street priceThe Roland MSQ-100 is a dedicated MIDI sequencer designed as a budget-friendly, scaled-down version of the MSQ-700. This compact unit serves as an ideal solution for computer-shy musicians seeking a standalone sequencing solution without the complexity of software packages.
The MSQ-100 features a sturdy dark grey metal casing with an economically laid-out front panel incorporating multiple shift and multifunction switches. The interface is organized into distinct sections: Mode, Tempo, Display, and Record function switches. The Mode selector offers three primary options: Play Only (memory protect), Load/Play, and Data Transfer for saving sequences to cassette tape or transferring to another MSQ-100 via MIDI.
The sequencer supports both polyphonic step-time and real-time recording with comprehensive overdubbing and editing facilities. In real-time mode, the unit automatically counts measures in either 3/4 or 4/4 time signature, with a two-bar lead-in initiated by the Load button. Recording continues regardless of actual playing, allowing for intentional blank beats or measures within arrangements. The unit offers excellent timing resolution, accurately capturing any fraction of a bar.
Step-time recording follows a standard methodology using selectable base timing values including quavers, triplet quavers, semiquavers, 1/16th quintuplets (five steps per crotchet), 1/16th sextuplets (six steps per crotchet), and 1/32 notes. A notable feature is the ability to change the base value freely during input. Since measure ends are inserted manually in step-time mode, the MSQ-100 can accommodate time signature changes at any point during recording.
The memory capacity varies depending on the type of MIDI data being recorded. Without velocity information, the unit can store approximately 6,100 single notes. When velocity data is included, this capacity reduces to approximately 4,900 single notes. Eight rear-panel Function switches determine what MIDI information to record, including key velocity, bender/control change data, and aftertouch. These parameters naturally affect the overall note storage capacity.
Data remains in memory as long as the AC adaptor remains connected but is completely erased approximately one day after disconnection. Sequences can be saved to cassette tape for permanent storage.
A particularly clever feature is the MIDI Channel Shift function, which allows the unit to receive information on one MIDI channel but record it as if received on a different channel. This proves especially useful for owners of polysynths that transmit only on MIDI Channel 1 paired with expander modules featuring assignable channels. Users can record their first part on Channel 1, adjust the MIDI Channel Shift value (for example, to +1 for Channel 2), and then record an overdub. When both modules operate in Omni Off, Poly mode, both sequences play simultaneously on separate MIDI channels.
The Overdub mode enables the addition of multiple parts by resetting to the required measure and pressing Load. Single-keyboard users can overdub multiple times up to their synthesizer's maximum voice capacity. The unit remembers program change data, though users must enter the bank and patch number for the initial sound during the lead-in to ensure correct voice selection.
For multi-synth setups, the MSQ-100 effectively functions as a multitrack tape machine, handling various channel numbers across different instruments. When two MIDI Outs prove insufficient, users can utilize MIDI Thru sockets on their modules or employ Roland's MIDI Thru Box. Once sequences are overdubbed, all data merges automatically, with editing confined to complete measures. Individual channel numbers can be selectively erased using the Channel Erase function.
An innovative application involves adding dynamics to MIDI drum machines that accept Key Velocity information by recording sequences on a touch-sensitive MIDI keyboard using appropriate note assignments (C for bass drum, D for snare, etc.).
The editing suite includes Copy, Erase, Insert, and Delete functions, all straightforward to operate. Since editing applies to particular measures, correct insertion of measure ends during step-time recording is crucial. The Back and Forward Measure buttons facilitate navigation to specific bars. Copy duplicates a measure to the end of existing data (not to arbitrary points in the sequence). Erase deletes the sequence from a chosen point to the data's end and can be used to start fresh. Insert adds additional music at any sequence point, while Delete removes bars as needed.
During editing, the display provides useful information including current measure number, available note storage remaining, current tempo, and MIDI channel shift settings.
When using the internal clock, a large rotary control adjusts tempo from Slow to Fast. The Tempo Check function displays the current metronome speed on the LCD, with a variable range from 33 to 254 beats per minute. The metronome itself can be set to sound on either crotchet or quaver beats.
Clock source options include Internal, MIDI, or Sync. MIDI mode allows the MSQ-100 to be started and stopped by a MIDI drum machine or sequencer, though this occupies the MIDI In socket and is primarily useful in playback mode. For recording with a MIDI drum machine accompaniment, connection to one of the MSQ's MIDI Outs is required, with the unit set to receive start/stop and clock data only. Sync mode is selected when synchronizing to drum machines operating at 24 pulses per quarter note (such as the TR-606 and TB-303). Korg DDM owners require a converter like the KMS30 to translate from Korg's 48 pulses per quarter note standard.
After recording, playback is initiated by pressing Reset followed by Play, or playback can commence from any chosen measure. The Repeat Play button enables endless looping of sequences. If a sequence proves too short, users can move to the last measure and press Load again to extend it.
Country of origin / production: Japan
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