Roland System 100M Modular Synthesizer

THE NEXT SOUNDWAVE

In 1980 I traded my otherwise beloved Korg MS-20 / MS-50 / SQ-10 Modular for the Roland System 100M. Since I could not afford both systems, I needed to part with the Korg System for the upgrade.

I was first introduced to the System 100M by Bent Corlin of Roland Scandinavia, who also provided a compact system for the keyboard player Kenneth Knudsen of the renowned Danish jazz/rock outfit “Entrance” – a band that also featured world class trumpetist Palle Mikkelborg and drummer Kasper Winding. Kenneth Knudsen later helped me by endorsing my 1983 book on Synthesizers and Electronic Musical Instruments.

I immediately fancied the precise and punchy sound of the 100M system, so I ordered two 5-module cases, a keyboard and 8 modules for a start. I did not yet get the 182 sequencer, since I already had the System 104 sequencer, which was better featured and fully compatible.

The envelopes on the 100M are a lot more snappy than the rather undefined attack of the MS-system. And the higher audio specs for the modules allowed for some patches that would not be usable or sound good on the Korg. Plus the whole system is more open – with many more patch points – than in particular the semi-modular MS-20. So the new system allowed me to create patches that were more precise and advanced.

Shortly after getting the System 100-M, the first digital sequencers started appearing. And that opened up a lot of opportunities together with the modular. At first I got the Roland CSQ-100, which was very useful but pretty limited. So when the Roland MC-4B MicroComposer was introduced I had to have one. It was pricey but showed the way for multitrack productions without a tape recorder.

After using the system for some time, I ran into Aske Bentzon – a well-known flute and keyboard-player – who offered me to buy his System-100M, consisting of 3 small racks and 8 synth modules. I accepted although I could not really afford it. And suddenly my system was quite large, with 5 racks and 19 modules. I also acquired the 184 Polyphonic 4-voice Keyboard, which was an interesting addition, that I regret parting with.

SOME PROMINENT SYSTEM-100M USERS

Daniel Miller (Mute), Hans Zimmer, Vince Clarke, Depeche Mode, Benge, Heaven 17, Orbital, Jamiroquai, Human League, Peter Howell (BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Meat Beat Manifesto.

CHECK THESE ALBUMS FEATURING HEAVY USE OF THE SYSTEM-100M…

OTHER SYSTEM-100M MODULES (not in my system)