All user reviews 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!

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)

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)

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).

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)