SYSTEM- Software Synthesizer free download

SYSTEM-100 is a free software synthesizer that gives you a circuit-level recreation of the 1975 Roland SYSTEM-100 modular synth inside your DAW. This download combines the Model 101 Synthesizer and Model 102 Expander into one interface, so you can patch and design sounds without hunting down the original hardware.

Core Architecture and Sound

At its heart, this is a two-oscillator monosynth. You get two VCOs, two LFOs, a noise generator, sample and hold, and ring modulation. It’s built for creating fat basses, in-your-face sync leads, and dense textures. The sound engine focuses on that specific 1975 character.

Visual Modular Routing

The central workflow is a 14x15 routing matrix. All your connections are shown as virtual patch cables, letting you see the entire signal flow at a glance. You can toggle patches on and off directly in the matrix. This visual system is key for building exotic soundscapes and complex modulation.

Effects and Modulation

Beyond the core synth, you have a tempo-syncing arpeggiator for sequenced patterns. For effects, there’s onboard reverb, a tempo-syncing delay, and a phaser to process your sounds directly within the instrument.

Hardware and Software Integration

As a plug-in, it works in your DAW via VST, VST3, or Audio Unit formats. It also supports Roland’s PLUG-OUT feature for hardware integration. If you host it in a SYSTEM-8 synthesizer, the controls are one-to-one pre-mapped. With a SYSTEM-1m, you gain virtual and physical routing plus modulation capabilities from the hardware.

Who Should Grab This

This fits a few specific scenarios. It’s for producers and sound designers working entirely in-the-box who want authentic vintage modular tones and a visual patching workflow. It’s also useful if you own a Roland SYSTEM-8 or SYSTEM-1m and want to expand its sound library with this modeled synth, leveraging the hardware integration for a hybrid setup.

Final Verdict

Download this if you want a focused emulation of the 1975 SYSTEM-100 for sound design and classic monosynth leads within your DAW. The visual patching matrix makes modular routing clear. The main reason to get it is for the specific circuit-modeled sound and the PLUG-OUT integration with compatible Roland hardware. If you need a general-purpose modern synth or don’t care about that particular vintage character, you might look elsewhere. But for a fresh air plugin that delivers on its niche, it’s a solid free download.