New Roland SYSTEM-500 Overview Videos

Published on May 1, 2018 RolandChannel

"The Roland SYSTEM-500 is a series of fully analog Eurorack modules inspired by vintage Roland modular synthesizers. Each module is made to exacting standards in a collaborative design and production process between Malekko in Portland, USA and Roland in Hamamatsu, Japan."

Playlist:

1. Roland SYSTEM-500 505:VCF Module Overview

Inject the sound of the Roland SH-5’s revered filter section into your modular rig with the SYSTEM-500 555 module. The Roland SH-5 is one of the most sought after monosynths in history with one of the most distinguished filters of any monosynth in history. Combining a multi-mode filter with a band-pass filter, it produced a sound that has propelled it to “favorite filter ever” territory for many. It maintains its bass response with a meaty resonance growl. With switchable outputs, built-in VCAs, and CV control of cutoff, resonance, this dual filter gives you two different vintage filter characters in a flexible and compact 16hp module.

2. Roland SYSTEM-500 555: LAG / S&H Module Overview

Channeling inspiration from the Roland SYSTEM-100m's 150 and 165 modules, the 555 module is a five-in-one powerhouse that brings core utility functions to your modular setup, but with some new and interesting twists. 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.

3. Roland SYSTEM-500 531: MIX Module Overview

Inspired by the SYSTEM-100m’s 131 output module, the SYSTEM-500 531 module brings six high-quality inputs, each with level slider, pan knob, and performance-friendly mute button. It has high-fidelity sound with low noise, ensuring that your modular rig sounds its best. The six pan knobs are CV controlled and there’s even a boutique-quality stereo preamp, so you can bring in mic or line level signals–or get overdriven tones. The headphone section has an easy-to-reach, dedicated volume knob as does the multi-format output section that lets you use both 1/4" and 1/8” cables. There’s even an LED level indicator for visual feedback.

4. Roland SYSTEM-500 510:SYNTH Module Overview

With the SYSTEM-500 510 module, designing your first modular setup or integrating classic Roland sound into your existing modular rig has never been easier. Based on the vintage SYSTEM-100m's 110 VCO, VCF, and VCA module, the SYSTEM-500 510 module brings together the best aspects of the SYSTEM-500 into a single voice module. It contains three pristine oscillator waveforms, classic Roland low pass filter with hi-pass switches, and a VCA with multiple outputs. It has inputs for external signals and modulation, and output jacks for both Eurorack and line-level audio. At 20hp and internally normalled for cableless operation, the SYS-510 is an essential building block, whether you’re an experienced user or just diving into modular synthesis.

Update: and the official announcement:

"Roland Expands SYSTEM-500 Modular Synthesizer Series

CLASSIC SYSTEM. NEW FORMAT.

Inspired by vintage Roland modular synths of the 1970s, these new additions to the SYSTEM-500 family not only expand on the SYSTEM-100m-based modules, but also explore fresh territory. Designed in Eurorack format, the SYSTEM-500 delivers the classic character and functionality of vintage Roland modular synths, with all the advantages of a modern instrument.

After a recent resurgence, and thanks to the Eurorack format, modular synthesizers continue to grow in popularity. With roots in the dawn of synthesis, modular synthesizers let you design your own electronic instrument, with deep control of each building block. Unparalleled control over how it’s patched lets you craft your own custom sounds and explore the outer bounds of sound design. Roland has a deep history in modular synthesis, having made several modular and semi-modular synthesizers that are now highly sought-after by collectors.

In 2015, Roland partnered with Malekko Heavy Industry to bring back these legendary instruments as a series of fully analog Eurorack modules. The SYSTEM-500 was born, finally making the sound of these rare instruments available to today’s musicians. And for 2018, there are four new additions to the SYSTEM-500 family. These modules expand on the SYSTEM-100m-based modules and explore fresh territory.

The SYSTEM-500 consists of Eurorack modules that you can mix and match in any combination to create the ultimate Roland modular synthesizer. They’re also a perfect way to inject vintage Roland sound into your existing modular setup. Each module is completely analog and made to exacting standards in a collaborative design and production process between Malekko in Portland, USA and Roland in Hamamatsu, Japan. Designed for maximum compatibility with the world of contemporary synthesizer and effects modules, the SYSTEM-500 delivers vintage Roland character and functionality in a modern system. And the possibilities for sound design and musical exploration are vast.

THIS IS ROLAND SOUND

It’s hard to describe what the “Roland Sound” is—but you’ve heard it on countless worldwide hits and underground classics. Something about the character of Roland electronic instruments continues to make them perennial favorites of musicians and producers. For over 40 years, the Roland sound has moved artists to create new genres, moved music forward, and moved feet on dance floors. Often imitated, the SYSTEM-500 brings truly authentic Roland sound to your studio setup or live rig.

THE STUFF OF LEGEND

The history of Roland modular synthesizers goes back to the mid-1970s. The almost-mythical SYSTEM-700 was the first modular synthesizer ever made in Japan and was followed by the more affordable SYSTEM-100m. The 100m is a favorite of electronic music producers to this very day and working units fetch a high price on the used market. The SYSTEM-700 is extremely rare, slipping into the realm of unobtanium. The SYSTEM-500 brings the unmistakable vintage character of these legendary synths to your own studio and for use in your own tracks."

Also see: Roland SYSTEM-500 & Roland Boutique Performance

Fun with a Roland System 700

Fun with a Roland System 700 main console and Block 4

Published on Jul 9, 2013 yusynthman·9 videos

YuSynth is Yves Usson, the man behind YuSynth DIY as well as designer of the Arturia Minibrute. See the YuSynth label at the bottom of this post for more.

"I have just received my new toy : a Roland System 700 main console ! On this video Alain, a good friend of mine, came to my place with his Roland system 700 Block 4 to plug them together and have fun."

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Roland System-100M Sequencing System-700

Published on Mar 13, 2015 アナログシンセサイザーを作って弾くテレビ／安西史孝（Fumitaka Anzai）

"＜解説9d＞System-700 の VCO を LFO として使おうとするとリズムが狂う現象がおきる／Roland System-100M、System-700

シーケンサーのステップを進めるためのクロックとして System-700 の VCO を LFO として使った時、今までと同じように PWM で Gate Time を変えようとするとリズムが狂うという謎の現象が起きるのを説明しています。"

Googlish:

" If the VCO of System-700 to try to use as LFO rhythm phenomenon that crazy occurs / Roland System-100M, System-700

When using the VCO of System-700 as LFO as a clock for advancing the step sequencer, and describes the phenomenon of mystery that the same as PWM in crazy rhythm when you try to change the Gate Time and until now happens you. "

New Mini Roland System 700 LAB Eurorack Clone by OMNiSYN

[000] OMNiSYN System 700 LAB Demo Published on Dec 21, 2019

"Clone of the Roland System 700 LAB"

This one was sent in by John L Rice.

OMNiSYN is a new maker as well. No additional info at the moment. It does look appear to be 3U eurorack of course.

You can spot three 702F oscillator modules on the far left for each row. A 703M Filter on the top and bottom rows, 705B dual ADSR envelop in the middle row, a Mixer in the middle row, and a few other modules.

Update via OMNiSYN in the comments:

"All modules (bar the 717 sequencer) are prototyped - prices would be comparable to to other manufacturers, but these are all dependent on availability of parts (some are custom and long lead time). Some videos on the full Roland System 700 clone are coming soon - stay tuned."

"All modules are 3U/12HP or 3U/18HP, case is 9U/60HP with 1A PSU and expansion port built in. All signals are brought to the front panels as was true in some of the original modules. Some modules have been expanded as in the mixer is now 2x 3 input and most modules use NOS original components. Hope this helps."

The original Roland System 700 Lab came with the following so this seems to match: 3 VCOs, 1 VCF, 1 VCA, 1 LFO, 2 ADSR EG, Noise (white & pink), Ring Mod, S/H and a Mixer.

Below is an image of one from the RL Music website. Apparently the signal path was normalized so you could play it minus cables like an ARP 2600. I'm guessing the OMNiSYN eurorack version consists of independent modules and is not normalized.

"This is a very powerful 3 oscillator normalised system with 1/4 inch jack In/Out for expanded sound creation possibilities and is based entirely on the system architecture of the full System 700."

New Roland SYSTEM-500 Series Eurorack Module Videos - Inspired by SYSTEM-700 and SYSTEM-100M

Published on Jan 19, 2016 RolandChannel

"SYSTEM-500 is a range of fully analog modules inspired by Roland’s legendary SYSTEM-700 and SYSTEM-100M, two of the most revered electronic instruments of all time. Made for the Eurorack format, the range comprises VCO, VCF, VCA, ENV / LFO and PHASE modules. These videos look at each module in detail, showing how they sound and the effect they have on the sound creation process."

Playlist:

1. Roland Intro Videos for the SYSTEM-500 Series Modules - "Watch Josh Holley, President of Malekko, along with Sven Miracolo and Enrico Cosimi assess the impact of the original SYSTEM-700 and SYSTEM-100M synths from Roland, and discover how the new all-analog SYSTEM-500 was born after a chance encounter at the Tokyo Festival of Modular."
2. Using the Roland SYSTEM-500 modular series (ENV/LFO)
3. Using the Roland SYSTEM-500 modular series (PHASE)
4. Using the Roland SYSTEM-500 modular series (VCA)
5. Using the Roland SYSTEM-500 modular series (VCF)
6. Using the Roland SYSTEM-500 modular series (VCO)

Roland System 700 Block 7-2

flickr by jobenbelgium
(click for more)

"Roland System 700 Block 7.
This Block contains 1 x Multiple Jack,1 x Analog Switch,1x Dual Channel Phase Shifter,1 x Dual Channel Audio Delay."

inside a System 700

Update via ST: "Most of ppl don't know,but there are 2 different system 700's released each with different electronics.

They both sound differend ,one is more punchy and has better filters as the other (thats why there are different
opignions between those that own or did try a 700 (like stated in the Peter Forest AZ books)

Differences are in following modulles: ADSR,RING,VCA And FILTERS

VCA old systems are noisy low dynamic CA3080 based
The later uses the same OTA's IC's as in the 100M

RING,The old system uses a MC1496 IC's design ,not the case in the
later one models that use a different design.

ADSR old poor slow attack in old systems
later system uses same 100M design

FILTERS,in the old systems poor ceramic caps are used al over in both filters
Later systems they upgraded with hi Q styrene caps everywhere
the resuslt is the later system filters sound more accurate and give in combination
with the better VCA's and ADSR's a more punchy sound

I would describe the old system ,more organic sounding and the later
dynamic and punchy

If i have to choose ill take for sure the later systems,they realy sound much better in the end (more bass to)

How u can see u have an old or new 700? ->

Pull out the modulles and check lol (check some pics in attach),no in fact there is also a physical difference from the outside but cannot be seen well on pictures:

Old systems have plain white graphics,while the later systems there is a 'siver-ish' glow in the color of the graphics."

Update: pics via ST

inside 700 Cabs
inside a 700 Ring Old+New
inside a 700 Ring New
inside a 700 Ring Old
inside a 700 VCA New
inside a 700 VCA Old
inside a 700 VCO

Roland System 700

YouTube via jobenbelgium | October 26, 2009

"Roland System 700 test.1 VCO with some delay and System 700 Phaser.And then later a 2nd VCO is dropped in.Just a small test,so decided to record it to show the world ;).
Sound quality is no so good,only recorded with a digital camera with recording option."

Roland System 700 S&H

jobenbelgium | September 09, 2009

"Roland System 700 Modular Synthesizer.
3 VCO's modulated by 2 LFO's and a S&H,in conjunction with the Multimode Filter."

Roland System 700 Sells for $50,100.99

images via this auction

"Roland System 700 Modular Analog Synthesizer

The System 700 was aimed at high end studios in Japan and the USA. The System 700 was first produced in 1976 and was Roland's flagship product well into the 80's. The system sold in the US for $14,500 in 1979 and was a major player in the modular synth market. Truly a professional instrument, even by todays standards, only around 40 of these great systems were ever built. These extremely rare units still demand large money whenever one appears on the market. Here's your chance to own a piece of musical history.

This particular System 700 was originally owned by Tom Beckman, founder of Roland USA. It was used for 4 years and has been in storage ever since. It appears like it is brand new. The Tolex is near perfect, the panels are beautiful and it shows very little, if any, signs of wear. Storage has taken a bit of a toll on some switches, faders and selectors. Everything can be repaired with cleaning and maintenence. We've had it set up and played it a few times and it is truly amazing. We are selling it "as is". We are a factory authorized Roland Service Center and can do any repairs that may be needed, but that would be a different deal worked out after the sale. This is a large system in 7 enclosures and in all, is 220 pounds."

A Closer Look at the Roland System 700 from 1976!

Published on Jan 30, 2020 Alex Ball

"The Roland System 700 was a cutting edge and overly engineered masterpiece from 1976 that is both rare and curious.

As so few of these Systems were made, there's only a couple of dozen videos on YouTube showing them and several of those are just quick phone recordings.

So for posterity, I've made two videos featuring a System that I borrowed for a month in early 2020.

Here's the previous performance video [Roland System 700 | Axiom]

Here's the breakdown of this "Closer Look" video:

0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Sound 1 "Mud Flap Bass" Demonstration
1:36 - Sound 1 Explanation
3:04 - Sound 2 "Halley's Drumet" Demonstration
3:53 - Sound 2 Explanation
5:22 - Sound 3 "Rubbery Sequence" Demonstration
6:21 - Sound 3 Explanation
7:09 - Sound 4 "Threedemed" Demonstration
8:07 - Sound 4 Explanation
9:17 - Sound 5 "Womp-Womp" Demonstration
9:43 - Sound 5 Explanation
10:10 - Sound 6 "Follow My Lead" Demonstration
10:47 - Sound 6 Explanation
11:20 - Outro

All recordings are of the System 700 only and there are no external FX or tricks used at all. There's a bit of compression on the output of my DAW to level the audio for this video but it's otherwise the totally pure sound of the 700.

Huge thanks to the owner of this System and thank you for watching!"

Roland Museum Germany Massive Synthesizer Selloff - Most Gear for Sale in a Single Auction

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

This one in via Marko of Retrosound.de.

26.000,00 Euro gets it all.

via this auction

Someone needs to contact the Guiness Book of World Records. Longest list of gear for sale ever:

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04 Roland-Ready GR-700 Turbo Synth - Final Release Version 5 Roland Factory Software

YouTube Uploaded by WayneJoness on Feb 7, 2011

via this auction
"There are four documented versions of GR-700 software noted in the GR-700 service manual. Version four (1.4) is the most common software found in the GR-700. However, some of the last GR-700s made by Roland shipped with the rare, version 5 (1.5) software. The GR-700 Turbo has the rare version 5.0 software! Unlike the earlier upgrades, version 5.0 software does not add any new features, but instead improves on the most neglected aspect of the GR-700: faster and more accurate tracking. On average, version 5.0 is 1.5 milliseconds faster than version 4.0. The GR-700 Turbo does not reach the speed and accuracy of modern synthesizers, but it is an improvement over earlier versions, and includes the final revisions of the GR-700 factory patches."

"Interface and Sound Board Chips (2 chips total) + 128 Additional Patches
Rare, final version 1.5 operating system EPROM chips
Improves on speed and tracking of previous versions
28.53 ms (version 1.5) average response time versus 29.87 ms (version 1.4)
Easy to install and replace
Allows change in reference pitch from the original A=442 standard (improvement over version 1.1)
Fixes sustain level failure when in EDIT mode (improvement over version 1.2)
Adjusts pitch range for "B" to be same as all other notes (improvement over version 1.3)
Includes final revisions of the factory patches for banks 1-4
PLUS - 2 Complete banks of original Roland GR-700 alternate sounds on print outs, 18 pages (64 patches x 2)
More information on hardware and software revisions on the GR-700 resource webpage
Questions? Feel free to email me!

About these Roland GR-700 Version 1.5 software EPROM chips:
I have been able to document five different versions of software for the GR-700. The most common version in my experience is version 4. The GR-700 service notes explain the differences for versions 1, 2, 3 and 4. I have seen a few GR-700s with version 5 software. What version software does your synth have? This is easy to check! Power up the GR-700 while holding down the STRING SELECT NO. 4 button. The display will show the software version, 1-4 means version 4. 1-2 indicates version 2 software. Incidentally, the patch corresponding to the software version will be selected when doing this procedure.

Initializing Patches:
It is possible to reinitialize the first four banks of patches for the GR-700, banks 1 though 4. There is no way to recover patches in banks 5 through 8 if they have been lost. To reinitialize patches in banks 1 - 4, turn on the power switch while pressing down the WRITE (copy) button. Be sure to have the memory protect turned off.

Roland GR-700 - Final Release Version 5 Roland Factory Software
Roland made it very easy to change or upgrade the operating system in the Roland GR-700 guitar synthesizers. There are two main boards in the GR-700, the interface board, which attaches to the top of the GR-700, and which connects to the switches, output jackes, display, etc. And the sound or voice board. The voice board is on the bottom on the GR-700.

Each board uses a 64K EPROM chip for its operating system/operating parameters. One chip is marked as "IF" for the interface board, and "SH" for the sound or voice board. Simply open the GR-700 up, remove the existing chips and install the new chips, then power the GR-700 up. There is no special initialization procedure. The software is loaded when the unit is turned on. These chips also contain the bank 1-4 factory patches. Initializing the sound banks in the GR-700 will load these patches from the "SH" chip."

Turnkey Vintage Synthesizer Sale

Moog System 1 custom 55/35 modular 3C - £25,000

The ultimate modular synthesizer. Originally conceived by Dr Robert A. Moog in the mid sixties as a less bulky, more affordable alternative to the famous experimental RCA Mark 2 (which filled several rooms), it became the instrument that made synthesized music popular, especially thanks to Walter Carlos' album "Switched On Bach", a massive hit in 1968. Other artists, like Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze and Emerson, Lake & Palmer also explored the possibilities of the Moog in mainstream music and even used it for live performances. But the modular systems were generally too complex and expensive for most musicians, designed as they were for studio composition of electronic music, and Moog went on to produce more performance oriented instruments such as the brilliant Minimoog.


System 1 consists of 2 cabinets.

Cabinet 1
# 2 x 921A Oscillator Driver
# 4 x 921B Oscillator
# 923 Filter/Noise Module - Low Pass, High Pass and White/Pink Noise Source
# 2 x CP3A Mixer Module - 4 inputs with volume pots, 2 Multiples, 2 outputs with master gain pot, 2 Trunks and 2 Multiples, 992 Controls to Oscillators
# 907A Fixed Filter Bank
# 904B Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter
# 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter
# 3 x 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier
# 3 x 911 Envelope Generator

Cabinet 2
# 914 Fixed Filter Bank
# 904B Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter
# 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter
# 992 Control Voltages Module
# 5 x 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier
# 5 x 911 Envelope Generator
# 911A Dual Trigger Delay
# 993 Trigger and Envelope Voltages Module
# Measurements: 1230 (L) x 240 (D) x 250 (H) mm

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Roland System 700 @ Mess Ltd

Published on Apr 30, 2016 Cray

"Messing with the powerful Roland System 700"

Update:

Roland system 700 @ Mess Ltd


Roland system 700 part 3 #Mess Ltd

Roland System 700 Block SN 72083

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Up for auction is one incredibly rare Roland system 700 block 6 modular synth piece. Block 6 is the Interface Frequency-to-Voltage converter plus Envelope Follower plus Schmidt Trigger and is augmented by a sixth VCA, a versatile MultiMode Filter, and a 9-input Audio mixer. This unit is NOS new old stock and has never been used in fact the case it comes in has only been opened twice in the last thirty two years. Once in 1980 when purchased and now.
As you can see by the photos it is in truly in perfect condition not a scratch or blemish to be found. I've bought and sold many vintage analog synths over the years but I have never come across a system 700 and to find a piece that has never been used is incredible. The materials parts and craftsmanship are outstanding it's easy to see why Roland in the late 70s early 80s were second to none. The only issue I can see is since it is a modular piece I have no way of testing its operation. But as stated with the fact that it has never been used and the quality of Roland back then I dought there would be a problem This is a museum piece the scarcity of which I'm really not even quite sure of it is rumored that roland only sold apox fifty full systems and for that reason is hard to place a value on. The last full system sold close to 40 thousand dollars. Please email with any questions System 700 Facts Made from 1976-1982 Full system weighs over 350lbs in case Originally cost over 16000 dollars Full system has 9 oscillators"

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Analog Drum 'n Bass

Analog Drum 'n Bass from K X on Vimeo.

"This is my imagining of what circa '98 era minimal tech step drum 'n bass may have sounded like had it been invented before modern samplers and digital synths / fx.

All the sound is being generated live, coming straight from the main mixer in the middle, with no multitracking. Sequenced by 3 vintage hardware sequencers, the Yamaha QX-1, Roland MC-4 and Roland MC-8 locked together by tape-sync.

List of the main gear used :

Sequencers : Roland MC-8, Roland MC-4, Yamaha QX-1

Modulars : Roland System 100 (Drums), Moog series 900 (pads), Roland System 700 (Basses), Arp 2500 system, Buchla 100 series.

Other Synths : Korg MS-20, Roland System 100 standalone synth.

FX : Roland Space Echo RE-501 (tape delay, chorus, spring reverb), Roland DC-30 (analog chorus-echo), Roland Dimension-D Analog Chorus.

Mixer : Tascam M308b"

Update: some additional info:

"If you're interested, the system 100 is doing all the drums, the moog is doing the atmospheric pad chords (as heard from the very beginning), the ARP is doing the stabs which are heard from very near the beginning, the system 700 is doing both the deep sub bass growls, and also the big ominous stabs in the middle build-up section (the MS-20 is just acting as a distortion unit for those), the system 100 standalone synth is doing the reese sound (as heard in the last bar before the drop), and the Buchla is doing all the main theme sounds which you can see if you look closely at the Buchla sequencer's timing lights during the main part.
The MC-4 is sequencing the drums and the reese, the MC-8 is sequencing the Moog and 700, and the QX-1 is sequencing the Buchla and Arp.

The whole project took almost 2 weeks, but nearly half of that was spent getting all the gear set up, synced up, talking to eachother nicely etc. Each day quite a bit of time was spent re-tweaking the sounds after the synths cooled down overnight, also the MC-4 program takes about 15 minutes just to load, (30 minutes to save including verify) and on top of that, the MC-8 refused to save at all, so I had to organise it so I could do all of the MC-8 programming and recording in one day. Next time it should take less time, since now I've got the setup all figured out."

Massive Custom Roland System 700 Modular System

via @unisound_synth

"This is a teaser post while we prep this recently arrived MONSTER customised Roland System 700. This System 700 is like no other as it features two sequencer blocks, additional 20 lab modules and 19 additional standard modules, including RSS patch bay and EQ. This is not an oddly configured System 700 but a custom built behemoth of synthesis that would crush a regular System 700.

Mind blowing provenance behind this unit which will be kept hush for the moment.

Stay tuned as we are currently in the process of testing it and will release high quality pictures along with a full catalogue of the system's components in the coming weeks with pricing.

This is the holy grail of Modular Synthesis and will represent a once in a lifetime opportunity for somebody 😍 "

VEMIA November 2000 catalogue - vintage synths & prices

via this auction

"From ten years ago, a paper catalogue from the VEMIA auction. 24 pages, tiny print, and not well printed - but just about readable everywhere. A couple of illustrations (not high quality!!) - of a massive Roland System 700 and the even bigger Yamaha EX42.

Fun to look at the prices - many of them not the final bids, but all already over their reserves (there are no hidden reserves in this auction) .

That means that in November 2000, you could have had a chance of winning the following (with prices in pounds sterling):

Two Siemens V72s, 440GBP; Vortexion tube amp 23GBP; Roland CR-78 230GBP; Roland TR-808 500GBP; Crumar Jazzman 95GBP; Hohner Clavinet 1 140GBP; Clavinet/Pianet Duo 260GBP; Wurlitzer EP-200 450GBP; Ashly SC-68 140; AKG BX20E 100GBP; Six Audio & Design SCAMP modules 130GBP; BBC EQs in a rack 50GBP; Binson Echorec Baby 280GBP; Binson Tube Reverb 350GBP; Carlsbro Flanger 85GBP; Dynacord CLS222 145GBP; Dynacord TAM19; Echolette SEV66 Vocoder; Echoplex tube model 240GBP; EH Small Stone original 55GBP; EH Talking Pedal 260GBP; Four EMT 256 II compressors and two de-essers 755GBP; Moog 12-Stage Phaser 580GBP; Roland Funny Cat 160GBP; Roland RE-201 190GBP; Roland SRE-555 240GBP; Ursa Major Space Station 450GBP; Reslosound Ribbon 75GBP; two Sennheiser MD421s 250GBP; two Tannoy mics from the House of Commons 45GBP; Two EMS Presto patches 60GBP; Korg MS-03 110GBP; Korg MS-04 110GBP; Optigan Stereophonic Deluxe 220GBP; RSF Kobol Programmer 450GBP; BBC Outside Broadcast four-channel passive mixers 90GBP; Roland VCA800 / CPE800 units 115GBP; Telefunken 12/2 mixer 200GBP; ARP 2600 Blue Meanie (aka Blue Marvin) 1450GBP; EMS Synthi AKS with all EMS mods 1770GBP; EMS Synthi-E 600GBP; EMS VCS3 1900GBP; Korg MS-50 680GBP; Roland System 100M five-module system 880GBP; Roland System 700 complete 9950GBP; ARP Odyssey white-face 480GBP; ARP Pro Soloist 150GBP; EDP Wasp 280GBP; Hohner Bass 28GBP; Korg M500SP 75GBP; Korg Sigma 180GBP; Moog Minimoog 900GBP; Moog Prodigy 270GBP; Oberheim OB-1 460GBP; Octave Cat 330GBP; OSC OSCar 840GBP; Roland MC-202 200GBP; Roland SH-101 190GBP; Roland System 100 101 330GBP; Farfisa Compact Duo 500GBP; Hammond F-100 Extravoice 150GBP; Moog CDX 430GBP; Yamaha EX42 GX-1 look-alike 1250GBP; Vox Continental 300 240GBP; Yamaha YC-45D 280GBP; Elka Rhapsody 610 85GBP; Gleeman Pentaphonic 1270GBP; Moog Memorymoog Plus 1450GBP; PPG Wave 2.3 800GBP; Roland Jupiter 6 580GBP; Roland Jupiter 8 (JP8) 680GBP; Roland VP-330 400GBP; SCI Prophet 5 rev 3.2 760GBP; SCI Prophet 5 with Kenton MIDI 900GBP; Korg SQ-10 250GBP; Roland CSQ-100 34GBP; Roland MC-4 250GBP; a hundred CEM 3396 chips 100GBP; Leslie 147 360GBP; Ampex 351 980GBP; Studer C-37 300GBP."

The Top 100 Synths According to the A-Z of Analog Synths

via Ethan Callendar in the comments of this post. Thank you Ethan! Click the image to shoot Peter an email on the availability of the A-Z Books. I have them and they are very, very good - an absolute must have for synth enthusiasts.

"Here are the top 100 according to Peter Forrest's "A-Z of Analogue Synthesisers:

1. Moog Memorymoog (LAM)
2. Roland MKS-80 (w/MPG-80 + MKB-1000)
3. Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 (Rev 3)
4. Moog Memorymoog Plus
5. Sequential Circuits Prophet-10
6. Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 (Rev 2)
7. Oberheim Matrix-12
8. Sequential Circuits Prophet-T8
9. Moog Original Prototype
10. Oberheim Xpander

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Roland System 700 | Axiom

Published on Jan 24, 2020 Alex Ball

New overview video posted here.

"The System 700 from 1976 was the most expensive instrument Roland ever made. A comprehensive, semi-modular monster that was at the cutting edge at the time, the full system cost the equivalent of around £35,000 - £45,000 (around $45,000 - $50,000) and as they made so few of them; they have been known to sell for even more than that on the rare occasions that they emerge on the second hand market.

Huge thanks to the owner of this remarkable instrument for the very generous loan.

We have the main console and two of the “blocks” present but the full system has two further wing cabinets containing six additional VCOs, two further filters, three further VCAs, six further envelopes, another LFO, S/H, mixer and two further multiple jacks. In addition it has a twelve stage, three-channel sequencer that also acts as a switching mixer.

With the three blocks I borrowed I do have all of the modules present with the exception of the gate delay and I can use alternative sequencers in place of the original, so I feel this is a full representation of this marvelous instrument and what it can do.

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New Roland Demora, Scooper, Torcido & Bitrazer Eurorack / Desktop Modules Leaked

Update: Pics & additional details on Demora, Scooper & Torcido added below along with a new pic of the System-1m.
Update2: System-1m details added below.
Update3: New System 500, video, press release, details on Bitrazer, and higher res pics added below.

[Initial post - updates below:

Two quotes via Analog Industries:

"Details of the long-rumored Roland Eurorack modules leaked today, ahead of the Musikmesse announcement. In a nutshell, four 21HP DSP-based stereo effects units (delay, distortion, 'scatter' effect, and bitcrusher/filter) with both 9VDC and Euro power connectors on the back, along with USB for Aira connectivity, and the ability to live as a desktop unit. $299 each."

"I will say one thing: these will be a powerful gateway drug, as they will be a much less threatening introduction to the platform. But for the real Euro user, they miss the mark by a country mile. What a waste of the biggest and best R&D department in the industry."]

Updates:

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