Roland launches MC-707 Groovebox
2 min read
ROLAND has unveiled the MC-707 groovebox, a self-contained production tools “designed for today’s electronic music creators”. Based on their new ZEN-core tech, this product is not true analogue but does offer a reasonable approximation of it.
PRICE: £879/$999; Release date: later this month
The MC-707 offers a familiar pad interface, combined with Aira-series inspired controls. It is the big brother of the MC-101 which was announced at the same time, featuring a cut-down interface.
In the announcement, Roland said:
“In 1996, Roland launched the original MC-303 GROOVEBOX to great acclaim, and the popular series evolved with many additional MC models over the next decade.
“Building on workflows introduced with genre-defining Roland instruments like the TR-808, TR-909, and TB-303, the GROOVEBOX series allowed people without musical training—but with keen musical sensibilities— to create songs quickly and easily, and in some cases, these individuals gave rise to entirely new musical genres and styles.
“The MC-707 and MC-101 fuse this landmark concept with today’s advanced technologies, giving electronic-focused musicians more creative power than ever before.
“The MC-707 GROOVEBOX offers everything needed to create a song or perform a live set without a computer.
The MC-707 is a 128-voice max polyphony drum synthesizer which offers eight tracks.
It offers 90 types of track multi-effects, EQ, chorus/delay, reverb, and 90 types of master effects. It also comes with a dedicated master compressor and EQ.
SEE ALSO: Korg announce $100 Nu:Tekt NTS-1 DIY synthesizer
The MC-707 has the sounds of legendary Roland rhythm machines and synthesizers that are the foundation of electronic music—including the TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, JUNO-106, and SH-101.
But the MC-707 also boasts modern digital and hybrid sounds.
One of the big downsides is a burden on every hardware manufacturer: the deeper the range of sounds, the more intuitive the interface needs to be.
While the MC-707 does have a screen, it is quite basic and so it will require getting used to menu-diving and the quirks of the 707’s “operating system”.
Coming in at over one and a half times the price you can get a Roland Aira TR8S Rhythm Performer Drum Machine, the MC-707 might be a tough upgrade to sell for many.
For those needing the pads and bragging rights, then this is, of course, a must. For others, it may be harder to justify the expenditure of a few hundred extra pounds/dollars.
