I love the MC-101 so much, I bought a 707, thinking it would be better in every way. However I found it more cumbersome than the 101, though maybe I'll learn to love it. I thought that having more knobs, more tracks, more inputs and less mode-switching would make it faster and more fun, and that it would be a looper and sampler, as well as a groovebox. But the 101 is so well designed, it's definitely less-is-more for me! There are annoying inconsistencies when you switch between them, like both have a Sound button, but they do entirely different things. Some things are easier on the 101, like clip launching. Go figure! On the 707, you can have too many ways to do things, like clip selection (encoders, arrow keys, pads, or the Value knob). That's just confusing! I've found that if I can't make a tune work with four tracks alone, then adding tracks isn't going to improve things.
The two of you are both pretty awesome just so I can I will dispute ... lol Two of my faves for gear review. Gaz Loopop Collaboration review being requested at this time!
Bought a mc101 ..Anderson’s had a demo shop model got it for £250 and it looked new. Brilliant piece of gear..amazed how small and light it is and it can run off a power bank ! I used too use a Roland xp30 and a few other synths when doing rehearsals but I now just use a aKai advance 49 and the mc101 it gives me all the sounds I need in a small lightweight package
FYI I tested the project compatibility between the MC-707 and MC-101. Obviously, the MC-707 will read the MC-101's projects. But surprisingly enough, the MC-101 will not only read the MC-707's projects but does not seem to loose anything upon saving again. Obviously, you are limited to the first 4 tracks, first 8 scenes on the MC-101. But you will still save everything to be loaded back on the MC-707. They make great companions. Now, as reported, the sound editing on the MC-101 is quite limited. Which is not the case on the MC-707. Well, whatever sound editing saved on the MC-707 will be loaded and applied on the MC-101. This means that the full sound engine is there, it just doesn't have the sound editing capability on the device itself. Not only are they great groovebox, they can be very good sound modules. Unfortunately, program changes, according to the midi implementation chart, is not an option here. Hopefully this helps ;)
The best explanation of something in my life :-) THX a lot for this. I am just struggle between 707 and Verselab and THX to this review 707 is my choice. Looong live the King ;-)
Great video as always. I owned the 101 for about 6 months. It serves as an excellent source for the immediacy of traditional "bread and butter" synth and instrument-like sounds, though the menu-diving could be a bit fiddly at times. This is why I ended up selling it. That said, I am actually coming to regret my decision as I took for granted, the easy functionality of its SH 101 style step sequencing, live scatter and performance effects and precise automation recording capabilities. Save the 707, it's difficult to find another groovebox that can do all of the things it can do. Contemplating buying it again, but might hold out for Roland to come out with another new version (besides the SH 4D). I will be checking your page weekly for all possibilities! Thanks Loopop.
@@kostoglotow I owned an elektron syntakt and it was nice. But it's monophonic and you can't load samples into it. You can load samples into the Digitakt, but it doesn't have wavetable synthesis or a synth engine. The Digitone is polyphonic and has FM synthesis only, but no ability to load sounds in. The Analog Four MkII is nice, but it's only got 4 voice polyphony, MC 707 has 64 voice polyphony. I don't think you can load samples into it either I could be wrong though. While those other devices are really good at what they do and are brilliant hardware, I just think the MC 707 is the most versatile groovebox out, with regard to the synth engine of both the zencore and FM based sounds, 3,000+ synths sounds, 50 drum kits, ability to load samples, SH style sequencer, or regular step sequencer, 64 voice polyphony, INIT sound design capability, I think 4 oscillators per sound, not to mention the live performance capabilities like scatter FXs and clip launching song modes, the onboard faders etc.... But to each their own, out of all those I mentioned, you can't really go wrong.
The 101 is actually the first groovebox that seems somewhat appealing to me, mostly due to form factor. I already have a setup that's at the limits of what I can lug around on public transport, but sampling and a poly synth are still missing. This with my K-mix and/or BSP for some extra knobs and sliders over midi could go a long way.
I was already set on getting a Novation Circuit, so when the MC101 came out I was like GOD DAMMIT now I have a choice to make! Lol. Still got the circuit for half the price of the MC101 and I'm loving it. These guys look fun too though. :)
What'd you end up deciding? The circuit seems to have a pretty solid community behind it - including sample packs from some youtube greats like BoBeats. I'm on the fence between the two. The new Model:Cycles looks neat, but I'm after battery powered with headphones fun.
As a traveller who is try to find his fire about music (being edm producer was my dream) I am thinking to get one groovebox which can maybe ignite my fire to make music on the road. So it would be really helpfull to see comparisons between all groovebox like circut, electribe sampler2 maybe op1 even maybe (not for me but) dealuge. Also you can discuss in that episode about can digitak and model sample use as a groovebox. Thank you so much for your interest and hope to see your comparison
Great video, thanks. Surprised there was so much similarity. I think I'll get the 101, might be a bit menu-divey, but man this is júst enough production power in a small package at a pretty reasonable price. Did not expect anything this awesome from Roland in this century tbh.
@@justinbernal1 Yes I love it, but it's not perfect. It's super powerful and has even more features now. It's my main music creation tool and it can do almost everything I really need. But some features are a little hidden, it's not super intuitive and while I love the sound engine, after some months I did wish for some sounds that didn't seem to be there. But you could get the Zenology pro (subscription) to make your own sounds or combine it with a synth. I'm okay with the workflow, if it's your main music making tool you'll learn it quickly, if it's just one of many pieces of gear you own and you don't use it for a while you're gonna have to get back in the groove a little bit. It's amazing value for money, but I wish they'd made it twice as big and added some dedicated buttons instead of putting in a lot of shortcuts that you have to remember. It's not perfect, but it's by far the best option for me out there, every alternative has compromises. Edit: I see I mostly focused on the negatives, just wanted to emphasize that the sound engine is amazing and it's basically a super tiny workstation, it's that powerful.
Excellent video! I can see the MC101 being popular with live performers, given its size, battery power & relative simplicity. That, and I would much rather have a $600 box doing the clip launching duties than having to use a $2,000 MacBook Pro when gigging.
I like the size of the 101 but wish it had the same screen and ability to edit the sounds more. That would be perfect. Love the ultra portable form factor. Also I had a circuit and didn't love the no screen and even how sounds were loaded...
I assume you mean editing on the mc101... have you seen mylarmelodies' video about sound design for this machine? While the interface is naturally limiting, it seems like there's a huge capability lurking underneath if you use Roland's DAW-based preset editing plugin and export presets to SD card... neatly separating sound design // writing. With this in mind, and of course the price, size and battery power, it was a very easy decision to go for the smaller machine
Thumbs up - production quality: camera angles, lighting, audio and content are all superb. Unfortunately the MC-707 screen is much too small when you think of all of the parameters need to be displayed within a small screen. The MC-707 costing twice as the MC-101 does not deliver any way close to twice the features. The I/O connection ports are much better on the MC-707 than what you get on the MC-101.
Actually since the 101 does not have velocity sensitive keys it looses out on being a sound module. That's a big deal for me. The Zen Core engine can be used for other synths via MIDI as well as Guitar Synths. So Perhaps its got a future. The screen is always too small. I wish they had a mini hdmi plug where another large screen could be plugged into. So simple to address.
I wonder if I can connect to a Roland Mc101 via Midi in a Boss Rc loop station (like rc500 or rc5) in order to send a loop of guitar to the Roland and then can I run this guitar loop in a clip..
Thank you very much for your video, very informative. I am a owner of a MC-505 & MC-909. I am disappointed from the new machines. Those who use the old stuff can understand me.
Maquette Music Roland gear always feels a tad overpriced. But the M-101 has SO many sounds, and 4 parts, it has a lot to offer in hardware that we haven’t really seen since the 00s. And then it’d be huge and more expensive JV series racks or something of that ilk...
I find the polyphony of 128 being eaten up very quickly when layering pads and bells on 3 parts. Even with max voice allocation per part the notes can suddenly go silent. It does not replace my 2080 I think which was a big let down.
Awesome video thanks for The invaluable information. ....so many things I like about these two boxes I think They both are well thought out designs and great form factors. It’s just such a shame that it’s Lacks basic MIDI capabilities. I was also hoping with all the knobs and faders that this unit might be able to perform some of the features the MX 1 failed to deliver. However not the case Roland seems to have problems with making their gear class compliant - In the age where we all have these small powerful devices I just don’t understand it. Why make a small battery powered Groovebox and not have it class complaint???? I sold my Mx1 because it wasn’t class complaint Not to mention I could only use three channels unless I wanted to invest in their ecosystem. Don’t get me wrong so many things are so cool on these ...maybe Firmware can fix some of it. I don’t think there would be as much criticism of these units if they were priced about $200 less than they are . In my option the price is too inflated for what you’re getting in this competitive market. If the 101 was selling for $370 ish & the 707 was around $799 ish . Roland will be selling these things like hotcakes.
jarkokoo I forget the exact measurements but I think THE 101 comes within a quarter inch of being the same size as the Volcas .... At that price point I can buy five used Volcas for the price of this one machine not saying I would want to do that......just FFT
On the other hand you're getting a multitimbral(4) 128 voice polyphonic synth with sample playback that can also sequence external synths. Plus there's USB Audio out for all 4 tracks sent (if I'm not mistaken) at up to 24-bit/96kHz AND it's battery and USB powered. My guess is firmware updates will really open this thing up.
MacGuffin that’s cool 4 out usb.... is that usb class Compliant? That would be amazing I’m not getting my hopes up with Roland they Don’t seem to put on the episodes on making their products compatible with anything else other than their own ecosystems Let me know if you have any more insight on the USB connectivity Compatibility
Nice the Roland is continuing to provide firmware updates to this product line. I think the latest update, gives expanded synth editing access, to the 101. And usb class compliance. Further blurring the distinction between the two.
Roland should make a desktop editor for the synth, so people can make their own presets for the 101. I wonder if the MIDI mapping features of the 707 firmware update will carry across.
Hi, very good video indeed, but I have a question: If you make a custom synth path in the 707 and save it into a project, can you load it into the 101 and preserve the edits?. If that's the case, it's very likely that Roland (or a third party) will make a ZEN-Core editor for the Zen MC's, and the new Zen synths (Jupiter X, Xm and Fantom). The thing is that has to be done in the project file or with a special USB mode because both MC's expose very little parameters via MIDI (at least the ones that are documented in the MIDI implementation chart are few).
Thanks! How odd... I thought I answered this question but now my answer is gone... anyway, yes, you can load 707 projects and patches into the 101, and indeed hopefully we get SysEx access or an editor at some point.
wanted the 101 for some time, but then i just got 2 separate samplers (microgranny 2 and qubit nebulae). driving them with the arturia beatstep pro, sound great with some analog gear :)
It's good that the mc-101 knobs can be assigned to control different parameters. But this would get awfully confusing for someone performing live unless they kept the knob assignments very consistent, right?
this problem is somewhat fixed on microgranny and mfb tanzmaus - you don't change the knob value until you hit the currently saved value while rotating the knob.
How do you use them together? I was hoping to use the 101, as an extra 12 tracks and potential automation of scenes. Also using 101, as a mix down device. I welcome anyone’s thoughts.
Great video. It would be nice to see a video that explains midi capabilities with this. I could see one of these devices, especially the smaller ones, being useful in a band setting, with drums like the Roland SPD 8 series. Also would like to know if I can send CC messages through an iPad to one of these devices.
What annoys me about the MC707 are those 4 additional endless encoders. I'm not talking about Roland specifically but in general these encoders tend to easily malfunction over time with for example values jumping all over the place. At least the MC101 only has one such knob (the large "value" one). In my book: the lesser endless encoders on a device, the better. What annoys me about the MC101 is the lack of a dedicated power source. Power over USB is known for being prone to ground loop noise when connected to or sharing the same hub with other devices. The "convenience" of a single usb cable is not worth the extra stress it introduces of not getting a clean signal.
Probably been asked before; how many FX per track? At least three at the same time I hope? Thanx for all your sooo informative and relaxed info boosts on instruments, Loopop!!
I know this video is quite old so you probably won't see my comment, but if you do: I've had the MC-101 for about two months. I love how it sounds-but my big gripe is the workflow and usability. It's really clunky and unintuitive, a lot of obnoxious key commands that you have to remember in order to do simple stuff. Would you say the MC-707 is easier / friendlier to use than the MC-101? Thinking of selling the 101 and upgrading. Don't care so much about size and portability; just want something that will be fun to make music on, and the 101 hasn't proven very fun.
Hi, I'm having trouble finding out if this can be used directly as a midi sequencer/composer with other gear/synths? From what I gather this can be a glorified MC500? I don't have much use for the synth engine/ drum machine capabilities.
Quick question if I may: can I use the 101 to sequence external synths via midi? I used to do that with the original Circuit but it felt a bit cumbersome as I had to mute the internal synths. Thank you!
Considering the upgrade to the 707, i love doing everything on the 101. But when introducing samples its a pain to edit. Also even though you chop them up beforehand, I always find myself needing to adjust them on the MC101. Just more buttons and more tracks seems very nice as well.
So thorough...wow dude, ty. I'm a synth nerd so the 707 is actually going to knock the octatrack down in my list and my regret for selling my mc307 will be atoned...lol
thanks for great reviews, could one import their own samples (from SD card) to the 16 parts of a “drum kit” and in essence use a drum kit as a 16 part sample (non-percussion samples) playback track ?
thanks. .. are the scenes and clips just arranging the same 4 tracks (101) and 8 tracks (707) of pattern data? Or are the clips and scenes / patterns able to contain different tones, so a song can have more sounds than the 4 and 8 respectively?
@@loopop yea so I'm not phrasing the question very well :-s. What I mean is, the clips per project / song will only be able to hold 1 drum track and 3 synth sounds (for example on the 101 = 4 tracks). You can't get more "tracks' by recording clips using other sounds right. the clips don't free up tracks/sounds, they're just for arrangement yeah?
You didn't mention other I instruments in this category as you stated you would. Not a complaint so much as an acknowledgement. You've convinced me to get the 707. I think this will be better than the SP2400 that will come out and I hope you review it.
I mentioned quite a few times features that exist (or don't) in other instruments, for example. that tracks play one sample instead of 16, or polyphonic chords, or don't have a clips feature. Naming specific product comparisons would have made this video much longer...
Good comparison, Loopop.;) I’m a total nerd with gear...but you always make these so clear and pleasant to watch that even someone way less willing to dive in, is able to get the picture, and watch the whole thing :P . I had ditched considering this, but you sort of revitalized the 101 for me. With access to the same sample bank as in the 707, one can still produce a lot of music, here. A bit pricey still, though. When plugging an external MIDI controller, could it be done via USB, or would it have to be done over the MIDI Din I/O? . Might one use both ? Thank you for the video review ;)
Thanks! Do you mean can you plug in a USB MIDI keyboard into this? The answer is no, you'd need a controller with 5 pin MIDI, or a USB MIDI host. Check out my USB MIDI video for more information
@@loopop Thanks for the reply Loopop. Yeah..i've got an old M-Audio M1 midi keyboard with 5 pinMIDI I/O. It would probably be a nice option, as the Seaboard Block wouldn't cut it. Yes..., i know that video quite well. I learned a lot from it _ another rabbit hole.. lol ! (Thank you very much for doing it, btw!) I am waiting for an iConnectivity Audio4+.., mainly due to the MIDI host capabilities. PS: off topic -> isotonikstudios make some killer Ableton scripts for several devices. Do you want to check out the one on the AKAI Fire ? (perhaps do a video, on it..) :P Its got a pretty cool grid layout as a Sequencer.
Hey Loopop! Awesome as always!! :) Any thoughts on why Roland deny the MC 707 to record pitchbend or modulation information via external hardware like for example the Novation SL Mk 3. The pitch or modulation info comes into the 707 and you can hear the changes but will not be recorded in the sequencer. I know you can use the knobs on the MC for this but it seems counterintuitive if playing with external hardware to use the knobs instead of pitch and mod wheels. What do you think? Any ideas on a workaround? I think this should be a basic feature? Does Roland listen to your input? Best Regards /Mack
Thanks! I hope they listen to me and a lot of others - they actually have in the recent update. To the point - you have three modulation lanes - my workaround for you to be to apply one of the to pitch. I know it’s not perfect...
Krakatoa lawn mower loopop that's a great review ! I have a question for you - i'm just about to acquire my first groovebox to have some fun with ( i'm not a musician ) in preference to a synth for synthplicity ( sic ) and the Roland looks the bees knees to me so would i be better to go for the MC707 initially and grow in to it,since cost is not a consideration ? If i go MC101 first and then want to progress later i then have to make a second purchase in the future so what thinks thee.I gather the MC101 is more about portability and creating music on the go but i probably wouldn't do that anyway if that helps ? Or perhaps you could suggest an alternative path to start my creative journey bearing in mind i'm 68 and time may be of the essence !Later....came across your review of the Korg Wavestate and it does sound good and i think i've added it to my list.
Hello community, Need advice! I would like to optimize the midi connection of my setup for the best ergonomics possible. Gear: Digitakt + Microfreaks + MC 101 Roland I also have midi merge midi solutions if needed. Currently, Digitakt Out> Midi Merge A in 1> Microfreaks In Midi Merge A in 2> MC 101 So I can sequence the Microfreaks and the MC 101 with the Digitakt Microfreaks Out> Midi Merge B In> MC 101 To play the sounds of the MC 101 via the Microfreaks keyboard I wish I could directly record the sequences of the MC 101 or Microfreaks on the Digitakt, but I'm having trouble ... Opinions, advice to a neophyte of the South that galley? Thank you in advance !!
Ugh the effects on this are so confusing. I can't tell when effects are global, per track, how many per track etc. And there are multiple places to set the sends.
Very nice video, thanks. one interesting comparison would be with a TR-8S, especially, whether one could replace a TR-8S with a mc-707 in terms of workflow and sound design/quality (I don't think it's the case for the 101 as it has only PCM sounds for drums).
@@loopop I thought the 8S and also the TR-08 (boutique line) were ACB based, if even the 8S is PCM based, then maybe the mc-101 is relevant as a replacement. What do you think about the workflow, if it was to be used primarly as a drumbox, is the workflow fast enough for building patterns, variations and fills using clips and scatter FX ?
Thanks for the video. I have a few question. (Mc101) -in the drumtrack, can you eq different sounds? Or just the kit? -can you change the last step/sound or just the whole track? -is there any lfo?
I don't understand why Roland can't build a piece of gear with class-compliant USB. They just debuted an iOS DAW, Zenbeats. You would think they would want their gear to be compatible.
Dang, I was really hoping I could use the 101 to record sounds I create off of other synths and then sample them. But it doesn't have Line In? How would I get this to work with USB instead?
MC101 could have been a great choice as a MIDI syncable looper - but oops no audio input. I just love how Roland messes up everything. Why did I even bother looking into this knowing it's Roland?
In a studio, the 101 might hold its own but when it comes to a live performance, the 707 would be so much more fun and useful with extra faders, knobs, etc. A video showing two people trying to live perform on each would quickly show how lacking the 101 would be compared to the 707 with its dedicated controls.
Hi Ziv, I know it's been about six months since the review. From your recollection, do you recall whether only any four of sixteen midi channels of the MC-101 are available to receive note on/off? In other words, connecting the MC-101 to a DAW would result in up to a maximum of four separate channels being sequenced at once verses 16 channels playable? For the MC-707 a maximum of eight channels would be playable at once? Although the midi implementation claims that both can receive on channels 1-16, the engines are limited to 4 or 8 voices respectively? Gratefully.
Yes - MC-707 is eight voices, on 8 midi channels (which can be any eight of midi channels 1-16) MC-101 is four voices, on any four midi channels Both will receive control signals on another midi channel, like programme changes to launch scenes, but not note data
Hi Loopop, You do such a great work with all your videos! ...I just wonder if you can play simultaneous loops (from several pads) in a single Loop Track in the Mc-101. I just can´t find that info. Thank you!
Great comparison video, thanks for making it! Is it possible to load an .mpj project file created on the MC-707 on the MC-101? Assuming the project has only 4 tracks.
Great video s. One thing I'm trying to figure out. I noticed a comment with concern over midi capabilities. How does it or dosent it work well or at all with such? Thanks
Hi Looppop, does the 101 recognise velocity data from and external MIDI keyboard. I downloaded the 101 MIDI implementation chart and under velocity it only indicates note on and note off info - not a value between 0 and 127.