Roland MC-101 & MC-707 GROOVEBOX v1.60 Update: Arpeggiator, Random Tone Generator and more

RolandChannel

"With the new Version 1.60 update, the MC-101 and MC-707 GROOVEBOXES continue to evolve with inspiring features for music creation and live performance:
• Powerful new arpeggiator livens up your productions with tasty melodic lines and real-time control over motif, rhythmic variation, octave, and hold on/off
• Random Tone Generator sparks fresh ideas with multiple algorithmic options that create interesting new tones on the fly
• USB generic driver mode lets you connect your MC GROOVEBOX directly to a smartphone or tablet, great for producing with Zenbeats or your favorite DAW
• Expanded ZEN-Core compatibility lets you import Sound Pack drum kits in addition to instrument tones

In this video, Peter Brown walks you through the new MC GROOVEBOX features of Version 1.60 below:
00:00 Overview
00:28 Arpeggiator
01:58 Random Tone Generator
03:50 USB Class Compliant/Generic Driver
04:50 Sound Pack Kit Import

Other updates:
• Direct USB Mixout
• Scatter functions - MIDI Note message enabled
• Compressor – gain meter and updated parameters added
• Sub-step on Tone track
• Note Tie on Drum Track
• Sound Knob (MC-707 only)"

Introducing Roland ZENOLOGY Pro: ZEN-Core Software Synthesizer for Roland Cloud

RolandChannel

"Harness the vast power of the ZEN-Core Synthesis System and dive deep into the world of custom sound design with ZENOLOGY Pro. You get the amazing sound quality and efficiency of ZENOLOGY, plus an expansive interface to craft all-new sounds that inspire your music.

Below are the chapters of this video that introduce the key features of ZENOLOGY Pro for you to discover:
00:00 Introduction to ZENOLOGY Pro
00:30 Overview of 'Visual Edit'
02:00 A Closer Look at Partials (or Oscillators)
05:25 Filter and Modulation Features of ZENOLOGY Pro
06:27 The LFO Section including Step LFO
08:20 Building Drum Kits
09:14 Saving User Banks and Exporting to ZEN-Core Hardware

ZENOLOGY Pro has over 3500 acoustic and electronic instrument sounds, including classic analog, vintage digital, and modern hybrid synth sounds. These sounds are crafted using ZENOLOGY Pro’s thousands of oscillator waveforms, 10 different filter types (including JUPITER and other iconic models), and 11 LFO shapes. Then add a huge selection of ready-to-go drum sounds, including famous Roland rhythm machines, and over 90 classic and new effects to inspire your next track or production.

Want even more sounds? You can expand your library to over 7000 ZEN-Core sounds with Model Expansions, Wave Expansions, and ZEN-Core Sound Packs—all available in Roland Cloud.

But if sound design is more your workflow, then ZENOLOGY Pro gives you the deepest access to the ZEN-Core Synthesis System for producers who want to heavily modify existing sounds or design custom sounds from scratch.

With ZENOLOGY Pro, start your sound designs with four oscillators, or “partials”—each with 9 virtual analog waveforms plus Supersaw and Noise to choose from. Then, dig into 1840 PCM waveforms (easily expandable to over 7000), 10 filter types, and 11 LFO shapes, including tempo-synced Step LFOs with 37 curves per step, letting you create sounds you’ve only imagined!

After you’ve designed or tweaked your tones in ZENOLOGY Pro, you can use that sound in your DAW, and ZEN-Core equipped hardware instruments. For owners of FANTOM, JUPITER-X & JUPITER-Xm, MC-101 & MC-707 GROOVEBOX, AX-Edge, and RD-88, download and explore ZENOLOGY Pro and bring new life to your ZEN-Core patches."

MC-707 Groovebox SONIC LAB Review

sonicstate

"Roland’s new Grooveboxes (well new as of last year) just got a significant OS update to v1.5 and as a result they’ve come a long way since they were first introduced.

Gaz Williams and Nick Batt took a look at the MC-707 which is an 8-track groove box with tone tracks, drum tracks and Looper tracks.
At the heart of both the MC boxes is the Zen Core engine. This is common to many new Roland machines - the Jupiter X and Xm and the AX Edge specifically (though without the synth specific expansion engines) and as such can share the basic core patches across all models, including integration with the Roland Cloud."

Patch Notes: Scott Campbell

FACTmagazine

"Scott Campbell is a synthesist, sound designer and engineer based in New Orleans, LA. He runs boutique company Onde Magnétique, whose OM-1 cassette synthesizer uses tape to create pitched soundscapes, and creates ambient music using a number of setups that he often presents on Instagram and YouTube.

In this episode of Patch Notes, Campbell records an improvised ambient piece incorporating samples from a Roland MC-707, looping and granular synthesis on the ER-301 Sound Computer, euclidean rhythms from a Dnipro DOT pattern generator, with live audio processing through a modified Marantz PMD430 three-head cassette deck."

---
Calsynth case with a bear logo.

You can find previous posts featuring Scott Campbell here.

Barely recognizable tunes on the Jupiter's quirky Intelligent Arpeggiator

Published on May 30, 2020 Woody Piano Shack

"All-playing no-talking boring demo of the ROLAND JUPITER Xm preset sounds. Let's enjoy the preset scenes and play the pads, drums, synth bass, brass and various other patches. We'll put the arpeggiator through it's paces and play some barely recognisable iconic 80s synthpop riffs. Same synthesizer ZEN CORE engine and patches as the ROLAND JUPITER X, FANTOM, MC 101, MC 707, RD 88 and more!"

ZENOLOGY is an Incredible Software Synthesizer at an Astonishing Price

Published on May 16, 2020 Woody Piano Shack

"Demo, tutorial and review of the brand-new ROLAND ZENOLOGY SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER featuring the ZEN CORE sound engine technology and thousands of the presets found in the ROLAND FANTOM, JUPITER X, JUPITER Xm, MC 707, MC 101, RD 88 and more. This is the latest release in the newly revamped Roland Cloud.

We'll do a walkthrough of the UI checking out the features and of course playing the piano, pad and acoustic sounds."

Roland MC-101, JU-06A, and Octatrack MK2 performance at Patchwerks

Published on Apr 18, 2020 Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) performs on the Roland MC-101, the Roland JU-06A, and the Elektron Octatrack. The focus of the performance was to showcase the MC-101's potential in a live scenario, playing with other instruments.

From Roland:
"Produce and perform music anywhere, anytime—without clutter or complications. The MC-101 GROOVEBOX has all the high-quality sounds, sequencing, and effects of the professional MC-707, in a compact four-track version that’s go-everywhere portable. Get started with an inspiring collection of ready-to-go sounds and patterns, or easily create your own. Craft a unique style by importing custom sounds and loops that sync to tempo. And you can perform with the MC-101, triggering clips and shaping your sounds with direct, hands-on control."

Order the Roland MC-101 here: https://bit.ly/roand_mc_101

From Roland:
"The JU-06A is the best of the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 in one synth. It has the continuous high-pass filter of the 106, the envelope-controllable pulse-width-modulation of the 60, and the unique filter behavior of both, instantly switchable from the front panel. The sound is indistinguishable from its vintage counterparts, even while tweaking controls or using extreme settings. And no vintage JUNO would be complete without the swirling sound of its legendary chorus, faithfully recreated, right down to the lovable (and thankfully adjustable) noise."

Order Roland JU-06A here: http://bit.ly/Roland_JU-06A

From Elektron:
"During its seven year life span, the original Octatrack quickly became one of the most widely used live performance samplers. An industry standard if there ever was one. It undoubtedly changed the way gear setups look like and gave artists the power to perform live in the truest sense of the word. Now the Octatrack MKII is here. Sharper, better, more robust. It proudly carries the legacy of its predecessor, confirming the position as the creative artist’s instrument of choice."

Order the Octatrack MK2 here: http://bit.ly/octatrack_sampler

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Matthew Piecora
https://www.youtube.com/EZBOTMUSIC"

ROLAND MC 101 as SOUND MODULE with ABLETON?

Published on Mar 7, 2020

"Quick performance with ROLAND MC 101 Groovebox with ABLETON LIVE and NOVATION LAUNCHPAD. Just a little demo to show how it can be used as an external sound module together with your favorite DAW software sequencer. You'll be able to hear some of the drums and Zen Core synth sounds that this little machine has to offer, the same as the ROLAND MC 707."

Christopher Kah and Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX & TR-8S Performance

Published on Feb 15, 2020 RolandChannel

"Christopher Kah is a multidisciplinary electronic music producer and performer from France. He mastered the art of sound design and his performance on stage is always an evolving concept of DJing, synthesizers, drum computers and samplers.

In this live performance, Christopher combines the powerful Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX with the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer that embraces his approach in creating dynamic and evolving Techno performances with a limited hardware setup."

Synth and Software NAMM 2020 Videos

Published on Jan 20, 2020 synthandsoftware

Playlist:
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Roland
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Roland Jupiter X Synthesizer
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Roland Fantom 6 Synthesizer Keyboard
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Roland Jupiter-Xm Synthesizer
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Roland JU-06A Sound Module
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Roland MC-707 Groovebox
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Roland MC-101 Groovebox
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Korg Wavestate - Wave Sequencing Synthesizer
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Korg MS20 Synthesizer
Synth and Software - NAMM 2020 - Korg ARP 2600 FS Semi Modular Synthesizer

Roland Unveils ZEN - Core Synthesis System

Roland Fantom - "Hyperwave" song with new Zen-Core Tones!

Published on Jan 15, 2020 gattobus

"A new song, composed and performed on the new Roland Fantom Synthesizer. Recorded via USB, digital multitrack audio outs in Ableton Live 10.

Every sound you hear comes from the internal Zen-Core Engine. (Compatible with Fantom - JupiterX/Xm).

You can download this Tones for free here, following this link:
https://www.roland.com/global/support..."

And Roland's press release:

A new synth engine embodying nearly 50 years of experience

Anaheim, CA, January 15, 2020 — Roland (NAMM Hall A, Booth #10702), announces the ZEN-Core Synthesis System, a powerful new engine found at the heart of the company’s latest (and future) electronic instruments. With ZEN-Core, Roland applies the wisdom gained from nearly 50 years of making world-leading analog, digital, and hybrid synthesizers to create an adaptable new platform that both embraces the legendary and looks to what’s next.

Through ZEN-Core, Roland assures a consistent level of sonic quality and expression regardless of instrument. With the confidence of access to the same, growing library of compatible sounds that they can share and exchange, musicians and producers can focus on choosing hardware with features that best suit their application, playing style and workflow, from performance and production synthesizers to GROOVEBOXES, stage pianos, and more.

With the forthcoming system updates, owners of FANTOM 6/7/8 Synthesizers (Version 1.50*), JUPITER-X Series Synthesizers (Version 1.10) and RD-88 Stage Pianos will be able to start using the same compatible sounds across all models, adding a new collaborative capability to their instruments. An update for the MC-101 and MC-707 GROOVEBOXES will also be available in Q2 2020, with an update planned for AX-EDGE later this year.

ZEN-Core base engine tones created on one instrument can be shared with other users or transferred into completely different compatible Roland hardware. Performers can take sounds made on a FANTOM and play them in the spotlight on an AX-Edge Keytar, or perform a JUPITER-X synth patch on an RD-88, dramatically simplifying setup and expanding tonal options. Sounds are easily shared with a bandmate or co-creator, even when using different compatible Roland hardware. With ZEN-Core, users have access to the sounds they want, in the format they want, wherever they produce or perform.
 
The Roland ZEN-Core multi-timbral engine combines the latest Virtual Analog and PCM (up to 256 voices) synthesis techniques with powerful DSP effects. Advanced synthesis features include new VA oscillators, precisely modeled filters, ultra-fast and smooth LFO and envelope modulators, and high-resolution control of primary editing and performance parameters. Sounds created for the base engine will be compatible across all ZEN-Core instruments, opening-up a world of opportunities for creators and sound designers alike.
 
ZEN-Core supports instrument-specific ZEN-Core Expansions including Analog Behavior Modeling for the JUPITER-X series and V-Piano for the new FANTOM Series. Further ZEN-Core expansions will soon arrive for other instruments in the Roland ZEN-Core family.

For more on Roland ZEN-Core, please visit Roland.com.

*Beta version as of today. Official release is planned in late January 2020.

Live Techno with Cristian Varela and the Roland MC-707 & MC-101 GROOVEBOX

Published on Dec 26, 2019 RolandChannel

"DJ, producer, label founder, festival organiser and one of the most enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet—Cristian Varela is on a mission to take techno to the masses. Week in, week out, the Spanish-born powerhouse plays to huge crowds all over the world, often adding live performance elements into the mix to give himself an edge.

As the owner of the coolest customised MC-505 you’ll ever see, Cristian talks about how he got started with the Roland GROOVEBOX range, his twenty-year experience from the MC-505, what he thinks of the latest MC-707 and MC-101, and why you’ll find them right beside him on stage, in some of the biggest—and loudest—electronic clubs in the world.

You can download exclusive FREE Roland MC-707 & MC-101 GROOVEBOX Projects from Cristian via aira.roland.com/soundlibrary, and many more presets, patches and patterns for your GROOVEBOX."

Merry Synthmas and & a MATRIXSYNTH Giveaway!

What's that left under the tree?...

Is that a WaveRex MC-256 Memory Cartridge with a whopping 256 banks for supporting Roland gear like the JX-8P, JX-10, TR-909, and TR-707? Why yes it is! You might remember from this post it came in and I do not need it! I mentioned I would be giving it away to a supporting member of the site and to stay tuned. Well the time has come. If you are a supporting member and want it, email me at matrixsynth@gmail.com. At the end of the year, yes you have to wait that long, I will pick a lucky winner. I'm guessing many are spending time with their families so I want to give members some time. BTW, if you have ever considering supporting the site, and would like a chance at picking up this cart, you can enter before January 1st. Just be sure to email me to add you to the pool. Currently we have 234 supporting members, and I'm guessing not every one will enter.

Thank you to all the supporting members of the site, and thank you to all of you who take time out of your day to just visit and participate. I understand signing up to support a site can be a hassle and something many may not want to go through the trouble to do. That is totally fine. Please know that the site does appreciate you! This giveaway is just a little extra I'd like to offer to those who give a little extra to the site to keep it running. Thank you all! And huge thanks to WaveRex for making this giveaway possible! Be sure to check out their site for additional synth carts and RAM cards.

Merry Synthmas! :)

Roland MC-707 synth jam

Published on Nov 30, 2019 calleguitarguy

"Roland MC-707 jam.
All sounds from the Roland MC-707
Zen-core synth engine groovebox played via external midi keyboard and internal sequencer."

Roland MC-707 Review

Published on Nov 5, 2019 tarekith

"In this review I cover the Roland MC-707, their latest Groovebox wonder box. For a more indepth look at some of the MC-707 features, be sure to check out these videos as well:" [posted here]

Kraftwerk Roland JU-06A MC-101 Trans-Radio-Non-Stop Electronic Music

Published on Oct 28, 2019 kvfive

Kraftwerk Trans-Radio-Non-Stop

Using the Roland Ju-06A, MC-101, System-1 and the Behringer MS-101

Vocoder samples were made using a Novation Mininova and a few FX

If you have either the Roland MC-101 or MC-707 Groovebox you can download the project file (.mpj) here:

http://www.kv5.uk/freestuff.html

Thank you for watching :-)

Roland MC-707 (no talking)

Published on Oct 28, 2019 Bonedo Synthesizers

MC-707 Synth Deep Dive - SH-101 Cloning

Published on Oct 24, 2019 Digiphex Electronics

Roland MC-707 Workflow Tutorial and Thoughts

Published on Oct 12, 2019 Digiphex Electronics

Roland MC-707 Tutorials by tarekith

Published on Oct 23, 2019 tarekith

Note you can skip to specific videos in the playlist via the dropdown on the top right of the player.

Playlist:

MC707: Part 1 - Set Up & Workflow [previously posted here]
MC707: Part 2 - Drums and Rhythm
MC-707 : Part 3 Knobs and Motion

Getting to know the Roland MC-707 (jam and thoughts)

Published on Oct 22, 2019 Jay Hosking

"A live, semi-improvised performance, all on hardware, and inspired by the feature set and sounds of the Roland MC-707. Overall, I find it to have great synth sounds and some fun performance features (knobs for filter and assignable parameters, master-level effects including DJFX from SP-404, and greatly expanded scatter effects) but also to have some odd design choices (not frontloading the parameters you want, distinctly unmusical scatter presets, thousands of pointless and bad synth presets) and some unfortunate drawbacks (voice stealing, most notably). Overall, a super fun all-in-one groovebox, but I'm still pining for Novation to make a proper successor to the Circuit.

Roland MC-707 — six synth tracks (noisy pad, arp, lead, bass, 2x clean pads), two drum tracks (regular and filtered), sequencing, and effects

Sequences written over the last couple weeks, performed and uploaded as is, with only a little compression/limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"