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Description

The MSQ-700 from year 1984 is an 8-track MIDI-sequencer that holds up to 6,500 notes that can be stored. Several functions of the MSQ-700 include a chain function, multi-track function, overdubbing and a merge function. Use it to control your TR-909, or Juno-60 or any other MIDI equipment. The MSQ-700 is compatible with both MIDI and Roland's proprietary DCB sync methods,although it can't do both at the same time.

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model MSQ-700 Multitrack Digital Keyboard Recorder
Finish Beige
Year 1984 - 1986
Made In Japan
Categories Sequencers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output

FAQs

What type of sequencing capabilities does the Roland MSQ-700 offer?

The Roland MSQ-700 provides multitrack digital sequencing, allowing you to record and play back multiple tracks of MIDI data. It supports real-time and step-time recording modes, making it versatile for various sequencing needs.

Is the Roland MSQ-700 compatible with modern MIDI equipment?

Yes, the Roland MSQ-700 features standard MIDI input and output connections, allowing it to interface with most modern MIDI-compatible devices, despite its vintage origins.

How does the Roland MSQ-700 handle MIDI data storage?

The Roland MSQ-700 stores MIDI data internally and can back up sequences via cassette tape, which was standard for the era when it was produced.

Can the Roland MSQ-700 be used with other Roland instruments from the 1980s?

Yes, the Roland MSQ-700 can be effectively used with other Roland instruments from the 1980s, particularly those with MIDI capabilities, enhancing your vintage setup's sequencing potential.

What are the primary uses of the Roland MSQ-700 in a modern setup?

In a modern setup, the Roland MSQ-700 can be used for sequencing vintage synths or as a unique tool for creating retro-inspired music due to its distinct workflow and sound character.

SynthMania

SynthMania

Sequencing 1983 style with Jupiter-8, LinnDrum, and MSQ-700

Video thumbnail for Sequencing 1983 style with Jupiter-8, LinnDrum, and MSQ-700 by SynthMania

Sequencing 1983 style with Jupiter-8, LinnDrum, and MSQ-700

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-700, Bit 99 and TR-505 by SynthMania

Roland MSQ-700, Bit 99 and TR-505

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-700 sequencer - Fast and Fun by Espen Kraft

Roland MSQ-700 sequencer - Fast and Fun

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-700 | Super Quirky by Espen Kraft

Roland MSQ-700 | Super Quirky

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-700 MIDI/DCB Hardware Sequencer (1984) How to record a sequence by RetroSound

Roland MSQ-700 MIDI/DCB Hardware Sequencer (1984) How to record a sequence

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-700 Quantisation | Highly unpredictable and fun - borderline bizarre by Espen Kraft

Roland MSQ-700 Quantisation | Highly unpredictable and fun - borderline bizarre

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Roland MSQ-700 | The blood splattered beyond by Espen Kraft

Roland MSQ-700 | The blood splattered beyond

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MSQ-700.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland MSQ-700 requires a MIDI keyboard controller like the Arturia Keystep Pro to switch MIDI channels for multiple synths.

    Source
  • The sequencer allows up to 127 MIDI devices, but practical usage often involves controlling up to 8 devices by sharing MIDI channels.

    Source
  • The MSQ-700 records on a single MIDI channel at a time, with limitations in handling multi-channel playback to different synths simultaneously.

    Source
  • Users can select different MIDI channels per track, up to 16 channels per track, allowing for some flexibility despite recording limitations.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users can synchronize a drum machine with the MSQ-700 by setting the drum machine as the master clock and the MSQ as the slave.

    Source
  • The MSQ-700 cannot simultaneously use DCB and MIDI; it must run sequences via one connection at a time.

    Source
  • Tape load/save functionality can be emulated as an audio file on a computer or phone, providing a modern workaround for saving sequences.

    Source
  • Troubleshooting should start with basic checks: cracked solder joints, leaking capacitors, and ensuring +5v between pin 40 and pin 20 on the microprocessor.

    Source
  • Ensure the /RESET circuit works by checking it starts low and then goes high on power-up, using a logic probe with audio beep for easier detection.

    Source
  • Testing the clock signal on pins 2 or 3 of the microprocessor may require an oscilloscope, as it's often visible on just one pin.

    Source
  • Issues with LEDs may involve sourcing replacements; it's unclear if they are standard parts or if availability is limited.

    Source
  • Accidental activation of service mode can cause non-responsiveness; ensure all mainboard dip switches are set to normal mode.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the MSQ-700's simplicity and ability to quantize tracks and merge them for more space, likening it to a digital multi-track recorder.

    Source
  • Owners find the manual lacks detailed MIDI channel configuration guidance, leading to some confusion during setup and operation.

    Source

Build quality

  • Old PCBs like the MSQ-700's can be brittle, so caution is advised when using alligator clips for testing to prevent board damage.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland MSQ700

soundonsound.com

The Roland MSQ-700 is a nostalgic nod to the early days of MIDI sequencing, offering simplicity and ease of use unmatched by modern counterparts. Its charm lies in straightforward functionality, making it an ideal scratchpad for spontaneous musical ideas. However, its limitations are apparent, with basic storage and editing capabilities that may frustrate users accustomed to more sophisticated sequencers. While it lacks advanced features and real-time flexibility, its reliability and intuitive design make it a quirky, affordable option for those seeking a no-frills, retro sequencing experience.

Roland MSQ 700 Sequencer (12T Jul 84)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland MSQ-700 is a pioneering MIDI sequencer praised for its intuitive design and versatility, appealing to both improvisers and methodical composers. Its real-time and step-time recording modes, autocorrect feature, and eight separate recording channels support creative exploration. However, it lacks a proper edit function and has issues with the Memory Protect mode, which can erase stored data. Despite these drawbacks, its ability to facilitate music composition makes it a valuable tool for musicians who prioritize ease of use and creative spontaneity.

positive

Roland TR909 and MSQ-700 (EMM Apr 84)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland MSQ-700 stands out as a robust and versatile sequencer with commendable memory capacity and a plethora of interconnection options, including MIDI and DCB. While it is priced higher than some competitors, its ability to integrate with both modern and older Roland instruments makes it a valuable tool for musicians looking to expand their setup without immediately investing in new gear. Despite its higher price tag, the MSQ-700's inclusion of various interconnect standards and a user-friendly interface make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and adaptable sequencing solution.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Vangelis uses Roland MSQ-700

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Aphrodite's Child

...
Verified via Photo

This image, from Vangelis' website, shows, among other devices, a Roland MSQ-700, used by Vangelis at Nemo Studios.

See how Oneohtrix Point Never uses Roland MSQ-700

Oneohtrix Point Never

Music Producer

Ford & Lopatin

...
Verified via YouTube

OPN's MSQ can be seen at 6:43 in this video.

See how cEvin Key uses Roland MSQ-700

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo from cEvin Key's former Subconscious Studios, the Roland MSQ-700 sequencer is visible in a rack setup.

See how William Orbit uses Roland MSQ-700

William Orbit

Music Producer

Torch Song

...
Verified via Muzines

In this article, it mentions the Roland MSQ-700 sequencer in William Orbit’s equipment list.

See how Derrick May uses Roland MSQ-700

Derrick May

Composer, Music Producer

Derrick May & Carl Craig

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1990 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Greg Hawkes uses Roland MSQ-700

Greg Hawkes

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Cars

...
Verified via YouTube

Four Roland MSQ-700 sequencers can be seen in Greg's synth rig during this concert. A better shot of them can be seen around the 12:11 mark in the video, during "Touch and Go".

See how Jonathan Cain uses Roland MSQ-700

Jonathan Cain

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In the early 1980s, Jonathan Cain used the Roland MSQ-700 sequencer during his time with Journey, as reported by Circus Magazine.

See how Ray Parker Jr. uses Roland MSQ-700

Ray Parker Jr.

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Ray Parker Jr. says in this interview that he used a Roland Jupiter 6, Roland MSQ 700 and Linndrum on "Ghostbusters."

See how kid606 uses Roland MSQ-700

kid606

Music Producer

Onibaba

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen under Kid606 in this facebook post

See how Marius de Vries uses Roland MSQ-700

Marius de Vries

Composer, Music Producer

The Blow Monkeys

...
Verified via Soundonsound

De Vries first cut his programming teeth on an Roland MSQ700, and then moved on to the Atari, initially running Hybrid Arts' Midi Track software, and then C‑Lab's Notator. A few years ago he finally switched to Macintosh and Digidesign, on which he still runs C‑Lab/Emagic software, namely Logic Audio: "I was quite slow switching from the Atari to the Mac, because I had experiences of working alongside people with Macs that appeared to be crashing all the time. But things are a lot better now, and I am really happy with my Macintosh, although admittedly the timing could be better on it. The timing of the Atari was probably more stable, but then, are you going to spend your whole life worrying about the fact that there is a millisecond delay on the bass drum, or are you going to listen to the music and try to make that sound good? The '80s ethic seemed very much to make sure that everything was very precise and glued to a grid, but there's room for things to be much sloppier now, and better for it."

See how Eric Persing uses Roland MSQ-700

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 Stephen Hague uses Roland MSQ-700

Stephen Hague

Keyboardist, Composer

Jules & The Polar Bears

...
Verified via Muzines

Stephen Hague discusses programming the bassline for the Pet Shop Boys' "Love Comes Quickly" with an MSQ-700 sequencer:

The bassline of [Love Comes Quickly] is interesting because, originally, it was going to be a down-beat set up as it is in the intro. I had programmed it on an MSQ700, but something got screwed up when it came back sync'd from tape and the whole thing was delayed by exactly half a beat. I thought it sounded really cool so I had to re-write the bass sequence with that in mind.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland MSQ-700, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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