Sunshine Jones SE-02 User manual

3 OSCILLATOR ANALOG MONOPHONIC SYNTHESIZER
SE-02
A USER’S GUIDE TO THE ROLAND/STUDIO ELECTRONICS SE-02
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
This manual was assembled, illustrated, and written by Sunshine Jones. All of the contents is taken from either his
personal experience, existing documentation, and techniques submitted and found in the public domain. The
document is intended as a companion guide for the Roland/Studio Electronics SE-02 Synthesizer Module. It is in no
way offered as a criticism, or intended to be an authoritative guide to replace the official documentation which
accompanies the commercial purchase of Roland Boutique, or Roland AIRA musical instruments.
Rather, this manual is intended to support the musician, the user of these and other synthesizer modules and inspire
them to create music, share sounds, and fully realize the synthesizers in front of them.
In the tradition of owner’s manuals, rarely are they opened until problems arise. We tell you over and over again to
RTFM, but do you listen? No, no you don’t. Manuals should be both tools for reference and instruction, as well as
inspirational guides to possibility. An owner’s manual should be equally a pre purchase discovery, meant to inspire
the curious with capability and possibility, and a post purchase celebration of depth, technique, guidance, and
surprises. But this is by no means the last word. So many people have read and re read a manual only to still have no
idea what the manual was attempting to suggest. This owner’s manual is offered free of charge to anyone curious, or
frustrated by the tiny little leaflet which covers the operations of the SE-02 in several languages, as a legible
alternative to the official documentation.
This manual is not associated in any way, personally or professionally with anyone connected to the Roland
Corporation or Studio Electronics. The task was undertaken in a moment of fury, and assembled, proof read, and
then hastily produced exclusively for love, and pleasure.
It is our hope that as the result you will begin to explore and discover layers of sound and joy which were previously
overlooked. We hope and trust that you will use the PATCH worksheets to document your discoveries, and our
extensive encouragement to share, and import patches of your own into a thriving community of exploration and
delight.
If you wish to correspond with the author of this manual you may do so by navigating your web browser to the
following destination:
http://sunshine-jones.com
The original article and a bank of patches may be found within the non-fiction section of the site.
While no rights are reserved for the copyrighted materials, nor the registered trademarks discussed or absorbed into
this manual, the assemblage itself and subsequent sound examples, illustrations, and concept are offered exclusively
under the Creative Commons license of share and share alike. This is and shall always be free of charge to the
reader, and user of the Roland/Studio Electronics SE-02 synthesizer module, and must never be offered for sale or
barter. This is freeware, and free information for all.
With Love
Sunshine Jones
August 2017
San Francisco, California
Version 0.1C
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgements …………… 3
Basic Connections …………… 6
Introduction …………………… 7
I. GENERAL FUNCTIONS
Common Section ……………… 8
USB Interface ……………… 9
Data Backup & Restore …… 10
Preset Section …… 11
Manual Mode …… 11
Compare …… 12
Keyboard …… 12
Shifting The Pitch Range ……. 12
Transpose ………….. 12
II. FUNCTIONS FOR SOUND CREATION
Control ………………….…… 13
Oscillators ………………………. 14
XMOD ………………………. 16
Mixer ………………………. 17
Filter ………….…………… 18
Filter Envelope ……………………. 20
Amplifier Envelope ……………………. 21
LFO ……………………. 22
Delay ……………………. 24
III. FUNCTIONS FOR PERFORMANCE
Sequencer Mode ……….. 25
Selecting and Playing Patterns ……. 25
Entering Notes ………. 25
Entering Gates ………. 26
Synth Parameter Values ………. 26
Performance Settings ………. 26
Sequence Parameteres ………. 27
Song Mode ……….. 28
Selecting/Playing Songs ………… 28
Song Edit …………. 28
IV. SYSTEM SETTINGS
Patch Setup …………… 30
Velocity Routing …………… 30
Systen Setup ……………. 31
Firmware Update ……………. 31
Main Specifications ……….. 32
Options …………………….. 32
IV. CV/GATE/TRIGGER
CV ……………………… 33
GATE ……………………… 33
VCF-VC ……………………… 33
CV JACK SETTINGS ……………………… 33
TRIGGER ……………………… 34
V. MIDI ……………………… 35
MIDI Implementation Chart ………… 36
Sound Synthesis Memo …………… 38
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BASIC CONNECTIONS
NOTE - the use of the Commodore VIC-20™ for the purposes of illustrating a personal computer in this diagram does not suggest
that a Commodore VIC-20™ will work in this instance. The fact is, the Commodore VIC-20™ doesn’t even have a USB port on it,
nor do we know of a currently produced or functional ADB to USB adaptation technique. The Commodore VIC-20™ was used in this
illustration because it looks cool, it fit into the graphic nicely, and also perhaps to subconsciously introduce the idea that perhaps a
computer is less of an inspirational musical instrument in the end than we might have originally hoped it would be. The idea of
computers and music was once a thrilling concept - what sequencer isn’t a computer of sorts, right? And yet as the world funnels
down into tiny screens, and distraction it seems that our focus might be better placed into a more diverse and authentically
inspirational tools which give back in a deeper and broader way.
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INTRODUCTION
The SE-02's monophonic synthesizer engine features three voltage-controlled oscillators, a voltage-controlled 24 dB
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.
The 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 the 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 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.
Modern Flexibility
The 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 our
K-25m or DK-01 accessory docks, 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.
The SE-02 also features convenient 1/8-inch stereo jacks that reduce cable clutter, plus full-sized, standard MIDI
jacks for connecting any kind of keyboard you want or controlling the 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 the 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.
A More Musical Sequencer
The 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 the SE-02s 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.
About Studio Electronics
Studio Electronics has been a leader in excellence and ingenuity in analog synthesizer design since 1988. Makers of
the revered MidiMini, SE-1(X), ATC-1(X), Omega 8, CODE 8, Boomstar, Boomstar Modular, and Tonestar: Premium-
Quality-Analog musical instruments, hand-built in the USA.
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I. GENERAL FUNCTIONS
COMMON SECTION
The Common Section of the SE-02 is where bank and patch information is stored and recalled for performance.
The first knob is the VALUE /WRITE knob. This is how you scroll through data and fine tune selections. This knob is
used for PATCH selection as well as settings within the operating system. Clicking the VALUE knob will enter WRITE
mode, and the the synthesizer will ask for a destination in the user bank for where to write the current sound or
pattern. Don’t worry, it will ask you to confirm before overwriting anything, and any writing to memory must be
confirmed by a second click.
Next is the MODE SELECT SWITCH where you can switch between PATCH, SEQUENCE or SONG mode.
The buttons marked with COMP, PLAY, TRANSPOSE, OCT- and OCT + are the FUNCTION SELECT buttons for the
common section. These perform different functions depending on which mode you are in. These are the buttons to
access the settings for the SE-02. In PATCH mode, use these buttons to access a playable, and transposable
keyboard. In SEQUENCE mode, use these buttons to choose the type of data you wish to sequence - Note, Gate,
Glide, Parameters, or select the Scale of the sequence. In SONG mode, these buttons edit, select patterns, insert
and delete steps of the song’s chain.
The set of 4 buttons marked A,B, C and USER are the BANK selection buttons
The second set of 16 buttons are the PATCH selection buttons
To select a bank choose the bank from the A, B, C or USER section and then select the patch.
To select a patch use the corresponding number buttons for the patch you’d like to call up.
For example: To Call up patch C 101 simply press BANK C, and then Button 1, Button 0 and then Button 1.
You can also just scroll through them all with the VALUE knob. But sometimes that really takes much too long, so it’s
good to know more than one way to get around.
To store a patch is just as simple. But note that the internal banks A, B and C are not user writable. The sounds are
stored in memory and can not be changed. The USER bank offers 128 locations for your own patches, and when
attempting to store a patch, the SE-02 will direct you to the USER bank.
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USB INTERFACE
In the past many synthesizers came equipped with various interfaces. Connection methods like CV and Gate, Din
Sync, S Trig, DCB, Tape I/O allowed synthesizers to connect to clocks, tape machines, sequencers and drum tracks.
Thanks to the universal serial bus with which most personal computers are equipped today we have a number of
interesting ways to handle these once complicated and tedious operations.
The USB connection port can be used to:
•!Pass midi as well as audio data to and from a computer based DAW
•!Mount the Synthesizer to the desktop of a computer and backup and/or restore and share your patches.
•!Mount the Synthesizer to the desktop for software updates.
NOTE: The SE-02 works differently from the other Roland Boutique modules. The USB Port will not power the
synthesizer, nor are there batteries for autonomous power. The Roland PSB 1U power supply must be used in order
to power the SE-02.
DATA BACKUP & RESTORE
One of the coolest things about the boutique line of modules is their ability to mount onto the desktop of any USB
enabled computer and you can drag and drop your patches in order to save them. This is much handier than the old
fashioned midi librarian software, or the ancient and rarely reliable tape backup interface (although that actually is a
thrill and you might want to try it sometime.)
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To mount the SE-02 to your desktop follow this procedure:
1. Use a micro USB cable with a standard USB connector on the end.
2. Connect the micro end to the SE-02 and restart the synth holding down the [2] button.
3. Lights will dance, this means the SE-02 is awaiting connection to the computer.
4. Connect the USB cable to the computer and a drive icon named SE-02 will appear on the desktop. It takes a
moment, so relax and trust that all is well.
To create a backup of your patches:
1. Follow the above procedure for mounting the SE-02
2. Copy the backup files from the SE-02 drive into an appropriately named folder on your computer
3. Once you’re done, eject the SE-02 drive, disconnect the USB cable.
4. Note that all buttons in the common section are blinking green.
5. Once noted you may power cycle the SE-02 and you’re done.
To bring patches from your computer into the SE-02:
1. Connect the micro end to the SE-02 and restart the synth holding down the [3] button.
2. Copy the backup files, or the new patches you’d like to check out into the appropriate “PATCH”, “PATTERN” or
“SONG” folder on the SE-02 drive
*NOTE: The 128 items in these folders represent the USER BANKS. The factory patches of the SE-02 can not
be overwritten.
3. When copying is completed, eject the SE-02 drive.
4. Before power cycling the module note that all buttons are blinking Orange.
5. Once confirmed you may power cycle the SE-02 and disconnect the USB cable and you’re done.
What’s so big about that? Any system exclusive file utility can do the same thing, why is this important?
Well, the simplicity and visual aspect of this process is so novel that really anyone with basic computer skills can do
it. This makes the process of file/patch sharing very easy. It’s surprising that there aren’t many amazing SE-02 or
other Roland Boutique patches out there for the sharing and contributing to isn’t it? It’s possible that this process is
just so easy, and painless to do that people still believe they need to connect a cassette deck, and record the sysex
audio to tapes and then ship them to friends in order to share their files. Or many people are afraid to give away their
precious patches? I’m not sure, but I think it’s pretty cool, and I plan to come up with a bank of patches or two and
offer them up for anyone interested in them. I’d also be very keen to see how others have undertaken the SE-02 in
their own situations. Can you tell I think that patch exchanges are awesome? I do. And while I rarely use patches
from other sound designers, I love to explore what synthesizers are capable of, and sometimes the best way to do
that is by seeing how Carl Craig, or someone I’ve never heard of does it.
Restore the SE-02 to factory settings:
This is the procedure for resetting your SE-02 back to it’s factory state. Remember that if you do this, all your settings
and all your sounds will be overwritten with the out of the box, factory fresh programming.
1. While holding down the [1] button, turn on the power.
2. The display should read “rSt”. If it doesn’t try that again. If you change your mind and decide not to go through
with the reset, just power off the SE-02 and then turn it back on.
3. To execute the rest press the MANUAL button
4. When the display reads “F in”, restart the SE-02 and it’ll be just the way it was the day you got it.
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