Roland

Roland SYS-555 500 Series LAG/S&H Eurorack Module

Name: Roland SYS-555 500 Series LAG/S&H Eurorack Module
Brand: Roland
SKU: SYS-555

★★★★★4.2 (6 reviews)

Five essential modular utilities in one Eurorack module, inspired by the legendary Roland SYSTEM-100m.

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Overview

The Roland SYS-555 is a five-in-one Eurorack module that brings essential utility and modulation functions from the legendary SYSTEM-100m into the modern modular format. Co-developed by Malekko in the USA and Roland in Japan, it faithfully recreates circuits from the original 150 and 165 modules, offering a lag generator, sample & hold, ring modulator, LFO, and portamento in a single panel. This makes it a highly practical addition for synthesists looking to add classic Roland-flavored modulation and signal processing without dedicating multiple rack slots to individual utility modules.

The lag generator smooths incoming control voltages for glide effects and envelope shaping, while the sample & hold captures and freezes voltages at clock intervals for stepped random patterns and rhythmic modulation. The ring modulator multiplies two audio signals to produce metallic, bell-like timbres, and the onboard LFO provides additional modulation options. Whether you are building out a new system or expanding an existing one, the SYS-555 delivers proven, musical utility functions rooted in Roland's modular heritage.

Key Features

The SYS-555 is a five-in-one powerhouse that brings core utility functions to your modular setup

Channels inspiration from the Roland SYSTEM-100m's 150 and 165 modules

Contains both traditional and non-traditional modulation sources applicable to any imaginable configuration or setup

Lag generator and S&H (sample and hold) module

With ring modulation, versatile sample and hold with seven waveforms and internal LPF, pink and white noise modes, LFO with internal ENV and VCA, and two CV controlled portamento circuits, your tonal shaping and modulation options are near infinite

Specifications

Type

Eurorack Modular Synthesizer Module

Functions

Lag Generator, Sample & Hold, Ring Modulation, LFO, Portamento

Based On

Roland SYSTEM-100m 150 and 165 Modules

Co-Developed By

Malekko (USA) and Roland (Japan)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Packs five distinct utility functions into a single Eurorack module, saving rack space.
Based on proven Roland SYSTEM-100m circuits with a respected sonic heritage.
Ring modulator and sample & hold open up complex modulation and timbral possibilities.
Co-developed by Malekko and Roland, ensuring quality build and design.

👎 Cons

Combines multiple functions that some users may prefer as separate, fully-featured dedicated modules.
Limited panel space means controls for each function are compact and may feel crowded.
No built-in noise source, so the sample & hold requires an external signal for random voltage generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What functions does the Roland SYS-555 include in a single module?

It combines five functions: a lag generator, sample & hold, ring modulator, LFO, and portamento, all derived from the classic SYSTEM-100m 150 and 165 modules.

Is the SYS-555 compatible with standard Eurorack systems?

Yes, the SYS-555 is a standard Eurorack-format module and works with any Eurorack modular synthesizer system.

Who manufactured the SYS-555?

The module was co-created by Malekko in the USA and Roland in Japan, combining both companies' expertise in modular synthesis.

Can the lag generator on the SYS-555 be used for portamento effects?

Yes, the lag generator smooths voltage transitions, which can create portamento (glide) effects between notes, and the module also includes a dedicated portamento function for additional control.