Roland SPV-355 P/V (Pitch-to-Voltage) Synthesizer - Demo with Guitar

WayneJoness

"The SPV-355 is the forgotten brother to the much more familiar Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer. Look inside the GR-300 owner’s manual on page 10, and you will see a reference to the Roland SPV-355 Synthesizer. The manual reads:

"When a solo type synthesizer sound is desired, try the Roland P/V Synthesizer SPV-355. Use the NORMAL OUTPUT on the Guitar controller, or use the GUITAR OUTPUT from the GR-300." - Roland GR-300 Manual

I was very curious to check out the SPV-355. Does it share the same fantastic tracking as the G-300? How does it compare to other Roland guitar and MIDI synthesizers? Does it have the same analog tone as the GR-300?

In short, the SPV-355 falls short on tracking when compared to the GR-300. A look through the service notes revealed a tracking system much more like the GR-700 than the acclaimed GR-300. The tradeoff here is that the SPV-355 offers three different waveforms, for a much more flexible sound. The synthesizer section is very much a classic analog synthesizer, and the SPV-355 has rear panel control voltage inputs, allowing it to also work as a stand-alone analog synthesizer expansion module. In addition, there are CV outputs as well, so that the SPV-355 can be used to drive any standard 1 volt/octave analog synthesizer."

https://www.joness.com/gr300/SPV-355.htm

Roland SPV-355 rare analog synth pitch-CV Gate

Trope SPV-355 Hog pt.2 video upload by siebenjager

Note Part 1 was not on YouTube.

"Trope generative music run through Roland SPV355 pitch-voltage analog synth, Space Echo, and Electroharmonix HOG. One channel of the iphone stereo output went to the HOG while the other fed the SPV-355 and the Space Echo in succession. The SPV is intended to track a monophonic input source so it gets glitchy as it locks onto different harmonics. More endless noodling."

Trope SPV-355 Hog pt.3


"fed it a cleaner signal this time, the hog output at octave up setting fed the 355 which then used the pitch conversion."

via this auction


"This is a pretty unique little synth, it has a similar feature set to the SH2 with some differences but is a good alternative that fits in a rack. There is a front panel audio input that takes a monophonic signal, like a voice or a bassline, and generates voltages for the pitch CV (1v/oct), gate and envelope (followed from the source). You can then use these to control the internal 2 Oscillator analog synth, an external synth via CV/gate/envelope, or both simultaneously. There are also CV/Gate inputs for use as a standard synth module, you can use any cv/gate keyboard or midi/CV converter that gives 1v/octave. Audio ins and outs (with the exception of the effects send/return) are on the front panel and CV/gate I/O is on the rear.

I just posted some videos of it in use on Youtube under user ID siebenjager [below]. My favorite thing about it is how crude the pitch to voltage converter is, it makes it easily abusable. It tends to be more interesting when mistracking, though you can get it to track well if you send it a very clean well defined harmonically flat mono signal (like an oscillator or organ tone). When I want to use it as a "normal" synth I just run it off the CV/Gate inputs. For someone looking for a flexible guitar synth, this is probably the last thing I'd recommend. Ironically, I think this was its original intent as the output is pretty low output, probably -20, intended for an amplifier. But for someone looking for new sounds that wants to also be able to use bread-and-butter monosynth sounds this would fit the bill."

Sold For: 0 bids

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ROLAND P/V Synth SPV-355 - Pitch-to-Voltage Synthesizer

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"The SPV-355 is a non keyboard synthesizer using a superior pitch to voltage converter for never-before control stability and accuracy. Now a guitarist or wind instrument player, or even a vocalist can use their instrument to control a synthesizer. The SPV-355 can also be used as a synthesizer expander module for another analog synthesizer.

FEATURES

• Four sound sources can be freely mixed: Two VCO's, suboscillator, and the direct (original) sound.

• VCO-2 can be set tor two independent tunings and switched back and forth remotely with a foot switch.

• The enevelope follower can be used to produce many delicate nuances of sound.

• Input and output connections are easy because the input and output levels are the same.

• Most of the important functions can be remote controlled, a feature very important in live performance.

• Provision for external CV (1V/oct) and gate pulse inputs for control of the SPV-355 from an external source such as a sequencer or even a synthesizer keyboard controller."

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Roland SPV-355

images via this auction

"Roland SPV-355 vintage analog pitch to CV monosynth. I would like to add that effecting the VCO pitch or VCF cutoff very easily by using the LFO for your Kenton Pro Solo or other MIDI to CV converter and hooking it up to the Pedal Control section. There's a slider for both the filter and VCO so not having an onboard LFO is really no big deal." The auction includes this Sound on Sound article on the SPV-355.

Roland PV synth SPV-355

Three shots pulled from this auction. More on the SPV-355 on SOS:

"The SPV355 Pitch-to-Voltage Synthesizer was launched in those very days -- 1979, to be exact -- as part of the Roland Rack series of 19-inch studio–quality effects units, amplifiers and specialist preamps. The most famous of these are probably the Roland Vocoder and the Dimension D spatial chorus. The P/V Synth is a bit of a curiosity, because it seems to have been released on the one hand as a rackmounting analogue expander module (indeed, it's said to be one of the first rackmounting synths), but on the other as a budget alternative to the Roland GR–series guitar synthesizers. These synths were quite expensive, specialised instruments; the GR system consisted of a high-quality, specially adapted guitar connected via a 24-way cable to a floor unit containing a rudimentary, six-note polyphonic synth engine. The SPV355 alternative scored points as it didn't need any special interface hardware (pickups and so on) and you could, in theory, use any old guitar to play the synth. The 1979 Roland catalogue states: "The SPV355 P/V Synthesizer is specially designed for use with guitars", which is ironic, as this is probably the P/V Synth's least effective and most problematic mode -- more on this later.

Fortunately, the SPV335's uses were not confined to guitar synthesis, and for its time (and compact size), it was quite well specified: two VCOs, a sub-oscillator, VCF, VCA, envelope generator, two audio mixers, and a multitude of interface sockets. As with other Roland Rack units, the 355 is housed in a 2U steel case and weighs nearly 6kg, which makes it a pretty hefty beast to lug around. And as for build quality, well... the word 'tank' springs to mind, as does the phrase 'heavy duty'. They don't make 'em like that any more..."

via Simon

Roland SPV-355 PV Synth Module

images via this auciton

"super rare vintage 1979 Roland SPV-355 analogue pitch to CV monosynth module... Absolutely awesome sounding analogue module. Can do some really crazy stuff and is extremely flexible. Definitely one for the creative experimentalist in you. Can be used as a crazy guitar synth, voice synth, whatever-you-put-into-it synth, Pitch to CV converter i.e. you can control all your other CV/gate synths too with a guitar or another keyboard using this, or can simply be used as an analogue keyboard module by using it's CV and Gate inputs. Feed your boring drum machine through it...feed an 808 or a 909 into it etc etc. Ideal to use with the VP-330 vocoder synth. Sounds similar to the the Roland Promars and Jupiter 4 as it uses very similar architecture:

The Promars shares its unusual oscillator structure with just one other synthesizer. This is another Roland: it's the SPV355 rackmount synth. Designed as a guitar or wind synth, the SPV offered pitch-to-voltage conversion (hence the name) and an envelope follower that, in principle, allowed you to play it from other sound sources. However, in common with other instruments of the era (such as the Korg MS20) it was never very successful in this role, so it's fortunate that the SPV also offered CV and Gate inputs and outputs. This makes it an ideal expander for the modern analogue studio, and for this reason you will probably find that the SPV355 now commands a higher price than the Promars itself.

The features are all pretty well explained below but I would like to add that effecting the VCO pitch or VCF cutoff is very easy by using the LFO from your Kenton Pro Solo or pro 2000 or other MIDI to CV converter and also by hooking it up to the Pedal Control section. You can do so much with this analogue module that other synths won't do and it does most of the usual mono synth stuff very, very well."

Click here for a review on Sound on Sound.

Roland SVC-350, SDD-320, SPV-355, SPH-323, & SBF-325

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"SVC-350 Vocoder Plus Rackmount Analog Vocoder, SDD-320 Dimension D SPV-355 P/V Synth SPH-323 Phase Shifter SBF-325 Stereo Flanger

5 of the most sought after pieces of Roland rack gear. The famous Dimension D, the Vocoder, the monophonic P/V Synth, plus the rarely seen Phase Shifter and Stereo Flanger(with Chorus). I used the Dimension D, the Synth, and the Vocoder on several recordings, but I don't use them much anymore. They all need a good home where they will be used regularly."

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modded Roland SPV-355 and custom midi/cv controller...

Published on Oct 6, 2018 Alexey Taber

"mod for Roland SPV-355 : separate ext cv in for VCF and VCA.
my custom controller midi to CV with Pitch Bend adjuster, dual ADSR and LFO - all pot control with midi CC.
mail for questions alexeitaber@gmail.com"

E-MU MP-7 × Roland SPV-355

video upload by Rec Gear Demos



aka Telly's Gear Depot On Reverb

You can find additional posts featuring the SPV-355 here.

ROLAND SPV-355

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via this auction

"Here is a vintage and rare Roland SPV-355 P/V Pitch-to-voltage synthesizer launched in the late '70s. GREAT as analog synth, it was anyway intended to allow the pitch of external instruments like guitars to control analog synthesizer sounds.

This unit is perfect working and in very nice cosmetic conditions.

Features and Specifications:

Dual-voltage controller oscillators
Selectable input source with filtering and level attenuation
Portamento with foot switch control
Three selectable waveforms: Pulse, Square and Sawtooth with three selectable ranges: 4’ , 8’ (unison pitch) and 16’
Offset tuning for VCO #2 with foot switch control to select from two pitch presets
Audio mixer to blend VCO #1, VCO #2 and Sub-Octave outputs
Envelope generator with attack, decay, and sustain
Voltage-controlled filter with resonance, pitch tracking, and variable envelope generator or envelope follow control.
Voltage-controlled amplifier with selectable envelope generator or envelope follow control
Hold pedal input
Variable foot pedal control over filter cutoff of VCO output
CV outputs for Pitch (control voltage), Gate and Envelope Follower
CV inputs for Pitch (control voltage) and Gate
Effects Send
Dimensions: 482 (W) x 92 (H) x 350 (D) mm
Power Consumption: 13 watts
Weight: 5.7 kg"

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Roland P/V Synthesizer SPV-355

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"One of the first rackmounting synths; this late 1970s Roland 'Pitch Voltage' SPV-355 was designed to pitch instruments like guitars & saxaphones to control analogue synth sounds. In two VCOs, a sub-oscillator, VCF, VCA, envelope generator, two audio mixers, & a multitude of interface sockets all in a 2U steel case, weighing nearly 6kg. Made in Japan 240v."

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ROLAND SPV-355 P/V Pitch-to-Voltage Synth SN 870714

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roland svp-355 + system 100m (+ flute thing)

YouTube via fuckingharpsichord | June 24, 2010 | 1:57

"You can hear the sound of a flute comming in generating cv's to control the modulair. I used the 'rare' roland spv-355 to do so."

roland system 100m + tr 606 (2)

ROLAND SPV 355 ANALOG SYNTH FOR GUITAR AND VOICE

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via this auction

This is the one recently featured in this video.

Roland SPV-355 P/V Synth

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"ITS A TWO RACK SPACE UNIT THAT IS PITCH TO VOLTAGE FEATURING X2 VCOs, A SUB OSCILLATOR, VCF, VCA,AND A ENVELOPE GENERATOR"……SO BASICALLY YOU CAN PLUG ANY 1/4 SOURCE INTO IT, OR REAMP ANY SOURCE INTO IT. NEEDS TO BE SINGLE NOTE STUFF... GUITAR, BASS, VOCAL, WOODWINDS, DRUMS ETC ETC...."

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Roland SPV-355 P/V Synth

via this auction

"Cosmetically in excellent condition and 100% working. Recently recapped and op-amps replaced. Great sound and lots of controllability. Tracks very accurately as long as you play clean, single notes, though there is so much more you can do with this rack synth unit. two VCOs, a sub-oscillator, VCF, VCA, envelope generator."

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Roland SPV-355 Analog Synthesizer

video upload by Analog-Ear7

Roland SPV-355 P/V (Pitch-to-Voltage) Synthesizer SN 840216

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via this auction

"Features and Specifications:
Dual-voltage controller oscillators
Selectable input source with filtering and level attenuation
Portamento with foot switch control
Three selectable waveforms: Pulse, Square and Sawtooth with three selectable ranges: 4’ , 8’ (unison pitch) and 16’
Offset tuning for VCO #2 with foot switch control to select from two pitch presets
Audio mixer to blend VCO #1, VCO #2 and Sub-Octave outputs
Envelope generator with attack, decay, and sustain
Voltage-controlled filter with resonance, pitch tracking, and variable envelope generator or envelope follow control.
Voltage-controlled amplifier with selectable envelope generator or envelope follow control
Hold pedal input
Variable foot pedal control over filter cutoff of VCO output
CV outputs for Pitch (control voltage), Gate and Envelope Follower
CV inputs for Pitch (control voltage) and Gate
Effects Send
Dimensions: 482 (W) x 92 (H) x 350 (D) mm
Power Consumption: 13 watts
Weight: 5.7 kg"

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ROLAND SPV-355

images via this auction
"# SEPERATE INSTRUMENT INPUT!!!
# Voltage-controlled filter with resonance, pitch tracking, and variable envelope generator or envelope
# Voltage-controlled amplifier with selectable envelope generator or envelope follow control.
# Hold pedal input.
# Variable foot pedal control over filter cutoff of VCO output.
# CV outputs for Pitch (control voltage), Gate and Envelope Follower.
# CV inputs for Pitch (control voltage) and Gate.
# Effects send and return"

Multivox MX8100 - Analog Synth Controller/Sequencer - 1979

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"Multivox MX-8100, branded as a "Computer Basic System Music Sequencer." This unit was produced in the late 1970s and is in exceptionally nice condition for such a vintage piece. Purchased from the original owner who bought it in the early eighties. Unit is two missing plastic feet which were removed by the original owner to fit into keyboard stand. Some very light cosmetic wear (one rub mark on back and some very minor wear on edges). See pics for details.

Original owner purchased this at the same time as a SPV-355 Analog Roland Synth, and noted that the control voltage works perfectly with old Roland and Korg Analog Synths. Original owner provided homemade adapter he built for use with a Minimoog which will be included."

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