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Description

The Roland System 700 is a vintage modular synthesizer that has captivated the music world since its introduction in the 1970s. This iconic instrument is revered for its rich analog sound and extensive patching capabilities, making it a prized possession for synthesizer enthusiasts and professional musicians alike. Its modular design allows users to customize their setup, offering endless possibilities for sound creation and manipulation.

The System 700 is divided into multiple sections, each with its own specialized functions. The oscillator modules deliver a wide range of frequencies, while the filter modules shape the sound with precision and depth. With its comprehensive selection of envelopes, LFOs, and amplifiers, this synthesizer provides a robust platform for creating complex audio textures. Thanks to its fully modular nature, musicians can integrate additional modules to expand and diversify their sonic palette.

Although the Roland System 700 is no longer in production, its legacy continues to influence modern synthesizer design and music production. Collectors and modular synthesis aficionados often seek out this timeless piece of musical history for its unique sound and unparalleled versatility.

Key Features:

  • Modular design with multiple sections for customized setups
  • Rich analog sound with precise filter modules
  • Comprehensive oscillator, envelope, LFO, and amplifier modules
  • Extensive patching capabilities for complex sound creation
  • Influential in the development of modern synthesizer technology
Synthfool

Synthfool

Roland System 700

Video thumbnail for Roland System 700 by Synthfool

Roland System 700

Synthfool

Synthfool

Video thumbnail for A Closer Look at the Roland System 700 from 1976! by Alex Ball

A Closer Look at the Roland System 700 from 1976!

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

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 700 | Axiom by Alex Ball

Roland System 700 | Axiom

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland System 700 by MrFirechild

Roland System 700

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Video thumbnail for The Analog Lab NYC - Roland System 700 by TheAnalogLab

The Analog Lab NYC - Roland System 700

TheAnalogLab

TheAnalogLab

Video thumbnail for Atmosphere - Electronic Suite - ELOY FRITSCH by Eloy Fritsch

Atmosphere - Electronic Suite - ELOY FRITSCH

Eloy Fritsch

Eloy Fritsch

Video thumbnail for Roland System 700 demonstration by Keizo Suzuki & Risa   @Studio D.C, Osaka, Japan by 香港電子音樂社 Hong Kong Electronic Music Society

Roland System 700 demonstration by Keizo Suzuki & Risa @Studio D.C, Osaka, Japan

香港電子音樂社 Hong Kong Electronic Music Society

香港電子音樂社 Hong Kong Electronic Music Society

Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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lauren_veronese

Modular Synthesizer

Eloy Fritsch used the System 700 to recorded the albuns Atmosphere - Electronic Suite, Mythology and Cyberspace.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Roland System 700

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via Photo

From an interview with David Burraston of Noyzelab.

Dave: "wow, great stuff, thats a whole bunch of top modular racketing! hey that reminds me, ow's the System 700?! i rem u showing it me when i came over before i came to oz, first time i'd ever seen one in the flesh."

Rich: "I mean as far as analogue synths go, all you really need is a system700, If I had to keep only one synth it would be that, absolutely the most beautifully designed synth of all time, it's the best for all the conventional type synth sounds, you can go weird on it but it really begs you to set it up and play it like a proper instrument. Its so inspiring to look at and use, system100m's are absolutely gorgeous but 700's sounds and look 4 times as good, and about tht many times heavier. Ive got 2 of the sequencers for it which are just ridiculous to look at, the size of them! and are actually pretty unique."

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Roland System 700

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativsound

In an interview featured on Kreativsound, Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers discusses their pursuit of a distinctive sound in electronic music, mentioning the use of the Roland System 700 as part of their studio setup.

See how Vince Clarke uses Roland System 700

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Photo

Keyboard Magazine shows a slide show of "all the enviable synths in Vince Clarke's Cabin Studio, followed by a complete gear list." One of the items in this list is the Roland System 700. Source.

See how Alan Wilder uses Roland System 700

Alan Wilder

Drummer, Keyboardist

Depeche Mode

...
Unverified
See how Richard Barbieri uses Roland System 700

Richard Barbieri

Keyboardist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

From the 'Life In Tokyo' promotional video, circa 1978. The Roland System 700 can be seen 2:45 into this video.

See how David Sylvian uses Roland System 700

David Sylvian

Singer, Guitarist

Japan

...
Verified via Soundonsound

gear mentioned in paragraph 17 and line 3

See how Isao Tomita uses Roland System 700

Isao Tomita

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Isaotomita

Isao Tomita use the Roland System-700 to record the album Daphnis et Chloe - The Ravel Album

See how Daniel Miller uses Roland System 700

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Roland System 700 is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.

See how Martyn Ware uses Roland System 700

Martyn Ware

Keyboardist

The Human League

...
Verified via kitmonsters.com

Martyn Ware is noted for using the Roland System 700, as highlighted in a tribute on KitMonsters to Roland's founder.

See how Bon Harris uses Roland System 700

Bon Harris

Composer

Nitzer Ebb

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by Voltage Control Lab, Bon Harris of Nitzer Ebb discusses using the Roland System 700 during their early collaboration with producer Flood.

See how Alan Moulder uses Roland System 700

Alan Moulder

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Tapeworm

...
Verified via The Polymath Perspective

"Opposite the left-hand mirrored wall are the two isolation booths, one of which contains Flood and Alan’s collection of vintage analogue synthesizers, including the Roland System 700 modular, EMS VCS3 and Moog Minimoog. There are also a couple of guitar racks, one holding a Fender bass, identical to the one owned by U2’s Adam Clayton."

See how Ronan Harris uses Roland System 700

Ronan Harris

Singer, Keyboardist

VNV Nation

...
Verified

Ronan Harris utilizes the Roland System 700, as evidenced by the studio equipment list featured on the official VNV Nation website under the "STUDIO EQUIPMENT - News" section.

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 700, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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