All user reviews of 4/5 for the Roland MC-909 Sampling Groovebox

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.

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.

See other opinions

UTILIZATION

I think it's the easiest roland groovebox. The manual is a bible
I have not had much difficulty to take charge
the only downside sampler (I used the SP808) is chiantissime to use, but it is super complete headlock at will ...
I kept my SP808 and zip which is much easier and has a crazy MFX (much more configurable than the 909)
a super midi sequencer to control other boxes ... (I drive a dark energy and with a Microkorg)
a screen that makes your life easier as not allowed ...

SOUNDS

The kits are excellent batteries
there are good surprises (the sax and brass do not sound bad, some guitars are interesting for more electro it's pretty cool)
The multiband mastering compressor is a killer ...
Filters sound like roland filters ...

OVERALL OPINION

I love it despite its flaws (sampler and MFX).
A second would be welcome but must be reasonable ...

Everything is perfect ... except the boot time a bit long.
There are hundreds of patches used on ...
Finally, very hard to make the turn in 2 days!

UTILIZATION

The manual is clear.
Lots of features.
I have not tried the sampling for the moment.

SOUNDS

Wide variety of styles.
The D-beam is unnecessary.

OVERALL OPINION

Very happy with the beast.
The ideal would be to have a sound engine of the mc909 in the ergonomics of the RS7000 ...

the manufacturer's website to say much more than me!
but there's not too much trouble to make this aside, there's what it takes ...

UTILIZATION

Good groovebox whole, intuitive, with a clear manual.
You just take the folds of the operation groovebox!

SOUNDS

For the rhythm part I would say that his days are always good and they are (a battery is a battery) but I will not speculate too much on sounds such as "synthetic" for example.
but the mc909 and foremost a secquenceur rhythm.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 years at the time I chose it because Roland groovebox with that we can approach as many styles / genres for my taste.

Sampler 16 MB to 256 MB internal ext
Functions "CHOP", "Time Stretch", "Normalize", "Emphasis"
Function "Resample" can resample a complete song.
2 Multi-effects (type 2x56) with real-time controllers
Mastering Integrated Tools
Turntable Emulation: allows you to control pitch and tempo of any audio sample or all of the sequencer.
Smart Media Reader
Double "D-BEAM"
USB connection for transferring samples
6 analog outputs
Stereo line inputs
Input / output S / PDIF optical and coax.
Real synthesizer
Sound architecture derived from the XV series
4 tones and control matrix
693 waveforms included sounds from the SRX "Dance"
SRX expansion card (1 slot)
Large backlit LCD display
8 faders control
16 simultaneous games
64 voice polyphony
lacks a bit of polyphony for me but good

UTILIZATION

In fact it is not mine, but I'm working on it regularly, so I can not give you a definitive opinion ... Already the first thing that impressed me is the screen, monstrous taille.Très easy to quui we use for those practicing the old series and the user manual sampling and well fait.lLa part but unfortunately there is no undo. then 9 out of 10 because of the undo

SOUNDS

The sound is good to see wicked certain.On a sample CD that came with the beast that is not too bad there as all styles.Le thing that surprised me is the very cozy mastering.je thought it ' was a gimmick but it's not bad at all, it's not worth what is being done for the studios but good enough prix.Le compressor is demonic and easy to adjust thanks to the screen. At first seen (in store) I thought the mc909 was mainly oriented Rap Hip Hop because of the presets, and bah it just do not tous.le mini keyboard and pretty cool to the touch.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one month and I think it's a damn good product for the live.Je am more focused and Virtual PC, no matter what I let myself be trying this one day produit.Ca can complement a home studio no problem thanks to the USB and digital.
To a solution while maintaining it's great.
Roland wanted to provide a device that allows for a project from A to Z it is we succeed.
This is not necessarily to wear all budgets but the effort is worth it.

Problem with Smart Media reader and keys 9 and 10 bloquent.Resulat return home Roland.On Service had released a 12''is postponed .... GALERE

I do not m'tends dtails, the site builder is more talkative!

basically it is a groovebox with:
- A sequencer like TB, a microscope and piano roll mode for the edition and of course no time and no rel
- A sampler that works with the RAM (16MB standard) which can be stretched (128MB) to play the samples, and a smart media card for storage (maximum 256 MB I think)
- A synthesis that allows the use of 4 parts multitimbral sound.
- 2 multi-effects Intgr

particluarits:
- Transfer mc / pc via USB connection. the mc is recognized as a player and can TRANSFR files in both directions Manir transparent!
- 16 tracks> 16 part. each unit can be a drum kit, or a patch (or synthse sample, or shuffled) by going up to 4 layers

short, unless you like rler, there's enough to make even when many things.

UTILIZATION

Well, was not always a logical and MODEL ergonolie it must be said, the shift by CASC and sub menus are a little stick anywhere ... rgler can not send levels in multi-effects ...
So some big gaps, but however, compensated by a large LCD screen and is well trs was a direct apperu utiliss 16 patches with their name, or the mixer, the fen Retailer of very edition, etc ...
USB is a big plus, soon to dye the machine s TRANSFR something you want on the map.

otherwise the controls in faade are numerous and fairly well made.
other default: can not choose custom settings that modify the effects, both controllers have an assignment DDIS freezes for each effect.

otherwise we may have in simultanment ACCS faade for a patch br /> - ADSR amplitude
- ADSR filter
- Filter cutoff and reso
- Tune
- Form, frquence LFO (only one ... shame, was a shift t welcome!)

and thus both paramtres for both mfx.
addition to the mute of course, and such trifles usual start stop.

oh yeah, there's two d-beam. a can be fun with a bit of mastering ...

SOUNDS

I heard a lot of blah blah about 909, comparisons, dnigrements, reviews the "grain" of the sampler ...
arrtez then some guys, that was you like it or not (and I say no because I had a mean us well, I'm too old)::: 909 LA sounds so it makes it sound correctly.
saw the possibilities of the machine, a would be stupid to say that it does not ring.
dj synthse allows the engine to draw cool sounds, and then a sample, a sample is a.
then be less than one acoustic nvros I do not think its grain can pcher

OVERALL OPINION

Well, at least good, as usual we do rptera enough: try before you buy and find out whether a prior right for you!

What a surprise to discover the latest in Roland finally it fixes it but not completely even considerably when compared to its predecessors
big new properties:
LCD screen size-not ignored
INTEGRATED-sampler
Pure-port cards srx
-Effects for cetain high quality
List sounds impressive, etc ...

UTILIZATION

The big advantage of 909 is the ease of use. Everything is clear and in a few weeks you master all fonctions.Pour the manual which I think is the best set apart

SOUNDS

A little old, little new at Roland who has trouble took off at the sonorites.mais it still manages to bring out the beast sounds terrible if we are given a little respect to mal.pour SRX ca can be worth the cost I own the world that gives Collecion sounds very good quality for my hip hop instrumental (but need to buy more of OCAS it is not worth 300 euros)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for over 1 year
I love the patches edition is done with precision and detail (changing sounds at infinity)
the sounds of classic Roland are disappointing
it is a machine that I bought used with no regrets 1200 euros (for me it is better to join a synth and a sampler worthy of the name)

I will not repeat the features, they are described in great length on the manufacturer's website.

The connection is fairly complete (separate outputs, midi, USB, SPDIF, etc..), The beast has many fully editable sounds and a variety of effects section. Note that memory cards are used in the format smart media, hard to find today.

UTILIZATION

It takes a little time to take the machine in hand. I work on Roland instruments for many years (including previous Groovebox), and it's a little gas plant at the start.

Fortunately the manual is very well done, we found it very easily. The front knobs allow editing of the sounds very easily. Regarding the part sequencer, sampling, effects, it will navigate through menus and submenus.

Everything is very readable thanks to the big screen of the MC-909, and quickly found its brands. Regarding the factory sounds, they are usable, but not transcendent either. It is possible to modify or even create its sound, but I find the sounds a little skimpy.

Let me explain that bump on analog synths long ago, I can not find the typical grain of Juno (as another example, but since we are at Roland, as compared with their stuff). The sounds blend perfectly in a mix, but sounds a bit like the end, the machine really lacks character (which is also often criticized the manufacturer).

The effect section comes to the rescue on the side sounds a bit dull. Two multi-effects are available (in addition to a compressor and reverb), and the quality is at the rendezvous. Do not expect either to achieve effects such as on a rack costs 2 times the price of the machine, but that's enough for a groovebox.

The effects are well-adjusted, what is most important, and can bring some consistency and life to a mix. The sampler is very honorable, the converters have a good dynamic, and editing is pretty easy. Of course, there are tools to perform much better on Mac and PC for editing samples and then send them on the 909, but nevertheless allows the Groovebox work properly if you have no PC at hand. Part sequencer is really nice shape. Those familiar with software sequencers easily end up there, but it will forget this reflex to want to click on any price that you see on the screen (obviously, without a mouse unless it works well).

The keyboard aged badly, mine somehow reacts to velocity. I have a midi keyboard to control the machine, so it does not bother me especially. Note also that the MIDI implementation is very good on this machine, I'm just in passing for those who have bumps on the MC-303 MIDI system and its disastrous. Here, it works seamlessly, no headaches.

SOUNDS

The sounds of factories are correct, but you can edit them. Once processed with effects (internal or external), we come to learn something.
I find it regrettable on the other hand, but it is common to all manufacturers of user memory stick if reduced to patches and patterns, while we rot memory with their own programming unnecessary (I'm using it to compose, so I have no great interest to find myself with 800 preset patches for 256 users, and over 200 patterns of the manufacturer that only serve to outline the possibilities of the bike).

There are about 600 waveforms, and can still add more through SRX (expensive). The programming is more or less unlimited so the parameters are numerous, but one remains in his typical "Roland", no real surprise. The sampler can still adding their own colors, and it arrives at the end to get something very different from the original sounds on offer.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for some years. I had bought used with several memory cards, and 256MB of RAM (the maximum that can be added) installed.
For 500 euros is very correct, but at the cost new at the time, and without options is still limited.
I tried just about all models of Groovebox Roland, Yamaha and Korg. Like many sounds from Yamaha, just under the side ergonomics. Korg sounds I do not really agree on what type of product (Electribe). What I like most: - powerful sequencer - the accessible front panel knobs - FX section provided good - readable display - well thought out menu system (we found it) What I like least - sounds a bit dull - memory limit (you can save on memory card or via USB, but it's still a constraint in my opinion) The quality / price is good for the price of the occasion. I certainly do it again this election, if only for the sequencer which allows me to control other machines without using a PC (go find a sequencer hard at this price point).