Roland MC-505
Groovebox model
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Roland MC-505 is a groovebox conceived in 1998 as a combination of a MIDI controller, a music sequencer, a drum machine, and a desktop synthesizer with many synthesis features: arpeggiator, oscillators, and voltage-controlled filter, control of attack, decay, sustain and release, different envelopes and 2 LFOs. It was released as the successor to the Roland MC-303 and is functionally related to the later-released Roland JX-305 Groovesynth, which added a 61-key full-sized keyboard but which lacked the MC-505's Megamix and D-Beam hardware and functionality. The Roland MC-505 is also the predecessor to the Roland D2, Roland MC-307, Roland MC-909 and the Roland MC-808.
| Roland MC-505 groovebox | |
|---|---|
| |
| Manufacturer | Roland |
| Dates | 1998–2002 |
| Price | £782 UK, $1299 US |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | 64-note[1] |
| Timbrality | 8-part[2] (Including a separate rhythm channel) |
| Oscillator | Yes |
| LFO | Yes |
| Synthesis type | Sample-based synthesis (rompler) |
| Filter | Yes |
| Storage memory | 512 preset sounds, 26 drum kits |
| Effects | reverb/delay, chorus/flanger |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | 1⅓-octave (16-keys) non-piano-style mini key set |
| External control | MIDI in/out[1] |
Features
The key features of the MC-505 are:
- 64 voice polyphonic digital subtractive synthesis engine (derived from the Roland JV-1080) with 251 different oscillator, acoustic and drum sample waveforms
- 512 built-in preset sounds, 256 user sounds & 26 rhythm sets (includes the Roland CR-78, TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, TR-707 and R-8)
- 8-track MIDI sequencer + Mute Ctrl Track
- Recording length of up to 32 bars per pattern
- 714 preset sequencer patterns, 200 user patterns, 50 user songs
- 3 multi-effect units: Reverb, Delay and 24 different EFXs
- Infrared D-Beam controller for hands-free sound modulation
- MEGAMix function for intuitive realtime mixing of beats and patterns
- 5 volt Smartmedia card slot for doubling user patch and pattern memory
Tribute album
In 2000 the Grand Royal record label released a compilation album At Home with the Groovebox, where all the artists contributed a track primarily using the Roland MC-505. Artists included Beck, Money Mark, Air, Jean-Jacques Perrey and Pavement. This was considered to be an interesting and well received album.