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MC 909 Noob

Posted: 18:48, 25 October 2015
by Gibo
Hi guys firstly I am in love with my Groovebox , but I'm having trouble operating it , do any of you have any video links for help ? I don't want to spend $30 USD on a tutorial DVD as I simply have not got that kind of cash (unemployed student) here is what I'm trying to work off http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/ ... tarted.pdf but vids could be a better option.

Many thanks

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 20:56, 25 October 2015
by DaniH
I actually have the dvd and have no problem ripping it to send to you. Just pm me your email and I'll send it to you somehow.

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 23:50, 25 October 2015
by Gibo
Hi, will pm you my email address shortly. Thanks for your help :D

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 20:06, 25 July 2016
by dicblack
DaniH wrote:I actually have the dvd and have no problem ripping it to send to you. Just pm me your email and I'll send it to you somehow.
could I get a copy?
soulgoodmusic@mail.com
thx

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 04:57, 26 July 2016
by DaniH
It's actually on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/ZxpTZS9Y7s4

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 21:58, 28 June 2017
by +Vader
Hi!

I'm considering to buy this machine to build a live setup, but I'm hopelessly confused even after the manual... may I ask the community to give some info?
I have some DAW background (mainly Reason), and I own a Kaossilator Pro and a Korg Zero 4 mixer

It's clear that I can/must recreate some elements using the 909's sequencer (no problem with that), but the sample side of things completely escapes me

1. How much can I load from SD card? Should I load each different song's elements separately as a show goes on, or prepare everything beforehand?

2. How can I play phrase type samples? Is there any way of live tempo sync or timestretching?

3. What the hell is RPS?

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 22:14, 29 June 2017
by DaniH
If you watch the video in the link I provided above you will have all your answers.

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 22:46, 29 June 2017
by +Vader
Alright, I take my time - thanks!

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 20:54, 30 June 2017
by +Vader
I'm getting there, great video indeed!

But I'm still curious about timestretch experiences - how good is it when slowing down (do I need to export everything on 100BPM)? I also hope it's pitch independent....

Another one about MIDI thru: can I send tempo sync through by disabling any other MIDI data going out?
Like setting the kaossilator to master, routing it to the 909, and from that to my mixer?

I still haven't heard anything about loading time and organising a live set (see my question above) - does anyone have some experience in this regard?

How exactly does the Patch remain setting work? It's just a side note in both the manual and the video..

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 12:05, 13 July 2017
by kolor
+Vader wrote:Hi!

I'm considering to buy this machine to build a live setup, but I'm hopelessly confused even after the manual... may I ask the community to give some info?
I have some DAW background (mainly Reason), and I own a Kaossilator Pro and a Korg Zero 4 mixer

It's clear that I can/must recreate some elements using the 909's sequencer (no problem with that), but the sample side of things completely escapes me

1. How much can I load from SD card? Should I load each different song's elements separately as a show goes on, or prepare everything beforehand?

2. How can I play phrase type samples? Is there any way of live tempo sync or timestretching?

3. What the hell is RPS?

Hi Vader!

1. Using sm card you can load 128mb of data which will give you about 12.40 minutes stereo time total and about 25 minutes time mono total. Using sm/xd adapter and 256xd card you will have 2x more (25min stereo/50min mono) It will be better to prepare everything beforehand and load all the stuff while turning on the MC-909 (autoload). Treat your xd/SM card as the "project disk". Unfortunately, the loading time is long for today's standards.

2.Time stretch is possible but remember that mc's got time stretch from 2002, so... yes, it's pitch independent but remember: it's good to slow down loop from for example 124bpm to 120bpm but not good to slow down from 124bpm to 90bpm (you will hear a lot of artefacts). You can prepare your phrase type sample as patch and in sample edit you can define the stretch type algorithm (some are good for drum loops, some for instruments etc.) Than simply press "auto sync" button (red sample area on the front panel) on a part where you're using your phrase.

3.RPS is some cool feature from pre-ableton times;) MC-909 can play at the same time 32 parts: 16 for pattern/sequence and 16 for RPS. You can define 30 RPS sets which every one can handle up to 16 midi tracks/parts from your patterns that you choose. You can treat this function as you want:
expansion for limited 16track pattern, tool for remixing/blending/morphing your patterns on the fly or simply slot for some additional track in live sets as sfx samples, breaks, drum fills etc. RPS is pattern independent so it plays even when the pattern sequencer is stopped.

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 16:09, 18 July 2017
by +Vader
That was comprehensive, thanks!

Would you look at my other questions too? It seems I have to buy this one... but anyone having some experience with sp-555 and EMU command stations can join the talk, and convince me otherwise

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 23:19, 18 July 2017
by Electribe_noodler
Command Stations have no sampling, they're 32 track ROMplers. The screen is tiny but the sequencer is very well implemented. The sp555 is a pure live sampler, the sequencer is rudimentary at best, one effect at a time, no timeslicing, time stretching is pretty limited. It's fun as it has practically no menu diving, but it is what it is.

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 07:40, 19 July 2017
by +Vader
I'm aware of these limitations, but initially I thought I can substitute those two for a 909... the command station has particularly good feedback even now, so if anyone could compare the synth engines, I'd appreciate it
The sp555 sounds good at first (mainly because of streaming), but seems like it lacks any internal sync/quantisation - can anyone confirm these (the sp forum doesn't give a sh** about my questions, heh)?

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 11:22, 19 July 2017
by Electribe_noodler
You can quantize on the sp555, but the lack of grid edit is painful for tight patterns unless you've got decent timing.

The Proteus 2000 architecture (which the Command Station is based on) is four sample layers per voice, each with envelopes for each, smooth z plane filters. The pads are huge on that beast. The samples aren't as fresh as they were but still hold up IMHO. So as a ROMpler synth, it's pretty good. Also, you could just sequence the sp555 from it, if you're willing to learn the sequencer.

Re: MC 909 Noob

Posted: 16:23, 19 July 2017
by +Vader
SP555-wise, I'm concerned about running simple phrase loops (song elements made with software) in perfect sync... but starting them is the tricky part, isn't it (without any quantize setting)? Its pattern sequencer doesn't look worth trying.

I'd use it with my Kaossilator Pro and a Zero4 mixer, all synced up - well, that would be a very basic setup.

From then on, either the 909 or the command station would be the next step, as these should allow me to rebuild most of those song elements on their own synth and sequencer