The Michigan Synth Works MSW-810m is a modern tribute to the rare Roland CMU-810—a synthesizer that, while largely forgotten outside niche circles, represents an intriguing chapter in the history of music technology.
Originally released in 1983, the CMU-810 was a part of Roland’s Computer Music System. It was designed to work with software and hardware like the CMU-800 and an Apple II or NEC PC. Unlike its SH and MC series siblings, the CMU-810 was never offered as a standalone synth and required a specific (and now obsolete) setup.
Consequently, it never gained widespread popularity due to the complexities involved in its operation. However, it compensated for its lack of popularity with its excellent tone, sharing a core architecture with legendary synths like the MC-202. Today, the CMU-810 is rarer than some other synths from the era, with used listings scarce and units in working condition often selling for over $1,500, if not more. With an eye for lost synths, Michigan Synth Works has aimed to revive this overlooked gem, freeing it from the constraints that once hindered its potential.
And as such, the moment you unbox it, the inspiration is obvious. With its sleek black-and-white finish and all-metal chassis, the MSW-810m is a faithful visual recreation of the original, just with Michigan Synth Works branding instead of Roland. It’s compact, hands-on, and built like a tank.
In this recreation, they’ve managed to preserve the character, remove the complexity, and bring the soul of this lost synth into the modern era—now with MIDI support and no need for vintage computers or proprietary software. The result is something simple and tactile, and that will fit perfectly in the collection of vintage synth enthusiasts. Let’s dive in.
Faithfully Vintage—with Modern Freedom
The MSW-810m keeps the CMU-810’s minimalist layout intact: no screens, no menus, just sliders. Each section—VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR, and LFO—is clearly labeled and easy to navigate.
It’s dead simple to understand. You’re not diving into menu trees or patch banks. Every movement of a slider shapes your sound in real-time. There’s no digital layer separating you from the signal path, no math degree needed to program (here’s looking at you, DX7), just a sea of sliders.
Because of its similarities to the CMU-810, there is no onboard keyboard or sequencer, just like the original. While a few early MSW-810 units with sequencers were created (now discontinued), the current MSW-810m model (reviewed here) controls note output via MIDI.
Michigan Synth Works MSW810-m Sound: 100% Roland DNA
So, how does it sound? In short, the MSW-810m delivers exactly what it promises: vintage analog tones with that unmistakable Roland character.
Its classic square and saw waves are capable of rich, punchy basses and smooth analog leads. In use, it sounded remarkably close to the SH-101 and MC-202—no surprise, since it shares the same tone generator as the MC-202. That familiar Roland character is unmistakable in its bass and lead tones.
During testing, we coaxed a wide range of tones:
- Fat, rubbery basslines perfect for techno and early electro
- Smooth, simple leads that feel right at home in synthpop
- Chiptune-like pulses reminiscent of ’90s video game systems
- Rumbly subtones that fill out the low end with analog warmth
The MSW-810m also responds well to real-time modulation. Subtle filter sweeps using the onboard LFO produce classic acid-like squelch, while fast envelope modulation gives the synth a punchy, percussive edge.
The filter, in particular, is a standout—resonant and characterful, with a sweet spot that responds beautifully to dynamic modulation. Whether modulated via envelope or gently moved by hand, the MSW-810m’s tone remains assertive yet warm. Despite being monophonic, it excels in layered compositions where its tone can carry a mix or complement more complex sources.
The Feel: Sliders That Invite Play
The slider-based interface is well-built, with just the right amount of resistance. They’re not too stiff, not too loose, and crucially, not overly sensitive. Fine-tuning patches feels tactile and intuitive.
Usable sounds come fast. You don’t have to dig or layer or filter endlessly to find something inspiring. It easily sounds great within minutes of noodling around. The simplicity inspires creativity, rather than limiting it.
The directness of control also makes it an ideal synth for teaching or learning. Want to hear what a filter envelope does? Move one fader. Need to demonstrate LFO modulation? Slide it and listen. It’s synthesis in its purest, most immediate form.
Workflow: Simple and Direct
The MSW-810m receives MIDI beautifully, either from a keyboard or a DAW. The timing felt tight and responsive, and integrating it into our studio setup was straightforward.
To accomplish the MIDI connection, the MSW-810m features a MIDI in TRS input, allowing for direct integration with most controllers and sequencers. Audio is output via a mono 1/4″ jack, and it’s powered by a 9V DC adapter, keeping things simple and pedalboard-friendly.
Creative Use: Raw Analog with Room to Explore
This synth is great on its own, but things get interesting when you start pairing it with external gear.
In one session, we ran the MSW-810m through a Hologram Electronics Chroma Console and unlocked some truly wild and unexpected textures. The sound took on a glitchy, broken machine quality, layered with shimmering echoes and filtered trails that evolved dynamically with every movement. That audio example is available below:
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We also tested the MSW-810m in a DAWless setup alongside multiple drum machines. It excelled at cutting through the mix with aggressive bass sequences and snappy analog stabs, giving life and punch to the rhythm section without crowding the spectrum.
But as mentioned, you could also easily run it through distortion, chorus, or delay pedals and unlock gritty acid lines, lush spacey pads, or droning noise beds. It’s especially fun to input the MSW-810 into itself and create a feedback drone loop. The raw analog tone is a blank canvas—it takes effects beautifully and rewards creative processing chains.
Build Quality & Design
Physically, as I mentioned earlier, this thing feels bulletproof. The all-metal case feels solid and reassuring, and the black-and-white aesthetic gives it a timeless industrial feel.
Roughly the size of a small to midsize desktop mixer, the MSW-810m is light enough to travel with yet heavy enough to feel stable in use. It fits comfortably on a crowded desk, making it suitable for mobile musicians and compact studio setups alike.
Despite being built to order by a small operation, the MSW-810m feels like a finished, professional product—one that could’ve come straight from Roland in the ‘80s. It has none of the jank or compromise often seen in DIY-style boutique gear.
Who It’s For
If you’ve never heard of the CMU-810 before, this synth might seem a bit esoteric. But for those in the know—fans of vintage Roland gear, collectors of oddball sound sources, or producers seeking that unmistakable SH-101/MC-202 vibe in a different package—this thing is incredibly fun.
It’s also great for:
- DAWless setups where simplicity is key
- Creative limitations that push you to work differently
- Beginners, ironically. For anyone learning synthesis, the MSW-810m offers an ideal introduction. The signal path is straightforward and exposed. Every parameter is physical, not hidden in a menu, making it easy to understand how VCO, filter, envelope, and LFO interact in real time.
There’s also a case to be made for seasoned producers. If you already have a wall of gear, the MSW-810m brings easily accessible vintage charm.
Verdict: A No-Brainer Vintage Workhorse
The MSW-810m is what the CMU-810 could’ve been if it had stood on its own. No external computers. No software dependencies. Just great analog sound and simple hands-on control.
It’s a “what you see is what you get” synth—and what you get is fantastic: classic Roland-style tones, zero menu diving, and a deeply playable interface.
At a fraction of the price of the original (which still fetches $1500+), this modern reissue is a no-brainer for those who want to explore a lesser-known time in Roland’s history, without needing to sacrifice a month’s rent. It bridges the past and present in a way few boutique instruments manage to do.
Compared to other modern vintage-style clones, like Behringer, the MSW-810m doesn’t try to update or change its inspiration too much. Instead, it focuses on authenticity, and its strength lies in doing one thing extremely well, without distractions.
Whether you’re an analog purist, a synth historian, or just someone who loves a great-sounding mono synth that’s easy to live with, the MSW-810m earns a lasting place in any setup.
BUY THE MSW-810m HIER AT MICHIGAN SYNTH WORKS’ OFFICIAL SITE.
Highly recommended.
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