Product Description

Roland MC-101 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 8×2 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