Roland MA-12Cs: Best Retro Computer Speakers I've Had!

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  • Опубліковано 17 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 647

  • @KamiProduction
    @KamiProduction 6 років тому +20

    I work in animation and the previous studio I worked at (a pretty prominent one from the early days of CG) STILL had several pairs of these in a few of their editing suites. I don't know if that says more about their quality or the studio's unbelievable frugality (probably the latter), but the fact that these were used everyday professionally for that long and still sound great definitely shows how good they are.

  • @U014B
    @U014B 6 років тому +257

    1:02 "That Roland logo is grate!"

  • @giannisc.5254
    @giannisc.5254 6 років тому +4

    Clint i wanted to thank you for using the metric system in your videos along with your american system. It makes it easier to understand for us in the rest of the world and i don't have to wonder or search online to learn how many kilos was something in comparisson to your pounds, km/h for your miles etc. I appreciate it !

  • @israeldavila27
    @israeldavila27 6 років тому +88

    5:36 "I love me a good thick jack." -LGR

  • @pogothem3526
    @pogothem3526 6 років тому +15

    LGR is the best Channel on UA-cam.

  • @jesslabrie47
    @jesslabrie47 6 років тому +9

    There is nothing on the planet like the sound of retro computer speakers! Even today, when there are better sound options available I crave that sound. In my youth, I didn't have access to fancy Roland speakers, I had a very basic set, but that sound is something that still appeals to me. Kind of like the warm sound of a record player?

  • @mao2233
    @mao2233 6 років тому +1

    Hey MR. LGR, you asked if I would like more generally informative videos like this one from you. I say an emphatic "Yes." I enjoy all of your videos and encourage you to make as many as your heart desires.

  • @myugenjin
    @myugenjin 6 років тому +5

    I swear just an hour or two before you uploaded, I came upon these very speakers on my local Craigslist! What a coincidence😯

  • @Credits101
    @Credits101 6 років тому +4

    I had 6 pairs of these until 2 months ago. These were the Go-To speakers for AVID video editors in Los Angeles for over a decade. They were in edit bays all over Hollywood.

  • @GammaMAXXdotcom
    @GammaMAXXdotcom 6 років тому +2

    Hey Clint, after I saw your After Dark Games episode I immediately bought my own Flying Toasters shirt and it just came in the mail! I have to say it's pretty good, it looks and feels great and I caused a small scene on IRC by sharing a photo of it. Safe to say I'm pretty excited to wear it in public, and I would have never known about had it not been for you.
    Thanks Clint :)

  • @Cthooligan
    @Cthooligan 6 років тому +39

    GOOD. THICK. JACK. 👌

  • @AtariBorn
    @AtariBorn 6 років тому

    As soon as I saw the title, I knew I'd see my comment about your Roland watermark filter lol. I've been immortalized in an LGR video!

  • @tk421dr
    @tk421dr 6 років тому +6

    Man those Roland MA-12Cs sounnd amazing on my laptop speakers! j/k this video was BOSS I loved it, thank you for the video! More Please!

  • @GalaxyStandard77
    @GalaxyStandard77 6 років тому +39

    "I love me a good Thick Jack"
    LGR 2018

  • @alexandrecouture2462
    @alexandrecouture2462 6 років тому +5

    Last week, my father picked up Yamaha computer speakers from the same era as these, and yes, they do sound like nothing else. True Hi-Fi, as we don't see that much these days.

  • @4everblacknite
    @4everblacknite 6 років тому +76

    I saw a pair of these at a Goodwill 2 weeks before o first saw these in one of your videos. I regret not getting them.

  • @thebonuslevel
    @thebonuslevel 6 років тому

    I actually purchased a pair of these just last month largely in because of your videos. I LOVE THEM.

  • @dj_doughy
    @dj_doughy 6 років тому +315

    Doubt they will be cheap now after this video

    • @OjStudios
      @OjStudios 6 років тому +50

      That's one bad thing about LGR, Techmoan and the like. Their videos make retro stuff even more pricey what they already are.

    • @ThatWolfWithShades
      @ThatWolfWithShades 6 років тому +8

      Regular Car Reviews is another one. Anything he talks about suddenly spikes in price an hour after his videos come out.

    • @lukasperuzovic1429
      @lukasperuzovic1429 6 років тому +6

      They were not cheap before hand, Almost no one sold the Roldand MA12-C speakers as a pair as they were rarely sold as a pair at retail. They were $35 each before hand, now $45 and up.
      They were originally intended for use with electronic music equipment where a Guitar amp was too big or overkill. But the speakers are shielded which makes them perfect for PC use, especially back then where the magnets could effect hard drives, floppies and CRTs.

    • @MarkTheMorose
      @MarkTheMorose 6 років тому +26

      Here's hoping one of them makes a video about netbooks, I've got a couple of those to sell on eBay.

    • @hugocardozo8685
      @hugocardozo8685 6 років тому +5

      Yeah... Just like after 8-Bit Guy "the best laptop for msdos gaming" video, old laptop prices' skyrocketed

  • @edwinweygandt5384
    @edwinweygandt5384 6 років тому +3

    OMG! I have a set of those! I have them set aside for my Son for when he starts College in 2 years. He is a musician, so they will be handy. BTW, awesome vid.

  • @itsaPIXELthing
    @itsaPIXELthing 6 років тому

    Like you, I was always mesmerized everytime I came across roland peripherals back in my youth, but never had the money to buy stuff from them. Even nowadways is so freaking hard to find these things!
    Great vid, Clint! Thanks!

  • @rayfenwick8761
    @rayfenwick8761 6 років тому

    Sold! On the strength of your recommendation I bought a pair last week. You were spot on, as usual :) Thanks, Clint.

  • @figit090
    @figit090 6 років тому +120

    Watch as (edit: SEVENTY SIX THOUSAND) [three THOUSAND] nerds descend upon eBay to bid on the SINGLE PAIR currently available. LOL

    • @GuybrushThriftweed
      @GuybrushThriftweed 6 років тому +5

      Yup, this nerd went in too :p Fortunately the shipping and import taxes kills it, so I'm safe hehe.

    • @richardg6983
      @richardg6983 6 років тому +4

      Yeah I went too, the shipping was as much as the speaker.. :-(

    • @fullmetaljacket7
      @fullmetaljacket7 6 років тому +4

      make that three thousand and one. heh

    • @ebayerr
      @ebayerr 6 років тому +3

      Andrew S : Yes.Someone in Washington state has a single Roland speaker on ebay that you can "Buy it Now" for $50 with $24 shipping.
      And no,it's not me selling it.

    • @richardg6983
      @richardg6983 6 років тому +2

      ebayerr there's also a pair available. As well as the single. Dunno who is selling it though

  • @shadowsong1
    @shadowsong1 6 років тому

    being a guitar geek as well as a computer geek.....seeing the boss (Roland's guitar division) brand name on your channel gives me warm fuzzy feelings.

  • @Boojakascha
    @Boojakascha 6 років тому +4

    I have them too. I was lucky to get 230 VAC ones. I have built cables for it, as I always have 6.35 mm TS connectors flying around my flat^^ Love them. The best "one way" system I know and I am an audio guy!

  • @PierreVonStaines
    @PierreVonStaines 6 років тому

    I got a pair of the Roland MA-150U. Can’t tell how much I love them. 😍 Great video Clint! 👍

  • @gfgdafgdf
    @gfgdafgdf 6 років тому

    Your videos are always so well done, entertaining and informative in equal measure. Always compulsive viewing.

  • @ThoughTMusic
    @ThoughTMusic 6 років тому +1

    As a sound/music guy, I love this. Thank you, sincerely, for this.

  • @joonasfi
    @joonasfi 5 років тому +1

    First instinct: 7 minutes of speaker review must be boring
    Before opening video: hell, it's video by Clint - he can make any subject interesting!
    After video: not disappointed
    All in all, I rate this video 8- out of 10

  • @Volder2010
    @Volder2010 6 років тому +1

    I agree. I had a pair of these back in the day. I recently picked up a pair of Altec Lansing ACS-295 and they are a 2.1 and they have great sound as well. I was actually able to use them with a CD Player and an adapter from RCA to 3.5mm to play music at a car show... lol They were loud enough. Now I have them hooked up to my secondary guest gaming PC at my house and they sound great.

  • @1lichfield
    @1lichfield 6 років тому

    I've been admiring your retro speakers for a while! Old school Rolands, completey forgot about the brand!

  • @m1k3e
    @m1k3e Рік тому

    Just picked up a pair, this review is spot on!

  • @PretentiousBrownie
    @PretentiousBrownie 6 років тому

    Finally, I’ve been waiting for the video on these for AGES!

  • @colbysolomon090394
    @colbysolomon090394 6 років тому

    Hey LGR! I love this type of video, and would enjoy more postings like it. Also, I am a retro hardware and radio enthusiasts in Winston-Salem. my brother and I really enjoy your content and have sought out Hardware that we have seen on your channel and now have some experience restoring it. Looking forward to your next video!

  • @cjsebes
    @cjsebes 6 років тому +2

    I work in the video production world and we have quite a few pairs of these. They're great for monitoring audio anywhere in the facility. Plug it into a camera or mixer for instant replay of a take.

  • @lanceripplinger8352
    @lanceripplinger8352 6 років тому +4

    Greetings, and welcome to an LGR thing!!!! 😁😁😁😁

  • @comment2009
    @comment2009 5 років тому

    I was an A1 (lead audio engineer) in a TV production truck for 10 years. I had a set of these connected to a SoundCraft GB8-24 mixer mostly doing sports production. Excellent sound.

  • @thenullco
    @thenullco 6 років тому

    Hell yeah! Great video and what a piece of kit. Love the feeling of a quality 6.3mm jack. And that diagram in the manual took me back.

  • @kylem1112
    @kylem1112 6 років тому

    i have some harman/kardons from back in 1998, and i'm listening to your video through the same speakers.they still have excellent sound quality.

  • @CommodoreFan64
    @CommodoreFan64 6 років тому +6

    Nice, I had a Panasonic Boombox(don't remember the model #) back in the 90's with a 5 band equalizer that I used for my PC speakers, but I had to use a 3.5mm to RCA stereo cable, but the benefit of having the boombox as a headphone amp was really nice, and I miss that Boombox as it had a really nice auto reverse tape deck.

  • @hanneko3389
    @hanneko3389 6 років тому +3

    Damn. I can feel the price for these rising on eBay already after this video. I'm glad I bought a pair last week! Thanks Clint!

    • @lukasperuzovic1429
      @lukasperuzovic1429 6 років тому

      They went from $35 to $45 for each speaker (90 or more for a pair).

    • @hanneko3389
      @hanneko3389 6 років тому

      Picked up a pair from ebay on 8/18th for $71 including shipping mostly because I love how nice they look in Clint's videos. Since they are Roland I was sure the sound would be good. Glad I got them when I did!

  • @gazeebogames2878
    @gazeebogames2878 6 років тому +2

    I just picked up four of these off FB marketplace for $30! I have two hooked up to my i7 PC right now through a focusrite DAC, the video sounds great through them. the other two are probably going
    to be used for a Windows 98 setup once I collect all the parts!

  • @jimpurcell
    @jimpurcell 4 місяці тому

    I have had mine since they came out. They were repaired, and had their main speaker replace once. They have served me well. By the way, they are paired with 2 Roland keyboard amps and subwoofer.

  • @MrSegAsh
    @MrSegAsh 6 років тому

    Clint, I love these sort of videos, please do some more 👍

  • @TonyGearSolid
    @TonyGearSolid 6 років тому +2

    I've been using the same Sony PCVA-SP2 PC speakers for almost 20 years, I got them with my old Sony Vaio in 2001, they still sound great and I don't plan on getting rid of them any time soon either.

  • @SfekTek
    @SfekTek 6 років тому +2

    I'd love to see more, that style of editing is a nice change of pace!
    However LGR is kinda my "Watch while waking up in the morning eating breakfast" "show" so maybe don't fully switch away from the calm videos :)

  • @mrskizzot
    @mrskizzot 6 років тому

    I had a pair of those back in the day. Super quality.

  • @johnwhitaker6587
    @johnwhitaker6587 6 років тому +1

    These speakers shipped with a complete Avid setup (back then it was hardware based and you got a complete set up) in the early 90's and we used them for editing as well as rough mixing. The magnetic shielding was a must when dealing with video of CRT's.

  • @karza0
    @karza0 6 років тому

    Awesome vid, and awesome speakers. I always loved the look of them on display at Microcenter.

  • @TheAvenger62
    @TheAvenger62 6 років тому

    After numerous pc upgrades my 20 year old altec lansing acs-340 still going strong and sounds awesome.

  • @th3R0b0t
    @th3R0b0t 6 років тому +2

    If you ever run across a 2.1 setup of Altec Lansing ACS44, don't hesitate to buy them. They sound amazing and they're shielded too. I've used old Altec stuff that I've found in all different varieties, and these are the ones I'm most satisfied with.

  • @MrPeperidge
    @MrPeperidge 6 років тому

    Just eating my pizza after a long day. Time to indulge in a new LGR video. Thank you so much for your content. Long time viewer from the uk.

  • @ChadBoughton
    @ChadBoughton 6 років тому

    I've always seen these in your videos and wondered about them. Thanks for reading my mind!

  • @ZeeZeeBun
    @ZeeZeeBun 6 років тому

    My cousin had a set of these when I was a kid and I can definitely attest to how good they sound.

  • @Powerhouse1
    @Powerhouse1 10 місяців тому

    The fact that you are still using these speakers today really goes to show you the build quality with these. Honestly, it's really impressive.

  • @dashcamandy2242
    @dashcamandy2242 6 років тому

    We had a pair of these in my high school's Music Composition class. Since the class had no room of its own, the class computer was on a cart. One afternoon this cart was left in the computer lab after school, so I hooked up my Walkman to the MIDI box's line-in, and... WOW.

  • @eliasgarmo4509
    @eliasgarmo4509 6 років тому

    My father gave me a pair of those when i was 9 and i still use them every Day and they sound amazing for being from 1990

  • @twilightofthegods33
    @twilightofthegods33 6 років тому

    "Greetings, welcome to an LGR thing." Always like that opening line! Thumbs up!

  • @AlanBWarrick
    @AlanBWarrick 6 років тому

    Oozing style here Clint!, loving it!

  • @QuantumBraced
    @QuantumBraced 6 років тому

    Would love to see more videos like this, thanks!

  • @heritagekebek9979
    @heritagekebek9979 6 років тому +1

    LOL! You make us hear the sound of your speakers with our own speakers! ^^
    It's like the ads for TV!

  • @acidophilic
    @acidophilic 2 роки тому +1

    I'm listening to this review on my Roland Ma-12c's I've had since 1998! Currently got them running through a Focusrite Scarlett Solo via 1/4" to 1/4" speaker wire. FYI- You can also find "BOSS" Ma-12 micro monitors that are the same as the Rolands (and yes, they say "BOSS" across the speaker).

  • @madmax2069
    @madmax2069 6 років тому

    I love my newcom 300 speakers, I bought them at a flea market a few years ago, I originally bought a set 100% identical back in the mid 90s under a different brand (but they was stolen), I was happy that I found them again because they do sound awesome.
    The case is a mix of plastic and wood, has two inputs (one 3.5mm jack and left and right RCA), a line out for the other speaker, a subwoofer out. Each speaker has two 3 inch woofers, and a 1 inch tweeter.

  • @pessolanostudios
    @pessolanostudios 6 років тому

    I love the gateway too, It reminds me of when my grandmother had one many years ago.

  • @MrVolksbeetle
    @MrVolksbeetle 6 років тому +1

    Had a friend who’s Dad had a pair of those hooked to his Yamaha keyboard and some other equipment. I think he played in a church band. One time while I was hanging out, his dad was recording some bits and pieces of music I’d never heard. All I remember is how good those speakers sounded. They weren’t awe inspiring like my Dads 4channel Sansui receiver and Teac RTR playing through Bose 901s in the front and 501s at the rear.
    Woah. Sorry man, I guess your vid took me down memory lane a bit.

  • @h.m.8068
    @h.m.8068 6 років тому

    Marching toward one million pretty quickly!

  • @retromtg1834
    @retromtg1834 6 років тому

    Been waiting for this

  • @lenoohpuls
    @lenoohpuls 6 років тому

    Great video! In the 90's I bought Cambridge Soundwords by Henry Kloss (CSW200) and they're still much more powerful than today's PC speakers.

  • @ruiner101
    @ruiner101 Рік тому

    My brother had a pair of black Roland powered monitors. Not sure if they're the same exact ones but they were so awesome! I remember they made Jill of the Jungle sound AWESOME! Doom! Wolfenstein 3D! His synth and sequencer! And just midi music in general. Super awesome speakers. Especially for the 90s.

  • @MarkyShaw
    @MarkyShaw 6 років тому +255

    I do miss the days of people actually buying and caring about computer speakers. Hearing names like Altec Lansing and Cambridge Soundworks feels like times long forgotten. It was cool to see these Roland speakers considering their products are geared towards musicians. Seeing them release computer speakers specifically is pretty cool and unique. I do dig the Mackie's. I use the CR5's which I'm stoked with. Headphones seem to be more important to the average consumer these days. Or they just use their crappy built-in laptop/phone speakers. Back in the day I had some monster pyramid-looking speakers. I can't remember what brand. Perhaps a white label product. But they looked rectangular and slanted from the front, and looked like a pyramid tipped on its side from the side profile. I probably sound crazy but I'd give a dollar to someone that knows wtf I'm talking about.

    • @JohnSmith-xq1pz
      @JohnSmith-xq1pz 6 років тому +8

      Still does. Has a newer (2000s era) creative labs speakers. Theyvmay only be a stereo but man talk about big sound and bass from a little package lol

    • @robinenbernhard
      @robinenbernhard 6 років тому +7

      Same here. Am 35 yrs old and stil i love get good speakers and good sound card. I use now asus strix raid dlx with HD650 + creative gigaworks t3
      I do mis my old creative gigaworks 7.1

    • @GoldenTrumpet24
      @GoldenTrumpet24 6 років тому +5

      I still care about computer speakers, because I'm always around mine

    • @1310up
      @1310up 6 років тому +6

      Me and my M AUDIO Studiophile AV40 definitly agreed, I would better have a crappy PC with good speakers then crappy speakers with a good pc.

    • @Toblehrone
      @Toblehrone 6 років тому +1

      I have some "cheap" Altec Lansing BXR1221, but they have very good sound for my purposes.

  • @lassihietala8465
    @lassihietala8465 6 років тому

    Interesting video! I'm glad you compared these to lower-range "studio" monitors (Mackie CR4s) so there's a point of reference.

  • @MUMSUniverse
    @MUMSUniverse 6 років тому

    These bring back great PC memories from my childhood! 🖥🔉😊

  • @Reed-Publications
    @Reed-Publications 5 років тому

    I had these speakers as a kid! They were epic!

  • @JamesLee-oe7mt
    @JamesLee-oe7mt 6 років тому

    Retro speaker comparison!!! Those old altecs took me back

  • @mstandish
    @mstandish 6 років тому

    I am also rocking the MA-12Cs. They sound great and work fine sitting next to a CRT.

  • @LadyAster
    @LadyAster 6 років тому

    Thanks for covering these speakers! Always interesting to hear about quality tech from any time period. Made me think of the MDR series Sony headphones

  • @jasonday5143
    @jasonday5143 6 років тому

    Really Cool! Love this stuff!

  • @raafmaat
    @raafmaat 6 років тому +8

    dangit now i really want these... why do i watch this channel? i always end up wanting to buy stuff i dont really need!

  • @centurybug
    @centurybug 6 років тому

    I use the Altec Lansing ACS340 set of 2.1 speakers with my computer. They sound so good I've been using them for listening to records as well as stuff from my PC with no complaints. And hey, they're beige!

  • @lukasperuzovic1429
    @lukasperuzovic1429 6 років тому

    I almost always learn alot from LRG videos. This video actually made me do some research my self and I think I found my own sweet spot when it comes to older PC speakers.
    I recently found a white pair of Roland MA-8 in good condition, and a black pair which the seller said left speaker not working. I am going to see if I can fix that left Speaker.

  • @harryeddy
    @harryeddy 6 років тому

    I love speakers from the Glory days! I'm still rocking some Klipsch promedia 2.1 speakers, and they're still going strong!

  • @GoldenTrumpet24
    @GoldenTrumpet24 6 років тому +4

    I remember having a set of JBL pro speakers years ago that I wish I still had. I never expected small computer speakers like those putting out bass like there was big sub-woofers in them. Now, I use the Klipsch Pro Media. The speakers sound awesome and the sub-woofer kicks so much ass. I'll have to pick up the Roland's if I come across one.

    • @lampmunchertv3861
      @lampmunchertv3861 2 роки тому

      I currently have a set. I just got done putting new capacitors in them and a replacement amplifier chip

  • @emoldandriel
    @emoldandriel 6 років тому

    Amazing! I was so curious about them!

  • @PrinceOfBodom
    @PrinceOfBodom 6 років тому

    I love that Roland Juno-106 beeing in the manual for possible connections.

  • @TheMarkedWolf
    @TheMarkedWolf 6 років тому

    Nice that’s two in a row good retro hardware. Would like to see more. Btw I’ve been watching your videos since 2013 and only now I noticed that I haven’t subscribed yet. Clicked the subscribed button immediately lol. You deserve 1M subs. 😃

  • @warrencraft1187
    @warrencraft1187 6 років тому +1

    Awesome vid Clint! I'm an audio nut and was wondering if you would consider doing a vid on a mid to late 90s maxed out gaming rig set up. Like everyone does now a day's with new equipment. I'll never be able to afford the new stuff. I do think I'd be able to swing a retro peroid correct rig from the 90s.

  • @Anthony0482
    @Anthony0482 6 років тому

    ayyy 900k subs congrats

  • @MetalMeek
    @MetalMeek 6 років тому

    Those speakers caught my eye on one of your latest videos when I saw that big 'ol Roland logo. They make some super quality stuff. And also some cheaper budget options that are pretty good.

  • @RMPANDA964
    @RMPANDA964 6 років тому

    I always wondered what model those Roland speakers were in your other videos. Thanks for the video!

  • @vwestlife
    @vwestlife 6 років тому +19

    Pish tosh! These are nothing compared to the mighty JUSTer Active 95A speakers! :-P

  • @sebastianramadan8393
    @sebastianramadan8393 6 років тому

    OH MY GOD, YOU'RE TAKING ME ON A JOURNEY!

  • @mitsostechtips9047
    @mitsostechtips9047 6 років тому

    Clint... These are my favourite speakers. They are eye catching, i found one pair of them at a goodwill for about 5$

  • @ChozoSR388
    @ChozoSR388 6 років тому

    I fracking love the Wood grain 486. It feels so right!

  • @AdamAus85
    @AdamAus85 6 років тому

    I have the old Infinity speakers that were sold with IBM desktop computers in the 90s. Very attractive speaker and the sound is above average for what they are.

  • @koreanwater
    @koreanwater 6 років тому

    I end up buying a pair today!!! Thanks to you lol

  • @VigneshBalasubramaniam
    @VigneshBalasubramaniam 6 років тому

    I've had a pair of Altec Lansing ACS-5 speakers for a while, and they've been amazing as well. Retro computer speakers are great.

  • @SRCVintageElectronics
    @SRCVintageElectronics 6 років тому

    We still use these exact ones at school!

  • @genderfr3ak
    @genderfr3ak 6 років тому

    It looks like your production quality has gone up. Keep up the good work, LGR

  • @Waynimations
    @Waynimations 6 років тому +3

    Those actually look very cool

  • @jameslewis2635
    @jameslewis2635 6 років тому +19

    Personally I never really went in much for PC speakers back in the day. I had my PC hooked up to a hi-fi amp and speakers.

    • @DGTelevsionNetwork
      @DGTelevsionNetwork 6 років тому +2

      I still do, granted it's 7.1 digital surround sound

    • @eupher2
      @eupher2 6 років тому +4

      Me too. We had the computer connected to a 1980's Pioneer receiver and Polk Audio speakers.

    • @dashcamandy2242
      @dashcamandy2242 6 років тому

      I do that now because... 100W per channel. LOL

  • @bobbobson1605
    @bobbobson1605 6 років тому +1

    From what I can tell (I can't find any teardown images, nor do i have access to any), the rubber strip is likely also a gasket/seal where the two halves are joined. This seems especially nice, as it would prevent air leaks from easily forming, as well as avoiding any case rattling as it aged.