A few of these have been featured on the site before. You can use the player controls to skip around.
Playlist:
1. EMS Synthi with Universal Sequencer and RSF Kobol #emssynthi #rsfkobol #rolandph830
It’s a tune done on the Synthi and EMS Universal Sequencer with some help from RSF Kobol processed by Roland PH-830 phaser.
2. 2 x EMS Universal Sequencer with Roland MC-202 #emssynthi #emsuniversalsequencer #mc202
Universal Sequencer is playing a sequence on the Synthi and the 202 - that’s why it’s called “universal” as both sequence and real time layers have CV/gate outputs. No effects other than spring reverb on the Synthi.
"ZENOLOGY GX brings the full power of Roland’s ZEN-Core Synthesis System into GALAXIAS, giving you access to over 11,000 tones—from iconic vintage synths to cutting-edge hybrids. Explore the massive library of sounds or build your own from scratch using the same engine found in flagship instruments like FANTOM and JUPITER-X.
ZENOLOGY GX also includes a powerful browser to help you stay organized. Search, rate, and recall presets with ease. Each tone is built from up to four partials, each with its own oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual LFOs, and effects. Shape your sound with over 90 effects, including spacious reverbs, classic Roland choruses, and more.
Inside GALAXIAS, ZENOLOGY GX becomes a super instrument. Layer up to four instances, assign key ranges, apply per-layer effects, and use creative tools like ARPS and CHORDS to build massive Scenes. You can also export your sounds to ZENOLOGY Pro or compatible ZEN-Core hardware."
GALAXIAS brings 50 years of legendary Roland synths and drum machines together into one powerful Super Instrument. Access thousands of iconic sounds and freely combine authentic Roland instruments from vintage to modern. Explore supermassive GALAXIAS Scenes filled with intricate layers and deep macro controls. And discover exciting new worlds with infinite creative possibilities.
Legendary instruments. Iconic sounds.
Roland has been a pioneer in music technology for over half a century, delivering a continuous stream of influential instruments and effects that have fueled countless hits, defined genres, and driven cultural trends. With GALAXIAS, you can now explore and experience them all in one creative environment. From historic icons such as the JUPITER-8, TR-808, and D-50 to modern instruments like ZENOLOGY GX and SYSTEM-8, GALAXIAS harnesses Roland’s evolving sonic legacy within a single intuitive workflow.
A voyage of discovery.
Choose from your favorite Roland synths and drum machines, search specific sound types, or mine the ever-expanding collection of over 25,000 sounds to spark new ideas and build compelling tracks. GALAXIAS puts unlimited albums’ worth of inspiration at your command—from vintage sounds to futuristic hybrid tones—with more added each month.
Roland Super Instrument.
GALAXIAS lets you layer up to four instruments to create massive sonic superclusters called Scenes. Build an intricate setup of your favorite Roland instruments, such as a full stack of JUPITER and JUNO synths, or multiple eras of TR drum machines locked in perfect sync. Dial in an arpeggiator pattern (or four), quickly define key ranges and macro controls, and then play the whole thing as a single instrument in the studio or on stage.
Next-gen ZEN.
Seamlessly integrated into GALAXIAS, ZENOLOGY GX delivers over 11,000 genre-defining Roland sounds in one powerful instrument. Layer up to four instances with definable key ranges, sophisticated macro controls, per-layer effects, and creative tools like ARPS and CHORDS. Explore the vast collection of presets or craft your own using 23 authentic oscillator and filter models, over 7,000 PCM waveforms, 11 LFO shapes—including a versatile Step LFO for rhythmic movement—and 90+ effects. From studio to stage, ZENOLOGY GX puts limitless sonic potential at your fingertips.
Effectively awesome.
In addition to the formidable effects within each individual instrument, GALAXIAS gives you two insert effects per layer and two global send effects. Choose from the growing collection of authentic Roland and BOSS effects and take your sounds to new frontiers. You can also route layers to external outputs or channels in your DAW for further processing.
"One 'layer' of Universal Sequencer sequences the MC-202 and the other 'layer' is used to play the SH-101 live.
I don’t know what it is with EMS, but each time you get to play one of their quirky and unusual designs, you get a new kind of feeling — as if these sometimes bulky and obsolete electronics are very much alive.
Let’s be frank: there are a million simpler ways to play an SH-101 or an MC-202. But somehow, using the Universal Sequencer makes those classic synths feel completely different."
"Let’s get nerdier. Someone asked if the Universal Sequencer can be triggered from the outside world. Of course it can! What I did here was a recording a sequence into the Uniseq that would play the MC-202, switched trigger to external, then recorded a sequence into the SH-101 and use gate out from 101 to externally trigger in of the Uniseq. It works like a charm."
Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19
An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."
Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).
Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.
Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.
Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder
Starting Bid
$5,000
Estimate
$20,000 - $40,000 USD
A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.
Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches
Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment
Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider
"This is the iconic Roland MC-202 from the golden era of analog synths... and this one is in beautiful condition!
The MC-202 was part of the Detroit, Belgium and Dutch house scene in the late 80s, early 90s. It's therefore becoming a rare unit nowadays, most units you find on the market were HEAVY used during those decades. Plus way less units were produced comparing to it's two fraternal twin the SH-101.
The MC-202 is basically a SH-101 with tons of additional sequencing features, CV in/out options, double sync etc... and a display! Its a gorgeous unit and it's sounds are all instant house music.
Important things to consider buying this beautiful unit from us:
No discolouration or faded teint of the outer shell like most units have! Clean Battery compartment, most units had battery leaks in the past creating future problems on the boards, like also the case in many 606 and 303 units. Display like new, most units have faded/watery displays. No destructive devaluating mods have been done, no drilling in the case, etc."
"Totem is a multimode voltage controlled filter with 16 different filter modes based on the 3109 OTA chip used in classic synths like the Roland SH-101, MC-202, Jupiter-8 and others. $129 USD, Fall 2025
Features:
Massive drive control for endless tone variety CV control via attenuator CV control via attenuverter V/OCT control with half and negative half scaling Filter Modes:
Click the arrow in the right of the image to go through the set.
Don't miss the links further below.
"TOMITA, CASIO & THE COSMO SYSTEM: Casio collaborated with Casio way back in the early 1980’s to create the COSMO synthesizer which was a huge rack of custom devices and computer system that ultimately became the CZ-101 Synthesizer and FZ-1 Sampler…the first 16bit sampler. From what understand the CZ-101 has in its code something like 64 different waveforms of which only 8 were selected for the CZ. I’ve seen someone post about this and was trying to make them accessible. Phase Distortion synthesis is the “real” FM (again as I’ve read somewhere) and Yamaha’s FM is different though I’m not sure what those differences are. The CZ started my career as a sound designer and remains one of my Top 3 instruments though I use the Virtual CZ soft synth by Oli Larkin. I have my entire collection of sounds from all the way back to 1986 and all the ones used on my “Lost Childhood” albums that were done with just two CZ-1’s run from a Roland MC-500 MIDI sequencer in real time through a Roland R880 digital reverb direct to DAT. A fantastic and classic synth! 🎛️ 👽"
"A high-energy battle music remix inspired by old-school arcade boss themes.
This live set blends synthesizer performance with reactive glitch visuals, amplified by audience gameplay on retro consoles. No loops, no edits — just raw chaos.
Megasystem Live – June 20 @ El Sótano Analógico
Chiptune & retrowave performanec + real-time glitch visuals powered by CRTs and classic consoles.
Audience gameplay influences both visuals and music. Total chaos, fully live.
🧠 Instruments: Dirtywave M8 · Roland MC-101 · Teenage Engineering OP-Z
🎛️ Visuals: Video Glitch System (Oliver Behrmann)
🎮 Interaction: Classic consoles hacked into the AV chain
Original music theme not owned by me :)
🔗 Stay Connected:
📷 Follow my musical explorations on Instagram: / luca.tronico
🌐 More info about me: https://lucatronico.w.link/"
"Space shooter nostalgia meets analog chaos.
This cover of a 3D Galax-style track gets the full MEGASYSTEM treatment: live chiptune performance + retro CRT visuals glitching in real time as the audience plays.
Megasystem Live – June 20 @ El Sótano Analógico
Chiptune & retrowave performanec + real-time glitch visuals powered by CRTs and classic consoles.
Audience gameplay influences both visuals and music. Total chaos, fully live.
🧠 Instruments: Dirtywave M8 · Roland MC-101 · Teenage Engineering OP-Z
🎛️ Visuals: Video Glitch System (Oliver Behrmann)
🎮 Interaction: Classic consoles hacked into the AV chain
Original music theme not owned by me :)
🔗 Stay Connected:
📷 Follow my musical explorations on Instagram: / luca.tronico
🌐 More info about me: https://lucatronico.w.link/"
"A live reinterpretation of Symphony of a Forgotten Sprite, performed using portable synths and real-time CRT glitch visuals.
The visuals are generated through modified retro consoles and analog setups that react to gameplay and music — creating a one-of-a-kind performance experience.
🎮 Music: Cover performed live with Roland MC-101
📺 Visuals: CRT stack + video glitch system reacting to classic game signals
Megasystem Live – June 20 @ El Sótano Analógico
Chiptune & retrowave performanec + real-time glitch visuals powered by CRTs and classic consoles.
Audience gameplay influences both visuals and music. Total chaos, fully live.
🧠 Instruments: Dirtywave M8 · Roland MC-101 · Teenage Engineering OP-Z
🎛️ Visuals: Video Glitch System (Oliver Behrmann)
🎮 Interaction: Classic consoles hacked into the AV chain
Original music theme not owned by me :)"
Nero Cyberpunk for Roland Zen-Core is a powerful dystopian soundbank that bridges the gap between past and future. Inspired by Nero’s My Eyes, this collection was built entirely from scratch, meticulously recreating the essence and atmosphere of that track. With these presets, you’ll be able to make music with a similar mood and intensity.
These sounds blend elements from different eras, making them perfect for Cyberpunk, Synthwave, Neuropunk, or any other genre of electronic music.
Inside, you’ll find some of the most powerful basslines ever produced on this engine, alongside incredibly dystopian and atmospheric pads, expressive leads, unique synth tones, plucks, vocal-inspired textures, and much more.
The soundbank contains 64 Zenology presets, which are:
"Hey everybody, in this video we are going to compare different pieces of gear in the most unscientific yet epic way possible. There’s an extended version of this comparison without me talking nonsense available on Patreon and definitely click one of the links below before shopping. Speaking of, let’s start this out with two of the most desirable modern synths.
00:00 Introduction
00:22 Novation Peak
00:52 ASM Hydrasynth
01:37 Polyend Tracker
02:07 Korg Electribe EMX-1
02:37 Roland MC-101
03:07 Korg opsix
03:57 Casio CZ-101
04:27 Roland S-1 vs. 1010music blackbox
04:57 Korg Wavestate MK2
05:45 Roland TB-3
06:15 Roland Cloud
06:45 Teenage Engineering PO-33 KO!
07:31 Korg Volca Modular
08:02 Teenage Engineering pocket operator modular 400
08:47 Elektron Digitakt II
09:17 Korg Minilogue XD
09:44 Boss DR-5
10:11 Outro
10:32 Bonus Dawless Jam"
True Trance Sounds V3 (Supersaw Edition) is a powerful soundbank with 32 supersaw presets for Roland Zen-Core. It covers all modern variations of the iconic supersaw sound. These presets are perfect for creating energetic and dynamic trance tracks with rich, layered tones.
This pack is a must-have for fans of classic and contemporary Roland Supersaw sounds. It expands your creative possibilities with Zen-Core hardware."
0:00 Intro
1:12 History
3:31 Demo 1
4:30 The difference between a 101 and 202
6:38 Demo 2
7:30 Tubbutec 2oh2 / Demo 3
8:52 Legacy of the 202
10:10 Sample pack and Summary
10:42 Outro Jam
Playlist at the time of this post:
1. Syntakt live jam: Analog overload
2. Syntakt synthwave jam: New Beginning
3. Syntakt: not just a drum machine - Film score jam, all 12 tracks for melodic parts
4. Syntakt jam: More synth than drum computer? (no talking)
5. Syntakt jam: Embracing the hybrid workflow (no talking)
6. Syntakt live jam + full track breakdown!
7. My 5 favorite creative features of the Syntakt
8. Syntakt jam with Roland SP-404 MKII
9. Are two grooveboxes better than one? Syntakt & MC-101 live jam
10. Syntakt live jam: Oasis - Uses ALL 12 tracks!
11. Syntakt live jam: Synthetic
12. Syntakt live jam: Changes
"Roland MC-202 in excellent condition. Professionally serviced in house. Includes pelican case and powersupply. This unit has been modified: there is an input for CV control of the filter cutoff and an audio in on the side of the unit(see photos)
The Roland MC-202 (MicroComposer) is a monophonic analog synthesizer and music sequencer released by Roland in 1983. It was the first groovebox. Its synth is similar to the TB-303 bass synth and the SH-101 synthesizer, featuring one voltage-controlled oscillator with simultaneous saw and square/pulse-width waveforms. It is a successor to the Microcomposer family of sequencers, including the MC-8 and MC-4."
"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Roland is inarguably the greatest synth brand in history but even die-hard fans like me have a hard time dealing with the miniscule displays, buzz-killing menu diving and product philosophies that seem like they were conceived after a 72h non-stop bender.
Today we are going to talk about the MC-202. This 80s analog synth and sequencer not only might as well be the secret lovechild of an SH101 and TB303, it also appears to be the root of all the aforementioned evil.
Thanks to Philipp of Feedback Underground Studios for giving me access to his beautiful artifact. Serious requests are welcome to: fbugs@gmx.at
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:53 Overview Roland MC202
00:58 Synth Engine, Similarities to the Roland SH-101
01:41 Why the Sequencer is worse than the Roland TB-303
02:17 Workflow
02:53 2nd Sequencer Lane
02:59 Lack of Memory, Tape Backup
03:12 Connectivity, Limitations
03:46 Patches
04:08 Differences to the Roland SH101
04:20 Mods, Bends
04:49 Pricing, Thanks!!!
05:00 Hate
05:29 Jam 1 (I have no Idea what I'm doing!!!)
06:20 Jam 2 ( Elektro Funk )
07:25 Finale ( Downtempo Trance )
07:57 Verdict"
"This song was composed and produced exclusively with the famous Roland synthesizers. It is a tribute and a big thank to the Japanese developers at Roland. The following devices were used. (order in which they appear in the song)
System 100 TR-707 Juno-106 TR-808 JD-800 SH-101 TB-303 TR-606 RE-501 System 100M TR-77 CR-8000 D-50 MC-202"
"As is known, the two Roland grooveboxes do not officially support MIDI SysEX messages and there is no documentation relating to their implementation which is hidden
In reality, the MC-101/707 are able to receive and send such messages: they respond with a completely wrong addressing, with duplicate and incorrect data which however can be corrected and used by the software.
The editor-librarian, like the analogous versions for Fantom/0, AX-Edge and Jupiter-X/Xm, communicates in real-time and bidirectionally with the groovebox, using MIDI SysEx messages."
