The MC-09 PhraseLab is a creative tool for producing synth and drum loops - and emulating the TB-303. Combining an analog modeling synth, step sequencer, four-part audio looper, and effects processor, this instrument helps musicians develop loops with multiple variations. The MC-09 is a aimed at musicians, DJs and synth enthusiasts who work with audio phrases and want powerful analog-modeled synthesis at an affordable price.

The Synth component features monophonic bass and lead synth sounds and polyphonic rhythm sounds. There are six control knobs for tweaking the sounds via filters, LFOs, etc. Sounds can be played via the MC-09's pads and 32-step sequencer or MIDI. Drums can be programmed with Roland's popular TR-REC method, first introduced on TR-Series Rhythm Composers.

The audio looper is capable of playing back four monophonic phrases up to six seconds each (phrases can be taken from the internal synth or external sources). In action, users would create synth or drum patterns using the step sequencer and then record them as audio loops. Looping is simple since the PhraseLab uses BPM and measures to automatically stop recording at the perfect point. Loops can be triggered with the step sequencer anywhere desired-even at different pitches. And with the Chop function, the MC-09 can automatically divide a loop into 16 "slices" for constructing new phrases. The step sequencer is also capable of emulating the TB-303's slides and accent effects.

Also on-board are four high-quality effects algorithms: Filter, Isolator, Phaser and Slicer. Effects can be applied to any of the four audio loops or to live inputs, and can be controlled in real time via the knobs for more intuitive tweaking. Once you've created your audio loops and applied effects to them, you can save your work to an optional SmartMedia card. Connections in the back are low-budget RCA style audio inputs and outputs, and MIDI In/Out is also available. A low cost synth which is great for a beginner, or somebody after 303 type sounds on a budget.

the magick report

February 17, 2009 @ 1:42 am

This thing is the staple of my live set...simply put the audio looper is [beep] in [beep] but it makes for excellent sounding one-measure techno...
as for the synth sounds...you can have some fun...step sequencing never get old and the simplicity of this thing allows for some interesting sounds...
i used to run a casio and a dr-5 through it....
you can only imagine the noise involved

but then again i'm in love with rejected ninties machinery...

bresk

January 19, 2009 @ 9:44 am

this box got character !!!
sounds like the bastard son of a TB303 and a GAMEBOY :)
and yes the manual is really that bad !

ray

December 10, 2008 @ 10:53 pm

the mc-09 is a great sounding mono synth with loads of classic roland lead and bass sounds. this little black box has real presence in sound and can be very 303 like in vintage mode. the 09's sequencer makes for nice accented slide loaded bass lines. =)

wet lettuce

November 22, 2008 @ 10:29 pm

This thing did not sound like a 303 at all. IT was tragic realy and marketed at people that liked the idea of a 303 but it never even came close.
It did an impression of one , but in the way your uncle would do impressions at a party lol
People like it cause it is rare, but that is only cause it died bc it was so bad.
I'd buy one just to circuit bend, but it's nothing more than a toy really.

Ziggy

September 26, 2008 @ 7:41 pm

Once I owed one of these, but now when its gone I miss it :-)

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