Roland MC-303

I've recently been trying to use an old Roland MC-303 Groovebox in stand-alone mode (i.e. using no external synths). I got it a while ago and had to do some fixing. The pots were broken and needed re-soldering. Then I got an MC-505, so the MC-303 was sort of relegated to under the bench. Anyway, I decided to get it out again and try some custom patterns. After using it for a bit, I actually quite like it. I much prefer analogue and modular stuff, but I'm going to try and use the MC-303 later on as a sequencer for some of my other gear. In spite of the bad press and videos on the MC-303, I think it can sound pretty good with some tweaking.

I've added some links to videos of demo jams below. They're all recorded live and basically use custom sequences on the MC-303 overdubbed in real-time with arpeggios and tones controlled by an Arturia Keystep 37. When I get round to adding some more synths I may do another Blog, or add them to the end here.

I hope you like some of the sounds, and If you get a chance please like / subscribe on my YouTube channel. Thanks.

Oops ! Update. Actually, the first two videos use the MC-303 drums, but with it controlling other synths. Novation Peak and Behringer Proton, Neutron, K2 MK2, and Kobol. I thought I'd leave them in anyway.