Roland MC-101 Beginner Tutorials: 1) First Loop

The first lesson in a series designed to get you started with the Roland MC-101 groovebox, regardless of your background in music or electronic production techniques.
I’m hoping it helps demystify the MC-101 and modern music techniques and can serve as a starting point whether the MC-101 is your first foray into this world or not. I plan to continue this series to help build a foundation to make sure everyone can make full songs and performances with just the MC-101. I also plan to do a series of advanced feature explanations and tips to really push the 101 as far as we can!
This is my first go at a tutorial video, so leave a comment to let me know what you think. If you have any questions I’ll do my best to get them answered in further videos.
Table of Contents:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Power In
02:45 - Audio Out
04:15 - My Setup
05:00 - Power On
05:30 - Controls Overview
07:30 - Programming Drums
10:30 - Recording Melody
14:15 - Make New Track
16:15 - Fun with Leads
21:30 - Upcoming Lessons
22:00 - Jam Ideas

[@billrhea]

Thank you so much. Can you please show us how to delete something you put in that sucked. Like you put a drum beat down and don’t like it. How do you undo it?

[@BenCoeMusic]

William Rheaume thanks for pointing that out, I totally forgot to mention that (it will be for sure mentioned in the next video!) Holding the “shift” and “project” buttons is how you clear something. To clear the whole sequence on a track, hold shift, project, and then press the “seq” button. To clear a single step on the step sequencer, hold “shift” and “project” and then press the step you want to clear.

[@OttosTheName]

@@BenCoeMusic you can also just delete all the snare hits for example by pressing shift, project and the pad that has the snare sound when in Note mode

[@BenCoeMusic]

@@OttosTheName Oh wow, i didn't know that, that's super useful! thanks!

[@TheBrainvision]

@@BenCoeMusic just saw this. Was the most important thing.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@OttosTheName Yes, two years later, and still a very useful tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@GirlfightClub]

FINALLY! Someone really making things SUPER SIMPLE for any noob. Thank you! So many tubers take for granted viewers know many of these terms or basics.

[@keithedwinsmith9416]

Loved the intro: 0:25 “maybe you don’t know much about music in general...maybe you’re a DJ?” 🤗🤗🤗

[@kevinwarsaw1793]

Roland needs to pay you. Indispensable for new owners of this amazing device. Thank you!

[@BenCoeMusic]

Haha I wish, glad it’s helpful!

[@hankh263]

Ben, you're an excellent instructor/tutor. I was an air traffic controller for 33 years, still there for 9/11, you have a great capability to teach. I'm 71, and learned so much from your tutorials. I'm still learning all my instruments, mostly keys, all Roland and Korg, have the TR8S, and the MC101, learning on both. Ancient rocker here. Keep up what you're doing. You'll go far. Hank

[@ndguardian]

Have to say, I am a fan of this. Extremely beginner friendly, but still fast paced enough to keep from getting bored. Don't know if you work in training or anything like that in your day job, but you do a good job of it! Look forward to seeing what else you create.

[@rdeleon039]

Ben it’s my pleasure. Thanks for the tutorial you the best. My greetings from Maryland.

[@jean-pauljimeno1317]

Bloody great tutorial mate. I’m planning on buying one for my son and this video makes complete sense to me. Cheers mate.

[@dDesirie]

Just ordered my MC 101. This video is exactly what I need rn. Keep up the good work man. Subscribed🙌

[@davechivers4034]

Really helpful. Keep up the good work. Really looking forward to a series of videos on the MC-101. Have subscribed and I hope you channel grows 😎

[@OscarMeza_asiapac]

Ben, I’m new to electronic music , taking my first steps. I’ve watched tons of video tutorials for different gear, and I can tell you that yours are the most enjoyable, instructional and easiest to follow. I hope I can find the all MC-101 tutorial videos that you have made. Well done and thank you!

[@damelos4039]

Well that was refreshing! It was simple and clear. You didn't go too fast and you made NO assumptions about previous knowledge. Wish more tuts were like this one! Looking forward to going through all your videos on the MC-101. Mine is on the way! :-)

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Hi Ben. Thanks for this series of videos. My MC101 should arrive next week. These tutorials are going to be really useful. Very clear and easy to follow. Look forward to watching the rest.

[@DavidBagshaw]

I just bought an MC-101, and this series of videos is perfect - I am learning just what I need to by following along.

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Great work. Well done. Thanks for doing this. Really helpful.

[@findiboy16]

Nice video man, helped me get through my first mini project, subscribed

[@jus10dillard]

Great informative simple video! Thanks!!!!

[@krazywabbit]

This was fantastic! I finally sat down and followed along. Learned so much. I need to learn how to delete a track or notes but will watch your remaining videos to see if I can find my answers. Really appreciate you showing how you set up your connections. Many creators don’t do that and it’s HUGE for newbies. Thank you very much!

[@timwoodside1111]

Thanks Ben. Really helpful. I'll be going through the whole series.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Hey wonderful person. Just got my MC-101 yesterday, and want to let you know, how much I appreciate the content you provide. Thanks for sharing, and best wishes for your continued success.

[@peoplemoverstation]

Great tutorial, Ben! Clear, calm and pedagogical! 👌

[@captainmauser4675]

Great work. The tutorial helped me immensely to familiarize myself with the device.

[@jello-tarzan]

Excellent approach, clear and no flashy bull. Very helpful, thanks!

[@leoncm100]

Hi Ben, I just want to say that this tutorial is so clear and helpful (I have subscribed and will watch the other MC-101 material). I recently bought a MC-101 and was completely lost and wondering if I'd made a wrong decision, however your tutorial helped me to understand how to use it and by the end I was creating a tune! Thank you!

[@djdezy]

Thanks so much for this tutorial it’s just what I needed to get me going as I was struggling with the basics as I’m a beginner even though I dj I couldn’t find a video that explained the basics easily can’t wait for more hope you can explain the clips function soon too looking forward too your next one thanks again

[@kazango775]

Well Done. Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@DavidBagshaw]

Good presentation, I appreciate the Table of Contents especially.

[@Rafix-drummer]

The explanation is very clear, well done 👍🏻👍🏻

[@crybabynightowl]

Fantastic getting started guide. I picked up one of these used, and am already in love with how simple it is. Thx for your tutorials--looking forward to going deep in the capabilities of this lil guy.

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thanks, glad you’re enjoying it!

[@ANTHONYBROWN-uw6lg]

Thank you for being an easy to understand teacher...💯

[@veryawful861]

Excellent tutorial! Very thorough. Thank you sir

[@IVLIVSCAMILLVS]

The best groovebox tutorial ever! I am new to electronic music making and finally a tutorial that actually explains things to a total newbie. You even answered my question about powering the MC-101 with the usb adapter. Thank you much!

[@BenCoeMusic]

Glad this is helpful! I really just want everyone to be able to get into this stuff. Welcome!

[@hendasheng]

This is great, I am very interested in this device, but don't know how to start, your tutorial helped me a lot, thank you very much.

[@aniela847]

This was intro video I needed to watch! I got my groovebox over. month ago however I was so intimidated until I watched this tutorial. Oh my goodness, thank you for breaking it down and for being such a great instructor. I just created my first project (thanks to you) and I subscribed so I can learn more!

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you! I’m glad it was so helpful. I can’t wait to hear what you make with it!

[@Tobes1100]

Nice thank you, now onto your next vid! 👍

[@eleanorhunt9738]

This is so helpful for complete beginners - thank you.

[@jasonmontgomery7464]

This was very helpful. Thanks!

[@Ryzz808]

Dropped on this tutorial after watching similar tutorials on KZbin. I like your style and thoroughness it works for me ! 10/10 from Blighty

[@amirmotlagh]

Bought a second one of these for a friend who wanted to get into music....thank you for saving both of us time and frustration as I wouldn't be able to be as patient, deliberate, and concise. You're a natural teacher.

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you! I really think the 101 can be a great first step into music, electronic or otherwise, the only reason I think it isn’t recognized that way is because so many initial reviews (and the manuals) don’t present it that way. I’m really glad the usefulness comes through in these lessons, I started making them so my dad could see it as a useful beginning device(he loves his now), and I’m glad others can get the same from it, good luck to you and your friend!

[@vannessagaines9166]

I just got my machine 2 weeks ago and was slow to try after watching people talk about menu diving. I love your style of teaching and I look forward to learning by watching your videos . You’re not trying to speed teach but keeping it fun. As for menu diving well, unless you learned to use a computer in the womb, we’ve all had to dive .

[@boogiedownbudapest]

Thank you for this great video! Very useful before i have my own!!

[@frodelunde3642]

Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed the tutorial.

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you! More on the way!

[@JumpmanJames]

Thanks for this lesson, it helped me get off the ground with my new mc 101. Cheers!

[@mickhell1]

Great tutorial even l can follow you Thanks for making it easy

[@dennisslater888]

Magic for an oldie.... much appreciated

[@monty077]

Hi, I just got an MC 101 and your videos are a dream come true :) Great teaching style, covering the core concepts with a positive and helpful approach... you were born to be a teacher!! Thanks so much...

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@chipfork71]

Thankyou. Very concise & informative.

[@josephmclaughlinii660]

I really appreciate your video, I just bought the 101 and honestly, if it wasn't for your tutorial I would have no idea how to work it. I plan on watching all of your videos on t he 101. Your voice is pleasant to list r n to, you dont ramble on about unimportant stuff. Its very straight forward so thanks man

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you like it, enjoy the new unit!

[@pmomalley]

Great video for newbies like me. Thanks for taking the time to put this together!

[@BenCoeMusic]

Glad it’s helpful!

[@Hanumansapprentice]

Dude this is perfect. Thank you so much.

[@rockgodd62]

Brilliant for an absolute beginner. Thank you

[@RamiTuppa]

Thanks for your effort in these videos very helpful

[@jordanbickett4062]

This was the biggest thing that helped me make that leap of faith and buy this thing. Thanks so much for these videos!

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you, glad they’re helpful! Hope the 101 brings you lots of joy!

[@konstantintsokos8202]

Great introduction Clip to rhr MC101. Much appreciated

[@Tiffers963Hz]

Thanks a million Ben. 😍

[@issmodissmo1485]

Very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@JohnMark61355]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@JackAcid]

Lovely and easy to follow. I use the Synthstrom Deluge, but I want a 101 too, and this tutorial was just what I needed. Nice work bud.

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thanks! The deluge is definitely a cool piece of gear. I imagine they could compliment each other well.

[@tr3sidential]

Thanks, my dude!👍🏿

[@whatsupchicken]

Dude, I like your style!

[@franciscoramoncleriguesrov7187]

Que buenoooo ahora tengo los subtítulos en español para poder entender la explicación, genial. Gracias por compartir experiencia y tu tiempo... suscrito

[@daviddao932]

Just got mine today and your video really helped 🐶

[@bikenpreusse]

Great work! Thanks! More, more,more. I have a MC-101. But the most tutorials in english But you Video is great. Super work. Wait of NEW Videos. .

[@jeffreyeden9751]

I have to tell you, I purchased this item last year and For me it was the most complicated Item I spent my money on. I had checked out many tutorials on it and they too were too complicated for me. I like simplicity and All those other videos explained things by assuming you already know what everything on the unit does. Ahh Dah if that was the case I wouldn't be watching the video now would I. Your Video however was absolutely the best so far. You took the time to explain everything in detail for someone who has never worked with one of these and I learned much just in the first 10 minutes more than I had in watching all those other peoples videos. Bravo and kudos to you :) Looking forward to your next one. Thanks again for being so informative. I am a musician myself and Create my own music with my many synths and wanted to use something like this to create my own beats, but when I got it I was dumbfounded on how to use it and pretty much almost gave up on it. But now with your help I believe I have a chance with it now. Thanks again !!

[@damelos4039]

Agree with this comment 100%. He's a great instructor. I like his style. Looking forward to more on the MC-101 and maybe the TR-6S?

[@Isaacthompson]

Great video for someone who doesn't have this. Thanks!

[@rayerdinc2441]

WOW! What a fantastic video, thank you. Looking to buy this but want to check if going to liek it. Used to have a Yamaha QY100, think this mught be the modern version to some degree. Subscribed and liked.

[@bigmanlizard7326]

amazing thankyou and then i see you have a full playlist for the 101! mine arrives next week hopefully and i have been reading the manual but that doesnt compare to seeing this video

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you and enjoy your 101!

[@vliegervijfvankeskenvvvk2525]

Thanks! Well done!

[@dwightbellisimo8668]

Mine didnt come with a power cable

[@dlinnoedlinnoe]

At first, your style of explanations seems a bit strange, but the more I watch your videos, the more I like them. You really made wonderful tutorials! Thank you very very much! ... And I'm getting my MC-101 tomorrow! :D

[@cyberdiscolondon7004]

We shall call you MR101 keep em comin!

[@williamtarango8379]

Dude! Love your tutorials, just picked up the MC101 and would be lost without your help.

[@garethgraham1750]

This was very helpful.

[@patricemichel3913]

Merci pour cette vidéo explicative. Tout est clair et très bien expliqué. Bravo ++++++++++++10/10+++++++++++++😊

[@wimwijn1]

Thx a lot for this, very usefull

[@bilkoprince4222]

Late to the party but great tutorial. Just subscribed 😜👍

[@agu__gonzalez]

Great video

[@dietervoser4425]

gut gemacht, Ben :-)

[@dirgelikeme7033]

You can also use a Power Bank for Power. Makes it portable w/o batteries.

[@mrblaxto]

Great tutorial! Would love to see another tutorial on the Novation Circuit Tracks.

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thanks! Unfortunately I don’t have a circuit tracks and probably won’t get one since the mc-101 suits my workflow much better. I might make some on the Roland mv-1 though.

[@jules.l2698]

Good video

[@muppetpaster]

The latest firmware makes this little machine a whole different beast...Pretty powerfull....

[@Redu3]

Damn, I really wish I could afford one of these. So minimalist, but looks so powerful

[@alchemistrpm82]

Fantastic introduction video. Do you do any instruction outside of YT, in the classroom etc? If not I think you’d be good at it. The song you made is perfect for teaching kids, lol. Just a simple C major tune. Really wholesome and well done

[@simonsmith2642]

I just want to say thank you. My wife is a total noob. After 30yrs with a musician she decides she can try the 101 so I got her one (and a 707 for later shhhhhh) 😂 anyway your videos are in plain simple language and exactly what she needed to get going. The geeky stuff she will pick up with time and practice. She needed this. Good job! Thank you you help my wife, now she is able to spend time with me making music. Thank you!

[@BenCoeMusic]

Glad to help, sounds like good steps for both of you!

[@RosssRoyce]

Nice presentation! No one talks about sequencer characteristics.

[@jaxager]

Your tutorials are kick ass. I tried doing Gabe Miller's tutorials but he kinda seems to go off track and starts talking about things that are a bit more advanced and mixing it in with beginner stuff. You stay focused and build up from the basics without getting distracted. Thanks for sharing.

[@craiggallagher7292]

I think I asked you this on another video, but I figured I would give it a try here. I figure you are much too busy, but would you consider a one-off virtual training session. I think that might even be more that I need, but it would help me so much. Thanks!

[@bennos9604]

Thanks!

[@andreaskahnert9753]

Hello Ben, das ist ein gutes beginner Tutorial für Anfänger. Ich denke das dies auch für die Große Groovebox 707 gilt. Nur halt mit 8 Tracks.

[@treveenos]

Thank you

[@TONYBCONSCIOUS]

THANK YOU.... I WANT TO MASTER this drum machine !!!🎶🎵😇

[@channelz3363]

I get you and this is more than a drum machine too - I just bought this to replace a Roland drum machine so I can put together songs in one place. The synth engine side in this is very good too and with samples added you’ve got all you need! Good luck with yours.

[@vaaksvakuums]

Really easy n cool tutorial! Good job mate. I already had Korg Electribe (awesome sequencer), now i have Roland 404 (pain in ass as sequencer ) now for lives i'm using Roland Aira T-8 as beat n bass and Roland Aira S-1. cool combo, but..i can't decide should i upgrade T-8 to this Mc 101, i watched your video and understood it's really easy cool device.

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thanks! I think the benefit of the T-8 there is how quick and nice it is to pair with the s-1, and the battery power! I think the mc-101 in the same role definitely offers more flexibility for sample based drums and sound design in the bass. Plus you’d get an extra couple tracks for chords or something. Lately I’ve been using the 101 with the aira e-4 and I really do like the aira compact form factor.

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

Good voice and you have big potential on youtube !! i hope you are sticking at it .. ,,, great video ! ps... The video quality here in Germany is very grainy maybe you did this on an older type mobile phone ?ß .. if upgrade all you should get a major boost in subs ... Most other youtubers explaining hardware do it in a too complicated way and also too fast .. i am sure your video helped quite a lot of people who have no idea. Ben the more i watch the video the more i think this is the best video up till now i have found about being taught how to use a Mc101 this is the way to do it so simple and fluent buddy really great job ...... can i connect the MC101 to a midi keyboard especially and use the sounds of the mc101 via the midi keyboard and use the keyboard to programe the tone track ? and can i record everything i do on the Mc 101 into a software DAW ?

[@grizpalella7007]

thankyou!!

[@ahmedrashed78]

Great tutorial

[@BenCoeMusic]

Thank you!

[@ahmedrashed78]

@@BenCoeMusic please get the mc707 and do a similar review 😁

[@sullycliftona]

The most honest answer to why or why not to buy one ☝️..

[@dovepaige]

I'm looking forward to the next video I have been using the MC 101 for a little while now but as we all know the manual has much to be desired for, and the more I comb KZbin the more features I find that are not talked about in the very anemic owner's manual... I have managed to do some very interestingsongs with it when I am largely figuring it out as I go, if you look at my channel you'll see some of what I have done with but it was not until seeing this video that I learned how to save anything I've done on the MC 101

[@aniela847]

Me too, I had no clue how to save anything I had made until this video!

[@duxthemonster]

For some reason Roland decided that the manual was worthless... What you need to download is the Reference Manual that has all the info.

[@dovepaige]

@@duxthemonster the only thing that I have ever seen on the Roland website, when I downloaded it, it was the same quick start manual it is shipped with, is there something better elsewhere?

[@duxthemonster]

@@dovepaige Roland website, Support, User Manuals, MC-101. Towards the bottom of the list is the reference manual. www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/mc-101/owners_manuals/

[@dovepaige]

@@duxthemonster thanks, I have it saved on my phone and am researching how to convert a pdf to print it out double sided, this has MUCH more info than the little 18 page quick start manual

[@elsantoproductora]

Hi Ben, I love the channel! Do you know if there's a way to save your patches? I'm saving projects with 4 presets inside but it is very impractical. Thanks for the videos my friend

[@Garethlovell]

Hello Ben, thank you for your videos! Would you know if it is possible to layer two sounds from.the presets to one button for live live play. For instance a kick drum and a bass note to one button. A snare and bass note to another etc... sorry, im a novice here!! any help much appreciated ☺️