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Roland MC-101 Groovebox
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Your Price: $749.99 CDN
or from $79 CDN/mo
Small size. Massive groove.
Produce and perform music anywhere, anytime - without clutter or complications. The MC-101 GROOVEBOX has all the high-quality sounds, sequencing, and effects of the professional MC-707, in a compact four-track version that's go-everywhere portable. Get started with an inspiring collection of ready-to-go sounds and patterns, or easily create your own. Craft a unique style by importing custom sounds and loops that sync to tempo. And you can perform with the MC-101, triggering clips and shaping your sounds with direct, hands-on control.
Roland's Cloud Academy
The MC-101 Groovebox is one of the many products that includes access to Roland Cloud Academy, an online learning platform providing free training courses for registered owners of Roland DJ controllers, TR-8S Rhythm Performer, and MC-101 + MC-707 GROOVEBOXES. In a series of live group video sessions, Roland's top product specialists will guide you step-by-step through various product features and provide tips for studio creation, stage performance, and event production. With the benefit of Cloud Academy's interactive online platform, instructors provide real-time responses to your questions submitted via live chat, voice, or webcam.
For more information, check out the Roland Cloud Academy Website.
MC-101 Key Features
• Compact Production Tool
• Sound Generator: ZEN-Core
• Preset Tones: 3,000 or greater; 80 or greater preset drum kits
• Polyphony: 128 voices
• 16 RGB Pads
• 4-Track Step Sequencer, Looper
• Wide range of built-in Effects
• 16 Character, 2 Line LCD Backlit Display
• Expandable Platform
Pocket production studio.
The MC-101 is a professional production tool, sharing the sounds and many of the capabilities of its bigger sibling, the MC-707. And there are advantages in being small. The MC-101 is solid-yet-light and runs for about five hours on four AA batteries, so you can design sounds, create drum patterns, and compose musical phrases just about anywhere. And it's not just a scratch pad for simple ideas. You can produce fully-fledged professional tracks or create backing tracks and accompaniment for live performance.
Turn a creative spark into fire.
The MC-101 has a four-track sequencer optimized for creating today's electronic and dance-focused music. You can use the 16 RGB pads to create drum, bass, and synthesizer patterns and produce your own original music. Explore a musical playground, where you can freely combine loops and one-shots with melodic phrases including your own MIDI sequences and imported audio recordings. Compose and trigger clips, rearrange, re-sample, record automation, and more.
A portable studio full of vintage gear.
The MC-101 has the Roland sounds that have defined electronic and dance genres for over forty years. Legendary instruments like the TR-808, TR-909, JUNO-106, and SH-101 are all here, ready to replicate classic sounds or be combined, tweaked, and processed into entirely new sounds.
Expandable sounds, patterns, and phrases.
Compose from a curated collection of built-in beats, phrases, and sounds, all expertly crafted by renowned artists and sound designers. And the MC-101 is part of an expandable platform. So, when you're ready for more, or want to explore new genres and styles, you can easily change things up by adding new content.
Play your own custom audio in perfect sync.
Each track contains a powerful sample player so you can import your own custom sounds. Use your own voice, or the sound of your favourite instrument from your computer. Imported audio can sync with the MC-101's tempo or be processed with the arsenal of built-in effects and hands-on controls.
Produce tracks ready to stream or perform.
With the MC-101's wide range of pro effects, your music sounds polished and fully produced. Each track has independent effects processors with a huge number of variations. Lush chorus brings depth to pads and other synth sounds. Delays and reverbs create evocative spaces and add movement to delicate sequences. Overdrive, distortion, and amp simulation inject grit and intensity into synths, guitars, drums and more. You can also run your entire mix through master effects like filters, bit-crushers, and a master bus compressor that glues it all together with punch and clarity.
Produce and share with the world. With a single cable.
When you're ready to further develop your tracks, or share your creations with friends and fans, simply connect the MC-101 to your computer with a single USB cable. It has advanced USB audio interface capabilities and can record an entire mix or all four parts to individual tracks in your DAW. Or sample sounds from your DAW to capture backing tracks, stems, or the sound of a favorite software synth for your next live show.
Specifications
Sound Generator: ZEN-Core (Tone, Drum Kit)
Track Type: Tone, Drum Kit, Looper (Audio Loop)
Maximum Polyphony:
ZEN-Core: 128 voices (varies according to the sound generator load)
LOOPER: 4 (varies according to the available number of Looper track)
Tracks: 4 tracks
Clips: 64 clips (16 clips per track)
Clip Type: Tone, Drum Kit, Looper (Audio Loop), it varies according to the track type.
Tones
Preset Tone: 3,000 or greater
Preset Drum Kit: 80 or greater
User Sample (as a Tone or Drum Kit): available by importing form SD CARD
*Available total time for User Sample: 12 minutes in mono, 6 minutes in stereo (44.1 kHz)
*Available format of User Sample: WAV 32--96 kHz/16 bits, 24 bits (mono, stereo)
Looper Sample (as a clip of Looper track): available by importing from SD CARD
*Available total time for Looper Sample: Approx. 60 sec (44.1 kHz)
*Available format of Looper Sample: WAV 44.1 kHz/16 bits, 24 bits, 32 bits, 32 bits float (mono, stereo)
Effects
Track Multi-Effects: 90 types
Track EQ
Chorus/Delay: 9 types
Reverb: 7 types
Master Effects: 90 types
Master Compressor
Master EQ
Step Sequencer: Maximum Step: 64 steps
*Available on a Tone or Drum Kit Track
Looper: Time Stretch, Pitch Shift
*Available on a Looper Track
Display: 16 characters, 2 lines LCD (backlit)
External Storage: SD Card (SDHC supported) for saving Project Data and Audio Data
Connectors
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
OUT(L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: USB B type (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)
Current Draw: 500 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use
• Alkaline battery (AA, LR6): Approx. 3 hours
• Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6): Approx. 4.5 hours
*This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Dimensions (W x D x H): 224 x 132 x 61 mm (8-13/16 x 5-3/16 x 2-7/16 inches)
Weight (including batteries): 716 g (1 lb 9 oz)
Accessories
- Owner's manual
- Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
- SD Card (installed in the product when shipped from the factory)
- SD Card Protector (installed in the product when shipped from the factory)
Media
Youtube video product demo
Youtube video product demo
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
3.145.63.148
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Capable Full Tracks, EP's and Albums | 5/5 6 of 6 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Calgary Chinook, Alberta
This machine really does do it all.
I have owned this for two years now and have had zero issues with it. In that time I have made over 30 tracks with no issue.
The workflow has changed a lot overtime which was a bit of a learning curve, however each change made it more capable so I am very pleased.
Having owned this since it was released I will say the price increase is justified, it can do significantly more now than when it was released and can easily be a standalone bedroom producer studio.
The original MC-202 was priced at $595 in 1983 ($1699 in 2022 adjusted for inflation). When this was released (2019) it was priced at $599, that would have been $262 in 1983 adjusted for inflation. For those complaining about the price, understanding comparative relativity will make your lives much better. This is a one-time purchase, which will last you a very long time.
4 tracks were more than enough before re-sampling was added. With re-sampling, I really have no desire for more tracks or the MC-707 for that matter.
Sampling over USB is easy. Chopping samples is not difficult, just takes some time scrolling with the knob and SHIFT held down for start and end points.
Tone presets are good, you can find a good base for what you want to do most of the time.
Loading .wav files in is very easy by placing the unit into storage mode and transferring files. This goes for Tone, Drum, and Looper tracks.
The drum kits are more than enough hit the ground running making tracks. Loading in your own sounds to create custom kits per track and project is also quite easy and straightforward.
Reading the negative reviews makes me laugh quite a bit. This machine is more than capable of making full tracks, including mixing and mastering, and with that EP's and Albums.
The learning curve is steep, I will say that. This was my first machine of this sort and I began reading the reference manual before even purchasing.
The reference manual is a must to get the most out of this instrument.
The irony about the negative reviews is lack of music made by said critics. Musical people make music with sticks and reeds, they don't complain about the grain of the bamboo, or the density of said stick.
There are a lot of complaints out there from people who have gear acquisition syndrome. Learn music theory and rely less on the machine's (or any other machine for that matter) deeply technical aspects to make up for lack of musicality.
Treat the machine like an instrument, learning it will become much smoother.
Posted by Theo on Feb 17, 2022
Way Too Expensive For What You're Getting 1 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Surrey, British Columbia
Firstly, I really wanted to like this piece of gear. Like anyone reading this, I wanted to step away from the computer and sketch some beats on the fly.
Let's start with the good:
- Very light and portable
- Tons of presets
The bad:
- Agonizing workflow
- Feels cheap
- Most of the sounds are useless unless you're specifically
looking for 80's cheese
- No undo button (this is probably the worst offender)
- USB cable to power the device is NOT included
Anyways, for just shy of $800 CAD, I expected a lot more.
Posted by Scott on Apr 29, 2021
it isnt a finished product 5 of 6 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Edmonton North, Alberta
Pro
+ up to 128 steps
+ up to 128 voices
+ 4 tracks but 16 clips per track (with the possibility of diffrent sounds per
clip )
+ quantization on, off
+ a reduced sort of ableton live workflow
+ tons of effects in a solid quality
+ portabel size
+ battery
+ steprecording and a sort of reduced "elektron" trig-Conditions and
parameter locks but really limited
Kontra
- to many second assignment buttons, in some points unnecessary
complicated
- tone editing is a joke (only pitch, cutoff, adsr) no synth editing
options, Its not a synth groovebox its more a preset modul)
artificially limited synth from mc 707 (jv 1080)
- same with lfo routing options (not even envelope of cutoff)
- timestretching isnt good in soundquality
- plastik
- no lithium ion akku (its 2020 !)
- trig-Conditions and
parameter locks are really limited
Come on roland it isnt a finished product !
Posted by Daniel on Jan 25, 2020
Very fun toy with very pro applications! 3 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Victoria, British Columbia
I love this thing! At first it seems so limited, with it's 4 tracks, but you'd be amazed at how much you can do with them, especially when it lets you change sounds from pattern to pattern, or bounce things down to sampler tracks. It's loaded with sounds. TBH they sound a little thin a the mix with analog or va sounds, but you can really bring them to life with creative use of the effects and stuff. The beats are great too though! I haven't imported any phrase samples into it yet, but I'm looking forward to trying that out. For me it's best use is as a pattern sequencer for my analog gear. Best paired with an Arturia Keystep for a comprehensive portable solution. Runs off usb power or batteries, or you can plug the usb into a charge bank and it'll run off that too.
Posted by Dean on Jan 6, 2020
Get Your Groove On 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Peterborough, Ontario
This little box packs a punch. It has a ton of great sounds pre-loaded. The workflow is simple and intuitive. I detest menu diving and Roland has somehow taken the annoying out of that. YES there are a ton of “SHIFT” functions, but they make sense for the most part. I recommend to the beginner and the seasoned pro.
Posted by Leo on Nov 3, 2019
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| MC-101 Groovebox | 718471 |
