The Roland MC-303 is a revolutionary musical instrument that falls under the category of Groovebox. It is a unique combination of a sound module and a sequencer, allowing musicians to record and store musical notations while also encouraging improvisation during live performances. Despite its name and initial hype, the MC-303 shares more similarities with other MC-prefix synthesizers like the Roland MC-202, which also feature built-in sequencers, rather than the iconic Roland TB-303. This Groovebox was specifically designed to cater to house DJs and amateur home musicians, offering an affordable option compared to professional-grade equipment. It was eventually succeeded by the Roland MC-505 and has since paved the way for other models like the Roland JX-305, Roland D2, Roland MC-307, Roland EG-101, Roland MC-09, Roland MC-909, Roland MC-808, and the latest addition, the Roland MC-707 in 2019, along with its portable counterpart, the Roland MC-101.

Noteworthy Features

The Roland MC-303 boasts several key features, including:

1. Sound Generator: With a 28-voice polyphony based on the structure model of the Roland JV-80 synthesizer, the MC-303 offers a wide range of sonic possibilities.

2. 8-Track Sequencer: The built-in sequencer provides multiple quantization functions such as Grid, Shuffle, and Groove. It supports 7 tone instruments and 1 drum kit, allowing for versatile composition.

3. 16-Part Multitimbral: The MC-303 enables the simultaneous use of up to 16 different sounds, enhancing the depth and complexity of musical arrangements.

4. Extensive Sound Library: It comes preloaded with 448 preset sounds and 12 drum kits, including renowned classics like the Roland CR-78, TR-808, TR-606, and TR-909. Additionally, it offers a variety of genres such as electro, techno, jungle, house, drum & bass, and breakbeat, along with 40 synth basses (including TB-303) and 35 synth leads and pads.

5. Sound Manipulation: The MC-303 features a resonant filter, LFO, envelope control, and built-in effects like delay, reverb, flanger, and chorus, allowing musicians to shape and enhance their sounds.

6. Realtime Phrase Sequencer (RPS): This unique feature enables instant recall of musical phrases, facilitating seamless transitions and improvisation during live performances.

7. Low Boost Function: The rear panel of the Roland MC-303 includes a Low Boost button, which allows users to add as much low-end as desired, creating powerful kick or TR-808 bass sounds that resonate with the audience.

8. Extensive Pattern Library: It offers 300 built-in variation patterns specifically designed for dance music, encompassing diverse drum beats and basslines.

9. Ample Recording Capacity: The MC-303 allows for recording patterns with a length of up to 32 measures, providing ample space for musical creativity.

10. User Pattern and Song Storage: Users can directly store up to 50 custom patterns, 300 pattern variations, and 10 songs, ensuring easy access to their compositions.

11. Note Storage Capacity: The MC-303 provides storage space for approximately 14,000 notes, allowing for intricate and detailed musical arrangements.

12. MIDI Connectivity: While the MC-303 features MIDI in and out connections, it lacks a MIDI thru port, limiting its ability to pass MIDI data through to other devices.

Synthesizer and Sound Module

The Roland MC-303 incorporates a rompler synthesizer that draws inspiration from classic Roland synths and drum machines, including the TB-303, TR-808, TR-909, Juno series, and various other dance-themed sounds like pads, pianos, strings, and vinyl scratches. These sounds can be further manipulated using a low-pass filter, various modulation options, and simple DSP effects. It’s important to note that the MC-303 does not have a built-in sampler, although the instruction manual provides guidance on controlling an external sampler alongside it.

Sequencer

The MC-303’s standout feature is its built-in 8-track pattern-based sequencer. Each pattern can span up to 32 measures, offering ample room for musical expression. The sequencer can record and transmit MIDI data through the rear panel connections, enabling control of other sound modules. Alternatively, an external sequencer can be used to control the MC-303’s internal sound module. While the MC-303 supports communication with other devices, its compact size and all-in-one design make it ideal for standalone studio setups, particularly for amateur musicians. With its micro keyboard, which doubles as a drum sequencer, the MC-303 emulates the operation and appearance of renowned Roland synthesizers and drum machines like the MC-202, TB-303, TR-808, and TR-909.