 |
|
|
|
Average rating:
3.7 out of 5
|
|
WHy did Roland improve on it with the 505 and the 307? Well, really these pieces arent really big improvements. I've used the 505 extensively, though not the 307 and the differences are not great enough for me to prefer it over an RM1X. But thats a whole other can of worms.
Ta Ta
|
|
Thanks Casparproject!! You are a wise man!! This is the kind of intelligent review I like to see. I aggree on every single point you made. I am so glad to see you handle this issue of informing people in a responsible way. The MC-303 does kick ass and it is a fairly deep machine. Many people have simply not taken the time to learn its cool structure enough to tap its powers. Its is worth learning this machine. The manual is very helpful and the video manual is excellent too. I am still learning new things about the MC-303 even tho I have had it now for 7 months. I will never sell mine even tho I have other machines that are better. Its a unique piece of gear. Kudos to Casparproject for a KILLER review. One of the best I've seen yet. Perhaps that will help the losers to keep their mouths shut, but probably not
|
|
WOW!!!! i'm amazed that someone responded to my review without making it personal. I'd have to say that Peter has set the perfect example. I'd also like to say thanks to Peter cause he actually provided me with insight. I'd have to say that the MC303 was advertised, or Rolands' intentions were, for it to be a tool for the DJ. Well that didn't pan out as first thought. Or maybe I'm mistaken about the fact that it was marketed as a DJ tool. I owned it for a year and a half and I can honestly say that I hit the limit as a stand alone box. Peter, I hit that memory limit with step-programming the drums. That was the main reason for buying it. Maybe I tried to set too many complicated parameters for each pattern. Eventually because of this "memory freeze" problem, I would have to delete older patterns to start programming new ones. Sure, these problems can be alleviated by purchasing other equipment. With the money I spent on the MC303, I could've bought a Technic 1200 and an ortofon cartridge. Which is what I should've done!! I agree with you on the fact that it is an ideal tool for beginners and that's why I think that it will go down in history as a learning tool and not a classic like the tb303 and tr808,909. Hey, if it didn't have any faults, then why did Roland improve on it with the 505 and 307? To deny the fact that it has it's limits is illogical.
Peace, DJ MICROflip
|
|
Ok Microflip, here's your explanation on why the MC-303 kicks ass. Lets start off by stating that this unit is probably something I would reccommend to someone who has fooled around with computer music sequencing and soft-synths for a while, and needs a starter unit that will teach them most of the stuff they need to know about hardware sequncing, sound synthesis, drum grid programming and simple DSP effect processing. Let's start with the sequencer. Ok, so it's memory is limited, but you can get around that by not programming too many control or pitch bend changes, use the LFO for those things, or better yet, do it in real time. You can program your sequences in step or in real time, and you can program your patterns in 2/4 3/4 and 4/4. The sequencer is fairly solid in the newest version, and mine, though it was a v1 never crashed when I used it live. On to the drum section. Fairly standard roland kits. Good stuff for simple dance music type stuff, and maybe techstep (though prolly not), the drum sequncing is very good, and works in a drum grid while you play mode, which means you will hear the changes you make to the beat as you make them. This makes learning how to program beats a lot easier, it's also great if you get a simple phrase sampler and program sequences of sampled drums from the MC-303. The arpeggiator, without a doubt, is one of the best there is out there for this price range, and I know people who have hesitated to sell this unit for that reason alone. The synth section, though it is sample based is much more versatile than many people think. You have 1 LFO for each voice, unfortunately not midi syncable, which can be set to random, square, or sawtooth waveforms, and can be assigned to any one or any combination of amplitude amount, filter cutoff frequency, or pitch (this can be manipulated while a sequence is playing). You have one 24db low pass filter for each voice, which on some voices does self resonate a bit, not as much as real analog, but its a half decent emulation of such (this can also be manipulated in playback). You have an ADSR envelope for each voice and it too can be manipulated during playback. There are a few other things about this unit that I loved, and I knew the box inside out. I think most of you who speak of its limitations really didn't learn how to use it well, or were just expecting something different, because for what it is and what it's supposed to do, it's a great frickin box (easy to transport too).
Peaceout,
http://www.mp3.com/caspar
|
|
i think that there MC-303 is the beez kneez. you can make neat swishing noises with it. and make it go thump thump tick tick .... i dont see what everyone problems is.....
|
Add your review of the Roland MC-303
NEW SYSTEM - to keep the user reviews focussed, we are now approving all submissions before they appear.
We will endeavour to process your comments within 24hrs
Please keep your reviews on topic.
Questions, requests for manuals, ongoing conversations and inappropriate comments are not reviews, and will not be approved.
Manuals can often be found on the links section for this model.
If you want to chat or ask questions, visit the Gas Station, the dedicated user forum here at Sonic State.
|
