Bad Gear - Roland System-1

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Roland Aira System-1. Many people consider digital synthesizers to be nothing but a plugin in a box. Did Roland make it official? Can the plugout emulations of classic analog synths keep up with the vintage originals?
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:12 Overview Roland System-1
02:30 Modulators (LFO&Envelopes)
03:11 System-1 Filter
03:37 Tone, Bitcrusher, Reverb, Delay
04:17 Arpeggiator, Scatter
03:39 Jog Dial, Mod "Button"
05:04 Plugout, Cloud, Emulations (Promars, SH-101, SH-2)
06:05 What else???
06:35 Hate
06:59 Jam 1
07:55 Jam 2
09:00 Finale
09:32 Verdict
Thanks to Nu-trix The Synth Guy for helping me with Roland Cloud:
/ nutrixthesynthguy
itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/nu...
www.nu-trix.com/

[@AudioPilz]

Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel* Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz

[@jaymakak]

Meh. I'm still "evaluating" my Radium crackwarez.

[@jeremycayea7541]

Me: Slaps top of AudioPilz head “You can fit so much bad gear knowledge in this bad boy”

[@noth606]

You really should stop making me want gear that is worse than what I have and has no features my existing gear doesn't have...

[@noth606]

@J. C. If that's meant as a Die Antwoord ref I think it should be FRIKKI DIKKI lol...

[@beesting6135]

Trance Central

[@AlexBallMusic]

Originally it was an SH-101, but it was exposed to gamma radiation and joined the Avengers.

[@AudioPilz]

I thought it was making out with the three-eyed fish from The Simpsons...

[@Death_By_Media]

But the level and quality of the green puts it more in Green Lantern CGI territory 🤣

[@Death_By_Media]

Or the Pickle Rick of Synths

[@Alavux]

Designed by hulk

[@jordan_gentry]

Closer to green lantern than avengers

[@ohheyitskevinc]

System 8 owner here, but this applies to the 1 as well. While trialing the cloud subscription, grab as many of the extra packs/presets as they have for the plug outs you have - plug out/upload each set of 64 patches for both of your plug outs from cloud to the hardware, and back each of them up (to your PC/Mac over USB if system 1 or to SD card if system 8). When the subscription is over, you’ll still have all those presets on your computer/SD card to load/restore to the plug outs.

[@AudioPilz]

Great idea, thanks!

[@mrz80]

I think that's cheating :D

[@marcelofernandez743]

Thanks for the tip, I am considering buying a second hand System 1 and I do not have any experience with Roland Cloud. Do you know if as a new owner I get a new 30 days trial?

[@beesting6135]

I'm going to buy one

[@poseidonswe]

I have 3x system-1 and a System-8, would love to have some backedup usb

[@boris9712]

Audiopliz: *constantly mentions his "not-so-good" keyboard playing skills Also Audiopliz: *Impresses everyone with his jams and finale songs in LITERALLY every video*

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks but you don't need keyboard playing skills for that

[@M364A]

@@AudioPilz you just need to know how to use a beatstep pro with either a TB-3 with Either a JoMoX Airbase99 and MBase11 or a Digitakt with MF Drive, Platform, Canyon or all of them combined

[@gameon2000]

​@@M364Athis is (no pun intended) the so called Akasha Trance phenomenon. While in (oftentimes endorphine / dopamine - adrenaline rush induced, alterated mind state - although simple coffee / cigarettes / sex is oftentimes enough to enter that state) "Inspiration Mode", artist (while in trance) is capable way beyond his limits - when I listen to my records, I can't believe, it was me, who did that.

[@M364A]

@@gameon2000 ???????

[@phoebeandromeda]

i like how Roland even designed the System-1 itself to look like a crappy synthedit plugin! Truly incredible commitment to concept

[@AudioPilz]

😂😂😂

[@Existence_denied]

Idk why massive was in there but that was funny

[@Xenon_Chameleon]

I kinda like the green on black AIRA look NGL.

[@WarzoneVictoryWins]

@@Xenon_Chameleon It's certainly an improvement over the red on black JDXI

[@phoebeandromeda]

@@Existence_denied yeah i caught that too haha

[@godsmacker744]

I seriously love this channel. Informative, funny, and well-made.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@grandtheftautocj]

Damn, your jams are getting better and better. Keep up the good work, Florian.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@synthlord2368]

Another piece of gear I own! I use this one a lot! Happy Friday Florian!

[@AudioPilz]

Have a nice weekend!!!

[@NickHowesAstro]

Ditto . A brilliant video about a superb bit of kit .. with the crappiest keybed ever to get signed off with a whalebone stamp in a Japanese office

[@robertszordykowski4919]

What I like the most about your videos is how much they help training my reflexes. I'm constantly hovering my fingers over the spacebar in case a meme pops up so I can have more than a split second to read the damn thing.

[@AudioPilz]

The FPS game of KZbin shows

[@offthewallsk818]

Finally doing my baby. I toured one of these for years and I love it. I velcroed it to its keyboard stand and could safely swing it wildly without being worried about something breaking or coming detached.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice! I thought about velcroing it to a floorboard for easier setup

[@EannaButler]

Said I'd time how long it would take for me to pause at every meme. A 10:37 video turned into a 19+ min epic! That's some high-quality video compression you have going on! Great video as ever. Nice unit, often considered it. Thanks!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@autecheee]

Yes same for me…Bad gear Friday consumes my whole lunch hour, pausing and freeze framing!

[@brettmaddan3255]

As in life, can you consider it truly watched unless you pause umpteen times, and flit back and forth slightly missing multiple meemage by a single frame, repeatedly?

[@EannaButler]

@@brettmaddan3255 You certainly get a bunch more giggles and grins!

[@ToyKeeper]

Same. At least it helps to know about period and comma for stepping forward/back by one frame, and I also installed a browser plugin to remove the youtube video controls so they won't cover up the frame.

[@RobertKildoo]

Sweet! Been waiting for this one as I own both the keyboard as well as the system 1m. You did it justice! Well done my friend.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@TheExileFox]

nice as the 1m does have a few different pros/cons vs the keyboard unit.

[@bearroar]

I have used Roland's cloud for over a year now and I think it's worth the price. It was also the reason that I bought my system-1. Great video as always, keep up the good work!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@cosmicaddress7851]

Great video. I totally agree with you about the value of separate ADSR sliders for Amp+Filter envelopes! Sharing one set across multiple EGs is a huge compromise in usability.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@bitsmasher101]

Yup. I'm back to see what fantastic piece of amazing gear we're looking at this time!

[@AudioPilz]

Better put your sunglasses on;)

[@davidszekely1770]

Great music and the finale visuals were absolutely amazing, I love them! :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@jjustinjjames5357]

As always you take this to the extreme And we love you for this.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you❤️

[@unclemick-synths]

Great video as usual 👍. I'm sorely tempted by the semi-modular version. I would need to place it close to my Trace Elliot bass amp so they can glow together! 😎

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Lol, yeah, the design is quite similar

[@FormulaXFD]

YEEEEEEEEEEES. I love my system1 and system8, but yeeeeeesss. I am very happy to get this episode finally.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Glyn02720]

Always a good show, makes one of the highlights of the you tube in my book. Great work fella.... Enjoy 👍

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@kiwi6669]

I haven't even skipepd the ads yet and I already know this one is gonna be a good one

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@fileunderwater]

Ohhh, a nod to northern swedish ”surströmming” (fermented pickled herring) in a synth video! A first in our known universe? As always, great video and jam.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I've had my share of surströmming parties;)

[@brmbkl]

"A first in our known universe?" When I saw the intro, I thought the same about the movie clips. A film with Rainn Wilson and Walton Goggins at the same time...? (unless it's a mash-up)

[@fileunderwater]

Parties with swedish friends, or is there an Austrian surströmming subculture that I’m unaware of?

[@Magnus_Loov]

These small clip tidbits and puns are just great. And it's true. There is something fishy about digital filters.

[@uncleboonie]

Recently bought a system-1. I think its a great and somewhat underrated synth at the moment. It sounds really good and sits so well in a mix. I have the sh2 plugout and it also sounds superb. The arp with scatter is so much fun I haven't bothered to sequence it yet.

[@AudioPilz]

I'd say it really excels when used with external sequencers!

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

IMHO, System-1 has the best self-oscillating filter among all synthesizers. It is sharp as a blade and very pleasant. I also really like its mono delay and muddy reverb. The FX are limited and very specific, but have a lot of charm.

[@novalogue]

Lot of people praise the Minilogues from Korg, but if you look at the UI it was basically copied from the System 1 and even lack the pitch amp and the extra mod sources on the shape

[@ianmorton1799]

I'm borrowing one right now and I'm literally watching this as a quick tutorial bc I know it'll be the quickest way to get all the most relevant info!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you, I'm very happy to hear that!

[@davewebster689]

The high part of Jam 1 reminded me of a synth in Dos Deviants - Elevate 😍 Great work

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Fluxwithit]

Loved (and still do) love the look of the system 1-8 synths. Lights not too bright or blue so easy on the eyes and doesn’t look like every other synth on the planet. Plus added benefit of the lights showing you which parameters are accessible was a great idea. Still feel the system 8 is still one of the most authentic sounding VA engines even today. I’ve used the 1 and 8 side by side many classic Roland’s and it holds up nicely. Another great video btw . Always entertaining.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@ChazSeamus28]

I don't own a system 8 but always thought it sounded amazing

[@r0ck53n]

After reviewing tons of crappy stuff in the past you finally locked on to a steady stream of gear I own! I am always surprised on the level of insight you get on the machines week after week,

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@gamma_noize]

Nice one again! At the beginning of the video i was convinced, the ending track would be some weird form of a Trance subgenre. I mean… Hellooooo Supersaw!! The 80s inspired track came as a real surprise. ^^

[@AudioPilz]

Hey Erika! True, very tempting but the vintage-style plugs led me into another direction;)

[@proxymerchant]

damn it the memes come so fast I have to pause the video for all the easter eggs of humor in here. Another great job inspiring me to want this thing I kind of already wanted. And the green glow has grown on me, I think it's cool!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@AdventureAlbert]

I unironically like the green! The only bad part of these videos is how all the second hand units disappear promptly afterwards :P Nice one as usual dude :D

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Headsign]

I instantly made one disappear. 😅

[@WVandellHarris]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@josuearesav]

First synth I ever bought ❤ I still love it.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!

[@StolTechInc]

Your jams make me wanna jam more than any other KZbinr.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@sub-jec-tiv]

The SH2 plugout is also excellent; shockingly close to analog in depth. Please make an album of 80s smooth cowbell jams. I loved it!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! I put it on the album-to-make list;)

[@nerdonofriendo]

Baaad Gear! best series on youtube!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@AdamVoxMusic]

Finally, a cowbell oscillator!!! There are not enough electronic tracks today featuring the cowbell!

[@AudioPilz]

That thing is more versatile than I expected

[@Gainn]

People liked it so much they added it to the MC's too.

[@dvdny]

-->> House Of Jealous Lovers by The Rapture is my favorite use of the cowbell.

[@wackerburg]

I bought an 808 because I like its cowbell so much ❤️🧡💛🤍 But now I really like all its instruments tbh

[@t0xcn253]

Thank you future-past Pilz for these tracks that so perfectly captured the vibes of the past-future! Now I will just set my time machine for... Hang on... Oh no... sorry, I have confused myself.

[@AudioPilz]

#inception #thanks

[@v5k359]

i am just voting for some next gear, you already did all that i know :D

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@4957842]

Feels like 21st century version of SH-101 ,Cool Great little unit ,reminds me a bit of my old System

[@AudioPilz]

It basically is;)

[@martin_the_artist_]

I have this synth and love it. Mixes really well and how it automatically maps to all the roland cloud synths is brilliant. Use it mostly to control the system 8 vst, so it's like having a mini system 8 :)

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed, if you're already a cloud user this thing really helps

[@rorz999]

Just so I've understood this correctly then - it's not obsolete, it's still supported by Roland (insofar as it's compatible with current platforms like Roland Cloud)?

[@AudioPilz]

@@rorz999 exactly

[@rrtramel]

I have almost bought it twice, just need to figure out what plugout, zen, cloud, and all that other madness is.

[@martin_the_artist_]

@@rorz999 I haven't updated mine for ages, but everything still works fine

[@fatkev1983]

I knew it was only a matter of time until you did the System-1. I love mine, green lights and all. But then I've got the original Aira line up and it all works great through the MX-1. I do plan on getting its bigger sibling, the System-8. The ACB approach works very well and you get more plug out slots on the bigger system-8. My personal System-1 has been used by Kevin Saunderson. He was doing an E Dancer set in Glasgow. The System-1 he had rented was dead on arrival. Hours before the gig, I get a call asking if they could borrow mine. One of the techs working that night recalled I had one. Got me £100.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice gig!

[@saifeek]

Awesome jam at the end 🫡

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@MusicOfDreamweaver]

Nice vid. I personally love my System-8. The Plug-Outs were a dissapointment when I found out they were extra, but after receiving the JX-3P as a free update I felt it was worth it. I now have a VA synth with a Juno106, Jupiter8, JX-3P and the System-8 engine. The keybed is alot better and it beats the experience of having the Boutiques... which I sold to buy the System-8.

[@AudioPilz]

System-8 is the pro choice!

[@hicknopunk]

Is Plug-out a real word? My only digital synths are a NTS-1 and a M1R. Oh I guess my Phraselab is digital too. Anyways, I have never heard of a Plug-out. I do have plug-ins...to me a Plug-out would be using guitar pedals to shape the sound.

[@robert__]

jams #2 and finale were killer! the synth is interesting and it seems like a great bang-for-buck, if you're gonna have one synth the system-1 seems like it can do a lot.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@ClemensWennersMusic]

That sounded better than expected! 😎

[@AudioPilz]

That's what I thought;)

[@elitemantis]

After your review of TR-8 I have looked into and bought into the system (well, the S version), and it's easily one of my favorite pieces of gear that I own. Now after this video I'm doing what I've been thinking about for a long time now and getting System synth as well this week. Again your video got me over pulling the trigger threshold. I used to only focus on music production, but recently I got into jamming with friends and the Aira triplet of TR-8s, System-8 and TB-3 seem amazing for that. I actually love the gauche-y LED blinkenlights, as I'm usually playing in a dimly lit room. Also after your Xi review I looked into XA as well, and that also seems super dope, if maybe bit too deep for live improvisation on my skill level, but I think will be amazing if I'm ever working on a big project again. Basically what I'm saying is Roland should hire you.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I'm afraid Roland is not amused with what I do here;)

[@celiacasanovas4164]

I really love my System-1. I like the sound, the size, the friendly interface and the fact that the engine is relatively full-featured in comparison with other synths at that price. You can make some really subtle sounds on it if you're willing to fine tweak. I even like the look - I like colourful synths and never understood the hate for the design of the AIRA series. Things I think could be better are the build quality and the lack of a second LFO, but at that price (I got mine for 270 eur) I'm not complaining, and I can always use a tremolo/vibrato pedal so I can still have independent PWM or filter modulation.

[@AudioPilz]

Cool price!

[@klinkske]

Wow Roland. There is someone that likes the look. Send him some chocolate

[@fouldeathrat]

@@klinkske I um...I also like how it looks (and the S8 too... ). :/

[@klinkske]

@@fouldeathrat i hope Roland did have budget for more chocolate :D

[@madelinehoyle1059]

The scatter arpeggiator is both surprisingly powerful and too cryptic to use reliably. I've been able to get some cool patterns and arps out of it, but I can't tell you exactly which combination of number and number on that double jog wheel I used to make it happen.

[@AudioPilz]

There is a list of what it does which is - of course - not in the manual. It makes things a little clearer but still hard to use it reliably

[@raistaparta]

Just like me playing PES’04 back in the days

[@fjfrancois]

Wow!!!

[@BendApparatus]

IMO scatter was garbage until the MC 101-707 implementation. It's even worse on the tb3 where it's practically useless (haven't looked in the 3rd party editor) on the 101 you can edit it to make it predictable for live use. Basically just like anything in sound design judicious use (in the settings) is the key.

[@madelinehoyle1059]

@@BendApparatus on the MX-1 scatter is decent at the lower settings. I'd say the same on the the TB-3 to a lesser extent. On these two models you can select different scatter types, the ones that are just a beat repeat are best. The System-1 doesn't have an audio sampling-based scatter so it's easily the worst attempt at the concept. I've seen demos of the newer Aira Compacts and they definitely seem fun with the new scatter styles.

[@MrBrownAlliance]

the Hypno-Toad is in the house! Brilliant as always...

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@MrBrownAlliance]

@@AudioPilz I know you love movies, asked you before, genuinely would love you to take part in one of our classic movie discussions on a Saturday Evening...

[@sean6399]

Fantastic end to a working week!

[@AudioPilz]

😀

[@SynGirl32]

For a second I thought you were doing the system 100. Now that would've been interesting.

[@AudioPilz]

I played the plugout briefly in the second jam

[@ifreakinhatethiscrap]

Shoulda had a Ruby Rod clip from fifth element, "Are we green? ... Green like what?" (^_^) Always love the show. Thank you for sharing your insight, humor and skills with the world!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@ervinpoljak8332]

Top track!!!! Rischtisch geil! I like your 80ies rollout very much!!!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Danke!!!

[@shazzbutter]

Scored mine for $230 on Craigslist complete in box w manual and power supply years ago. LOVE IT

[@AudioPilz]

Nice find!

[@htechdance]

I like the System 1, but I don't love it like other Roland boards. The 96khz high frequency outputs really but a shine to the tones not preset on other synths. It really looks and sounds like a spaceship. My SH-2 plugout rocks big time! It actually sounds better than the original 1970s synth because the sound has, i think, a 64 range instead of 32 on the OG making the sounds 2X fatter. The guy whentherush comes did a supersaw demo on this baby that was just amazing. That supersaw is another big plus although it is hard to tell which wave you are dialing up on this one because they doubled up with the updates. Have a nice day!

[@AudioPilz]

Ah, didn't know it was 96khz. Thanks for the heads up

[@beeache4895]

Your choice of images and videos at a split second and editing effects are side-splittingly hilarious and is unlike anything I've ever seen on YT. I don't see it get enough love, videos like the JX8P one had me laughing out loud every minute because of the silly images put in there. Great stuff :) I wanted one of these back when the Aira series came out... Crazy to think that was 8 years ago lol. Have you considered covering the RS7000 since you covered the RM1X?

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! RS7000 is moving up my list!

[@beeache4895]

@@AudioPilz Cool! Looking forward to seeing you cover it :)

[@DerAykac]

Damn right! He truly is a an excellent memelord.

[@MathHammer]

Is that bad gear? ;) I am looking forward to finding out!

[@beeache4895]

@@MathHammer I personally love the RS7000, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't have its issues :)

[@renekita]

I love the ice cold and sharp default sounds. And the update with the FM oscillators saved me from spending money on an Opsix.

[@AudioPilz]

That update is pure gold!

[@Lolwutdesu9000]

Honestly, you gotta give us a link to an image gallery of all the memes you put in your videos man, frikin hilarious 😂🤣🤣🤣

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Great idea!

[@richcolour]

A very high quality end jam. Since the 80s I had three SH101s (and regret selling them all). Bought an SH01A, loved it, but sold it to get a Behringer MS1 (thought it would be better), then sold it cos it was worse. Tried emulations for a while. Came so close to buying a System-1 - missed out on two auctions. Eventually settled on the SH01A again. And it's fantastic. That's it, no more buying/selling of SH101-ish things.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! Yup, there gotta be an SH101 in every household;)

[@floridahiker1503]

The SH01a is underrated.

[@OnceSolem]

Ahhhhh always a great start to a Friday when the new Bad Gear Episode drops - thanks for putting out such great content brother ! I have the system 8 and I don't hate it, it has some nice touches, can't say I really love it either tho that maybe more to do with it not aligning that well with my kinda sound. All the vintage emulation on it sound good to me at least. Compared to my other digital poly synth the Novation Peak it falls pretty short for me - but each to there own. That's what makes these episodes so entertainingly subjective tho right :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@TheExileFox]

I have a system-1 and i feel similar about it.

[@ChazSeamus28]

I don't have a system 8 but I have it on roland cloud and it's one of the best synths on there. The thing sounds amazing.

[@brainbox9219]

More bad gear that I want, job well done 👌🏾

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@dalelaushman8749]

Awesome as usual. Informative, amusing, and 80s cheesey.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@brettmaddan3255]

I wish all synth's looked like this, it makes people who don't know synth's immediately think you know what you are doing. Until they hear you of course...

[@AudioPilz]

Lol, good one!

[@jossedobben]

After hearing me play the synths, someone once said: "This reminds me of a scene from Friends." 😆 Exploring other career options now.

[@kenfusion]

That was an exciting dive into Roland's multiple personality green beast . Kudos on the inspiring synthwave video . More bad gear I would love to have , but only if I found it at a garage sale for cheap . It is chock full of that great Roland sound (Some of the best actually) but my synth zoo already has a Roland. Also I am not sure I could stand to look at the green LED blaze in near proximity to my Red LED devices. I might hit the accelerator instead of the brakes and cause an accident .

[@AudioPilz]

Sunglasses recommended;)

[@polygonthelabel4115]

Hell yeah bro!!! You did it!!!

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

1. The System-1 sounds better than I had anticipated. I never paid much attention to it when it was new because it just didn't seem very appealing at first glance and I forgot about it. Maybe the rack version should go in my Behringer Go case? 2. Thinking about picking up one of those EHX Platform pedals myself. How do you like it?

[@AudioPilz]

The eurorack version definitely is the one to get. The Platform is the tightest stereo pedal comp I've ever had the pleasure to use!

[@NickHowesAstro]

It sounds amazing ..I love mine ..but .. my eyes ... my eyes ..they burrrrn

[@thesrabbit]

You can’t dim the leds on the rack version like you can on the system-8. I had to sell because of that. Instant headache and it’s so bright you can’t even read the labels ffs. It’s pretty power hungry too if you want to put it in a case so keep that in mind. Sounds great though and all the plug outs are ace. My favorite is the system 100.

[@SyntheticFuture]

Honestly a fun synth. Was my first synth and it's a great one to learn on. Not the most exciting in routing but still. Also the shift functions add some cool extra functionality. Would recommend the M version though as the keys are fairly useless.

[@AudioPilz]

1m is the one to get!

[@SyntheticFuture]

@@AudioPilz definitely! Bought my "none M" for 200 bucks though so it's hard to sell it and buy an M and justify the money loss 😂 So for now the normal System-1 is staying 😄

[@gptandtft]

Really really great for leaning.

[@renekita]

@@gptandtft I have the System-8. Even more knobs! Took a long while to learn. But it is admirably organized. Apart from building new sounds on old ones: You can't see the old one's settings. So you tweak all knobs to find out where they are. ARP's sliders are much better with that. "Argh, why doesn't it stop playing?" Try all knobs and buttons... "Oh right, I rested my headphones on the KEY HOLD button. Argh."

[@ENZEEVIDS]

awesome intro bro!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@thomashilburger8076]

Always fun and interesting to watch your stuff! What about the Alesis Fusion? The virtual box is packed with synthesis emulations ;)

[@AudioPilz]

The Fusion is on top of my list but hard to find. Great suggestion, thanks!

[@jarsamo]

I liked System-1 so much I finally bought a System-8. The keyboard sucks alright and the scatter wheel is a bit odd but still a very nice sounding synth. Very enjoyable to program too.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!

[@RobertKildoo]

I think the 1m deserves it's own video because of the eurorack patching. The system 100 plugout is interesting on the 1m.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed, the 1m is the one to get

[@ambrosiajam8008]

Very cool to see a shoutout to Nu-Trix the Synth Guy! He’s awesome.

[@sebastianandrew9077]

I just ordered one of these on Ebay.... I buy everything you say is bad and I'm loving it!!

[@AudioPilz]

Lol, Bad Gear GAS is a thing!

[@rrtramel]

Came here hoping to figure out what plug-out, zen-core, zenology, roland cloud, and whatever other services they are selling are, still don't know.

[@AudioPilz]

I had to talk to Nu-Trix the Synth Guy for that too. Roland makes it much more complicated (and expensive) than necessary.

[@rrtramel]

@@AudioPilz He’s a brave man for trying to understand it, I’m not sure Roland does :P

[@WarrenPostma]

System-1 is a pre-ZEN unit from the "AIRA" design era. AIRA era. Get it?

[@rrtramel]

@@WarrenPostma nope!

[@unkatom]

This “Plugout synth” with its “Hal Jordan memorial” color scheme only made my love my U-he plugins even more… but the search for an adequate controller is unending. If only companies made customizable midi controllers-so we could choose what knobs and gizmos go in! If only the DIY midi controller fad had lasted longer 😔

[@ChazSeamus28]

If u-he came out with a controller for Diva I'd buy it in a heartbeat

[@unkatom]

@@ChazSeamus28 Yeah true, but Zebra2.X is 10X more complex with LOTS of hidden menus … the best was the little Arturia Minilab. 16 encoders means i can, at least, control the 4 X/Y pads!) but it has the dreaded mini-keys, I learned on full-size keys decades ago 😞 Akai 49 key controllers are just too huge for my book-bag poverty life!

[@AudioPilz]

These existed for a while in the early 00s but were kinda crappy

[@unkatom]

@@AudioPilz oh yes, I circled this keyboard for a bit, but I couldn’t even get past that weird dial-knob-mod thing… I agree that the rack is more tolerable… ish?

[@aptudo]

No channel pulls in community comments like AudioPilz Bad Gear! The System-1 and System-8 may not sound convincingly analog, but they sound very well-rounded and lovely to me. A synth that sounds both bold and sweet at the same time is a rare beast!

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@javierb5645]

some friend of mine borrowed me this synth and i recorded an album in 2 weeks that i have this synth, it was great fun!

[@javierb5645]

if u want to listen search for: atentado personal - el día menos pensado

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!

[@roland985]

You should seriously release a Bad Gear album. I'd buy the CD.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much! Full tracks are available on Patreon (shameless plug;)

[@atomicasounds]

I actually miss my System1 even though I replaced it with a SYSTEM8, the scatter wheel functions were unique. Many people don't seem to understand that the AIRA range was designed to be lit-up for easy use in darkened environments like clubs (for DJ's etc), Paul Van Dyk uses two of them and Guiseppe Ottaviani too. Also the backlit controls show the player which functions are available with the plug-outs, as it disables the functions that are not available. Apparently the JD-XA/AIRA range had their appearances inspired from the STAR WARS movie (Episode 4 New Hope) the Deathstar controls (Green) and the prison cell control centre (Red). kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKKWfYKpjcp1faM&ab_channel=GiuseppeOttaviani

[@renekita]

Tangerine Dream use a System-8, but they cover the back plate to hide their shame of using a digital synth. :)

[@AudioPilz]

Funny, I found it exceptionally hard to read the labels with all the bright lights

[@PJAOK]

The scatter wheel + ARP + HOLD + Digital Delay work beautifully, You are correct, Sir

[@SlaserX]

Thanks for the link to Giuseppe, I've been debating getting a JP-8080 for what feels like years and discovered the System 8 might be a better call. I just wish it had a module version, and not the toned down System 1m version

[@atomicasounds]

@@SlaserX I would like a jp8080 too, but the prices have gone crazy! The Supersaw on the System8 is similar sounding. Has 5 oscillators detuned, not 7 like the JP80xx but you can have them on both oscillators so that makes up for it!

[@attizzoso]

It is always a pleasure to watch your show. I've seen so many episodes that I've learned to speak English with a German accent: WEEELCOMM TO BATT KEER! (System-1 is really a faule kartoffel-synth)

[@AudioPilz]

Beware, I'm Austrian;)

[@attizzoso]

@@AudioPilz Hi-dilly-ho, neighborino! I'm italian

[@davidreina7997]

I have the System-1m and it’s really a good synth, always gives me great sounds for my productions.

[@AudioPilz]

The 1m is the one to get

[@davidreina7997]

@@AudioPilz no doubt mate, I love your channel! You made my day with every review, too funny ;) Can I suggest one review about Toraiz SP-16 or even Toraiz AS-1? Cheers.

[@simonwaterhouse4980]

It sounds too good to be considered bad gear. I like it, your vid almost makes we want to get one. If you truly want bad gear, may I suggest the Evolution EVS-1 (my second ever synth). A synth so bad, that it was actually bad and not good at all. 😝

[@AudioPilz]

Great suggestion, thanks!

[@bisheejom]

The Space Dandy reference fucking got me. It's official, AudioPilz is a -weeb- cultured lad. For what they're worth, the Roland Green synths have become low key recent classics.

[@AudioPilz]

He's a dandy guy. In space.

[@tubeMonger]

Thanks for the review! Plugin in a box :-) ... Makes me want to revisit the plugin collection installed on my computer. There might be something useful.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! There always is;)

[@threvsworld]

Nice video, the System 1 has its detractors but really the sound is super wide and the updates added some oomph. I'm a huge fan of the scatter peggio. I have the System 1m and System 8 but could not part with the S1 just because it's so unique and fun to use once you get the hang of it.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@BlackMajj]

The System-1 I consider to be an outstanding move by Roland. It's like having a hardware VST. Never found one used cheap enough to pick it up but it is what I am missing since I have the MX-1, TR-8 and TB3. Just wish it could hold a handfull of plugouts at the same time. I mean, how much could it have cost them to put some extra storage in it when they designed it?

[@AudioPilz]

I think they just didn't want to cannibalize the revenue from System-8 sales

[@halcyondaystunes]

System 8

[@BlackMajj]

@@AudioPilz The 8 is so big. I kinda like the small form-factor of the 1. Fits in better with the Aira-gear. And then there's the price. 3x more for the 8.

[@inthefade]

The most annoying this is patch recall. I hate having to tape a piece of paper to it to remember which patch is which. It's so easy to accidentally write over something you made for another song... Absolute unforgivable idiocy and cheapness for a synth that was roughly $1000 when it was released iirc. At least let us name the patches with an 10-character display ffs.

[@Jason75913]

@@BlackMajj get two System-1s, Giuseppe Ottaviani can be seen dual-wielding System-1s at a concert here on YT, and for one or two of his appearances on van Buuren's radioshow, he had a System-1 with him and some sort of Ableton setup

[@VintageMusicGearTV]

The keybed takes the prize for the worst in the world and the plug outs should be free or at least discounted! Great video love your channel

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I wholeheartedly agree!

[@KNHSynths]

Plugins that work on the System 1 are "real" ones that runs on your PC or Mac. So for the price of a very good plugin working in your DAW you've got the possibility to "plug" it into System 1 independently. If we are logical the price of plugins for plug-out system should be higher (two plugins for the price of one currently) :-)

[@oommdtube]

I’m trying to learn where to spend my time and limited funds, your the greatest human on this planet , thanks

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@adamkrasneski3679]

Surely somewhere theres a shirt with a picture of a piano roll or snare drum and sticks captioned 'thats just how i roll'

[@AudioPilz]

Lol, maybe as merch?

[@rars0n]

The idea had potential but leave it to Roland to give it some inexplicable shortcomings. It also embodies a lot of things I don't really like about modern gear, like a reliance on specific computer software and firmware updates. It's great that they did update the System-1 but in general I just don't trust Roland as a company to pay much attention to a thing once they've released it. I also really hate the idea of a lifetime subscription model, especially from Roland. A hardware synth should be usable without a software license.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@soniklink-WKD4496]

This video makes me want a System-8 🙃

[@AudioPilz]

I felt the same way while making the video;)

[@meedily]

Lol. I wish you had a daily podcast or something. You’re very likable.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@zoundsic]

Glad u liked it, never sell my 1m, good work flow and omnisphere controller too.

[@AudioPilz]

1m is the one to get!

[@trix1227]

YAY 😀 ANOTHER EPISODE I LOVE ❤️ YOUR VIDEOS FLORIAN KEEP AT IT BROTHER GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS HAVE A BLESSED DAY

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@proaudiorestore8926]

Still on my list of “synths” to buy

[@AudioPilz]

Probabyl gonna use it in the future

[@64north20west]

Superbooth 2022 edition of Bad Gear. I love it!

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@michaelihde]

Du bist einfach der Hammer!

[@AudioPilz]

Vielen herzlichen Dank!!!

[@rederickfroders1978]

I dont like the green lighting either, even though green is one of my favorite colours. I feel like a snob saying it. I dont have any problem with the sound of the synth itself though! I guess the EDM and Dance crowd might love the green neon idea, but then again I could throw the argument that yellow or orange wouldve looked just as futuristic for them too. It might well be so that the panel itself is as important as how the thing sounds. Compared to others that Ive been critical of over the panel though, this one has plenty of knobs!

[@AudioPilz]

It really hurts staring at the UI for a longer period of time

[@TheExileFox]

@@AudioPilz It's strange that it lacks any brightness control at all unlike System-8

[@gminorcoles]

An underrated amazing synth

[@AudioPilz]

Sunglasses recommended;)

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

​@@AudioPilz This and the System-8 are consciously designed by Roland for cool guys with sunglasses on.

[@jonpatchmodular]

0:29 the mere thought of this meme keeps me up some nights

[@AudioPilz]

The horror...

[@helisoma]

@9:34 ok well Florian did it again as well with a finale that just makes me shake my head like how is his stuff so good 😳😳😳 @8:58

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!