The new MC-307 is the Groovebox aimed at DJs. Like the other MC's, it is a robust pattern-based sequencer/sound module with 800 patches, 40 rhythm sets and 33 effects. However there's a new "Turntable Emulation" mode which affects the pattern tempo and pitch in much the same way as a turntable's speed fader. There are even Hold and Push buttons which let you emulate the slowing, speeding, stopping or flicking of a record by hand. This lets you control and 'beat-mix' your Groovebox just as if it were a vinyl record!

The MC-307 has all the familiar sounds of a Roland Groove product, plus many new sounds, patterns and effects. There is also a new Grab switch with multi-effects (including Isolator) for creating interesting rhythmic effects. It does not, however, have the D-beam controller as the MC-505. But it does have a nice big backlit LCD display unlike any previous Groovebox.

The sequencer comprises of 7 instrument parts plus one rhythm track. Each is mute-able for dropping sounds in and out of loops on the fly! Perfect for DJs working the energy on the dance floor! The Real-time Phrase Sequencer (RPS) offers 470 instant patterns in all sorts of dance music styles!

For DJs, the MC-307 gets 5-stars. It's the ultimate performance tool for any dance music DJ! However, as a for the rest of the synth-community the MC-307 is nothing we haven't already heard before and will be of little use, especially when compared to the MC-505. The MC-307 has already been used by BT.

alyssa ;]

February 23, 2012 @ 9:19 pm

so, i just got one of these, but it has no cords! what do i need to purchase to get started? i just ordered a power cord, but what do the midi input/ output do? and how would i get this to work with speakers?

MJ

December 30, 2011 @ 5:54 am

I've been using this Groovebox for just under 7 years now, and it's fantastic. More as a hobby, but loads of fun.

I notice that my GB is showing CPU Version 1.00, Prog 1.03 and a big 1.03 (22/5/2000) version on the firmware view. Does this mean I have the 1.03? Or do I need to update it to bring the CPU version up?

Cheers
M.

Arkuzz

June 30, 2011 @ 12:08 pm

Part 3:
It's really important to upgrade your instrument to the last version OS (its 1.03) which fixes some annoying bug and freshes your pattern and patch data (adds a new E part of patch library). I defined me as a hobbyst sound designer, and as I can diving in the parameters, I suprised again and again what the sound engine can do. These capabilities are hidden from the factory patches, because it's really poor and common (toy-feel) soundings. If you start creating your own sounds, you are able to create from big phases and floating breath pads to hard cutted and popping basses, even FXes.

Arkuzz

June 30, 2011 @ 11:34 am

Part 2:
MIDI implementation is far sophisticated, if you have enough time, you can build your own software controller based on the documentation. Cons: it seems theres a lack of CPU power. You can drive the engine (coz it's possibilities) to exceeds the DSP capacity. In this case, the DSP rounds down calculations and you will hear strange sounds and coarse stepping pitches. Some cases it drops the tempo sync or the LFOs are desynced together. Even the controller response is stopping for seconds(!!!) but MIDI controls are still responsible, so if you drive the machine by computer its ok.

Arkuzz

June 30, 2011 @ 11:32 am

Part 1:
I bought it last year, and using it over near 1 year, I can collect pros and cons as of my opinions. Pros: same ROM and sound engine as JV 2080, so nothing crappy chipsound, this is really do the work. It seems the synthesis engine is very similar as the JV series, 4 tone with 2 LFOs (per tone) and a bunch of EGs. This will guarantee that you will able to setup a very large spectrum of sound types. Combined with the powerful (but slimmed down) effect engine, and you can generate a wide variety of fresh sounds which fits even todays requirements.

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