Just introduced on the market is Roland's System 100 Synthesizer which contains five different elements common with far more complex units into one system which retails for less than $2000.

The components are also sold separately so that you can begin with the Basic Unit for only $650 and add the other modules as you can afford them.

This Basic Unit, the center module of the instrument, includes all the primary features that make up a synthesizer: a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), voltage controlled filter (VCF), voltage controlled amplifier (VCA), envelope generator (ADSR), low frequency oscillator (LFO), noise generator, high pass filter, and a 37 note keyboard. Also included is an audio mixer, a relatively new feature making the instrument far more adaptable to performance than most synthesizers.

Unfortunately we don't have the space to provide you with a full des* cription of each function so that you can really appreciate the versatility of this synthesizer.

At any rate, resting atop the Basic Unit is the Expander which includes phone outputs, sample & hold, another ADSR, LFO, VCO, VCF, high pass filter, VCA, and audio mixer. Also included on the Expander is a ring modulator, another output (to patch the various modules) and an internal mixer combining the outputs of the Basic Unit and the Expander.

While we're at it, we might as well explain the real benefits of the audio mixers. They allow you to mix and balance the various sound sources of the synthesizer such as the oscillators, ring modulator, and external sources.

But as an additional module, the Roland System 100 provides a more sophisticated Mixer. It employs separate volume controls for the balancing of each channel, a pan pot for stereo mixdown/balancing, effects controls, VU meters, and several connection jacks for the various modules in the System 100 ^s well as external devices such as echo.

Next is the Sequencer which allows you to sequentially control notes and sounds in various tempos and positions. The controls on the unit include a Step Controller, Clock Oscillator, several inputs and outputs to patch notes in stereo, etc.

Lastly, the System 100 provides two monitor speakers for personal cueing and rehearsal without using external amplification.

We consider the System 100 a substantial breakthrough in performance/studio synthesizers. Since it would take some time and space that we don't have here to explain each function of the instrument and how they interact, we strongly suggest you write to the address below for the brochure. It is completely explanatory and quite easy to understand.

We also suggest you try to see the unit and play it if you're at all interested in synthesizers, regardless of your ability. The Roland System 100 is truly Versatile and tremendously playable. And, for $1950, complete, we don't know of a better 'deal' anywhere in the world.

Write: Beckmen Musical Instruments, 2117 Yates Ave., Los Angeles, California 90040. 1H