Roland MC-505 explained

Synth Name:	Roland MC-505 groovebox
Synth Manufacturer:	Roland
Synthesis Type:	Sample-based synthesis (rompler)
Os Version:	1.07
Polyphony:	64-note^[1]
Timbrality:	8-part^[2] (Including a separate rhythm channel)
Oscillator:	Yes
Filter:	Yes
Lfo:	Yes
Keyboard:	No
Ext Control:	MIDI in/out
Memory:	512 preset sounds, 26 drum kits
Fx:	reverb/delay, chorus/flanger
Dates:	1998 - 2002
Price:	£782 UK, $1299 US

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 Lfo. It was released as the successor to the Roland MC-303 and is a compact version of the Roland JX-305 Groovesynth without the full set of 61 keys. It is also the predecessor to the Roland D2, Roland MC-307, Roland MC-909 and the Roland MC-808.

Features

The key features of the MC-505 are:

• 64 voice polyphonic digital subtractive synthesis engine (derived from the Roland JV-1080) with 251 different oscillator, acoustic and drum sample waveforms
• 512 built-in preset sounds, 256 user sounds & 26 rhythm sets (includes the Roland CR-78, TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, TR-707 and R-8)
• 8-track MIDI sequencer + Mute Ctrl Track
• Recording length of up to 32 bars per pattern
• 714 preset sequencer patterns, 200 user patterns, 50 user songs
• 3 multi-effect units: Reverb, Delay and 24 different EFXs
• Infrared D-Beam controller for hands-free sound modulation
• MEGAMix function for intuitive realtime mixing of beats and patterns
• 5 volt Smartmedia card slot for doubling user patch and pattern memory

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

• Beck
• Chicks on Speed
• Cibo Matto
• Duo 505
  • Eric Prydz Freddy Fresh
• Gustavo Cerati
• James McNally (Afro Celts)^[3]
• Kirlian Camera
• Lasgo
• The Legendary Pink Dots
• M.I.A.
• New Order
• Peaches
• Radiohead
• Rambo Amadeus
• Skinny Puppy
• Sean Lennon
• Grace Ives^[4]
• Juan Atkins
• I-F
• The Prodigy

External links

MC-505 PDF Manual Links:

• Online Roland MC-505 PDF Owners Manual Location
• Roland MC-505 Service Notes Manual Schematics

Other Links:

• Roland US Corporation, MC-505 site and files.
• Roland MC-505's discussion Group Forum, at Yahoo! Groups
• Roland MC-505 FAQ v.1.041
• Sound on Sound review
• "Roland MC505 - next up from the mc303 comes the 505 - same thing, more power". - (Dancetech.com "A London, UK Independent Product Reviews site". - Date: March 16, 2000)
• At Home With the Groovebox - Compilation of artists using only the MC-505 featuring Beck, Air, Sonic Youth, Pavement, Jean Jacques Perrey, Gershon Kingsley, Cibo Matto, Sean Lennon and others. Released in 2000 by Grand Royal.

Notes and References

1. Groove is in the art. Future Music. 21. April 1998. 68. Future Publishing. 0967-0378. 1032779031.
2. Web site: Roland MC505. Sound On Sound. April 1998. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215126/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr98/articles/roland_mc505.html. 3 March 2016.
3. Web site: Afro Celts. Sound on Sound. Paul. White. February 2004. 4 June 2018.
4. Web site: Grace Ives' Hot Mess Anthems . . 16 June 2022 .