this actually sold me more on the 101 vs the circuit bc I only use presets on the circuit and when I get tired of them, it's a pain to switch them out. having thousands of preset tones sounds very appealing.
The 1010Music Blackbox (and the Akai Live) demonstrated that a hardware "groovebox" constructed around a touch screen can work. The only thing Korg should have to do is not overprice it.
YES YES AND YES. The EXS2 is great and a do-it-all box, BUT, SO MUCH MENU DIVING, it's so hard to just record a sound into the unit, chop it and use it, it practically renders the machine useless
METRONOHM 808 Yeah the way that thing handles samples is absurdly unintuitive. The primary measure of success for a groovebox should be in how few barriers to creativity there are in the workflow, IMO.
Been playing for a few days now. This thing is so powerful and has many possibilities and sounds amazing! A couple of things I'd like to see for future updates tho please if you you're watching Roland; 1. The c1 to c4 control knobs....the current layout seems wasteful. For example the filter section has only four filter controls from track 1 to 4 respectively. This should surely be setup so that when you're on your selected track the four knobs let you control 4 parameters for that selected track ie filter cutoff, resonance, attack and decay. These would all be ideally editable on a per step basis too. What you have to do now is hold the filter button down to swap between parameters meaning you can only adjust one parameter at a time which kills performances a bit. 2. More than 8 scenes......come on guys give us at least 16 scenes. Surely this isn't too big a deal to implement....ideally more. Any other observations guys? Really enjoying this so far though. Dare I say kinda ground breaking.
hey all! I can't read numbers. This unit doesn't have 800+ presets, there are thousands. Roland says its 3000-4000 and yes, that is correct. I state this incorrectly. I also want to add some other info: *Individual drum pads (16 per drum track) have their own EQ, filter settings, and a few other settings which relates to the clip/track settings for filter/adr. You can fine tune and coarse tune individual samples on a drum track. *mc101/707 projects are compatible. Sound engines are the same. Just different possibilities to edit sounds (I will send Roland feedback that we ofc want this deeper edit on the 101 too) The reference manual is a great read for all details.
I'm not the greatest fan of small two line displays when it comes to editing; they're choc laden with acronyms galore, which you're forced to remember, and essentially develop a muscle memory for. On this box, the editing will be 4 to 10 layers deep if they're using that display and knob layout, so i suspect a standalone editor will be the order of the day. However, the editor may be portable, as to be able to run it on your apple & android smartphone, which would go with the 'let's make music on the move' theme. Via midi (or usb), there could also be direct control via an mc707 (you already mention the patches etc are the same), which would further facilitate useage if you had both devices (not unheard of, if you want to leave one in the studio and take one on the road etc).
"I will send Roland feedback that we ofc want this deeper edit on the 101 too" - Awesome, just what I'd like, and I'm sure plenty of other people would like it too. This would be even better than a separate editor app. I appreciate a different interface would need to be designed due to the smaller, more limited screen, but this should certainly be possible. -- What I love about this synth engine is the way each of the four 'partials' that make up a voice can have separate envelopes and LFOs applied. This makes the synth engine so much deeper than it first appears. I already have some idea of what this can do by playing with a PreenFM2 synth, which like early digital FM synths has a separate envelope per operator (and also allows different waveforms, unlike DX7-style FM synths). I've found you can get some very interesting sound design even without using FM at all - just by using carriers with different envelopes shaping how the sound evolves. With Roland's new synth engine, this could get even more interesting with the large variety of different waveforms available and separate filter modulation. (I've only really gotten into synth programming in the last few months, but I've rapidly turned into a synth nerd who loves exploring the sound design possibilities of complex synth engines!)
I have thought - if it's "the same sound engine"* perhaps it could play another "layer" of the 4 tracks? If it's limited by control real estate rather than the processor itself being lesser. ( *which could account for the "high" price of a small machine.)
I have had the MC-101 for a few years. I am delighted with the acquisition. It seems incredible to me what can be done with a little box that fits almost in the palm of your hand. Your videos are always inspiring. Thank you for your reviews and for sharing your experience.
Roland is now up to v1.71 on the MC707 and MC101. It'd be really interesting if you were to revisit them as there is a ton of new features that were added (including a metronome count in 😅)
It really needs an update now that you can dig into the synth engine on the device a lot more with out having to use Zenology Pro as an over glorified editor, making the MC-101 feel a hell of a lot more self contained.
Picked one up last week. I am using it as a portable ideas machine which I then bring back to the studio and use for inspiration re-recording everything on other kit. For this purpose it’s brilliant and absolutely how I used the Circuit. It’s perhaps worth saying that most of the functions are fairly intuitive either obviously requiring shift or use of the Value knob. I mention this as one of my concerns was the lack of physical controls but it’s not been a problem for me. The only criticism I have is the wobbly Value knob which is going to get a lot of use. Longevity is a worry in this regard and although this is clearly the ‘budget’ zencore offering I’m not sure it’s price warrants a wobbly knob. On a positive note breaking out the Keystep converts it into a nice portable keyboard albeit with a bunch of cables and a USB battery for the Keystep .
I haven't even gotten to the review and I feel compelled to tell you how much I love the music you created at the beginning. It has a great "exotic" flavor and you used a tasteful amount - just a touch! - of glitchy effects to make it even more interesting. Very nice, Bo!
Its on 1.81 at this moment, Which was a great improvement on many levels. I love this mini device next to the Novation Tracks, it is an awesome duo all together.
Im considering the mc101 to run next to my circuit tracks, i mainly just want more sounds and more variety because im running 2 circuits now and i feel like i am limited in new and varied sounds. Like grand piano or simple analog like synth sounds. But i am afraid that the mc101 is limited in sound design, has this improved over the later versions?
@@deca5002 ahh so you do have the option to sound design and save extra presets to the 101? I remember the circuit also has this, but i never gave it a serious go
This is really in-depth. I had to watch twice, second time pausing and experimenting with my mc101. This video answered a few questions that I had on how to use this device. Thanks Bo!
Thank you for your videos. Major flaw in the 101-a user cannot create a song with more than eight 4/4 measures on more than one track (without looping) because Clips cannot be changed on more than one track at once. On one track you can create eight 16 eight measure clips, but the other tracks would have to be looped in eight or less 4/4 measure loops. This is fine for repetitive beat-type compositions, but not actual songs with differences on all tracks beyond the eight measures. Long live the MPC Live! Every time a new product comes out, I realize how much more capable the MPC Live is for producing any kind of song without a computer.
Yea, 3 minutes in and I don't want it. Such a shame you can't fully edit the synth sounds as the roland family or romplers have a great engine which is very flexible. Maybe if a software editors comes out at some point I may reconsider.
if you want to pick up the MC101 use my Thomann affiliate link: Roland MC101 // portable 4 track synth EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473345?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/74Lq5
Are there any reggea man,or some one from latino origin to show how to program that thing? im a caribbean person,i play zouk,cadance, compa,salsa ,soca,reggea, pls some one,help me,
That does look like fun, and it's got that characteristically clear and clean Roland sound plus some good effects when you want something a bit less clean. Nice.
@@huntrrams I ended up getting the 101 and love it. It's been my traveling music box and also a great sequencer to have for other gear. You won't be disappointed! Go for it!
Gonna get this for my sofa setup. Maybe the 707 later. Got started with the 303 and 505 20 years ago, can't pass on this. Also the synths that come with it are worth the price alone imo.
I feel like it actually can be a perfect companion for the circuit. Less hassle with drum samples, so you have a drum machine in the mc101, then freedom on circuit. And all the synths ever! I like it a lot.
@@Handarimasta freedom for the samples on circuit... Or better the sample channels. If you use an mc101 channel as drum machine, you have the 4 circuit channels free to put whatever samples
Not really a circuit killer given the price of this thing ,it’s double the price plus it’s presets with no editing , totally different machine , it’s a four track rompler with effects and that’s not a bad thing , problem is my old Yamaha qy70 cost me 70 quid from eBay and it’s a rompler with a full sequencer with 8 tracks , yes it sounds dated on some of the sounds but you can layer the samples by copying tracks then changing the sample , plus it has pretty good drums and effects , plus it has a built in mini chromatic keyboard , I think we are going backwards with hardware to be honest ,if this was 200.00 I might consider it, the fact that it can sample and play chromatically is a massive plus point for me , but I’ve just bought a korg microsampler and that fills that need more than enough
I thought the same, this unit reminds me the QY-70 a lot. I have one too and is a lovely machine to make dated music styles like vaporwave. This unit, for that price, is a bit overpriced, having in mind that cheap plastic case. Even the QY-70 have a good hard textured plastic case that look great 20 years later. The sampling capabilities and how to manage the sound import is still something I want to see on this machine, but by now, this was the best review out there. Great job @bobeats
It's not just the price. The Circuit is FUN to use. And if you wanna go deeper into sound design there's an editor for its synths. You can customize the Circuit for your musical needs. I make Glitch, Noise and Industrial with this lil fella. I guess I couldn't do this with Roland's pricey babe.
Thanks for the review bo! I love the 707 so far, I'm having a blast with it. I've had just about every groovebox that exists, and I'm stoked for this. I think I'm just a groovebox addict! The deluge is super powerful but I never got on with the workflow. This seems like it'll be a perfect 707 buddy for on the go!
must admit that it sounds quite good. Finally they added their chorus classics, took years. Remember that permantly lacking choruses and getting that shit bitcrush all the time? Tempted to consider it a good thing.
Roland come on man! You're going to get left in the dust if you don't stop overcharging your customers. I've been a Roland fan for many years, but it getting harder and harder to stay a fan. My first groovebox was the MC505. All metal and bulletproof. Now it's all cheap plastic, but still a higher price. It's a $300.00 product at the most. Guess I'll have to buy two Novation circuit's.
@@nikosrachoutis1270 Behringer will force the other " big" manufacturers to reconsider the lower-ish end market....if they continue cloning successfully ( durability and output quality)
i love roland grooveboxes. i still use my mc303 as a main drum machine in my studio. the 101 might be the next one i get. i got sold on the scatter feature. thanks for the review and detailed explanation of the features/menu diving.
This is a nice little box, to keep you from being bored on the plane. Slowly working your way towards the Jupiter Xm ... 😉...I.hope...That’s a power house in a mobile package. I’d like to feed those sounds to my FORCE.
@No Comment Not that I generally disagree, but the SE-20 is awesome (though admittedly probably more Studio Electronics than Roland): I've got two of them and they are right up there with my Moogs and Dave Smiths. Anyway yeah, I've got the Behringer Model D and just put a deposit down on Pro 1 so like I said, don't generally disagree.
Thank you Bo for this In-depth review. Very nice and capable groovebox to take away ! Compare to the Digitakt, it seems less deeper in term of samples tweaking. I own a Circuit and yes, the Editor Pro can dive deep into the synth engine to create your own (crazy) sounds. It's more appealing to me rather have tons of presets. The ( - ) for the Circuit : it has to be connected to a computer to load samples, patches or to tweak the synth engine.
To actually answer the question, no. People into the Circuit find the MC101 too expensive. Not saying that is right or wrong but that is the vibe. At about €250 you can get into a Circuit or around €500 into a MC101. As a noob I would go Circuit, as an experienced noob (you kinda know what you want) the 101 might be just right. Mind that there is no right or wrong here. Well, you could go wrong but don't blame me.
I am using this to play and perform live with the increased dynamics. I paid with an RC-505 and a midi controller. Works nicely. For using it in this manner I can cover an entire set with different kits and sounds, while having enough dynamics from one song to the next. On top of what you could get out of what you can hook up to this. This thing can do a lot for you.
I had a circuit, but I sold it as I rarely had the time to sit down and learn how to use it beyond some simple functionality, so it collected dust. Now the MC 101 comes out and looks a lot easier to learn. As one who travels for a living and has music as a hobby, I'm always interested in the compact and portable devices. The MC 101 looks to be right up my alley. Even moreso now that Novation has just announced the Mk3 model of thier launchkey mini which, among other improvements, has a 3.5 mm MIDI- out and should pair nicely with the 101. Oh...my aching wallet. :)
@@luxurychapters6826 I do have an ipad pro and I like using it. But I prefer the tactial feel of actual hardware and instruments so much I'm willing to pay for it. :)
I enjoyed the 707 version, and this at least seems closer to my price range and something I'd be more likely to purchase. That said at $500 and a very limited budget the circuit would have a major advantage for me. Still I really like the layout, how small it is, realistically I know I could try to sell off the 2 volcas I own (I could easily use that as my drum machine & bass lines) to help recover some of that price difference. I can't help but wonder if some of the older, used grooveboxes I see online aren't a smarter deal given the situation I'm in but honestly I don't know much about older equipment (even if only a few years old) and I worry about losing some of the abilities to integrate it with my computer when it comes time to put the final touches in a track.
I'm pretty much in a similar boat, except I wouldn't dare sell my Volcas haha! I want to sequence them and my Minilogue so I don't have to use only their on board sequencers and actually do jams and performances, rather than make loops. Grooveboxes are awesome!
@@mikeexits I don't know that I could sell mine either! I mean for this I think it would be a worthy step up but they're still fun. I sequence mine with my Monologue. I've got the Sample & Bass and use them for drum and bass sounds while I play on the Mono.
@@Dea_Decay That sounds really fun! I'm interested in the Monologue since it's battery powered, and owning my Minilogue, I'll feel right at home on the Mono. Paired with the Circuit and a Bastl Dude, maybe a few Volcas with their onboard sequencers and clock synced, that could be a great simple (but full of wires) mobile setup right there!
@@mikeexits That's why I considered the Minilogue for my poly synth but in reverse! I was so happy and comfortable with the Mono I was looking at the Mini. Ultimately I saw a great deal on a Deepmind 12 and those 12 voices come in handy when playing bigger chords (especially as some sounds take up more than 1 voice). I'm regularly doing 3 or 4 notes with my right and 2 additional on my left for bass in my chords that sadly the Mini wouldn't have cut it. Had I gotten it I know I would have loved it, and it would certainly be easier to take places than my Deepmind. I don't have a circuit but that would be great unless I do get this 101 but my eyes are bigger than my pockets right now. I really want a Dreadbox Nyx, but practically for song writing a groovebox would make more sense atm.
@@Dea_Decay I see, good choices! I personally don't really mess with more than a triad and a bass note anyway so the Minilogue's limitation isn't an issue for me. I can layer it in my DAW for more complex stuff anyway. The 3 voice limit on the Volca FM is a little annoying to me though. But all I really do for more voices is play the same chord an octave or an octave and an inversion or two apart. Different strokes I suppose.
Thank you so so much for the vid ! This little box seems perfect for me ! was looking for a small portable groovebox, and this might be what i'll go for
Thanks for the review Bo! I was waiting for someone to review this device, looks really interesting! hope they release a synth editor plug in or something like the circuit patch editor.
Since you can sample Audio via USB it should be very easy to sample from your phone. This would be interesting to see as well as if you can access the sd card via USB cable. So you could transfer wav files via Smartphone.
By now I have watched several reviews of the 101. It seems that the only major issue ppl talk about regarding this instrument, is the price tag. This is understandable as Roland has some what pricy products being a lead player in this market but it doesn’t mean it’s not worth the money. If you don’t need a pricy unit and can do everything it does on your computer or maybe u can do it with a cheaper instrument, well do it. To me it seems this has all the features I need so Seriously considering this one !
Bo Beats im a new subscriber going over all your older stuff. Thanks for the energy you have poured in over the years waiting to be discovered by people like me. Enjoy the grooves you make Saulte from Australia 🔥🤙
Very gooood review Bo !! It's the longuest synth review I've ever watched, cause as the owner of 2 circuits, I was kinda curious of what the MC101 could do... I don't think I'm gonna buy it, cause 2 circuits are enough, but I have yo say that the effects section looks reeeeeeally useful ^^. That IS what lacks to the circuit. Scatter effects or stuff like these. Thanks Bo !!
It's a very cool groovebox but i think that the possibility of editing your own sound with Components it's a strenght of the Circuit , and obviously the price it's also a strenght of the Circuit. Cool review as always Bo!
Bo, thanks for the review. You answered a lot of questions that I had in my search for a portable box that I can use to sketch out song ideas. I would love to see some examples of using it with other Midi devices.
Why would you pay 500 quid to sketch out songs it deserves more respect then that I'm pretty sure u could sketch out songs on what u make your songs on
at 1st I thought this might be cool and maybe I can import samples from my iPad, but hang on a minute!! my iPad is an excellent groove box and more. It’s all in the digital domain and the 101 is expensive landfill imho.
@@HotStrange agreed that e2s polyphony is probably my biggest gripe about the machine... however unless there are several elements you need to mute/unmute/modulate independently you can work around it by resampling several elements together. I love the e2s, there's a clever workaround to almost every apparent shortcoming if you're willing to put in the dirty work. There isn't a better box at it's price point and once you know how to use it I genuinely think it outperforms boxes that are double the price.
@Luke&Line watch HaqAttaq's video on the MC 101, believe me with the amount of stuff buried in this little thing...well here's the vid th-cam.com/video/sbGbUZbIqyw/w-d-xo.html at 14 min in to it, is the "pay off" (reasons why the MC 101 is the price it is) let's just say dynamite comes in small packages
Umm so mine just came today aaaaaaaand I dont see how this isn't better than the Circuit!!! I have the circuit too but this thing runs circles around it!! Love it!! I'm using it with my mpc live and let me tell you! Lol Thanks for hyping me up to get this thing!!! 🙏🏾
Thanks for the great video. How does it handle samples? What effects can be applied to vocal samples from the SD card, such as pitch shift, time stretching and so forth? Also no one seems to be giving examples of how the classic synth sounds in it sound, such as TB303.
This will be perfect for me. I have an 88 hammer key controller KB and I wanted something other than a computer to midi into to get piano and organ sounds. Didn't want to buy a cheap KB with sounds and speakers. I can use this with those Rompler sounds and also play around with it on the couch as a groove box. Sweet.
don't get me wrong... its a great product... but you can do all this in a daw - ableton.... and this is not a circuit killer as far as i am concerned. the amount of updates Novation have done to it since inception is brilliant. And the sequencing capabilities from the tracks feeding other machines is fantastic. still use mine daily and wont be parting with it for this period. This is a great product but its nothing new.
You can do all this in a DAW. Yes. But also now you can do all this in an MC-101, with smaller-than-laptop dimensions, battery powered, real physical controls and the workflow they come with, and no computer distractions. I think the RRP is typically a touch expensive as all Roland gear tends to be, but this is a great little box that can make entire songs without a computer. That’s worth a lot to many.
Thanks for the review bo, definitely going to get one now! Also is the unison feature available for samples? that would be great for loading raw waveforms in and fattening them up.
A great review, Bo, which was more fully featured than anything else out there right now. Nicely done. The only thing you missed out, was the MIDI implementation. It would have been useful to see how it handles midi stuff, even if it's basic note on/ off etc. Yes, it is packed to the brim with sounds and features, that provide a lot of flexibility & variety whilst using it. Especially standalone, which is what i imagine that Roland will have had in mind as its primary function. It's definitely portable enough to be taken anywhere; grab a pair of headphones and maybe some spare batteries, find a tray table size area to rest it on & you're good to compose. But the price is too steep for it to fly out at the rate that i think the mc707 will. Even selling it £50 cheaper than current retail, will give it the kind of retail smoothness that makes it a no-brainer, rather than a '..ill get xxx instead, and wait for these to appear on ebay' .
Hi BoBeats, Thank you for the detailed demo and explanation. These videos are really useful for me who is relatively new to producing and shopping around for new gears to invest on. And suddenly, the myriad of MC101, MC707, TR8S, etc...among other brands on your channels, are driving me insane. lol How can MC101 work in tandem with MC707?
The mc101 is basically the portable extension of the 707. You can make a beat on either device and simply load it on the other. So thats the best way to use them together imo. One for portable fun and the other to finish the music
BoBeats Sounds like fun to me. The only sad thing is, I bought the Roland SP404SX and it seems that the MC101 has a little overlap with SP404SX. Is there a place for SP404SX or 404A to coexist with MC101 ?
tbh I tried the Blackbox and it didnt quite catch my attention. These are instruments. Not computers. Some of them feel very intuitive to me, others like Mpc Live and Blackbox are amazing value, but not for me I think. Too much ”computer in a box”
Hey love the channel and great walkthrough. 28:30 glad you pointed this out because the scatter effect on my TR-8 is great for transitions and has stopped me from selling it many times XD
Perspective from old guy... I spent this much on a BOSS DR-5, 22 years ago... And about half as much as either on a Yamaha RM1x like 8 years ago. I think this thing would be great for someone just getting into beat production or perhaps someone who already is that has extra cash and spends a lot of time away from home with nothing to do? Neither of these people are me.
Good review. I have some questions about the synth engine : 1. which parameters are available to tweak when you load a wave from the SD card? 2. How much it takes to load a sample from card? 3. Does it saves the projects and samples internally or use the card? 4.the 707 have a “drum mute” mode, where you can mute drums individually in a track using the pads. Is it present in the 101 too? Thanks
A couple more: 5. Did you tried to control it vía CC? If yes, do you know if mutes, scatter and fx are available for MIDI control? And finally 6. You said that the synth engine is not as deeper as in the 707, but judging for the presets, do you think it’s just a case of the same 707 engine with just less onboard control? Maybe an editor could access the same decrete of complexity
i think for 1 its best to look at the reference manual. 2. It goes very quick, you can see it in my vid 3. Saves projects to sd card 4. Yes ind drum mutes 5. Fx have midi controls like on 707 as for scatter and mutes... unsure. There should be a midi implementations chart 6. Same engine. It can load 707 projects according to Roland
Thanks for the answers. The manual is VERY sketchy and I didn’t saw a reference one some days ago. maybe they uploaded it after that. I’ll check the site again
Thank you so much for great videos!! Awsome channel. Please Bo, I have a question. Can I save something like "songs" or "sessions" to MC 101? How many? I would like to use it as a dawless setup for live performance. I play guitar and other player would operate this MC 101. I would like to compose at home at least 6 songs and then during the live performance to just "recall / load" them a play them. Is that possible? Or would Novation CIrcuit would be better in this regard since it can save "sessions"? Also, when all the 4 tracks are playing, can MC 101 be used in the same time as a tone generator with conected midi control keyboard? Thank you very much. P
This review is informative, but lacks one very important part: sequencer capabilites. Sequencer is probably the most important part of grooveboxes, but so far there has been little amount of info about its capabilities. Can different tracks/clips have different speed? Can I change it on the fly? Are there any midi-effects?
What do you think of the idea of using the MC101 as a Sound Module? I understand they aren’t very editable and I’m honestly fine with that. The small size and 128ish voice polyphony is intriguing. Thanks for the info Bo
That fact that circuit works so well as a portable sequencer for my skulpt and iPhone is why I love it. I can play it like a keyboard and it works great. This seems cool but I would want to hook up a keyboard and editing synths seems tedious and not fun at all. I think this thing is seriously capable but probably not a workflow without a lot of screen time.
this actually sold me more on the 101 vs the circuit bc I only use presets on the circuit and when I get tired of them, it's a pain to switch them out. having thousands of preset tones sounds very appealing.
I think it’s now time for Korg to make a new Electribe that addresses all the shortcomings of the current iteration.
Korg Electribe Gadget...
Leonard Petit-Breuilh This is actually brilliant and needs to be reality.
The 1010Music Blackbox (and the Akai Live) demonstrated that a hardware "groovebox" constructed around a touch screen can work. The only thing Korg should have to do is not overprice it.
YES YES AND YES. The EXS2 is great and a do-it-all box, BUT, SO MUCH MENU DIVING, it's so hard to just record a sound into the unit, chop it and use it, it practically renders the machine useless
METRONOHM 808 Yeah the way that thing handles samples is absurdly unintuitive. The primary measure of success for a groovebox should be in how few barriers to creativity there are in the workflow, IMO.
i need to post bail for the mc101 soon... www.patreon.com/bobeats
Been playing for a few days now.
This thing is so powerful and has many possibilities and sounds amazing!
A couple of things I'd like to see for future updates tho please if you you're watching Roland;
1. The c1 to c4 control knobs....the current layout seems wasteful. For example the filter section has only four filter controls from track 1 to 4 respectively. This should surely be setup so that when you're on your selected track the four knobs let you control 4 parameters for that selected track ie filter cutoff, resonance, attack and decay. These would all be ideally editable on a per step basis too.
What you have to do now is hold the filter button down to swap between parameters meaning you can only adjust one parameter at a time which kills performances a bit.
2. More than 8 scenes......come on guys give us at least 16 scenes. Surely this isn't too big a deal to implement....ideally more.
Any other observations guys?
Really enjoying this so far though. Dare I say kinda ground breaking.
Looks very promising but build in plastic seems crappy. How is it in reality?
I'll wait for the 1-channel version with just one knob, one fader and one pad
Roland MC-1
It only does cowbel.
MC-0,25
They already make that, see "SPD::ONE"
You mean the Special David Spaghetta EDM Edition? ;-)
hey all! I can't read numbers. This unit doesn't have 800+ presets, there are thousands. Roland says its 3000-4000 and yes, that is correct. I state this incorrectly.
I also want to add some other info:
*Individual drum pads (16 per drum track) have their own EQ, filter settings, and a few other settings which relates to the clip/track settings for filter/adr. You can fine tune and coarse tune individual samples on a drum track.
*mc101/707 projects are compatible. Sound engines are the same. Just different possibilities to edit sounds (I will send Roland feedback that we ofc want this deeper edit on the 101 too)
The reference manual is a great read for all details.
I'm not the greatest fan of small two line displays when it comes to editing; they're choc laden with acronyms galore, which you're forced to remember, and essentially develop a muscle memory for.
On this box, the editing will be 4 to 10 layers deep if they're using that display and knob layout, so i suspect a standalone editor will be the order of the day. However, the editor may be portable, as to be able to run it on your apple & android smartphone, which would go with the 'let's make music on the move' theme.
Via midi (or usb), there could also be direct control via an mc707 (you already mention the patches etc are the same), which would further facilitate useage if you had both devices (not unheard of, if you want to leave one in the studio and take one on the road etc).
"I will send Roland feedback that we ofc want this deeper edit on the 101 too" - Awesome, just what I'd like, and I'm sure plenty of other people would like it too. This would be even better than a separate editor app. I appreciate a different interface would need to be designed due to the smaller, more limited screen, but this should certainly be possible. -- What I love about this synth engine is the way each of the four 'partials' that make up a voice can have separate envelopes and LFOs applied. This makes the synth engine so much deeper than it first appears. I already have some idea of what this can do by playing with a PreenFM2 synth, which like early digital FM synths has a separate envelope per operator (and also allows different waveforms, unlike DX7-style FM synths). I've found you can get some very interesting sound design even without using FM at all - just by using carriers with different envelopes shaping how the sound evolves. With Roland's new synth engine, this could get even more interesting with the large variety of different waveforms available and separate filter modulation. (I've only really gotten into synth programming in the last few months, but I've rapidly turned into a synth nerd who loves exploring the sound design possibilities of complex synth engines!)
Does it have individual fx sends for each drum sound on the drum track ?
I have thought - if it's "the same sound engine"* perhaps it could play another "layer" of the 4 tracks? If it's limited by control real estate rather than the processor itself being lesser. ( *which could account for the "high" price of a small machine.)
i am not sure the chip/processing is entirely the same tho VJ
I have had the MC-101 for a few years. I am delighted with the acquisition. It seems incredible to me what can be done with a little box that fits almost in the palm of your hand. Your videos are always inspiring. Thank you for your reviews and for sharing your experience.
Roland is now up to v1.71 on the MC707 and MC101. It'd be really interesting if you were to revisit them as there is a ton of new features that were added (including a metronome count in 😅)
Yes!
Agree … esp since it now you can store samples.
It really needs an update now that you can dig into the synth engine on the device a lot more with out having to use Zenology Pro as an over glorified editor, making the MC-101 feel a hell of a lot more self contained.
Really pleased that you didn’t just demo a load of 4-2-the-floor stuff. Have a really good overview of its capability.
Cheers Bo!
At its price, I wish it had more of a synth engine. For $250 or so, it would be a fun little box, though.
I think that’s a little too cheap
Picked one up last week. I am using it as a portable ideas machine which I then bring back to the studio and use for inspiration re-recording everything on other kit. For this purpose it’s brilliant and absolutely how I used the Circuit. It’s perhaps worth saying that most of the functions are fairly intuitive either obviously requiring shift or use of the Value knob. I mention this as one of my concerns was the lack of physical controls but it’s not been a problem for me. The only criticism I have is the wobbly Value knob which is going to get a lot of use. Longevity is a worry in this regard and although this is clearly the ‘budget’ zencore offering I’m not sure it’s price warrants a wobbly knob. On a positive note breaking out the Keystep converts it into a nice portable keyboard albeit with a bunch of cables and a USB battery for the Keystep .
I use my circuit for Eurorack sequencing and this will not replace it.
A little too plastic for the price but sounds good and looks fun !
Thanks for answering my question @ 2:30. I'm hoping an editor will become available at some point in the future to allow creation of synth patches.
Hi I’m from the future , the editor is 250.00 as a stand-alone or 20.00 per month subscription, fuck that noise Roland , you cheeky bastards
I haven't even gotten to the review and I feel compelled to tell you how much I love the music you created at the beginning. It has a great "exotic" flavor and you used a tasteful amount - just a touch! - of glitchy effects to make it even more interesting. Very nice, Bo!
Its on 1.81 at this moment,
Which was a great improvement on many levels.
I love this mini device next to the Novation Tracks, it is an awesome duo all together.
Im considering the mc101 to run next to my circuit tracks, i mainly just want more sounds and more variety because im running 2 circuits now and i feel like i am limited in new and varied sounds. Like grand piano or simple analog like synth sounds.
But i am afraid that the mc101 is limited in sound design, has this improved over the later versions?
@@robert3045 you want to sound design on the actual box?
Then do not buy a mc101.
The design is still done on pc, then exported to the mc
@@deca5002 ahh so you do have the option to sound design and save extra presets to the 101?
I remember the circuit also has this, but i never gave it a serious go
This is really in-depth. I had to watch twice, second time pausing and experimenting with my mc101. This video answered a few questions that I had on how to use this device. Thanks Bo!
♥️♥️
Thank you for your videos. Major flaw in the 101-a user cannot create a song with more than eight 4/4 measures on more than one track (without looping) because Clips cannot be changed on more than one track at once. On one track you can create eight 16 eight measure clips, but the other tracks would have to be looped in eight or less 4/4 measure loops. This is fine for repetitive beat-type compositions, but not actual songs with differences on all tracks beyond the eight measures. Long live the MPC Live! Every time a new product comes out, I realize how much more capable the MPC Live is for producing any kind of song without a computer.
This box theoretically becomes a lot more interesting given the Zenology announcement in Roland Cloud yesterday.
Yea, 3 minutes in and I don't want it. Such a shame you can't fully edit the synth sounds as the roland family or romplers have a great engine which is very flexible. Maybe if a software editors comes out at some point I may reconsider.
I’m still pulling hours a week on the ole MC505 can’t wait to try the new breeds. Great video!
Firmware 1.81 is a game changer for the MC 101. You can now create and edit 4 osc sounds and more.......
if you want to pick up the MC101 use my Thomann affiliate link:
Roland MC101 // portable 4 track synth
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473345?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/74Lq5
The link directs to Sweetwater.. it is supposed to be Thomann? Thanks, Bo!
Are there any reggea man,or some one from latino origin to show how to program that thing? im a caribbean person,i play zouk,cadance, compa,salsa ,soca,reggea, pls some one,help me,
That does look like fun, and it's got that characteristically clear and clean Roland sound plus some good effects when you want something a bit less clean. Nice.
I've been drooling over this and the TR6s. I would love to see a BoBeats review of TR6s and a comparison of these two devices!
I am working on one :-)
@@BoBeats you sir are a gift from the music gods!
I own a tr6s and it’s awesome! I wanna buy the mc101 as an companion
@@huntrrams I ended up getting the 101 and love it. It's been my traveling music box and also a great sequencer to have for other gear. You won't be disappointed! Go for it!
Thanks Bo. I'm glad to hear your experience with this since you've used it for some weeks.
Gonna get this for my sofa setup. Maybe the 707 later. Got started with the 303 and 505 20 years ago, can't pass on this. Also the synths that come with it are worth the price alone imo.
Did you get it? How is it, 3 years later? If you kept it, is everything still functional - I’m slightly concerned about build quality
I feel like it actually can be a perfect companion for the circuit. Less hassle with drum samples, so you have a drum machine in the mc101, then freedom on circuit. And all the synths ever! I like it a lot.
what do u mean freedom on circuit?
@@Handarimasta freedom for the samples on circuit... Or better the sample channels. If you use an mc101 channel as drum machine, you have the 4 circuit channels free to put whatever samples
Not really a circuit killer given the price of this thing ,it’s double the price plus it’s presets with no editing , totally different machine , it’s a four track rompler with effects and that’s not a bad thing , problem is my old Yamaha qy70 cost me 70 quid from eBay and it’s a rompler with a full sequencer with 8 tracks , yes it sounds dated on some of the sounds but you can layer the samples by copying tracks then changing the sample , plus it has pretty good drums and effects , plus it has a built in mini chromatic keyboard , I think we are going backwards with hardware to be honest ,if this was 200.00 I might consider it, the fact that it can sample and play chromatically is a massive plus point for me , but I’ve just bought a korg microsampler and that fills that need more than enough
I thought the same, this unit reminds me the QY-70 a lot. I have one too and is a lovely machine to make dated music styles like vaporwave. This unit, for that price, is a bit overpriced, having in mind that cheap plastic case. Even the QY-70 have a good hard textured plastic case that look great 20 years later. The sampling capabilities and how to manage the sound import is still something I want to see on this machine, but by now, this was the best review out there. Great job @bobeats
It's not just the price. The Circuit is FUN to use. And if you wanna go deeper into sound design there's an editor for its synths. You can customize the Circuit for your musical needs. I make Glitch, Noise and Industrial with this lil fella. I guess I couldn't do this with Roland's pricey babe.
But - S C R E E N !
stupid price
You're right, and to tell the truth, I'd take the QY-70 every day...
Best review on this device on You Tube. Thanks👍
Thanks for the review bo! I love the 707 so far, I'm having a blast with it. I've had just about every groovebox that exists, and I'm stoked for this. I think I'm just a groovebox addict! The deluge is super powerful but I never got on with the workflow. This seems like it'll be a perfect 707 buddy for on the go!
must admit that it sounds quite good. Finally they added their chorus classics, took years. Remember that permantly lacking choruses and getting that shit bitcrush all the time? Tempted to consider it a good thing.
Really appreciate this review. Thinking about getting one. Any chance of a “1 year review”?
Me too! Is it getting any better? Are they listening to their users?
Roland come on man! You're going to get left in the dust if you don't stop overcharging your customers. I've been a Roland fan for many years, but it getting harder and harder to stay a fan. My first groovebox was the MC505. All metal and bulletproof. Now it's all cheap plastic, but still a higher price. It's a $300.00 product at the most. Guess I'll have to buy two Novation circuit's.
Thank you for the video's. I had just ordered a this unit should be here by Friday. Cant wait. Be safe and thanks again.
Ouch !!! The price is too high 470 swiss franc (~440euro)
440 euro for a fart machine ? Digital toy ? F ... off roland! Behringer win !
@@nikosrachoutis1270 Behringer will force the other " big" manufacturers to reconsider the lower-ish end market....if they continue cloning successfully ( durability and output quality)
Over 500€ in Finland
Nikos Rachoutis How does Behringer win? Where is their groove box?
Its not to high as there is no other similar as capable cheaper product..
i love roland grooveboxes. i still use my mc303 as a main drum machine in my studio. the 101 might be the next one i get. i got sold on the scatter feature. thanks for the review and detailed explanation of the features/menu diving.
Best review of this machine by now. Want to see the sampling and sound import capabilities more in depth but very good hands on this mc101
This is a nice little box, to keep you from being bored on the plane. Slowly working your way towards the Jupiter Xm ... 😉...I.hope...That’s a power house in a mobile package. I’d like to feed those sounds to my FORCE.
maybe i will buy it someday.when behringer make a clone of it
🤣
NEXT SPRING : the BEHRINGER D101-GRVBX
Teuku Nazli kurniawan next spring: bohringerBeats
@@BoBeats Underrated comment haha!
standard shitty reply to any synth release these days
@No Comment Not that I generally disagree, but the SE-20 is awesome (though admittedly probably more Studio Electronics than Roland): I've got two of them and they are right up there with my Moogs and Dave Smiths. Anyway yeah, I've got the Behringer Model D and just put a deposit down on Pro 1 so like I said, don't generally disagree.
Has anyone else reviewed the MC-707 and the MC-101 in their studio outside of BoBeats? He must be the GOAT!
i had to google GOAT 🤣
@@BoBeats This made me chuckle!!
Did you have a chance to look at the latest update? Tone editing is a major feature.
Agree! The fm synth editing is amazing.
Thank you Bo for this In-depth review. Very nice and capable groovebox to take away ! Compare to the Digitakt, it seems less deeper in term of samples tweaking. I own a Circuit and yes, the Editor Pro can dive deep into the synth engine to create your own (crazy) sounds. It's more appealing to me rather have tons of presets. The ( - ) for the Circuit : it has to be connected to a computer to load samples, patches or to tweak the synth engine.
I think you are very correct in your assessment
Damn! The sound quality!!! (Listening to the track at the beginning.) So good!
To actually answer the question, no.
People into the Circuit find the MC101 too expensive.
Not saying that is right or wrong but that is the vibe.
At about €250 you can get into a Circuit or around €500 into a MC101.
As a noob I would go Circuit, as an experienced noob (you kinda know what you want) the 101 might be just right.
Mind that there is no right or wrong here.
Well, you could go wrong but don't blame me.
I am using this to play and perform live with the increased dynamics. I paid with an RC-505 and a midi controller. Works nicely. For using it in this manner I can cover an entire set with different kits and sounds, while having enough dynamics from one song to the next. On top of what you could get out of what you can hook up to this. This thing can do a lot for you.
I’m doing the same but with an akai force instead of the 505 !
I had a circuit, but I sold it as I rarely had the time to sit down and learn how to use it beyond some simple functionality, so it collected dust. Now the MC 101 comes out and looks a lot easier to learn.
As one who travels for a living and has music as a hobby, I'm always interested in the compact and portable devices. The MC 101 looks to be right up my alley. Even moreso now that Novation has just announced the Mk3 model of thier launchkey mini which, among other improvements, has a 3.5 mm MIDI- out and should pair nicely with the 101. Oh...my aching wallet. :)
Should get a 2018 ipad pro bro
@@luxurychapters6826 I do have an ipad pro and I like using it. But I prefer the tactial feel of actual hardware and instruments so much I'm willing to pay for it. :)
I know how you feel haha
I enjoyed the 707 version, and this at least seems closer to my price range and something I'd be more likely to purchase. That said at $500 and a very limited budget the circuit would have a major advantage for me. Still I really like the layout, how small it is, realistically I know I could try to sell off the 2 volcas I own (I could easily use that as my drum machine & bass lines) to help recover some of that price difference. I can't help but wonder if some of the older, used grooveboxes I see online aren't a smarter deal given the situation I'm in but honestly I don't know much about older equipment (even if only a few years old) and I worry about losing some of the abilities to integrate it with my computer when it comes time to put the final touches in a track.
I'm pretty much in a similar boat, except I wouldn't dare sell my Volcas haha! I want to sequence them and my Minilogue so I don't have to use only their on board sequencers and actually do jams and performances, rather than make loops. Grooveboxes are awesome!
@@mikeexits I don't know that I could sell mine either! I mean for this I think it would be a worthy step up but they're still fun. I sequence mine with my Monologue. I've got the Sample & Bass and use them for drum and bass sounds while I play on the Mono.
@@Dea_Decay That sounds really fun! I'm interested in the Monologue since it's battery powered, and owning my Minilogue, I'll feel right at home on the Mono. Paired with the Circuit and a Bastl Dude, maybe a few Volcas with their onboard sequencers and clock synced, that could be a great simple (but full of wires) mobile setup right there!
@@mikeexits That's why I considered the Minilogue for my poly synth but in reverse! I was so happy and comfortable with the Mono I was looking at the Mini. Ultimately I saw a great deal on a Deepmind 12 and those 12 voices come in handy when playing bigger chords (especially as some sounds take up more than 1 voice). I'm regularly doing 3 or 4 notes with my right and 2 additional on my left for bass in my chords that sadly the Mini wouldn't have cut it. Had I gotten it I know I would have loved it, and it would certainly be easier to take places than my Deepmind. I don't have a circuit but that would be great unless I do get this 101 but my eyes are bigger than my pockets right now. I really want a Dreadbox Nyx, but practically for song writing a groovebox would make more sense atm.
@@Dea_Decay I see, good choices! I personally don't really mess with more than a triad and a bass note anyway so the Minilogue's limitation isn't an issue for me. I can layer it in my DAW for more complex stuff anyway. The 3 voice limit on the Volca FM is a little annoying to me though. But all I really do for more voices is play the same chord an octave or an octave and an inversion or two apart. Different strokes I suppose.
Thank you so so much for the vid ! This little box seems perfect for me ! was looking for a small portable groovebox, and this might be what i'll go for
101 now has counting and scene transitions can be automated (v1.7)
Thanks for the review Bo! I was waiting for someone to review this device, looks really interesting! hope they release a synth editor plug in or something like the circuit patch editor.
Since you can sample Audio via USB it should be very easy to sample from your phone.
This would be interesting to see as well as if you can access the sd card via USB cable. So you could transfer wav files via Smartphone.
Looks fun. But the price is a real deal breaker. Might buy one 2nd hand
thanks Bo, decent in depth demo of this little unit, but WHERE is the D-BEAM ?
Is this a joke or what?! The d-beam was so lame!
Hi bobeats can you please review some food or a restaurant soon? we're still waiting
I just got a Behringer Model D! I’m happy 😃
Excellent synth for the price.
Du har precis beskrivit ungefär vad jag letar efter till min lilla liverig. Härlig genomgång!
By now I have watched several reviews of the 101. It seems that the only major issue ppl talk about regarding this instrument, is the price tag. This is understandable as Roland has some what pricy products being a lead player in this market but it doesn’t mean it’s not worth the money. If you don’t need a pricy unit and can do everything it does on your computer or maybe u can do it with a cheaper instrument, well do it. To me it seems this has all the features I need so Seriously considering this one !
Don’t worry, it will cost $300 when they have to sell all those dusty boxes. I bought the System-1 M for $300, they originally asked $500 or more
Lol okay
This is around 300 used now, I paid 359.00 uk new for mine , that’s a fair price I’m looking forward to it arriving
Bo Beats im a new subscriber going over all your older stuff. Thanks for the energy you have poured in over the years waiting to be discovered by people like me. Enjoy the grooves you make Saulte from Australia 🔥🤙
Very gooood review Bo !! It's the longuest synth review I've ever watched, cause as the owner of 2 circuits, I was kinda curious of what the MC101 could do... I don't think I'm gonna buy it, cause 2 circuits are enough, but I have yo say that the effects section looks reeeeeeally useful ^^. That IS what lacks to the circuit. Scatter effects or stuff like these. Thanks Bo !!
thanks buddy!! Appreciate you checking it out
It's a very cool groovebox but i think that the possibility of editing your own sound with Components it's a strenght of the Circuit , and obviously the price it's also a strenght of the Circuit. Cool review as always Bo!
Bo is over seven-and-a-half feet tall? 😳
Truly, he is a giant of the electronic music scene.
haha!! good one :) in real life im closer to 5.7 feet ”tall” so in Sweden, land of tall blonde vikings, i’m considered real short
Bo, thanks for the review. You answered a lot of questions that I had in my search for a portable box that I can use to sketch out song ideas. I would love to see some examples of using it with other Midi devices.
Why would you pay 500 quid to sketch out songs it deserves more respect then that I'm pretty sure u could sketch out songs on what u make your songs on
I wonder if the mx-1 can power it with just the USB power port or if it needs the batteries
at 1st I thought this might be cool and maybe I can import samples from my iPad, but hang on a minute!! my iPad is an excellent groove box and more. It’s all in the digital domain and the 101 is expensive landfill imho.
Helpful video Bo, I’ve taken the plunge with it. Using it as a slave to Akai Force. It was expensive but it comes with tons of sounds etc.
How is it, 3 years later? If you kept it, is everything still functional - I’m slightly concerned about build quality
Thanks Bo for this in depth review. It looks like to be a really "quick result" gear
Nice jamming on my Grandma's dining table. 😅
Great review, thanks a lot BoBeats!
What about vs Electribe 2s? I think it's a good argue...
i wish i had one :-/
However, this is the best video on mc 101 on TH-cam. Good job 😊
E2s owner. I lost interest in this thing about 5 minutes in. The device, not the video.
This has real polyphony but the 2s is still better for the price.
@@HotStrange agreed that e2s polyphony is probably my biggest gripe about the machine... however unless there are several elements you need to mute/unmute/modulate independently you can work around it by resampling several elements together. I love the e2s, there's a clever workaround to almost every apparent shortcoming if you're willing to put in the dirty work. There isn't a better box at it's price point and once you know how to use it I genuinely think it outperforms boxes that are double the price.
Great review, I think what sets this apart from the competitors is the sound quality.
Agreed
This is a cool little device, but pricey!
@Luke&Line watch HaqAttaq's video on the MC 101, believe me with the amount of stuff buried in this little thing...well here's the vid th-cam.com/video/sbGbUZbIqyw/w-d-xo.html at 14 min in to it, is the "pay off" (reasons why the MC 101 is the price it is) let's just say dynamite comes in small packages
It killed my volca's too. Had them all. Now just modluar, sample and mix.
V sample is nice, so easy to use and quick!
Umm so mine just came today aaaaaaaand I dont see how this isn't better than the Circuit!!! I have the circuit too but this thing runs circles around it!! Love it!! I'm using it with my mpc live and let me tell you! Lol
Thanks for hyping me up to get this thing!!! 🙏🏾
Thanks for the great video. How does it handle samples? What effects can be applied to vocal samples from the SD card, such as pitch shift, time stretching and so forth?
Also no one seems to be giving examples of how the classic synth sounds in it sound, such as TB303.
Looper = time stretch is available (same as 707 from what i gather)
Drum track = pitch shift (coarse and fine)
This will be perfect for me. I have an 88 hammer key controller KB and I wanted something other than a computer to midi into to get piano and organ sounds. Didn't want to buy a cheap KB with sounds and speakers. I can use this with those Rompler sounds and also play around with it on the couch as a groove box. Sweet.
Gåååddd dääääyymmnnnn....what a freaking banger that opening beat...😅😅😅
Great jam! I want this just for that sweet scatter effect.
Yes!!! So excited to see you review it!!
don't get me wrong... its a great product... but you can do all this in a daw - ableton.... and this is not a circuit killer as far as i am concerned. the amount of updates Novation have done to it since inception is brilliant. And the sequencing capabilities from the tracks feeding other machines is fantastic. still use mine daily and wont be parting with it for this period. This is a great product but its nothing new.
You can do all this in a DAW. Yes. But also now you can do all this in an MC-101, with smaller-than-laptop dimensions, battery powered, real physical controls and the workflow they come with, and no computer distractions. I think the RRP is typically a touch expensive as all Roland gear tends to be, but this is a great little box that can make entire songs without a computer. That’s worth a lot to many.
Thanks for the review bo, definitely going to get one now! Also is the unison feature available for samples? that would be great for loading raw waveforms in and fattening them up.
A great review, Bo, which was more fully featured than anything else out there right now. Nicely done.
The only thing you missed out, was the MIDI implementation. It would have been useful to see how it handles midi stuff, even if it's basic note on/ off etc.
Yes, it is packed to the brim with sounds and features, that provide a lot of flexibility & variety whilst using it. Especially standalone, which is what i imagine that Roland will have had in mind as its primary function. It's definitely portable enough to be taken anywhere; grab a pair of headphones and maybe some spare batteries, find a tray table size area to rest it on & you're good to compose.
But the price is too steep for it to fly out at the rate that i think the mc707 will. Even selling it £50 cheaper than current retail, will give it the kind of retail smoothness that makes it a no-brainer, rather than a '..ill get xxx instead, and wait for these to appear on ebay' .
Might do a little Mc101 as sequencer tutorial :-)
@@BoBeats That would be very welcome :)
Hi BoBeats,
Thank you for the detailed demo and explanation. These videos are really useful for me who is relatively new to producing and shopping around for new gears to invest on. And suddenly, the myriad of MC101, MC707, TR8S, etc...among other brands on your channels, are driving me insane. lol
How can MC101 work in tandem with MC707?
The mc101 is basically the portable extension of the 707. You can make a beat on either device and simply load it on the other. So thats the best way to use them together imo. One for portable fun and the other to finish the music
BoBeats Sounds like fun to me. The only sad thing is, I bought the Roland SP404SX and it seems that the MC101 has a little overlap with SP404SX.
Is there a place for SP404SX or 404A to coexist with MC101 ?
Hy Bo!
Try the "1010musci Blackbox", and then forget this MC 101. Small 2 line display, i hated them in the TR-8S too.
tbh I tried the Blackbox and it didnt quite catch my attention. These are instruments. Not computers. Some of them feel very intuitive to me, others like Mpc Live and Blackbox are amazing value, but not for me I think. Too much ”computer in a box”
Just got one of these !!! Man I'm pretty impressed I use with my op-1 and sp404 good work partners Great video
Hey love the channel and great walkthrough. 28:30 glad you pointed this out because the scatter effect on my TR-8 is great for transitions and has stopped me from selling it many times XD
Nice review...thanks...I just received my MC-101 :-)
Perspective from old guy... I spent this much on a BOSS DR-5, 22 years ago...
And about half as much as either on a Yamaha RM1x like 8 years ago. I think this thing would be great for someone just getting into beat production or perhaps someone who already is that has extra cash and spends a lot of time away from home with nothing to do? Neither of these people are me.
Very interested in this or the Digitakt, I have to decide what would work with my workflow better.
Hi Bo! Is there a way to create appergios ? Anyway thanks Bo for this awesome and complete review! Keep it up the awesome work!
Good review. I have some questions about the synth engine : 1. which parameters are available to tweak when you load a wave from the SD card? 2. How much it takes to load a sample from card? 3. Does it saves the projects and samples internally or use the card? 4.the 707 have a “drum mute” mode, where you can mute drums individually in a track using the pads. Is it present in the 101 too? Thanks
A couple more: 5. Did you tried to control it vía CC? If yes, do you know if mutes, scatter and fx are available for MIDI control? And finally 6. You said that the synth engine is not as deeper as in the 707, but judging for the presets, do you think it’s just a case of the same 707 engine with just less onboard control? Maybe an editor could access the same decrete of complexity
i think for 1 its best to look at the reference manual.
2. It goes very quick, you can see it in my vid
3. Saves projects to sd card
4. Yes ind drum mutes
5. Fx have midi controls like on 707 as for scatter and mutes... unsure. There should be a midi implementations chart
6. Same engine. It can load 707 projects according to Roland
Thanks for the answers. The manual is VERY sketchy and I didn’t saw a reference one some days ago. maybe they uploaded it after that. I’ll check the site again
Damn! Coming from an circuit and as a casual user, I just muck about with the kids, this is another level! Awsome video dude
Yay and hooray. The more attainable Roland!... almost #$500ROLANDreally?
Bo beats is the best professor machines👏🎛️
Thank you so much for great videos!! Awsome channel.
Please Bo, I have a question. Can I save something like "songs" or "sessions" to MC 101? How many? I would like to use it as a dawless setup for live performance. I play guitar and other player would operate this MC 101. I would like to compose at home at least 6 songs and then during the live performance to just "recall / load" them a play them. Is that possible?
Or would Novation CIrcuit would be better in this regard since it can save "sessions"?
Also, when all the 4 tracks are playing, can MC 101 be used in the same time as a tone generator with conected midi control keyboard?
Thank you very much. P
This review is informative, but lacks one very important part: sequencer capabilites. Sequencer is probably the most important part of grooveboxes, but so far there has been little amount of info about its capabilities. Can different tracks/clips have different speed? Can I change it on the fly? Are there any midi-effects?
What do you think of the idea of using the MC101 as a Sound Module? I understand they aren’t very editable and I’m honestly fine with that. The small size and 128ish voice polyphony is intriguing. Thanks for the info Bo
I have the 707, but am going on a snowboard trip and kind of want this for the plane ride..
you should make a little performance WITH the circuit
That fact that circuit works so well as a portable sequencer for my skulpt and iPhone is why I love it. I can play it like a keyboard and it works great. This seems cool but I would want to hook up a keyboard and editing synths seems tedious and not fun at all. I think this thing is seriously capable but probably not a workflow without a lot of screen time.
How do you control the skulpt from the circuit?
@@MBSGAMES_
I used a midi cable and set the midi channela