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.

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.

oli

April 1, 2009 @ 2:30 pm

Hey Monotron, thanks for the tip about using one seq channel to control the filter. I will try this in conjunction with 202Hack soon. So, I think this requires the EXT SYNTH CV OUT to be looped back into a filter cutoff input. I'm thinking the BUILT-IN SYNTH CV OUT would not be available for this purpose.

I love the 202 for analogue bleeps. Random drift in mine just sounds very organic and mesmerising. Love it! Sounds great with effects.

Recently I used my 202 after it had been gathering dust for some time. Dust in the pots was making the thing swing really randomly. It was like random modulation of all the panel controls. Sounded great, but uncontrollable, of course. I cleaned it up after having my fun.

ryanfromultrasound

March 4, 2009 @ 3:41 am

This device brings me substantial pleasure.

Just turn it on, push some random buttons, and add reverb- you've just made a BOC bassline :)

...but really, don't buy this thing. I don't want the street price on it going any higher- in case i need another one.

c g gross

December 5, 2008 @ 2:29 pm

I found the real-time programming mode to be much easier than the step-sequencer-type mode, but of course the mode you use depends on the kind of music you're making. I especially like the fact that you can program two tracks onto it, so you can have the MC-202 play one melody line and use another synth for the second one (I used to use a Moog Rogue, which is compatible with the CV output). It can also record a sync track to tape or to a computer for multitracking purposes.. BTW, Devo's song "Timing X" seems to use an MC-202 for the main melody, but I can't confirm it. Sure sounds like it, though...

www.p23.biz

November 17, 2008 @ 2:18 pm

I love my MC-202. It will NEVER leave my hands. This is one of THE classic Roland Acid machines. Using the sequencer is a pain. You can easily get lost while programing it, but if you can master it you will get the most unique melodies and loops that you simply would not be able to get with anything else. The programmable portamento and accent brings this synth to life. Check it out,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tKPBKu5buQ&fmt=18

Monotron

September 12, 2008 @ 7:58 am

The 202 can be controlled through the cv/gate in sockets. Because this signal goes through the cpu where it's being quantized, a delay occurs between hitting a note and the 202 playing it. With slower envelopes this is no problem, but when you hook it up with lets say the tb-303's cv/gate out, the 202 cant cope with the speed of the notes.

A small mod can solve this problem, making the 202 extra usefull. Here's a video I made showing the mod:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7Im1E7yHIg

Another great modification is to add a filter cv input. The 202 has 2 seq. tracks, both with their own cv/gate out. With the filter cv mod, you can use the 2nd sequence track to automate the filter.

Also check Dan Nigrin's 202Hack v2. This tool helps you in storing own made sequences on your PC using the tape save function.
http://www.defectiverecords.com/202hack/

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