Roland SE-02 Analog Synthesizer User Guide
A User's Guide to the Roland/Studio Electronics SE-02
Acknowledgements
This manual was assembled, illustrated, and written by Sunshine Jones. The contents are drawn from personal experience, existing documentation, and techniques found in the public domain. It serves as a companion guide for the Roland/Studio Electronics SE-02 Synthesizer Module, not as a replacement for the official documentation accompanying the commercial purchase of Roland Boutique or Roland AIRA instruments.
The manual aims to support musicians, inspire them to create music, share sounds, and realize the synthesizers' potential. It's offered as a legible alternative to the brief official leaflet, providing a more detailed explanation of the SE-02's operations.
The author is not affiliated with Roland Corporation or Studio Electronics. The work was produced for enjoyment and shared under a Creative Commons license, free of charge.
For correspondence or to find the original article and patch bank, visit: http://sunshine-jones.com
With Love, Sunshine Jones, August 2017, San Francisco, California. Version 0.1C
Introduction
The Roland SE-02 is a monophonic analog synthesizer featuring three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), a 24 dB low-pass filter, and a dual gain-stage amplifier. Its VCOs offer six distinct waveforms, known for the warmth and character of true analog sound, and are temperature-stabilized with automatic tuning.
The SE-02 delivers thick lows and clear highs, characteristic of vintage synth tones, but extends beyond that with features like three types of cross modulation (XMOD), a filter feedback loop, a tempo-syncing LFO with nine waveforms, envelope sweeping and inverting, oscillator sync, a noise generator, and a tempo-syncing delay.
Despite its compact size, the SE-02 is equipped with sturdy knobs, switches, and buttons, offering extensive sound-shaping capabilities with a hands-on, knob-per-function layout. It comes with 384 preset sounds, with 128 user locations for custom creations.
Modern Flexibility: The SE-02 boasts a rugged metal build. It integrates with Roland Boutique accessory docks like the K-25m (for a mini keyboard) or DK-01. It features 1/8-inch stereo jacks and standard MIDI jacks for easy connectivity. Chain Mode allows for increased polyphony by connecting multiple SE-02 units via MIDI.
Connectivity: CV inputs for pitch and filter frequency, plus trigger in/out, make it suitable for modular setups. It can process external audio through its filter and offers USB audio and MIDI for computer integration.
Sequencer: A 16-step sequencer allows for adding motion and dimension to sounds, with per-step control over gate time, glide, tempo, and patch number. It syncs to external tempo via MIDI, USB, or trigger. Creative performance features include shuffle, scale, and direction settings. Up to 128 sequence patterns and 16 songs (each with up to 16 parts) can be stored.
Studio Electronics: A leader in analog synthesizer design since 1988, known for models like the MidiMini, SE-1(X), ATC-1(X), Omega 8, CODE 8, Boomstar, and Tonestar.
I. General Functions
Common Section
This section handles bank and patch storage and recall. The VALUE /WRITE knob scrolls through data and fine-tunes selections, used for patch selection and system settings. Clicking it enters WRITE mode for saving sounds or patterns to user banks.
The MODE SELECT SWITCH toggles between PATCH, SEQUENCE, and SONG modes.
FUNCTION SELECT buttons (COMP, PLAY, TRANSPOSE, OCT-, OCT+) perform different functions based on the current mode. In PATCH mode, they access a playable keyboard. In SEQUENCE mode, they select data types (Note, Gate, Glide, Parameters, Scale). In SONG mode, they edit, select patterns, and manage song chains.
BANK selection buttons are A, B, C, and USER. The 16 PATCH selection buttons are used to choose specific sounds. For example, to select patch C 101, press BANK C, then buttons 1, 0, 1.
Internal banks A, B, and C are read-only. The USER bank offers 128 writable locations for custom patches.
USB Interface
The USB port facilitates MIDI and audio data transfer to/from a DAW, mounting the synthesizer to a computer for patch backup/restore and software updates. Note: The SE-02's USB port does not provide power; the Roland PSB 1U power supply is required.
Data Backup & Restore
Patches can be backed up by connecting the SE-02 to a computer via USB, then dragging and dropping files. This is simpler than traditional MIDI librarian software or tape backup.
Procedure to mount SE-02 to desktop: Connect via micro USB, restart synth holding [2] button. A drive icon named SE-02 will appear on the desktop.
To create a backup: Mount the SE-02, copy files to a computer folder, eject the drive.
To bring patches from computer: Mount the SE-02, restart synth holding [3] button, copy files to the SE-02's PATCH, PATTERN, or SONG folders, eject the drive.
Restore to Factory Settings: Hold [1] button while powering on, display shows "rSt". Press MANUAL to execute the reset.
Preset Section
The SE-02 features three permanent banks of sounds: BANK A, B, and C, offering a variety of sounds and associated sequences. The USER BANK provides 128 programmable patch locations that can be overwritten.
Philosophy: The term "patch" originates from physically connecting modules in modular synthesizers. Saving and recalling patches was a revolutionary concept. The SE-02 provides basic presets as a starting point for users to explore and create their own sounds.
Manual Mode: Pressing the MANUAL button displays the current physical settings of the synthesizer, switching from the selected preset.
Comparing Patches
Press the COMP button to compare the currently edited patch with a saved patch. The display indicates differences.
Using the Common Buttons as a Keyboard
Buttons [5] – [16] can function as a one-octave keyboard when the PLAY button is active.
Shifting the Pitch Range
The OCT+ and OCT- buttons transpose the keyboard in +/- 1 octave intervals, up to +/- 3 octaves. Button lights indicate the octave count.
Transposing the Pitch
Hold TRANSPOSE and press OCT+ or OCT- to transpose in semitones (range +/- 1 octave). The VALUE knob can also adjust the transpose value.
II. Functions for Sound Creation
Control Section
Adjusts GLIDE and MODULATION WHEEL settings.
Glide Knob: Controls the portamento/glide timing between notes. Clockwise increases the effect.
Glide Type Switch: Options are OFF (no glide), LINEAR (mathematically correct curve), and EXPONENTIAL (exaggerated curve for a more natural feel).
Mod Wheel Mix Knob: Blends the effect of the Mod Wheel between LFO (counter-clockwise) and XMOD (clockwise), with a 50/50 mix at 12 o'clock.
Oscillators Section
The SE-02 features three analog monophonic oscillators. Mixing these through a single filter/envelope section creates its voice. Sounds can range from bass tones to complex harmonics.
Oscillator 1 & 2:
- Range: Sets the overall frequency range (LO, 32', 16', 8', 4', 2').
- Tune/Fine: Tunes Oscillator 1's pitch. Fine adjusts Oscillator 2's pitch relative to Oscillator 1. Auto-tuning is present, but warming up the unit is recommended.
- Waveform: Selects waveforms for Oscillators 1 & 2: TRIANGLE, NARROW TRIANGLE, SAWTOOTH, SQUARE WAVE, PULSE WAVE 1 (wide), PULSE WAVE 2 (narrow).
Sync Switch: Engages oscillator sync, forcing Oscillator 2 to restart its cycle with Oscillator 1's cycle, creating synchronization. This can add effect or stability.
Oscillator 3:
- Range: Sets frequency range (LO, 32', 16', 8', 4', 2').
- Fine: Tunes Oscillator 3's pitch relative to Oscillator 1.
- Waveform: Selects waveforms: TRIANGLE, REVERSE SAW, SAWTOOTH, SQUARE WAVE, PULSE WAVE 1 (wide), PULSE WAVE 2 (narrow).
ENV-1 Knob: Adjusts the amount of filter envelope modulation applied to Oscillator 2's frequency. Clockwise increases modulation, counter-clockwise decreases it.
Keyboard Switch: Toggles keyboard tracking for Oscillator 3 on/off, useful when using OSC 3 as a modulation source.
XMOD Switch: Assigns XMOD effects: A) OSC 2 modulates FILTER cutoff, B) OSC 3 modulates OSC 2 waveform, C) OSC 3 modulates pulse width of OSC 1 & 2 (requires square/pulse wave).
XMOD Section
This section controls how cross-modulation (XMOD) and frequency modulation are applied. XMOD can create metallic or percussive sounds.
- O2-FILTER: OSC 2 modulates the filter's cutoff frequency.
- O3-O2: OSC 3 modulates the waveform of OSC 2.
- O3-PW1,2: OSC 3 modulates the pulse width of OSC 1 and OSC 2, enabling PWM.
Mixer Section
This section mixes the outputs of OSCILLATOR 1, 2, 3, and NOISE. The FEEDBACK knob returns SE-02 output to the FILTER section, radically altering sound.
OSC-1, OSC-2, & OSC-3: Adjusts output levels for mixing.
Feedback: Adjusts the amount of SE-02 output fed back into the filter.
Noise: Adjusts the volume of the noise oscillator, adding texture.
Filter/Envelopes Section
Determines sound brightness and thickness, controlling time-varying changes for filter and volume envelopes. Features a 24dB ladder filter design with contour inversion, restart-on-note-press, and gate/LFO triggering options. Offers ADS envelopes with release control.
- Cutoff: Adjusts the filter cutoff frequency.
- Emphasis: Boosts the resonance near the cutoff frequency, creating a "synthesizer-like" character and potentially self-oscillation.
- Key Track [1/3] [2/3]: Adjusts how filter cutoff frequency changes with keyboard pitch.
- Contour: Controls the depth of envelope impact on filter frequency.
- MTRIG: If ON, the filter envelope restarts with each key press. If OFF, the envelope completes before re-triggering.
- Norm/Invert: Specifies the polarity of the envelope controlled by the Contour knob.
Envelopes: ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) shape sound parameters like volume and filter. The diagram illustrates the ADSR curve and the KEYBOARD GATE signal.
- Filter Envelope: Controls filter cutoff frequency.
- Amplifier Envelope: Controls volume.
LFO Section
LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) influences volume, filter frequency, and other voltage control aspects. It can create cyclic modulation like vibrato (pitch) or tremolo (volume).
- Rate: Adjusts LFO frequency (speed of change).
- Wave: Selectable waveforms: SAMPLE & HOLD, SINE, REVERSE SAWTOOTH, SQUARE 1, SQUARE 2, SQUARE 3, RANDOM.
- OSC: Adjusts the depth of LFO effect on oscillator pitch.
- Filter: Adjusts the depth of LFO effect on filter frequency.
- MWHL: Selects the modulator for the WHL MIX knob (F: Strong, H: Weak, OFF: None).
- Mode: LFO operation mode (1X: Once, KEY: On note-on, FREE: Always).
- Sync: Synchronizes LFO and DELAY with MIDI clock (Ø: None, L: LFO only, D: Delay only, LD: Both).
Delay Section
Controls delay parameters.
- Time: Adjusts delay time, influenced by LFO sync settings.
- Regen: Sets the number of delay repeats. Clockwise increases repeats.
- Amount: Controls the delay volume. Clockwise increases volume.
III. Functions for Performance
Sequencer Mode
The step sequencer allows inputting notes for up to 16 steps per pattern, with up to 128 patterns storable. It can loop patterns.
Entering Step Sequence Mode: Set the mode select switch to SEQ.
Step Buttons [1]-[16]: These are the primary input buttons for the sequencer.
Exiting Sequencer: Press STOP and set the mode select switch to PATCH.
Selecting/Playing Patterns: Function select buttons (NOTE-PERFORM) should be dark. Use [0]-[9] buttons or the VALUE knob to select a pattern number (1-128). Press PLAY to start/stop.
Entering Notes: Press NOTE button. Hold a step button and use VALUE knob to select note number. Note numbers can also be entered by playing a key while holding a step button. Multiple steps can receive the same note by holding NOTE and turning VALUE.
Entering Gates: Press GATE button. Hold a step button and use VALUE knob to select gate value (10-100).
Glide Settings: Press GLIDE button. Select step buttons to apply glide effect, creating smooth pitch changes between steps.
Synth Parameter Values: Press PRM button. Hold a step button and adjust knobs/switches to store parameter values per step. Values can be erased.
Transposing a Sequence: Program a sequence, set SYNC settings, and set KEY TRIGGER to "TRIGGER" to clock the sequence from an external source.
Performance Settings: Press PERFORM. Select step buttons [8] or [14]-[16] and use VALUE knob to set SCALE, SHUFFLE, DIRECTION, FIRST STEP, LAST STEP, and TEMPO.
Sequence Parameter Settings: Use NOTE and GATE buttons. Use [1]-[3] buttons to select DESTINATION, SYNC, and KEY TRIGGER parameters and adjust with VALUE knob. Save settings via Pattern Write operation.
Saving a Pattern: Press VALUE knob to enter WRITE MODE. Select destination pattern [0]-[9]. Press VALUE knob to confirm. Edits are lost on power off unless saved.
Song Mode
A song consists of 1-16 parts, each specifying a pattern, repetition count, and sound/patch. Up to 16 songs can be stored.
Accessing Song Mode: Set the mode select switch to SONG.
Exiting Song Mode: Press STOP and set mode select switch to PATCH.
Selecting/Playing Songs: Ensure EDIT-DELETE buttons are dark. Use [1]-[16] buttons to select a song. Press PLAY to start/stop.
Editing a Song: Select song, press EDIT. Use VALUE knob to select part, [0]-[9] buttons to enter pattern number. INS button inserts a part, DEL deletes a part. PLAY/STOP plays/stops the song.
Changing Number of Repetitions: Press PTN button. Use VALUE knob to select part, [0]-[9] buttons to enter repetitions.
Changing the Patch: Press PATCH button. Use VALUE knob to select part, [A]-[C] or USER buttons for bank, [0]-[9] for patch number. MANUAL mode can also be selected.
Save edited settings via Song Write operation.
IV. System Settings
Patch Setup
Press COMP and PLAY buttons. Use [1]-[6] buttons to select parameters and VALUE knob to edit:
| BUTTON | PARAMETER | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| [1] | PITCH BEND RANGE (semitone units) | 0-24 |
| [2] | MOD WHEEL DEPTH | 0-127 |
| [3] | LFO AFTERTOUCH | 0-127 |
| [4] | VCF AFTERTOUCH | 0-127 |
| [5] | CONTOUR DEPTH | 0-127 |
| [6] | PATCH VOLUME | 0-127 |
Velocity Routing: By default, VELOCITY routes to FILTER CONTOUR. This can be changed via PATCH SETUP page [5]. The encoder sets velocity-generated CONTOUR depth.
System Setup
Hold EXIT button, then power on. Use buttons to select parameters and VALUE knob to set values. Press VALUE knob to save.
| BUTTON | PARAMETER | VALUE | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| [1] | MIDI CHANNEL | OFF, 1-16 ONn | Specifies MIDI channel (1-16). ONn receives all messages. |
| [2] | CHAIN | OFF, ON | Enables polyphony by connecting multiple SE-02 units via MIDI. |
| [3] | AUTO OFF | OFF, 30, 240 MINUTES | Turns off power after inactivity. Does not occur during USB connection. |
| [4] | SAVER TIME | OFF, 1, 3, 10 MINUTES | Specifies time until LED DEMO is shown. |
| [5] | CC OUT | OFF, USB, MIDI, BOTH USB & MIDI | Selects output destination for control changes. |
| [16] | VERSION | - | Indicates current version. |
Firmware Update: Connect to computer, power on holding [8] button to mount SE-02 drive. Copy SE02_UPD.BIN file. Eject drive. Press MANUAL to start update. Power cycle when finished. Allow ~30 seconds for the update.
Factory Reset: Power on holding [1] button. Press MANUAL button. Power cycle.
Tuning Calibration: Switch to Patch Mode. Hold Transpose and push VALUE knob. Push VALUE knob again to start. Repeat calibration twice.
Main Specifications
- Maximum Polyphony: 1 Voice
- Power Supply: AC Adaptor
- Current Draw: 2 A
- Dimensions: 300 (W) x 128 (D) x 45 (H) mm / 11 13/16 (W) x 5 1/16 (D) x 1 3/4 (H) inches
- Weight: 950 g / 2 lbs 2 oz
- Accessories: Owner's Manual, "using the unit safely" leaflet
Options
Available accessories include the ROLAND DK-01 BOUTIQUE MODULE DOCK, ROLAND K-25M BOUTIQUE MODULE KEYBOARD, and ROLAND PSB 1U POWER SUPPLY WALL ADAPTER UNIT.
IV. CV/GATE/TRIGGER
Control Voltage
CV/Gate is an analog method for controlling synthesizers and sequencers, using control voltage for pitch and gate signals for note on/off. This method was prevalent in analog modular synths and is still used by many modern modular manufacturers.
CV: Connects to external controller's CV (Pitch) output. Example: Arturia Keystep CV output to SE-02 CV jack for pitch voltage transmission.
Gate
Connects to external controller's GATE output to signal note on/off. Typically a 5-volt pulse opens the VCA for the duration of the pulse.
VCF-CV
A dedicated connector for controlling the SE-02 FILTER cutoff using CV. Experiment: Connecting a TR-09 drum machine's trigger out to the VCF-CV input can open the filter with each trigger pulse.
CV JACK SETTINGS
Fine-tune CV inputs for pitch. Set MODE SELECT to PATCH. Press COMP and PLAY. Use [15]-[16] buttons to select parameters (CV Fine Tune, CV Key Follow) and VALUE knob to edit. These settings are saved system-wide.
| BUTTON | PARAMETER | VALUE | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| [15] | CV Fine Tune | 0-255 | Adjusts pitch relative to CV input voltage. |
| [16] | CV Key Follow | 0-255 | Adjusts pitch change width relative to CV input voltage. |
Trigger
The SE-02 has TRIGGER IN and TRIGGER OUT connectors for interaction with other clock sources and sequencers.
Trigger In: Connect an external pattern or clock source. Set SEQUENCER clock source to "trg". The SE-02 sequencer advances a step only when a TRIGGER pulse is received, allowing flexible timing. Standard clock timing can be achieved with patterns like [1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15].
Trigger Out: Connects the internal sequencer to external devices for sending trigger pulses. Use the internal sequencer as a pulse source for external devices.
V. MIDI
A Word About MIDI
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard for connecting and communicating between electronic musical instruments, computers, and audio devices. It supports 16 channels and carries event messages for notation, pitch, velocity, control signals, and clock synchronization. MIDI offers file compactness, ease of modification, and broad compatibility between devices from different manufacturers.
MIDI technology was standardized in 1983 and is maintained by the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA).
Roland Boutique MIDI
With firmware 1.10, Roland Boutique modules can send CC data, transmitting front panel knob and slider movements via MIDI for recording into DAWs or sequencers.
To enable transmission of MIDI CC data: Hold EXIT, power on. Select parameter [5] using buttons and VALUE knob. Choose output option (OFF, USB, MIDI, USB & MIDI). Save setting and power cycle.
MIDI Implementation Chart
The following chart details the SE-02's MIDI implementation for Firmware Version 1.04:
| Function... | Transmitted | Recognized | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Channel | 1, 1-16, OFF | 1-16, OFF | Mode 4 |
| Mode | Mode 4 | Mode 4 | |
| Note Number: | True Value | True Value | 0-127 |
| Velocity | Note On / Note Off | Note On / Note Off | X |
| After Touch | Key's Channels | Key's Channels | X |
| Pitch Bend | 0 | 0 | Bank select (0-3: A, B, C, User), Modulation, Volume, Hold pedal |
| Control Change | 5, 9, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 41, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 71, 73, 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 87, 91, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 112, 113, 114, 115 | 0 | Patch parameters (refer to next page) |
| Program Change | True Number | True Number | 0-127 |
| System Exclusive | 0 | 0 | |
| System Common | Song Position Song Select Tune Request | Song Position Song Select Tune Request | X X X |
| System Real Time | Clock Start Continue Stop | Clock Start Continue Stop | 0 0 0 0 |
| Aux Messages | All Sound Off Reset All Controllers Local On/Off All Notes Off Omni Mode Off Omni Mode On Mono Mode On Poly Mode On Active Sensing System Reset | All Sound Off Reset All Controllers Local On/Off All Notes Off Omni Mode Off Omni Mode On Mono Mode On Poly Mode On Active Sensing System Reset | 0 *1 0 *1 X X X X 0 X |
| Notes | Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY; Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO; Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY; Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO. *1 Transmit when MIDI offline. *2 Same process as All Note Off. | ||
Sound Synthesis Memo
This section contains diagrams of the SE-02 front panel, illustrating various control layouts.
