A Closer Look at the Roland System 700 from 1976!

The Roland System 700 was a cutting edge and overly engineered masterpiece from 1976 that is both rare and curious.
As so few of these Systems were made, there's only a couple of dozen videos on KZbin showing them and several of those are just quick phone recordings.
So for posterity, I've made two videos featuring a System that I borrowed for a month in early 2020.
Here's the previous performance video: • Roland System 700 | Axiom
Here's the breakdown of this "Closer Look" video:
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Sound 1 "Mud Flap Bass" Demonstration
1:36 - Sound 1 Explanation
3:04 - Sound 2 "Halley's Drumet" Demonstration
3:53 - Sound 2 Explanation
5:22 - Sound 3 "Rubbery Sequence" Demonstration
6:21 - Sound 3 Explanation
7:09 - Sound 4 "Threedemed" Demonstration
8:07 - Sound 4 Explanation
9:17 - Sound 5 "Womp-Womp" Demonstration
9:43 - Sound 5 Explanation
10:10 - Sound 6 "Follow My Lead" Demonstration
10:47 - Sound 6 Explanation
11:20 - Outro
All recordings are of the System 700 only and there are no external FX or tricks used at all. There's a bit of compression on the output of my DAW to level the audio for this video but it's otherwise the totally pure sound of the 700.
Huge thanks to the owner of this System and thank you for watching!
Social:
/ alexballmusic
/ alexballmusic

[@AlexBallMusic]

Here's the previous performance video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epamcnyLoLZ-aKM Here's the breakdown of this "Closer Look" video: 0:00 - Intro 0:51 - Sound 1 "Mud Flap Bass" Demonstration 1:36 - Sound 1 Explanation 3:04 - Sound 2 "Halley's Drumet" Demonstration 3:53 - Sound 2 Explanation 5:22 - Sound 3 "Rubbery Sequence" Demonstration 6:21 - Sound 3 Explanation 7:09 - Sound 4 "Threedemed" Demonstration 8:07 - Sound 4 Explanation 9:17 - Sound 5 "Womp-Womp" Demonstration 9:43 - Sound 5 Explanation 10:10 - Sound 6 "Follow My Lead" Demonstration 10:47 - Sound 6 Explanation 11:20 - Outro

[@FFrrEEddRRiiKK1]

I have no idea what you’re talking about, but it’s still absolutely wonderful. 🎹🎵

[@AlexBallMusic]

Something about modulation.

[@aydenwalters7463]

That was some of the thickest, phattest sound i've ever heard.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Sounds as big as it looks!

[@lxworld]

@@AlexBallMusic Did the house shake with that bass? You'd have to live in a field away from other people or get as ASBO!

[@theshyguy1580]

There's something about synths in black tolex that look so cool.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Black metal modules in a black tolex case is even cooler!

[@vincentprimault4380]

No synth can be more sexy than 3p of moog system 10, the ultimate vintage synth porn.

[@tommycato6368]

This is an excellent way to forget that you have to eat and you'll find yourself almost passing out having fun for too many hours. Amazing synth!

[@AlexBallMusic]

You can store a pizza in the slot in the bottom of the main console.

[@japrar]

Thanks to the kind soul that lent this out so we could all enjoy such a great video on it!

[@PeranMe]

Big big thanks to you Alex, for making this video, and also to the owner, for sharing this fantastic piece of gear with the rest of the world. Much appreciated!

[@leonmccormick2909]

Awesome!! Just bumped into this channel and I'm so glad that your friend let us get the pleasure of enjoying those wonderful grooves.

[@richardalldredge9129]

Yes!!!! More System 700 videos!!! Thanks for going into depth with it!! The second you start playing it I was in love again!!

[@DaveG207]

Outstanding as ever. I love the layer effect of sounds!

[@lewhughes3079]

I've seen photos but never seen the machine like this, it's huge!! Awesome video! :]

[@kirabarsmith9353]

Upload of the day, what a treat to see and hear. Wasn't expecting it to work so well with guitar, too cool.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, was surprised to hear how well it tracked given how other manufacturers struggled with that in the 70s.

[@wrmusic8736]

it's the reason to own at least one vintage mono (or vintage-inspired mono) that has an external audio input - just to run external instruments and vocals through synth's filters and envelopes - which tends to saturate and shape those sounds in very interesting ways.

[@dessiplaer]

Thanks for sharing this video. This synth sounds fantastic and appears to be quite versatile. I have never heard the sound of one of these before, so again thanks.

[@nicmcv6925]

Thank you for making the video and cataloguing this brilliant system. A real treat.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@ferrellms]

Your videos are informative and you are obviously a real expert and musician!

[@1VperOctave]

Wonderful sounds, and the guitar pitch tracking was impressive. Thank you for sharing this, and thanks to the owner also fro giving you the opportunity to do so.

[@garryvee]

Alex, thanks for another great educational video. I love the history of these instruments and your technical, historical presentations are very informative. I appreciated the discussion on how they achieved duophony before digital scanning keyboards and the resulting artifact of the technique.

[@micooms]

Again you exhibit mastery of the subject matter, your musicality and ability to communicate it all. Great video! Huge anticipation for your ARP video 😃!!!

[@Chevytravelleruk]

Fantastic stuff Alex.. this is one of the greatest sounding synths ever made and needed a video homage.. thank you

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, sounds absolutely amazing.

[@kemek3000]

Blown away, Alex. Amazing sounding instrument and amazing patching and playing. Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Absolutely fantastic video! Great looking synth and awesome sound...

[@st0rmchild]

Holy hell. What a dream machine. The duo patch at 7:09 is just heartachingly beautiful. I could turn off the lights and just play with that sound for hours.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Duophony with a bonus third note and individual signal paths for each oscillator too! Hours of bliss.

[@captainpetee]

Yes I agree could listen to this bit over n over all day. Does any one know any song that uses this sound as I'm addicted to these rich chords. Cheers Pete

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Great stuff as always Alex!

[@singlesideman]

Absolutely brilliant! Lucky you, lucky us! An extraordinary machine. I can't believe how well it tracks your guitar - just amazing.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yes, very lucky indeed! Yeah, tracks surprisingly well and th envelope following and gate generation also works perfectly.

[@JulianDoe]

Really cool synth. Really like the editing you've made in this video. Everything is clear and well explained!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks, glad it played out logically.

[@JulianDoe]

@@AlexBallMusic well, it's not the easiest machine in the world, but you've managed to edit everything with close-ups and voiceover that make it simple to understand. Thanks a lot, this is really informative and inspiring

[@Sven.Bornemark]

The core sound of that Mud Flap Bass sound is so totally focused and full of energy. Even with only one oscillator, it's rock solid! This is one of the best KZbin videos I've ever seen! Thank you, Alex! :-)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, the Roland Systems have a very full and defined sound to work from. Very little work has to be done to make them sound great.

[@rafaqf6659]

Thank you so much! Amazing video, and amazing sounds you created! what a SYNTH!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for watching. Yes, the 700 is a wonderful thing.

[@SyntheticFuture]

Before video: I have a decent grasp of synthesis After video: I KNOW NOTHING! Dude those sounds where so good :o

[@carriersignal]

Excellent video from a beautiful machine. Very well mixed also, love the outro track too.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. If you're interested the outro track can be heard in full on my channel, that was done with the 700. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5jXpoKsnb16f5Y

[@frazerrhughess]

Sound 4 was some beautiful playing with one of the coolest instruments ever conceived well done bravo!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@Kevinfordsynthesizers]

A fascinating instrument compellingly demonstrated and presented, 700 thanks for this.

[@wazhoola14]

You only have just over 54000 subscribers! Seriously that is criminally low! Outrageous in fact.

[@xmlthegreat]

Thank you so much for this video. An excellent dive into the functioning of this absolute beast...

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@station2station544]

Synths sound less rubbery these days - even proper remakes - just something about old discrete filters.. Thanks again Mr Ball.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, this thing has a sound all of its own.

[@sunchylde]

Eurorack ;) has these sounds ... But less nostalgic ofc. Nice video btw

[@lucasc5622]

@@sunchylde yeah too bad modules cost 500 quid each

[@sunchylde]

@@lucasc5622 look up on doepfer ... or even Behringer offers a lot for a lot less ... For 500 (dollars, euros, pounds or what?) you can already build up sth nice ... Okay, plus case.

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

Every time I watch one of your videos I'm reminded of why I fell in love with synthesizers in the first place. I love the musicality of your synth playing. Cheers!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Jim. Hard not to fall in love with an instrument like this!

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

@@AlexBallMusic it's going to be hard to give it back eh?

[@AlexBallMusic]

I've handcuffed myself to it. Problem solved.

[@peter-utrblk]

The end track is soo stunning and your video is very intresting too.

[@PnPModular]

What an epic video thanks so much for putting this up and making it

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Mr Dizzle

[@ErichWK]

You are an absolute madman. I love it.

[@DestroyER82]

Ok wow, this really is gorgeous souding system... Thanks for awesome demonstration.

[@AlexBallMusic]

For sure, very special instrument.

[@finimo]

Top quality as always Mr Ball 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@dazza42UK]

Great video as always. (You're actually beginning to look more 70s yourself with each upload. Fair play to you.)

[@jittisoolt5927]

Great demo! Thank you kindly.

[@KozmykJ]

I like the explanations per patch. Gives greater insight into the workings.

[@AlexBallMusic]

That was my hope and so it's great to hear that came across. Thanks for watching.

[@rolandexclusive6306]

great review!!

[@nutsnproud6932]

Thank you for the video and explaining how you did it.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrAliensix]

An absolute beast of a thing! Thanks for sharing :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Geoff, yes it is indeed!

[@tinfoilcat]

These videos and your music are a huge quality contribution. Thank you! And your supporters are awesome, lending you stuff. Would love to see what you would do with my Paia 2720, but I should probably calibrate it before even thinking about it. :-)

[@simontrem080]

I love your channel. You have all the talents! Is there something you can't do? Thanks to share all that knowledge with us!

[@uhoh007]

Incredible, thanks to both you and the owner :)

[@McN4styFilth]

I wish I could get a synth like this on loan. Sick video as always.

[@TransistorSounds]

Useful tips, thank you!

[@Peedarb]

this is honestly really cool

[@glories4706]

I love your channel Alex, you really don't skimp on the details, right down to the 70s clothes.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I filmed this in 1976, just waited until now to upload it. ;)

[@haxxx0rz]

Simply amazing! Thank you!

[@electronash]

Fantastic vid. Very interesting mod synth.

[@DavidLee07]

That drum machine with bass/snare/hi-hat is pretty impressive for an analog synth! Alex, that's a pretty inventive setup you had there. 👍

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, the Roland modulars are perfect for drums. Lots of fun.

[@DavidLee07]

@@AlexBallMusic Not just the modular system is impressive--so is your ingenuity in putting it to use.

[@dr.feelicks2051]

You hope correctly. Lucky you, lucky us. A true gem. It looks intuitive and sounds rewarding.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it's really intuitive. It's basically the usual architecture and parlance you get with Roland synths but it just goes miles further with modules and signal routing. Like loads of Roland synths and drum machines all in the same box.

[@dr.feelicks2051]

Ahh.. Me when I move again🎛🎹🛅😖

[@AsteroidKiller]

Great sounds! Wonderful synth 😍❤️👌

[@AlexBallMusic]

Oh yes indeedy!

[@superdigital]

Fantastic video... Thank YOU Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@sauce_aux]

The fundamentals on those waves are gorgeousssss

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers Alex, most interesting, what a thing! :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, what a thing indeed!

[@christopher_ecclestone]

Good stuff! Thank you

[@infindebula]

Good lord Alex, you make that 700 sing! I’m not sure I’d want to see it demoed by anybody else on KZbin. My only wish is for more.

[@AlexBallMusic]

It sings all by itself. I just plug it in.

[@MiSIGer]

Wow, Sound 6 sound like early Yes or Wakeman: Journey to the centre of the earth. Love it!

[@anonymex22]

Those analog synth are certainly unbeatable in terms of flexibility and possibilities with an overall really good sounding! Unfortunetly the avaibility the useability, the space needed, and also the price made them just unreachable for 99% of musicians!

[@billyhollister8768]

2:13-2:20 Sounds like a vocoder. Quite an impressive machine, and setup.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Band pass filtering with modulation gets that formant stuff going on that creates vocal-like tones.

[@vincentprimault4380]

The gorgeous Mud flap bass demo made me buy a Next Phase module...

[@gwgw77]

You borrowed it but the truth is : You deserve to own one ... wish you the best ... Excellent job !

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks! I'll tell the owner that I'm keeping it in that case. ;)

[@gwgw77]

@@AlexBallMusic Haha ! He has to share my opinion though ! great job ! Congratulations once more !

[@michaeltinnin]

MY GOD, The modules are to die for in modern modular setups. Most of the functions i haven't seen recreated in such rudimentary fashion, or at all. the stereo mixer and phaser , i see why it is/was so expensive. that is some serious nice circuitry

[@AlexBallMusic]

Absolutely. No expense spared on this thing. It even has a third phaser in the output section! I did a quick experiment with my Avatar running the high output through a delay pedal at a fast speed and the low output through a phaser pedal with a slow sweep. Panned those left and right and got something in the ballpark of what the 700 does. Gave me some ideas to explore with more limited means.

[@kbollo123]

Very good!!!

[@kerzwhile]

Incredible!!

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

So good!

[@samsarafreesamsarafree5988]

Good to know that someone still keeps it. After all, it is crafted in Japan. Can't image that pommy made junk lasts thins long.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Which "pommy made junk" from the 70s were you thinking of? The only British modular synth I can think of from this era that's comparable is the EMS Synthi 100.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

I got to try one. Awesome synth.

[@ReasonedWhistle]

Sound 4 is Amazing! Love it :)

[@sounddoctorin]

love 3 in particular and 4 and the guitar stuff!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Yeah, running external audio through it is very interesting. I don't think I've seen many (if any) people do it with a 700.

[@vinniemestdagh2792]

amazing video . top

[@jlindborg1105]

Just splendid! Again, The Human League used that audio input together with envelope follower with a guitar to make that S&H sound in Love action

[@AlexBallMusic]

Exactly that, yes!

[@carlosserrano3985]

True, the Human League use a System 700 in the Dare album with a MC-8 sequencer and Linn LM-1, those were the 3 most important equipments for the production of the album.

[@LaOxidada]

you make operating this thing look so easy modular synthesis can yield great results (as demonstrated in this video) but I wouldn't even know where to start with this beast (still a great piece of gear)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Surprisingly easy to work with. It's like most other Roland synths but it just has many more modules and it's semi modular.

[@postRMO]

fucking hell that rubbery sequence absolutely bangs

[@BlackCat-on6jn]

Wow this is crazy!

[@Peter_S_]

Between Alex Ball and RetroSound, all my time travel needs are lavishly accomodated.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I assume you ride by DeLorean?

[@Peter_S_]

@@AlexBallMusic Only when the Tardis is in the shop.

[@vincentprimault4380]

Gorgeous

[@GaitaPonto]

fabulous.

[@Digiphex]

Sounds great.

[@AdrianDunevein]

That Rubbery Sequence is awesome sounded like a new old Depeche Mode release!

[@flame2106]

fuck its do beautifully designed, honestly way ahead of its time

[@waynetardiff9328]

Straight up science and still funky!!! Admirable!! ...and wow :@!!!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

The Science of funk :)

[@bobheatliesongs]

Hah! I watched this with a big smile on my face! Wonderful!

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's not bad isn't it. 🙂

[@bobheatliesongs]

Alex Ball oh yeah! 👍👍👍👍

[@niknayme3754]

Never seen this synth demo'd before, what a monster machine! For some reason the last patch reminded of Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over....

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, not a million miles from that clean sound with reverb, delay and chorus but this has more going on with envelope following and modulation routed into modulation.

[@niknayme3754]

@@AlexBallMusic True, I think it was something in the notes you played. Great video mate.

[@muddymike10]

Very interesting, thank you...

[@iantanner7579]

superb patches, - and yes, thanks to the owner...

[@kohlemainen]

Hats off to you. Beautiful synthesizer, yes. But you know how to handle it :) TY

[@KNHSynths]

The true Roland sound, not the DSP they are programming now... Real machine, real sound. And talented Alex to make this beast shinning !

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks, yes a wonderful machine! Although, I don't think the DSP is necessarily poor. I was playing a System-1 the other day and it was very responsive and had the Roland sound.

[@zoundsic]

@@AlexBallMusic What plug out where you using ? The sys 1 itself sounds too clean, although it's brilliant for doing alien creature sounds.

[@KNHSynths]

@@AlexBallMusic You're right, I've got a System 1m and this is a very interesting machine. The problem is that all the new synths from Roland are just the same PCB with the same DSP and just another software inside... All the "boutique" series is done this way for example. And its hard to admit that you're buying the same computer multiple time just to run another software... More, Roland is losing its know-how in analog synths and it's a shame. All kind of synths are cool, diversity is not a problem itself, the problem is specific to Roland with all those DSP machines, the Roland cloud, etc. Really far from the Jupiter, the System 100m, the System 100, or 700, the Juno, the SH 101 and all those wonderful analog machines that are always wanted as if they were made by Bob Moog... I'm an IT engineer, I've got a computer that can run multiple softwares, like you, I can't accept the idea of buying the same computer multiple times each time in need to run a different program. Certainly a professional deformation ! So like some others I'm hating the way Roland is taking since a few years. This makes me sad because it was a very great brand. Else I really appreciate your work, very well done, nice 70's feeling, good sound design. Really, I'm impressed. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, you've got a very good point. I respect Roland's decision not to do the same things over and over and try to keep innovating, but they're a bit hamstrung by consumers demanding remakes of what they did in the 70s and 80s. So they create new ways to do things, but then package them into mini versions of old instruments. I'm not in marketing and don't have the information they have, but I wonder why they don't do one or the other - proper reissues or totally new and different instruments. The System 500 and SE-2 are two I really like, but they're done in collaboration with Malekko, which does beg the question about what resources Roland have for creating analogue in their own right. Thinking about it, they left analogue behind in about 1982 because everything after that used DCOs and/or digital envelopes / LFOs before they went totally digital. So the SE-2 and 500 were the first Roland products that were totally analogue for several decades. That said, I'm very interested to try the Jupiter-X when it emerges.

[@KNHSynths]

@@AlexBallMusic I don't thing people are asking Roland to make over and over the same synths, apart perhaps some legendary synths (jupiter 8, sh101... the boutique series in fact). On my own I'm waiting totally new analog synths having the Roland touch. As you said it, even the 500 is a collaboration, they lost their know-how. DCO are not a problem, a Prophet Rev2 is using DCO but it is an analog synth having an analog signal path, we must live with our time and some digital parts can be part of the game (to control the front panel mostly and patch memories, midi, USB...). If you look at behringer machines, even the K2 (the MS20 repro) has a digital part to manage Midi and USB. But the rest is a true and full analog synth. Their Neutron is also fully analog but the LFO is digital... I think Roland can build machine of this kind. 90% analog, 10% digital. The Jupiter-X will certainly be an interesting computer with a good software inside, no more. And all these synths are sounding the same, they don't have an analog sound signature but a digital one. It's a shame because I'm still loving old analog gears from Roland and now I'm more interested in the System 100m reissue by behringer than by the latest computer from Rroland... Perhaps another professional deformation, as an IT Engineer, I don't want to feel at work when I' playing on my synths :-) But I will be very interested in Jupiter-X demo on your channel !

[@CherryHead89]

Serious goosebumps.

[@proudsnowtiger]

What a curfiously sweet tone it has...

[@chrishopkins209]

Damn I’d love a samplepack of those sounds!

[@ClemensWennersMusic]

THAT SOUND. Wow.

[@leesmith3346]

Really like the Rubbery Sequence tones - reminds me of "When the appleblossoms bloom in the windmills of your mind etc" by ELP.

[@muppetpaster]

We (sadly) HAD one.......complete.Still crying in my heart......Also had Korg MS 50,MS 20,MS 10 , sequencer SQ 10 and vocoder VC 10. Also gone..........

[@AlexBallMusic]

Oh no! Did you sell them all?

[@Normhart]

I had the main console unit and keyboard and csq 100 digital Roland sequencer back in 1976. I foolishly sold it after a few years😖of ownership.