Roland MC-707 with Launchpad

In this video I will show you how to connect your Launchpad MK3 to the Roland MC-707 and play the MC-707 "Ableton style"
This will NOT work with Launchpad MK2 Pro althoug it has midi out/in
The reason is because it is only the Launchpad MK3 PRO that has the ability to set up custommode with program change assigned to sesific pads on the Launchpad .
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - Find your drivers and program
0:55 - Create an emty custom mode
1:17 - Setting up Program Change
1:52 - Midi Channels
2:30 - Program Changes
2:58 - Colour the pads
3:48 - Sending the info to the launchpad
4:13 - Connecting to Roland MC-707
6:30 - It works
7:21 - Bye bye
#roland #rolandmc707 #launchpad

[@johnsaunders6510]

I got this working using a Launchpad mini MK3 and a iPhone. Launchpad is connected via camera connection kit to iPhone. AUM is routing the midi to a set of Yamaha bluetooth midi units connected to the MC707. Works great.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Awsome 😃😃😃😃

[@bambeeification]

Very useful, as I wanted to connect the launchpad X to the roland. 🎉

[@wackerburg]

WOW! That's impressive. I also love how well they fit together visually, too. As if they were meant to be used in conjunction.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Oh yes :) It opens up a new world of usage and creativity 😃😃😃

[@C2daF]

Thank you so much! I have both of these and hate having to scroll to launch clips from the 707.

[@GlennMainMusic]

I was so happy to when I discovered this 😃 Makes it so much easier to get the overview of the project 😃😃

[@martinhaswell9671]

This also works with the Launchpad X (also programmed with the Novation Components software). However the Launchpad X doesn't have an MIDI out so I used a Kenton USB-MIDI host to connect my MC-101 to the Launchpad X, and programmed it by following your instructions. On one custom page I put four sets of 16 pads, each set corresponding to one track, in that track's colour, controlling program change, so 16 pads for track one in red on MIDI 1, then 16 pads for track two in orange on MIDI 2, and 16 pads for track three in blue on MIDI 3 and 16 pads for track four in green on MIDI 4. That way I can launch any one of the 16 clips on either channel on one big display. Many thanks for showing me how to do this.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thats awsome 😃👍😃

[@bambeeification]

Can you do finger drumming with the launchpad X triggering drum sounds from the mc101, and record everything while you improvise?

[@martinhaswell9671]

@ification Yes, that works fine, just checked it. I programmed a custom layout in Novation Components for my Launchpad X, one page for the drum pads (8 by 2 pads for the MC-101, not the 4 by 4 pads that the Launchpad drum page has). The pad note assignments are a bit odd for the MC-101. Here they are, top row first, pads 1-8, left to right: C#1, D#1, F#1, A#1, C#2, D#2, F#2, G#2, then the bottom row, 9-16, left to right: C1, D1, F1, A1, C2, D3, D#3, E3 I use a Kenton USB-MIDI box between the Launchpad X and the MC-101.

[@bambeeification]

@@martinhaswell9671 Thank you, I'll try.

[@olafsigursons]

That and Ableton live. You can send program change when you launch a MIDI clip in Ableton. So you could use Push 2 to start/stop clip on the MC-707.

[@GlennMainMusic]

That is awsome 😃😃😃

[@thomasdelfs]

Excellent idea and tutorial Glenn! 👏👏👏

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much 😃😃😃

[@jeremjerem]

This is brillant ! Thank you for the tip

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thanx , my pleasure 😃

[@TeleporterM11]

Thanks for this video Glenn, it gives me workflow ideas.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Cool 😃 Thanx for watching 😃😃😃

[@jeremyl5509]

Great video as always! You are a true expert of the 707! Roland should pay you to do their videos or at least a sponsorship. Was thinking of getting a 707, but has so much overlap with the Fantom I already own. Still, is cool to see how you can continually expand the 707's workflow.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much :) I just love the sounds and the workflow on it 😃 If you have the Fantom you have a great great workststion 😃😃😃

[@AD-Dom]

Great stuff! It’s nice to know the 8 tracks on the MC707 are independent and the drum track is also multi. I’m planning on doing something similar with my polyend play.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Cool :) Love the way we can use the Launchpad 😃😃😃

[@bigthey1827]

Cool idea! 👍

[@GlennMainMusic]

Oh yes :) Works perfect 👍

[@Wondermass]

Agree with the other comments. Also appreciate the warning about Launchpad USB!

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thanx 😃 Yes, it only works with MIDI But I was updated on something , and as you might see in the comment field, this will now also work on the first gen of launchpad pro 😃😃

[@dracul74]

Cool! Still love my 707.

[@GlennMainMusic]

That makes 2 of us :)

[@bzprod]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!! If you install the mat1jaczyyy custom firmware on the old Launchpad Pro, you can load custom modes built with the Novation Components software. I'm using this method for a very similar setup, but with Elektron Digitakt and Syntakt.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Aha :) That was news for me..:) I guess I did not dig deep enough before I sold my good “old” launchpad pro then 🤣 But thank you for your info , I hope more people will see this before they buy the MK3 😃😃😃

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Lol, I asked mat1jaczyyy today how to send midi control changes messages, because I wanted to modify firmware code myself to do this. Now you tell me that with his custom software this can easily be done with the Novation control software? 😋

[@GlennMainMusic]

Someone has been asking about setting up the scenes on a row, and I do show this in the video around 2:30 , but its just to assign the row you wanty to midi channel 16, that is the midi channel thats triggers the scenes (in the standar midi setup from the factory settings on the MC 707 🙂

[@trikOsk]

Hi Glenn! Thanks for the vid! Do you think it works with the scatter effects? Thank you! :)

[@GlennMainMusic]

It should work as long as the scatter function is CC MIDI COMAND. I have not tried it…😃

[@3dkev384]

Thanks for sharing this workflow. Would this work for the MC101 as well? Can you lay out several chromatic keyboard according to the tracks on the Launchpad?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I do believe it will work for the MC101’as well, because it is receive program change as well. And On the Launchpad you can program keys,drum pads , volume , faders.. yes about anything , so you can do it all with this one. You can also have up to 8 different custom setups, meaning you can switch between keys , pads , faders and all that 😃😃

[@user-dp4ej3sm5m]

Big thanks for video. I have a question: are possible play notes too, or only program change can be adjusted on this custom mode?

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thanx :) you can program anything on it.. notes, drum pads , faders.. yes.. Any midi function there is 😃

[@holzhauser3532]

very usefull video!!thank you very much...! it seems like that, at least on my own launchpad, something doesnt work at the last row of pads...could you tell me quick-wich prg nr and midi ch nr do all of the last pads have; and the row above the last, please?! king regards from berlin❤

[@GlennMainMusic]

The last row is midi channel NR 8 , and the second last row is midi ch NR 7 😃

[@holzhauser3532]

@@GlennMainMusic thanks a lot...!✌

[@JoaquinBrandtA]

Great Video Glenn. Do you know if this would work with a lunchpad x?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I think it only works with the «pro» version due the software, and the MIDI connections. It might work with a USB to MIDI converter.. I’m not sure. But you need to connect it vi MIDI , and not the USB…

[@bambeeification]

Can you do finger drumming in real time/ live on the launchpad, and trigger drum sounds from the Roland? And record everything while you improvise with the drums?

[@GlennMainMusic]

Yes, it is possible to assign any midi Command to any pad. You just have to set up the Launchpad in order to do it 👍😃

[@bambeeification]

@@GlennMainMusic 🌞 thank you

[@Alpha-DX]

Glenn, which one do you prefer for clip / scene management. iPad or LaunchPad Pro ? I suppose Launchpad pro is one device less in the chain ( no MIDI audio interface required)

[@GlennMainMusic]

Yes, the Launchpad pro is a more “direct” connection… but actually it’s very nice to name the clips and scenes on the iPad.. makes it easier to NOT launch the wrong clip/scene. But if you make your own “system” on the Launchpad that’s maybe a better solution… but then again .. many people have both an iPad and a sound card, so that’s of course some money saved..:) I know I’m saying that both solutions is a great option.. but it all comes down to personal preferences:)

[@markslandingsandaviationvi3123]

I’m thinking about buying a Roland Drum machine. Which one? 707 or TR8S? I like the TR8S better but what are the pros and cons with both of these? I already have the Poly-D, JDXI and the Minilogue from Korg, and I’m still saving up for many more synths like the Rev2-16 voice (for pads) Novation Peak (for trance/house leads/bass) and the Sub37 from Moog. Any recommendations on what to buy first? I desperately need pads like the Rev2-16!😀 My wallet hates me more every year😂

[@dracul74]

I own the 707 and tr6s. I love the 707, but if you have all those other synth sounds and a way to record them you like it might not be worth it. The tr series are generally great.

[@GlennMainMusic]

To have a drum Maschine with lots of controllers I would go for the TR8S. I do have the at one too, and together with the 707 it’s a perfect match:) But as a drum machine “stand alone” I would go for the TR8S.. you do have a lots of other sound sources in your setup already 😃😃

[@888berg]

Amazing!!! What's it like switching between projects / songs... does the music stop? thinking about picking one up for hour long sets.. cheers :)

[@GlennMainMusic]

I do wish for a solution that would made the song changes a bit more seamless… one do have to stop a song in order to load the next one. But it loads from the SD card.. so it doesn’t take long… but I wish Roland could make it as an potion to make a “live set folder” so you can easy access it on the fly… but then again, you can of course make a “Live SD card” with only the songs you do in your set… :)

[@888berg]

@@GlennMainMusic thanks for that Chief!! Yes that would be awesome. Love your videos :)))

[@anthonybrown4797]

I did somthing similar with apc 40mk2 so that ableton clips trigger mc707 clips ultimate intergration..u can now use ableton clip envolopes and effects with ur mc 707 all controlled by apc 40 mk2

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thats awsome info man :-) Thanx .-) I will check it out !

[@JoaquinBrandtA]

Thanks for the video. Do you know if this would work with launchpad x?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I think it only works with the «pro» version due the software, and the MIDI connections. It might work with a USB to MIDI converter.. I’m not sure. But you need to connect it vi MIDI , and not the USB…

[@berkut6313]

Hi Glenn, how would you access clip rows 9-16 and back again to 1-8 with as little hassle as possible (the intent being to play it Live). Great vid Thxs

[@GlennMainMusic]

You can assign Any of the buttons to be page 1 , 2,3,4…. I’m not quite sure about the Midi Ch and command for that.. but I should be without problems 😃

[@zdravkodimitrov]

Very good work! How did you connect the two machines to each other?

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thanx :) They are connected via MIDI 😃

[@zdravkodimitrov]

@@GlennMainMusic thanks. Is it two way midi or just Launchpad to MC707?

[@GlennMainMusic]

@@zdravkodimitrov out from Launchpad - In on mc707 👍

[@zdravkodimitrov]

@@GlennMainMusic thanks again, keep up the excellent work!

[@ruscular]

I have a Roland Verselab MV-1, and I am wondering if you can use the Launchpad MK3 to setup a expanded chord pad.

[@GlennMainMusic]

I am not sure about That. I did not try the MV-1 .. 😃

[@seanpamphile9380]

A question i was wondering if i had a usb to midi cable or usb midi box would that work with other midi controllers that only had usb ?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I tried that option with my older launchpad but with no success. However it worked with my iPad (see the video about that). So I guess my old launchpad didi not work due the lack of midi cc on it.. so maybe it will work as long as you can set it up with assigned midi CC 😃

[@manne3d]

bi-directional control would have been nice...should that not work? i think the mc707 sends out PC when a pattern change?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I do believe you can program that in a way 😃😃

[@manne3d]

@@GlennMainMusic nice! i see the launchpad has about the same depth dimensions as the mc707 also, pretty clean. Would be nice if there is a sysex or midi CC# to query what pads are lit on the mc707...maybe roland will release the full midi spec at some point.

[@tricks-and-tips]

Nice video. Too bad the clip information is not shown (like it is on the 707 pads where empty ones are not lit up) I wonder how you move to the next 8 rows (because there are 16) If they ever really make this integrated, it would be close to a Force 😃

[@GlennMainMusic]

So true , you can just program the next page .. you have up to 8 custom pages .. so it is easy to fix :) If you check my video with the iPad and 707 you will see that on the iPad you can name the pads as well for a better overview :)

[@honkycat5442]

struggling to get the scene changer to work properly, how is that configured again?

[@GlennMainMusic]

Use program change , and midi ch 16 :) In the video it’s the “blue” pads on my launchpad 😃

[@flatlandcircuitry]

This would probably work with an iPad and Roland Zenbeats as well… right? Really like your channel by the way, great work!👍🇸🇪

[@GlennMainMusic]

Oh yes :.) I made a video on this with my iPad as well. And it works too as long as you have a midi-usb adapter or a soundcard with midi connections : kzbin.info/www/bejne/povFkIOQn8mejLs

[@flatlandcircuitry]

Thanks man, I didn’t know about that video, interesting! But my question was more about running Roland Zenbeats ON my iPad and triggering its clips and scenes via MIDI from hardware aka the Launchpad. The connections are all there (I use a keyboard controller connected to my iPad through USB and if need be through MIDI on my audio interface), so I assume it must work just as you control the MC-707….🤨. Components though has to be run on PC for configuring the Launchpad since Novation refuses to make an iOS version but that’s no biggie. Once you set a custom mode it stays on the Launchpad…

[@SUCKPUCKRECORDZ]

Tnx for video!!! Tell me pls if its possible to set more then 8 scenes launch on launchpad pro mk3?

[@GlennMainMusic]

My pleasure:) You can setup the launchpad just how you like .. if you want a page with 64 scenes… then it’s possible ;) That’s the great thing about the programming of the launchpad 😃😃

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

What is the polyphony on the 707 ? Cheers !

[@GlennMainMusic]

You can play up to 128 voices, but maximum polyphony is 64 😃😃

[@gullyman777]

Hi can you also stop a clip by pressing a pad on the launchpad again? I’ve tried similar with another controller and cannot get the pad to stop playing via midi

[@GlennMainMusic]

You have to ser the pads in the Mode That makes it a «on /off» Mode 😃

[@gullyman777]

@@GlennMainMusic thanks for the reply do you mean within the components editor and not in the mc707?

[@kulgeek.]

Nice tutorial mate, Can you help the MC 707 fans and owners like me figure out how to use the MC 707 for DJing? You are my favourite MC-707 hacker

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you :) You can import clips of samples and loops , and midi sync it with your Dj setup. Just as a drum mashie :) So you can add your played loops or imported samples ,) but yes.. I will dig more into that Using my Traktor controller 😃 If you check out my “Jean Michel Jarre tribute” videoed, I am using the Traktor DJ, in sync with the rest of my hardware setup ;)

[@viragomania]

Would this work with the mini (Novation Launchpad Mini [MK3] )?

[@viragomania]

bah, nevermind, the mini doesn't have midi , only usb

[@GlennMainMusic]

@@viragomania - Yes, it must be MIDI :.-)

[@cesanbucek8587]

@@GlennMainMusic But arent both the 707 and Mini MK3 midi class compliant? They work over USB for example with my Digitakt, sending midi back and forth to the 707.

[@cesanbucek8587]

tnx for the video btw :)

[@GlennMainMusic]

@@cesanbucek8587 -You need to get to change the settings for the launchpad, and there is no way to connect it via USB.. as far as I know...Maybe it will work with your digitakt, and please let us know if its working 🙂

[@Wondermass]

you still to memorise all the clips and scenes. i suppose colouring might help, and ordering them in some helpful way. i try to keep intro, verse 1 at the top, and work down from there.

[@GlennMainMusic]

I try to keep my clips and tracks in a “system”.. but if you want to see and name the clips, you can also use an iPad like I did in this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/povFkIOQn8mejLs

[@markkilley2683]

This could work with the MV-1.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Yea, as long as it can send programchange on peerage midi channels it should work 😃

[@neimarjosecapatidasilva5525]

Hi ! Congratulations on the video. Wouldn't it work with the MK3 Mini connected to a MIDI USB-HOST?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I did not try that, but I had a Launchpad Mini, and that would not work. But then again, I had no way to assign the midi functions like the MK3.. so I am not sure. But I would belive that as long as your MC707 recive midi and not USB it would work.. but dont take my word for it.. :.-)