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Roland MC-505

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Roland MC-505 groovebox
ManufacturerRoland
Dates1998–2002
Price£782 UK, $1299 US
Technical specifications
Polyphony64-note[1]
Timbrality8-part[2] (Including a separate rhythm channel)
OscillatorYes
LFOYes
Synthesis typeSample-based synthesis (rompler)
FilterYes
Storage memory512 preset sounds, 26 drum kits
Effectsreverb/delay, chorus/flanger
Input/output
KeyboardNo
External controlMIDI in/out[1]

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.

Features

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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

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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

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Groove is in the art". Future Music. No. 68. Future Publishing. April 1998. p. 21. ISSN 0967-0378. OCLC 1032779031.
  2. ^ "Roland MC505". Sound On Sound. April 1998. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
  3. ^ White, Paul (February 2004). "Afro Celts". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  4. ^ "Grace Ives' Hot Mess Anthems". Pitchfork. 16 June 2022.
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MC-505 PDF Manual Links:

Other Links:

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