street priceThe Roland MSQ-700 represents Roland's first substantial venture into multitrack MIDI sequencing, released in the mid-1980s as a successor to the CV/gate-based MC4 MicroComposer. Styled similarly to the contemporaneous TR-909 drum machine, this solidly-built sequencer distinguished itself through its emphasis on immediacy and ease of use rather than comprehensive feature sets.
The MSQ-700's physical interface is notably tactile and user-friendly, featuring chunky, responsive keys and an impressive array of 33 large LEDs in red, green, and yellow that provide clear visual feedback during operation. The front panel eschews complex menu diving in favor of dedicated controls, including large toggle switches for mode selection and a simple four-digit LED display showing bars and tempo information.
The device operates as an 8-track sequencer where each of the eight large track keys serves as both a recording destination and sequence selector. Despite being nominally 8-track, each track can store data across all 16 MIDI channels, making it surprisingly versatile for its time. The total note storage capacity across all tracks is 6,500 notes.
Recording methodology is straightforward and tape-machine-like in operation. Users select a track, press Load, and play their MIDI keyboard to record. Additional parts are added by pressing Overdub, selecting another track, and recording new material. The MSQ700 captures comprehensive MIDI data including note information, program changes, modulation wheel, pitchbend, aftertouch, sustain pedal, and other footswitch data. These different types of MIDI information can be recorded to separate tracks and merged later if desired.
The sequencer offers two distinct input methodologies, selected via a large toggle switch:
Step-time entry allows notes to be entered at precise rhythmic intervals determined by a dedicated Resolution switch, offering values from half notes down to thirty-second notes, including triplet subdivisions. Two dedicated keys facilitate the entry of rests and tied notes at the selected resolution. This mode proves ideal for creating metronomic sequences, solid bass lines, and performances requiring precision beyond the user's real-time playing ability.
Real-time entry faithfully captures performed material as played, with an internal beeper metronome (activated by toggle switch) available for timing reference. A footswitch input assists with punch-in/punch-out recording operations.
One of the MSQ-700's standout features is its exceptional synchronization flexibility. The unit handles Roland DIN SYNC 24 code, MIDI clock (without Song Position Pointer), and FSK tape sync code. Crucially, it can convert between these sync formats, enabling users to synchronize DIN SYNC-equipped Roland gear like the TR-808, TR-909, or TB-303 to MIDI clock or tape sync—capabilities that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve. The device also supports Roland's DCB (Digital Communication Bus) protocol, allowing it to function as a MIDI-to-DCB converter for instruments like the Juno-60 and suitably-equipped Jupiter-8.
The MSQ-700's editing capabilities reflect its simplicity-first philosophy. The Time Correct function (quantization) operates non-destructively by quantizing source material onto a different track, preserving the original performance. Quantization resolutions range from half notes to thirty-second notes, though the feature lacks groove templates, shuffle, or micro-timing adjustments.
A Merge function allows multiple tracks to be combined onto a single track, freeing up space for additional overdubs, though this operation cannot be undone. The Erase function only operates on entire tracks — individual note editing or partial sequence trimming is not possible. Notable omissions include Copy, Transpose, and Undo functions.
The Chain mode provides a performance-oriented approach to song arrangement. Users can program the playback order of up to eight sequences by pressing track keys in the desired sequence, with each key press advancing to the next step. While sequences cannot be repeated within a chain step (requiring manual re-entry for repeated sections), this mode offers an intuitive alternative to linear tape-style sequencing. Sequences can be any length and extended at will, allowing structured compositions with careful planning.
The MSQ700 uses cassette tape for data backup, with files assignable reference numbers for easier recall. The restore functions offer intelligence beyond simple memory dumps — users can replace entire memory contents or selectively restore data to spare tracks while preserving existing material. Significantly, sequences and chains persist in memory when powered down, making tape backup primarily a safety measure rather than a constant necessity.
Playback is initiated via a large blue Play key, with footswitch control also available. A Repeat switch enables endless looping of sequences. The processor's efficiency ensures solid MIDI timing and performance feel. However, some operational limitations exist: tracks cannot be dropped in or out during playback without stopping the sequencer, and sequences cannot be changed on-the-fly for live remixing. Additionally, when overdubbing with Repeat enabled, the behavior differs between recording and playback—shorter tracks will not loop to match longer overdubbed tracks during playback.
Originally priced quite expensive at launch, the MSQ-700 addressed the needs of users seeking accessible multitrack MIDI sequencing without the complexity of more sophisticated systems. A nowadays second-hand value of around USD400 is positioning it as an image accessory for vintage gear.
The device's appeal lies in its focused simplicity and reliability — it never crashes, requires no boot-up procedures, and enables immediate creative work. For users recording to tape, it offers an ideal method for basic sequencing or adding 16 virtual MIDI tracks. As an adjunct to more comprehensive sequencing setups, it serves as an effective sketchpad for quick idea capture.
Country of origin / production: Japan
Recommend product to a friend| Case/ body | |
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| Metal&plastic | |
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