ROLAND MC707 IN-DEPTH REVIEW

[@BurstupTV]

I own several grooveboxes from Korg, Roland, Elektron etc. To me the MC-707 is the best one, almost the perfect groovebox. Since firmware update 1.72 it also has an arpeggiator and scene-chaining (= song mode).

[@djdeemz7651]

I'm looking for a groove box that is also a live looper I'm a scratch dj and want to hook my mixer up and have both options where I can drum a beat out live loop it then loop record in scratch s and build up tracks like that live , have you used any groove box that has this capabilities currently I'm thinking I need a groove box and a boss 505 to do what I want just wondering if there is anything that does both .....I have a machine mikro and even though this loop records its not quite right for a live performance

[@MikeFelkerVideos]

Great review. Would love to hear another one now that there have been many updates to the firmware.

[@debernd82]

01:15 Intro 02:02 Sound 1 03:39 Overview 08:16 Inputs/Outputs 08:40 Setup Example 09:55 Sound 2 11:15 Creating Drums 15:19 Adding Synth 20:24 Clips 20:31 Mute Modes 22:09 Live Rec Clip 22:40 Sampling 24:56 Sampling Setup 27:26 Sample Edit 28:41 Mater FX 31:36 Pad Modes 33:10 Synth Engine 35:00 Pros / Cons 39:30 Fazit

[@BoBeats]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@davidpinto1195]

loopop style

[@DJDigitalJosh]

So a pattern is called a clip now? I hate when these companies try & change the terminology. You feel me?

[@Gyrbae]

19:35 This guy is increasingly turning into Bob Ross of synthesizers.

[@Gyrbae]

@XymXir I was talking about his voice.

[@alexwestconsulting]

@XymXir You are a fucking idiot. Seriously. Bo puts tons of time and care into his reviews, and he gives fair reviews, pros and cons.

[@alancalvitti]

@@alexwestconsulting , who are you to call ppl an idiot? xymir is right: even @settings/1.5x speed, dude puts you to sleep

[@skyocean9977]

Gaz Williams from sonicstate is the real Bob Ross of the synth and gear world.

[@alexwestconsulting]

@XymXir The issue is that you said he's nothing but a saleman, which is simply not true. At this point he's likely paid to give a review by the manufacturer, but he doesn't endorse gear he doesn't like. And he gives fair reviews even when/if he's paid. Aside from not being true, you have effectively diqualified his artisitic side, and he's in this game becasue he's an artist first.

[@OscillatorSink]

Every time you say "mul-ti" I feel like I'm being tickled. Never change Bo.

[@BoBeats]

🤣🤣

[@andreumateulamas]

Looks like the hardware version of Ableton... having ableton million more possibilities but being this more fun beacuse is more physical.

[@regend762]

Pioneer Toriaz Sp-16 mimics Ableton Live clips also but Roland nailed the drum\synth \sampler programming options into clips.

[@BoBeats]

You can buy a MC707 using this link and support the channel: Roland MC707 // 8 track synth and sampler EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473348?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/rvkmd

[@craigmoran893]

@@LaszloVarjuTechno Not a toy or scam. are you having a bad day?

[@burnieking1401]

Hi Bo, I just recieved my unit yesterday and after playing with it for a few hours I have noticed a few additional things, 1. There is a lot of what appears to be classic JD/JV/XV sounds, going through the patch list a lot of familiar sounds come up from these range of classic synthesizers. 2. The synth engine not only has your generic waveshapes, but it also has a Supersaw osc... that means you can have 4 partials with a supersaw!!! Think massive detuned trance stabs. This is somewhat better than SuperNatural synth engine which was only 3 partials. 3. There are modeled filters, ie JP and modeled Juno Chorus. 4. This new synth engine allows almost 8x better resolution for sound editing, most synths follow the Midi CC of 128 steps ... this can be edited in steps of 1024. 5. There are 2 types of drum kits... Bank A = 16 hit sound kits (like the MC-808/909) or Bank B = 128 General MIDI sound kits (which I prefer) My first synthesizer was a Roland MC-303 back in 1998, and 20 years later this is by far one of the best bits of gear they have released (imo). Not only is it cutting edge Groovebox technology, it's an awesome sound module... I think I'll sell my Akai MPC Live now.

[@BoBeats]

thanks buddy! i might do an in-depth dive into the synth engine. Its quite deep as you’ve noted. how are you feeling the sound of it?

[@burnieking1401]

@@BoBeats Hi mate, yeah I really do like it, I'm a big fan of Ableton Live clip launch sequencing so this unit suits my recording style. I even appreciate in the sound library they have put all the 'synthesized' sounds at the top half of the menu, leaving all the acoustic sounds towards the bottom (these units are aimed towards electronic music after all). The Juno Chorus Multi-effect sounds bloody amazing even on a simple Saw osc, so lush. The one thing I cannot find yet is a metronome, although it's not hard to quickly insert a clip with a simple click track. Did you know in NOTE mode, in a drum track... if you hold MUTE or the SELECT button you can mute individual drum notes! I'm sure it's in the manual somewhere. lol :) And the icing on the cake, I can select any of the 8 channels from my midi keyboard and use it as a multitimbral device, something which really, REALLY annoyed me about the MPC Live.

[@burnieking1401]

@@BoBeats Using the MC-707 as just a stand-alone synth doesn't do it justice... hook it up to a midi keyboard and expand its sonic capabilities. I know some people have complained about the lack of an arpeggiator, but most keyboard controllers have that feature anyway. It's not a deal-breaker, plus it receives a lot more standard midi CC than it transmits. To be honest, I'm not overly happy with Rolands arpeggiators which they have put on some of their latest gear (FA/JunoDS/System1+8). I'm happy with basic up and down arps with 1/2/3 octave selects. Most of their arpeggiators use a massive library of motif sequences and forget to put just the simple plain traditional arpeggiator onboard.

[@PJAOK]

@@burnieking1401 Looks like they've been working on really deep arpeggiation functionality - now can be seen in the Jupiter XM - takes into account -how- and when you hit keys and uses actual NN AI to riff on it. Still absolutely admit it's sad not to have Random Arp on the System 8 given it's so deep otherwise. I have solved this for the System 8: TORAIZ Squid to the rescue there. Unsure how that will work with this. Also: The SH 101 is realistic even w resonance, but behaves in a non-speaker-threatening way. Very artistic. Feels like a! godly version of an SH 101 (having both owned one and using the System 1 / 8 ACB cut of it) I am

[@Rustik1722]

Want to sell me that Live?

[@BDKabrini]

Jus wanna say: I brought mine last week. $795. OMG! I don't care what anyone says about it. ITS AWESOME! (For me) MC707 TR8S SP404MKII TR-08 JUN06A JX-08 RC505MK2 KORG VOLCAS Beats-Sample-FM-and Mixer. Plus 11 guitars. 7 P.O.s smh. Something wild is come out if this "eventually"

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Sounds and looks like a wonderful device Bo. Thanks for the coverage.

[@MeerkatMuzic]

Looks like Roland have been very very very busy judging by all the new gear sweeeet.

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

First! Also, If say I were going to buy Bo a synth I’d have to ask “What do you get the guy who has everything?” Seriously, you have all the goodies right now. Hehe 😋. Saw all the goodies Roland has coming out, very impressive lineup, hope you get your hands on the new Jupiter!!!

[@BoBeats]

Yeah I have the Boutique and Jupiter here. I didn't fancy the Fantom (MAYBE I WAS WRONG IT LOOKS SO COOL IT HAS A SEQUENCER!). I am working on some coverage of both but I didn't really have time for it today and this video needs it space in the sun I think... 40 minutes. Lol. What happened there.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

....still....limitations on length.....why? 8 measures/128 step.....yuk. Even my cheap Casio can sequence 256 steps.

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

wtf were they thinking? i mean wtf. stupid workflow with names that mean nothing to me, lack of song mode like a real DAW and stupid tiny little screen. roland go F.Y and hire a designer that knows what the market wants

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

The return of the Roland MC, I was not expecting this amazing :-), thanks for the heads up Bo.

[@pixelflow]

Are they going to give you an MC101 to explore? It looks super cute!

[@paintedfoxes9889]

Im an og Mc -303 user . so naturally i am hella stoked on this

[@EdoardoMarcora]

No program change on this thing? and what about triggering scene changes by MIDI? It seems very hard to integrate in a larger setup! static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/MC-101_MIDIImpleChart_eng01_W.pdf

[@Taprecords]

Still rocking my Roland MC-505! It may be time to upgrade. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@mrdayvidjon]

Taprecords yeah I know whatcha mean but I think of marriage to the 707 wow

[@Taprecords]

David Jon E. Good point! I think I’ll do that! Awesome!

[@lennartstip6395]

Also still using a mc 505! The mc707 seems the perfect modern replacement.

[@Taprecords]

lennart stip You know it! 😎

[@devonhughes3805]

505 is a BEAST. Step-record, RPS, megamix, multiple outputs, long pattern lengths

[@elvinlewis4233]

When are you going to review "The Force"? It IS...a groove box, synthesizer, full d.j. and producer unit. I love it..although still learning it. I'd live to get ur take.

[@V4D2]

Me too!

[@Official_Goku]

Elvin Lewis me 3

[@elvinlewis4233]

@@Official_Goku Right? I'm my opinion, it's one of the most powerful devices out there for music production. Difficult to get one's head around, because it's so unique. But make no mistake, it is a beast. I also have MPCX. Equally formidable, different work flow.

[@MusicianParadise]

You really need that Analog Heat to bring back some live into modern Roland synth and drum machines...

[@cougarman8]

Aside from not finding a way to have a count-in, I also haven't found a way to solo mode! Only mute! If I want to solo a drum sound I have to mute all the others...I wonder why there's no solo button.

[@NunyaB1s]

I recall the MC-505 lacking a solo feature too, it's a product line "feature." That said, I didn't realize I wanted a solo until I read this ROFL.

[@ekosignaliis]

I'm waiting for the ''It sounds digital'' comment.

[@BoBeats]

haha yes!!! (It does 🤣✌️)

[@mr_floydst]

This looks and sounds like the one groovebox to rule them all. Great overview and voiceover, as always.

[@boothbuster]

Floyd Steinberg I am still not convinced against MPC though, that seems easier to use to me. But this has sliders which is cool. I was like wow at first but trying to figure more out. I just upgraded my tr-8 to tr-8s too! :( this is just samples, or it’s the same acb drums of the tr-8? If the latter, I might return or sell my tr-8s. Or maybe sell it anyway since I still have the tr-8 also. Not really sure!

[@blakecasimir]

EDub I would sell the TR-8, keep the S, get an MC-707 :) MC-707 does not have the same ACB drums as the 8S, AFAIK.

[@boothbuster]

@@blakecasimir yeah it appears not. Just saw their official longer video too. If it had the damned drum modeling, this would be a way more powerful unit. I refuse to sell my tr-8 though because it’s very immediate to use still. (Plus I paid for the stupid expansion, lol.) Have to see if the tr-8s ever feels quite like that, you know...

[@ACABSTUDIOS]

Except there is no arpeggiator as far as I can tell. I haphazardly bought an mc307 from a pawn shop and was a bit blown away by what the arpeggiator does, though it has bugs. Only other groovebox I own is an mc909 which "has" a total crap arpeggiator. It looks like Roland gave up on trying to include a working arpeggiator with their grooveboxes. I'm still considering buying this though

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

@@ACABSTUDIOS how the feck is the 909 arp total crap? it's one of the best arps in hardware to date you baboon lol and it's completely customisable wtf lol. learn how to use your tools before you slate them jeez

[@matogarfo]

Hi, what's that USB - MIDI hub you are using for Arturia MicroLab please ? thx

[@c31979839]

4:03, "so let's start here on the right..."

[@BoBeats]

haha lol!!! Noo i didn’t!!!! ♥️✌️

[@c31979839]

@@BoBeats haha i loved it!

[@BoBeats]

me: you got this bo. Left right. High pass low pass. My brain: leeeets shuffle!!!

[@minusmartin]

bo: “don’t say it don’t say it...” SAYS IT

[@admaiora777]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@burnieking1401]

Hi Bo, if you check Rolands website, they now have a Firmware update to this unit... 1.02 A CUE function was added. A TONE STEP EDIT function was added. Waveforms were added to Motion Designer. A SCATTER function was added. A Metronome function was added. A Step Loop Mode was added. An automatic setting function for LOOPER clips was added. Shortcuts were added. Minor bugs have been fixed. Only out for a few weeks and Roland already on top of the bugs!! Nice work!

[@BoBeats]

Yes! Super happy with these additions

[@Nik.leonard]

Great video, but I’m waiting for the MC-101 review. The MC-707 is a little bit too much for me :)

[@regend762]

Create Digital Music has a good rundown

[@Nik.leonard]

@@regend762 Waiting for the vidjio.

[@NicleT]

Roland was obviously “inspired” by Ableton Live. But I must say: Shift + menus on hardware aren’t very handy when performing.

[@cremefresh1]

hahhaha indeed, still love my ocatrack tho :P

[@gibson2623]

Very good Insight. Thanks .

[@alexwestconsulting]

WHAT??????? NO INFRARED LIGHT BEAM???????? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@satchie01]

Woooow, a couple of months ago I asked you about what would be today the replacement for a mc 808, I think this is now the answer! 👍👏👏👏

[@asleep909]

Funny you mention the RM1X...considering I just traded my Modal Instruments Skulpt for one in very good condition...:) I'm skeptical of these Roland Grooveboxes, since I was given a MC-303 to review before it was released...and I could not in good faith give it a positive review...but Roland has come a long way since that...

[@kiickinballistics]

Kevin Kennedy ...given the MC303 came out over 20 years ago (and yes I had one), this MC707 has had plenty of time to prepare. I also had an RM1X a few years back. Great machine. Not sure about the onboard sound on this new Roland box. It’s not jumping out at me like my analog rhythm did...but it has some great performance features.

[@inthefade]

The mc-303 was my first drum machine and first synthesizer about 17 years ago. Fun box, but this is certainly a step up. However, I'm also a little skeptical of the sound. Surely using your own samples and some external effects would bring this along further, but it feels like they haven't used the best DACs possible compared to Elektron or other companies. Something feels thin about the sound output in general.

[@TimeScribe]

Please make a comparison video with the Digitakt.

[@Jaysusitsme]

I second this motion :)

[@TenMilL]

VM Sky well, for starters, without a hands on and based on this review, you get scenes which is like having a song mode which is not on the Digitakt. Dedicated sliders, easier mutes and lots of function dual key presses to reach your desired menu. SD card for backups. However, you don’t get the trig and parameter locks per step on sequencer but it has those abilities translated differently in the instrument so you can still parameter lock and some conditions. Scatter function takes the fills to a new level . The scene section seems almost as strong as the elektron song mode. Plus sample time stretch is a nice feature as well. I am curious how it stacks up.

[@Jaysusitsme]

@@TenMilL I think you've just sold me on this! thanks :)

[@TenMilL]

sbmphr I said it’s “LIKE” having a song mode but it is not a song mode. Scenes is something more than what the Digitakt has to offer in regards to “song mode” but that’s what the OctaTrak is for.

[@TenMilL]

VM Sky but then again, spend like $500 more and get a Rhythm mkII if song mode is needed. Kinda pricey at a grand.

[@mojodrum3215]

It would be nice if you could do a review of the Akai Force which has four synth engines:)

[@phillytee9106]

When I first saw the MC-707 I thought, oh no not another Roland Groovebox, but this thing is way deeper than anything I've seen before, it has some really great features on it and you could easily make a whole track on this thing. I like that you can bounce tracks onto another track recording the Mixdown output etc. it's like using an old tape multitrack recorder bouncing tracks onto other tracks. The FX send/return is another great feature I think Roland have made a great product with the MC-707.

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

why not another groovebox? they are awesome if you know how to use it. 2. making a whole track as you put it is now more cumbersome than ever with no song mode, everything has to be done live, in my opinion that is shit and most people seem to agree. they went backwards while trying to go forwards. it's a disappointment, wtf were they actually thinking. designer needs sacked and somebody that knows what groovebox users want needs employed.

[@phillytee9106]

@@KZbinSupportTeams I will wait till I demo it, to see how useful it will be for me. Different people use gear in different ways. A groovebox to me is something you can program drum beats, basslines, melodies, sample loops etc. on and trigger them or use the faders to mix elements in and out live or in the studio to get different mix ideas or whatever you want. The MC-707 has the potential to do that well.

[@jonison6847]

Brilliant, detailed (and also very chill) review - many thanks for making the effort to do this.

[@va941]

HOTCAKES. Thats what these units Are going to sell. I'll Be having one of each thank you VERY much. 🙃

[@alancarmody8848]

RM1x baby!

[@waynet8496]

Man I miss my one, bought it new in the late 90s, cost a fortune back then. Almost thought of buying one again recently.

[@SPIRIT706]

Hey Bo, Hello from Kalamazoo Michigan, USA. Thanks for the super high quality video, the care you put into your contributions to the YouTbe world is extraordinary. I was wondering if you can create non-linked automation on the Motion Rec. function of the MC-707, like Ableton Live's Link/Unlink function for creating automation change over the course of any length of the looping pattern. Cheers

[@BoBeats]

Thank you! As far as I know the automation is tied to pattern length.

[@Val_Cla]

Love it ! I might get the little one if it's trully the same with just 4 parts 🙂 Edit : or the 707 😂

[@earnestgildon2704]

Fantastic review! I was wondering how the workflow works as a live instrument. How is the cue function? Can you listen to and modify sections without affecting what is playing out on mains like a mixer? Or does the Octatrack still make a better live performance instrument? Keep up the fantastic work!

[@sinewaymusic]

Seriously pleasing music there, well done!

[@TheDjmrobertson]

YO! could you please do a video on the RM1X?? so little decent info on youtube. would love your review, tutorial, etc., etc., etc. Cheers

[@synthlord2368]

Yes please!

[@meilstone2711]

This display takes me right back to my 90s music workstation! Makes me feel so young... :-))

[@luisalmeida2866]

What I loved about this, were the sound expansions. Hands down superior sounds (to my personal taste) than MPC Live II expansions. I was sold immediatelly.

[@V4D2]

This is the kind of device that almost makes me wish I was into making this style of music.. Thamks for the video Bo. ;) Sweet editing, too, as usual.

[@V4D2]

I dig the digitakt's concept, but this seems so much more comprehensive.. I say this time and again : I don't understand why companies don't make such a device that potentiates songwriting just as this one does... but more on a classical singer- songwriter style.. As in guitar..lyrics, drums, vocals, keys, etc.. I've been looking for an Akai Force-like device, that focuses not in hip-hop, EDM , or any electronika..but more on multitrack recording..and acoustic instruments library..so one can keep away from the computer.

[@sip303]

As you mentioned the RM1X, could you make a cool video about it. I recently got one so a hands on video i could really appreciate!

[@ElliottHerrington]

Daym I only just recently bought the Tr8s...... :(

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Roland is a strange company. The MC707 I like a lot but the new Jupiter Xm...$1500!!! With mini keys, 37 of them.

[@BearLew]

tested the jupiter Xm mini keys, too small!

[@errorkit]

I love my 101 but something in my Head is tellin me to get the 707....stupid gearlust ☠️

[@eugenetusmenko6039]

Great review, thanks! One thing I can't get - how transitions between projects are managed during live performance? Is it possible to switch to next project without stopping current song?

[@BoBeats]

No. Projects take time to load

[@eugenetusmenko6039]

@@BoBeats So, one live set of 60-120 minutes should be stored as one project in 16 clips per track with 8 saved scenes? It's looks not really possible) As well as putting up with unpredictable pauses between "tracks" to load project... Huge question (to Roland, off course), how do they planned this unit to perform live more than one track?

[@Cray23_Official]

Finally an answer to my question about this box and it’s big massive no from me as it is not made for live performance its just pathetic and I would rather get rs7000 or mc909 and sequence my synths and samplers with it as this is worst then sketch pad for music. Total disgrace from Roland and they should fired everybody in that team for not understanding live performance capabilities and needs

[@redconfetti]

That point at 35:22 really was a sore point for me also. I was hoping that these could record pitch bend, mod wheel, and other CC events to the sequencer, and still send that out to external instruments, but that’s sounds like it’s not the case. It’s the same case with the MC-303. In fact even after I configure the track to be external, a MIDI keyboard used as input still triggers internal sounds, instead of passing through to external MIDI. Only the key pad buttons on the MC-303 pass through to an external synth. It really wasn’t intended to be a sequencer except internally.

[@charlescowper]

too many adverts during this video

[@_B.C_]

Does it play samples from the card directly, or do samples have to be loaded onto onboard memory like the tr8s? If so how big is its internal memory? Does it work over usb audio to the MX1s usb inputs? Will the new JU-06a add 4 voices to the JU-06, like if you had two JU-06?

[@regend762]

Per CDM, "internal sample memory is limited - irrespective of how spacious a sound card you use. That tops out at 6 minutes stereo, 12 minutes mono, at 44.1/16-bit WAV (which is the minimum format)." Nothing published yet as to how much memory is in there. Looks like it is not expandable.

[@mkpatashnik]

After my experience with the Novation Circuit and the Korg Minilogue, this could easily be something that I would like to have it next.

[@gudmundurThor96Nr2]

Do think it is possible if you could review the Alpha Base by Jomox? Here is a link if you are not familiar with it? jomox.de/product_details.php?lang=2&category=1&product_id=21 Great info as always, keep it up!

[@BURG]

nice overview, thanks for this one Bo, always top content! :)

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Great video! Love the clarity filming on the LED most tutorials miss out on that (small but important) detail.

[@somethingelsedoesmatter]

Looks very different than the original Roland Grooveboxes. I loved my time with the MC-505, which was brief, but felt very creatively freeing. I got an RM1x after that, but at the end of the day, I hated it. It felt very tedious to work with by comparison to the MC-505. These newer releases sound nice, for sure.

[@MBEG89]

Ok what the hell, how does this thing sound so good.

[@luisalmeida2866]

This is most probably the best Tutorial on the internet. Great job!

[@manofsound9098]

Is there a way to have the METRONOME "ON" during recording only? I can turn it on, and it will play thru during playback and recording however It will not "CLICK" each measure during recording in real time recording. It does count down but then the "CLICK" stops and it still records. Any help PLEASE? Verion 1.82 installed. No option to just have it on during recording only.?

[@vainsacrosanct2014]

Hey Bo, love the review. Nice video as always. Could you do a 1 year review or something? Cheers from Belgium.

[@incaroads001]

I'm the only person awake in the U.S. right now so I'm getting to see this here first. It's true. ;)

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

I’m awake Hahahah

[@mikeexits]

Lies! It's 4:34 am now where I am here, you are not alone

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I was awake too but now I must sleep....lol so much for getting some rest tonight.

[@Dea_Decay]

I was awake but I was having breakfast so I'm just seeing it now an hour later lol. If I wasn't working though I'd usually just be falling asleep around this time

[@mikeexits]

@@Dea_Decay I feel you, I always sleep after the sun comes up and I really need to fix that, lol. I've been purging old habits from my childhood. Amazing for my long term health, terrible right now, haha.

[@TenMilL]

Excellent explanation! I’m in love 😍, looks like I’m gonna get me one. I miss my original MC303 and this seems spot on. Thank god they got rid of the D (dumb) beam.

[@TenMilL]

It uses SD cards, Roland loves SD cards.

[@basicnoise]

Haha, I liked that delay demonstration. On that long pad sound :) nice vid though!

[@JackAcid]

Thanks for the review. I bought mine today as I feel that this will be a lot of fun to use. And it'll certainly be more than enough for me for the conceivable future.

[@JackAcid]

@@GrootsieTheDog I cancelled the order. Because I watched Bo review the Synthstrom Deluge... And that blew my mind. So I immediately cancelled the 707 and bought the Deluge. And it's changed my life.

[@MarcusFenixGears]

How would you see this compared to MPC Live?

[@boothbuster]

Yeah that is what I am trying to figure out. Just upgraded my tr-8 to the-8s but maybe this is better? But I love mpc live and have the X too, I don’t see this being better than those surely? Unless the pattern arrangement feature is easier.

[@fadek8059]

This machine could be a classic but Roland has neglected a lot of things ... - no effects for external in - no sidechain (motion designer) for external in - no midi on the pads - no CC for external in - no "mute probabilities" on the "tone" - Many presets but almost all are just samples while we have a great VA! (ridiculous example on a preset Acid: Pcm MG bass with a filter 12DB !!!) - Many drumkit but none with modern treatment - Many useless samples: helicoptere, phone ring - No software publisher - Looper 60sec maximum - Do not read folders on SD card, 10 minutes to find a sample - In concert it's a disaster !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! either you load a project (20seconds), or you import clips but as it is only clip by clip all your time is use for this - or is the option: change of clip only when the clip is finished + small details to correct --- Please fix the bugs, hire a sound designer, ...

[@frankmason5525]

I was initially mildly interested in this, but at a list price of £839, I choked on my coffee! This means that the street price will be £750+, which is a joke quite honestly. I know they are not directly compatible, but I would rather pay £300 for the Behringer RD 8, and pair it with any one of the half dozen synths that I have lying around, the RD 8 would play nicely with my Peak, Rev2 or SE-02. Nice try Roland, but a miss for me. I suppose if you are just starting out, with no gear, it would be a good buy, but most people watching this will already own a synth or two, plus maybe a sampler, sequencer or drum machine. Great review by BoBeats though, as per usual.

[@BoBeats]

The price is a bit much i think

[@frankmason5525]

You might think so, but I have just finished cleaning coffee off my iPad screen :-)). As an alternative, how about this. Roland SE-02, £375, plus Behringer RD 8 £300, and put the money saved towards a sampler. You end up with a better synth, and an equivalent drum m/c, and you can buy better samplers than this. The only downside is if you are short on space. Not trying to rain on your parade Bo, I still think you do great reviews, it’s just that I believe that Roland have priced this way too high. I mean, it’s not a Moog, or a DSI. It’s not even an Elektron.

[@kiickinballistics]

It’s seems too expensive, but the Toraiz is expensive, and an OT is expensive. So, perhaps it’s not 🍻

[@BoBeats]

haha lol I meant "price" :D the PRICE is a bit much

[@BoBeats]

i think compared to the competition they can sell it for this amount, I just wish it was slightly less because... well... less is nice :)

[@proagg]

This sounds surprisingly good. Great demo Bo!

[@AtomkeySinclair]

19:35 excellent alphabet scroll tool for naming. I hope firmware updates can support some of the changes needed, like the loop implementation - maybe midi flexibility as well... Great overview man - well done sir.

[@theelectronic4051]

Can’t wait to hear what the built in 303 sounds are like

[@SampathHebbar]

I really love my Circuit

[@Braunschweiger1984]

Damn it , Bo. I'm on a gear diet. I shouldn't have watched this. This sounds too good. Roland picked the right person to review this.

[@DaveChips]

So much new gear in last few days... 😁

[@PJAOK]

I love this unit. It's fun and powerful. I notice there's no way of transitioning between Projects though without the Groovebox being silent. That can be worked around (other sy nths arpregi, looper RC 505) but tis a pity there's not the ability to chain Projects and? let the system pre-load the next. That's sorta what's supposed to happen in a DJ scenario no? Do you have any advice in that area? How's it 'done' if you want to keep the music pumpin for hours?

[@gilgamessianic]

Groove boxes are the best

[@duanewilson3941]

Good Lord, dosen't Roland test this stuff before they send it out? Wow

[@Jordanchicity23]

what r u implying at the time

[@CraaaaaabPeople]

Bo... even your demos just sound sublime. Makes me want to buy everything and be a poor man who sits in a room full of equipment i have no idea how to use... Hmm. 707..

[@pablo65315]

the music bo makes on this sounds pretty decent at 125% speed lol

[@TheoVoidTV]

So all the effects are master effects? I understand that some are send effects but can you for instance, effect single drums, or only effect certain tracks? Any kind of P Locking or automation?

[@BoBeats]

once you go p-locks you dont go back!

[@TheoVoidTV]

BoBeats so true. I feel like it should be standard on all hardware at this point. Lol

[@maccagrabme]

How is this any better than a MPC touch or live?

[@BoBeats]

It isn’t! Not really. It offers different workflow and much more hands on control. Probably a bit quicker too to work with and a ton of performance FX. If that is better... you tell me :-)

[@obshaky]

OMG whats that MIDI USB hub?!?!? I need like 5 of those!!!

[@gilgamessianic]

Can anyone explain how the 8 tracks work to me? Can a whole drum kit be loaded on a single track? Can multiple synth sounds be loaded on one track? Only part I'm confused about

[@BoBeats]

Yes. One track = one drum kit One synth sound per track

[@gilgamessianic]

@@BoBeats well I'm sold. Thanks for the info and the great video Bo.

[@Alyag]

Hi Bo, Just curious which model of the USB/MIDI hub you're using. My day job is in music instrument retail (specifically the recording/keyboard/pro audio department), and the question of "can I connect my USB-MIDI controller to a MIDI module" comes up often enough, however, the store I work at doesn't currently offer any options in that regard. Would love to be able to point people in the right direction, and potentially even snag one myself down the line. Any suggestions you might have would be tremendous. Many thanks!

[@BoBeats]

Check out RetroKits: small dev but with awesome track record. Also Kenton USB host for a more ”rudimentary” host which works really well. I use a ton of Kenton stuff. RetroKits is more versatile but the bare bones look might scare some away + its more complex

[@lcceo22]

My biggest question is the sounds themselves, apart from the drums, as it mentions the Juno 106 and SH 101, but then gets a bit vague with "modern digital and hybrid" sounds. Any chance of a basic "all sounds, no playing" video?

[@BoBeats]

i might do a sound demo

[@lcceo22]

@@BoBeats pretty please! Lmao. That's my primary interest in this

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

@@BoBeats umm i think a sound demo is pretty important as that's it's major selling point

[@minusyou1]

I wish some manufacturer would make a robust piece of hardware like this that you could just slide an iPad into, not several controllers you need to slop together with a bunch of dongles and cables to get roughly the same tactile control. It's long overdue and the adoption of the au3 plugin format by major desktop developers and innovative iOS developers makes the iPad a music production and performance beast that far surpasses these closed hardware grooveboxes.

[@nolasousaphone]

they try, but iOS keeps changing so the hardware becomes outdated after only a couple/few years.

[@klmberezina274]

Does it have more than 4 measures per pattern? If no, "bravo" , it s less than the machines in the early 2000's 🤣🤣🤣 Please, yamaha, give us a new RS7000!!! 16 TRACKS SAMPLING SEPARATED OUTPUTS MORE THAN 4 MEASURE PER PATTERN SYNTH ENGINE ...+ FEATURES FROM NOWADAYS. PLEASE.

[@klmberezina274]

....i forgot the knobs , of course. A bunch. Not 4 or 8 cheapy macros.

[@dweltmusic]

Okay. Im in love but one question. Can this act like a midicontroller?

[@regend762]

Yes. In the video BoBeats plays an external synth via MIDI out.

[@dweltmusic]

REGEND thx for the response

[@Gainn]

You still got this? The 1.8 update is another huge step up.

[@Volcaniced]

bARRy :)

[@tijlvoshobbydrummer]

Would this be good to produce play along music for drummers? Would you recommend it? And is it possible to directly connect it to a mixtable? I make drum videos for youtube but want to go make a next stap with tracks that I can program myself and play along with. Greetz from Tijl Vos.

[@tijlvoshobbydrummer]

Is it also possible to make ought time grooves? Like 7/8 for example?

[@presentmomentmusic2023]

Wish Roland would add a Shimmer Reverb to the 707!

[@Braunschweiger1984]

I wonder if you've ever played with the Synthstrom Audible Deluge? For as much as you love the Circuit, maybe you should check it out. This video has me considering ditching it for the 707. This seems like everything I want in a groove box.

[@BoBeats]

i have the Deluge here and its lovely! The MC is easier to use, but the Deluge is much deeper

[@AndroLectric]

Hi BoBeats 😊 How can i Edit the "hidden" Drum-Samples. The Kits have more than 16 Samples. With external Keyboard can i record Steps @ MC-707 Sequenzer. THANK YOU

[@burnieking1401]

Hi Bo, I've said this before on another channel, but a trick you can use for midi tracks is to create a user patch with all the partials turned off (I used to do this for my MC-808 when I used it as only a midi sequencer/drum machine) that way you don't have to lower the volume and it won't use any polyphony. This also allows midi channel volume messages to control external synth as well without the internal sounds to play.

[@burnieking1401]

One thing I would like to know, is can you record a clip live on the fly? In other words, every time you record a clip do you have to stop the sequencer and go into the record mode? Like all previous MC sequencers before this.

[@burnieking1401]

As a side note, the MC-707 MIDI implementation only sends CCs 80-83 (The 3 main knobs for each channel + an MC-101 knob), hopefully Roland update the firmware and allow it to send the other standard MIDI CCs. Channel volume would be nice, plus MIDI tx options in the system menu. I'm sure they could do this.

[@BoBeats]

Thats clever!! Thanks buddy!

[@BoBeats]

so you can just hit rec, and hit a clip on a looper, while the machine is playing, and on next cycle it will start recording. So yes. Live.

[@Rustik1722]

So, is this an OCTATRACK alternative? Did you ever use the FORCE from AKAI? Wondering about that comparison as well.

[@BoBeats]

sure this is an alternative to the Octa, but way different and with a synth engine. Much less sampling capability tho

[@northerntao]

Can you edit the loop to produce a one-shot sample? So if you record a measure, can you isolate a drum hit or slice the loop? I’m really not seeing this as a sampler in the way I would an Octatrack, Deluge, or even an Electribe 2 Sampler. This is more of a sample player and a looper. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

[@BoBeats]

You can isolate one shots but yes. In essence I think this is more a loop recorder and loop playback device + performing with them using all the fx options (which are more plenty than on either mentioned device). But sampling is limited

[@verstaerker]

I stopped you video after you showed the other synths and bought ... JU-06A ... wasn't it called JU-06? So I figured out Roland brought a new version. This was the true sensation of this video. :) MC707 is not so interesting for me

[@BoBeats]

so you are saying I need to make a video on that JU now!! :D

[@verstaerker]

BoBeats why not ... but I ordered one already 😬