Roland Boutique SE-02 Analog Synthesizer

A collaborative effort from Roland and Studio Electronics, SE-02 is the debut product of the Roland Boutique Designer Series. SE-02 uses authentic discrete analog circuitry to create a synthesizer with a distinctly vintage sound and vast programming options. With an array of high-quality knobs and switches and a uniquely creative onboard sequencer, SE-02 delivers massive tone and texture with expressive hands-on control.

• Discrete analog circuitry with knob-per-function interface 
• Three voltage-controlled oscillators with six waveforms
• Temperature-stabilized oscillators with automatic tuning
• 24dB lowpass filter and dual gain stage amplifier
• Three types of cross-modulation (XMOD), feedback loop and noise generator
• Tempo-syncing LFO with nine waveforms
• Tempo-syncing digital delay with bypass to maintain analog signal path
• Save and recall sounds with 384 preset and 128 user locations
• Musical and intuitive pattern sequencer with song mode
• Sequence notes, gate time, glide and synth parameters
• CV, VCF CV and gate inputs plus trigger in/out
• External input for routing audio through SE-02's filter section
• Standard MIDI, USB-MIDI and USB-audio
• Create a polyphonic synth by using chain mode to connect two or more SE-02s together via MIDI
• DAW-integrated SE-02 sound editor software

Beyond 'typical' analog
SE-02's monophonic synthesizer engine features three voltage-controlled oscillators, a voltage-controlled 24dB low pass filter and a dual gain stage amplifier. The oscillators have six different kinds of waveforms with the warmth and complex character associated with true analog VCOs. What's more, these VCOs are temperature-stabilized with automatic tuning, so you get all the benefits and none of the downsides.

SE-02 is big and bold, with thick, rich lows and clear, vibrant highs — exactly what you think of when you imagine classic vintage synth tone. And while SE-02 can create astonishingly great vintage sounds, it can do so much more: it has three types of cross modulation (XMOD), a ripping filter feedback loop, a tempo-syncing LFO with nine waveforms, envelope sweeping and inverting, oscillator sync, a noise generator and a tempo-syncing delay.

While it's a compact 'go anywhere' device, the knobs, switches and buttons on SE-02 are sturdy and plentiful, giving you a vast palette of sound-shaping capabilities at your fingertips. Everything is hands-on and knob-per-function, with deep control and a logical, intuitive layout. To get started, you can choose from 384 expertly programmed preset sounds that cover a wide range of classic and modern tones. Tweak and modify these sounds or create something completely new, storing your own custom creations in the 128 available user locations.

A more musical sequencer
SE-02 includes a powerful 16-step sequencer to add motion and dimension to your sounds. It can sync to external tempo via MIDI, USB or trigger input, and per-step gate time, adjustable glide, tempo and patch number are stored with each sequence. Creative performance features allow you to set shuffle, scale, direction and first/last steps on the fly. Even synth parameters can be automated by sequencing changes: just press a step and move a control. And despite SE-02's compact size, the sequencer is fun and intuitive, lending itself to both studio and live usage. You can store 128 sequence patterns and construct 16 songs, each with up to 16 parts.

Modern flexibility
SE-02 is built solidly with a rugged metal top and quality knobs and switches. And despite having a control for just about everything, it's small enough to take just about anywhere. Due to its Roland Boutique format, it fits in Roland's K-25m or DK-01 accessory docks (both sold separately), so you can add an integrated 25-key mini keyboard or have various tilt options for easy access in a variety of live and studio situations.

SE-02 also features convenient 1/8" stereo jacks that reduce cable clutter, plus full-sized standard 5-pin MIDI jacks for connecting any kind of keyboard you want or controlling SE-02 remotely. And as with other Roland Boutique synths, Chain Mode lets you increase the polyphony by connecting two or more SE-02 units together via MIDI.

There are CV inputs for both pitch and filter frequency as well as trigger in and out, so SE-02 works great with modular setups and other vintage gear. You can route external audio signals through the filter section, and there's even USB audio and MIDI capabilities to seamlessly integrate with computer-based setups.