Roland MC-707: First Day, Jams, & Initial Review

I unbox, demo, and make jams and custom sounds with the Roland MC-707. Thanks so much to Roland for sending it over!
Subscribe for more electronic music!
Get my $5 sample pack: gumroad.com/l/gabeoneshots
Get my $3.50 MicroFreak patch pack: gum.co/GabeMicroFreak
Get 7% off your first year of DistroKid: distrokid.com/vip/gabe
My current favorite music production gear:
Novation Circuit: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Korg Electribe 2: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Roland MC-101: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Model:Cycles: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Arturia MicroFreak: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
ATH M40 headphones: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Note that some of the above links are affiliate links, which give me a commission (at NO extra cost to you!) if you use them to buy something.
Social media:
Twitter: Twitter.com/GabeMillerMusic
Website: GabeMillerMusic.com
Instagram: GabeMillerMusic
Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/GabeMillerMusic1
Facebook: Facebook.com/GabeMillerMusic

[@brodylowe644]

Yay! I love my 707, glad to see someone i'm subscribed to potentially doing more videos on this captain of a groovebox.

[@user-sx2iw2hq3l]

Hello from Tallinn 🇪🇪 I haven't considered yet, what A serious groovebox to buy first? I want Elektron A4, Digitone keys or Roland mc707 or 101? Is this your first machine and what is your opinion about mc707. Thank you so much 🙏✋

[@iceuul674]

@@user-sx2iw2hq3l Hello from Tallinn also, go check out Progear, they have MC101, Verselab and Novation Circuit Tracks on shop. You can try them out there, personally i think for beginner Circuit Tracks is better choice.

[@s-CRY-ed]

Yes! I can’t wait to see you get down with this box.

[@erickuentz1388]

YAY! I've been waiting for this one.

[@chrisronan]

Nice video. Really like what I’m seeing in the 707. Hope to see more on this from you!

[@stefrance2]

straight to the point as usual. Great stuff !

[@floyd3068]

Yes...finally a mc-707 video from you. Hopefully many more will follow!

[@Jerewalch]

Yeaaah you finally got it! You’ll love it I’m sure

[@caeruscarriers7628]

Congratulations!

[@nerfytheclown]

Congrats on the awesome new rig. You do good things with the boxes. Was actually thinking on making this my DAWless setup and was looking based on the 707...didn't realize I hadn't seen this vid. Cheers.

[@toffchunks]

top as usual congrats!!!

[@A_Force_Truly_Evil]

It looks really nice and it sounds great.

[@damelos4039]

Gabe, you do some great videos but one suggestion. You start off by making "custom" sounds or other customized content before spending significant time showing what comes out of the factory. Can you do a workflow video on new gear and include what comes straight from the box? I ask that for those of us who would like to "follow along" with the workflow and start getting up to speed. Not everyone has the experience that you do so what may seem boring or too small a step for you might be just the baby step some of the rest of us need. Just a suggestion, like I said. Keep up the good work. Just bought your sample pack to load into the Circuit Rhythm.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

It will probably depend on what I'm trying to get out of a specific device, but I'll definitely keep that in mind!

[@fleximarvellous]

Finally, I’ve been waiting for you to make videos about this MC-707. I have traded my 101 in for this monster and to me it’s the best Price/Quality Groovebox you can buy. Don’t forget to buy a Ripcord from Myvolt to power up the machine with a Powerbank on the go.

[@chaocrator]

wow! congrats. it's my favorite groovebox ever.

[@HotStrange]

I agree that it’s a bit overkill, but that’s why I like it. It’s like taking an entire studio and putting it in a box. Every time I turn mine on I just get completely lost in its world, and love that about it.

[@jantohoffmann9604]

This was my 2nd Hardware the First was the tr6s wich was really cool but i wanted more and now my Friends and i are jammin all day whith the 707

[@samanderson806]

I have awaited this day.

[@surfingjojo7177]

I got my mc707 since 1 year and i absolutly love it. was my first hardware synth/groovebox. I'm using it with my big 88keys Piano und my PC for live audio effects per individuall channel. The multitrack audio via USB is so cool! The only thing i miss is an external controller for physical controll for the synth engine.

[@caktalfraktal]

I love mine. It's the brain of my synth set-up (a dream midi sequencer), not to mention it's great built in synths.

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Love the Roland stuff. Maybe one day I’ll add this one to my Mx-1 tr-8 system 1 setup.

[@joelnicholson]

The 707 is a beast. Lovely noises, real creative depth, great arrangement capability, and super MIDI integration. I think the workflow is very smooth, and I have also found it very useful as the brain to my hardware stuff. I use its 4 inputs across 4 channels for the Polyend Tracker, the Dreadbox Typhon, the AFX Station, and then either the Waldorf Blofeld or my BlackBox1010. And then I still have 4 tracks for more drums, loops, or Zencore synths. Finally, it can all shoot easily into Ableton when I'm ready to upload and do some final effects and mastering. I think it's a wonderful piece of kit, well worth the price for what you can do with it!

[@m-stat9]

I plan to get one too, I already have a Roland DJ-808 which basically has an integrated Mini-TRS, VT and Aira-Link support. So I could add the MC for some live fun, but also the other way round to create my first tracks. I am happy to ready the integration/export to Ableton is smooth, as its handy to have a Software DAW for mastering!

[@MichaelMassimino]

I just sold a boatload of gear to get an MC-707, can't wait to get it in the studio

[@AndyChannelle]

I bought one of these as soon as I saw it. Perfect complement for the Novation SL Mk3, which can sequence and provides a lot more control over all 8 channels from one place.

[@hendanine]

Finally dude. I've been looking forward to seeing you get this at some point. I hope you get an Akai Force someday too, seems like it would be something you'd dig.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

The Force is on the list of stuff to try, I'll probably get around to it one of these days...

[@lukeculberson]

Looking forward to more MC-707 vids

[@8superben]

You finally got a 707!!

[@hovermotion]

I was so close to buying a 707 but went for a Deluge instead..both are stunning machines...

[@HotStrange]

I got my 707 about 3 weeks ago. It’s a really great machine. Sounds good, extremely deep, especially for a groovebox, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s only downfall is the menu diving and button combinations. But I’m getting used to them. Also, I was too surprised at just how big it is.

[@Daphoid]

As a recent TR-8S owner, the shift and menu diving is Roland's thing. I swear its from their 1990's days. I will say once you're settled, the performance stuff isn't that deep away, and the muscle memory builds pretty quickly.

[@Daphoid]

Loving the jams at the end Gabe! Would you take this over a Tracks (despite how nice the improvements are), or something like a deluge / digitakt? I know you love your minimalist setups so I suspect the "have them all!" mentality wouldn't be a factor here.

[@postpunkkid1]

Can you program tempo changes within your projects?

[@JustinUrban1]

I had 2 and sold them because of money problems, but man do I miss them. The Zenology synth engine is so wonderful and I would love to buy one again to sit alongside my Deluge as a pure multi synth machine.

[@HotStrange]

Hate to hear you had to get rid of them. Hope you can get at least one again soon. It’s a great machine.

[@chrisronan]

Could not sleep last night with the new 707. Just. Wow. So I have to ask you - what does this group think of what Roland did with allowing you to connect an iPad to the verse lab? So far I’m barely grasping zen core. But do you think it’s a possible Roland Will let us do the same with the 707? Also - from what I learned last night, what I understand about zen core so far is apparent in the vast depth of the 707. Does anyone have a recommendation for someone like me to get a primer on what zen core is really all about?

[@sr7bbird]

besides the native instrument maschine mk 3 relying on a p.c. which one do you think is more powerful, faster (as in work flow)?

[@aaronblodgett2825]

Hi Gabe, I am thinking about purchasing the MC 707. I am wondering if you are able to give a quick tutorial of how you got the sounds out of it that you played at the end of the video. Or maybe you could just reply here. Thank you so much!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Funny you mention that, I've got a video on the way in a few weeks showing my process for synthwave sound design on the MC-707. Stay tuned!

[@michelescotti44]

Hi guys! I alrready have a Circuit Tracks, do you think the Roland MC 707 can be a great improvement? For many aspects i love the Tracks (in primis portability and immediate feedback in Ableton style) but on the same time I think it's quite limited with its 2 synth tracks with the same engine and I don't like so much the sounds (in particular there are no acoustic instruments) and the way you can control them (several times I rotate the knobs randomly to adjust it with no idea of what I'm exactly doing)

[@andreash3906]

Considering you also own an Electribe 2 synth, which do you prefer in a live performance environment, the Mc707 or the Electribe? I am planning on getting an Electribe, I like that it has limited menu diving and what looks like a really hands on and immediate workflow in live situations. (Considering I am a beginner synth enthousiast) I feel that the Mc707 is more of a portable workstation and studio beast, rather than a on the spot live performer, am I right?

[@mattzr1550]

Both circuits together?

[@simonc8265]

Looks a lot of fun.... if it uses the same sound engine as versalab, is there a enough of a difference to warrant buying this / mc101. What would they add...looks more geared toward performance than recording?

[@HotStrange]

You can access the full synth engine. Idk enough about the MV-1 to go any further, but both seem to have their place. If you want to make fully polished songs, the verselab seems much better.

[@6ix611]

im feeling overwhelmed trying to find a box to have some fun with.. Im currently using the Model Cycles. im not loving the buttons & pads on the Cycles, it tends to just sit and stare at me :( im thinking maybe the Syntakt would be more fun to learn & use but then seeing this video im lost on which road to take. Elektron or Roland is where im stuck at

[@jefdamen2977]

2:15 Set the volume in the clips, the faders are for playing your jam.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yep, that's what I do. It makes the faders feel a little extra/superfluous, but they can be fun.

[@keeganmccarthy8574]

Can you load audio stems into it to cue at will in a live performance?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

You can do that with looper tracks, although the MC-707 seems like overkill for that

[@keeganmccarthy8574]

@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks so much. Do you know how much audio it can hold? Can you load audio from a USB? I would also be using it as a sound module, groovebox and DAW controller. :)

[@Nik.leonard]

Waiting for the inevitable Akai MPC One review, my only question is, why Roland didn't add a "Advanced edit" in the MC-101 and MV-1?. I know it will be "Menu diving hell" but I'm worried on the prospect that Zenology pro is the only way to edit the synth engine in the MC-101/MV-1. I'm hoping for the rumored 2.0 anniversary update to add full MIDI access to the synth engine (like the new Jupiter's) so at least we can have an external editor.

[@Wulfcry]

Wow 2.0 really that would be awesome I've bought the MC101 for zencore .

[@GabeMillerMusic]

The plugin is definitely the most intuitive way to edit the synth parameters, unless you get one of the standalone synths that also runs on Zencore. Menu diving hell (or just purgatory, depending on your patience for it) just seems to be par for the course with Roland.

[@chrisronan]

Now that (thanks to you guys) I bought my 707 yesterday, I’m just now trying to get my head around zen core. Looking at rolands website it’s a bit confusing.

[@samprock]

Now, with track chaining, I'd pick 707 over MV-1. Maybe. I guess it still cannot be powered by a mobile USB battery pack like MV-1? I guess they can improve MV-1 to loop over a chain of song sections as well (or at least whole song). Strangely, I was not able to make external USB keys with the MV-1 (only Midi), incl connecting it all thru usb hub and iPad. Maschine+ and Force have simple usb in for external. Real cool jammn at the end Gabe!

[@m-stat9]

The DC-In is 6V (actually 5.7V) but what I cant find out how much Amp or Watt the 707 needs. If its

[@krakapoww]

Rachel collier has a battery for hers, look on her channel

[@TheOriginalEUrban]

Have you tried connecting ALL of your boxes? That's a video I would love to see.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

It's actually been on the ideas list for a while, but it would be a LOT to put together so I haven't tried it yet. Maybe I'll do it as a celebration when I hit 50k subscribers.

[@luismp8548]

the big boy

[@mglohmeyer]

Always used an iPad for mobile music. There are some really good groove boxes and music machines there (Grooverider GR-16, AUM based setups, Drambo, Beatmaker 3, etc.). Then I bought a Circiut (original) and loved it right away for its immediate and easy access. Physical knobs do help a lot, but at least the iPad is multi-touch and tactile. Using just a DAW on PC/Mac for grooving isn't as good unless you use MIDI controllers which I also use (Launchpad, MIDI sliders, and knobs, keyboards). I am now buying an MC-707 and TR-8S which also offer immediate and easy access. All of these platforms have pros and cons and I wouldn't be happy with only one of them. Gabe, glad to see you expanding out into some of the bigger "boxes" even if they aren't so mobile. Thanks for the videos.

[@HotStrange]

I would still keep the iPad around. My entire setup right now is an OP-1, 707, and my iPad. It’s the perfect complement when you have lots of synth apps you can sample. It’s especially fun sampling modular sounds into the 707.

[@mglohmeyer]

@@HotStrange Yes, no intent to get rid of the iPad. There is just too much amazing music stuff on my iPad to ignore it.

[@LucidMusicIncRecordings]

congrats. remember to update to 1.72

[@geekindakitchen]

Bigger than the MV1? - Do you think Roland is FINISHED with the MV1? We've seen the unit drop in the last 3 months over 500 bucks in australia or is it just done in Australia? Great video dude as always Gabe keep up the work!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I don't think Roland is done with it, they did recently have me do that sponsored video about the Zenbeats integration. But it does seem to have gotten a pretty mixed reception.

[@sinewaymusic]

@@GabeMillerMusic That one seems so narrowly targeted towards some kind of groovebox-gravitating singer/rapper kind of persona. I suspect that most bedroom producers kind of hate hearing their own voice. 😂

[@geekindakitchen]

@@GabeMillerMusic yeah I am just worried as I was advised today that on AUSTRALIA it’s been discontinued and enjoying life as a legacy product though so that’s confusing is the Mc707 actually bigger than MV1?

[@petercastle4381]

@@geekindakitchen Verselab needs a special edition with larger screen.

[@petercastle4381]

@@sinewaymusic tracks can be used for instrument. It a great idea and with Akai 10.2 response to The Verselab is only begiinning to fire Akai never responded any other Groovebox launch but the Verselab it ticks so many boxes. If you are use to Roland Xp and Digital recorders screen does not stop you. Roland have Verselab in the Bunker because the next update and models will shake Akai cores.

[@legibby]

Dude you’re gonna freak when you try the synthstrom deluge

[@Radio_Activity]

@@GanjaBabyy I don't think he has a Deluge. I don't remember him reviewing one.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah I haven't had the chance to use a Deluge yet. I'll get around to it one of these days!

[@chrisronan]

Do you guys like the deluge better than the 707?

[@ndguardian]

@@chrisronan I like the MC707 better for the sounds and effects, and the Deluge better for sequencing and portability.

[@chrisronan]

@@ndguardian gotcha. I have a deluge now. But also lots of little boutiques. I do really like and feel comfortable with the Roland workflow. Need the 707 like another hole in the head but I may give it a go!

[@AppAxis]

Let me know if it does SideChain. #MC707 #Dawless #GabeMillerMusic #Roland #Sidechain

[@HotStrange]

Lol why the hashtags?

[@AppAxis]

@@HotStrange for youtube It serves as an addition way to find things, more importantly though, People are more likely to respond to questions, or so I have noticed.

[@JeffHendricks]

Moved up to the big one, huh? It was bound to happen eventually... :)

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm still holding onto the 101 though! Both compliment each other nicely.

[@DjangoFlaherty]

Call me fussy, but I don't think stereo samples (in the case of the Circuit and Digitakt) and sidechaining (707) should be too much to ask for in 2021.

[@moralrevulsion_live]

Bit hifi for my ears but is an awesome machine for live if learned well

[@Eric-qi9us]

clicked sooo fast

[@Weareroses]

You’re making it real hard to decide between the 707, the 101 and the circuit tracks… 😂

[@HotStrange]

I would say the 707 no contest. Unless you buy the 101 and wait for the Circuit Rhythm and get them both.

[@sinewaymusic]

Roland Marketing 101 - how to upsell to an overkill device: get their small groovebox influencers to upgrade. 😂 Seems like it's a bit of a misfit though, since you (Gabe) especially appreciate and look for portability in your grooveboxes. To me, at this size, I'd start to wonder why I'm not just working in the DAW instead, which will give better results much faster. There's definitely something to be said about hardware and its unique workflow (and I Iove my Digitone for it), but this just seems a bit too much like a DAW in a box for my taste.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I definitely appreciate small, portable stuff, and that probably won't ever change, but since Roland sent it, of course I'm going to find ways to use it. Imo it's not really more convoluted than the MC-101, it's a cross between a groovebox and a menu-divey polysynth. It's _definitely_ overkill, but I don't think it overdoes its DAW-in-a-box-ness.

[@HotStrange]

You answered your own question. It’s about the workflow and having hardware. Some people will always prefer that to a DAW and having used many DAWs and being a current owner of the 707, it’s no where close to the same thing.

[@sinewaymusic]

@@HotStrange Yeah, I realized that. :) It does look like a great machine, though to me it seems a bit too DAW-like for being worth that kind of premium. I'm personally looking for hardware that gives me something that I couldn't easily create in a DAW - be it a unique workflow, a unique sound, or a massive source of inspiration. Although I haven't tried the MC-707, it looks like a pretty linear sequencer with a nice synth engine, but nothing that would make me do things I couldn't just do in a DAW. Contrast that with the Digitone, for example: it has a really deep and unique FM synth engine, it somehow blurs the line between a sequencer and a synth, so I end up making very different kind of music that I wouldn't even begin to approach in a DAW. Perhaps it's a similar thing with the 707, I just have a hard time seeing how it brings something new to the table. To me, it's closer to the Akai MPC Live/One category, in other words, a DAW in a box kind of device. But I'm sure it's fun to work with in the end.

[@Daphoid]

I'm not a DAWless guy by any means (hybrid) - but I will say working in a daw is boring (to me). It's just like using a computer, which is what I do all day for work (and I'm an IT guy). I don't hate it, but while its super functional and I get lots done, and when I learn something new thats awesome. But a keyboard/mouse isn't anywhere as exciting as a physical fader/knob/dial/button/patch cable in my opinion.

[@fluim0102]

If only this thing would be build something like a Digitakt or a Tempest.. That cheap plastic is so offputting

[@davidbradley212]

The mc808 is way better and less synthetic for my opinion ....

[@LousyFacelift]

MC-808 is more of a hybrid controller type concept, not completely standalone. Motorized faders are pretty cool though...