Roland SE-02 Review

The Minimoog Model D has managed to etch itself into people's minds solely with its appearance and achieve a kind of legendary status. Whether one is looking for a used or brand-new Moog device, they will never find anything below 3500 euros. But now there is an Alternative from Roland.

About ten years ago, the Californian synthesizer forge Studio Electronics attempted to emulate the original design, which was quite successful. Both their Midimoog and the SE-1 became standard in many studios when it comes to creating fat basslines, punchy house sounds, and assertive leads.

However, there is a small problem: even for the SE-1X, almost 2000 euros are demanded. A small consolation might be that work is currently underway on the first synthesizer in the popular (and affordable) boutique format. The SE-02 not only aligns itself with the original with three oscillators with selectable elementary oscillation, octave range (32' - 81), and fine tuning (+/- 7 semitones), two ADS envelopes for volume and filter, and oscillator sync, but also brings along a bunch of innovations.

Firstly, presets, of which the SE-02 can store at least 512. Additionally, delay, parameter automation, and sequencing, step sequencer, oscillator feedback, tempo-synced LFO, USB audio, and an external audio input that the original cannot offer. Particularly, some new details like an unusual new modulation matrix (oscillator 2 to filter, osc. 3 to 2, osc. 3 to pulse width osc. '/z), as well as the selectable synchronization of the third oscillator with the other two and the adjustable modulation of the second oscillator through the first envelope.

Practice

Practically anyone interested in synthesizers will be thrilled with the SE-02. The timeless appearance and sonic potency are simply captivating for the user. The device is easy and quick to use. Only more advanced functions, such as operating the step and parameter sequencers, require a glance at the manual. However, confusion is caused by the graphic designer who apparently did not see the need to differentiate between loudness and filter contour on the faceplate layout. Just a single horizontal line would have provided clarity.

After a setback, enthusiasm immediately follows: the LFO can swing tempo-synced with nine different waveforms. However, it's noticeable that they do not have the size of the original or a Moog Voyager.

Sound

It's very positively noticed that when skipping through the presets, switching between programs happens without any discernible latency.

The second insight: the SE-02 sounds more versatile than the original, which one might hardly believe. Also, cross-modulation is great because this little synth develops a sonic richness that almost resembles FM synthesis. The picture is only clouded by turning the cut-off knob, as there is a clear gradation in 256 values. This is probably the risk one takes with 8-bit MIDI resolution and thus the automatability.

Conclusion

If one overlooks the original, the SE-02 is an extremely powerful, sonorous, and versatile synthesizer. Its synthesis capabilities go far beyond those of the original. Minor weaknesses should and can be put into perspective in relation to the opportunities offered and, above all, the price. For a fraction of the original, you get an exceptionally good little monosynth.