General
Old synthesizers have really come back into style. In fact, vintage gear has become so popular that in 2014, Roland introduced the Aira series, which offers contemporary versions of the TR-808/909 and the TB-303. This new equipment is fully MIDI-compatible, so you no longer need to bother with dated protocols such as CV/Gate and DIN Sync. On the downside, however, that makes it difficult to use these Aira products in combination with real vintage or modular synths. Fortunately, Roland has solved that problem for you with this SBX-1 sync box for MIDI, CV and DIN Sync, which converts MIDI signals into CV and DIN Sync, and vice versa.
Possibilities of the Roland SBX-1 sync box MIDI, CV and DIN Sync
The best possible way to describe the SBX-1 is by giving a number of examples of what it can do. If you use your Roland TR-8 (or your computer) as a master, the SBX-1 allows you to control vintage equipment such as the SH-101, the TR-606 or the TB-303. Reversing the setup is also possible: use your TR-808 as the master, and the SBX-1 ensures that the TR-8 and TB-3 play along nicely. The SBX-1 itself can take the master position too - you'll find the necessary tempo controls on the panel - enabling you to connect a TR-808, TB-303, TR-8 or TB-3, or even a modular system.
DIN SYNC
A bit of tech history for those of you who don't remember: there used to be two major DIN SYNC speeds: SYNC24 and SYNC48, the digits equalling the number of pulses per quarter note. Roland equipment used 24, while another brand chose 48, basically making the gear of the two manufacturers incompatible due to the difference in notes (16th versus 32th, for instance). The SBX-1 solves this problem for you - simply select the desired SYNC mode using the control panel.
Using the Roland sync box
The Roland SBX-1 sync box is not a piece of equipment that will sell like hot cakes. Not because it's particularly expensive or complex - quite the opposite, actually. However, the vintage gear it is meant for is rare and valuable, and will probably remain so, despite Roland's Aira series. For the few of you who are lucky enough to own both vintage and modern equipment, the SBX-1 is heaven-sent, though. With this nifty little sync box, you can fully incorporate your old Roland TB-303 or Jupiter 8 into your setup once again!
Tips or comments about this product
Please note:
- If you intend to use MIDI cables for DIN Sync, please make sure that they support DIN SYNC, as not all MIDI cables do. Basically, the MIDI protocol uses pin 1, 2 and 3, while the DIN Sync uses pin 2, 4 and 5. Some MIDI cables are only equipped with 3 conductors, for pin 1, 2 and 3.
