Roland System-1 Plug-Out Synthesizer

Since the launch of the TR-8 back in February, Roland's Aira range has established itself nicely and now that the products are actually in the hands of producers and performers, the general consensus is that they sound great. The latest Aira product to launch is the System-1 synth...

"It certainly turns heads when glowing in its full glory and also ensures that you know which parameter you're tweaking in the dark"

Although the name is inspired by the original System-100M modular synth, the System-1 is certainly not stuck in the past! There's no mistaking that the System-1 is an Aira-line product with its familiar tough black plastic case, brushed metal faceplate, green trim and green backlit buttons/sliders - it certainly turns heads when powered up and glowing in its full glory and not only will the backlighting look great on stage, it also ensures that you know which parameter you're tweaking in the dark!

Build quality is solid for the money in line with the rest of the Aira products and the System-1 is also compact and stupidly light, which is great for folks with smaller studio spaces and for those that want to gig but don't want to cart around heavy keyboards.

It's also great for on the move music making, though you'll need a power socket on hand as unfortunately it doesn't take batteries.