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

Connectors complete with ultra duo MIDI I / O analog and digital, and the added USB

Many of the available edited at will, making it one of the strengths of this machine.

Fairly comprehensive effects section with nice reverb, compressor, EQ (super!) in addition to the two effects and a multiband compressor on the master (switchable). Really well except that it is the reverb that you can put in auxiliary annoying but no worse.

Sequencer ultra complete with piano roll and event list on screen right size. A function that groove preview before applying and that's luxury.

A note velocity-sensitive pads which make the deadly beast mode programming TR.
Go let's say it lacks a vocoder to make something perfect!

UTILIZATION

It's been five years since I worked with the 505 then the 909 one week had no secrets for me, just the section sampler that I had won and the manual to read. The large screen displays using bcp because almost everything. Small flat on some function that requires to return to the main page (like undo / redo is still limited to one level!)

Publishing of sound effects and very simple, especially with the editor which allows for my sequencer on a PC screen and the editor on the other, you touch more to your groovebox pdt this time and you will win, time.

Fairly comprehensive manual, not always clear if you hack not simultaneously but then there are functions and things to learn ... Moreover, there must be a day that the OS allows new core functions.

SOUNDS

The sounds are so malleable (as in 505) that sticks to everything, maybe not from the factory presets but good Gave it anyway. Note that I have the SRX 5-sounding fat! Some sounds of acoustic instruments but it is rarely the case. Sample helping, they sound pretty good but is it really the role of this bike?

The effects are clean, efficient, and is always fit into a prod. It would take another 14 elsewhere so it's up to "kill" the sound in it!
Extra term, I am most of the groovebox, you can really think of it as an instrument. Everything is covered finger and you can improvise with unlimited zicos or DJ's. Velocity pads requests a time getting started but it is a plus, especially for the batteries that come to life ... The controller Vynil emulator allows you graft it on any beat and track zicos just floating ... This is the work of Panard on this machine!

OVERALL OPINION

4 months of use and I can do without (it replaces my 505)
Very beautiful sound that sometimes are more than Péchu microKORG. Complete a sampler that leave no chance to MPC, and the ease of dialogue between PC and groovebox make a truly formidable machine. A small hack you can even use it as a multi purpose! ! !

Cons: a sampler that tends to erase the sharp (which may however provide a true grain) and a summons questionable, if you re-recorded the tracks one by one on your pc your master sounds better than the goove box, or my mix can be improved in-house ...

Value for money? I'll let you judge, I bought 1000 euros with memory fully (256MB) and a smart media card SRX. At that price you got a sampler, a sequencer ultra expander complete a very good bill and a control panel that multiplies the possibilities of creation (especially live)!

I do it again this choice without any problems (if I still had 1000 euros!) That buries all my VST-i because it is really phatt and I can have my sounds and my editing samples. Nothing with this machine you do an album of crazy ... I is not met limits, as with the 505. This kind of bike can not be exceeded as the sounds are editable. I think this is a safe investment. Yet it is dancefloor oriented but after you do hit 3potards dub, rap, rock (electro) or trip-hop!

Big up for this machine that should serve as an example a lot of manufacturer!

The MC 909 is the ultimate Groovbox? can we do better (certainly in terms of ergonomics can be a little strange? roland but hey it's always like this?) lack a second MIDI output see three? and above a second MIDI input

UTILIZATION

The functions are huge! And the very effective midi sequencer (Roland has extensive experience in MIDI sequencers) screen super useful for composition, and especially the function groove pattern to give a little more realism in particular all drum patterns. The song mode is against a little disappointing, but against some>> one can almost make a pattern piece!

SOUNDS

I do not use the internal sounds that I find as usual with roland not very "warm" (but for models is super fast to make grooves) I mainly used the MC 909 as a midi sequencer, controller noon, sampler and drum machine is the rest of his are external sources.

OVERALL OPINION

It's the ball! and I think to keep at least 5 or 8 years to beat, not a material that is sold as once we control is the stuff for the long term. It lacks 2 additional MIDI out would avoid the purchase of a rack noon to control various sound cards.

+ The product is an internal memory of 16 MB non-volatile is a saying that you can put your best sounds in to avoid the charge card or a PC via USB for CD ignition
I put my personal all the sounds of vintage drum machine sounds like they are very short in general mono 16 mo ​​do this about thirty boxes full!

downloaded here sounds vintage MC 909> http://www.01lp.com/lescircuits/?p=11

I hope the next will be a Mc non-volatile memory and a more consistent analog modeling synthesis in a smaller size but keeping the screen

(FYI It was now 3 1 / 2 years that I have the MC 909 and I must say that the quality is still there! I use it very regularly and the buttons are always on top, it is true that is not very nice and large but very sturdy short is really the material of groove pro)

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)

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)

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)