a synth to do everything... this really sounds great.
Oh thanks. I was thinking more of stepping through a parameter sequence once per incoming midi note. You can do this with the DSI evolver's sequencer section. E.g. there's a parameter sequence (or multiple parameters) in the sequencer, and every time you play a midi note into the synth, it steps one step through that parameter sequence.
This thing looks really cool. How are the MIDI filtering options? Could i for example have it in a chain of devices where another is already a sequencer, but set the SE-02 to only respond to the sync/start/stop, and then have the built-in sequencer send its notes on a specified channel to the next device in the chain? I.e., set MIDI receive filter to ignore all but sync, MIDI send to channel 5.
If you want to sync the SE-02 without it receiving any notes or CCs you can simply set it to an unused MIDI channel, as the sync should be transmitted on all 16 channels and an unused channel will have no notes programmed. You can then set the sequencer to control either the internal synth, an external device, or both! You cannot, however, specify one MIDI channel for receiving and a different one for transmitting.
When you are changing the internal tempo for the sequencer it does show the BPM on the display. By setting the control switch to SEQ , selecting PERFORM , and pressing button 16 [TEMPO], the SE-02 will display the BPM and allow the user to change it by turning the leftmost encoder labeled WRITE.
It's mostly one knob button per function. There are some deep tweakable functions that require alternate key presses or pressing two buttons at once to edit a feature, but for the most part, everything is accessible from the front panel. Very little menu diving!
Set the control switch to SEQ , select PERFORM , and press button 16 [TEMPO]. The SE-02 will display the BPM and allow the user to change it by turning the leftmost encoder labeled WRITE.
You can set the pitch bend range. To access this menu move the control switch to PATCH and press [COMP] + [PLAY] at the same time. The first setting on this screen is for pitch bend range. Use the same two-button-press trick when the control switch is on SEQ or SONG as well to access their feature settings.
That's a pretty tough decision to make. It comes down to personal preference in terms of feature set, sound, form factor and panel layout. We'd recommend you visit your local store and try out both in person.
The youtube video is definitely nicely produced, but if this youtube video is in any way representative of what this is going to sound like, it doesn't have the edge of the boomstars, or the SE-01.
No, it's not included. There doesn't seem to be an official stand for the SE-02 or the Roland boutique line of products. The one used in the video might be a custom piece by Roland for demonstration and display purposes. Most of the info we see online for stands for Roland Boutique modules are DIY solutions.
Why not make one designed for normal sized hands? What is with the miniaturized control panel? Big turn off. And the boutique buttons are so cheap and flimsy. I'd spend more for better hardware.
Anyone successfully pair with an M-Audio Code controller? Have it, love/hate thing as it has the best keybed/pads ever but the worst compatibility/support ever. Would be a godsend if it worked with SE-02
Yes, he means it's built using a discrete analog circuit as opposed to an integrated analog circuit. If you're interested in learning the difference there are plenty of resources online that go into a lot of detail.
The Mother 32 is not poly either. The Mother 32 only has a single oscillator and is priced at $849 whereas the SE-02 has 3 oscillators and is priced at $699.
If you want an intro to modular or eurorack type device I would say M32. However, this machine has so much more to offer with its inherent functions. Just depends on what you're looking for.
All of Roland's boutique "retro re-issues" have been massively successful for them. Retro is clearly what the market wants, as shown by the success of the JP-08, JU-06, TR-09, TB-03, and now that they've announced the TR-08 and the SH-01, those will also be a big hit. If you want something new, check out their Aira line, including the System-1, System 8, TR-8, TB-3, etc.
Aside from being stable, programmable, having an elaborate LFO, a delay and a sequencer it sounds remarkably like some synths from my youth (when I couldn't afford them). Surprisingly nice!
Ok Roland. I´m so glad to see you back on the right track again after so many years!
jj are you saying this JUST because this thing is analog??
Nope. I don´t know how well Roland have been doing on other stuff than their synths, but their synths have been far from impressive since the nineties. The System 8 sounds good, but is so limited in terms uf functions, only 4 octaves and ridiculously overpriced.
I feel that their boutique models are too small (and ironically what Roland brings to the collab), but such a nice collaboration with Studio Electronics seems like a great thing.
Yeah, who wants a digital monosynth from the company who made such great sounding synths in the past?
Yeah, but this one isn't digital. This is a true analog synth.
Hi, Is this a midi keyboard or a synthesizer?
Best review of SE-02 so far! Thank you :)
Roland knocked it out of the park with this one
Agreed!!
DJPhD Behringer model D.
James Reeno Who?
More that Studio Electronics did.
Herr Absurd yes, of course SE deserves major props too!
GO DUSTIN. Rad.
First cool product i've seen from Roland in years. This thing looks awesome.
i love how your hand covers the whole friggin thing
Can't wait for mine to arrive! Collaborate with SE on a polly please!
Matt let's hope so mate! 🎶🕶
Finally a great demo of the SE-02. Must have!
ahhh fluiddddddd.
Ted K haw
Sounds gorgeous to my ears
As I already commented on another video, this little beast is a bargain second to none. Go get one while you have the chance!
Great demo of that sequencer! Strong contender for Synth of the Year
For sure it is!
Robert Saint John people actually use onboard sequencers on synths???
Yes, people not named "James Reeno", apparently
+James Reeno
It's even worse than that - some people actually buy sequencer modules, or even just modules that form mere parts of a sequencer for their modular synths. Others have been known to buy midi sequencers too. I don't know where this madness will end. Haven't these people heard of computers?!
You don't understand the power of analog sequencing obviously.
About my fourth check in on this demo. Luuuuuvly !!!
Love mine. It's huge for such a small form factor
Amazing little box
Dustin!... killing it.
Loved it! Thanks for posting.
Good demo dear Dustin, really usefull and clear. THANX!
can't wait for mine to arrive
I like this demo much better than the Roland demo for TR-08, that guy was all geek to me and this gets to the point and goes right to the controls.
just bought it!
Great review! I love my JP-08 and definitely looking forward to get a SE-02
Cant wait to get mine
Very good synth.
- Ron Swanson
Great synthesizer , like it !
Is it possible this is the most dense instrument ever. IE sound loudness to size ratio!
Love mine.
I want to get one soon, seems col and i like that it has a sequencer too
He actually said Moog! Wasn't expecting that.
Captain Jack Aubrey of the Royal Navy Moog clone
jerville1 Behringer
Very nice
Excellent synth. So much great stuff coming ourt now. I was going mental up until recently thinking we are destined to live in a ouless world of garbage VST synths. I swear, to this day after 15 years of trying with VST synths I can honestly say there isnt a single one I have geled with.
Have you tried u-He synths?
this synth is so nice ! :)
mine is on pre-order with Thomann! (i'm in the EU or I'd use L&McQ of course) :)
Now THAT'S a big sound.
Excellent excellnet demonstration. This gives the best overview so far and a good in depth listen to the sound pallete thou i guess we are still only scratching the surface with this one. By the way whats the deal with pulse width modulation ?. Is there none due to fact it has preset pulse waves ?
Adamski Ajull moog clone
James Reeno Is that your answer with regards to pwm ?. Thanks.
You can do PWM on OSC 1 + 2 using OSC 3 as the modulator. This is the 3rd XMOD. This will of course only affect the pulse shapes on 1 + 2 when selected.
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Thankyou :-)
@@AdamTheAd-vanc3d It had a firmware update so it has now a 2nd LFO devoted to PWM
Either his hand is giant or those knobs are tiny! I want one anyway.
mean analog signal path and a seq with per-step parameter locking?? thank you roland. at first I was a little disappointed with the finite wave selection (instead of variable waves or at least including pwm) but i realize this is more a symptom of wanting a synth to do everything... this really sounds great.
Wait...it's got p locks? Hmm...can't see it working like elektron gear but that's a huge bonus for sequencers nowadays.
Rather ''Thank you studio electronics''
It has PWM via XMod and with the second LFO via firmware update
The basic building blocks like oscs and filter sound unreal tbh
Hey L&M im considering buying this. But will it work with my Roland k-25m keyboard that's meant for the previous boutique synths?
Yes it will!
Damn Roland.
great video do the knobs send midi cc data out? I want to use it with my ipad as a midi controller for my synth apps
Yes the knobs send MIDI CC data! Refer to 1:52.
Sir you just won my sub. I have asked that question for weeks on youtube no one has ever even responded. Thanks again great vid great knowledge.
You're welcome and thanks for the sub!
I dont know how i missed that part lol
Nice
Very cool! Can you step/gate/retrigger the sequencer with incoming midi notes instead of programming notes into the sequencer itself?
Absolutely. Watch from 9:11 to 9:43.
Oh thanks. I was thinking more of stepping through a parameter sequence once per incoming midi note. You can do this with the DSI evolver's sequencer section. E.g. there's a parameter sequence (or multiple parameters) in the sequencer, and every time you play a midi note into the synth, it steps one step through that parameter sequence.
Turns out you can do it. I just found it in the manual. It's called "key trigger".
This thing looks really cool. How are the MIDI filtering options? Could i for example have it in a chain of devices where another is already a sequencer, but set the SE-02 to only respond to the sync/start/stop, and then have the built-in sequencer send its notes on a specified channel to the next device in the chain? I.e., set MIDI receive filter to ignore all but sync, MIDI send to channel 5.
If you want to sync the SE-02 without it receiving any notes or CCs you can simply set it to an unused MIDI channel, as the sync should be transmitted on all 16 channels and an unused channel will have no notes programmed. You can then set the sequencer to control either the internal synth, an external device, or both! You cannot, however, specify one MIDI channel for receiving and a different one for transmitting.
Does the screen show the tempo?
When you are changing the internal tempo for the sequencer it does show the BPM on the display.
By setting the control switch to SEQ , selecting PERFORM , and pressing button 16 [TEMPO], the SE-02 will display the BPM and allow the user to change it by turning the leftmost encoder labeled WRITE.
Great. Thanks!
9 wave LFO! Bravo.
Sounds nice. Could someone who is blind use this synth? Sounds like it's almost one knob per function with no menus
John Courtney Just the way i like it .
It's mostly one knob button per function. There are some deep tweakable functions that require alternate key presses or pressing two buttons at once to edit a feature, but for the most part, everything is accessible from the front panel. Very little menu diving!
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments thanks! Definitely sounds doable for sure! It's hard to tell these types of details from most reviews :)
How on gods earth do you get the SE02 to send its midi patterns out to a DAW to control another External hardware synth?
What is the keyboard controller used?
Roland System-8.
Would I have to have a Roland midi keyboard for this?
No, any MIDI keyboard will work.
Dear Long and McQuade how do I connect my Roland XP10 to this SE02?
Use a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out of the XP10 and plug it into the MIDI In of the SE-02.
How can you adjust the BPM of this machine? Or did I miss something here?
Set the control switch to SEQ , select PERFORM , and press button 16 [TEMPO]. The SE-02 will display the BPM and allow the user to change it by turning the leftmost encoder labeled WRITE.
Nice!
Thanks!
Emerson Lake and Paycheck
How much does this cost? Couldnt find a price anywhere
Our price is $699.99CAD
3 banks of 128 patches? Wow
Can you adjust the pitchbend?
You can set the pitch bend range. To access this menu move the control switch to PATCH and press [COMP] + [PLAY] at the same time. The first setting on this screen is for pitch bend range. Use the same two-button-press trick when the control switch is on SEQ or SONG as well to access their feature settings.
release date?
Our first shipments are expected in mid-late August 2017.
the sound is bass-loudness, using eq and mix bus for recording this demo..
Has this got an appregiattor
Unfortunately there is no arpeggiator on board.
9:06 Nice plucky sequence
Just in case the SE-02 had a firmware update so it has now a 2nd LFO devoted to PWM
Sounds quite nice but for $300 less you can get a DSI Evolver which sound awesome , still only mono though .
Korg monologue or this?
That's a pretty tough decision to make. It comes down to personal preference in terms of feature set, sound, form factor and panel layout. We'd recommend you visit your local store and try out both in person.
Both!!
The youtube video is definitely nicely produced, but if this youtube video is in any way representative of what this is going to sound like, it doesn't have the edge of the boomstars, or the SE-01.
Anyone knows where to get that stand? Is it included in the box?
No, it's not included. There doesn't seem to be an official stand for the SE-02 or the Roland boutique line of products. The one used in the video might be a custom piece by Roland for demonstration and display purposes. Most of the info we see online for stands for Roland Boutique modules are DIY solutions.
Thank you !
found a minitaur for 300 with shipping ...and smokes this tone wise ..roland minitaur is the new tb303
Mogue like Vogue
Mark Christopher Don't just stand there, let's get to it, run a super sawtooth through it, Moog.
Only thing missing is the sharktooth wave
Why not make one designed for normal sized hands? What is with the miniaturized control panel? Big turn off. And the boutique buttons are so cheap and flimsy. I'd spend more for better hardware.
Anyone successfully pair with an M-Audio Code controller?
Have it, love/hate thing as it has the best keybed/pads ever but the worst compatibility/support ever.
Would be a godsend if it worked with SE-02
Another mono synth? dont you think theres enough already. Sorry roland you are 5 years too late.
There may be enough mono synths, but very few others - if any - offer the features and sound in such a small package and low price as this one does.
no cv out, no money from me
"Discrete analog" wha'?
Yes, he means it's built using a discrete analog circuit as opposed to an integrated analog circuit. If you're interested in learning the difference there are plenty of resources online that go into a lot of detail.
If I wanted a moog synthesis I'd get a mother 32 not this. It's not an analog poly. So why would I buy this
The Mother 32 is not poly either. The Mother 32 only has a single oscillator and is priced at $849 whereas the SE-02 has 3 oscillators and is priced at $699.
If you want an intro to modular or eurorack type device I would say M32. However, this machine has so much more to offer with its inherent functions. Just depends on what you're looking for.
$499.99
In the States, the street price is $499. In Canada, our price is $699.
wow. it's just as irritating as a real minimoog. cool.
Nothing I didn't here on Dr Who 40 years ago Roland get your act together bring out something new not retro
All of Roland's boutique "retro re-issues" have been massively successful for them. Retro is clearly what the market wants, as shown by the success of the JP-08, JU-06, TR-09, TB-03, and now that they've announced the TR-08 and the SH-01, those will also be a big hit. If you want something new, check out their Aira line, including the System-1, System 8, TR-8, TB-3, etc.