Roland/AIRA SBX-1 Sync Box

Fully integrate your classic synths into your modern performance setup with the New SBX-1 from Roland. This multi-format sync box offers ultimate compatibility between your vintage analog or modular synths, Roland AIRA gear and your computer over MIDI, DIN SYNC and USB/MIDI. With a single Sync button to seamlessly sync devices, hands-on control over timing and groove and support for CV/Gate, the SBX-1 is no ordinary Midi Sync device.

You can use the SBX-1 itself as the master sync, controlling your instruments with its internal clock, or set the master to MIDI, DIN SYNC or USB. You also get physical knobs to finely control the tempo and the overall groove to sync with live performers. Another great feature allows you to add variable swing to patterns globally, affecting even classic devices like the TR-808 and TB-303 that don't ordinarily have any shuffle function.

The SBX-1 Sync box not only allows you to reliably sync all your devices, it broadens your horizons to make completely new setups, pushing you to use your gear in creative new ways!

Here's what Roland Say about the SBX-1

The SBX-1 lets computers and electronic instruments communicate and synchronise with each other. It supports a vast array of both analog and digital devices through DIN SYNC, MIDI and USB, and any of these can be the master clock source. You can use the SBX-1 itself as the master sync and control your external devices with its rock-steady internal clock.

The SBX-1 converts incoming performance information from an external device to both CV (pitch) and GATE (note) signals. So it offers possibilities far beyond what you would expect from a simple sync box. You can use it to play analog or modular synths. You can output the LFOs that you create in the SBX-1 along with performance information, modulate them and even use them as trigger signals.

You can also add analog and modular devices to your computer-based production environment, or design totally new and innovative live performance setups that combine AIRA gear like the TR-8, TB-3, and SYSTEM-1 with vintage analog or modular synths. The SBX-1 not only bridges worlds - it opens doors to entirely new ones.

When it comes to music, timing is fundamental. The SBX-1 keeps everything tight, syncing your analog and digital devices to your computer or as the master sync source controlling the tempo of all your devices. In addition to the SBX-1's internal clock, you can set the master to MIDI, DIN SYNC, or USB/MIDI. Physical knobs for TEMPO and FINE tempo along with TAP tempo give deep control of the overall groove and let you freely adjust your timing to sync-up with DJs or other performers in a band.

When you’ve absolutely got to have that swing, the SBX-1’s Shuffle function can add variable swing to patterns generated by external sequencers and rhythm machines - even those that are not equipped with a shuffle function, like the TR-808 and TB-303. Choose between 16th and 8th note swing and correct timing errors with the quick-access, performance-friendly SYNC button.

The SBX-1 comes complete with CV/GATE output jacks so you can control analog and modular synths from your external MIDI device or computer. MIDI notes and CC information from external sources are converted and output as CV/GATE information, and this creates all kinds of creative possibilities.

You can create LFO signals in the SBX-1 that are synced to either the internal clock or tempo from an external source. You can register up to 5 types (3 types with AUX) of different LFO settings and output these as CV signals simultaneously from 3 channels (CV/BEND/AUX). You can also register up to 5 types (3 types with AUX) of different MIDI

notes as trigger settings and output these as GATE signals simultaneously from 3 channels (CV/GATE/AUX).

You can even generate GATE trigger signals on the SBX-1 itself, supporting a range from quarter notes to 32nd notes, including triplets and dotted 8th notes. The SBX-1 features an AUX jack that has been optimised especially for the TR-8 Rhythm Performer. It dramatically speeds things up by letting you check values on the SBX-1 display as you setup the TR-8 tone that you want to GATE trigger.

The only rule is that there are no rules. Experiment with various combinations of instruments and devices. Trigger, convert, modulate and shuffle. Generate new sounds and exciting live performances.

Features

• Simultaneous conversion between MIDI, DIN SYNC, and USB/MIDI
• Control external devices with SBX-1 as the master sync source
• Shuffle adds swing to patterns generated on devices without swing like TR-808 and TB-303
• CV/GATE jacks introduce enormous creative possibilities
• SYNC button corrects timing errors with a single press
• Output up to three channels of triggers or LFOs with different characteristics
• DIN SYNC supports both Sync24 and Sync48 compatible with a variety of rhythm machines
• Works great with the TR-8 through optimised AUX jack
• Runs on USB bus power or with AC adapter