Roland MC-909 Sampling Groovebox user reviews ( 7/10) - 36 user reviews

• 03/27/13

  TJGeeter's review "Guitar Center talked me into it!"

  Characteristics

  This is great for many styles of music. I tried it in guitar center before I purchase it and fell in love with it!

  Utilization

  It was not easy to learn to use and it took some time. I am still trying to figure everything out.

  Sounds

  The sound coming out of this sampler is very good, it is actually better than other samplers that I have heard in the past.

  Overall Opinion

  I would buy again, I love the quality of sound.
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  You couldn't ask for more (maybe keys), there are tons of features, fx, and the sampler is pretty good if i must say so... tweaking your own sounds and the ability of mastering your tracks is good, so when you go to a studio to track out beats there is not much sound editing to do which saves time.
  
  
  
  1,300

  Utilization

  Very easy i have let other producers walk in and in minutes where creating quality tracks.
  
  
  
  I have had mine for almost a year and have not had any type of malfunctions, so i have to say that it is pretty good.

  Sounds

  There are tons of synths on that when tweaked are one of a kind.. There are also good effects, and most of the percussion patches aren't bad. When it comes to guitars and quality strings you might want to find another machine, overall I have made amazing music and when other owners hear it, they question if i used samples.

  Overall Opinion

  I love this machine what i lack in insturments i make up for with another machine or a downloaded patch but this is the center piece for all of my production.
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: sasson ( 8-, 2005)
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  PROS: EXCELLENT. It can be used as a stand-alone 16-track sequencer. One track can have up to 16 instruments on it at once, ie. 16x16. It can be used to trigger drums only, and it has built-in effects which when tweaked sweeten your sound like honey. There are multiple outputs so u can put out up to 6 simultaneous ANALOG channels (makes bouncing to external editor faster) AND has S/PDIF digital out. I can't hear a difference b/t analog/digital, so the A/D convertors must work fine. The 2 MIDI outputs are EXTREMELY configurable and the dynamic range is so audible u can hear a pin drop. Not only that, but you can spend hours customizing sounds, building custom kits, buy & add more ROM's (more sounds), AUTOMATE your mixes, use some analog outs for inserts, and save preset setups for various situations. CONS: only thing more it needs is another MIDI input. And editing out sounds can be a big problem
  
  
  
  Price paid
  
  
  
  300.00 on eBay

  Utilization

  Before I bought it, I went into [music store] and within minutes I was making a beat, just by looking at the way preset sequences were laid out. For in depth users, the manual is very confusing, but to get started is too simple. CON: Editing is a bit tricky
  
  
  
  I bought a factory refurbished model which got damaged in shipping. The only problem I have is when u engage the MIDI out port A, u can't use the S/PDIF digital signal cause it goes to crap and it freezes the engine. Aside from this it works fine. I will eventually get a new one, but I'm sure this can easily be repaired.

  Sounds

  Pros: The drum sounds are extremely versatile for electronic music. I cycled thru the sounds and would use alot in beats AS IS, making creation flow. Tweaking them is extremely easy with 16 ASSIGNABLE knobs, and there are some synths in there that resonate in ur brain and ring on ur ear drum. Cons: If you're looking for realism, u won't find it here 'cuz the factory ROM isn't big enuff for multi-sample realistic sounds. Another problem is the non-percussion sounds (except organs/keys) can't be used in many other genres besides hip-hop/pop/r&b/dancehall/reggae but if you do anything else, would u even use a drum machine that much?

  Overall Opinion

  Before I bought this, I would spend hours in [music store] just on this one piece of gear. I'm telling you...I've never found it so easy to be unique. And when I want, I just sit it in my lap, turn off the lights and just play thru my headphones. It's the one piece of gear I never want to get lost or stolen because I feel like I know it.
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: TheFourth ( 4-, 2005)
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  This unit is packed with great features. The one thing I wish it had is an indicator that shows current position in sample edit during playback.
  
  
  
  Price paid
  
  
  
  $1,400 USD

  Utilization

  Once you get warmed up the the machine its very easy to use, but getting to that point with the user manuel is a pain. The manuel is the worst part about the MC-909. I found it easier to figure it out on my own than use the manuel.

  Sounds

  The sound produced by the 909 is great. It has many internal sounds and a large selection of upgrades.

  Overall Opinion

  Quality and durability are first rate.
  
  
  
  I love this unit because it by far the number 1 machine for preforming live!
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: RICERIDER2010 (January 2-, 2004)
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  VERY HAPPY AND EASY TO UPGRADE ITS MISSING THE GROOVE SETTINGS THAT THE MC505 HAD
  
  
  
  Price paid
  
  
  
  $1.800 AT SAM ASH

  Utilization

  VERY EASY IN TWO DAYS OF STUDYING HANDS ON YOU CAN START CREATING YOU JUST HAVE TO GET IN VOLVED AND BE DEDICATED
  
  
  
  THEY MAKE A CASE FOR IT BUT I WOULD KEEP IT IN THE STUDIO BUT YOU DECIDE

  Sounds

  I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH ROLAND PRODUCTS SINCE THE 626 DRUM MACHINE THE ALESSE SR16 TH R70 THE303 MC 303 MC505 AND NOW THE MC 909 GROOVE SAMPLER THE MC505 IS MORE COMPLICATED TO USE THAN THE NEW 909 IT WAS KIND OF FAMILIAR TO THE OTHER GROOVE MACHINES BUT WHAT MAKES IT SO FRIENDLY IS THE LARGE VIDEO SCREEN IT HELPS SO MUCH

  Overall Opinion

  I LOVE IT ITS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR THE A SERIOUS CREATOR OF MODERN MUSIC ITS A BIG BANG FOR YOUR BUCK FROM ROBERT"ZOOKIE "FERRER
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: Unknown (January 1-, 2003)
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  As a groovebox and sequencer, this machine is AMAZING. It met my expectations in every regard and then some. As a bonus, I thought it could serve as a sampler as well. While you can use it to sample in real-time, it is far too complicated and limited in this regard for use as a sampler during live performances. But for studio use, it rocks.
  
  
  
  Price paid
  
  
  
  $1495

  Utilization

  I was a total novice to grooveboxes. There was a bit of a learning curve and the manual wasnt the best. Still, customer service has been helpful the 2 times I've called them and now that I've been messing around with it for an hour a day for a week, I'm now making some great-sounding beats. The interface is very easy and intuitive once you get the hang of it. This coming from someone with no musical background whatsoever, but a decent familiarity with computers.
  
  
  
  I think I will use it only as a studio device. Also, its too pricey for me to want to bring it to a gig. I thought the sampler functions would be a nice plus, so when it left a lil to be desired in that regard I wasnt too upset. What it lacks as a sampler it more than makes up for as a groovebox. The ability to quickly, easily and digitally transfer files from a PC for me made it worth every penny. Yamaha and Akai have comparable products that I was looking at. Lots of people recommend the MPC, which Ive never used, so I cant compare the 909 with these products. But, on its own, coupled with a couple turntables and a PC with a few decent audio editing programs, the sky is the limit with this thing. I'm soooo glad I bought it.

  Sounds

  The ability to transfer files back and forth to a computer thru USB means the quality is as good as it gets. While the presets focus on techno, I find it great for making hip-hop, since support for 128mb smart cards mean you can input any sounds you want from your PC without any lose in fidelity.

  Overall Opinion

  Id made a few mediocre beats before I got my 909. Now, I can make insane jams with the greatest of ease. I would wholeheartedly recommend the 909. I havent encountered a single bug or serious shortcoming (aside from its limitations as a real-time sampler in a live setting).
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: Unknown ( 3-, 2003)
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• 03/18/13

  tazzo's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " an infinity of sound"

  Characteristics

  Product Details
  
  
  
  equalization general, not track by track!

  Utilization

  the MC-909 is not very intuitive but once read the manual and a few weeks earlier, the composition is a real treat.
  
  the possibility of such machines are huge. after a year and a half already in my possession I am still discovering new opportunities.
  
  
  
  Wholesale +: the screen that allows you to see everything we do on the machine.

  Sounds

  the sound of this machine is really open to any style: electro swing, hip hop, house, techno ...
  
  I use to make hardtek / hardcore.
  
  I do not use velocity, for fear of damaging the pads that seem a bit fragile.
  
  effects are quite effective but not a substitute for real effects rack.
  
  
  
  create your own Sythe, the preset is not terrible.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 1 year and a half
  
  
  
  I had in my possession a korg emx-1 and I had the opportunity to try the yamaha rm1-x. my favorite is the mc-909
  
  
  
  the huge + this machine is the screen. you can view your stepper composition.
  
  
  
  The downside for me is the general equalization and not track by track.
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• 01/10/13

  R*a*f's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Good product"

  Characteristics

  The 909 is a 16-track sequencer and sampler editable computer.
  
  It has a compressor, 2 multi-effects, reverb and 3-band compressor output. Over 300 sounds and samples directly editable or personal computer. Full of real-time controllers recordable and editable in the sequencer.

  Utilization

  Against the publisher by pc / mac application specific configuration (sysex) that takes input and midi output, so no keyboard unless a sound card with 2 i / o noon. The pads can not fully restore the velocity must be another source of control.

  Sounds

  The basic sounds are generally good and realistic. Despite their small amount compared to current volumes, editions and combinations available with the effects we offers a wide range of sounds, not to mention samples.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 6 years, it is another world that would bring everyone differently, but as all the world, it has its limitations.
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• 10/12/12

  killmelater's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Simply exceptional all ... ♥ ♥ ♥"

  Characteristics

  too much thought, self simply plug it into your audio system sound and BOOM!

  Utilization

  it is not required to master any of this bike, routines become easier to use, the manual is not bad in french.

  Sounds

  sounds we do what we want ... then yes you find necessarily your style. And I do not claim to have especially realistic sounds, it is just that the interest! It hits like no computer, no be somewhat limited or "choked" when many triggers pad, but nothing serious.

  Overall Opinion

  your imagination will limit your torture sounds ...
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• 04/12/12

  Pald's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " machine for non-MAO"

  Characteristics

  Ptain, I gave an opinion, it has not been sent.
  
  
  
  Good effects but only two of the 50 are assignable to each track, so big disappointment. You can not assign a different effect for each track.

  Utilization

  Complicated, three months of daily use to control it fully

  Sounds

  Sounds not very good, old-actuellemnt, but can be mixed waves, especially fiddle and sampler. Therefore create sound banks absolutely terrible.
  
  
  
  The compressor of CD is very good, the mastering is simple and correct.
  
  
  
  I even use it as qu'ampli, and I feel it even improves the sound returning. Qd I out of my computer sound via optical fiber and amplifies the VBAC I CD, it's just fantastic. The samples that we are creating a hallucinatory clarity.
  
  
  
  The pads are déteriorisent fast enough, but there are ways to open the machine to clean and adjust them, (there is a thread on this site over there I think)
  
  
  
  This machine is the one for you. Me who do not like using the computer to create sounds, this machine overwhelms me. Except for these bastards effects that are not assignable to each track, only two of them can be used.
  
  (You can bypass it by using the resample)
  
  
  
  Here is what is good with this machine, it has sometimes reduced capacity that can be circumvented by its possibilities, ultimately anything can be done using tricks.

  Overall Opinion

  3 years of use, no regrets. Psr 540 in the first synth, I dreamed of the MC, 2300 Euros new at the time. Now I see q'elle qd is 500 euros, skip it. I acquired it at 700 E.
  
  
  
  For 500 euros, do not ask, do not buy especially the 808 which seems to be less powerful than the bcp 909, it has been castrated, stuff and less, even if the internal sounds sounds best.
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