Roland MC-303 Groovebox Tutorial

[@DJ_TideWave]

Awesome tutorial! I am watching this while I wait for my MC-303 to arrive by mail. Bought it second hand for $176. I remember back in the days when this was released in 1996. I was 17 years old and wanted this so bad, but didn´t had the money! Now I am 42, I have the money, but not the time :P I try to fit in some time to make music in between work and family though. :) I love the 90s sound from this machine. I can´t wait to get my hands on it! :)

[@VashiNedomansky]

Just pulled my 303 out of storage after 18 years and your tutorial just threw me right back into the mix. Thank you so much for such an informative and solid video. I will be using this to score a documentary this year and you just opened up my creative juices for this amazing tool. Much appreciated!

[@finesserecordingsukjay3522]

I've owned one for years and was always overwhelmed by the complexity of the manual and always just used the parts and recorded into my DAW , this tutorial has made sense of the manual so thanks for posting:)

[@andydunnock8114]

The "Loop On" function is to save realtime modifiers, like filter adjustments, carrying over on to the beginning of your sequence, and so you don't play over your first steps.

[@sloppyzowe]

Picked one of these up for $30. It's a little rough, and has some dead switches but so far nothing I haven't been able to replace. Really an awesome little synth! Great video! It's been really helpful!

[@thematteblack6606]

really solid thank you so much. it's people like you that make youtube the invaluable resource that it is

[@PatrickDiAngelo]

True..!!

[@dazdavison1]

Very informative well done , the jury’s out though for me to buy it. I owned it in 97 and didn’t have a clue what to do. It’s a beautiful looking machine but it looks like it’s not very inspiring in this day and age?? I may be wrong

[@humphreybarclay4983]

I had one and it was utterly baffling.

[@shlamhabor]

🤲🏽🤲🏽

[@sonnyhancock]

Best and relevant MC-303 tutorial I've seen. I just got one recently and this video is an immense help. Please do more.

[@russelmurray9268]

Thank you thank you. I've had a 303 for years n haven't had the time or place to play with it ( I live in a van ). Decided to figure it out n thanks to you I'm sure I'll learn something lol hahahaha

[@flimbosquest]

Thanks for a great walk-through! I bought mine brand new back in 1998, and I still have it. It's been a while, but I am pretty sure that while recording rythm parts, you can select the drum instrument without having to stop the sequencer in between. You do this by pressing SHIFT and the instrument key to preview the sound and select it for editing, or something like that. Thanks again for sharing!

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

I love my mc-303. Sure, some of the sounds are dated, but, the sequencer, arpeggio and drum kits really do kick ass. When I put my Blofeld through it is sonic heaven. Also, the manual is very comprehensive which is rare in today's systems/devices.

[@AnonymousAnimal1]

We'll be sure to update this tutorial soon. We want to address all the questions that you guys have. Stay tuned!

[@larsrottger2381]

crazy ! 17 minutes and i know about the machine which is hanging around untouched for years. yesterday, i ask myself how to combine a 303 with abelton and a korg ms 20 emulator :-) and traktor. you make me happy, thanks a lot!

[@Cloroqx]

You just convinced me to buy one of these SH. Thanks a bunch for making this, mate.

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

You're very welcome :) Thanks for taking the time to watch it

[@cosmogang]

I chuckle every time I hear the demo.

[@LousyFacelift]

Great video! The MC-303 is a cool machine especially its sequencer. The examples you're playing in the video demonstrate its capability of producing triplets within a four fourth scale which is something not too many modern sequencers do anymore for some strange reason. The setting for the MIDI function is "slv" (for slave) btw, not slu but that's because of the cryptic display. Ironically the MC-303 produces 808 and 909 style drums a lot better than 303 basslines in my experience. That's because many of the waveforms of the TB-303 that it holds as presets were sampled with weird envelope settings not neutral positions. The punch of the drums is incredible, so its even an alternative to a TR 8, especially if you're more into 909 style beats.

[@jarkokoo]

Yeah, I agree with the drum part. I actually use my MC-303 mainly as a drum machine nowadays, because of its great old school drumkits.

[@cmhhtdvideos]

Fantastic. I've been hunting for a tutorial like this for a while - I have a 303 and have had terrible luck figuring it out, thanks so much!

[@geocache66today]

great tutorial AA2, many thanks. Factory Reset = Hold Shift + Power On, then press Enter.

[@billyrigney4455]

Thanks for the tutorial. I got bored using DAW so picked one of these up. Was great to follow your instructions as I had loops up and running in no time 👍🏻 It seems like a fun box and can't wait to learn it inside out. I hear memory is quite limited but I'll use it as much as I can for what I'll need.

[@pekerhed101]

Hahaha! I used to have one of these things a while ago. My biggest gripe, and what led me to ditch it, was because there was hardly any memory space on it. It was mostly used up by those GAWD AWFUL preset patterns! When I recorded my User Patterns, I would also program knob movements which would eat up all of the "User" space allowed. By the time I'd make a few patterns loaded with knob movements and other effects, I'd be out of space...which totally sucked!!! But anyway, this video was pretty nostalgic...especially when you played that A01 Pattern!!!!! It reminded me of the first time I used it back in 1997!!!!

[@dwell861]

probably the most helpful mc 303 tutorial out there. thank you very much!

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

Had one of these in the late 90s. Also did some finished tracks on it. Nowadays I do miss it! There's a weird shortage of good all-in-one grooveboxes these days.

[@olivierdemeyere4021]

Hey! Now everything becomes clear to me on the MC303. I can see that you've been using this groove box for reel. Thanks A LOT!!

[@bigupz6818]

This tutorial has just helped me make the most of this bad boy!!! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@Vampier]

I used to know how to do all of this - 19 years of collecting dust hasn't been kind to me - but it still works

[@MegaWokkel]

Thanks for this tutorial. I bought my 303 almost 20 years ago but this clip still inspires me. Could you do another one about thè menu making songs?

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

I haven't looked into 'song' mode too much, but I'll give it a go and put it in a follow up video for sure

[@MegaWokkel]

Anonymous Animal 2 Thanx ...looking forward

[@AusiGee]

Clear, concise and to the point great tutorial!

[@EveRbLssD]

Seriously...massive tut here! Thank you for posting.

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

You're welcome :)

[@nexuzeb79]

Excellent stuff! Very clear and good oversight on your teachings!! More please! Enjoying my instrument so much more after seeing your tutorial!

[@Suitmyselff]

Been looking for a relevant tute for ages thanks best one

[@reddenstudio]

Great tut! I really enjoy it. I have been using a MC-303 for a very long time as my secret weapon. In your vid, you mentioned that you do not use the record setting Loop On, and don't see the point of it. That setting is for smoothly recording knob movements, or recording arpeggios. The temporary blank measure keeps you from looping back to the beginning of the first measure and overwriting data. Also, there is another setting that is helpful for arpeggios, wait for note (last option on the Count In record setting). When on , recording begins when you play the keyboard or step on a hold pedal. That coupled with the loop on setting ensures everything records smoothly across the pattern's start and end boundary.

[@fullconsciousness1448]

he just said that he's not using it on...lol

[@reddenstudio]

Go have another listen at time 5:12 where he talks about the loop on/off settings during recording. I stand by my interpretation and my reply to what he said about it. He called it useless, and I wanted to provide another viewpoint on that feature.

[@fullconsciousness1448]

Again, he says that initially He Thought that the Loop function was to loop the recording, which then he found it was not, and so he concludes that is better to keep that off unless you want to add a blank bar. He does not support the Loop On idea , as you suggested

[@mrcoxa]

Dude i think you dont understand. The guy in the video doesnt understand what this is usefull for and Reddenstudio is simply explaining what its good for. I get what he is sayind and think he is right, in his case it does make sence to add this function, since i have the same problem with recording my Korg Electribe EMX .

[@theartofshred]

Finally, somebody who knows what they're doing with the 303 with a valid opinion! Would you recommend this thing over say a Volca Sample? I'm particularly interested in the drum kits.

[@maxwarfield6699]

Super well thought out tutorial - most helpful. Kudos!

[@marcoabyss]

great vid! i got my mc303 last year for a little less than $100 and i'm still learning how to program it. this is my go-to video for when i'm too lazy to RTFM :D

[@NerdyFrames2000]

Well...this is a well informed look into the MC 303. Think you might do more tutorials on this lovely machine?

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

Most certainly, anything in particular you'd like me to explore and explain?

[@NerdyFrames2000]

Anonymous Animal 2 Editing the patterns and muting parts you dont want to play. If that is possible?

[@stripemusic]

Thanks for the tips, I'm just about to wipe mine and start again, and this is so easy to follow when you know the machine, but not the manual.

[@stripemusic]

Thanks again - 5 years later I had to come back again to remember how to step record lol

[@drstupid1]

Haha never knew u could sequence external gear! All this time I've had one in the cupboard and been gnashing my teeth on the laptop. Should have read the manual but that thing is horrible. Great vid thanks so much

[@BluePlanetMedia]

Amazing tutorial, very well put together!

[@alexjaybrady]

Great video! just got my 303 back, great to see a refresher course on using it! thanks!

[@AbelOkugawa]

Love this video. I used a 303 first r many years and you got right into the important functions. It is a really great machine !! I made a few albums with it !!

[@mihaimalaescuofficial]

Hi. I had an MC505 years ago. Sold it because the drum sets they just didn't sound like the ones on Cubase for instance. But I would buy an MC303 adding a compression pedal. I mention I really want to build up a live setup that must sound good on stage.

[@nexuzeb79]

My compliments on pacing and clarity as well :) Ideal teachings according to my standards :)

[@jasonakagecko]

While your in record play mode all you have to do is hold down the shift button and then pick another drum sound to step record in you don’t have to back out of record every time you want to pick a new drum sound to sequence.

[@donaldlykins4548]

wow great video! could you maybe do a video about achieving tb303 sounds with the MC303? How to edit and space notes out. Again great video!

[@808quake]

a very well done tutorial on a much maligned drum box. i will sell the mc 909, i will keep the 303 thanks

[@CaidicusProductions]

Interesting video. I have an MC-808 and never thought of using it to sequence my other synths through midi. Thanks for this video, I'm sure the basics are the same for midi control.

[@nortagnan2135]

Excellent stuff. My 303 arrives this weekend (hopefully), can't wait to get stuck in.

[@themanuelxperience]

i've just got one and this video is really helpful. tnx! keep it coming.

[@benjiwill]

Nice video! I never knew about the velocity selection part, i've only had this for 15years... haha (although maybe in my defence I never got/read the manual and got at time before KZbin etc existed lol) And the Record / Rehearse mode in live record mode is a neat feature, thanks for sharing. :)

[@mikenowacki9729]

love your work, have you made one for the MC-505?

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

No sorry, I've never owned a 505

[@kamdresta5160]

Cool beans. Just got hold of a 303, forgot how pants are Roland manuals from that era. Good vid :D

[@dedytron]

This is awesome and thank you very much for such great effort!

[@OceanTemple]

Thanks for the video. Do you know how to save tempo information for the user patterns? I was expecting that info to be automatically saved in the way that the tones are saved, but it doesn't seem to be the case... Am i missing something obvious?

[@Oddisy]

shift + 14 then hit sure then hit shift + 15 and hit sure again hope this helps!

[@chrissearle23]

Thank you very much indeed. An excellent tutorial and just what I needed!!

[@miglrodri]

Just going to buy one of this. This video was very insightful. Nice job. :)

[@hihan196]

Thé best tuto I never seen, u go directly to the goal, tks Man U give me keys 🔐

[@StephanS]

The MC-303 is so underrated.... if you only play the preset patterns, you may be disappointed. The 303 is full of potential and makes a great sound module too

[@Steedonline]

Can't agree more, my whole first album was made with that little thing 👍

[@Madyetmellow]

Steed except it’s HUGE!. You can fit a TB-303, TB-3 and TB-03 in the footprint of the MC-303 lol. Still a very underrated groovebox

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

Great video.....better than the manual! I have had my mc-303 since 1997 and I am still learning new stuff about it ( I might be a little bit slow :) )

[@theprogrammerrolandmc3039]

this is not the best this is kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHqqmp-mjLx8bc0

[@MeAlexSenna]

Such a great demo. Really nice editing. Thanks

[@jasonthomas2252]

Love the 303. Great Tutorial

[@jimmihoppa]

Start up tunz banging lad! 🤙🏻

[@6stringbass317]

What is a good drum machine to get for practicing scale chords etc

[@maxwarfield6699]

But you can use the 303 without a midi cable also, right? I mean you could connect it to some [mono] guitar fx pedal to modify the 303’s built-in sounds, and make them a bit grittier - make them sound less dated, right? Please let me know. Cheers!

[@shamman303]

I have 2 of them.... Thinking all the time to play a live set with both grooveboxes And one mixer

[@andreaschristodoulou4274]

It seems a nice but kinda confused machine......by the way why the screen keeps flickering... is that ok or your 303 its faulty ??

[@DownloadSyndrome]

It's not from the unit, it's the camera that's doing (somehow)

[@RobBob555]

stupid bastard

[@pepuletrz]

eye love this machine.. i have had 4 of them and have one still and use it on the regular.

[@knarkkalas6357]

ive had the 303 for about 2 years now! didnt have any idea about the ghos notes D:!

[@thelifeproductions1]

This is a great tutorial for the 303!

[@dirtytourist777]

you should get commission on the sale of these bro haha as this tutorial will make anyone want to buy one! I have just got mine so this video will be a huge help. Cheers

[@jp8ksynth]

Great tutorial. I'd love to see more.

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

Thanks! More tutorials in general or more on the 303 specifically? If you have any particular questions I could address them in the next video.

[@danielortizdecaracas]

hi AA thanks for sharing, do you want upload any videos of mc303 through your pedals?

[@official_ypc]

I had my Roland for 4years until Now this Video helped me Out A lot. Thanks Bro! $YpC$

[@justinianherzog4861]

Nice to see how to put this thing to work doing relevant meatspace music of the present--just got one in a trade and the 1990's vision of Electronic music it puts forward as its first impression is quite offputting. That said, now that you've shown it comes with the ability to sequence external gear (with its secretly badass arps), and that getting 808 sounds out of it isn't as incredibly painful as it first seemed, I think I'm ready to welcome this fellow to my synth table.

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

It's got some pretty nifty tricks up it's sleeve if you can get past the ugly first impressions!

[@samuelschranz]

hi. thank you for your tutorial man! helped me alot...but is it possible to use different drummachines in the same Pattern? (exp.: hihat from 808, kick from 909 and so one..)???? didnt worked...cheers

[@Steedonline]

How do you connect the groovebox with your daw with midi cables? How do you plug them? The usb in your comp's usb slot .. but the other two midi cables?

[@djsomar8164]

With this type of cable you can Midi Usb www.conrad.de/de/usb-midi-kabel-usb-20ps2-871280.html?insert_kz=YS&hk=SEM&WT.srch=1&ef_id=W85ciAAAAGKXXgHI:20181213100852:s

[@franciscasalema235]

4:50 if you choose to have a length of 2 or more bars, how do you record them? Can't change from the first one to the second (which keeps mute). Thanks !

[@Nicarrr]

very useful tutorial - thank you!

[@gorkemgulan]

thanks so much. best video on the topic i can say... a couple questions if i may... 1. so i understand correct, you can layer one drum part and 7 intruments? that sounds awesome. and these instruments can also be external instruments? i am trying to find ways to ditch the daw so maybe this can an option. 2. also in terms of parts and scenes and what like- is there one per part or many? i am just trying on understand if you can make a song by just using it... please lemme know! thanks!!

[@gorkemgulan]

+Gorkem Gulan and please tell me the lights dont flinker in real life and thats just a video thing :))

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

+Gorkem Gulan you can definitely make a song using this, I believe people have made whole albums on the thing, problem is the interface is tricky and requires a lot of patience. The lights are just flickering because of the video frame rate, they look fine in real life. P.s. I wanted to ditch the DAW too and I've ended up using an Electribe, check out the latest videos over on the main channel Anonymousanimal1

[@gorkemgulan]

you have another channel!? hurrraaaaay! :)

[@gorkemgulan]

much patience as in TR303 level of patience required. i hear that's a bummer to program. i've got the circuit and am loving it however is a bit more futuristic, i do love a bit of the 90s touch as well :0

[@psychedfreaks6966]

This video helped me so much on getting started witht the machine thnx alot !

[@lukaslukas3482]

and how to go back to to first "random" section if i later want change a drum patern ? and how to deleted somthink whean im record live ? thx !! vgood tut !

[@pevanl]

Wat een goede uitleg gewoon rustig en niet schreewen TOP

[@denlehmann]

If I set the R to a 1 bar 909 loop sequence , does it also mean that all the rest of the rhythm section 1, 2 , 3 etc using for example a bass does it also have be 1 bar loop or can I go for 4-8 bars without any problems ?

[@karoi4952]

Dear You, may I ask a question regarding the MC303 please? Thank you very much in advance.

[@janteekens4678]

Ká Roy Just ask, mate! ;)

[@karoi4952]

Thank you very much! I cant recall what I wanted to ask but I figured it out I guess :)

[@borgassi]

in slave mode the mc3030 will play only Abletons sequences or also mc303 sequences? Great video!

[@elvissanchez8985]

You could press shift to select the sounds while step recording.

[@davefalls1027]

I know it's a long shot but maybe it is blind luck this popped up in my feed? I have an MC-303 that began making some awful noises. The noises are hard to describe but it seems to be affected by changing modes and turning the value knob to different positions. Can anyone recommend a place that can repair it?

[@jonr4888]

hi. newbee. sorry what is the comparison now to this? . is it worth 200 p0unds . or what should i buy instead please advise thx

[@ej1mshan]

Nice. The 303 is cheap for about $150 on Ebay.

[@PhoenixGuitars]

Best vid out there still! Thanks!

[@titiland25]

Thank you. Very good tutorial. You helped me well👍

[@nikogeselle3097]

Thanks for the video, this is AWESOME!

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

Thank you very much, glad you liked it!

[@nikogeselle3097]

Anonymous Animal 2 Now i have also MC-303, thanks to you ;) btw, this is mazing machine, I love it!

[@dizzydays]

i love the video and it has been a lot of help for me!! maybe its a pity you didnt do step record for melody/notes, thats whats i was searching for the most

[@walteralexander3220]

Hi. Are we allowed to use presets in a commercial work?

[@Martenwestin]

hi mate greate tutorial! when i go to tone the intruments dont play. only plays in RPS SET mode. u kno whow to fix it? i just bought the machine, would u recommend factory reset it? cheers

[@bingobaz6402]

Hi I am looking at one of these can you tell me if I can hook it up to my yamaha ex7 and use the drumkits on the inbuilt sequencer on my ex7? I don't think I could get used to how this records I mean watching what you did I have no idea how you knew where the snare was going to go? I would rather just sequence it with my in built sequencer. I am not the lost technical minded but I have used midi before, so I am reckoning I could do that, link it up with midi to my ex7 and record beats that way? Thanks.

[@heitorfialho6762]

you can add something to the track without mute? like i have a kick and i wanna put some snare, editing in realtime.

[@heitorfialho6762]

because i wanna use as drums and sequencer unit, for live drum and bass

[@strangewool]

yeah you could keep it in step record mode and edit as you go. and you could just let the kick play while changing the snare pattern.

[@lucas44dj44]

How i have shut down the click when i AM recording?

[@JonasHamill]

Perhaps you can help me! I'm wanting to sequence the MC303 from my Digitakt, along with a number of other gear. The issue I'm finding is that it plays on every midi channel. From what I've read, it's meant to be automatically 1-7 for the tracks with 10 for r. But I can't get this be the case. Is to that it's only this for midi out, and midi in will always be on all channels? Is there a way around this? Even hacky?

[@fender1000100]

Can the 303 Sequence an external module or synth?

[@adykafajar5090]

i dont understand, if i turn off my groove box. the beat is gone. what should i do?thx

[@bigmazinthedesert]

I wonder if this is big black/industrial music capable?

[@djsomar8164]

Do not ask yourself do it ;=)

[@martin984]

Why is the display blinking like that? Is there a way to stop the rapid blinking?

[@NewSagaMusic]

It’s the camera.