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Roland MC-303

created by h3rcusl333z

(thing) by avrex (4.8 y) (print)   ?   (I like it!) 1 C! Fri Nov 17 2000 at 19:06:01

The Roland MC-303 Groovebox is an 8-track MIDI Microcomposer containing PCM samples of both drum and synth sounds. The sounds can be tweaked to a degree, but since they're samples they don't sound as good as the originals created by analog oscillators, modified by ADSR envelopes.

Regardless of what detractors say about the MC-303 concerning sound quality, programming, and its use in a "professional" environment, the little silver box is a lot of fun. Even with the cheesy built in presets it's easy for anyone to play patterns by muting in and out parts on the 8-track sequencer. One preset in particular "B-33" had to be banned at our house because friends who stopped by would end up tweaking that hip-hop pattern for hours on end.

The all in one Microcomposer concept (sequencer + sounds) can also be seen in the Roland MC-202 (analog sound source with digital 2-track sequencer) and the MC-505 (Modified Roland JV-1080 sound source with 8-track MIDI sequencer).

Note: The MC-303 is not a followup to the infamous analog TB-303, and sounds nothing like it.


(thing) by kolonay (3.4 y) (print)   ?   (I like it!) Fri Oct 12 2001 at 16:04:25

In addition to the above, I would like to add that to this day, I have not found another affordable device on the market that offers the wonderful real time step sequencing that the MC-303 does. While the interface is not the greatest in the world, it is very functional. This is still my favorite rhythm sequencer in my aresenal of musical goodies.

Now I understand that there are software programs galore that do real time step sequencing (FruityLoops), but I'm old school about such things, and really appreciate hardware MIDI sequencing.


printable version
chaos

Roland TB-303 Groovebox Roland MC-505 Yamaha RM1X
303 Roland Machina/The Machines of God FruityLoops
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March 23, 2006 Richard Modular synthesizer Gult
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