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{{Short description|Combines the features of a synthesizer, sequencer, and sampler}} |
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{{original research|date=July 2013}} |
{{original research|date=July 2013}} |
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{{Infobox synthesizer |
{{Infobox synthesizer |
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| synthesis_type = [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]] ([[rompler]]) |
| synthesis_type = [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]] ([[rompler]]) |
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| os version = 1.23 |
| os version = 1.23 |
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| polyphony = 64-note<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar03/articles/rolandmc909.asp|title=Roland MC909|work=Sound On Sound|date=March 2003|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609010919/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar03/articles/rolandmc909.asp|archivedate= |
| polyphony = 64-note<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar03/articles/rolandmc909.asp|title=Roland MC909|work=Sound On Sound|date=March 2003|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609010919/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar03/articles/rolandmc909.asp|archivedate=9 June 2015}}</ref> |
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| timbrality = 16-part |
| timbrality = 16-part |
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| oscillator = Yes |
| oscillator = Yes |
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| memory = 16 MB; expandable to 272 MB<br>ROM: 800 patches, 72 rhythm sets,<br>RAM: 256 patches, 128 rhythm sets, [[Smartmedia]] cards |
| memory = 16 MB; expandable to 272 MB<br>ROM: 800 patches, 72 rhythm sets,<br>RAM: 256 patches, 128 rhythm sets, [[Smartmedia]] cards |
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| fx = [[reverb]]–[[Delay (audio effect)|delay]], [[chorus effect|chorus]]–[[flanger]] |
| fx = [[reverb]]–[[Delay (audio effect)|delay]], [[chorus effect|chorus]]–[[flanger]] |
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| dates = 2002–2006 |
| dates = 2002–2006 <br>OS: v1.23 (Final Version) |
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| price = £1156 UK, $1795 US |
| price = £1156 UK, $1795 US |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Roland MC-909''' Sampling [[Groovebox]] combines the features of a [[synthesizer]], [[Music sequencer|sequencer]], and [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]], with extensive hands-on control of both the sound engine and the sequencing flow. It was intended primarily for live performance of pre-programmed patterns consisting of up to 16 tracks of MIDI data. It was released by [[Roland Corporation]] on October 8, 2002. This product was announced at the [[Audio Engineering Society|AES]] Fall Convention in 2002. It is the direct successor to the [[Roland MC-505]] |
The discontinued '''Roland MC-909''' Sampling [[Groovebox]] combines the features of a [[synthesizer]], [[Music sequencer|sequencer]], and [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]], with extensive hands-on control of both the sound engine and the sequencing flow. It was intended primarily for live performance of pre-programmed patterns consisting of up to 16 tracks of MIDI data. It was released by [[Roland Corporation]] on October 8, 2002. This product was announced at the [[Audio Engineering Society|AES]] Fall Convention in 2002. It is the direct successor to the [[Roland MC-505]] and is the predecessor to the [[Roland MC-808]]. Which eventually ended the "[[Groovebox]] by year 2010" line of products by Roland which began in the year 1996 with the Original [[Roland MC-303|Roland MC-303 groovebox]]. The Roland Groovebox began again resurgence in the year 2019 with a two new modern & redesign Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX/Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX. |
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The Roland MC-909 was developed from the blueprint of Roland's own "Roland Fantom-S Workstation & [[Roland Fantom-X]] Workstation" and uses the same structure and operating system, with some differences regarding the Patterns section, not implemented in the Roland Fantom S/X6/X7/X8 Workstation. |
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==Sound generation == |
==Sound generation == |
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The MC-909 has a [[Read-only memory|ROM]]-based sound generator (sometimes referred to as a [[rompler]].) Its [[Patch (synthesizer)|patch]]es are built from up to four [[Musical note|tones]]. The tones are based on waves stored in the machine. Patches can also utilize user-created [[Sampling (music)|samples]]. Roland's literature states that the MC-909 has "new-generation XV synthesis", the synth in the MC-909 is a very similar sound engine to that of the XV-5050 64-[[Register (music)|Voice]] [[Synthesizer]] Module. |
The MC-909 has a [[Read-only memory|ROM]]-based sound generator (sometimes referred to as a [[rompler]].) Its [[Patch (synthesizer)|patch]]es are built from up to four [[Musical note|tones]]. The tones are based on waves stored in the machine. Patches can also utilize user-created [[Sampling (music)|samples]]. Roland's literature states that the MC-909 has "new-generation XV synthesis", the synth in the MC-909 is a very similar sound engine to that of the XV-5050 64-[[Register (music)|Voice]] [[Synthesizer]] Module. |
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The number of [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]] [[waveforms]] is 693, ranging from [[Synthesizer|vintage synths]] to [[Strings (music)|strings]], [[drum]]s, [[guitar]]s and [[pianos]]. It can be expanded by adding one [[SRX expansion board|SRX card]] from 12 different cards available. |
The number of [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]] [[waveforms]] is 693, ranging from [[Synthesizer|vintage synths]] to [[Strings (music)|strings]], [[drum]]s, [[guitar]]s and [[pianos]]. It can be expanded by adding one [[SRX expansion board|SRX card*]] from 12 different cards available. |
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* *Note: [If you choose the Roland [[SRX expansion board|SRX]]-05 "Supreme Dance" expansion card, you'll get special Patches that can only be accessed on the MC-909.] |
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The MC-909 is always in sequencer mode, as opposed to other workstations that have also a simple Voice or Combination mode for straight playing. |
The MC-909 is always in sequencer mode, as opposed to other workstations that have also a simple Voice or Combination mode for straight playing. |
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Straight playing via an external keyboard is however possible directly from the sequencer mode by simply selecting one of the 16 tracks (parts) where a patch (voice, sound) is stored. In this case the MC-909 performs as a regular, 16-part multitimbral sound module, that happens to have a sequencer, too. In essence, the MC-909 can be used as a very capable sound module without ever needing to fire up its sequencer. |
Straight playing via an external keyboard is however possible directly from the sequencer mode by simply selecting one of the 16 tracks (parts) where a patch (voice, sound) is stored. In this case the MC-909 performs as a regular, 16-part multitimbral sound module, that happens to have a sequencer, too. In essence, the MC-909 can be used as a very capable sound module without ever needing to fire up its sequencer. |
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The MC-909 is the first Roland [[groovebox]] to feature a [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]]. It can record audio from any of the external audio inputs, [[SPDIF]] connectors, or import [[wav]] and [[aiff]] files from a computer using a [[USB]] port. The [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]] can be upgraded up to a total of 272 MB [[Random access memory|RAM]] (16 MB User + 256 MB [[SDRAM|PC-100]] or [[SDRAM|PC-133]] 168-Pin [[DIMM]] Module), and the samples can also be stored on a 128 MB 3.3 volt [[Smartmedia]] card. The unit is also able to store on two 128 MB [[Smartmedia]] cards |
The MC-909 is the first Roland [[groovebox]] to feature a [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]]. It can record audio from any of the external audio inputs, [[SPDIF]] connectors, or import [[wav]] and [[Audio Interchange File Format|aiff]] files from a computer using a [[USB]] port. The [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]] can be upgraded up to a total of 272 MB [[Random access memory|RAM]] (16 MB User + 256 MB [[SDRAM|PC-100]] or [[SDRAM|PC-133]] 168-Pin [[DIMM]] Module), and the samples can also be stored on a 128 MB 3.3 volt [[Smartmedia]] card. The unit is also able to store on two 128 MB [[Smartmedia]] cards if there is more than 256 MB DATA in its user memory. There are tricks from user forum sites that have found ways to go beyond this limitation using [[xD-Picture Card]]s as other means for storage. |
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==Sequencer== |
==Sequencer== |
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The "pattern" in the groovebox concept as developed by Roland (and thence adopted by other manufacturers) is intended to be a 4-to-16 bars-long small musical phrase made up of 8 to 16 tracks. The chaining of several patterns together (with seamless passage between one another) will create a full song, or the patterns can be looped as wanted and messed with using the on-board real-time controls. |
The "pattern" in the groovebox concept as developed by Roland (and thence adopted by other manufacturers) is intended to be a 4-to-16 bars-long small musical phrase made up of 8 to 16 tracks. The chaining of several patterns together (with seamless passage between one another) will create a full song, or the patterns can be looped as wanted and messed with using the on-board real-time controls. |
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In the MC-909 the storage capacity of the sequencer makes the patterns capable of storing almost 1000 bars, and 16 tracks. |
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Each of the 16 parts (tracks) is set to a specific [[Patch (synthesizer)|patch]], with its own mixer settings (pan, volume, key, effect, routing, and so on). There are a variety of editing modes: The main modes allow real-time recording, step recording and |
Each of the 16 parts (tracks) is set to a specific [[Patch (synthesizer)|patch]], with its own mixer settings (pan, volume, key, effect, routing, and so on). There are a variety of editing modes: The main modes allow real-time recording, step recording and TR-REC recording. In step recording, [[Musical note|note]]s or [[chord (music)|chords]] can be added one at a time. In TR-REC mode, each of the 16 pads represents a point along a musical [[Bar (music)|measure]]. This speeds up the entry of percussion tracks. [[Pattern]]s can be strung together into "songs", which, in fact, are mislabelled, merely being chains of patterns played in a specific order. In fact, there is no recording or sequencing capability in Song mode besides pattern chaining and some playback settings. |
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The sequencer can load Standard MIDI Files (albeit with some workarounds to avoid loading bugs that have never been fixed) and play them back. Additionally, the sequencer will also include samples stored into its memory in the pattern tracks. |
The sequencer can load Standard MIDI Files (albeit with some workarounds to avoid loading bugs that have never been fixed) and play them back. Additionally, the sequencer will also include samples stored into its memory in the pattern tracks. |
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==Performance== |
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The MC-909 includes a number of features for real time performance. These include: |
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* Muting/unmuting parts |
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* Adjusting the level of parts |
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* Turning on and off effects |
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* Adjusting the tempo |
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* Playing notes |
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* Adjusting various parameters such as filter cutoff |
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* Playing phrases on the fly (RPS mode) |
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* Using Arpeggiator on the fly (with editable arp presets) |
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* Twin D-Beam with 4 modes (incl. assignable mode) |
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==Features== |
==Features== |
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* Effects generator (24-bit reverb, two multi-effects processors, compression/EQ and mastering effects) |
* Effects generator (24-bit reverb, two multi-effects processors, compression/EQ and mastering effects) |
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* Large [[LCD screen]] |
* Large [[LCD screen]] |
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* Expandable with [[SRX expansion board|SRX]]-series wave expansion boards, SmartMedia cards (smf,wav) |
* Expandable with [[SRX expansion board|SRX]]-series wave expansion boards, SmartMedia cards (smf, wav) |
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* [[USB]] port for [[MIDI]] and transfer of data (full duplex) and for remote editing (groovemanager) |
* [[USB]] port for [[MIDI]] and transfer of data (full duplex) and for remote editing (groovemanager) |
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* [[S/PDIF]] input and output plus coaxial I/O (digital) |
* [[S/PDIF]] input and output plus coaxial I/O (digital) |
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* Line In with selectable sources (line in,mic) for sampling, re-sampling |
* Line In with selectable sources (line in, mic) for sampling, re-sampling |
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* Dual [[D-Beam]] controllers (solosynth, cut+reso, turntable, assignable |
* Dual [[D-Beam]] controllers (solosynth, cut+reso, turntable, assignable) |
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* Turntable emulation (pitch control, BPM control, hold, push) |
* Turntable emulation (pitch control, BPM control, hold, push) |
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* Velocity sensitive pads |
* Velocity sensitive pads |
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* V-LINK connecting audio & video in performance |
* V-LINK connecting audio & video in performance |
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==Comparison to the MC-505== |
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The follow features are not available on the [[MC-505]] synth: |
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#[[Sampling (music)|Sampling]] ability. |
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#A very large editing [[LCD screen]]. |
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#A second [[D-Beam]] controller. |
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#Two extra filter modes. |
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#[[Stereo]] [[waveforms]] for your patches. |
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#Matrix Control, Random Modify and Fat controls. |
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#A [[Audio mastering|mastering]] stage that features three-band [[Audio level compression|compression]] and [[Equalization (audio)|equalization]]. |
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#[[phonograph|Turntable]] emulation. |
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#Morphing [[Low frequency oscillation|LFO]] [[waveform]]s. |
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#Sample machine gun feature. |
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#Velocity sensitive pads. |
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#Fully editable arpeggios. |
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#[[Chord (music)|Chord]] memory. |
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#SMF loading |
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The following features are available on the [[MC-505]] but '''not''' on the MC-909: |
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#The MEGAMix function. |
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#The [[Portamento]] knob. |
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#The Groove knob. However, the groove/[[Quantization (sound processing)|quantize]] functions are preserved under an editing menu. |
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#The ability to control the individual amount of delay assigned to each part. |
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#The Ad-Lib function from the D-Beam. |
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Most MC-909 users agree that both machines are different enough to justify keeping both of them and integrate them using a [[MIDI]] cable. |
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==Users== |
==Users== |
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==Criticisms== |
==Criticisms== |
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The Roland MC-909 received good reviews at tech magazines like Future Music and [[Sound on Sound]]. However it faced serious competition from the equally powerful Yamaha RS7000. Many MC-909 users complained about several operating system bugs at the [[Yahoo! Groups]] forum and also Roland Clan Forums. In fact, even when the machine was released in 2002, it took [[Roland Corporation]] 5 years until some of the more complex bugs (like the inability to store RPS patterns) were fixed in the operating system upgrade v1.23 in early 2007. |
The Roland MC-909 received good reviews at tech magazines like [[Future Music]] and [[Sound on Sound]]. However, it faced serious competition from the equally powerful Yamaha RS7000. Many MC-909 users complained about several operating system bugs at the [[Yahoo! Groups]] forum and also Roland Clan Forums. In fact, even when the machine was released in 2002, it took [[Roland Corporation]] 5 years until some of the more complex bugs (like the inability to store RPS patterns) were fixed in the operating system upgrade v1.23 in early 2007. |
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Another common complaint refers to the unit's size, which makes it less portable than a laptop with a midi controller. |
Another common complaint refers to the unit's size, which makes it less portable than a laptop with a midi controller. |
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The unit has been designed with only a 2-prong power inlet, without a ground lift; hence, there have been complaints of light electrical discharges from its metallic body when handled with less-than-dry hands. |
The unit has been designed with only a 2-prong power inlet, without a ground lift; hence, there have been complaints of light electrical discharges from its metallic body when handled with less-than-dry hands. |
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The Roland MC-909 is no longer in production by [[Roland Corporation]]. The Roland MC-909 is consequently called to become a cult item, as [[Mellotron]] or the [[TB-303]]. |
The Roland MC-909 is no longer in production by [[Roland Corporation]]. The Roland MC-909 is consequently called to become a cult item, as [[Mellotron]] or the [[TB-303]]. |
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While no longer in production, the MC-909 can be bought these days second-hand at places like [[eBay]], with a typical second-hand purchase price, as of |
While no longer in production, the MC-909 can be bought these days second-hand at places like [[eBay]], with a typical second-hand purchase price, as of 2021, around US$1000. The original MSRP price set by Roland in 2002 was US$1,795.99.{{Original research inline|date=July 2013}} |
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==Unsolved bugs== |
==Unsolved bugs== |
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The current unsolved problems at the present moment are: |
The current unsolved problems at the present moment are: |
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* It is not possible to load a Standard Midi File or other sequence file from a card to internal memory onto an existing pattern without initializing all the existing pattern's settings back to basic format. In order to load a SMF onto a pattern and retain that pattern's settings, the SMF must be first loaded onto an unused or empty location |
* It is not possible to load a Standard Midi File or other sequence file from a card to internal memory onto an existing pattern without initializing all the existing pattern's settings back to basic format. In order to load a SMF onto a pattern and retain that pattern's settings, the SMF must be first loaded onto an unused or empty location within internal memory, then moved to the wanted location with the Copy function. |
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* Many users complain that there is no sustain in Song Mode, resulting in a noticeable audio gapping between patterns. This is most noticeable at slower tempos. (Although different Machine, see also: MC-808 [[Roland MC-808#Unresolved issues]]) |
* Many users complain that there is no sustain in Song Mode, resulting in a noticeable audio gapping between patterns. This is most noticeable at slower tempos. (Although different Machine, see also: MC-808 [[Roland MC-808#Unresolved issues]]) |
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* Even when a part is set to EXT, the internal sound engine will continue to produce sounds. You can work this around by assigning a blank patch to that part; however this is not the expected behaviour described in the manual. |
* Even when a part is set to EXT, the internal sound engine will continue to produce sounds. You can work this around by assigning a blank patch to that part; however, this is not the expected behaviour described in the manual. |
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* Going into MENU (e.g. USB transfer) resets the 909 to Preset Pattern 1 when you come out of menu. |
* Going into MENU (e.g. USB transfer) resets the 909 to Preset Pattern 1 when you come out of menu. |
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* Tracks 6 and 13 will not mute/unmute when pressed at the same time (introduced in v1.22) |
* Tracks 6 and 13 will not mute/unmute when pressed at the same time (introduced in v1.22) |
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==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
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*{{cite magazine|title=Roland MC909|magazine=Future Music|issue=133|publisher=Future Publishing|issn= |
*{{cite magazine|title=Roland MC909|magazine=[[Future Music]]|issue=133|publisher=Future Publishing|issn=0967-0378|oclc=1032779031}} |
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==External links== |
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MC-909 PDF Manual Links: |
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* [http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_04-00183/MC-909_q_e4.pdf Online Roland MC-909 PDF Quick Start Manual Location] |
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* [http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_04-00181/MC-909_r_new_e3.pdf Online Roland MC-909 PDF Owners Manual Location] |
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* [http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_04-05299/MC-909_v12_je1.pdf Online Roland MC-909 PDF Addendum Manual Location] |
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* [http://media.rolandus.com/manuals/MC-909_MI.pdf Online Roland MC-909 PDF Midi Implementation Location] |
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* [http://media.rolandus.com/manuals/MC-909_PA.pdf Online Roland MC-909 PDF Patch/Performance List Location] |
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* [http://cms.rolandus.com/assets/media/pdf/MC909ts.pdf Online Roland MC-909 TurboStart Location] |
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* [http://cms.rolandus.com/assets/media/pdf/MC-909_GettingStarted.pdf Online Support Documents: Roland MC-909 "Getting Started Guide - July 29, 2003" Location] |
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* [http://cms.rolandus.com/assets/media/pdf/MC909added.pdf Online Support Documents: Roland MC-909 new features added Version 1.10 Location] |
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* [http://cms.rolandus.com/assets/media/pdf/RAM3619_MC909.pdf Online Roland MC-909 Product Brochure Location - Sep. ’02 RAM-3619 C-4 ERK-UPR-SE] |
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Other links: |
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* [http://www.roland.com/products/mc-909/downloads/ Roland MC-909 OS/System Program - Version 1.23 (Download From Roland Corporation World HQ).] |
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* [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.roland.co.jp/support/article/%3Fq%3Ddownloads%26p%3DMC-909%26id%3D1811801&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.roland.co.jp/support/article/%253Fq%253Ddownloads%2526p%253DMC-909%2526id%253D1811801%26num%3D50%26safe%3Doff (Translated) Roland JP Corporation, History list on MC-909 system program (Ver.1.23) site and files.] |
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* [http://www.roland.com/products/en/MC-909/index.html Main Roland Corporation World HQ, MC-909 site and files.] |
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* [https://www.roland.com/uk/products/mc-909/ Roland UK Limited, MC-909 site and files.] |
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* [https://www.roland.com/us/products/mc-909/ Roland US Corporation, MC-909 site and files.] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110718063934/http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/demos/706716/mc-909.swf Roland MC-909 Product Demo Module - Version 1.1] |
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* [http://media.roland.com/en/IT/MC-909_IT/index.html Roland MC-909 Product Interactive Tour Demo] |
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* [http://cms.rolandus.com/assets/media/pdf/mc_909_brochure.pdf Roland MC-909 Product Brochure - Sept. 2002 RAM-3619] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090304114138/http://mc909.org/ French forum web site www.MC909.org translation in English.] |
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* [http://forums.rolandclan.com/viewforum.php?f=16 Roland Clan Forums - Groove Zone.] |
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* [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MC-909/info Roland MC-909's discussion Group Forum, at [[Yahoo! Groups]].] |
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* [https://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=pub-7082649172616551&cof=FORID%3A1%3BGL%3A1%3BS%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Ffutureproducers.com%3BL%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.futureproducers.com%2Fs%2Fimages%2FFP_logo_blank.PNG%3BLH%3A50%3BLW%3A220%3BLBGC%3Affffff%3BBGC%3A%23181818%3BT%3A%23ffffff%3BLC%3A%23ffffff%3BGALT%3A%23ffffff%3B&domains=futureproducers.com&sig=Wlx_B-JeGOKJ97DO&flav=0000&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&q=Roland+MC-909&btnG=Search&sitesearch=futureproducers.com FutureProducers.com - 'musicians learning from musicians' - Roland MC-909 Forum.] |
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* [http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/Keyboards/acapella-18/362273- Harmony Central - 'Leading Internet resource for musicians, supplying valuable information from news and product reviews' - Roland MC-909] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110718064032/http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/demos/706716/e/01.pdf KEYBOARD Magazine Articles - KEYBOARD Reports Roland MC-909 SAMPLING GROOVEBOX By Ken Hughes : April 2003] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120924131241/http://www.emusician.com/news/0766/roland-mc-909/137336 REMIX Magazine Articles - Roland MC-909 By JOE SILVA : June 1, 2003] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110818111948/http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/demos/706716/e/02.pdf Making Tracks Magazine Articles - MC-909 By Kent Carmical : July 2003] |
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* [http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/article/pi_articleid/338 NZ Musician Magazine Articles - DJ Tools: Roland MC-909 Sampling Groovebox By Chris Macro : June/July 2003] |
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* [http://www.emusician.com/news/0766/roland-mc-909/140068 Electronic Musician Magazine Articles - ROLAND MC-909 By Jim Aikin : Sept. 1, 2003] |
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* [http://forums.rolandclan.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=14845 Roland MC-909 Tip/Trick: using a H256 MB xD card via a xD to SmartMedia adaptor - from this site.] |
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* [http://www.groovemanager.com/ Site to download MC-909 Sample Editor/RPS Editor - Applications Tool. (PC Software and Utility).] |
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* [http://forums.rolandclan.com/viewtopic.php?t=19456&p=174514 Roland Clan Forums - Groove Zone "Info on connecting both Roland MC-909 and Roland MC-505 with a (MIDI Solutions Event Processor)".] |
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* [http://www.midisolutions.com/prodevp.htm MIDI Solutions Site - MIDI Solutions Event Processor (Hardware) used in connecting both Roland MC-909 and Roland MC-505 together.] |
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* [http://proaudiodvds.com/store/roland-dvds/roland-mc-909-dvd-tutorial/ "Roland MC-909 DVD Owner's Manual" - by: ProAudioDVDs.com - (Roland MC-909 DVD Video Tutorial Owner's Manual Help Instruction Training).] |
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* [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Roland+MC-909&aq=f YouTube.com - Lists of Random Videos on Roland MC-909.] |
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{{Roland}} |
{{Roland}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Roland Mc-909}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Roland Mc-909}} |
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[[Category:Roland synthesizers|MC-909]] |
[[Category:Roland synthesizers|MC-909]] |
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[[Category:D-Beam]] |
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[[Category:Grooveboxes]] |
[[Category:Grooveboxes]] |
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[[Category:Japanese inventions]] |
This article possibly contains original research. Please improve itbyverifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (July 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
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Roland MC-909 sampling groovebox | |
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Manufacturer | Roland |
Dates | 2002–2006 OS: v1.23 (Final Version) |
Price | £1156 UK, $1795 US |
Technical specifications | |
Polyphony | 64-note[1] |
Timbrality | 16-part |
Oscillator | Yes |
LFO | Yes |
Synthesis type | sampler (rompler) |
Filter | Yes |
Storage memory | 16 MB; expandable to 272 MB ROM: 800 patches, 72 rhythm sets, RAM: 256 patches, 128 rhythm sets, Smartmedia cards |
Effects | reverb–delay, chorus–flanger |
Input/output | |
Keyboard | No |
External control | MIDI in/out, USB |
The discontinued Roland MC-909 Sampling Groovebox combines the features of a synthesizer, sequencer, and sampler, with extensive hands-on control of both the sound engine and the sequencing flow. It was intended primarily for live performance of pre-programmed patterns consisting of up to 16 tracks of MIDI data. It was released by Roland Corporation on October 8, 2002. This product was announced at the AES Fall Convention in 2002. It is the direct successor to the Roland MC-505 and is the predecessor to the Roland MC-808. Which eventually ended the "Groovebox by year 2010" line of products by Roland which began in the year 1996 with the Original Roland MC-303 groovebox. The Roland Groovebox began again resurgence in the year 2019 with a two new modern & redesign Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX/Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX. The Roland MC-909 was developed from the blueprint of Roland's own "Roland Fantom-S Workstation & Roland Fantom-X Workstation" and uses the same structure and operating system, with some differences regarding the Patterns section, not implemented in the Roland Fantom S/X6/X7/X8 Workstation.
The MC-909 has a ROM-based sound generator (sometimes referred to as a rompler.) Its patches are built from up to four tones. The tones are based on waves stored in the machine. Patches can also utilize user-created samples. Roland's literature states that the MC-909 has "new-generation XV synthesis", the synth in the MC-909 is a very similar sound engine to that of the XV-5050 64-Voice Synthesizer Module. The number of PCM waveforms is 693, ranging from vintage synthstostrings, drums, guitars and pianos. It can be expanded by adding one SRX card* from 12 different cards available.
The MC-909 is always in sequencer mode, as opposed to other workstations that have also a simple Voice or Combination mode for straight playing. Straight playing via an external keyboard is however possible directly from the sequencer mode by simply selecting one of the 16 tracks (parts) where a patch (voice, sound) is stored. In this case the MC-909 performs as a regular, 16-part multitimbral sound module, that happens to have a sequencer, too. In essence, the MC-909 can be used as a very capable sound module without ever needing to fire up its sequencer.
The MC-909 is the first Roland groovebox to feature a sampler. It can record audio from any of the external audio inputs, SPDIF connectors, or import wav and aiff files from a computer using a USB port. The sampler can be upgraded up to a total of 272 MB RAM (16 MB User + 256 MB PC-100orPC-133 168-Pin DIMM Module), and the samples can also be stored on a 128 MB 3.3 volt Smartmedia card. The unit is also able to store on two 128 MB Smartmedia cards if there is more than 256 MB DATA in its user memory. There are tricks from user forum sites that have found ways to go beyond this limitation using xD-Picture Cards as other means for storage.
The MC-909's sequencer is based on pattern composition. Each pattern has 16 tracks (parts) and can have up to 999 measures (bars). The "pattern" in the groovebox concept as developed by Roland (and thence adopted by other manufacturers) is intended to be a 4-to-16 bars-long small musical phrase made up of 8 to 16 tracks. The chaining of several patterns together (with seamless passage between one another) will create a full song, or the patterns can be looped as wanted and messed with using the on-board real-time controls.
In the MC-909 the storage capacity of the sequencer makes the patterns capable of storing almost 1000 bars, and 16 tracks.
Each of the 16 parts (tracks) is set to a specific patch, with its own mixer settings (pan, volume, key, effect, routing, and so on). There are a variety of editing modes: The main modes allow real-time recording, step recording and TR-REC recording. In step recording, notesorchords can be added one at a time. In TR-REC mode, each of the 16 pads represents a point along a musical measure. This speeds up the entry of percussion tracks. Patterns can be strung together into "songs", which, in fact, are mislabelled, merely being chains of patterns played in a specific order. In fact, there is no recording or sequencing capability in Song mode besides pattern chaining and some playback settings.
The sequencer can load Standard MIDI Files (albeit with some workarounds to avoid loading bugs that have never been fixed) and play them back. Additionally, the sequencer will also include samples stored into its memory in the pattern tracks.
The Roland MC-909 was used by the hip hop producer RZA while working on the movies Blade: Trinity and Kill Bill. RZA uses many Roland products including the Roland Fantom, MV-8000 & Roland MV-8800. Another artist that uses the Roland MC-909 is Switchfoot keyboardist Jerome Fontamillas for live setups.
The Roland MC-909 received good reviews at tech magazines like Future Music and Sound on Sound. However, it faced serious competition from the equally powerful Yamaha RS7000. Many MC-909 users complained about several operating system bugs at the Yahoo! Groups forum and also Roland Clan Forums. In fact, even when the machine was released in 2002, it took Roland Corporation 5 years until some of the more complex bugs (like the inability to store RPS patterns) were fixed in the operating system upgrade v1.23 in early 2007. Another common complaint refers to the unit's size, which makes it less portable than a laptop with a midi controller. The unit has been designed with only a 2-prong power inlet, without a ground lift; hence, there have been complaints of light electrical discharges from its metallic body when handled with less-than-dry hands.
Further criticism pointed out the uneven volume ranges of its voices, waveforms and sounds. Additionally, critics noted that, for a machine aimed at the dance/techno/electronica market, the sound engine was excessively rich in sounds from ethnic, classical and band instruments.
The sampler, although powerful, has a very complex access-and-editing route and lacks the ability to set keyboard ranges for different samples, making it difficult to create realistic sounds from a set of multisamples. There is, however, a work-around for this via an external editor on the PC & Mac called: MC-909 Editor Update v3.1, that is freely available for download at this site.
The inputs, used for either sampling or sound processing of an external sound source, are routed through the effects engine and heard at the outputs during real-time. However, re-sampling is necessary in order for the sample to contain the effects as a part of the sample. Following any re-sampling, the sample playback can be further re-sampled or processed by more effects at the outputs during playback.
The Roland MC-909 is no longer in production by Roland Corporation. The Roland MC-909 is consequently called to become a cult item, as Mellotron or the TB-303. While no longer in production, the MC-909 can be bought these days second-hand at places like eBay, with a typical second-hand purchase price, as of 2021, around US$1000. The original MSRP price set by Roland in 2002 was US$1,795.99.[original research?]
Several operating system bugs were gradually solved over time; the last operating system upgrade (Version 1.23) was introduced on March 30, 2007.
The current unsolved problems at the present moment are:
There are current unresolved issues with the implementation of effects when switching patterns, but the MC-909 was "designed by specification". Roland might refer to the end users' requests for effects that sustain past the point when the pattern switches as they "developing a future new product".
The last operating system upgrade (Version 1.23), corrected few issue with:
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