Roland MC-707 Tutorial - Your First Project

Hey everyone! Here is a video to help you get started on your first project on the MC-707. We start from a new Project and create the 3 main track types, and learn a bit about each one and how to sequence it. Make sure you are on firmware 1.30 or higher to access all the features in the video. Find the link to the 1.30 update here...
www.roland.com/us/support/by_...
This tutorial is aimed at new users who might be unfamiliar with Roland Grooveboxes. I highly recommend having your MC-707 in front of you and to follow along. Thanks for watching!

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

The only tutorials on the 707 that matter.

[@UnitE808]

Thank you! Much love.

[@Quais32]

Thank you so much for making this. This thing is a bit esoteric at first but is starting to open up.

[@UnitE808]

My pleasure! Check out Roland Cloud Academy to sign up for free, live classes on the 707

[@Quais32]

@@UnitE808 wonderful, I just signed up!

[@cobigurievsky1768]

I would like to thank you for this amazing professional video, I just got a new MC-707 and this is the best one online!!! Grateful!!!

[@tambian9130]

Hands down the best beginner tutorial compared to the rest on here and way better than Rolands channel too. Instant subscriber. Thank you so much for your time and effort for helping us beginners 👏👏👏❤👏👏👏

[@UnitE808]

Makes me happy to help! Enjoy!

[@jefferywatson1]

This is so incredibly helpful!!!!

[@jamieross9924]

Wow, what a well thought out tutorial. Thanks so much.

[@markhall3323]

Very well made and useful info thank you

[@adidai]

Awesome introductory video!! Thank you

[@philipTOMPSETT]

Superb! thank you. Mine arrived this morning and I was totally lost. I'm looking forward to the rest of your videos now. Thanks again.

[@84homey]

Thank you. I am in my 50s and returning to music making after well over a decade away - maybe two - and I have both forgotten much of what I used to know and of course not kept up with changes and trends, so aside from basic fundamental musical principles the above makes me a complete starter in so many ways. Your video here helped me to select the MC-707 in the first place, and as is now helping me over Christmas to write my first tune on it - thank you!

[@UnitE808]

Awesome! Welcome back. If you have any questions, email me at groovelogic.unit.e @gmail.com I also offer 1 on 1 lessons, starting from the very beginning. Let me know if you're interested.

[@pablo65315]

How’d the first year go?

[@84homey]

@@pablo65315 Thanks for taking the trouble to ask. My health went downhill and I ran right out of energy - I mean I was just SOOOO tired I couldn't do anything in the evenings except go straight to bed, up until say a couple of months ago. But now I'm back, feeling great, focusing on guitar again (bought myself a new acoustic AND a new semi) and I'm really, really enjoying myself making music, perhaps as much as I ever did as a teenager. I think I'm going to need some outside help though when it comes to using all the tech!

[@pablo65315]

@@84homey sorry to hear the health was bad Rick, glad to hear it sounds like it's starting to get better though. I just bought one of those MC707s on eBay last night and after watching a few vids, I think it should be straightforward enough to learn the workflow. If you need any help drop me a message if I can help then id be glad to.

[@84homey]

@@pablo65315 Kindness from a stranger is kindness indeed. I really appreciate that offer Pablo thank you!

[@MiCtiSilen]

Thank you so much, too ! Your tutorials are so welcome, very nice video. GOOD LUCK & many new ideas and I am looking forward to your new videos.

[@trusto1016]

I watched this like 3 times! Nice and methodical teachings bruh!👍🤓

[@adamasaro777]

Keep em coming.ive watched previous vids many times.a big help they have been

[@UnitE808]

More to come!

[@jamescarver6275]

Thank you for taking time to create such a great tutorial.

[@UnitE808]

Thank you for watching! I have a second part coming, stay tuned!

[@LeonTrimble]

This is so fricking good to get started.

[@stephenalcaide1778]

You are special man! Thank you for taking the time to make this series! Huge step forward for me and my 707!!!

[@UnitE808]

Awesome! Next one is coming soon! Thank you for the kind words!

[@yokelectronic]

Simply the best tutorial channel on KZbin... I've just bought the 707 so this will be useful for me. I used this channel for getting to know my TR8-S. Thank you for your guidance 😉

[@vincentfinch9522]

Great tutorial ,Clear and concise. Much appreciated.

[@UnitE808]

My pleasure! More videos coming.

[@agustinbernal2760]

Thank you very much for this tutorial, the best about the 707 I’ve watched, it has helped me tremendously! Cheers from Mexico City!

[@drKrollspell]

You are so kind and generous !! Thanx :D

[@UnitE808]

My pleasure!

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Always look forward to your videos! Thanks for sharing the knowledge. 👍🏾🇬🇧

[@trevormalcolm4328]

P.S. I’d love to get your take on the sampling capabilities of the 707🙏🏽

[@UnitE808]

My pleasure!

[@UnitE808]

I like what it does. It is a bit limited, but I don't use it for too much sampling, so it doesn't bother me. If you are into heavy sampling of loops and breaks, this is not the machine for the job.

[@billykatsoulakis8258]

Thank you . Very helpful and time saving.

[@UnitE808]

I'm happy to be of service! Enjoy your 707!

[@markbelcher1777]

Very nice tutorial, love your pace, Thank You

[@UnitE808]

You’re welcome 😊

[@oldietolfree1632]

great video,really helpful,thanks :)

[@edla280]

amazing tutorial thank you

[@basscliff55]

Thank you so very much for your instructional video,, it’s a great help..

[@ChandroJi]

Thanks a lot for your great Video! It was very helpful to get a good start in the 707. 👍 You have a new subscriber! 😊

[@UnitE808]

Thank you for the support! I have more coming on this series.

[@lucasversini2388]

Thanks for these tutos It's dope Thks very mutch

[@UnitE808]

Glad you like them!

[@whoizdjtopcatanywae_9-9]

MUCH APPRECIATED!

[@paulbarton6659]

Excellent tutorial - Roland should really be paying you for the tutorials you are creating 👍

[@just_pierre9730]

Thank you so much! Your tutorials are so welcome.

[@UnitE808]

Happy to help!

[@oddioj1350]

Thank you for such a great straight forward tutorial!! I just got my 707 one day ago, this tutorial is invaluable to get me going quickly! You got a new subscriber! Thanks.

[@UnitE808]

Awesome! I have a couple more coming in this series.

[@oddioj1350]

@@UnitE808 looking forward to them! 🙌

[@wimschuiten8820]

Bedankt hiervoor. Super. heel leerzaam voor een beginner zoals ik.

[@solaryzer]

Great tutorial , well done :-)

[@UnitE808]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@luisalmeida2866]

Very good!!! Thanks ;)

[@killzekat]

Thank you! Instant subscribe !

[@UnitE808]

Awesome, thank you!

[@micahmckay1766]

finally I understand my 1000 dollar investment. very insightful. thank you

[@ivanskunov9166]

A very reasonable workout! Thanks! I am the person who is in no hurry to purchase new equipment.I always wait for the manufacturer to destroy all the bugs, and the second-hand price will decrease ;)

[@holotropik]

Nice tutorial 🙏👍😎

[@UnitE808]

Thank you 👍

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Funny how things work.18 months ago I brought (and sold very quickly) a MC 707 I felt waaay over my head so I got a Tr-8s instead, now I’ve sussed and I’m enjoying the Tr-8s I’ve started to re-watching MC 707 videos

[@UnitE808]

Welcome back! The 8S is a great machine to start with. It's straightforward, yet deep enough to keep you discovering new things.

[@vannitronix]

Very nice tutorial! Thanks... Together with a midi keyboard, it sort of transforms it into a Keystep Pro with built in sounds - thats really powerful stuff...

[@errorkit]

...built in Roland Sounds, built in Synths, built in Mixer & kind of Performance Board 😵🔥 Did I forgot sth? 💖🤣

[@vannitronix]

Unfortunately no UNDO function and once the clip is made only possibility to change steplength with one hand is by turning the knob. A bit of a flow killer for me...

[@DamianoPistoia]

Finally what I was looking for! Really comprehensive tutorial 👍🏻 I've got a question about tr8s... once you moved instrument preset knobs (es. 808 kick attack & decay) how to find original setting preset sound? I mean without switching off & on? Thank you

[@UnitE808]

There is no undo, but if you save often enough, you can reload the kit. That will take you back to the last save point. Otherwise, you just have to adjust everything back to original sound. I recommend saving after each time you make a few tweaks that you like.

[@DamianoPistoia]

@@UnitE808 thanks a lot 😎👍🏻

[@UberSynth]

Cool video.. I pressed C 4 as a button to like.

[@UnitE808]

🤣

[@UnitE808]

My kinda humor!

[@neptunesgold1216]

Just subscribed.

[@neptunesgold1216]

Your tutorials are perfect!! If it's possible you should do that enlarged floating screen above the 3 knob section. It would help to see the screen better. Thanks for all you do you make are lives less frustrating!!

[@UnitE808]

Great idea!

[@neptunesgold1216]

@@UnitE808 I don't know if it's possible to add it to this video but if you could that would be amazing since this is such a important video. I would say this is the best MC 707 tutorial video on planet Earth right now!! Thanks again!!

[@neptunesgold1216]

Also you teach at a perfect pace not to fast like some teachers. Just the right speed for clarity and to have the info really sink in. Great Job!!!

[@UnitE808]

@@neptunesgold1216 thank you for the kind words! I dont think I could do the enlarged screen on this one since it would take a re-shoot. All future videos have had it when needed.

[@ru5tynutzvanlife556]

Brilliant, thank you , 🎶😁😁

[@UnitE808]

Thank you too!

[@manofstarz]

Mr Unit E...Thank you for your videos across all equipment. I have gained a lot from watching your vids. I knew you mentioned something alluding to me in one of your videos. In the very last min or so of this video you touch on a hurdle I am having. Midi control of looper tracks. Looper tracks don't even seem to send midi like the Tone and Drum tracks do.Have you found a work around for this. I am trying to record the midi into Ableton and then have Ableton play back the midi/clip on the MC707. Any help or confirmation of this would be great...

[@UnitE808]

Looper tracks just contain audio loops, not midi sequences. The only midi messages they send and receive is PC messages. This allows external launching of clips.

[@Digiphex]

Have you found a way to just pick a drum pad and then instantly play it chromatically somehow? I have to start a tone track and put the sound in as a tone. It is not as easy as the Keys button on the K.O. II.

[@UnitE808]

I do the same as you, make the drum sound a tone track. Record that tone track with the sample recorder and drop it on a drum pad.

[@wingeladvokat1920]

Hi, is the external MX 1 connected from Midi Out 707 to the Midi In of the MX1 ? And did you connect the MX1 Stereo Out to the 707 External Stereo In? Is this correct? Would be very helpful.

[@TeleporterM11]

Thanks for making this video, I will rather buy the Elektron Rytm Mk2. Has anyone here compared them.

[@UnitE808]

2 different workflows and sound engines. Roland is superior on sound and playability. Elektron has sequencing options not available on the Roland.

[@pcuimac]

Wow. That's the tutorial Roland should include with the machine.

[@UnitE808]

Thank you! I teach the Roland Cloud Academy classes, which are free when you register the device.

[@pcuimac]

@@UnitE808 Oh! I bought a used unit yesterday and registered it with the Roland Backstage portal. Didn't get any hint there was such a thing as tutorial videos. I only found one for the MC-101 in the Roland Support page. Where are your videos hidden? I have an original receipt for my unit from 2020 when it was first sold. wkr

[@UnitE808]

@@pcuimac if you registered it, an email will come

[@cybernaumemusic]

Is there easy way to make fade in level for invidual drum sound?

[@BasslineDJs]

Good tutorials, informative, and easy to follow. I've just recently acquired the TR8s having first bought the MC707. Presently I output a KORG Triton extreme into the EXT IN on the TR8S, I can perform a sidechain action on the incoming signal (from the KORG) okay. I then assign the EXT IN to the Assignable output A option (that is assign 1 and 2 outputs). This way I can separate the synth from the TR8S main mix and control its level from the desk. My only problem is making the output assignments stick, do I have to make these changes for each pattern/kit and then perform a backup or is there a global way of achieving this? Thanks

[@UnitE808]

It has to be done for each kit

[@johnjr.bolton7028]

It would be nice to have a written transcription of this video each step being numbered.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

It's a shame that they got rid of the vinyl effect that was on the MC 909. A real missed opportunity to have the global multi effects act like an SP 404 in the way they designed it with one button. Would be great if they added the phonograph/vinyl effect on an upgrade ... If they ever do upgrade it again.

[@UnitE808]

I believe we will see another update. A few new fx would be a nice addition.

[@norphies]

How can you change the track type from ´Drum´ to ´Tone´. If I previously selected Drum, I can´t find how to change it in to a Tone track. Thanks for all your uploads. I´m going to need to spend lts of time on this channel:)

[@UnitE808]

You will have to highlight the whole Track by cursor up to the top of the track. Then use C4 to scroll down the list to delete. Click to enter. Once the track is deleted, select it and load a tone track.

[@michaeltyborski4802]

Thank you for helping us make the MC-707 useful. The Roland printed manuals, unfortunately, need a tutorial supplement. Video manuals are nice, but awkward to use.

[@leontaylor6011]

you prolly dont care but does any of you know of a method to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@drakerhys7533]

@Leon Taylor Instablaster ;)

[@leontaylor6011]

@Drake Rhys thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@leontaylor6011]

@Drake Rhys it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out!

[@drakerhys7533]

@Leon Taylor happy to help =)

[@manofsound9098]

HELP QUESTION? Just got my MC 707. Is there a way to only have the METRONOME CLICK on During recording only? It counts down 4 bars but then it has not "Click" per each bar during recording. I know if I hit SHIFT/TEMPO I can turn ON the METRONOME but then it plays thru the Recording and Playback. Is there a way for the "CLICK" ONLY DURING RECORDING? I have been asking for nearly a week on YT. Version 1.82

[@UnitE808]

Unfortunately, turning on the metronome keeps it audible any time the start button is pressed. This means recording and playback. You can quickly access the metronome by pressing func+tempo. This turns it on and off instantly. This is what I do when I am recording. Turn it on for the record part, then simply hit func+ tempo to turn it off for playback. Sorry there is not a better way.

[@leesimz_]

Are there some advanced tuts? Cant find any..

[@williamwallace6508]

is there any way of seeing which patch is enabled on each track, because when i select shift-sound (select patch) on any track, it defaults to the first patch in the library, and not to the one enabled on the track!, Is this a by design or normal? Seems very odd. I must be using the wrong method?

[@UnitE808]

Pressing shift+sound will take you to the tone edit screen, which states the patch name top center. Prssing just Sound will take you to the tone select screen. It usually defaults to the first patch, unless you were just browsing on that track and exited then went back in. In that case, you will be back where you were.

[@chriscrowder3844]

The samples you imported the c1 one notes where can I find some to download?

[@UnitE808]

There are multiple sources online for samples. Samples From Mars is a great resource. Roland Cloud also has Soundpacks, which are collections of Tones for the 707/101/MV-1. These are actual patches on the synth engine, not samples.

[@deemarr9151]

Wish best same mc707..bit of a dive but 😮🎉

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Maybe you can help me out. I’ve noticed what might just be a minor little bug and wanted to know if you can confirm. With the MC 707 in partial sound edit mode and partial 1 selected, press exit to main window. Now if I use knob 4 to highlighted SOUND and press knob 4 to enter sound editing, this action also selects partial 4. So the bug is that every time I use knob 4 to go into sound editing, it also selects partial 4 - no matter what partial was selected previously before exiting sound edit. Is this something that is replicated on your mc707? Thanks!

[@UnitE808]

Sounds like it's performing as it should. You can use shift+sound to enter edit screen or press the C1 knob after entering to go back to partial 1. I can report this to Roland to see what they say.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

@@UnitE808 Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, there are the obvious work arounds - it just trips me up when I’m going back and forth from main screen and sound edit screen. It’s a matter of forming a new mental note that it does that. No Biggy. Just a minor annoyance :) Roland fixed my main bug concern - sustained notes used to truncate when a clip changed in a clip chain. Terrible for those who do ambient. I contacted support directly with video and they fixed it. So really appreciate that they listened! The ability to record over a clip chain would be useful. It’s weird - the record button is lit but only records in the clip you initially started with. Once the the clip switches to the next clip in the chain it no longer records - even though record light remains lit. My only remaining issues now are 1. Would like saving patches in a user bank (instead of searching via project) 2. Probability functionality would exponential increase the power of the mc707- it’s nearly an industry standard on sequencers from other companies. Probability per note a no brainer. Random note per step quantized to scale would also be very powerful as well.

[@Noise-Conductor]

Nice video! Do anybody know how to change a values for all pads at the same time? Peace

[@UnitE808]

Not possible for pad parameters or instrument sends at the moment. The only thing that changes across all the pads at once are velocity and sensitivity.

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@UnitE808 Ok, thanks for the quick reply.

[@mattd1576]

Can you change the default tracks? For example make the second track also a drum track?

[@UnitE808]

Not by default. You can make a template project, and load that each time you start a new project. Just save it with a new name once it's loaded and start your creative process.

[@mattd1576]

@@UnitE808 Thank you

[@arrogancefilms]

Hello Unit-e hope you are doing right ! If i may ask, do you know how to settle the duration when you launch a scene, i mean, i want to have my scene being lauch when i tap on it. Actually it's taking 2 seconds and it's too much. Can you help me with this ? That would mean a lot. Thank you 🙏

[@UnitE808]

Scene changes happen when the master clock completes a rotation. By default, that length is 1 bar or 1 measure. You can adjust the length, but the shortest it can go is 2 steps, or 1/8 note. Set the length in the shift+tempo screen.

[@arrogancefilms]

@@UnitE808 Thank you so much for your kind response !

[@electricpuma]

Hi there! I was wondering how can I connect a condenser mic with an external phantom power to mc 707? which port should I use? Can I use the mic in (that is otherwise specified as for a dynamic mic)? Thank you in advance for your reply!

[@UnitE808]

You can give the external input a try, just make sure you move the switch to mic on the back. The only thing that can happen is that it won't be loud enough. Make sure you adjust your mic gain in the shift + input setting screen.

[@electricpuma]

@@UnitE808 thanks so much for the quick reply! I'll try that, at least as a temporary solution :) thanks again and great videos, I am learning a lot from them!

[@Towly263]

Hey! I am kind of getting lost in the pages of the 707 synth engine...maybe possible to explain it in depth? Such a great machine but these weird roland menus 🤪 Sry for my bad english

[@UnitE808]

There is a video coming on the synth engine. I didn't want to put it in this intro series.

[@Towly263]

@@UnitE808 Yaay cool Thx

[@thehowlingterror]

Briefly confused when you said sample instead of preview, that aside thanks for the run-through.

[@cruzferrer7142]

Hey, if I wanted to make a planet rock type of beat would it be possible with this machine?

[@UnitE808]

Absolutely!

[@cruzferrer7142]

@@UnitE808 thank you so much for the reply. I'm looking to purchase one asap. I'm more into the 80s type of drum beats for house and hip hop.

[@jakubjunga]

Hey. That question. How can a solo musician playing pop trance use MC-707 with TR-8S in practice. Live concerts. Aren't these devices duplicated? I don't know English well, that's why I'm asking. How would you answer in short. Thanks.

[@UnitE808]

They are not the same. For live purposes, I would use the TR-8S for all main drums, and the MC-707 for fills, basslines, and melodies. The two devices compliment each other very well.

[@jakubjunga]

@@UnitE808 Thanks :)

[@btaylo24]

Can you do how to record your project in Abelton? Please.

[@UnitE808]

Sure. I can work on that.

[@btaylo24]

@@UnitE808 thank you...

[@leesimz_]

Roland... So there are numerous ways to integrate and use 707. Can we have demos and explore.. 707 as a single, lonesome groovebox. 707 through a DAW... 707 integrating analog gear and mixer, 707 integrating analog gear , mixer and DAW in a live setup..... specifically 707, MX1, ABLETON and analog sythns for me.... please

[@UnitE808]

Hefty request! I'll see what I can do, although I don't use a DAW with my hardware unless it's to record, in which case I use Logic Pro. I can put together a video for analog gear and mixer, and a video for multi-tracking into a DAW.

[@aliasghar907]

HEEE HEE HEEEYYYY ...!!! @ 46:00 that almost sounds like the Sailor Moon theme....BTW...at 4.30 ....under what circumstance would one want to set their TRACK SETTING to TRACK instead of CLIP ...?

[@UnitE808]

To maintain consistency of sound settings throughout the track. Plus, it doesn't eat up the voice reserve, causing voice stealing.

[@UberSynth]

Why don't you use a count in when you record?

[@UnitE808]

There isn't one.

[@TheBlank241]

Can you have multiple drum tracks? Not just one right?

[@UnitE808]

You can have 8! It just defaults to one drum and one tone to get you started.

[@TheBlank241]

@@UnitE808 great!!! thanks !! Going to buy one i thought you can only have one drum track channel . thank u so much

[@vannitronix]

So no “UNDO” function...?

[@UnitE808]

No, not at the moment.

[@darooz7499]

Dear Friend. I have a silly problem. On your tutorial . your scene button 1 Not flashing but my 1 flashing. And steps not going through. I don't get it why??? Can you pls give piece of advice. All Best My Friend Simon R.

[@UnitE808]

Hi Simon. The reason mine is different than yours is because I am using call type 2 for Scenes. The default call type is 1, what you most likely have. You can change this in the utility menu.

[@darooz7499]

@UnitE808 2 Be honest. I buy 707 about 3 days ago. Just start watching your tutorials. They are great.✨️ Thank you soo much 🫶

[@UnitE808]

@@darooz7499 I’m happy to help however I can

[@ZETONEproductions]

Why u Call a bar .. meassure,? Is that Common?

[@UnitE808]

Same definition, different term.

[@wimschuiten8820]

Tis een gaaf apparaat maar het kost een hoop nachtrust hahaha

[@gorsignups]

No count-in?

[@UnitE808]

No count-in as of Firmware 1.5

[@UnitE808]

@@tyroneshoelacez3498 I'm not sure.

[@MrBlazabla]

Alowho

[@middle_pickup]

Good info, but this is painfully slow. I see you're doing a lot of these videos, and I'm reluctant to spend time on the rest because I know there are plenty of options. Try writing a script, and getting through the demonstration more quickly. Hope this helps. Peace.

[@UnitE808]

I appreciate the feedback, and I encourage you to check out all the content out there from all the creators. My other videos are shorter and more direct, this was more of a walk-through. I gear my tutorials for the absolute beginner, so a slow pace works. I will take note of the script and speeding up my demo and use it in the future. Aloha

[@empirix]

good but ruined by a stupid amount of adverts and I do say STUPID!

[@UnitE808]

I understand the frustration of adverts. I feel similarly when I'm watching longer videos. Unfortunately, it's how creators generate income from KZbin for their work. I have my setting at minimal ads.🤷‍♂️ If I'm watching a tutorial and an advert comes on, I take that time to quickly repeat a shortcut or function i just learned in the hopes it sticks in my memory.... or just wait 5 seconds for the skip option 😉.

[@conorosullivan6717]

Jeez if that's minimal, i'd hate to see the next level up. They ruin your video, why not say something at t he end like you would appreciate it if you watched the following 2 ads as it helps me out! I would do this and i am sure many others would too.

[@UnitE808]

@@conorosullivan6717 I don't have control where they put them. The better a video does, the more ads they put in. I have tried limiting it to just the beginning, but they take it upon themselves to add in the middle on longer videos. I dislike it as much as you do.

[@UnitE808]

@@conorosullivan6717 I just looked at the mid-roll ads and you're right, its unacceptable! I'll see what I can do to remove the majority of them.

[@UnitE808]

Thank you for this feedback. I truly appreciate it 🙏