Roland MC-909 Sampling Groovebox

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)

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)

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)