Roland SE-02 Analog Synthesizer User Guide
This document serves as a user's guide for the Roland/Studio Electronics SE-02, a 3-oscillator analog monophonic synthesizer. It details the instrument's features, controls, and operational modes.
Introduction
The 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 and are temperature-stabilized with automatic tuning. The synthesizer is designed to produce classic vintage synth tones, characterized by thick lows and clear highs, but also offers a wide range of modern sound-shaping capabilities. These include cross-modulation (XMOD), a filter feedback loop, a tempo-syncing LFO with nine waveforms, envelope sweeping and inversion, oscillator sync, a noise generator, and a tempo-syncing delay. The SE-02 is compact yet robust, with a hands-on, knob-per-function interface. It comes with 384 preset sounds and offers 128 user locations for custom patches.
The SE-02 is compatible with Roland Boutique accessory docks like the K-25m keyboard dock. It features 1/8-inch stereo jacks and standard MIDI jacks for connectivity. Chain Mode allows for increased polyphony by connecting multiple SE-02 units. It also supports CV inputs for pitch and filter frequency, trigger in/out, external audio routing through the filter, and USB audio/MIDI for computer integration.
A 16-step sequencer is included, capable of syncing to external tempo (MIDI, USB, or trigger) and storing per-step gate time, glide, tempo, and patch number. Performance features include shuffle, scale, direction, and first/last steps. Synth parameters can be automated per step. Up to 128 sequence patterns and 16 songs (each with up to 16 parts) can be stored.
Studio Electronics, the manufacturer, has been designing analog synthesizers since 1988, known for models like the MidiMini, SE-1(X), and Boomstar series.
I. General Functions
This section covers the fundamental operations of the SE-02.
Common Section
The Common Section manages bank and patch information. The VALUE /WRITE knob is used for scrolling through data, fine-tuning selections, and selecting patches. Clicking it enters WRITE mode for saving sounds or patterns. The MODE SELECT SWITCH allows switching between PATCH, SEQUENCE, and SONG modes. Function Select buttons (COMP, PLAY, TRANSPOSE, OCT-, OCT+) perform mode-specific actions. Bank selection is handled by buttons A, B, C, USER, and patch selection by the 16 numbered buttons. Internal banks A, B, and C are read-only, while the USER bank offers 128 writable locations.
USB Interface
The USB port facilitates MIDI and audio data transfer with a computer-based DAW, mounting the synthesizer to a computer for patch backup/restore and software updates. Note that the USB port does not power the SE-02; a 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 and dragging files from the SE-02 drive to a computer folder. Restoring patches involves copying files back to the SE-02 drive. The SE-02 also supports restoring factory settings by holding the [1] button during power-on and pressing the MANUAL button.
Preset Section
The SE-02 offers three permanent preset banks (A, B, C) and a USER bank with 128 programmable patches. Manual Mode allows listening to the current physical knob settings without recalling a preset.
Comparing Patches
The COMP button allows comparison between the currently edited patch and a saved patch. Differences are indicated in the display.
Using the Common Buttons as a Keyboard
Buttons [5] through [16] can function as a one-octave keyboard when the PLAY button is active. This keyboard can be transposed.
Shifting the Pitch Range & Transposing the Pitch
The OCT+ and OCT- buttons shift the keyboard pitch in +/- 1 octave intervals, up to +/- 3 octaves. The TRANSPOSE button, in combination with OCT+/- or the VALUE knob, allows transposition in semitone units.
II. Functions for Sound Creation
This section details how to shape sounds using the SE-02's various modules.
Control Section
The GLIDE KNOB adjusts the portamento/glide time between notes. The GLIDE TYPE SWITCH offers OFF, LINEAR, and EXPONENTIAL glide curves. The MOD WHEEL MIX KNOB controls the balance between LFO and XMOD modulation when the modulation wheel is used.
Oscillators Section
The SE-02 has three analog VCOs that feed into a shared filter/envelope section. Each oscillator offers controls for RANGE (LO, 32', 16', 8', 4', 2'), TUNE/FINE adjustment, and WAVEFORM selection (TRIANGLE, NARROW TRIANGLE, SAWTOOTH, SQUARE WAVE, PULSE WAVE 1 & 2). The SYNC SWITCH synchronizes Oscillator 2 to Oscillator 1. Oscillator 3 can be used as a modulation source for XMOD and PWM. The ENV-1 KNOB controls the depth of filter envelope modulation on Oscillator 2's frequency. The KEYBOARD SWITCH enables/disables keyboard tracking for Oscillator 3. The XMOD SWITCH selects which parameters are modulated by the mod wheel (OSC 2 modulating filter cutoff, OSC 3 modulating OSC 2 waveform, or OSC 3 modulating pulse width).
XMOD Section
This section allows for cross-modulation effects. O2-FILTER uses OSC 2 to modulate the filter's cutoff frequency. O3-O2 uses OSC 3 to modulate the waveform of OSC 2. O3-PW1,2 uses OSC 3 to modulate the pulse width of OSC 1 and OSC 2 (PWM).
Mixer Section
The Mixer section balances the output levels of OSCILLATOR 1, 2, 3, and NOISE. The FEEDBACK knob controls the amount of output fed back into the filter section, radically altering the sound. The NOISE control adjusts the volume of the noise oscillator, adding texture.
Filter/Envelopes Section
This section shapes the sound's brightness and thickness using a 24dB/octave ladder filter and ADSR envelopes. Controls include CUTOFF frequency, EMPHASIS (resonance), and KEY TRACK ([1/3], [2/3]) for pitch-dependent filter changes. The CONTOUR knob adjusts the filter envelope's depth. MTRIG restarts the filter envelope with each key press. NORM/INVERT inverts the envelope's polarity.
Envelopes
The SE-02 utilizes ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelopes for shaping volume and filter characteristics. The FILTER ENVELOPE controls the cutoff frequency's time-varying changes (ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN). The AMPLIFIER ENVELOPE controls the volume's time-varying changes (ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN, RELEASE). The RELEASE parameter can be applied to both filter and amp envelopes or just the amp envelope. The LFO/GATE setting determines if the LFO or the note/gate controls the amp envelope.
LFO Section
The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) provides modulation for vibrato (pitch) or tremolo (volume). Controls include RATE (speed), WAVE shape selection (SAMPLE & HOLD, SINE, REVERSE SAWTOOTH, SQUARE 1, SQUARE 2, SQUARE 3, RANDOM), OSC (depth of LFO on oscillator pitch), FILTER (depth of LFO on filter frequency), MWHL (modulates WHL MIX knob), MODE (1X, KEY, FREE), and SYNC (synchronization with MIDI clock for LFO and DELAY).
Delay Section
This section controls the delay effect. TIME sets the delay duration. REGEN controls the number of repeats. AMOUNT adjusts the delay volume.
III. Functions for Performance
This section covers performance-related features like sequencing and song arrangement.
Sequencer Mode
The SE-02 features a 16-step sequencer for creating patterns. Users can input notes, gates, glide, and synth parameter values per step. Patterns can be up to 16 steps long, with 128 patterns storable. The sequencer can sync to external sources. Performance settings like SCALE, SHUFFLE, DIRECTION, FIRST/LAST STEP, and TEMPO are adjustable. Sequence parameters include DESTINATION, SYNC source, and KEY TRIGGER. Patterns can be saved using the WRITE operation.
Song Mode
Songs can be constructed from up to 16 parts, each specifying a pattern, repetition count, and patch. Up to 16 songs can be stored. Users can select, play, edit, and save songs. This involves changing patterns, repetition numbers, and patches for each part of the song.
IV. System Settings
This section covers configuration and setup options.
Patch Setup
Allows adjustment of parameters like PITCH BEND RANGE, MOD WHEEL DEPTH, LFO AFTERTOUCH, VCF AFTERTOUCH, CONTOUR DEPTH, and PATCH VOLUME.
Velocity Routing
Details how MIDI velocity is routed, defaulting to the FILTER CONTOUR, but configurable via PATCH SETUP.
System Setup
Configuration options include MIDI CHANNEL, CHAIN mode (for polyphony), AUTO OFF, SAVER TIME, CC OUT destination, and VERSION display.
Firmware Update
Provides instructions for updating the SE-02's firmware via a computer.
Factory Reset & Tuning Calibration
Procedures for restoring the SE-02 to factory settings and performing tuning calibration are outlined.
Main Specifications & Options
Key specifications include 1 Voice maximum polyphony, AC Adaptor power supply, 2A current draw, and dimensions of 300(W) x 128(D) x 45(H) mm. Optional accessories include the Roland DK-01 Boutique Module Dock, Roland K-25M Boutique Module Keyboard, and Roland PSB 1U Power Supply.
IV. CV/GATE/TRIGGER
This section explains analog control voltage (CV) and gate signal connections for external sequencers.
Control Voltage (CV)
CV signals control pitch. The SE-02 has a CV input jack for connecting external controllers like the Arturia Keystep.
Gate
Gate signals control note on/off. The SE-02 has a GATE input jack for receiving these signals.
VCF-CV
A dedicated input for controlling the SE-02's filter cutoff frequency via CV.
CV Jack Settings
The CV input jacks can be fine-tuned for CV Fine Tune and CV Key Follow, affecting pitch relative to input voltage.
Trigger
The SE-02 features TRIGGER IN and TRIGGER OUT connectors for synchronizing with external sequencers or drum machines. TRIGGER IN allows external clock sources to control the internal sequencer, while TRIGGER OUT allows the SE-02's internal sequencer to control external devices.
V. MIDI
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard for connecting electronic musical instruments. The SE-02 supports MIDI for control and data transmission.
Roland Boutique MIDI
With firmware 1.10 and later, the SE-02 can transmit CC data for knob and slider movements, allowing them to be recorded into a DAW or MIDI sequencer. Transmission can be configured for USB, MIDI, or both.
MIDI Implementation Chart & MIDI CC Chart
Detailed charts are provided listing transmitted and recognized MIDI messages, control change (CC) numbers, and their corresponding parameters for comprehensive MIDI control.
