Review: Roland MC707 // Sound design // Live looping // Pros and cons (MC-707)

[@rolandglobal]

Thanks for the in-depth breakdown as only you know how! We look forward to expanding the MC-707 in the near future.

[@benrogmans]

RolandChannel midi tracks with would be awesome, so the fader can stay open for the next clip. Would love to use the MC-707 as the brain for my live setup. Two midi ports out seem so promising for proper midi sequencing ;-) and if we would be able to feed the audio of the external device back through the audio inputs into that same track, to be able to switch that to an audio loop, that would be a game changer... a combined looper/midi track basically. I’m in Hamamatsu next week if you’d like to discuss 😂

[@cmwcmw264]

Also the ability to load scenes or clip groups whilst the 707 is still playing - that would allow Roland to absolutely lead the field in performance mode - can’t wait

[@captainbleep]

Let us do everything without hitting the stop button. The MC909 was an amazing instrument, but you had to press stop before you could go into record. It was the groove box that couldn’t groove. The more we can do without hitting stop the better.

[@TheArtisticFlavor]

@RolandChannel Please add better sample editing, such as slicing. It would be great to be able to chop up a sample and save its slices as a drum program. Thanks!

[@falk3nn]

step automation of any parameter [hold step + change parameter]

[@letMeSayThatInIrish]

Loopop should manufacture and sell those screens that just hover in midair behind all the equipment he tests.

[@visby2548]

Haha, I actually had the same thought when I saw this video, it is so perfect!

[@UKMikey]

They really are perfect - everybody should make product videos this way.

[@Pauluz_The_Web_Gnome]

That is not real man! That is video edited!

[@aloharay]

@@Pauluz_The_Web_Gnome it should be real product, that is what we all want

[@theacan565]

Screen is tiny!!!

[@MrJanHjohnson]

As soon as they add a Midi track to the existing 3 Tracktypes (Drum/Tone/Looper) I'm sold. Really hope they will add this!

[@zsigmondkara]

That seems to be a no brainer, given the midi outputs. I'm very surprised, that they didn't implement it...

[@benrogmans]

Well it already sends midi notes info out, but you need to lower the volume of your track. How awesome would it be if you could bring the audio from the input to that very track...

[@burnieking1401]

@@zsigmondkara This is the same with the MC-808, the way I got around it was creating a custom tone with the partials disabled... so it essentially makes no sound and uses no voices. That way you don't have to lower the track volume.

[@lomoring3840]

This is the most extensive coverage of the feature set for this so far. Answered a lot of questions for me. Thanks!

[@djiqs]

Your videos always make me want to purchase what you showcase...in that regard I simultaneously thank you and hate you lol. Love the vids!

[@loopop]

Thanks I guess :) I just tell it like it is...

[@svetlinsimeonov6485]

Great review - as always, I really like this timestamps on the screen. Can you compare MC 707 to Octatrack or at least share some thoughts.

[@loopop]

Perhaps at a later date, it would take a while...

[@olafsigursons]

That + Push 2 is so OP. You can use a launch pad to launch the clip.

[@AppleKid]

Do you ever consider doing videos on vintage gear such as the Roland MC 505?

[@loopop]

Considered for sure but not sure I’ll have time for it

[@crimsonshoehorn]

hopefully this sells well enough to make Yamaha want to reboot the RS7000. This 707 has a lot of great features, but definitely not a fully featured midi sequencer, which is nice to have in a groovebox.

[@markuskaltenegger5571]

Jon B Yeah, I hope so, too ! The RS7000 successor is urgently needed ... I really hope that Yamaha is taking this request seriously !

[@MadelnMachines]

I'm looking for a live performance sampler / looper. It can go together with some knob per function synths and drum machines that really allow you to tweak everything live and have fun. With the samplers out there there doesn't seems to be much out there with a lot of hands on tweaking control. I suppose this MC707 is about the closest you can get? Elektron model samples also seems good but it's mono and probably too limited for playing audio loops is it? I guess you could make an MPC or Force be controlled by faderfox PC12 but then you have to label everything yourself. Perhaps there's a clever way of mapping the Akai units so you can control 8 or 16 parameters per track that you'd really want immediately accessible in a live set so you just need to switch the track focus to access them quickly. Ableton push might be an option but you want to minimise the amount of menus, page changes, scrolling through options that you have to go through in a live scenario. Perhaps an If you want to change sequenced drums or loops whilst they are playing does it do so in an uninterrupted and quantized way? Can you monitor each of the channels in a DJ style way? I'm finding it hard to work out how to best go about an intuitive and fun live performance setup for techno music.

[@loopop]

I didn't want to not respond... but it's too broad a question to address in a comment... (not trying to sell you a 1x1, I don't do those...) there are so many variables - it's really about personal workflow I guess. However, Model Samples isn't a looper though. Then there's Blackbox, Deluge, Aeros, so many options :/

[@bobcatt2294]

Loopop, your videos are of the best produced - thumbs up. Unfortunately, the Roland MC-707 does not compete in price and in function with the Akia-like line of products of groove/beat boxes. Akia has focused over many years on this nitch product line whereas Roland has not. This is most apparent when you review the features over price, not to say, Akia has its own problems in product line consistency.

[@TsavosAlliance]

I'm waiting for the "S" 2.0 Model.

[@RuiGon1]

I am impressed with this machine. Thanks.

[@bluename4]

those hands-on controls should be in the "organelle" for intuitive sound design and live performance with PureData (... imagining ad-hoc creative possibilities/experiments if "organelle" would look like this machine)

[@briannhinton]

I’d love to see a follow up.

[@docteurgreene]

15:30 the first second reminded me "all that she wants" from Ace of Base! lol

[@AM-ui9mc]

Loopops voice/dialect is the best

[@radddch3293]

How does it go about receiving midi? Like say clip launches? If it could be mapped to say a novation launchpad I think it could totally replace my laptop to be honest.

[@strangersun7721]

Thanks for the video! Trying to decide if I should dump my TR-8S for this. I don't use all of its features and hate the fact that there is no micro-timing other than speeding up the tempo to increase the resolution.

[@jgsj2]

thank you for sharing, quite a machine, and your overview was excellent, thank you again, i agree, visual monitor out would help.

[@kickinrocks6055]

If pads hit light for you, you can increase sensitivity... AND gain. That should solve it.

[@defactosynthesiz3r600]

Love it 🔥

[@keyptown]

Hello! Looking at your deep knowledge of device, maybe you could help with my question. Or someone from community) I can't assign something like "velocity control reverb send". When try something like: 1 From "VELOCITY" to "REV" Depth +63 Nothing happens. No reverb if it set to 0 at send or no velocity (or lfo or other modulator) if we add send value. While if I change "REV" to "PAN" the effect definitely heard! So, what I'm doing wrong? Is "REV" parameter in matrix is "send" reverb parameter, am I right? "DLY" doesnt work either, btw. Look for solution plenty of time) p.s. both reverb and delay are on as global effects and can be heard when I use FX or C1-4 knobs

[@ricardomilice2470]

I-pad have been the best Groove Box for me. Mc 707 looks good and good video. The screen is too small for all those features.

[@HansiModular]

Hi - is the MC707's access to the ZEN core engine restricted, compared to the Jupiter X? Can the Jupiter X do synth sounds the MC707 cannot? Thanks in advance.

[@duketranslucent3rd]

Anyone any thoughts about the 707 vs. the Digitakt? Obvious advantage the Digitakt has is dedicated midi tracks, however the 707 can power a whole drum kit on one track, which (sort of) isn't the case on the 'Takt. Also, no velocity sensitivty on the 'Takt's pads (actually buttons). What do people think? 'Takt also £230 cheaper...

[@TanzBarKeiten]

What is the different betwenn MC-707 and the TR-8S?

[@Jason75913]

a lot TR8S is a dedicated drum machine, MC-707 is a complete DAW + drum machine in one

[@claudiongleur]

thx for the review is there a pickup for the 3 knobs(filt fx mod) if you change the effect for example or do they jump? is detune assignable to one of the three knobs ? what kind of midi does it receive ? could i hook up a novation controll xl for example or just a midi keyboard? thanks

[@motoboy6666]

Mc-101 up soon? :)

[@hansvermeer7164]

Hi Whats the external audio synth you used at 21 mins? Its very good.

[@cnltaf4532]

Roland had lost it completely,.... The pricetag is just toooooo much,..... Thankz for a awesome rewiew, always very accurate explainations,..

[@headshock1111]

Needs overdubbing on looper. No brainer

[@trakrekkid]

Yup glaring omission

[@theacan565]

Think same....but may be you can solve this in another way. If you record on the 3 first track and then resample all in another track....may be...the 8....you will layer all sounds in one track. The thing is... you can record all what sounds to a track...so....is a way to solve it. BUT...can you do all this LIVE?? Question not answer...

[@frankjuno8808]

Very good review! Still got two questions: do the pads have aftertouch? What about a "note repeat" feature, is it available? (Note repeat could come in an update, but if the pads don't have aftertouch, it would be limited.)

[@loopop]

Thanks! You know the same two thoughts crossed my mind too. Neither for now but my guess is that once you have velocity detection (which this does), pressure is just a firmware choice.

[@duanewilson3941]

I'll go blind trying to see that screen. No thanks

[@intergrippo3779]

Duane Wilson shift, menu, squint, squint.

[@pablo65315]

I have an Akai MPC Live 2 and mc 707, I would like to control each channel of the mc 707 with the Mpc but not sure if this is possible? when I press select on the different mc 707 tracks it seems to deactivate what was previously selected so can I only control one track at a time? would really appreciate if anyone knows the secret to this.

[@Moogulator]

Since no1 covered it: there is a 128 Step pattern but only 4 LEDs to show the position - so - it's 8 measure but how does it who the position with 4 LEDs?

[@loopop]

It was covered but what the heck ;) the 4 leds progress proportionately to the clip length not the number of bars

[@Moogulator]

wow - fast answer - thank you - so roland says 64 steps for seq, so it simply is not 128 steps/8 messures but only 4 at 64 steps in any step / note input mode, or will it work with 128 steps since it shows that progress the same way? sorry for that since i am asking for non audio this time .. and I always felt 4 x 16 steps (new tribes, elektron) is too few, but 128 would be fine..

[@loopop]

Moogulator where does Roland say 64 steps per clip? I beg to differ ;) it’s 128

[@Moogulator]

www.roland.com/de/products/mc-707/specifications/ here - its 64 steps for musical events _ but you and the menu shows 128 - so is it limited to audio/looper clips or is roland just not right on that specs page - sorry to annoy you but it isnt available to anyone - so I‘d like to be sure - thanks again so much for your superfast response - thumbs up

[@Hermeshdab]

funny that you don't mention the price in the cons list. 1k € - as david ahlund (roland) mentioned when interviewed by nick batt/sonicstate -, even after considering the capability of the hw, is a lot of cash. and while i know that mfb dominion-1 isn't a good metric for comparison, had i the cash i'd tell you that i'd be in doubt between the two. (but i believe i'd be more inclined towards the analog synth...)

[@loopop]

I actually don’t think it’s overpriced considering what it can do, and the last thing I would compare it to is an mfb dominion, but then again that’s what the comment section is for - diversity of opinions is welcome. No need to call my opinion “funny” just as it would be silly to call your legitimate desire for an mfb names.

[@Hermeshdab]

@@loopop a bit of context may clarify things. :) i have gear from the aira line (tr-8, system-1, tb-3, vt-3 and mx-1) along with some old stuff like mc-303 and dr-202. with that in mind i think it would be hard -- for me -- to justify the acquisition, as there would be an enormous overlap - taking in consideration the cost/benefit relationship. however, if i didn't have tr-8 and tb-3, maybe the mc-707 would be an awesome option. and i know that the comparison wasn't a good one - mea culpa. the thing is that nowadays i'm more inclined to synths than grooveboxes. (but then, if $ weren't an issue, i'd definitely go for the mc-707.)

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

60 seconds sample length? 8 measure maximum length? This is definitely a dance box, and cannot be used for longer chord progression songs. Blips and beats only.

[@SHUJINCELL]

60 seconds at 44KHz in MONO! Don't dare throw a high res stereo file on it or you'd be lucky to get 10 seconds. It has like 64MB of sample RAM. Ridiculous for something produced in modern times. I sold my TR8s the moment I loaded a sample on it. Worst piece of music gear I've ever purchased.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

@@SHUJINCELL I been researching my next beat box...it may be the 1010Music Black Box. $600.00 and very few limitations. All samples, no included full synth engine or PCM tones. But as a MIDI sequencer for 16 internal or external devices AND it streams samples from the SD card so there really isn't a limit to sample length mono or stereo. Touch screen, sample edit, filter, ADSR, and 2 effects with sends per track. 3 stereo outputs or 8 mono outputs. This is one great little box at euro-rack size of about 5.5x5.5 inches. Sequencer is the biggest drawback at 8 measures or 128 step. But they may upgrade this in firmware....hopefully with enough requests. The sample playtime is unlimited though, if simply played instead of sequenced.

[@B6SiR]

Hi What effects does this have ? Where can I find the list of each effects ?

[@ZafroSoundz]

I want to like the video but it'll mess up the 808 likes

[@PHOENIX-fb1cf]

Very nice

[@synthlord2368]

Do each of the 8 "tracks" correspond with a specific midi channel like the old MC 303? Setting which port it comes out is handy, but I am more concerned with using it to control multiple external synths.

[@loopop]

You can set whichever midi channel you like to each track

[@synthlord2368]

@@loopop thank you! Really miss the Arpeggiator though... Gonna wait a bit till I buy one for now I think. But in the future most likey

[@lbrown7164]

All this thing needs is a HDMI or VGA out like the rolling MV 8000 series

[@lbrown7164]

The small screen is very annoying but this would fix the problem

[@tyranno_mp1254]

Best review as usual.but I don’t understand one thing.every single track has his own step number,ok,but every single drum sound too,like tr8s,for polyrhythmic pattern in a single drum track?thaks❤️🔥💥⚡️

[@loopop]

Thanks! Currently all the drums in a track need to share the same length so if you wanted polyrhythms you’d need to split the elements to separate tracks

[@tyranno_mp1254]

Ok,thank you.maybe in the next firmware I hope...volca drum can...new behringer can...

[@GeorgeCopperfield]

I really like the product.. but is the $1000 price tag worth it for someone who already has a TR8-s?

[@elissitdesign]

Torin Webster There whole Sept product release got a price bump. The Boutiques were $350 now $400. I think their development cost went up with the new audio engine that is replacing ACB.

[@freiksenet]

Why, in the age of Deluge and Pyramid, grovebox/sequencer manufacturers still limit number of steps/tracks.

[@freiksenet]

I wish Deluge had this level of connectivity and this screen.

[@freiksenet]

Midi taking whole track and no CC is sad :(

[@gavinpeters9531]

I know this is a little old now, but just wanted to say this is an absolutely awesome review/introduction. Great work!

[@dnbsoldier7259]

It's a shame that Roland didn't implement a sound editing mode that turns all of the track control knobs, sliders and buttons on the entire machine into synth controls. Like if track 2 was a tone track and you could select it and put it in synth edit mode and now all of those hands on controls all have a dedicated synth function. They could've turned it into a completely hands on synth, and forego most of that menu diving. They could've made it so when you're in that mode, when you touch one of those controls it immediately brings up the screen to show you what you're editing and the values of those edits. Those sliders would've made great envelope controls, just like on the JP8000. The top four knobs from track one through four could've been the partial editing knobs...you get the idea.

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

Brilliant idea!

[@coltdaddy]

So tru! Love the idea! Roland if you’re watching 👆🏼👆🏼 This has gotta be possible with a firmware update

[@stephenalcaide1778]

I think they nailed it by making them audio faders. This allows you to do live performance mixing on the fly. There's nothing out there that allows you to do full blown performances like the MC-707 does. I have 2 of them, and it's an amazing feeling using them. For editing, an external MIDI controller can be used.

[@dnbsoldier7259]

@@stephenalcaide1778 I agree that it’s great having audio faders. I used to play shows with an MC-505 and it was the same concept except I had a bunch of dedicated synth controls as well. If you followed what I was saying, the MC-707 could function in either mode. Sure you could use an external controller but doesn’t that kind of defeat the purpose of the all-in-one concept? What I was suggesting is that you could toggle back and forth freely between the standard mode and synth control/sound editing mode. There’s no reason why the machine can’t do this and it would likely not even take much code to accomplish. A lot of us are not preset users and would like to squeeze the good stuff out of that synth engine without a bunch of menu diving. It’s a shame when you’ve got all those controls there going to waste in this instance

[@stephenalcaide1778]

@@dnbsoldier7259 I got you man. Having the option to switch the fader mode is what you were saying.

[@lennardvillasenor5151]

Loopop, I used to be a diehard Roland customer in the 80s and then after the 1987 D50, I felt Roland lost their way in terms of creative innovation and I shifted to other companies that were doing more interesting things to me. But you have managed to showcase the lasted round of Roland devices in a way that has made me again interested in the Roland family of products...something no one has done since the late 80s. Thank you for a very detailed, articulate and meticulously demonstrated video. Kudos to your work.

[@fredrikw1447]

Can you make a 2022 update of this review?

[@krakapoww]

A 2024 update!

[@MARTINORMANCV]

Funny how hardware manufacturers clearly don’t involve people like yourself during the design phase.

[@FrankyGun]

One of the most "down to earth" entries I have ever read! You certainly got that one right, Martin!!!! (y)

[@housemachine509]

Exactly!

[@illford]

Probably to not make it too specific, since everyone works differently

[@robertsyrett1992]

Gonna curl up with some ice cream and imagine I need this. TY Loopop.

[@loopop]

LOL

[@V4D2]

hihihi that’s funny. :)

[@josephvincent9298]

Rotfl Couldn’t of said better

[@TheAtheistworld]

But is there a synth (software or hardware) with RANDOM generator of sounds/patches/pads that randomly creates a synth sound of various complexity, so I don’t have to create it from scratch. And if I like that randomly generated sound/patch I can further edit/modify it and save it for future use. I guess it would be some kind of FM synth etc. Right? Any suggestions?? Much appreciated , bro ❤

[@alicaramba7680]

Why do you need random patches if you already have in thousands? And what will you do with randomly generated patch? Since it will be similar to many patches already existing or sound as complete nonsense. Yeah, there are synths with random patch generators (Z3TA+2 comes to mind), but it is the same as randomly picking patches from a list of 10 000. Besides, how do you know patch is randomly generated? I don't know, only synth makers tells that.

[@TheAtheistworld]

@@alicaramba7680 i need it

[@felipefs106]

I got this machine by watching this video and from other channels. I was happy to find out that Roland has updated the unit with even more good stuff

[@JamesBermingham]

Roland should get loopop in and design a machine. I’m sure with all the reviewing he’s done, he would come up with a monster concept and a ultra “go to” instrument. 🤘✊

[@arlencarroll1964]

Woaaahh yeah now we are talkin

[@jszack]

Amazing as usual-this one took me from not wanting this at all to thinking about what I could sell to get it ASAP, and then back to well... this would be super cool but maybe I’ll hold off for now. But in any case, I feel like I have a much better understanding and appreciation for this machine and how much fun it could be to use.

[@jonasquirin2100]

You’ve been busy these past few days haven’t you?

[@Analoque444]

Seems to be pushed from Roland this time ;)

[@surf_machine]

@@Analoque444 how come?

[@teemunordlund6281]

I just acquired an old MC-505 and although it's kinda frustrating in many ways, it has such an incredible arpeggiator. That was the main thing I wanted to know about MC-707, and I'm quite disappointed there isn't one. Seems like an amazing machine in all other respects. It's like they did one thing right with the MC-505 and then didn't include it in future gear. I wish I could get just the arpeggiator in a small module! The MC-505 is abit bulky to keep around just for that, heh.

[@MS7.7]

They added it in the update

[@danieltaradaj7628]

Wow looks like it has got features from Tr8s combined with the digitakt-like idea of sound editing and sample making! I thought of buying those two separately but this looks like very good alternative Btw your videos are the best, thank you so much

[@MrTk3435]

It's my beginning, how is this compare to Maschine MK3 or Plus. Thank guys

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Excellent video. I’m looking to get me a MC 707 because of the firmware update (1.20) the increased sampling capacity pushed me over the edge! A update video featuring the new updates would be great!!!

[@danieldemayo6209]

It’s like there coming after the elektron trinity in one box :0 kinda....

[@surf_machine]

yeah indeed, thought the same

[@THEREALTWISTEDINSANE]

Once I make a beat , how do I export the tracks so I can import them into pro tools ? Do I just write the pattern and insert the sd card into my computer and pull them that way ?

[@Christof_Classen]

*Read the MANUAL ;)*

[@alexrafter]

Great review. Very in-depth. Would be good to see a part 2 now there has been a firmware update.

[@Audiorial]

(Another) fantastic review, how do you manage to produce all these videos with a constent quality and clarity ? hard worker, you are mate :)

[@loopop]

yeah this week was a bit crazy for sure but things were too interesting to say no

[@Audiorial]

@@loopop ahaha, yeah ! all these new stuff at Roland drive me nuts :) esp. the Jupiter and Xm, these new grooveboxes too !

[@funkuncle999]

Thanks for showing the dispaly. Helped so much in understanding how awful or not the menu diving aspect is.

[@Old_Man_Jay]

How the hell did I not know about this thing?? I know what I'm getting for my birthday this year! Thanks for this video, Loopop! You are a god amongst men!

[@theacan565]

Can you ALL that operations, like erasing a whole track, create a new track, like a loop track in which you can sing on, or undo the last operation, or load a clip....ALL WITHOUT STOP THE MUSIC??? So, what I mean.....can you do ALL this operations LIVE without hitting the STOP button......And if NOT ALL which ones you CAN´T?? TY so much!!

[@waverunner7063]

I never thought I'd see another MC. I had the MC-808 a little over 10 years ago when I was first experimenting with music. I was able to record complete songs even though they sounded like 90's video game music.

[@Bluuplanet]

This thing is pretty cool. It shows how far we've come since the RedGreen Show. Harold could not have even dreamed of this thing attached to that control panel that hung from his neck with a guitar strap.

[@JGulliMusic]

Cool groovebox! But can it be connected to midi software through a computer! And if so, how?

[@alicaramba7680]

What do you mean by 'midi software'? If it is a midi sequencer and you want MC-707 to be controlled by it then there is no problem - you can connect with USB/midi or use dedicated midi in port on MC-707 (in this case you need midi cable and midi interface). If you want to do the opposite - to control midi software on PC by using MC-707 then simply buying midi controller is much better (and cheaper) option. In a latter case I would wonder why do you need MC-707 at all. If you want to use both midi software on computer and MC-707 at the same time, again buying a dedicated midi controller (DAW controller or midi keyboard) and configuring it to work specifically with software is best option. Controller functions for another devices on MC-707 is fairly limited

[@andrewlevinsounds]

about to buy a deluge but damnit now I'm GASing for this! the deluge seems so much more full-featured but damn do i love the roland sound. synth engine seems really powerful as well.

[@dizzydayz]

8 tracks are little bit less for me… But, if each clip has own tone with pattern (seamless sound change), this unit will be over other Groovebox. It is more worth than 8 tracks! I want to load the clip in another project while playing. Can I do that?

[@KaosEngineering]

Please can someone answer ?!!

[@cmwcmw264]

I want to load clips too whilst unit is playing - we all need that - and perhaps more scenes rather than just 8

[@dizzydayz]

I found that so called Tone Remain function is in it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJyQYqiNj8-tr5I And, I got information that 707 can load other project clips while playing. Of course, 101 can do that, too.

[@oliviermissal8739]

Mc707 “S” with 8 individual jack out would be an instant buy for me, don’t care about usb tracks😔 for the rest it presses all off my bottoms 😂 great review as usual 🙌🏻

[@manne3d]

but this already have 8 analog outs...if i'm not missing anything...but you need to do a little setup. 1-2 main outs 3-4 assignable outs 5-6 stereo send 7-8 headphones out (assigned to CUE out)

[@ErgoBoom]

Any chance you can revisit the MC-707? It's seems to be a transformed bit of kit after a couple years of updates

[@krakapoww]

Yes very confusing to piece together what its actually capable of at this point in time

[@paulo_macedo]

This groovebox is amazing however the price point is still 1000€

[@Pulse2AM]

You get all their classic drums a good synth and all the other functions, plus they have a baby one half the price. Not too bad really.

[@maccagrabme]

Now 660 UK.

[@midnightskate]

What, no D-Beams? Are you f***ing kidding me?

[@phantazzor]

You can live loop, but can you just run something on one track through the input without recording? And you can apply all the fx you want on a live loop recorded? Thanks

[@loopop]

Yes and yes

[@benrogmans]

@loopop so you can have the audio input assigned to a track as well? Because in the video you mention you would need to keep the fader down when sending midi out

[@loopop]

@@benrogmans the two aren't related - keeping the fader down when sequencing external gear is only if you don't want to hear the track that's doing the sequencing. Audio input - you just hear it if you turn up external audio

[@MrVincent97133]

the mc 303 was the first groove box of my life in 1997 , and now the MC 707 coming for the best . thanks to roland

[@62borneo]

Man , you're a gun! I have a lot of different synths still learning some of them. I'm just lost in the new technology what comes out today! I guess just getting too old school. Thanks for your videos I won't miss any of them!

[@TROGULAR10000]

"Two... two... two..." that's good enough for me. Nice machine, it gives you some of the key advantages of an old Multitrack, Ableton loop workflow, samplers, and having both pads and sequencer buttons

[@loopop]

I'm actually starting to regret I didn't save that project

[@thelantern9075]

loopop I’m a bit confused about the looper and how the 8 bar sequencer work. 60 seconds per loop/track? So if you use all 8 tracks for audio loops, can your first loop be the master loop and the rest will sync? So this is essentially a 8 track looping machine? And how does a 60 second loop work with just 8 bars? Also, I’ve heard you CAN’t cut samples to apply to the pads, just the start and end points. ?? Anyhow, thank you and great video. Yes.. “two” had potential. :)

[@loopop]

Hey - so all loops sync to the clock, there is no master. I didn’t stress test this in terms of sample length - the manual says 60 seconds max per sample. Re trimming - you can set sample start end and loop points

[@GoedGezien]

@Roland please implement SONG MODE and a song playlist option.

[@neptunesgold1216]

Yes ! Yes and Yes!! Your customers have been begging for it for a year now!!

[@Jaysusitsme]

I'm genuinely torn between this and the Digitakt - price isn't an issue, but I'm a former owner of the MC909.

[@evanpincus2203]

This seems to me like a streamlined octatrack with synth engines- not quite as infinitely tweakable as the OT but seems to do all of the basic selling points and more. Digitakt does far less, but is so damn compact, and Elektron sequencing really is *that* good. I love my DT to death but if I were in your shoes I'd probably snag this one.

[@AdamsBrew78]

Deluge is worth a close look too .. the new functionality they keep adding every year makes it never grow stale or boring. I’d love to get Digitone or desktop hydra to complement it for a sound design source tho, deluge Synth is a little on the light side; mostly consider it as a placeholder for other sounds.

[@cougarman8]

Do you think the 1010 blackbox has enough differences to warrant having or are the mc-707 and mc-101 killers? It seems like the blackbox does some things these can't and vice versa.

[@jodde73]

Doron Diamond Exactly! I’m in that spot. Keep my Circuit with LC XL and get a blackbox, or get the mc-707, or get a Toriaz SP-16..🤔

[@256k_]

okay now i'm seriously considering selling my octatrack for this. I love the ableton style scene launch/clip launch it makes so much more sense to me having been using ableton since 2010 and one of the things that bothered me the most about OT and most grooveboxes is when you change a pattern all sequences have to change, i always wanted something wherre you can choose which sequence to play per track. this is the closest thing i can imagine to using ableton in hardware. (i dont know much about the akai fire however)

[@bikesnbeerz]

Dope review. | Your sub count as of late = wow. Well deserved.

[@BrokenBeats94]

It would be cool with a Circuit in a set up

[@MmagRu]

Hi, thanks for this deep review! Is it possible to control 707 sound engine with external midi controller (midi cc)?

[@loopop]

Thanks! They haven’t published the midi spec to my knowledge but said it’s coming soon

[@CaidicusProductions]

Holy smokes, Roland is going insane! I'm a big fan of grooveboxes, so I won't complain. :D Loopop, you're on fire these das, so many awesome videos, it's like Christmas. Thanks for the new presentation.

[@christoroppolo8742]

He is the guy who goes out of his way to explain and suggest with the credibility to back up his input. Accept no substitute. Peace Christo 👽🎶🛸☮️

[@CaidicusProductions]

@@christoroppolo8742 yeah, I always feel like I'm not just getting introduced to a device, but that his videos show me how to use it in a way that I myself can see myself using it and therefore know if it's suitable for me.

[@läuft_bei_dir]

I really love the MC-707. But unfortunately, a few points extremely diminish the live suitability. The worst thing is that you have to stop playback to change a project. But that would not be so bad if you could choose different sounds for the clips. I really don't understand how to play live for 1-2 hours without changing the sounds or projects (songs). What I also don't understand why there is no arpeggio, even the MC-303 had one that was very cool and complex. And it's also a shame that there is no LFO section on the surface. Had the MC-303 too. I think that's a real shame because I started making music with the MC-303 and I would have loved to return to a Roland groovebox. Unfortunately, I am currently not sure if I can live with the restrictions. It would also be very helpful if you could export and import midi files. How do you do longer live sets without stopping the music to load a new project?

[@housemachine509]

moon oh man I’m going to wait this out maybe they will update but they have already left the tr8s for dead

[@liljons6753]

Arrpeggio ➡kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZS5coyQapxrrKc

[@läuft_bei_dir]

@@liljons6753 where is in this video an arpeggio?

[@liljons6753]

@@läuft_bei_dir he made it...gotta make it...or use external sync......and sample

[@Jason75913]

"Knob Assign" is for configuring the three knobs aboveeach track fader, you can set one to tweak a patch LFO1 or LFO2 the pricepoint that Roland was aiming for forced them to make some sacrifices makes sense as they don't want get into Akai Force or MPC Live territory, though they got too close anyway I've got my good ol' JD-Xi and Juno-DS61 that I can use to play filler loops between MC-707 projects. Something you can do is get a second MC-707, or get an MC-101 and create 4-part performances on the 707 to be imported into the 101 as filler loops to play between 707 projects. but yeah, underpowered ARM CPU for what the groovebox is missing

[@danielrico3006]

Hello friends ..I have a tr8, tb3 and sh201and i have not PC ..i am looking for a workstation to produce .. i am seeing only the mc 707 and polyend tracker..i love house and techno music..what hardware do you recommend me? Thanks ;)

[@qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq-q]

hopefully korg will get back into the groovebox game too - would love to see an analog electribe

[@jonnie2bad]

after the last electribe im done with korg

[@LukeLine]

I loved my Grey electrode but it felt so limited, I think they could make something amazing that would rival this and my MPC Live. 👌

[@techstyle123]

They will be planning

[@jarkokoo]

Well, in a way they never really left. 1st gen Electribes came out '99-00, 2nd gen '03-04, 3rd gen '10 and 4th gen in '15. Also pretty much all the Volcas are "grooveboxes" as well. When it comes to analog Electribe: sure it could be something cool, but I think it's highly unlikely there ever will be one - mostly as their Volca line-up sells like hotcakes, but also because the Electribes have never been analog. They've always been about digital synthesis (DSP and VAM) and samples. I have a lot more faith in the possibility that we might some day see a Monologue (analog) with a more sophisticated sequencer.

[@qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq-q]

@jarkokoo yeah when I wrote this I actually completely forgot about that recent batch of electribes, really disappointing imo. But yeah the hope since the Monotribe has been that someday there would be a more comprehensive analog groovebox from korg

[@piurtv]

Since the beginning of the AIRA series and the release of the Roland Boutique devices, I wished I could see new devices from the "MC" range ! Roland granted my wish !

[@piurtv]

Reversed "One two" sounds like : "-Whoosh ? -No !"

[@berislavtopol1404]

Can you live transpose sequence of two or more channels at the same time, for example bass line and melody line etc? Without menu diving of course.

[@huhabab]

Not gonna lie.. as an Octatrack guy I'm looking kinda enviously at those polyphonic drum and synth engines.

[@mudsh4rk]

I'm an Octatrack guy too, but the only things I saw here that I envy a bit are the dedicated insert and faders. The synth engine seems to be the same one they've been updating incrementallyfor the last 25 years, you could grap a JV1080 or 2080 for a couple hundred dollars, hook it up to your OT, and get a lot of the same functionality of the synth engine in this. This might be a good partner for an Octatrack though. I was an MPC2000xl guy before I got the Octatrack and I think the older MPC workflow and the Octatrack workflow complement each other really well. This isn't much like an MPC but it seems like it could fill some of the same gaps in the OT's workflow and vice versa. It would be interesting to try stuff like patching the send from one of these to in 3/4 of the OT, out 3/4 o the OT to the returns, and then the main 707 out to OT in 1/2. Lots of possibilities. Not $1000 worth of possibilities for me personally but this thing does have potential.

[@valentynfuchedzhy5922]

and usb multitrack, huh?

[@ThatJerseyBloke]

I'm interested but feel like this instrument still just isn't there yet. The MC-505 and MC-909 gave the user much more hands on control of the synthesizer. It's nice to see Roland bring back the Groovebox! I'm very happy about that but IMHO, the MC-909 is still the pinnacle of the Roland Groovebox machines.

[@Analoque444]

As an owner and user of an MC-505 and an MC-909 I can confiirm this! If you dive in the "old" engine of the MC-909 you will be amazed what you can do with it. Check this out (it´s about 3 videos, this is the first part): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXypk3p_l9qaprM

[@ThatJerseyBloke]

@@Analoque444 I released 7 EP's in England from 2003 to 2005 and all of them were done with the MC-909 at the core of their creation. I sold it out of frustration with Roland at the time because it was maybe one or two more updates away from legendary status and Roland cut all further development on it. I now use an Elektron Digitakt and Digitone.

[@DrGrooveBeat]

ThatJerseyBloke I suspect a new 808 and 909 coming in future... 16 tracks etc, closer to the old 909.

[@BearingTheWeight]

I'd take a MC909 over this as well. I am now actually thinking of finally grabbing one after seeing this thing. Too many menus Roland. ughh

[@DrGrooveBeat]

Drew b original 909 is also menu heavy and missing VA engine entirely. Some of the pcm sounds dated or Lofi nowadays.

[@kashdro85]

People like to hate on this thing but after a week with mine, I feel it's a good value for the money. You get a 4 in 2 out audio interface with DSP FX (an Apollo Solo or Antelope Audio interface would be 500 USD or so alone), full zen core synth engine, 8 track recorder, sampling (yes only 6 minutes stereo still), step recorder/ drum machine. I realize you can get most of this and more with an Akai Force but, I find the sounds to be more authentic and effects to be better on the 707 (I owned a Force). This is just my opinion of course and this box won't be for everyone, especially if you are looking for an all out hardware DAW.

[@pacmensch]

23:19 Strecth Window

[@kzm4275]

yeah wtf

[@joelsoundsright]

By far the best reviews on KZbin! What about the smaller 101? Could you make a vid about it to.