We’re back at it again with some more Funky Vintage just for you. This time, we’re featuring the Roland System 100M modular synthesizer, released initially in 1979 as a small-studio system in contrast to the System 700, which was far larger.
The System 100M had up to 20 potential modules that could be fit into either three- or five-module racks, giving you the power to pick and choose what you want in your synth — and what you want it to sound like, akin to today’s Eurorack models. Though it was based on one single VCO oscillator that had both a VCF and VCA, you could add anything from ring modulators to dual envelopes, LFOs, effects, different sequencers, and even one of a variety of keyboards to your System 100M setup.
Used by the likes of Hans Zimmer and Depeche Mode, the 100M offers up some real vintage versatility that resembles the kind of customization we like to see in our synths today. To hear a truly funky drum-and-bass step sequence, take a look at the video, and then click below to shop the Roland System 100M modular synthesizer for yourself.
Roland