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Description

The Roland MSQ-100 is a classic MIDI sequencer that bridges the analog and digital realms, making it an essential piece for DJs and electronic musicians looking to inject a touch of vintage flair into their setups. Released in the mid-1980s, this audio sequencer was one of the first to support MIDI, offering compatibility with a wide range of synthesizers and rhythm machines. Its capability to store up to eight different sequences provides ample room for creativity and experimentation, whether you're performing live or producing in the studio.

With its straightforward interface, the MSQ-100 allows musicians to quickly record and edit sequences, making it a versatile tool for both novice and experienced users. The DIN Sync support is particularly appealing for those who wish to synchronize their vintage Roland drum machines, such as the iconic TR-808 or TR-909, with modern MIDI equipment. This feature bridges the gap between eras, allowing seamless integration and ensuring your gear works in harmony.

The Roland MSQ-100's robust build and reliable performance have made it a staple in the setups of many electronic musicians. Its ability to function as a MIDI-to-DIN Sync converter adds another layer of utility, making it a valuable addition to any studio or live performance rig.

Key Features:

  • Supports MIDI for compatibility with a variety of synthesizers and drum machines
  • Stores up to 8 different sequences for creative flexibility
  • Includes DIN Sync support for integrating vintage gear
  • Functions as a MIDI-to-DIN Sync converter
  • User-friendly interface for easy recording and editing

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model MSQ-100 MIDI Digital Keyboard Recorder
Finish Black
Year 1984 - 1986
Categories Sequencers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Roland MSQ-100?

The Roland MSQ-100 is a MIDI digital keyboard recorder designed to sequence and playback MIDI data, making it ideal for controlling multiple MIDI instruments in a live or studio setting.

Can the Roland MSQ-100 be used with modern MIDI equipment?

Yes, the Roland MSQ-100 can be connected to modern MIDI equipment via its MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, allowing for integration with contemporary MIDI setups.

How many tracks can the Roland MSQ-100 sequence simultaneously?

The Roland MSQ-100 can sequence up to eight tracks simultaneously, providing flexibility for complex musical arrangements.

Is the Roland MSQ-100 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland MSQ-100 is suitable for live performances due to its ability to sequence multiple instruments and its straightforward interface, which facilitates quick access and control.

Does the Roland MSQ-100 support both analog and digital signals?

The Roland MSQ-100 is a digital sequencer, focusing on digital MIDI signals without support for analog audio signals.

INHALTVIDEO

INHALTVIDEO

Roland MSQ-100 Step Entry Mode with Pro One TR 808

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-100 Step Entry Mode with Pro One TR 808 by INHALTVIDEO

Roland MSQ-100 Step Entry Mode with Pro One TR 808

INHALTVIDEO

INHALTVIDEO

Video thumbnail for "Driving" with Roland Juno 106, MSQ-100, TR-707, and Zoom R24 by Machiwoomiapoo

"Driving" with Roland Juno 106, MSQ-100, TR-707, and Zoom R24

Machiwoomiapoo

Machiwoomiapoo

Video thumbnail for Behringer DeepMind 6 \\ Roland MSQ-100 by Alba Ecstasy

Behringer DeepMind 6 \\ Roland MSQ-100

Alba Ecstasy

Alba Ecstasy

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-100 \\ JU-06 \\ SE-02 \\ JP-08 \\ ARP Odyssey by Alba Ecstasy

Roland MSQ-100 \\ JU-06 \\ SE-02 \\ JP-08 \\ ARP Odyssey

Alba Ecstasy

Alba Ecstasy

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MSQ-100.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland MSQ-100 sends a MIDI start message after two measures of count in, crucial for syncing with external drum machines.

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  • Drums are programmed independently but must rely on the MSQ-100's clock for proper synchronization.

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  • The MSQ-700 can theoretically control up to 127 devices, though practically it handles 8 or more MIDI devices if channels are shared.

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  • The MSQ-700 requires either DCB or MIDI for sequencing but not both simultaneously; it lacks the ability to play back DCB sequences via MIDI channels.

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Use cases and applications

  • It serves as a MIDI recorder, ideal for those looking to understand basic sequencing without extensive prior knowledge.

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  • Quantizing and merging tracks on the MSQ-700 allows synchronization with drum machines and expands tracking possibilities.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A MIDI keyboard controller like the Arturia Keystep Pro is essential for channel management and communication between synths and the MSQ-700.

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Software and compatibility

  • Saving sequences via tape load/save can be emulated with audio files on modern devices, bypassing the need for traditional tape backups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland MSQ100 (EMM Feb 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland MSQ-100 is a compact yet versatile MIDI sequencer that surprises with its capabilities despite its budget-friendly tag. Musicians seeking to avoid computer-based sequencing will appreciate its polyphonic recording, editing facilities, and synchronization with drum machines. The solid build and multifunctional layout are commendable, though the switches can initially confuse users. While the absence of DCB connections limits its compatibility, its ability to handle dynamics and remember program changes makes it a worthy contender. Overall, it's a nifty tool for those wary of technological complexity, with a few limitations but plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daft Punk uses Roland MSQ-100

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

This image of an early Daft Punk show has an MSQ-100 in the foreground.

See how Junkie XL uses Roland MSQ-100

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 2:15 can see Roland MSQ-100

See how Dave Gregory uses Roland MSQ-100

Dave Gregory

Guitarist

XTC

...
Verified via Chalkhills

Now if you want to talk guitar, ask Dave Gregory. He was crushed that he couldn't take his entire guitar harem (over 20) with him for Oranges and Lemons, but he made do with his faves: a 1953 Gibson Les Paul gold-top; a Schecter Telecaster-style ("quite versatile"); a 1963 Stratocaster; a semi-hollow 1964 Epiphone Riviera with miniature humbuckers, heard on the "Pink Thing" solo ("It has a nice Beatley sound"); and one of the first 25 Rickenbacker 12-strings shipped to England in the wake of A Hard Day's Night. Gregory uses Ernie Ball strings "out of force of habit," but creates his own gauge set: .011-.013-.016-.024-.038-.050. He has a Roland JC-120 amp "for those rare occasions that I go out of the house," and a Japanese Fender Sidekick 30 amp for home practice. Effects include a MIDIverb and D1500. For keyboard dabbling he keeps a Roland JX3P with MSQ-100 sequencer, and "an old acoustic piano."

See how Eric Persing uses Roland MSQ-100

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Spectrasonics

Eric Persing has had a unique and influential relationship with Roland Corp for two decades. He started as a product demonstrator in 1984, showing some of Roland's first MIDI instruments. He quickly became involved in the R&D side with Roland Japan, earning the title "Chief Sound Designer", and began contributing his design ideas, real-world studio experience and sound design expertise. Persing's skills have left their mark on countless classic Roland instruments.

He is the originator of many legendary Roland sounds that have become part of the vocabulary and lexicon of musical sound. These include the Factory D-50 sounds such as Fantasia, Soundtrack and Digital Native Dance, a majority of the JV/XP/XV series Classics, all the Factory JD-800 sounds, the original Juno "Hoover" sound and thousands of others.

Here is a partial list of the Roland instruments that Eric has contributed his sound design, sampling and design consulting skills:

Juno-106 Alpha Juno 1&2 JX-3P JX-8P JX-10 Jupiter 6 Super Jupiter D-50 D-550 D-110 D-10 D-20 D-70 MT-32 U-110 U-20 U-220 Sound Canvas JD-800 JD-990 JV-80 JV-90 JV-1000 JV-1080 JV-2080 XP-10 XP-50 XP-60 XP-80 XV-3080 XV-5050 XV-5080 Fantom JP-8000 JP-8080 S-10 S-220 S-50 S-550 S-770 S-760 S-750 MC-303 MC-500 MC-505 VP-9000 MSQ-700 MSQ-100 MKS-20 MKS-30 MKS-50 MKS-70 MKS-80 R-8 R-5 DR-660 DR-770 R-70 V-Drums V-Drums expansion board SRV-2000 DEP-5 RSP-550 R-880 SRV-330 SE-50 SE-70 VS-880 VS-1680 SR-JV series expansion boards SRX series expansion boards Sound Canvas Project series CD-ROM libraries Archives series CD-ROM libraries Composers series CD-ROM libraries

See how Paul Raymond uses Roland MSQ-100

Paul Raymond

Guitarist, Keyboardist

UFO

...
Verified via YouTube

Raymond had an MSQ-100 sequencer on the Misdemeanor Tour as part of his keyboard rig

Album Usage

The Roland MSQ-100 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland MSQ-100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland D-20
Roland D-20 Synthesizers
1
Roland S770
Roland S770 Audio Samplers
1
Roland D-110
Roland D-110 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland U-20
Roland U-20 Synthesizers
1
Roland JX-8P
Roland JX-8P Synthesizers
1
Roland R8 MKII
Roland R8 MKII Drum Machines
1
Roland VP-9000
Roland VP-9000 Audio Samplers
1

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