Thanks for making a video on the MV-1 Gabe! I don't mind tiny screens either, and the workflow seems pretty straightforward and intuitive for me. The one biiiggggg upside this has compared to the MPC One is the ability to record vocals on the device itself; as a vocalist this is a huge plus!
I was hoping you'd get to play with this... There's a couple of things I don't like about this thing, but overall I'm really happy with it. I find that playing in melodies, either with the on-board pads or a mini keyboard, is a bit hit and miss, but that may just be a quantization issue. Sometimes chords don't get recorded into the sequencer, I'll play back what I recorded and only one of the notes of a chord is actually audible. The Zen Core engine is just ridiculously brilliant. As is the sequencer and workflow. I've never owned an MC-101, and I was deciding between the 707 and this one. I may at some poit just add a 707 to my setup, but I am thrilled with this thing so far.
Nice video! I really like it, it’s easy to get going with the MV, but a few things that definitely can improve and hopefully we’ll see that soon in an update.
the interface reminds me of the ASR-X ... like an updated version of it. NICE... Well done Roland... the ASR-X was one of my favorite machines from back in the day...
@@Massive01987 TOTALLY!... with the extended sounds in it... was WAY ahead of the game back then. Wasn't quite LIvePA ready, but for making tracks... it was the midi brain for a while in the studio.
I forgot there was even a module version of the ASR-10. I had the ASR-10 keyboard. I had an EPS, also. They weren’t Akai Sxxx-series, but those samplers were very good then.
Thank you so much! This is a bit of a steep learning curve for me. Could you please do a video about how and where to SAVE and know where you are in the song?
The workflow on this looks just how I want it to be. Similar to a combination of the OP-Z and the Deluge. I think the sound engine on this is far superior to the MPC machines. I'm glad I have one on order. Great video. 👍🏼
I have been SOOOOO hoping that you would do a video on this device because I have been eyeballing it really hard and you do tend to do a rather thorough exploration on devices I can't help but think that it is inevitable that this becomes part of my gear setup the only other devices that I'm really looking at are the 1010 music Black Box and Blue Box the whole DAW in a box or standalone production station especially one with sampling capabilities has really taken a hold on my way of thinking about music production.
Thanks for the vid Gabe, This MPC over Verselab is just a preference and work flow thing . if you want to work with samples and do all that sample editing, go with the MPC.... but if you are like me and want to write complete songs...and want old school sounds...and the goal is to have the unit load up a song to be played as a completed cohesive piece, then Verselab is for you...it's made for that process. I will also use the vocal track for a 'live synth' or midi it up and run it into the mix..... My production moves further on from the sequence created, to a digital mixer with vocals, bass, guitars, etc....... Verselab makes the song ideas come faster and easier....... people bashing verselab are not realizing who this machine is meant for...... It will be a real plus for my music. Circuit/Electribe/ can't do song mode well at all, and MPC, Maschine are just a different animal.(talk about a process to get a 'song' developed) I live the 80's mode of music and the verselab will keep me there in spirit and sound ! Thanks Roland !...and again thanks for the review, I will not see mine for about a month yet.....can't wait !
Aye cool, been watching ur videos for a while. This is really awesome! Recently got back into dawless music making, I’ve had the older MC505/808 and jumped the leap to the MV1. I’ve had it since late January. I really like the unit. Recently they released the 1.03 patch. It got some fixes. I still learned things from your video, like changing the presets for different clips. Thanks a lot! That’s really cool! Hope to see another video on this unit with maybe some extra tips and shortcuts or just music. U make cool tunes also!!
Thanks for the explanation how things works. Roland made a good job. It can be used also in addition to Zenbeats, which runs on PC or IPad. It was a hard decision to me, but I finally preferred Akai Live 2 for built in speaker and battery. The touch screen is also a big plus.
It's my understanding from listening to other people that the vocal track can be populated with both lead vocals and backing vocals... divided into two groups on the same track I believe??? from what I've heard other people say, I don't fully comprehend it especially since I don't have one there in front of me to experiment with and my comprehension of groove boxes is some what limited since the MC 101 is my first actual groove box unless you could consider the Yamaha QY10 a groove box... I always used it more as just like a musical scratch pad that was my first piece of gear ever.
I think the way it works is you can have 16 vocal "takes" on each song. So you could for example use take 1 for the chorus lead vox, take's 2, 3 and 4 for lead vox on some verses and still have a load of takes left for backing, etc. Not sure if that's 100% how it works haven't tried vocals much yet.
I don't understand why people are hating on the Verselab. 8 tracks, direct sampling, good synth engine, audio in, song mode, velocity sensitive pads, chromatic and polyphonic sample playback, onboard effects, expandable storage and the list goes on. This seems to be exactly what I was hoping the Circuit 2 would be
Yeah I don't get why people weren't more excited. It's got its issues but it's super powerful and I've already gotten a ton out of it (more videos on that on the way). I really like what the Circuit 2 ended up being though.
@@GabeMillerMusic You are right about the Circuit. I guess we are a bit spoiled and some times don't appreciate the amazing tools we have at our disposal. Take care mate!
Nicely done 👏🏼... For me personally, I'd want to add an iPad, but then again not having a screen could be a good thing as well, depending on your purposes.
Used MPC one is 400 UK pounds I wouldn't use anything else to be honest, hook up a midi keyboard with knobs and faders and link them to the MPC it's a no brainer, this looks like it's missed the MPC maschine boat
The vocals put the Verselab over the top for me- It's a core part of the songs I make while things like sampling and whatnot are just things that I'd be interested in experimenting with
@Lucifer I went for the x just because of the production feel of it. It's build a little sturdier. But I get there's money questions too. I also just bought the maschine studio, but I haven't used it yet, but that feels a bit plastic to me
Thank you for posting! Was hoping you get get ahold of one of those.. thinking of breaking into drum machines with the Roland Verselab... or MC707 or go Native Instruments MK3 (probably not Maschine + since I don’t mind using the computer as a hub). Looking forward to your experience with it. Probably would be easier to learn on this than have say having learned like you on the other machines.. so unlearn and relearning.
As an original owner of the MC-303 from 1998(!!) I've actually seen quite a few similarities in this device. A shame it doesn't appear to have the classic step-sequencer buttons being used as a chromatic keyboard! I was actually thinking the other day about what the MC-101 misses that the MC-303 had - I'd love to see a f/w update bring in those amazing arpeggiators with an excess of variable/settings to the MC-101! Of course it also has 'more' (although simpler) tracks, and has a good song-structure workflow. What it lacks is the modern stuff; the sampler, switching sounds on single tracks and *that* synth engine. I'd also like to see Roland find a way to give us 4 extra MIDI-only tracks into the MC-101 but I doubt that is happening soon. If i wasn't already a massive convert to the MC-101/TR-6S combination I might have considered this... however, like yourself I've found my flow with the MC-101 for both structuring live songs and for creating new loops to go into the DAW, and at this price-point and without the mega-small portability factor of the MC-101, this is more likely a better fit for my vocalist! Really appreciate the insightful video. Look forward to seeing some more on it just out of curiosity.
Glad you dig the video! I should mention that both devices have the exact same synth engine and the tracks are the same. It's one of the reasons I was so pumped to give it a go. And the MC-101 does have the arp and the ability to change patches on a clip basis, it's just kind of hidden.
@@GabeMillerMusic True, but if you think the MC101 arpeggiator is good, the MC-303 ones appears insane by comparison - there's a copy of the 'video manual' on YT for and i'd say jump to around 1min 30s of that to see what i mean! It's one thing i think Roland could add comparatively easily that we are missing, is the depth of options there.
Thx for the video. I found the MV-1 workflow surprisingly pleasant compared to other Roland products. Not bothered at all by the tiny screen either, the iOS/Mac/PC integration can help if you want to re-arrange your track or make fixes here and there. Regarding the clips, time will tell is this way of working is intended. I know the MPC has quite a similar type of clip management, maybe they didn't want to confuse or disappoint people coming from the MPC world. Their definition of "Section" in the MV-1 is very similar to the MPC "Sequences" in that aspect. That forces us to decide on your clips before going ahead with building the song, not necessary a bad thing, and as you show, can be overcome quite easily with pretty straightforward copy/pasting to populate changes. Even if you aren't used to making vocals, you should try the vocal transforming FX as they can let you put down simple vocals with FX that can give a bit of life to your music. This beast has almost a Roland VT-4 built-in. The form factor very convenient, not too big (also was surprised of how compact it was) and it's crazy light, can easily be brought @ friends, gigs or travels (when w'ell be able to). Current firmware (as of v1.03 I've used) still has some bugs like some occasional crackles or incoherences in the workflow, and lack of features. Notably needs : - a vocoder, - ability to define scales and repeat/arp patterns, - sdcard sounds/sample search - more FX slots per track, - side-chain source on the track compressor, - full multi-track stem export (even if it has to be multiple passes) - improved generic driver mode (like adding full access to separate tracks like currently with the vendor driver) but I'm pretty confident Roland will fix all or most of that and then this will be a little powerhouse at quite reasonable price compared to its peers.
Yeah that makes sense, and to be fair I was able to get used to the new way it deals with sections pretty quickly. I'd love to see sidechain and some of those other features introduced, although I imagine not all of them are possible due to tech limitations. I'd say it's a powerhouse right now though, and I'm hoping Roland keeps it updated the way they've done for the MCs.
@@GabeMillerMusic yep actually is already a bit of a powerhouse. Quite surprising to see a different approach away from screens still remains pretty powerful. I mean, the only thing I miss on a more advanced screen on this is the sample trimming/chopping. But the SP404 style is cool too, you find the transient by the ear :) You should try 1010music Blackbox, the opposite approach, and also surprisingly very powerful compared to the number of physical controls and especially size :)
Great vid. I have been making some very cool tracks with mine and really love it. I'm coming from the korg electribe camp mostly. There are definitely some things to be fixed in a firmware update hopefully.
@@djantix1200 i have both with rotten pads( actually is the discontinued metal connections that is glued under the buttons) and im getting crazy trying to repair It but im starting to think that there is no solution.. 😔 very sad indeed .
You can fix it: buy some aluminum tape (I used the one which protect my kitchen from the hot steam of my dishwasher) and the good screwdriver. Dismantle your electribe. Cut and put the tape on the pads. It will take 2 hours.
I think they should put the features of the type track available for all the tracks. That is like a Loop track with all it's features be available for all tracks, the Drum track with all it's style features, available for all tracks and so forth.
Yeah that's definitely something I'd like to see in an update. I do like being to do note repeats on tone tracks for glitchy effects, but I'd want to be able to choose that for any track.
Good video Gabe, but I will stick with my 707 for now. BTW, I have no issues with double button presses if it keeps me out of a DAW. Keep up the good work.
I've just ordered one simply for the work flow. I'm a guitarist and seasoned cubase user and my mpc live & mc707 are fun but not what I was looking for in mobile dawless. I'm silently optimistic. Old Soul Dimi (Au)
Looking forward to more videos, I got mine since three weeks, and love it in combination to Roland Cloud. But maybe you can answer me a question. Is there any way to exchange songs and sequences between roland gear?
I think you hit the limits of the MC101. I think with a few firmware updates this is a good device for you Gabe. Hope you get one long term. I just dislike the flimsy power on/off button and the power connector has dislodged easily on me for the MC707. Look similar on this device.
I don't think I've hit the MC-101 limits at all, but having the extra tracks and song mode is definitely lovely and will make it a bit harder to go back than I anticipated.
@@GabeMillerMusic Yep, as someone that's had a Roland MV-8000 for some years, Roland's synths & drums have always been a step above Akai's, well before Zencore. That said, knocking out tunes on an MPC has always been a bit quicker. Really just depends on your workflow
There’s something about the ‘Roland Sound’ if you grew up on certain music or like that type of synth stuff. Roland is the way. Also I’m a fan of the MPC gear as a hiphop head. They’re both great for creating music.
Yes, it "strange' vocal-focused startegy, which Roland probably trying to reach out to hip-hop rappers (no offence to genre), who likely will stick to MPC (or Maschine). They would rather position it as an all-in-one device for Pop-singers and Synthwave instrumentalists, who can also connect a synth in place of vocal (who also don't want to harm other with their singing :) Apart from extra daw/flow features (and price) does the VerseLab as good as 101/707? WRT sound packs and loading/tweaking tones. Does it support Zencore + extensions as others? I don't see it listed in Zencore hardware (maybe yet). Can you even tweak essential params on a tone (synth/sample) or just loading presets? I like VerseLab for more tracks and larger 4x4 pads (in place of a mixer). If it offers same sound design options as 101 I'd go. TNX for bringing light on few question I had about it. Cheers!
As far as I know, it's the exact same synth engine. I didn't get into it much in the video, but you have all the same tone editing parameters you have on the MC-101. It should support expansions and all that as well. I definitely plan to hook up some external synths to take advantage of the vocal track. I think it's a smart move on Roland's part, but the marketing might alienate people who aren't vocalists but could still get a ton out of this.
@@GabeMillerMusic True that. Thanks much Gabe! Before your vid I did not realize clip may have own tone on Verselab as well, so more opportunities like you do it with Circuit (and thank for pointing out tone can be changed for all the song).
Hey Gabe. Thanks for yet another top notch video. My MV just arrived. Looks great and let's see how it "affects my workflow". QQ. The value/enter knob - it seems a bit loose (sitting less loosely compared to the other ones - obviously it needs the room for "this" click) How about the one you have been working with. What are your experiences with MC 101. Seems they used the same technology & materials. Thanks.
@@GabeMillerMusic Cheers mate. What sort of feel you experienced then. I was expecting something close to maschine mikro 2 . MV-1 feels different. Just checking if everything is fine with the knob. Looking forward to watching another video of yours!
Great vid gabe! Question: does the the tone tracks on the verselab function the same way as the mc101 (as far as random sound algorithm and tweaking the tone sounds via tone settings? I wouldve gotten a verselab instead of the mc101 if it was released sooner, but Im glad i have a mc101 since I dont think you have as much flexibility with sound design on the verselab
Can you please also show us the sampling/resampling features? What I miss in the Mc101 is resample a clip and then load that back into a drumkit spot, can this be done in the Verselab?
I mentioned it briefly, but haven't given it a go yet. I really like keeping my setups as compact and hands on as possible, so I'm not all that interested in connecting an external screen, but I'm glad Roland made it an option. Loopop covered it much better than I could.
@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah. WRT the vocal track. You could also plug the Microfreak into it (not sure if the MV-1 can output MIDI note data) and use it to record a lead or bassline, which would also give you some of the effects that the Microfreak doesn't have. I run a Microfreak through the External in on a MC707 and MFX makes it a completely different beast.
That's something I've been thinking about and definitely want to explore. It would be even more powerful if I can figure out a way to get the MV-1 to sequence the MicroFreak as well, which should be totally doable.
hello out there. can someone please, PLEASE come out of "bias land" and tell me does this thing have midi thru and can you sequence external synths with a external keyboard via midi thru? I would really appreciate it. thanks.
As far as I can tell, it has the same patches, plus some extras. You can load more in as well. And as far as I know the synthesis engine is exactly the same.
@@GabeMillerMusic Awesome, thanks for letting me know! Just did a quick Google search and it is showing the mc-101 to have 3500 presets and the mv-1 has 3000. Who knows.
If I wanted a big color touch screen I’d make music on an iPad. The knobs and dials exist for a reason, it should become muscle memory over time. My OP-Z doesn’t have a screen at all and I can make full tracks with it without connecting it over Bluetooth because it’s just muscle memory and I prefer making music with my ears instead of my eyes.
ARGHHHH now I'm really confused. I have limited experience so far and was just about to drop onto an Akai mpc one over a mc 707. And now this. Any help matey?
I'd say either will serve you well. If you want to work with samples more, I'd say go for the MPC One. If you like the Roland synthesis sound, the MV-1 might be more up your alley. Either way, I think you'll be best served by just picking one, then commiting to learning it inside and out. They'll both be plenty to make albums worth of music.
Nothing against the MV-1, just doesn't seem to be an MV to me. The 8000/8800 was as DAW replacement as you an get, but this doesn't strike me as being in the same "Song Production Studio" realm as those MV's of old. More like another groove box with a focus on vocals. And while you don't mind the small screen, the big screen was largely the point of those old MV's, the 8800 touting external monitor support even. Anyway, I guess in the the end it doesn't matter what it's called, it just isn't an MV. Next vid please show off the vocal stuffs. Not what you normally do but give it a shot if you would. Thx for the vid.
I'm not all that familiar with the original MVs, but I think a good comparison is the newer MCs. It's basically a groovebox with a song mode, which is great for people like me. I do have a couple ideas for how to use the vocal track, so stay tuned.
You can connect the MV-1 to a tablet/pc for a larger screen. MV-8K user here, the MV8k was $2500+ msrp at release in 2003 (roughly 3500 now). You're talking a whole different league of price points. And back in 2003 people were also saying, quote from the old Roland forum - Because this thing is nothing more than an mpc 2000xl that lets you record vocals on it A.K.A. an "mpc track machine"
@@ScooterJackson Best I've seen is integration with zenbeats which isn't the same thing, needing to be chained to and tying up an (expensive) tablet/pc that negates the dawless aesthetic, never mind that Roland notoriously abandons it's software/ios apps (all my aira modular effect units lost ios support after a couple years...not that I don't love them anyway). A monitor output (or large screen) is true dawless, simple and it's forever. The zenbeats solution is cool though, no doubt. The price point difference isn't to be overlooked, but rather than explain the class difference, it rather shines a light on it. Quotes like that came from Akai users comparing the mpc line to the mv line (which is a bit ironic considering the number of people who cull parts from old mpc's to stick in their MV's), not the the mv line compared to the mpc line. But even MC vs MV could have a similar argument, though I do believe that most of us recognize the distinction. But yes, I do believe it's reasonable to say something like like MV-1 to MV-8800 is like the MC-303 to MC-909, age difference notwithstanding, so on that account I'm wrong. And yes, the MV moniker was something of a PR move because at the end of the day it's the best of the MC line. I guess what I SHOULD have said is something simply like "this isn't the natural successor to the MV's of old". I do take your points though. Def to be considered. And I'm not mad they called it an MV as it doesn't really matter, it just seems like a bit of a stretch and MC seems more appropriate to me. Anyway, as an MV user, are you vastly more interested in this one vs the others? Would this replace your old MV? Me personally I'd no doubt go for the mc-707 and bounce to daw proper for vocals/song chaining. I guess in the end I could really envision people making complete tracks on the MV-8000 but the MV-1 seems like aside for working demos, it will inevitably end up being finalized on daw in the end anyway. In the end, I admit I can see an amateur rapper or Grimes type really wanting the MV-1 to bash out ideas very quickly as it rather fosters vocal creativity/freedom in particular. I'm still looking to pick up an 8800 though (and a 707). And here's the big thing: I feel like an MV-9, proper successor to MV-8800, is around the corner. And at that point I'd skip all the other MC's and MV's for it. Frankly, I'd skip the Elektrons too (though I'll never actually get rid of them).
@@GabeMillerMusic yup, do some vocal stuffs, I'd love to see someone use the vocals in a creative way (a la Grimes) rather than simply lay out standard verse/chorus vocal tracks (which is what all the other demos do). How does the looper work (loopop showed it off, but didn't integrate into his demo)? Can you interact with the vocal tracks after the fact? Can you play them likes samples? Chop them? Assign to pads?
can you make a video editing the sounds? no one has made any videos on sound editing suing this? is it just a glorified preset machine?? if so what a waste....
seems like a good little box for sketching on however ROLAND WHAT THE F*** IS UP WITH USING THE SAME SHITTY TWO SCREEN YOUVE BEEN USING ON YOUR PRODUCTS SINCE THE 80'S!!!!! CHANGE IT!!! TWO ROWS OF PIXELS IS AWFUL
![ลองสุ่มไอโฟน 990 โกงมั้ย? [ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.101 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfsWe0j492k/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for making a video on the MV-1 Gabe! I don't mind tiny screens either, and the workflow seems pretty straightforward and intuitive for me. The one biiiggggg upside this has compared to the MPC One is the ability to record vocals on the device itself; as a vocalist this is a huge plus!
I was hoping you'd get to play with this...
There's a couple of things I don't like about this thing, but overall I'm really happy with it. I find that playing in melodies, either with the on-board pads or a mini keyboard, is a bit hit and miss, but that may just be a quantization issue. Sometimes chords don't get recorded into the sequencer, I'll play back what I recorded and only one of the notes of a chord is actually audible.
The Zen Core engine is just ridiculously brilliant. As is the sequencer and workflow.
I've never owned an MC-101, and I was deciding between the 707 and this one. I may at some poit just add a 707 to my setup, but I am thrilled with this thing so far.
Nice video! I really like it, it’s easy to get going with the MV, but a few things that definitely can improve and hopefully we’ll see that soon in an update.
whole sections instead of clips? YES YES YES!!!! not just another "boop beepity boop machine" but a REAL sequencer!!!! I'm getting one!!!
the interface reminds me of the ASR-X ... like an updated version of it. NICE... Well done Roland... the ASR-X was one of my favorite machines from back in the day...
@@Massive01987 TOTALLY!... with the extended sounds in it... was WAY ahead of the game back then. Wasn't quite LIvePA ready, but for making tracks... it was the midi brain for a while in the studio.
I forgot there was even a module version of the ASR-10. I had the ASR-10 keyboard. I had an EPS, also. They weren’t Akai Sxxx-series, but those samplers were very good then.
I also forgot I had the EPS-16 ☺️
Thank you so much! This is a bit of a steep learning curve for me. Could you please do a video about how and where to SAVE and know where you are in the song?
Great video! Thanks for covering sections as a lot of other vids brush past it quickly!
Looking forward to the dedicated video. I'm on the fence in either upgrading to the 707 or the MV1. Love my 101
Just got mine today!! Love it!! Love the videos as always too!!
The workflow on this looks just how I want it to be. Similar to a combination of the OP-Z and the Deluge. I think the sound engine on this is far superior to the MPC machines. I'm glad I have one on order. Great video. 👍🏼
Nice piece of gear. MC-101 and circuit Tracks are more than enough for me. Nice first impression walkthrough. Thanks.
I have been SOOOOO hoping that you would do a video on this device because I have been eyeballing it really hard and you do tend to do a rather thorough exploration on devices I can't help but think that it is inevitable that this becomes part of my gear setup the only other devices that I'm really looking at are the 1010 music Black Box and Blue Box the whole DAW in a box or standalone production station especially one with sampling capabilities has really taken a hold on my way of thinking about music production.
This looks like a groovebox that I can pair with my AKAI MPC One since I have experience with the Roland MC-505.
Thanks for the vid Gabe, This MPC over Verselab is just a preference and work flow thing . if you want to work with samples and do all that sample editing, go with the MPC.... but if you are like me and want to write complete songs...and want old school sounds...and the goal is to have the unit load up a song to be played as a completed cohesive piece, then Verselab is for you...it's made for that process. I will also use the vocal track for a 'live synth' or midi it up and run it into the mix..... My production moves further on from the sequence created, to a digital mixer with vocals, bass, guitars, etc....... Verselab makes the song ideas come faster and easier....... people bashing verselab are not realizing who this machine is meant for...... It will be a real plus for my music. Circuit/Electribe/ can't do song mode well at all, and MPC, Maschine are just a different animal.(talk about a process to get a 'song' developed) I live the 80's mode of music and the verselab will keep me there in spirit and sound ! Thanks Roland !...and again thanks for the review, I will not see mine for about a month yet.....can't wait !
Finally on Gabe's! cannot wait for next part! :+1:
Aye cool, been watching ur videos for a while. This is really awesome! Recently got back into dawless music making, I’ve had the older MC505/808 and jumped the leap to the MV1. I’ve had it since late January. I really like the unit. Recently they released the 1.03 patch. It got some fixes. I still learned things from your video, like changing the presets for different clips. Thanks a lot! That’s really cool! Hope to see another video on this unit with maybe some extra tips and shortcuts or just music. U make cool tunes also!!
Thanks for the explanation how things works. Roland made a good job. It can be used also in addition to Zenbeats, which runs on PC or IPad. It was a hard decision to me, but I finally preferred Akai Live 2 for built in speaker and battery. The touch screen is also a big plus.
It's my understanding from listening to other people that the vocal track can be populated with both lead vocals and backing vocals... divided into two groups on the same track I believe??? from what I've heard other people say, I don't fully comprehend it especially since I don't have one there in front of me to experiment with and my comprehension of groove boxes is some what limited since the MC 101 is my first actual groove box unless you could consider the Yamaha QY10 a groove box... I always used it more as just like a musical scratch pad that was my first piece of gear ever.
I think the way it works is you can have 16 vocal "takes" on each song. So you could for example use take 1 for the chorus lead vox, take's 2, 3 and 4 for lead vox on some verses and still have a load of takes left for backing, etc. Not sure if that's 100% how it works haven't tried vocals much yet.
I don't understand why people are hating on the Verselab. 8 tracks, direct sampling, good synth engine, audio in, song mode, velocity sensitive pads, chromatic and polyphonic sample playback, onboard effects, expandable storage and the list goes on.
This seems to be exactly what I was hoping the Circuit 2 would be
Yeah I don't get why people weren't more excited. It's got its issues but it's super powerful and I've already gotten a ton out of it (more videos on that on the way). I really like what the Circuit 2 ended up being though.
@@GabeMillerMusic You are right about the Circuit. I guess we are a bit spoiled and some times don't appreciate the amazing tools we have at our disposal. Take care mate!
For anyone interested, the mv1 is selling for 5$ more than the mc101 is on amazon!
Kinda makes the mv1 a lot more appealing
Nicely done 👏🏼... For me personally, I'd want to add an iPad, but then again not having a screen could be a good thing as well, depending on your purposes.
MPC One seems like a much better alternative at this price.
Yes same thoughts. But this is a better option for choosing another groovebox to pair once you already have the MPC One.
Used MPC one is 400 UK pounds I wouldn't use anything else to be honest, hook up a midi keyboard with knobs and faders and link them to the MPC it's a no brainer, this looks like it's missed the MPC maschine boat
Isn't mpc better for the beat, this better for the vox arrangements?
The vocals put the Verselab over the top for me- It's a core part of the songs I make while things like sampling and whatnot are just things that I'd be interested in experimenting with
@Lucifer I went for the x just because of the production feel of it. It's build a little sturdier.
But I get there's money questions too.
I also just bought the maschine studio, but I haven't used it yet, but that feels a bit plastic to me
Wow! Cool instrument!
Do you still have the MV-1? I would love to see more Verselab content.
Thanks a lot for the video!
Yep, lots more in the works!
the vocals section looks like a job for the microfreak vocoder
Uh-Can we all throw our *Hands Into Air* It's funny because Gabe-does vocals all week long on his youtube channel.. LOL
The It's Always Sunny was done perfectly lol
Still using the Mv 8000
See Gabe...thats why you're not a
great artist like me...that cowbell was PERFECTLY placed.
Thank you for posting! Was hoping you get get ahold of one of those.. thinking of breaking into drum machines with the Roland Verselab... or MC707 or go Native Instruments MK3 (probably not Maschine + since I don’t mind using the computer as a hub). Looking forward to your experience with it. Probably would be easier to learn on this than have say having learned like you on the other machines.. so unlearn and relearning.
As an original owner of the MC-303 from 1998(!!) I've actually seen quite a few similarities in this device. A shame it doesn't appear to have the classic step-sequencer buttons being used as a chromatic keyboard!
I was actually thinking the other day about what the MC-101 misses that the MC-303 had - I'd love to see a f/w update bring in those amazing arpeggiators with an excess of variable/settings to the MC-101! Of course it also has 'more' (although simpler) tracks, and has a good song-structure workflow. What it lacks is the modern stuff; the sampler, switching sounds on single tracks and *that* synth engine. I'd also like to see Roland find a way to give us 4 extra MIDI-only tracks into the MC-101 but I doubt that is happening soon.
If i wasn't already a massive convert to the MC-101/TR-6S combination I might have considered this... however, like yourself I've found my flow with the MC-101 for both structuring live songs and for creating new loops to go into the DAW, and at this price-point and without the mega-small portability factor of the MC-101, this is more likely a better fit for my vocalist!
Really appreciate the insightful video. Look forward to seeing some more on it just out of curiosity.
Glad you dig the video! I should mention that both devices have the exact same synth engine and the tracks are the same. It's one of the reasons I was so pumped to give it a go. And the MC-101 does have the arp and the ability to change patches on a clip basis, it's just kind of hidden.
@@GabeMillerMusic True, but if you think the MC101 arpeggiator is good, the MC-303 ones appears insane by comparison - there's a copy of the 'video manual' on YT for and i'd say jump to around 1min 30s of that to see what i mean!
It's one thing i think Roland could add comparatively easily that we are missing, is the depth of options there.
Thx for the video.
I found the MV-1 workflow surprisingly pleasant compared to other Roland products. Not bothered at all by the tiny screen either, the iOS/Mac/PC integration can help if you want to re-arrange your track or make fixes here and there.
Regarding the clips, time will tell is this way of working is intended. I know the MPC has quite a similar type of clip management, maybe they didn't want to confuse or disappoint people coming from the MPC world. Their definition of "Section" in the MV-1 is very similar to the MPC "Sequences" in that aspect. That forces us to decide on your clips before going ahead with building the song, not necessary a bad thing, and as you show, can be overcome quite easily with pretty straightforward copy/pasting to populate changes.
Even if you aren't used to making vocals, you should try the vocal transforming FX as they can let you put down simple vocals with FX that can give a bit of life to your music. This beast has almost a Roland VT-4 built-in.
The form factor very convenient, not too big (also was surprised of how compact it was) and it's crazy light, can easily be brought @ friends, gigs or travels (when w'ell be able to).
Current firmware (as of v1.03 I've used) still has some bugs like some occasional crackles or incoherences in the workflow, and lack of features. Notably needs :
- a vocoder,
- ability to define scales and repeat/arp patterns,
- sdcard sounds/sample search
- more FX slots per track,
- side-chain source on the track compressor,
- full multi-track stem export (even if it has to be multiple passes)
- improved generic driver mode (like adding full access to separate tracks like currently with the vendor driver)
but I'm pretty confident Roland will fix all or most of that and then this will be a little powerhouse at quite reasonable price compared to its peers.
Yeah that makes sense, and to be fair I was able to get used to the new way it deals with sections pretty quickly.
I'd love to see sidechain and some of those other features introduced, although I imagine not all of them are possible due to tech limitations. I'd say it's a powerhouse right now though, and I'm hoping Roland keeps it updated the way they've done for the MCs.
@@GabeMillerMusic yep actually is already a bit of a powerhouse. Quite surprising to see a different approach away from screens still remains pretty powerful. I mean, the only thing I miss on a more advanced screen on this is the sample trimming/chopping. But the SP404 style is cool too, you find the transient by the ear :)
You should try 1010music Blackbox, the opposite approach, and also surprisingly very powerful compared to the number of physical controls and especially size :)
This reminds me of my MC-09 Phrase lab.I think Roland took all the workflow problems with it and fixed it in this unit.
I’d love to see tour thoughts on a digitakt. Currently considering an old circuit, a circuit tracks or a used digitakt.
Don’t touch that cow bell!
Great vid. I have been making some very cool tracks with mine and really love it. I'm coming from the korg electribe camp mostly.
There are definitely some things to be fixed in a firmware update hopefully.
Do you know any valide electribe emx1 alternative ? With knobs and stuff you know
@@findingsolutions198 not that I have found sadly. Also why I'm keeping my Esx and Emx!
@@djantix1200 i have both with rotten pads( actually is the discontinued metal connections that is glued under the buttons) and im getting crazy trying to repair It but im starting to think that there is no solution.. 😔 very sad indeed .
You can fix it: buy some aluminum tape (I used the one which protect my kitchen from the hot steam of my dishwasher) and the good screwdriver. Dismantle your electribe. Cut and put the tape on the pads. It will take 2 hours.
@@JulienJolly alluminium tape ? Never Heard of It. I tried everything , i Will try this for sure too .thanks for the tip mate
Thanks! Have you figured out how to change the starting project? I’mean the project lodging when you create NEW project..
I think they should put the features of the type track available for all the tracks. That is like a Loop track with all it's features be available for all tracks, the Drum track with all it's style features, available for all tracks and so forth.
Yeah that's definitely something I'd like to see in an update. I do like being to do note repeats on tone tracks for glitchy effects, but I'd want to be able to choose that for any track.
Good video Gabe, but I will stick with my 707 for now. BTW, I have no issues with double button presses if it keeps me out of a DAW. Keep up the good work.
Fair, I'm not trying to convince people one way or another, the 707 does look absolutely fantastic. Glad you dig the video
I've just ordered one simply for the work flow. I'm a guitarist and seasoned cubase user and my mpc live & mc707 are fun but not what I was looking for in mobile dawless. I'm silently optimistic. Old Soul Dimi (Au)
having synth patches linked to song sections/clips really opens up the sonic possibilities to extend the sound possibilities thru a song.
Totally. You can do that with the MC-101 as well, but this makes it easier.
Looking forward to more videos, I got mine since three weeks, and love it in combination to Roland Cloud. But maybe you can answer me a question. Is there any way to exchange songs and sequences between roland gear?
I'm not sure tbh. I doubt it would be possible for songs, but maybe for clips! I'll try to look into it but I might not get to it for a while.
I think you hit the limits of the MC101. I think with a few firmware updates this is a good device for you Gabe. Hope you get one long term. I just dislike the flimsy power on/off button and the power connector has dislodged easily on me for the MC707. Look similar on this device.
I don't think I've hit the MC-101 limits at all, but having the extra tracks and song mode is definitely lovely and will make it a bit harder to go back than I anticipated.
Any more videos about the MV coming?
Yep, I've got multiple on the way. Stay tuned, it might take a couple of weeks to finish them.
Nice video Gabe. For the $$, the MPC One offers much more value and sonic potential. Cheers!
It's next on my list of gear to try, although I would say don't underestimate the sonic potential of the Zencore synth engine.
@@GabeMillerMusic Yep, as someone that's had a Roland MV-8000 for some years, Roland's synths & drums have always been a step above Akai's, well before Zencore. That said, knocking out tunes on an MPC has always been a bit quicker. Really just depends on your workflow
There’s something about the ‘Roland Sound’ if you grew up on certain music or like that type of synth stuff. Roland is the way. Also I’m a fan of the MPC gear as a hiphop head. They’re both great for creating music.
@@shogunz5038 yup, love MPC & Roland like Premier & RZA
MPC X/Live/One FO LIFE!!
NO WAY! You told me!! OMG 😱
Yeah I'm glad we were able to get it out today!
Reminds me of an Elektron analog rytm.
When they come whit a decent (touch)screen?? This looks like somethings from the 80's!
Yes, it "strange' vocal-focused startegy, which Roland probably trying to reach out to hip-hop rappers (no offence to genre), who likely will stick to MPC (or Maschine). They would rather position it as an all-in-one device for Pop-singers and Synthwave instrumentalists, who can also connect a synth in place of vocal (who also don't want to harm other with their singing :)
Apart from extra daw/flow features (and price) does the VerseLab as good as 101/707? WRT sound packs and loading/tweaking tones. Does it support Zencore + extensions as others? I don't see it listed in Zencore hardware (maybe yet). Can you even tweak essential params on a tone (synth/sample) or just loading presets?
I like VerseLab for more tracks and larger 4x4 pads (in place of a mixer). If it offers same sound design options as 101 I'd go. TNX for bringing light on few question I had about it. Cheers!
As far as I know, it's the exact same synth engine. I didn't get into it much in the video, but you have all the same tone editing parameters you have on the MC-101. It should support expansions and all that as well.
I definitely plan to hook up some external synths to take advantage of the vocal track. I think it's a smart move on Roland's part, but the marketing might alienate people who aren't vocalists but could still get a ton out of this.
@@GabeMillerMusic True that. Thanks much Gabe!
Before your vid I did not realize clip may have own tone on Verselab as well, so more opportunities like you do it with Circuit (and thank for pointing out tone can be changed for all the song).
I haven't yet seen a video with external gear
They always have picture for the cover on box
How about connecting a Kaystep kayboard? just midi out, midi in? Could be nice for melodies and seq.
...Greetings from Southern Illinois,my Brother!!!...Thoughts on the MC-909?...A bit of an "Old-Dog",but kind-a "Cool"!!!...Peace...
Hey Gabe. Thanks for yet another top notch video. My MV just arrived. Looks great and let's see how it "affects my workflow". QQ. The value/enter knob - it seems a bit loose (sitting less loosely compared to the other ones - obviously it needs the room for "this" click) How about the one you have been working with. What are your experiences with MC 101. Seems they used the same technology & materials. Thanks.
I've not had problems with the knobs for either tbh. I'm slowly working on a full video comparing both devices so stay tuned for that.
@@GabeMillerMusic Cheers mate. What sort of feel you experienced then. I was expecting something close to maschine mikro 2 . MV-1 feels different. Just checking if everything is fine with the knob. Looking forward to watching another video of yours!
Great vid gabe! Question: does the the tone tracks on the verselab function the same way as the mc101 (as far as random sound algorithm and tweaking the tone sounds via tone settings? I wouldve gotten a verselab instead of the mc101 if it was released sooner, but Im glad i have a mc101 since I dont think you have as much flexibility with sound design on the verselab
I haven't checked the random patches yet, but the sound design capabilities are the exact same on the MV-1 as they are on the MC-101.
Is there a way to export single stems out off the MV-1? I remember you can do that with the MC 101 via USB.
Yep, it's the exact same on both devices.
*... adds more tracks, as compared to the MC-101. The MC-707 has 8 tracks, also.
Can you please also show us the sampling/resampling features? What I miss in the Mc101 is resample a clip and then load that back into a drumkit spot, can this be done in the Verselab?
I'll definitely explore that kind of stuff in the future!
@@GabeMillerMusic you are awesome! Thank you ;)
You can add a mixer by plugging into an iPad running ZenBeats. (I'm only a couple of minutes in - maybe you cover this).
I mentioned it briefly, but haven't given it a go yet. I really like keeping my setups as compact and hands on as possible, so I'm not all that interested in connecting an external screen, but I'm glad Roland made it an option. Loopop covered it much better than I could.
@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah. WRT the vocal track. You could also plug the Microfreak into it (not sure if the MV-1 can output MIDI note data) and use it to record a lead or bassline, which would also give you some of the effects that the Microfreak doesn't have. I run a Microfreak through the External in on a MC707 and MFX makes it a completely different beast.
That's something I've been thinking about and definitely want to explore. It would be even more powerful if I can figure out a way to get the MV-1 to sequence the MicroFreak as well, which should be totally doable.
Can you load stems from track onto it to then cue live?
Can u connect a VGA?? like an MV8800 i love roland gear i just need more screen vision . i still use an mv8800 mc505 D2 5810 and EMU mo phatt module s
Очень интересная штука.
How did Roland come up with this tiny thing after the MV-8080 release decades ago...
For a lot of us, tiny is a feature, not a bug, especially given how capable this thing is for modern electronic music and hip hop.
@@GabeMillerMusic I mean at least make a decent edit screen
yet again Roland releases a groove box with only stereo outs lol
This is not really meant to be used live, so multitrack audio over USB is more than enough.
hello gabe! quick question how do you erase/delete notes or just delete anything you dont like seen that the verselab has no UNDO button?
The clear button can clear steps, patterns, etc. That's the first thing I'd reach for.
@@GabeMillerMusic yes i thought you might say that but when i do that im experiancing a total Freeze up of the unit.
707!
hello out there. can someone please, PLEASE come out of "bias land" and tell me does this thing have midi thru and can you sequence external synths with a external keyboard via midi thru? I would really appreciate it. thanks.
Can you confirm if it has the exact same 3000 patches from the MC 101? And I'm assuming same filters/chip?
As far as I can tell, it has the same patches, plus some extras. You can load more in as well. And as far as I know the synthesis engine is exactly the same.
@@GabeMillerMusic Awesome, thanks for letting me know! Just did a quick Google search and it is showing the mc-101 to have 3500 presets and the mv-1 has 3000. Who knows.
Update: I went through both manuals - the MV-1 has more sounds at 3,710 melodic instruments and the MC101 has 3,599 melodic instruments.
Can the song sections have different tempos?
Nice review. :-)
BTW the plant in the window sill has liquefied :-P
I guess Roland got a great deal on calculator screens…
Defintely like it better than the large screen on the mpcs. With the live and one I still feel like I'm using a computer which I don't like.
Lol definitely not a good screen for people that have a hard time seeing
If I wanted a big color touch screen I’d make music on an iPad. The knobs and dials exist for a reason, it should become muscle memory over time. My OP-Z doesn’t have a screen at all and I can make full tracks with it without connecting it over Bluetooth because it’s just muscle memory and I prefer making music with my ears instead of my eyes.
@@owRekssjfjxjxuurrpqpqss 💯
U getting some good free stuff on loan)
Roland is competing the MPC's and their own products, especially the MC-707. Limited edit functions on Zen engine and no faders, hmmm....
have you tried the tablet/phone integration yet?
Not yet. Tbh I haven't really felt the need to, the workflow is pretty good as is.
ARGHHHH now I'm really confused. I have limited experience so far and was just about to drop onto an Akai mpc one over a mc 707. And now this. Any help matey?
I'd say either will serve you well. If you want to work with samples more, I'd say go for the MPC One. If you like the Roland synthesis sound, the MV-1 might be more up your alley. Either way, I think you'll be best served by just picking one, then commiting to learning it inside and out. They'll both be plenty to make albums worth of music.
@@GabeMillerMusic thank you mate. Definately a good idea to focus on one and learn it inside out i think. Wish the mpc one had faders 👍
The workflow reminds me of fruity loops.
Yeah totally!
Nothing against the MV-1, just doesn't seem to be an MV to me. The 8000/8800 was as DAW replacement as you an get, but this doesn't strike me as being in the same "Song Production Studio" realm as those MV's of old. More like another groove box with a focus on vocals. And while you don't mind the small screen, the big screen was largely the point of those old MV's, the 8800 touting external monitor support even. Anyway, I guess in the the end it doesn't matter what it's called, it just isn't an MV. Next vid please show off the vocal stuffs. Not what you normally do but give it a shot if you would. Thx for the vid.
I'm not all that familiar with the original MVs, but I think a good comparison is the newer MCs. It's basically a groovebox with a song mode, which is great for people like me.
I do have a couple ideas for how to use the vocal track, so stay tuned.
You can connect the MV-1 to a tablet/pc for a larger screen. MV-8K user here, the MV8k was $2500+ msrp at release in 2003 (roughly 3500 now). You're talking a whole different league of price points. And back in 2003 people were also saying, quote from the old Roland forum - Because this thing is nothing more than an mpc 2000xl that lets you record vocals on it A.K.A. an "mpc track machine"
@@ScooterJackson Best I've seen is integration with zenbeats which isn't the same thing, needing to be chained to and tying up an (expensive) tablet/pc that negates the dawless aesthetic, never mind that Roland notoriously abandons it's software/ios apps (all my aira modular effect units lost ios support after a couple years...not that I don't love them anyway). A monitor output (or large screen) is true dawless, simple and it's forever. The zenbeats solution is cool though, no doubt. The price point difference isn't to be overlooked, but rather than explain the class difference, it rather shines a light on it. Quotes like that came from Akai users comparing the mpc line to the mv line (which is a bit ironic considering the number of people who cull parts from old mpc's to stick in their MV's), not the the mv line compared to the mpc line. But even MC vs MV could have a similar argument, though I do believe that most of us recognize the distinction. But yes, I do believe it's reasonable to say something like like MV-1 to MV-8800 is like the MC-303 to MC-909, age difference notwithstanding, so on that account I'm wrong. And yes, the MV moniker was something of a PR move because at the end of the day it's the best of the MC line. I guess what I SHOULD have said is something simply like "this isn't the natural successor to the MV's of old". I do take your points though. Def to be considered. And I'm not mad they called it an MV as it doesn't really matter, it just seems like a bit of a stretch and MC seems more appropriate to me. Anyway, as an MV user, are you vastly more interested in this one vs the others? Would this replace your old MV? Me personally I'd no doubt go for the mc-707 and bounce to daw proper for vocals/song chaining. I guess in the end I could really envision people making complete tracks on the MV-8000 but the MV-1 seems like aside for working demos, it will inevitably end up being finalized on daw in the end anyway. In the end, I admit I can see an amateur rapper or Grimes type really wanting the MV-1 to bash out ideas very quickly as it rather fosters vocal creativity/freedom in particular. I'm still looking to pick up an 8800 though (and a 707). And here's the big thing: I feel like an MV-9, proper successor to MV-8800, is around the corner. And at that point I'd skip all the other MC's and MV's for it. Frankly, I'd skip the Elektrons too (though I'll never actually get rid of them).
@@GabeMillerMusic yup, do some vocal stuffs, I'd love to see someone use the vocals in a creative way (a la Grimes) rather than simply lay out standard verse/chorus vocal tracks (which is what all the other demos do). How does the looper work (loopop showed it off, but didn't integrate into his demo)? Can you interact with the vocal tracks after the fact? Can you play them likes samples? Chop them? Assign to pads?
Disagree on the mic, songwriting essential if you have an song in the evening.
I think this is Roland's power move. Who says it has to a mic-16 tracks? how about bass and guitars? Hmmm?
If they only made the info screen as on the mc707 .. this is way to small ..
it's sounds much better for me compared to the mc-101/707... :S
The sound engine is exactly the same, but they loaded in some new samples. And having extra layers to work with definitely helps.
this piece of kit looks atrocious with the 2 line LCD. What a pain
can you make a video editing the sounds? no one has made any videos on sound editing suing this? is it just a glorified preset machine?? if so what a waste....
seems like a good little box for sketching on however ROLAND WHAT THE F*** IS UP WITH USING THE SAME SHITTY TWO SCREEN YOUVE BEEN USING ON YOUR PRODUCTS SINCE THE 80'S!!!!! CHANGE IT!!! TWO ROWS OF PIXELS IS AWFUL