images via this auction"The Roland MC-8 MicroComposer was introduced in 1977 at a price of around $8000 as the world's first digital microprocessor driven, CV/Gate sequencer unit (a pre-MIDI sequencing method used for electronic music). The MicroComposer could precisely adjust multiple sound producing and effects elements of a synthesizer, such as VCO, VCF, and other voltage-controlled components very rapidly, which is nearly impossible to do manually by a performer. The MC-8 was designed to work with the large complex modular synthesizers such as the Roland System 100 and Roland System 700. It could also be used during a live performance to control lighting by using pre-programmed, timed pulses, and pre-programmed timed voltage levels."
