Roland Brand Focus: SBX-1

Roland Aira SBX-1

Roland SBX-1

Sync Box

MULTI-FORMAT SYNC FOR COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS

The SBX-1 lets computers and electronic instruments communicate and synchronize 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. With hands-on control over timing and groove, and support for CV/GATE, the SBX-1 is far from just an ordinary sync box.

- 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, such as 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 optimized AUX jack

- Runs on USB bus power or with AC adapter

Adventures Through Time

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, such as 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.

Timing is Everything

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, such as TR-808 and TB-303.

Tech Specs

Switch

[DIN SYNC IN] Switch (24, 48)
[DIN SYNC OUT1] Switch (24, 48)
[DIN SYNC OUT2] Switch (24, 48)
[TRANSPOSE] Switch (H, M, L)
[POLARITY] Switch (+, -)
[BEND] Switch (WHOLE, OCT, LFO)
[AUX] Switch (1, 2, 3)
[POWER] Switch

Buttons


[CLOCK SOURCE] button (D-SYNC, MIDI, USB, INT)
[SYNC] button
[SHUFFLE] button
[STOP] button
[PLAY/PAUSE] button
[TAP] button

Knobs

[TEMPO] knob
[FINE] knob

Indicators

[D-SYNC] indicator
[MIDI] indicator
[USB] indicator
[INT] indicator

Display

7 segments, 4 characters (LED)

Connectors

DIN SYNC (IN, OUT1, OUT2) connectors
MIDI (IN, OUT1, OUT2) connectors
USB COMPUTER port: USB type B
DC IN jack
CV jack: Miniature phone type
GATE jack: Miniature phone type
BEND jack: Miniature phone type
AUX jack: Miniature phone type