Summary
The Roland MC-505 is a groovebox conceived in 1998 as a combination of a MIDI controller, a music sequencer, a drum machine, and a desktop synthesizer with many synthesis features: arpeggiator, oscillators, and voltage-controlled filter, control of attack, decay, sustain and release, different envelopes and 2 Lfo. It was released as the successor to the Roland MC-303 and is a compact version of the Roland JX-305 Groovesynth without the full set of 61 keys. It is also the predecessor to the Roland D2, Roland MC-307, Roland MC-909 and the Roland MC-808.
| Roland MC-505 groovebox | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Roland |
| Dates | 1998–2002 |
| Price | £782 UK, $1299 US |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | 64-note[1] |
| Timbrality | 8-part[2] (Including a separate rhythm channel) |
| Oscillator | Yes |
| LFO | Yes |
| Synthesis type | Sample-based synthesis (rompler) |
| Filter | Yes |
| Storage memory | 512 preset sounds, 26 drum kits |
| Effects | reverb/delay, chorus/flanger |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | No |
| External control | MIDI in/out[1] |
Features edit
The key features of the MC-505 are:
- 64 voice polyphonic digital subtractive synthesis engine (derived from the Roland JV-1080) with 251 different oscillator, acoustic and drum sample waveforms
- 512 built-in preset sounds, 256 user sounds & 26 rhythm sets (includes the Roland CR-78, TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, TR-707 and R-8)
- 8-track MIDI sequencer + Mute Ctrl Track
- Recording length of up to 32 bars per pattern
- 714 preset sequencer patterns, 200 user patterns, 50 user songs
- 3 multi-effect units: Reverb, Delay and 24 different EFXs
- Infrared D-Beam controller for hands-free sound modulation
- MEGAMix function for intuitive realtime mixing of beats and patterns
- 5 volt Smartmedia card slot for doubling user patch and pattern memory
Tribute Album edit
In 2000 the Grand Royal record label released a compilation album At Home with the Groovebox, where all the artists contributed a track primarily using the Roland MC-505. Artists included Beck, Money Mark, Air, Jean-Jacques Perrey and Pavement. This was considered to be an interesting and well received album.
Notable artists edit
References edit
- ^ a b "Groove is in the art". Future Music. No. 68. Future Publishing. April 1998. p. 21. ISSN 0967-0378. OCLC 1032779031.
- ^ "Roland MC505". Sound On Sound. April 1998. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
- ^ White, Paul (February 2004). "Afro Celts". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
- ^ "Grace Ives' Hot Mess Anthems". Pitchfork. 16 June 2022.
External links edit
MC-505 PDF Manual Links:
- Online Roland MC-505 PDF Owners Manual Location
- Roland MC-505 Service Notes Manual Schematics
Other Links:
- Roland US Corporation, MC-505 site and files.
- Roland MC-505's discussion Group Forum, at Yahoo! Groups
- Roland MC-505 FAQ v.1.041
- Sound on Sound review
- "Roland MC505 - next up from the mc303 comes the 505 - same thing, more power". - (Dancetech.com "A London, UK Independent Product Reviews site". - Date: March 16, 2000)
- At Home With the Groovebox - Compilation of artists using only the MC-505 featuring Beck, Air, Sonic Youth, Pavement, Jean Jacques Perrey, Gershon Kingsley, Cibo Matto, Sean Lennon and others. Released in 2000 by Grand Royal.