Roland MC-303 Groove Box

July 12, 1996 -- One of the most interesting developments in recent musical instrument history is the saga of the Roland Corporation's TR-808 and -909 Rhythm Composers and TB-303 Bass Line. Introduced in the early 1980's, the TR-Series drum machines and TB-303 met with only mild success --perhaps these units' synthetic sounds were too "canned" for the tastes of the mid-80's musician; perhaps they were ahead of their time. Whatever the case, all three units were discontinued by Roland not long after their introduction.

What differentiates the tale of these analog-products-gone-under from most is that, while Roland was busy making better, more realistic-sounding instruments, the "canned" sounds of these earlier units became popular with hip-hop, dance, rap and techno artists. These artists began to seek out older Roland products to create some of the most influential dance, hip-hop and rap records of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Re-enter the Roland Corporation of 1996.

Realizing the unprecedented popularity of these older units, the Roland Corporation has developed the completely new MC-303 Groove Box, which incorporates the classic sounds of the TR-808 and -909 Rhythm Composers, TB-303 Bass Line, Junos, Jupiters and much more into an integrated sequencer/sound module with analog controls and some very high-tech features.

Inside the retro-looking MC-303 is 448 tones, 12 drum sets, an 8-track sequencer, effects processor and over 130 patterns of hip-hop, techno, dance, house and rap grooves (with up to 300 variations). Control over this eclectic combination of vintage and modern sounds is provided via eight analog knobs, a 16-key interface with a large LED, dedicated function buttons and rotary dial.

The MC-303's preset patterns can either be used as is or customized by muting some parts (the chord backing, for example) and then stored to one of the 300 variation memories. Original patterns can be created by modifying existing preset patterns or by programming them in real-time or step time. The MC-303 provides 50 user pattern memories for storing these original patterns.

The MC-303 emphasizes realtime performance capability, with controls such as realtime cutoff and resonance to vary the sound, as well as arpeggio and groove quantize for adding a special feel or groove to the song. Sound modifying capabilities are furthered by controls such as filter, LFO, envelope and pan, for nearly endless tweaking.

All of the MC-303's sounds and patterns are completely adjustable to stay on top of the latest grooves pounding from the dance clubs of the world. And the MC-303's vintage styling and analog controls are sure to catch the eye of groove-enthusiasts for whom "retro" means "cool." At a time when Roland's vintage synth gear is fetching prices out of the reach of most working musicians, the MC-303 Groove Box will prove an essential tool for the dance music of the '90s.

For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040, 213.685.5141. Visit their web site at www.rolandus.com.