Roland
MC-303 Groove Box
July
12, 1996
One of the most interesting developments in recent musical instrument history
is the saga of the Roland Corporation's TR-808 and -909 Rhythm Composers and TB-303
Bass Line. Introduced in the early 1980's, the TR-Series drum machines and TB-303
met with only mild success --perhaps these units' synthetic sounds were too "canned"
for the tastes of the mid-80's musician; perhaps they were ahead of their time.
Whatever the case, all three units were discontinued by Roland not long after
their introduction. What differentiates the tale of these analog-products-gone-under
from most is that, while Roland was busy making better, more realistic-sounding
instruments, the "canned" sounds of these earlier units became popular with hip-hop,
dance, rap and techno artists. These artists began to seek out older Roland products
to create some of the most influential dance, hip-hop and rap records of the late
1980s and early 1990s. Re-enter the Roland Corporation of 1996. Realizing
the unprecedented popularity of these older units, the Roland Corporation has
developed the completely new MC-303 Groove Box, which incorporates the classic
sounds of the TR-808 and -909 Rhythm Composers, TB-303 Bass Line, Junos, Jupiters
and much more into an integrated sequencer/sound module with analog controls and
some very high-tech features. Inside the retro-looking MC-303 is 448 tones,
12 drum sets, an 8-track sequencer, effects processor and over 130 patterns of
hip-hop, techno, dance, house and rap grooves (with up to 300 variations). Control
over this eclectic combination of vintage and modern sounds is provided via eight
analog knobs, a 16-key interface with a large LED, dedicated function buttons
and rotary dial. The MC-303's preset patterns can either be used as is or
customized by muting some parts (the chord backing, for example) and then stored
to one of the 300 variation memories. Original patterns can be created by modifying
existing preset patterns or by programming them in real-time or step time. The
MC-303 provides 50 user pattern memories for storing these original patterns.
The MC-303 emphasizes realtime performance capability, with controls such
as realtime cutoff and resonance to vary the sound, as well as arpeggio and groove
quantize for adding a special feel or groove to the song. Sound modifying capabilities
are furthered by controls such as filter, LFO, envelope and pan, for nearly endless
tweaking. All of the MC-303's sounds and patterns are completely adjustable
to stay on top of the latest grooves pounding from the dance clubs of the world.
And the MC-303's vintage styling and analog controls are sure to catch the eye
of groove-enthusiasts for whom "retro" means "cool." At a time when Roland's vintage
synth gear is fetching prices out of the reach of most working musicians, the
MC-303 Groove Box will prove an essential tool for the dance music of the '90s. For more information,
contact Roland Corporation U.S., 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040,
213.685.5141. Visit their web site at www.rolandus.com. |
