Product Overview
The highly portable Roland MC-101 is smaller brethren of the latest flagship groove box, the MC-707, but in a pint-sized package that operates on batteries. The unit features four tracks of recording, sequencing, synthesis, sample-playback, and effects, plus a curated palette of sounds, loops, and phrases. Import loops and sequence MIDI with deep control over timing, while tweaking faders and knobs for the ultimate "in-the-moment" experience.
The ZEN-Core engine fuses virtual analog with modern PCM to create a collection of built in sounds, beats, and phrases all expertly crafted by renowned artists and sound designers. You'll find that classic sounds from the highly coveted TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, JUNO-106, and SH-101. With this modern digital and hybrid sound sculpting, you can create future classics, today.
The 4-track sequencer is optimized for fluid production of today's electronic-focused music styles and ever-evolving subgenres. Use the 16 RGB pads to play and sequence drums, melodic basslines, or polyphonic chord progressions. Freely combine loops and one-shots with melodic phrases including your own imported audio recordings and MIDI sequences. Record automation and motion data to create dramatic moving effects
All four tracks have dedicated track EQ plus independent multi-effects processors with several variations of classic FX types. You will find choruses, delays, and reverbs, as well as overdrive, distortion, and amp simulation. Run the entire mix through master effects like filters, bit-crushers, and a master bus compressor that glues it all together with punch and clarity. The MC-101 can be powered via USB or from four AA batteries, which provide runtimes of up to 4.5 hours with NiMH batteries or about 3 hours with alkaline batteries. A set of four AA batteries are included.
4-Tracks of Clip-Based Sequencing
- Four-track sequencer optimized for fluid production of electronic-focused music styles and ever-evolving subgenres
- TR-REC Step Sequencer: Like those found on classic Roland drum machines, great for building rhythm parts quickly
- 16 ultra-sensitive pads for playing or sequencing drum parts, melodic basslines, or polyphonic chord progressions
- Sequencer clips store knob movements with note data
- Create dramatic, moving effects like a deep reverb on a single clap, slow filter sweeps, and much more
Deep Synthesis
- ZEN-Core sound engine fuses virtual analog and modern PCM
- Flexible, powerful, and lets you dig deep into its sonic capabilities
- Sounds of legendary Roland rhythm machines and synthesizers that are the foundation of electronic music
- Includes TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, JUNO-106, and SH-101
- With modern digital and hybrid sounds, the engine is future-proof for creating classics sounds today
Studio-Grade Effects
- All four tracks have independent effects processors with several variations
- Lush chorus brings depth to pads and other synth sounds
- Delays and reverbs create evocative spaces and add movement to delicate sequences
- Overdrive, distortion, and amp simulation inject grit and intensity into synths, guitars, drums and more
- Run your entire mix through master effects like filters, bit-crushers, and a master bus compressor that glues it all together with punch and clarity
Hands-On Experience
- Faders for each track let you immediately mix and arrange parts
- Record automation and motions
- Use the 8x2 pad array to play drums, enter melody and chords with velocity, and trigger audio and MIDI clips
Computer Enhanced
- Advanced USB audio interface capabilities
- Record all four parts to individual DAW tracks and finish your song in the box
- Sample sounds from your DAW to capture backing tracks, stems, or the sound of a favorite software synth for your next live show
Expandable Content
- Updateable and expandable platform ensures your sounds never gets stale
- Keep things fresh with new loops, one-shots, phrases, and synth sounds, all available online
Roland MC-101 Specs
| Sound Generator | ZEN-Core (Tone, Drum Kit) |
| Track Format | Tone, Drum Kit, Looper (Audio Loop) |
| Polyphony | ZEN-Core: 128 voices (Varies According to the Sound Generator Load) LOOPER: 8 (Varies According to the Available Number of Looper Track) |
| Tracks | 4 Tracks |
| Clips | 64 Clips (16 Clips per Track) Clip Type: Tone, Drum Kit, Looper (Audio Loop), Varies According to the Track Type |
| Tones | Preset Tone: 3000 or Greater Preset Drum Kit: 80 or Greater User Sample (as a Tone or Drum Kit): Available by Importing from SD Card Looper Sample (as a Clip of Looper Track): Available by Importing from SD Card, Recording via Ext In/Tracks Available Total Time for User Sample: 12 Minutes (Mono), 6 Minutes (Stereo) (44.1 kHz) Available Format of User Sample: WAV 32-96 kHz / 16-Bit, 24-Bit (Mono, Stereo) Available Total Time for Looper Sample: Approximately 60 Seconds (44.1 kHz) Available Format of Looper Sample: WAV 44.1 kHz / 16-Bit, 24-Bit, 32-Bit, 32-Bit Float (Mono, Stereo) |
| Effects | Track Multi-Effects: 90 Types Track EQ Chorus/Delay: 9 Types Reverb: 7 Types Master Effects: 90 Types Master Compressor Master EQ |
| Step Sequencer | Maximum Step: 64 Steps (Available on a Tone or Drum Kit Track) |
| Looper | Time Stretch, Pitch Shift (Available on a Looper Track) |
| Display | 16 Characters, 2 Lines LCD (with Backlit) |
| External Storage | SD Card (SDHC Supported) for Saving Project Data and Audio Data |
| Connectors | Phones Jack: 1 x 1/4" / 6.35 mm Main Out (L/Mono, R) Jacks: 2 x 1/4" / 6.35 mm MIDI (In/Out) 5-Pin DIN Connectors USB port: USB Type-B (Audio, MIDI) |
| Power Supply | 4 x AA (LR6) Alkaline Battery 4 x AA (HRH) NiMH Battery USB Bus Power: Obtained via USB Port |
| Current Draw | 500 mA |
| Battery Life (approx.) | Alkaline Battery (AA, LR6): Approx. 3 Hours Ni-MH Battery (AA, HR6): Approx. 4.5 Hours Varies Depending on the Specifications of the Batteries, Capacity of the Batteries, and the Conditions of Use |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 6.9 x 5.2 x 2.3" / 17.4 x 13.3 x 5.8 cm |
| Weight | 1.1 lb / 0.5 kg |
| Package Weight | 3.015 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.7 x 8 x 3.9" |
