Roland MC-202 MicroComposer

Roland MC-202 Image

This is an analog synthesizer/sequencer. It sounds very much like the TB-303 and SH-101 bass synths. Sometimes considered the "poor man's 303". It has a very evolved form of TB-303 like programming (more like the MC-4) and SH-101 like controls of the VCO, VCF, VCA, LFO, Envelope and Mixer sections. The LCD display is a great feature too.

The MC-202 was sort of a next-generation TB-303. So the idea was to program sequence/patterns into it internally which would give you those 303 basslines that we've come to love. But programming the MC-202 is a bit too intense and over done for the simple monophonic bass line. However you can control it externally by hooking up a MID-CV/Gate converter. Then you basically have yourself an SH-101!

The sequencer is actually a 2-channel CV/gate sequencer, with both channels being capable of driving a separate external synth. It's a very useful unit, also, for its DINsync capabilities; it can receive on one port, and send over two, and also can 'split' DINsync to branch a sync signal out to multiple devices.

Roland MC-202 Image

This machine is best for those who want to get 303-like patterns (it has accent just like the 303) and basslines with an SH-101 sound. If you can handle programming the notes into its sequencer you can have a lot of fun. It is used by Autechre, Future Sound Of London, Coldcut, The Human League, Underworld, Aphex Twin, LFO, Jedi Knights, Plastikman, Astral Projection, Sabres Of Paradise, Freddy Fresh, Jimmy Edgar, ProtoType 909 and Taylor 808.

51 Visitor comments
Sava
May 15, 2013 @ 12:20 pm
Yes, Tina, please email me.
Stefan
May 9, 2013 @ 7:39 pm
Hi Tina,
I am interested! It is a very nice machine and it REALLY does what people want, who are looking for "analog sound". Why do you want to sell it? You can mail me: abf2@arcor.de
tina
May 7, 2013 @ 12:59 pm
I have one in good condition in orginal box with instructions I am selling if anyone is interested.
With Respect
April 23, 2013 @ 11:40 pm
Just bought off Ebay with mod job by Analog Solutions. The range is just amazing. Sometimes it sounds so analog I swear it sounds like a stringed instrument, other settings make it sound like an engine roaring with high octane unleaded petrol. A little reverb on it and some compression and it's bizarre how beautiful it is. Since I haven't much experience on it, compared to my TB-303, the sequencer on the MC-202 is almost untame. Some have said this is a poor-man's 303 but I don't feel ANY resemblance initially. A synthesized diamond in the rough. Why did I wait this long to own one!
jix
March 23, 2013 @ 6:19 am
i want one of these very much if anyone has one to let go of.
 
Post Comment!
VSE Rating

Awesome!

User Rating

Rated 4.32 (391 Votes)

  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1
    - Roland MC-202 Vintage Synthesizer Overview

    YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 2
    - modified 202 acting as a 303 ACID

    Audio Clip 1 - Two cool MC-202 bass synth loops taken from the Future Music CD, Issue 76.

    Manual - Roland has made manuals for most of their products available as free PDF downloads.

    Patch File - This is a text file outlining the settings for an Acid Patch on the Roland MC-202. Courtesy of Music Machines.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - Monophonic
  • Oscillators - Single VCO : Simultaneous sawtooth and square/pulse width waveforms and 1 Sub-Oscillator
  • VCA - ADSR Envelope or gate.
  • Filter - Resonant 24dB lowpass with cutoff, res, env, mod, kybd
  • LFO - 1 sine wave with delay and rate controls
  • Memory - Volatile sequence memory using batteries or do a Cassette Tape Dump
  • Sequencer - 2 Tracks, 2,729 notes capacity
  • Control - CV/GATE and Tape/Clock/DIN Sync
  • Date Produced - 1983

Errors or Corrections? Send them here.