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Description

The Roland System 100M is a classic modular synthesizer that brings the power of vintage analog sound to the modern musician. Introduced in the late 1970s, this legendary system was designed for those who crave a hands-on approach to sound synthesis and modular flexibility. It offers a rich palette of tones and textures, making it perfect for both studio production and live performances. The System 100M's versatility is due to its extensive patching capabilities, allowing users to explore a vast range of sonic possibilities.

With its robust design and intuitive interface, the System 100M is an excellent choice for both seasoned synth enthusiasts and newcomers looking to dive into modular synthesis. Each module can be mixed and matched, providing a customizable experience tailored to your specific needs. Its analog circuitry ensures warm, organic sounds that are hard to replicate with digital synthesizers.

The System 100M has left a lasting mark on the music industry, being used by influential artists and producers across various genres. Whether you're looking to create complex soundscapes or simple melodic lines, this synthesizer provides the tools you need to push the boundaries of your musical creativity.

Key Features:

  • Modular design with multiple customizable modules
  • Extensive patching capabilities for diverse sound creation
  • Authentic analog circuitry for warm, vintage tones
  • Ideal for both studio production and live performance
  • Used by renowned artists for its iconic sound quality

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model System 100M Module 121
Year 1979 - 1984
Categories Synth Modules
Modular Synth Format System 100M
Synth Module Function Filter

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Roland System 100M Module 121?

The Roland System 100M Module 121 is a filter module designed for use within the System 100M modular synthesizer setup, providing essential sound shaping capabilities with its versatile filter options.

Can the Roland System 100M Module 121 be used with other modular synth systems?

Yes, the Roland System 100M Module 121 can be integrated into other Eurorack-compatible modular systems, allowing for flexible sound design and experimentation across different setups.

What year was the Roland System 100M Module 121 released?

The Roland System 100M Module 121 was released between 1979 and 1984, during the era of classic analog synthesizers.

Does the Roland System 100M Module 121 require any specific power supply?

The Roland System 100M modules typically require a compatible power supply designed for modular systems, ensuring stable operation and protection for the vintage components.

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

A Closer Look at the Roland System 100m from 1979!

Video thumbnail for A Closer Look at the Roland System 100m from 1979! by Alex Ball

A Closer Look at the Roland System 100m from 1979!

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland System 100m | Nexus by Alex Ball

Roland System 100m | Nexus

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for How To Synthesize Analogue Drum Sounds | Roland System 100m by Alex Ball

How To Synthesize Analogue Drum Sounds | Roland System 100m

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland System 100M by SyntheticMachines

Roland System 100M

SyntheticMachines

SyntheticMachines

Video thumbnail for Funky Vintage: Roland System 100M Modular Synthesizer | Reverb Gear Demo by Reverb

Funky Vintage: Roland System 100M Modular Synthesizer | Reverb Gear Demo

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Roland System 100m synth / RYK Modular M185 Sequencer demo with System80 880 TR808 drum machine by RYK Modular

Roland System 100m synth / RYK Modular M185 Sequencer demo with System80 880 TR808 drum machine

RYK Modular

RYK Modular

Video thumbnail for Roland SYSTEM-100M (1979) | Werkstatt Matlak by Werkstatt Matlak

Roland SYSTEM-100M (1979) | Werkstatt Matlak

Werkstatt Matlak

Werkstatt Matlak

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Roland System 100M's VCOs are akin to slimmed-down versions from the System 700, offering a patchable SH sound with robust VCOs.

    Source
  • The Juno's DCOs, VCFs, and unique chorus circuit design differ significantly from the System 100M, impacting the ability to replicate its sound modularly.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The System 100M is described as having a VCF similar to those in Roland's SH range, except for the SH101, enhancing its unique sound profile.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest that the Juno's chorus effect can be emulated using a TC/Behringer pedal clone for modular setups.

    Source

User experience

  • The Juno 106's chorus features two 24dB/octave 10kHz filters, making its chorusing effect more subtle than hardware counterparts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland System100M

soundonsound.com

The Roland System 100M is a modular synth enthusiast's dream, praised for its versatility, build quality, and affordability compared to its peers. The ability to expand gradually with individual modules is a huge plus, making it accessible for both budding and seasoned musicians. Its beautiful filters and stable oscillators deliver rich and musical sounds that stand the test of time. However, the modules' age can lead to minor issues like touchy controls and self-destructing cables. Still, the modular nature allows for easy fixes without impacting the whole system. Overall, a gem for those seeking a customizable and reliable retro synth experience.

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5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Roland System 100M

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Mike & Rich

...
Verified via Photo

"I bought a Roland 100M monosynth when I was 13 – it's like a [SH-]101 – but I got really pissed off with it."

See how Hans Zimmer uses Roland System 100M

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via Vintagesynth

Hans Zimmer's massive System 100m, as described by Kevin Lightner. "It features 58 VCOs, 37 VCFs, 32 ENVs, 12 VC Phase shifters, 9 Sequencers, 1 Remote controlled 4-space rack-mount power supply (25' away.), and 24 Trunk lines go to his large Moog synth across the room. The unit can link the "Keyboard" inputs for all the modules, and with this feature, all VCO's can track one input with only one patch cord. The unit was built into 6 flight cases on casters with removable front and rear covers, then later encased in wood and built into his studio."

See how BT uses Roland System 100M

BT

Music Producer

BT and Tommy Stinson

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, BT talks about taking home a Lexicon Model 200 Digital Reverberator unit. He talks about having used the reverb unit quite a bit on his project All Hail the Silence. He says, "2 things I've wanted my whole life. The reverb from Blade Runner (used a to on The Silence) and a System-100m. Vintage condition, coming home with me. #soexciteditscrazy" (posted May 2014)

See how Vince Clarke uses Roland System 100M

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Photo

The Roland - System 100M is listed as one of the many Synths used by vince according to Keyboard Magazine.

See how cEvin Key uses Roland System 100M

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Side-line

"Basically everything we’ve used we practically still have here. So it’s a list too long to go into. There is a wall alone that is the orginal setup of Skinny Puppy, based around a pair of Roland TR-808’s, Roland TR-909 with trigs going to many differnat devices including Sequential Circuits Pro One, Roland System 100m, ElectroComp Eml 101, Korg SQ-10, Korg MS-20, Korg MS-10, ARP 2500 and ARP 2600."

See how Roland Orzabal uses Roland System 100M

Roland Orzabal

Singer, Guitarist

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Muzines

"The Jupiter 8 gives me the automatic delayed vibrato that I prefer to the modulation wheel type, for instance on the Prophet. The Poly Six's chorus, on ensemble setting, beefs up the effects and gives a nice fat sound, particularly on chords. The System 100M is useful for discovering unique sounds."

See how Ulrich Schnauss uses Roland System 100M

Ulrich Schnauss

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via YouTube

A Roland - System 100M can be seen above Ulrich's Tannoy monitors at 1:26 in this video with Future Music Magazine.

See how Front 242 uses Roland System 100M

Front 242

Music Producer

...
Verified via Herrebout

Per "Rock This Town" publication, Special Issue 1991:

In 1991, the setup was as follows: [Rock This Town special issue 1991]

Sound studio: Analog Synths: Roland System 100/100M/101 (+Roland Midi interface MPU-101);YAMAHA CS-40M (in the Take One video); Oberheim Matrix 1000; Digital Synths: Yamaha DX-7 (2); Ensonic VFX; Roland DDR30; Yamaha tg77; Korg Wavestation; Sequencer: Atari 1040 (Sequ. Cubase 2.0); Samplers: AkaiS9000 (2); AkaiS1000 (8Mg + Hard Drive Mfile 44); AkaiS1000PB (4Mg); Emulator II; akai 1100, e-mu Procussion, roland s-10 for live use @ the mixing desk; Effects: Lexicon 480L; Yamaha SPX90 II (2); Roland SRV-2000; Roland SDE-3000; Alesis Midiverb II; Alesis Quadraverb; ART DRX; spx 1000 (x2); Eventide h3000 se; Mixing: Table TAC Scorpion 32/16; Recorder TASCAM MS16 tracks; Recorder DAT Luxman; Speakers Yamaha NS 10M pro ATC SCM50; QUAD ampli (for NS-10M); Diverse: compressor/limiter, noise gate, parametric eq. Live: Backline: Akai S9000; Roland DDR30; Simons & Roland Pads; Emulator II; TASCAM238 8

Graphic Studio: Commodore Amiga 2500 (6Mg + Hard Drive 40Mg); Commodore Amiga 500; Digitizer SNAPSHOT; Camera Sony CCD V-200E; Laserprint NEC Silentwriter LC890; Monitor NEC Multisync 2A.

See how Gui Boratto uses Roland System 100M

Gui Boratto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, there is system 100 in his studio.

See how Celldweller uses Roland System 100M

Celldweller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"Roland System 100M vs. System 500. It's party time //_)"

Klayton shows us his jam session setup with the Roland System 100 M and the System 500.

See how Mathew Jonson uses Roland System 100M

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via Photo

In his My Studio feature for Attack Magazine, Mathew Jonson writes:

"The Roland System 100m was featured on ‘Symphony For The Apocalypse: New Age Revolution’, ‘The Girl From LBC’ and ‘Learning To Fly’. It’s probably the best bass in the studio."

See how Chris Carter uses Roland System 100M

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Boing Boing

(Centre - top down): Self-built digital delay, Accesit Noise Gate & Compressor, Roland System 100M (M-191J): incl. Gristleizer, BBD Module, VCO, VCF, ADSR etc., Roland System 100M (M-191J) rack containing self-built modules: incl. VCO, VCF, ADSR etc.. Boss KM-4 mixer, Self-built effects unit (Gristelizer), Boss CE-2 Chorus, Boss BF-2 Flanger, Roland 100M M-181 Keyboard.

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 System 100M, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
7
Roland TB-303
Roland TB-303 Synthesizers
6
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
5
Roland Jupiter-4
Roland Jupiter-4 Synthesizers
5
Roland System 700
Roland System 700 Modular Synthesizers
5
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
4
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
4

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