This is exactly the sort of tool I've been looking for. Except this one is from 1983 and the year is 2020. No manufacturer in the world seems able to produce a similar, straightforward, easy to operate device, 37 years later.
I have tried several sequencers, and not happy with any of them, especially the Arturia Beatstep Pro, having to set it up on a laptop, I will be on the look out now for a Roland MSQ 700
@@StevenSclafani Thanks for the hint. I had a look at this machine some time ago and found it to be rather complex, despite the childish colourful buttons. I'm not even sure you can swap tracks without deep diving into some weird menu. If there is really no other device available on this planet I would still consider it, and most likely sell it 2nd hand after a few months of endless frustration.
I have an MSQ-700. The closest contemporary sequencer in my studio is the Arturia Beatstep Pro. It's definitely more sophisticated and has more options but the basic operation has a similar intuitiveness and immediacy. I still prefer my MSQ-700. I use it to this day!
@@StevenSclafani Agree. I have the Squarp too and it is super powerful. It's pretty awesome that you can record live in patterns and chain them into songs. Squarp rules.
Another bit of historical equipment I didn't know existed. I was a part of a team that emulated the Alesis MMT-8 (which arguably had a great workflow). The MSQ-700 was such a tape-based paradigm, I love it.
Yeah, it's very tape'ish in operation and workflow. The MMT-8 I used for over two years as my only sequencer, both in studio and live, and I love it to this day.
I love the MSQ-700. It's mandatory for my set up. Thanks for making these wonderful videos on old school equipment. I was checking out the MC-707 groovebox and I realized this is a million times better and must easier to use. Take care, Sam.
Hi Espen, great as usual! Looks so refreshing making music without screens. Focus on the arrangement, the sound, the feeling. No distractions, mind purely on music.
well it was not like they lived in the stone age back in 83. I think they even did smarter things back then, they always used seperate components. In late 84/ early 85 those integrated chips that had everything in one came around and everything changed. They are not able to build a exact copy of the cs-80 or jupiter 8 for example as all those great chips that were used are not produced any longer. Well ofcourse this msq device has nothing more then a microcontroller in it. maybe the 6800 or 68000.
Great sequencer! Great track! I really liked your work. Wonderful combination of this warm soft pad (JX-8P) with beatiful D550 lead! Thank you for demo!
I had one of these about 15 years ago. It was a wonderful way of working with MIDI and a good way to build tracks with some happy accidents along the way. I think this would make an excellent resissue for the roland boutique series.
Its so fascinating watching you assemble a track. Comparable in fact, with watching Bob Ross creating a picture. And the end result of this... makes the hairs on my arm stand on end! Well played Espen! 👌
Cool to see how to use one property. I use mine to receive midi clock bpm from my DAW to sync my tb303 and use the msq to start and stop the 303 whilst following the correct tempo.
Woah, I heard the song you played and thought, "I've heard that in an Italian horror movie" and then you said it was from The Beyond! Guess I shouldn't have skipped ahead. Also bought one of these because of this video, so thanks.
I've not used THIS with tape sync as I don't use tape any more, at least not in a multi track situation. I just recently got the MSQ-700 as I said in the video, I could never afford it back in the day. I have used other old sequencers with tape sync though and it works well.
Ahh. Yes on La Cianega. What a music store that was. I remember going in there in 1997. Never seen so much vintage Arp gear all in one place. Happy Memories 😊
Hi Espen! Great video! This week I had a meeting with someone in Vigo-Spain who has more than 100 synths and 50 drum computers and even more. Also I came across this MSQ-700 which you are using. I hope now that this guy is willing to cooperate to show his gear. Too amazing what he has and he is only a drummer (and collector of synths etc.) Have a good one! Grtzzz, Roger
almost got one of these a while back for 50 bucks but I felt like I had too many digital sequencers at the time. I like these bare bones tape recorder style sequencers, try running it at double speed for double the resolution, the timing gets tighter :)
Could barely tell it was the Beyond song except for the obvious part(this is good, not bad). And I've seen the movie many times(allthough been years and years since last viewing). I hope the spiders doesn't eat up those nice synths :D Fantastic job fellow countryman!
Takk skal du ha! I do have spiders crawling around here as I live in the woods, but they're not in the same league as the ones Mr. Gianetto DeRossi deviced for the movie... ;-)
Nice video I love my msq 700 there aren't enough videos on it I would like to see some videos of using it during the chain function I don't see any of those at the moment but I would like to thanks for making the video
Also I don't get the 8 channels. I mean it doesn't turn midi channels on and off during playback, so why have a bunch of channel buttons? Like an 8 track tape recorder? There mist be a midi mixer you can mute solo fade those 8 channels? I don't know.
Cool little sequencer, for sure! It saving to tape could be really useful for today, and it *does* have a step mode! The simplicity and intuitiveness is great, too, compared to something like an MC-50
I agree about covers.... I either take it in an entirely different direction or keep it similar but breath new life into it by maybe using a similar but not same instrument on different parts
Awesome as always. Great thing the repeat mode. Thumbs up if you think the metronome sound should be part of the track. It's one of those very rare times I didn't find it annoying but rather fitting, with some effects maybe ;)
Yay, was looking forward to this! Wow, those buttons and knob look very satisfying, nothing cheap about this machine. (I'm just about as obsessed with the retro design - visually, that is - of the old gear as I am of the sound.) Also, I didn't know you had a TX802, do you have any videos on it that I've missed? Very nice track, as always...I need to go back and listen to the original Cheers, Espen!
Thanks Ethan! Yeah, there's no short supply of gear to showcase really. I've never donw anything especially on the TX802, but it's a workhorse in my productions and I always find the space for something "DX" in my songs. The MSQ-700 is so incredibly satisfying to work on because of the feedback from those switches, you really feel you're working a machine more than anything! Cheers :)
Hey Espen, cool, well I will look out for the TX802 in your videos. I'm a big fan of all things FM - from DX7s to the lowly OPL and OPN chips, whose sound I actually love. I'm really pleased with the software options for all these sounds these days - I use the PX7 and FM4 for Reason, the FMX1 library from UVI, FM8, the awesome FM-Drive for YM2612 sounds, etc - but the hardware does attract me! One thing I've seriously considered picking up is an FB-01 module, for that out-of-the-box 4-operator sound. Plus it's small and affordable, which are my requirements for hardware these days, haha. It would make a nice pal for my MT-32. Well, thanks as always for your illuminating videos Espen, they make for a lovely break from work...cup of tea and an Espen Kraft video = two thumbs up! :-)
Good Work, Kraft! ;) We used to use an MSQ at Unique in the 80's, on Liggett and Barbosa keyboard sessions. They were very exacting about how I entered the parts in, even though they would error-correct after the pass. I could never tell the difference, but maybe it was the note-offs?
Cool device, it is very easy and intuitive by the looks of it. Quite refreshing compared to modern DAW sequencers like Cubase. I suppose this was the first midi sequencer even before atari st programs?
Thanks! Almost all my commercially released tracks are recorded by hand straight in. Only for the most fast paced bass lines or arpeggios are quantized.
Thank you Espen. Another highly entertaining video. I also have an MSQ-700 and watched this with great enthusiasm, but of course you made each track in REAL TIME mode... personally I love STEP TIME although (and this could simply be my lack of understanding) I can never get the beast to send multi-channel midi lines. Is this a limitation of the MSQ or am I just being dumb? Perhaps you might add a new video update for those of us still living in the dark ;-)
Thanks for commenting and the support! :) The reason I almost always use real-time programming of sequencers is because I can play a lot faster than step-time programming takes to do. As I use sequencers as conduits to get my music across I have no special need for step-time sequencing, hence I don't include it in my tutorials. I often skip a lot of things off the gear I demo and that's again because I only show off what I actually need and use. ;-) The MSQ-700 is NOT a MIDI channelizer, it cannot do that, the MSQ-100 can. That is to change its internal outbound routing of MIDI channels, eg. changing them around as you see fit. A typical use was back in the day when the Yamaha DX7 that sent only on channel 1 couldn't be "channelized" over to MIDI channel 2. I'm not sure if that's what you mean though? If you're only after sequencing on different channels, it's what I do here, but I use a master keyboard here that let me set the correct MIDI channel for the sound sources I use, so I can audition them and record them at the same time. Then the MSQ-700 records that and play them back next. I've since this video sold the MSQ-700 as I no longer needed it. It was only valid for a brief period of time when doing this video and I kept it for it's ability to quickly go into repeat mode for pattern repeats. I've since relied more on Korg SQD-1 for thee things. I'm not a collector as such, I only keep stuff that I use in everyday productions. I don't horde stuff for the stuffs sake. ;-)
Hi my name is Ricco I make 80s pop and dance and ballads I really like your music very beautiful I grew up in the mid 90s so I know how to make 90s gangster rap because I grew up with it but I was a child in the 80s and I remember those beautiful songs that they dont make any more so iv started to recreate 80s pop with a little 90s hip hop sound I use a casio vz1 1987. And my roland 626 through my peavey mixer from 1995 with grated reverb but i only use tape so that it sounds like true 80s music i was wanting to suggest to try using tape your music would sound perfect with a tape source even like a 4 track cassette type 2 chrome. Byby.
Nice back story, thanks for sharing! I've used my fair share of tape recorders and big tape machines too. I used to run a commercial recording studio. I actually have a video coming later that will show some of that, but for my own recordings, recordings that will end up digital anyway, I don't want to go back to tape. Too much hassle, poor synchronization and just not worth it in regards to my workflow now. Hardware synths, drum machines and samplers are enough to get my sound across. Cheers :D
Looks? Sequencing on the MSQ-700 is another state of mind. The point of this today is not that it can touch newer sequencers in features, that's totally missing the point. It's the ride itsef. The fun and carefree living. It appeals to you or it doesn't.
Great work Espen! I have the same sequencer all though I never used it. I got used to using my General Music WK6 sequencer which is the most advanced and well thought sequencer on earth even for now days with 4 parts, 4 fill ins 3 starts and 3 endings. Only If I could use the sounds from my other synths and drums inside this General Music....That would be the best thing. Isnt there anything else that will allow layering like that or sequencers that have starts, parts ffill ins and endings? I just want to be able to use all my other boards and drum machines to create the music in one place with quantize. Tried tascam recorders too but there is no quantizing in them. Any ideas fellas? Thank you in advance
Start- fill- end stuff is a left-over from the home organ days. Not something a pro studio musician would want to use, but it can be fun once in a while.
If you check out my video of the Roland CR-1000 you will see I use the same set of features on that. A pretty automated preset drum machine with start - fill - end functionality. Perfect for doing shows on a cruise boat, but not so much in a production. ;-)
You simply have to send data gibberish out the TAPE Out and record that as audio. SAme to restore data, you have to pump it back the same way, just opposite. The MSQ-700 has battery backup so noting is lost when you shut it off, so you can gig two days in a row without having to restore data from tape, or in 2018, from a phone or something with a record program. But ultimately the MSQ is not about this. It's about just making something happening here and now.
Hi there @EspenKraft I bought one of these to plug in my ju-06a and whatever I input plays back completely chaotic. Is this due to it having an internal sequencer already? Or is there something I can do to resolve it?
Hey, that's a cool track! A fun track to jam out live for sure, but not something I have the time for at the moment. I'm much more synthpop. Cool suggestion though :)
I have a MSQ-700 which seems to do an awful job at Time Correcting. Notes are missing and cut off. I feel I have pretty good rhythm for a human and used to be a drummer. Did you ever experience this issue with the sequencer?
Hello Espen. Do you know if you can slave sequencers such as this one or an mc500 to a daw like Cubase? Can you send stop/start messages from your DAW to it? Looking to buy a vintage sequencer but would like to use it as an external device synced with my DAW. Any thoughts?
Sure you can. Almost every 80s MIDI sequencer can do that. I use them that way all he time, if I need to overdub something later. I feed them MIDI clock with stop/start from my DAW through the MID Interface hooked up to that. I show this in several videos, I jave to videos showing differnt MIDI/AUdio setups.
@@hoomanganjavi4314 IF you don't have any and want the most bang for the buck I'd go for the MC50 of these. The MSQ-700 isn't something you can use for serious sequencing if you have more than just the basic needs. No editing or anything.
I love the look of the early Roland sequencer products. Like the SBX 1000 they have this cool, clunky computer based, slightly industrial design. How limited is this sequencer in terms of memory? Total number of notes vs tracks and complexity? I guess you'd have to be spartan and carefully fill your songs with fatter single sounds and not layer too much like I tend to do in a modern DAW?
It's actually very rudimentary in function and input too much information on a couple of tracks and it gets sluggish in respons back. The total amount of memory is about 6500 notes. The time correction is also "glitchy" at times. The manual point this out as well so Roland didn't try to hide these limitations. What this excel at is speed of use, great tactile respons, no menus and a simple fun way to input ideas, basic patterns and such. It looks cool, very cool, and it's just a way of sequencing you don't get from menu driven sequencers. I love it for that!
Could you not layer anyway? Two or more synths on same channel, detuned perhaps? I often set out with just 8 instrument tracks on my DAW, plus drum tracks, to try to limit myself. Sometimes it works, often times it doesn't !
Lee Greveson Yeah, like Espen said: You can layer as much as you would with a linited Midi Thru chain (lag happens at device 4-5 end onwards) or via an active Midi splitter box. But in terms of using several tracks playing the same or sort of similar parts on different synths. Meaning with this device you have to think cleverly with your parts and how you build your songs. Which can be quite good for your creativity actually. :)
I know this comment maybe (really late) to the party but I 've got to ask. How easy is to use a S10 as a master keyboard? Does any of it's functions (i.e Arp) transmit over MIDI?
The S-10 isn't very usable as a master keyboard at all. You have no transpose and you only have 4 octaves. The arp is not transmitted over MIDI and you can't sync to it over MIDI either. It can only be synced through the audio in, as a drum machine. Look elsewhere for a master keyboard. ;-)
This must have been awesome for musicians when it came out, being able to put together your tracks at home or have all your synths playing with you on stage without any tape or anything. You make it look so easy! One question: you said you autocorrect by copying a quantized version to a new track, but what happens when you're using all 8 channels? I assume you can't time correct the final track?
What I don't show in this video is the MERGE function. Say you have recorded on 7 tracks (with already done time correction) you can then merge these down to the last final track and then free up 7 "new" ones. Just like in the days when you bounced 3 tracks down to one on your parta studio. So you can have lots of midi channels going on the tracks here as well, but the note memory and the somewhat sluggish respens on the 700 itself will prohibit any real fun if you clog it too much :) Thanks Alex!
@@EspenKraft Ah right, that's interesting! Yep, just about caught the last few years when tape was standard and remember bouncing to free up tracks! Think there's actually no limit other than computer power now. 1,000 tracks if you so wanted! Less is more of course.
You can punch in as you like. Overdubs done with DCB will work as usual with both old and new data into the track. With MIDI only the new data is recorded (loaded) so you'll have to merge the old and new data later. Very cumbersome and not something I do when using this sequencer. I use it for quick sequences meant for looping/repeats etc.
Of course, the sequencer itself records and play back only MIDI data, so to get any kind of sound each MIDI channel needs to be hooked up to a separate synth. Otherwise it would be... silence ;-)
I have an education in electronics so I maintain it all myself yes. When I really need to that is... that broken key on my 8P has been broken forever he-he.
Yes, to be able to reach my racks of synths and modules I have everything patched into MIDI patchbays so I go OUT of the MSQ-700 into the IN of the patchbay. That way when I set the MIDI channel on my master keyboard (Out of the master keyboard into MIDI In of the MSQ) I can reach the synths I want. Thanks! :D
Very interesting! How would you compare the MSQ-700 to your MC-50 (assuming you still have it), in terms of workflow, reliability and editing possibilities? Any "microscope"/editing possibilities?. My keyboard playing is not as sturdy as yours, and I often need to do corrections way beyond what quantization/time correction can do :-). Thanks again for another great video!
There is absolutely no editing functions on the MSQ-700 whatsoever so forget that if you need those. You can time correct and chain tracks together for serial playback. That's it. So you can't compare that to the MC50 (still got it) at all. The MC50 is a full fledged sequencer with all known editing functions as well as microscopic editing yes. What the MSQ-700 offers are incredibly fast recording and tactile respons and its perfect for a linear recording session where you want ideas flying, arepggios going and/or simple song ideas easily and fast down into some tracks for further development. Perfect for that!
Why can't synth manufacturers incorporate a simple sequencer like this into their gear instead of monophonic 16-step toy sequencers without linear capabilites?
Do you make your entire tracks with this thing or is it just to get some little melodies going and then you put them into a daw like logic to complete your songs ? Thanks - I'm just curious as it looks really fiddly.
This is only in use for LIVE stuff, especially pattern based loops on repeat an stuff like that. When doing multi-tracking for a studio production I don't use those old sequencers at all. But when I test out ideas, grooves and patterns I use stuff like this because it makes part of my brain go totally free compared to creating ideas on the computer. I'm definitely more creative when using stuff like this when I compose. The tactile sensation of those buttons and the sounds of those as well really transports me back to my younger years and the nostalgia enters the creative realm, that's when I make my best stuff. Don't underestimate these things :)
You can only input MIDI into a MIDI sequencer like this. The MIDI tracks drive the different synths and samplers set to the corresponding MIDI channels. You cannot import MIDI files into this sequencer except for MIDI data made on this and those must be imported through the tape in jack.
Espen Kraft thanks for your reply, I am currently using Cubase MIDI to trigger my hardware but for live sets I want to have no Laptop so i thought this would be perfect , but if I can’t load MIDI files into it, then it won’t work for me - what a great unit tho! Would love to write a track from start to end on this :)
This is exactly the sort of tool I've been looking for. Except this one is from 1983 and the year is 2020. No manufacturer in the world seems able to produce a similar, straightforward, easy to operate device, 37 years later.
I have tried several sequencers, and not happy with any of them, especially the Arturia Beatstep Pro, having to set it up on a laptop, I will be on the look out now for a Roland MSQ 700
I felt the same way until I purchased the Squarp Pyramid. Fairly easy to use and lots of options.
@@StevenSclafani Thanks for the hint. I had a look at this machine some time ago and found it to be rather complex, despite the childish colourful buttons. I'm not even sure you can swap tracks without deep diving into some weird menu. If there is really no other device available on this planet I would still consider it, and most likely sell it 2nd hand after a few months of endless frustration.
I have an MSQ-700. The closest contemporary sequencer in my studio is the Arturia Beatstep Pro. It's definitely more sophisticated and has more options but the basic operation has a similar intuitiveness and immediacy. I still prefer my MSQ-700. I use it to this day!
@@StevenSclafani Agree. I have the Squarp too and it is super powerful. It's pretty awesome that you can record live in patterns and chain them into songs. Squarp rules.
This workflow looks so dreamy and refreshing. The song says everything about the experience! It's DOPENESS
After a long recording session in my studio nothing is better than watching one of your videos to discover new gear
Cool man!
This sequencer seriously checks that your playing skills are up to scratch.
As usual a great weekend video from the master of the 80's.
Thanks Pontus! :)
Nice. This is the kind of tune that makes you want to keep jamming on repeat mode over and over.
It is! :)
We at Axxent Opaque still use one live on stage. Such a great, reliable and simple to use sequencer :)
Another bit of historical equipment I didn't know existed. I was a part of a team that emulated the Alesis MMT-8 (which arguably had a great workflow). The MSQ-700 was such a tape-based paradigm, I love it.
Yeah, it's very tape'ish in operation and workflow. The MMT-8 I used for over two years as my only sequencer, both in studio and live, and I love it to this day.
2 years later... still love watching this! ❤
Thanks Andy!
I love your cover of The Beyond! It's a soothing, refreshingly cool version of such a great classic theme! 👍👍👍
This makes me so happy.
Excellent quality of the sound.
Thanks! :-)
I love the MSQ-700. It's mandatory for my set up. Thanks for making these wonderful videos on old school equipment. I was checking out the MC-707 groovebox and I realized this is a million times better and must easier to use. Take care, Sam.
Thanks Sam! I let mine go, but it's a fun sequencer for sure no doubt.
Great 8P - pad and D50 lead! Very beautiful!!
Thanks! :)
Hi Espen, great as usual! Looks so refreshing making music without screens. Focus on the arrangement, the sound, the feeling. No distractions, mind purely on music.
Absolutely. Making music this way feels so free and refreshing! :)
Excellent tutorial once more and remake/cover of the tune, that sequencer must have seem so high-tech back then.
Thanks Jason! Everyone lusted after one back then. I did too, but couldn't afford it.
well it was not like they lived in the stone age back in 83. I think they even did smarter things back then, they always used seperate components. In late 84/ early 85 those integrated chips that had everything in one came around and everything changed. They are not able to build a exact copy of the cs-80 or jupiter 8 for example as all those great chips that were used are not produced any longer. Well ofcourse this msq device has nothing more then a microcontroller in it. maybe the 6800 or 68000.
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Susanne! :)
Very nice. Thanks
Thank you! :)
Thanks Espen, another great video 😁
Thanks Susan! :)
good job
Cheers!
Great sequencer! Great track! I really liked your work. Wonderful combination of this warm soft pad (JX-8P) with beatiful D550 lead! Thank you for demo!
Thanks! :)
Veeeery nice video, thanks !
I had one of these about 15 years ago. It was a wonderful way of working with MIDI and a good way to build tracks with some happy accidents along the way. I think this would make an excellent resissue for the roland boutique series.
There's no way they will do this as a Boutique. It's nice as it is. ;-)
Thank you for an excellent and straight forward demo of this awesome sequencer. I've been looking for something minimal and simple to work with.
I'm happy you found it interesting, thanks! :)
Espen Kraft I did just purchase an MSQ-700 and am stoked to get to work with it. Thanks Espen!
@@Deadbeatradio Excellent news man, congrats! :)
Its so fascinating watching you assemble a track. Comparable in fact, with watching Bob Ross creating a picture. And the end result of this... makes the hairs on my arm stand on end! Well played Espen! 👌
Thanks Andy! Music should have that impact. It should take you on a journey! I'm happy I can provide some of that :)
Cool to see how to use one property. I use mine to receive midi clock bpm from my DAW to sync my tb303 and use the msq to start and stop the 303 whilst following the correct tempo.
Thank you for sharing my friend 👍👍👍
My pleasure Buddy! :)
I didn’t even recognize it as The Beyond until half way through. Absolutely love it! Great job.
Awesome man! :)
I love this version of the Beyond theme, sounds great
Awesome! Thanks :)
The design of this sequencer is so "TR 909" like, we can see from what era it comes ;)
Great demo and nice track Espen !
Thanks Eric! It's definitely from that era.
The time correction slider is such an interesting thing, I wonder how many bass grooves were dictated by that little thing.
Espen to the top as well!
:)
Woah, I heard the song you played and thought, "I've heard that in an Italian horror movie" and then you said it was from The Beyond! Guess I shouldn't have skipped ahead. Also bought one of these because of this video, so thanks.
Awesome man! Sounds great, congrats :) I'm a big fan of 70s and 80s Italian horror so I do covers of some of the themes occasionally in these demos.
Break... for love! 💃🕺💃
The Beyond one of my favorite Fulci films and I had the honor of meeting the man in 96
Sweet! Must have been awesome.
I’m so happy I still have my MSQ700! I got mine from Black Market Music (RIP) in West Hollywood, back in 2001💖🎹
Good for you. It's still very capable and awesome fun to use! :)
Espen Kraft have you ever used the tape sync?
I’m very curious about using it with a cassette 4track
I've not used THIS with tape sync as I don't use tape any more, at least not in a multi track situation. I just recently got the MSQ-700 as I said in the video, I could never afford it back in the day.
I have used other old sequencers with tape sync though and it works well.
Ahh. Yes on La Cianega. What a music store that was. I remember going in there in 1997. Never seen so much vintage Arp gear all in one place. Happy Memories 😊
loving this demo, cheers:)great videos right up my street!,its a funny film the beyond
Thanks! Yes, the movie is great fun and the music is awesome :)
Brillant video ,I have a Yamaha A3090 and a Casio RZ1 , keep up with your old school videos 😀
Thanks! :)
Hi Espen! Great video!
This week I had a meeting with someone in Vigo-Spain who has more than 100 synths and 50 drum computers and even more. Also I came across this MSQ-700 which you are using.
I hope now that this guy is willing to cooperate to show his gear. Too amazing what he has and he is only a drummer (and collector of synths etc.)
Have a good one!
Grtzzz, Roger
Thanks Roger! you too :) Great place you describe btw
I just bought one after watching this video :D
Nice!
almost got one of these a while back for 50 bucks but I felt like I had too many digital sequencers at the time. I like these bare bones tape recorder style sequencers, try running it at double speed for double the resolution, the timing gets tighter :)
Yes, the double speed is a trick I've used many times. Thanks for bringing that up! :)
Qué bueno eso que nos mostraste me recuerda a mis tiempos en que utilizaba el secuenciador kawai q80 era más divertido secuenciar que con el Mac
i really like.... and i really miss the 80's
I miss it too, thanks! :)
@@EspenKraft cheers from italy mate
Could barely tell it was the Beyond song except for the obvious part(this is good, not bad). And I've seen the movie many times(allthough been years and years since last viewing). I hope the spiders doesn't eat up those nice synths :D Fantastic job fellow countryman!
Takk skal du ha! I do have spiders crawling around here as I live in the woods, but they're not in the same league as the ones Mr. Gianetto DeRossi deviced for the movie... ;-)
Nice video I love my msq 700 there aren't enough videos on it I would like to see some videos of using it during the chain function I don't see any of those at the moment but I would like to thanks for making the video
Thanks! Yeah, that is a feature I'm not very interested in, but I know of it.
Also I don't get the 8 channels. I mean it doesn't turn midi channels on and off during playback, so why have a bunch of channel buttons? Like an 8 track tape recorder? There mist be a midi mixer you can mute solo fade those 8 channels? I don't know.
I remember when I had a Juno 60 I pined for the JSQ sequencer... never actually seen one... about to look on youtube now. :)
They should be easy to find, with dcb so you can hook up your Juno-60 :D
Sold it back in 1986/87... got a JX8P... wish I still had it... my first synth..
Cool little sequencer, for sure! It saving to tape could be really useful for today, and it *does* have a step mode! The simplicity and intuitiveness is great, too, compared to something like an MC-50
Absolutely. I use this for special things as more elaborate sequencing is impossible with no editing facilities.
Love that red midi chord!
I should use them more often. I have a few of them. Contrasting colors always look cool in this type of environment :)
EVERYTHING sounds like the 80s....with a nostalgic flavour....!
i feel guilty for using cakewalk to do my jv-1080 channel. would love to try hardware sequencers from the 80's :) this could be my jump point!
Do it! Make the jump! :)
Thanks, Spaceromanticism
I agree about covers.... I either take it in an entirely different direction or keep it similar but breath new life into it by maybe using a similar but not same instrument on different parts
Yes it was.
Espen... you are my guru...love your vidz! here were you in the 80´s?
Thanks! In the 80s I did the same as I do now, except in real life, not on RUclips ;-)
Sometimes simple is better.
(cries in QY700)
Haha, yes, ditto with the QX5. Diabolical interface.
Thanks for the video. Is there an all note off/dcb kill switch? I'm using it with DCB and keep having notes stuck on. thanks
Check the manual for specs. I only use mine with MIDI.
This is interesting because Ive never been able to get into record mode while the multitrack feature is on. seems to be playback only on mine.
Awesome as always. Great thing the repeat mode. Thumbs up if you think the metronome sound should be part of the track. It's one of those very rare times I didn't find it annoying but rather fitting, with some effects maybe ;)
Listen to "My Magic Man by Rochelle"
What was the purpose of time correcting the first part?
Uh... to time correct it.
@@EspenKraft Sorry I’m new to this is it like keeping everything in sync?
MIDI quantization is to time correct the notes recorded, to a grid of specified intervals, like 16th notes in this case.
@@EspenKraft Thank you so much I’m an older musician and was looking for a simpler device. I appreciate your time and subscribed.
Many thanks! I have many videos on my channel here which both shows, explains and demos old gear and techniques like this. Happy watching! :)
Awesome video. Can you post one over the Korg SQ-8??
THANKS AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
Thanks! I could, if I had one. But I don't.
Yay, was looking forward to this! Wow, those buttons and knob look very satisfying, nothing cheap about this machine. (I'm just about as obsessed with the retro design - visually, that is - of the old gear as I am of the sound.) Also, I didn't know you had a TX802, do you have any videos on it that I've missed? Very nice track, as always...I need to go back and listen to the original Cheers, Espen!
Thanks Ethan! Yeah, there's no short supply of gear to showcase really. I've never donw anything especially on the TX802, but it's a workhorse in my productions and I always find the space for something "DX" in my songs.
The MSQ-700 is so incredibly satisfying to work on because of the feedback from those switches, you really feel you're working a machine more than anything! Cheers :)
Hey Espen, cool, well I will look out for the TX802 in your videos. I'm a big fan of all things FM - from DX7s to the lowly OPL and OPN chips, whose sound I actually love. I'm really pleased with the software options for all these sounds these days - I use the PX7 and FM4 for Reason, the FMX1 library from UVI, FM8, the awesome FM-Drive for YM2612 sounds, etc - but the hardware does attract me! One thing I've seriously considered picking up is an FB-01 module, for that out-of-the-box 4-operator sound. Plus it's small and affordable, which are my requirements for hardware these days, haha. It would make a nice pal for my MT-32. Well, thanks as always for your illuminating videos Espen, they make for a lovely break from work...cup of tea and an Espen Kraft video = two thumbs up! :-)
Good Work, Kraft! ;) We used to use an MSQ at Unique in the 80's, on Liggett and Barbosa keyboard sessions. They were very exacting about how I entered the parts in, even though they would error-correct after the pass. I could never tell the difference, but maybe it was the note-offs?
Thanks Tommy! :)
If I want to add a sequencer and arpeggiator to my Prophet 5, would this be a more than sufficient device? It also looks awesome. Lol
It can definitely do shorter sequences and arps. It's not a very full fledged sequencer and it looks better than it works. ;-)
@@EspenKraft Haha, yeah. It definitely looks awesome. I need to research more sequencers. Lol. Thanks!
Hey Espen! Check out "My Magic Man by Rochelle".
Cool device, it is very easy and intuitive by the looks of it. Quite refreshing compared to modern DAW sequencers like Cubase. I suppose this was the first midi sequencer even before atari st programs?
Yes, this was the very first MIDI sequencer to hit the world.
I would also love to know if anyone knows what the difference(s) are with the V 2.0 eproms ?
Nice timing in your playing! No quantize needed in my opinion!
Thanks! Almost all my commercially released tracks are recorded by hand straight in. Only for the most fast paced bass lines or arpeggios are quantized.
I had to slow the tempo on the sequencer down to 53 bpm for the main D550 part and speed it back up... 🙊
I can't remember how to set the different MIDI channels for each instrument. Can you help?
You set the Midi channel going out of your master keyboaard.
Thank you Espen. Another highly entertaining video. I also have an MSQ-700 and watched this with great enthusiasm, but of course you made each track in REAL TIME mode... personally I love STEP TIME although (and this could simply be my lack of understanding) I can never get the beast to send multi-channel midi lines. Is this a limitation of the MSQ or am I just being dumb? Perhaps you might add a new video update for those of us still living in the dark ;-)
Thanks for commenting and the support! :)
The reason I almost always use real-time programming of sequencers is because I can play a lot faster than step-time programming takes to do. As I use sequencers as conduits to get my music across I have no special need for step-time sequencing, hence I don't include it in my tutorials. I often skip a lot of things off the gear I demo and that's again because I only show off what I actually need and use. ;-)
The MSQ-700 is NOT a MIDI channelizer, it cannot do that, the MSQ-100 can. That is to change its internal outbound routing of MIDI channels, eg. changing them around as you see fit. A typical use was back in the day when the Yamaha DX7 that sent only on channel 1 couldn't be "channelized" over to MIDI channel 2. I'm not sure if that's what you mean though?
If you're only after sequencing on different channels, it's what I do here, but I use a master keyboard here that let me set the correct MIDI channel for the sound sources I use, so I can audition them and record them at the same time. Then the MSQ-700 records that and play them back next.
I've since this video sold the MSQ-700 as I no longer needed it. It was only valid for a brief period of time when doing this video and I kept it for it's ability to quickly go into repeat mode for pattern repeats. I've since relied more on Korg SQD-1 for thee things. I'm not a collector as such, I only keep stuff that I use in everyday productions. I don't horde stuff for the stuffs sake. ;-)
Hi my name is Ricco I make 80s pop and dance and ballads I really like your music very beautiful I grew up in the mid 90s so I know how to make 90s gangster rap because I grew up with it but I was a child in the 80s and I remember those beautiful songs that they dont make any more so iv started to recreate 80s pop with a little 90s hip hop sound I use a casio vz1 1987. And my roland 626 through my peavey mixer from 1995 with grated reverb but i only use tape so that it sounds like true 80s music i was wanting to suggest to try using tape your music would sound perfect with a tape source even like a 4 track cassette type 2 chrome. Byby.
Nice back story, thanks for sharing! I've used my fair share of tape recorders and big tape machines too. I used to run a commercial recording studio. I actually have a video coming later that will show some of that, but for my own recordings, recordings that will end up digital anyway, I don't want to go back to tape. Too much hassle, poor synchronization and just not worth it in regards to my workflow now. Hardware synths, drum machines and samplers are enough to get my sound across. Cheers :D
I have an MPC 3000, which has an incredibly easy sequencer, can the MSQ 700 bring something to me apart from the DCB compatibility for the juno 60?
Looks? Sequencing on the MSQ-700 is another state of mind. The point of this today is not that it can touch newer sequencers in features, that's totally missing the point. It's the ride itsef. The fun and carefree living. It appeals to you or it doesn't.
Great work Espen! I have the same sequencer all though I never used it. I got used to using my General Music WK6 sequencer which is the most advanced and well thought sequencer on earth even for now days with 4 parts, 4 fill ins 3 starts and 3 endings. Only If I could use the sounds from my other synths and drums inside this General Music....That would be the best thing. Isnt there anything else that will allow layering like that or sequencers that have starts, parts ffill ins and endings? I just want to be able to use all my other boards and drum machines to create the music in one place with quantize. Tried tascam recorders too but there is no quantizing in them. Any ideas fellas? Thank you in advance
Start- fill- end stuff is a left-over from the home organ days. Not something a pro studio musician would want to use, but it can be fun once in a while.
If you check out my video of the Roland CR-1000 you will see I use the same set of features on that. A pretty automated preset drum machine with start - fill - end functionality. Perfect for doing shows on a cruise boat, but not so much in a production. ;-)
Awesome 80’s. How were songs stored via tape? As there is no media i.e floppy drive.
You simply have to send data gibberish out the TAPE Out and record that as audio. SAme to restore data, you have to pump it back the same way, just opposite. The MSQ-700 has battery backup so noting is lost when you shut it off, so you can gig two days in a row without having to restore data from tape, or in 2018, from a phone or something with a record program. But ultimately the MSQ is not about this. It's about just making something happening here and now.
Espen Kraft thank you, I was wondering how they would do it in the 80’s. The tape recorder!😎
Hi there @EspenKraft
I bought one of these to plug in my ju-06a and whatever I input plays back completely chaotic. Is this due to it having an internal sequencer already? Or is there something I can do to resolve it?
Your welcome to contact me on email.
@@EspenKraft what is your email?
You can find that in the "about" section on my channel. You must be logged in to Google to see it.
The Nick Straker Band - A Little Bit Of Jazz can you replay this track.
Hey, that's a cool track! A fun track to jam out live for sure, but not something I have the time for at the moment. I'm much more synthpop. Cool suggestion though :)
Can you use this on 1 synth using all 8 tracks?
Yes, but if you want to hear more than just one sound from the synth it needs to be multi timbral.
What is it your opinion about the MC4 sequencer? do you think would be interesting this MSQ working together with the mc4?
I have no strong opinion on the MC4 as I have no use for it. I don't work with CV/gate.
OMG that bass sound on the first track you laid down!! ❤️
So how did you quantize the last track?
The last track can't be quantized. ;-)
I have a MSQ-700 which seems to do an awful job at Time Correcting. Notes are missing and cut off. I feel I have pretty good rhythm for a human and used to be a drummer. Did you ever experience this issue with the sequencer?
You should check the battery, that's what causing this.
Espen Kraft battery checks out fine at 3.6V
How do you quantize the last channel if there are no spare ones to write to ?
You don't.
Hey what happened to the SQD-1
Demo you did?
That video is gone from the open channel.
Hello Espen.
Do you know if you can slave sequencers such as this one or an mc500 to a daw like Cubase? Can you send stop/start messages from your DAW to it?
Looking to buy a vintage sequencer but would like to use it as an external device synced with my DAW.
Any thoughts?
Sure you can. Almost every 80s MIDI sequencer can do that. I use them that way all he time, if I need to overdub something later. I feed them MIDI clock with stop/start from my DAW through the MID Interface hooked up to that. I show this in several videos, I jave to videos showing differnt MIDI/AUdio setups.
@@EspenKraft awesome man! Thanks for the fast reply and keep those tutorials coming. Big fan of your channel!
Cheers from Antwerp.
Many thanks man! Got exciting stuff coming this fall. Cheers
Another great demo, Espen. Have you tinkered with the Roland CSQ-600? Wondering what you think of it.
I have never used any sequencer without midi. ;-)
@@EspenKraft I'm looking for an easy to use and affordable Roland. Of the MC-50, MC-500, MSQ-700, and other similar records, which would you choose?
@@hoomanganjavi4314 IF you don't have any and want the most bang for the buck I'd go for the MC50 of these. The MSQ-700 isn't something you can use for serious sequencing if you have more than just the basic needs. No editing or anything.
wow..send it over,pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.............
This MSQ-700 has been shipped out long ago. ;-)
I love the look of the early Roland sequencer products. Like the SBX 1000 they have this cool, clunky computer based, slightly industrial design. How limited is this sequencer in terms of memory? Total number of notes vs tracks and complexity? I guess you'd have to be spartan and carefully fill your songs with fatter single sounds and not layer too much like I tend to do in a modern DAW?
It's actually very rudimentary in function and input too much information on a couple of tracks and it gets sluggish in respons back. The total amount of memory is about 6500 notes. The time correction is also "glitchy" at times. The manual point this out as well so Roland didn't try to hide these limitations.
What this excel at is speed of use, great tactile respons, no menus and a simple fun way to input ideas, basic patterns and such. It looks cool, very cool, and it's just a way of sequencing you don't get from menu driven sequencers. I love it for that!
Could you not layer anyway? Two or more synths on same channel, detuned perhaps? I often set out with just 8 instrument tracks on my DAW, plus drum tracks, to try to limit myself. Sometimes it works, often times it doesn't !
Sure, you can set your synths to receive on the same channel.
Lee Greveson Yeah, like Espen said: You can layer as much as you would with a linited Midi Thru chain (lag happens at device 4-5 end onwards) or via an active Midi splitter box. But in terms of using several tracks playing the same or sort of similar parts on different synths. Meaning with this device you have to think cleverly with your parts and how you build your songs. Which can be quite good for your creativity actually. :)
I know this comment maybe (really late) to the party but I 've got to ask. How easy is to use a S10 as a master keyboard? Does any of it's functions (i.e Arp) transmit over MIDI?
The S-10 isn't very usable as a master keyboard at all. You have no transpose and you only have 4 octaves. The arp is not transmitted over MIDI and you can't sync to it over MIDI either. It can only be synced through the audio in, as a drum machine.
Look elsewhere for a master keyboard. ;-)
This must have been awesome for musicians when it came out, being able to put together your tracks at home or have all your synths playing with you on stage without any tape or anything. You make it look so easy!
One question: you said you autocorrect by copying a quantized version to a new track, but what happens when you're using all 8 channels? I assume you can't time correct the final track?
What I don't show in this video is the MERGE function. Say you have recorded on 7 tracks (with already done time correction) you can then merge these down to the last final track and then free up 7 "new" ones. Just like in the days when you bounced 3 tracks down to one on your parta studio.
So you can have lots of midi channels going on the tracks here as well, but the note memory and the somewhat sluggish respens on the 700 itself will prohibit any real fun if you clog it too much :) Thanks Alex!
@@EspenKraft Ah right, that's interesting! Yep, just about caught the last few years when tape was standard and remember bouncing to free up tracks! Think there's actually no limit other than computer power now. 1,000 tracks if you so wanted! Less is more of course.
My msq I think the footpedal doesnt work. You cNt punchin. It looks like from the manual you can o ly punchin when you have DCB??? Is that true??
You can punch in as you like. Overdubs done with DCB will work as usual with both old and new data into the track. With MIDI only the new data is recorded (loaded) so you'll have to merge the old and new data later. Very cumbersome and not something I do when using this sequencer. I use it for quick sequences meant for looping/repeats etc.
Can I get a receipt, please? 😎
He-he..for what? ;-)
You said it looks like a cash register.
Ha-ha.. yeah, you can get a receipt! ;-)
@@EspenKraft it's a great sequencer. I also using a reel to reel so I am hoping I can do tape sync but I have not tried it yet. 😎
If you record a melody and you do not chain then you will have "The Unchained Melody". 😁
Do the synths still need to be plugged during play back?
Of course, the sequencer itself records and play back only MIDI data, so to get any kind of sound each MIDI channel needs to be hooked up to a separate synth. Otherwise it would be... silence ;-)
@@EspenKraft I have acquired a drum machine, sequencer and sampler that's built into one. What is it?
What I would like to know is how do you maintain your whole hardware? Do you repair the gear yourself?
I have an education in electronics so I maintain it all myself yes. When I really need to that is... that broken key on my 8P has been broken forever he-he.
Did you have to change the S-10 midid out channel before recording the next track?
Yes.
How do you do the midi connections in this? Do you use midi thru boxes? Nice tutorial and track nonetheless. -Nathan
Yes, to be able to reach my racks of synths and modules I have everything patched into MIDI patchbays so I go OUT of the MSQ-700 into the IN of the patchbay. That way when I set the MIDI channel on my master keyboard (Out of the master keyboard into MIDI In of the MSQ) I can reach the synths I want. Thanks! :D
Very interesting! How would you compare the MSQ-700 to your MC-50 (assuming you still have it), in terms of workflow, reliability and editing possibilities? Any "microscope"/editing possibilities?. My keyboard playing is not as sturdy as yours, and I often need to do corrections way beyond what quantization/time correction can do :-). Thanks again for another great video!
There is absolutely no editing functions on the MSQ-700 whatsoever so forget that if you need those. You can time correct and chain tracks together for serial playback. That's it.
So you can't compare that to the MC50 (still got it) at all. The MC50 is a full fledged sequencer with all known editing functions as well as microscopic editing yes.
What the MSQ-700 offers are incredibly fast recording and tactile respons and its perfect for a linear recording session where you want ideas flying, arepggios going and/or simple song ideas easily and fast down into some tracks for further development. Perfect for that!
Do you always have to record from bar 001?
No, you can continue to load (record) new data from where you want.
Why can't synth manufacturers incorporate a simple sequencer like this into their gear instead of monophonic 16-step toy sequencers without linear capabilites?
Do you make your entire tracks with this thing or is it just to get some little melodies going and then you put them into a daw like logic to complete your songs ? Thanks - I'm just curious as it looks really fiddly.
This is only in use for LIVE stuff, especially pattern based loops on repeat an stuff like that. When doing multi-tracking for a studio production I don't use those old sequencers at all. But when I test out ideas, grooves and patterns I use stuff like this because it makes part of my brain go totally free compared to creating ideas on the computer. I'm definitely more creative when using stuff like this when I compose. The tactile sensation of those buttons and the sounds of those as well really transports me back to my younger years and the nostalgia enters the creative realm, that's when I make my best stuff. Don't underestimate these things :)
Ah ok , I was thinking how does he manage to make whole songs out of one these - he must be a wizard on one !
Nah, he-he... but you can do much on one of these if it's the only sequencer you've got. Lots of hits has been made on this.
well you look like you know how to work it - interesting to see this being used.
👍
So is this recording the MIDI or just the audio? If MIDI , is it just stored within the unit? Can you import MIDI files into it ? Thanks
You can only input MIDI into a MIDI sequencer like this. The MIDI tracks drive the different synths and samplers set to the corresponding MIDI channels. You cannot import MIDI files into this sequencer except for MIDI data made on this and those must be imported through the tape in jack.
Espen Kraft thanks for your reply, I am currently using Cubase MIDI to trigger my hardware but for live sets I want to have no Laptop so i thought this would be perfect , but if I can’t load MIDI files into it, then it won’t work for me - what a great unit tho! Would love to write a track from start to end on this :)
You should go for a more advanced MIDI sequencer from the 80s, like the Yamaha QX3 or Roland MC500 or MC 50.
Espen Kraft oh nice! Thank you , I will take a look! Thanks loads :) subscribed :)
Ok it does overdub but not punchin?