Date: Wed, 20 Dec 1995 00:13:41 -0800 (PST) From: Transistor Rhythm Cc: analogue@hyperreal.com Subject: Re: System 100M vs System 700 since we're talking about synths here and not how much of a dick mark hughes is and how many fucking voices a prophet 5 has, i thought that for those of you interested in the system 100m, there was a nice article about the system 100m in Sound on Sound a few months back. it listed all the modules that were produced for it and how much they listed at and their approximate value today. it states that between 1978n and 1985 roland produced 13 modules and 3 different keyboards for the 100m. there were plans for 5 more modules (that went to prototype). i don't remember seeing this info about the 100m on music machines the last time i was there. if it exists now, please ignore the following: the modules were: (and their original price in british pounds) 110: vco/vcf/vca 210 pounds - this module contains all the elements of a single synth voice. the audio signal paths from the vco to vcf to vca are all made internally, as are the keyboard and eg inputs to the vcf and vca. these connections can be overridden by inserting a jack into the relevant socket. a few features are missing, but that's not surprising, considering the modules 4 x 9 " size. 112: dual vco 220 pounds - this module contains two independent vcos with expanded features; both have a range from 32' to 2', three modulation inputs, and a sync input and output. three waveforms are available as is pulse width modulation. these vcos are pretty stable with a very wide range. if they are cross-synced at their higher ranges, they made a nice impersonation of FM synthesis (snicker) 121: dual vcf 190 pounds - each vcf is a -24dB/octave low pass type with a built-in, fixed (lame) high pass filter that's switchable between three cut off frequencies . each vcf has cut off frequency resonance sliders that can send them into oscillation. with a beautiful high end and a gut rumbling low end, these vcfs sound incredibly rich and musical compared to (insert most hated digital synth here)... use two in series set to different cut off frequencies for an even deeper sound. 130: dual vca 175 pounds - each vca can be switched between linear and exponential modes for different amplitude curves and percussive effects when used with the EG. each has an initial gain control, which also allows the vcas to be used without a modulation input and as 3-channel audio mixers. 131: output mixer/oscillator/headphone amp 175 pounds - self explanatory (i hope) 132: dual cv/audio mixer & voltage processor 160 pounds - this useful module can be used for summing CVs from various sources and/or for audio mixing. each half includes four sliders for level and an inverted output. separate sliders are included for providing variable positive and negative voltage sources. 140: dual EG & LFO 180 pounds - this module provides two ADSR EGs and a single LFO (with five selectable waveforms). add this module to the 110 module and a cv keyboard and you have all the elements of a basic synthesizer. 150: ring mod/noise/s&h/lfo 180 pounds - a versatile module that provides full ring modulation and sample & hold facilities, white and pink noise generation, and an lfo (the same as featured in the 140 module) the 150 is great for random sequences or controlling the vcf cut off frequency while synced to the 182 sequencer module, and the ring mod is the obvious choice for making a racket. 165: dual portamento controller 155 pounds - this a basic module with two independent portamento/glide control sections. apart from cv control inputs, an MPX input is included for switching the portamento on/off from an mc8 or mc4 microcomposer. 172: audio delay/phaser/lfo/gate delay 210 pounds - another versatile module that features a five step phaser (with resonance control), 512 step bucket brigade delay (also with resonance control for flanging effects) a gate delay (doubles as a pulse shifter) and an lfo. the gate delay can accept most types of signal (audio, gate, or trigger pulses within a wide frequency range) which it reshapes and outputs as a 0-15v gate. 173: signal gate & multiple jacks 125 pounds - there are a total of 38 sockets on this module; it allows you to turn on or off audio or control signals patched between other modules automating certain patch alterations. 174: parametric eq 155 pounds - this is a single channel, four band parametric eq. each band haslevel, bandwidth, and frequency controls, plus a bypass switch. 182: analogue sequencer 200 pounds - this nifty little sequencer offers single channel/16 step or dual channel/8 step operation. add modules to increase the number of steps. (haha) a full range of controls make the 182 surprisingly versatile. 180: 32 key controller keyboard 210 pounds 181: 49 key controller keyboard 275 pounds 184: 4 note polyphonic keyboard 490 pounds 190: three module rack 155 pounds 191j: five module rack prototype modules: 111: vco and vcf 120: vcf vca 141 dual envelope/gate delay/inverter-adder (what?!) 160: computer interface 170: pitch to voltage converter/envelope follower/amp about 8 months ago i came across two module 150s and a keyboard 181. all three items were (and still are) sealed in their original shrink wrap and boxes. if anyone has leads on other modules for sale or trade, please contact me. i would even consider trading one of my "brand new" 150s for a different module. obviously i still need a power rack as well. happy patching, peter p.s. for those of you that may have a single module or two, there was also a sidebar about soldering your own power supply to the modules so you can get some use out of them. contact me for more info on that or refer to sound on sound april 95.