Roland MC-303 Groovebox Tutorial

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future videos please comment below.
OUR COMMONLY USED GEAR:
SYNTHS
Roland MC-303 - amzn.to/2XtyPU7
Microkorg - amzn.to/2WXfsDr
Microbrute - amzn.to/2IzvI4w
Minibrute - amzn.to/2IxwUWd
Roland TR8 - amzn.to/2IADsn0
Novation Circuit Groove Box - amzn.to/2IBllxn
Electribe - amzn.to/2Fq6V0W
Roland SP-404SX - amzn.to/2N4noOB
Alesis SamplePad Pro - amzn.to/2N3sbzX
Omnichord - amzn.to/2IzQWiP
CONTROLLERS
LaunchPad - amzn.to/2WW5yls
Akai LPD8 - amzn.to/2XpYHjL
EFFECTS/PEDALS
Cathedral Reverb - amzn.to/2IzSPvR
Boss DD-3 Delay - amzn.to/2RqPIJu
Korg KP3 - amzn.to/2N3rF4Z
SOFTWARE
Ableton Live - amzn.to/2Fsygj5
SOUND RECORDERS
Zoom H6 - amzn.to/2La1HKu
MIDI
Midi Solutions - amzn.to/2N8alMa

[@DJ_TideWave]

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

[@VashiNedomansky]

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

[@andydunnock8114]

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

[@finesserecordingsukjay3522]

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

[@sloppyzowe]

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

[@sonnyhancock]

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

[@thematteblack6606]

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

[@PatrickDiAngelo]

True..!!

[@dazdavison1]

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

[@humphreybarclay4983]

I had one and it was utterly baffling.

[@shlamhabor]

🤲🏽🤲🏽

[@flimbosquest]

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

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

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

[@larsrottger2381]

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

[@cmhhtdvideos]

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

[@nexuzeb79]

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

[@dwell861]

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

[@Cloroqx]

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

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

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

[@AbelOkugawa]

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

[@cosmogang]

I chuckle every time I hear the demo.

[@AusiGee]

Clear, concise and to the point great tutorial!

[@billyrigney4455]

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

[@olivierdemeyere4021]

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

[@alexjaybrady]

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

[@themanuelxperience]

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

[@nortagnan2135]

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

[@BluePlanetMedia]

Amazing tutorial, very well put together!

[@CaidicusProductions]

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

[@chrissearle23]

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

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

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

[@bigupz6818]

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

[@dedytron]

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

[@nexuzeb79]

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

[@hihan196]

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

[@pekerhed101]

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

[@EveRbLssD]

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

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

You're welcome :)

[@cunnyfunt30]

Excellent tutorial, thanks for explaining, especially the midi function its all new to me and this really helped

[@benjiwill]

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

[@miglrodri]

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

[@maxwarfield6699]

Super well thought out tutorial - most helpful. Kudos!

[@geocache66today]

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

[@marcoabyss]

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

[@jasonthomas2252]

Love the 303. Great Tutorial

[@LousyFacelift]

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

[@jarkokoo]

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

[@Suitmyselff]

Been looking for a relevant tute for ages thanks best one

[@Nicarrr]

very useful tutorial - thank you!

[@peterwendt604]

very well explained. brilliant!

[@MeAlexSenna]

Such a great demo. Really nice editing. Thanks

[@psychedfreaks6966]

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

[@drstupid1]

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

[@thelifeproductions1]

This is a great tutorial for the 303!

[@Vampier]

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

[@titiland24]

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

[@russelmurray9268]

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

[@krakapoww]

nice one, make me wanna dive back into it

[@oni_ricat]

Thanks for this great tutorial :)

[@setphaser]

beautifully done!

[@kamdresta5160]

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

[@PhoenixGuitars]

Best vid out there still! Thanks!

[@pevanl]

Wat een goede uitleg gewoon rustig en niet schreewen TOP

[@stripemusic]

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

[@stripemusic]

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

[@Dork2099]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@official_ypc]

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

[@808quake]

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

[@Zeal808]

Thank you 😊!! Gonna get a mc303

[@scowlsmcjowls2626]

Thanks for demystifying this machine with a propper tutorial

[@jp8ksynth]

Great tutorial. I'd love to see more.

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

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

[@pepuletrz]

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

[@rodrigocunazza]

LIFESAVER Tutorial!

[@jimmihoppa]

Start up tunz banging lad! 🤙🏻

[@poulgadving7628]

Great thanks. Would love more!

[@lincboyack5778]

this was so helpful thank you

[@dannymack9636]

Great tutorial mate thanks

[@dizzydays]

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

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

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

[@theprogrammerrolandmc3039]

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

[@AnonymousAnimal1]

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

[@nikogeselle3097]

Thanks for the video, this is AWESOME!

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

Thank you very much, glad you liked it!

[@nikogeselle3097]

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

[@donaldlykins4548]

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

[@chugnuts870]

Great tutorial.. I’m gonna plug my 303 up to my jv1010 via midi and record the arpeggios into my ciat Lombard cocoquantus 2

[@section23]

Boom! Such a classic

[@NordiusOfficial]

I like the default pattern sounds very 90s trance. I need this.

[@agnosturaelwsr]

Nice, very informative!

[@timsaddler6402]

Very good video - thanks

[@PixieBrunerPoet]

Thank you!!!! Please do more!!!

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

Will do! Is there anything you were particularly curious about that we could help with?

[@MegaWokkel]

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

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

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

[@MegaWokkel]

Anonymous Animal 2 Thanx ...looking forward

[@helloworld9034]

excelente I have one of those good will work on it good advices.

[@dirtytourist777]

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

[@br41n2longhill5]

Great usefull video!

[@iRelevant.47.system.boycott]

Nice video. Very Helpful.

[@Emontop1]

Thank you for useful tutorial. Feel like join the special course. 😀👍👍👍👍👍

[@FilipFerferiev]

great tutorial

[@jmcbeady8210]

Very good tutorial 👍.

[@gonzanehuen_]

muchas gracias, desde Argentina!

[@alletzucker]

cool sounds.

[@numptyniall]

Hi, I just picked up one of these and this tutorial has been a big help, so thanks! I'm getting to grips with it more now but I still get the blank bar after creating a drum pattern if its more than 1 bar, how do you get a drum loop to be more than 1 bar so you have differing melodics etc? I though you may do this in the scale bit but I can't figure it out, cheers!

[@justinianherzog4861]

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

[@AnonymousAnimal2]

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

[@elvissanchez8985]

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

[@ifeelill4290]

liking this tutorial but im having trouble when recording the drum beat. when i've chosen which drum kit i want to use and gone through everything up til step record mode it the drum sounds are always bongo style sounds?? any idea whats going on here?

[@franciscasalema235]

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

[@knarkkalas6357]

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

[@mihaimalaescuofficial]

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

[@SozVenoxz]

Hey! At first, really nice Tutorial :) I have one Question: I have problems with my MC303, I cant change the Octave Page :/

[@clubjumping]

can you quantize the internal sequencer to correct any mis timed notes in a pattern?

[@OceanTemple]

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