Roland MC-505

Last updated
Roland MC-505 groovebox
MC505a.jpg
Manufacturer Roland
Dates19982002
Price£782 UK, $1299 US
Technical specifications
Polyphony 64-note [1]
Timbrality 8-part [2] (Including a separate rhythm channel)
Oscillator Yes
LFO Yes
Synthesis type Sample-based synthesis (rompler)
Filter Yes
Storage memory512 preset sounds, 26 drum kits
Effects reverb/delay, chorus/flanger
Input/output
Keyboard 1⅓-octave (16-keys) non-piano-style mini key set
External control MIDI in/out [1]

The Roland MC-505 is a groovebox conceived in 1998 as a combination of a MIDI controller, a music sequencer, a drum machine, and a desktop synthesizer with many synthesis features: arpeggiator, oscillators, and voltage-controlled filter, control of attack, decay, sustain and release, different envelopes and 2 LFOs. It was released as the successor to the Roland MC-303 and is functionally related to the later-released Roland JX-305 Groovesynth, which added a 61-key full-sized keyboard but which lacked the MC-505's Megamix and D-Beam hardware and functionality. The Roland MC-505 is also the predecessor to the Roland D2, Roland MC-307, Roland MC-909 and the Roland MC-808.

Contents

Features

The key features of the MC-505 are:

Tribute Album

In 2000 the Grand Royal record label released a compilation album At Home with the Groovebox, where all the artists contributed a track primarily using the Roland MC-505. Artists included Beck, Money Mark, Air, Jean-Jacques Perrey and Pavement. This was considered to be an interesting and well received album.

Notable artists

References

  1. 1 2 "Groove is in the art". Future Music. No. 68. Future Publishing. April 1998. p. 21. ISSN   0967-0378. OCLC   1032779031.
  2. "Roland MC505". Sound On Sound. April 1998. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
  3. White, Paul (February 2004). "Afro Celts". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  4. "Grace Ives' Hot Mess Anthems". Pitchfork . 16 June 2022.

MC-505 PDF Manual Links:

Other Links: