Changing One’s Point Of View - Roland System-8 Manual

Roland System-8 – historic turning point?
So, in the face of such a glorious past, how are we now to cope with that new Roland generation of lightweight
plastic instruments made in China? Inscrutable static coming out of nowhere, inexplainable chirps and clicks. By all
due respect: The SOUND simply isn't what it once was. It's maybe OK, but it isn't what the purist is looking for. And
it isn't what it was. Rather MID-Fi than HI-FI. And even when casting a mild eye at modern construction
compromises (external power supply, plastic chassis, ...), SOUND should not be compromised on.
Changing one's point of view
Now, casting woeful eyes back into the past and making comparisons with the present is one thing. Reclassifying
mental priorities is another. Then again, we have to be fair: The Roland System-8 is a relatively inexpensive
Instrument, and it can do a lot. Which in these digital times is admittedly not the great challenge. The System-8 is a
well-rounded package deal: arpeggiator, sequencer, Plug-Outs for even more synth-sounds, a variety of details for
sound designers, customer-friendly optics and robust control elements.
We'll get back to some special features and a couple of quirks later on ...
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