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Roland MC-303 Groovebox User Manual

Roland MC-303 Groovebox
130 pages
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Table of Contents

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Roland MC-303 Groovebox Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeGroovebox
Polyphony28 voices
User Patterns50
Preset Tones448
Drum Kits12
SequencerYes
ArpeggiatorYes
MIDIIn, Out, Thru
Year Released1996
Parts8 parts
EffectsReverb, Delay
DisplayLCD
OutputsStereo Out, Headphone Out
Power SupplyAC Adaptor

Summary

MC-303 Features Overview

Arpeggio Function for Easy Creativity

Explains how the arpeggio function allows for easy creation and playback of arpeggiated patterns.

Play Quantize for Groove Control

Details the Play Quantize function, enabling users to change the 'groove' of patterns in realtime.

RTM and Live Performance Features

Highlights RTM (Realtime Modify) for sound changes and features for easy live performance operation.

Low Boost Functionality

Describes the low boost circuit, enhancing powerful sound creation with low frequencies.

Safety and Prevention of Hazards

General Safety Instructions

Provides critical warnings and cautions regarding fire, electric shock, and injury prevention during unit operation.

Understanding Safety Symbols

Explains the meaning of warning and caution symbols used throughout the manual to ensure user safety.

Important Operational Notes

Power Supply and Battery Precautions

Advises on safe use of the AC adapter and battery handling, including power-related issues.

Placement, Maintenance, and Repairs

Covers proper unit placement, cleaning procedures, and guidance for repairs and data handling.

Memory Backup and Additional Precautions

Details memory backup procedures and additional precautions to prevent data loss or unit damage.

Physical Layout and Controls

Front Panel Controls

Identifies and describes the functions of all controls on the MC-303's front panel.

Rear Panel Connections

Details the various input and output connectors found on the rear of the MC-303.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the MC-303

MC-303 System Overview

Explains the basic organization of the MC-303, including its controller, sound source, and sequencer components.

Sound Generation and Pattern Types

Describes how the MC-303 produces sound, the nature of its parts and tones, and the categories of patterns.

Sequencer and Pattern Management

Details the sequencer's role in recording and playback, and introduces concepts like Preset, User, and Variation patterns.

Chapter 2: Playing Back Patterns

Basic Pattern Playback

Guides on selecting, playing, and navigating through patterns, including tempo and display information.

Tempo and Measure Control

Explains how to adjust the tempo of a pattern and view its measure count.

Pattern Muting and Transposition

Covers muting individual parts or rhythm instruments and transposing patterns during playback.

Storing Patterns and Arpeggios

Details storing arpeggio settings in Pattern Sets and registering patterns for later use.

Chapter 3: Modifying the Sound

Sound Selection and Octave Shift

Guides on selecting sounds, using octave shifts, and playing sounds via MIDI or keyboard.

Part Parameter Adjustments

Details modifying part parameters like cutoff, resonance, LFO, envelope, and menu-based settings.

Realtime Sound Control

Explains realtime adjustments using knobs for volume, pan, portamento, and timbre.

Envelope and LFO Modulation

Covers Envelope (Attack, Decay, Release) and LFO (Waveform, Rate, Depth) for sound shaping.

Chapter 3: Advanced Sound Modification

Effects Processing: Delay, Reverb, Chorus

Details the application and adjustment of Delay, Reverb, and Chorus effects for sound enhancement.

Flanger/Chorus Effects Parameters

Covers selecting Flanger/Chorus types and adjusting parameters like speed, level, pre-LPF, and feedback.

Saving Pattern Setup Configurations

Explains how to save customized pattern settings, including tone, rhythm, and effect configurations.

Chapter 4: Phrase Playback with RPS

RPS Phrase Playback Operation

Guides on using the RPS function to play back recorded phrases from the keyboard.

Registering and Managing RPS Phrases

Details the process of registering phrases in RPS sets and re-registering existing ones.

Chapter 5: Arpeggiator Functionality

Arpeggiator Styles and Selection

Introduces the arpeggiator, its various styles, and how to select and apply them.

Arpeggio Expression and Pitch Control

Explains adding expression (Accent Rate) and adjusting the pitch range (Octave Range) for arpeggios.

Detailed Arpeggio Configuration

Covers advanced settings for arpeggios, including motif, beat pattern, and backbeat timing adjustments.

Chapter 6: Groove Quantization

Selecting Parts for Quantization

Guides on selecting specific parts for Play Quantize and applying grid quantize.

Rhythm Feel and Shuffle Adjustments

Explains specifying resolution, applying shuffle quantize, and adjusting groove templates for rhythmic feel.

Applying Groove Templates

Details the process of selecting and applying groove templates to imbue patterns with specific rhythmic characteristics.

Chapter 7: Recording Patterns

Realtime Recording Methods

Covers realtime recording, including loop replacement and smooth recording between patterns.

Step Recording Techniques

Explains step recording methods, note input, and using the microscope for editing recorded data.

Editing and Modifying Patterns

Details operations like copying, deleting, inserting, and modifying recorded patterns and their data.

Note and Timing Parameter Changes

Covers transposing, changing note velocity, and adjusting timing (Shift Clock) for recorded patterns.

Chapter 9: Creating and Managing Songs

Song Creation and Recording

Guides on selecting patterns and recording them into songs, managing pattern input and sequence.

Song Playback and Setup Saving

Explains how to play back songs, store modified settings, and manage tempo and effect parameters.

Chapter 10: Editing Songs

Song Copying and Pattern Deletion

Details operations for copying songs and deleting unwanted patterns within a song.

Pattern Insertion and Modification

Covers inserting patterns into songs and modifying pattern settings within the song context.

Chapter 11: System Settings and Configuration

Pedal Assignment and Tuning Adjustments

Explains pedal function assignment and how to adjust the MC-303's tuning.

Synchronization, Metronome, and Memory

Details synchronization modes, metronome settings, volume, and checking available memory.

Note Velocity and MIDI Data Handling

Covers adjusting note velocity and understanding MIDI data transmission for system settings.

Chapter 12: MIDI Integration and Control

MIDI Connectivity and External Control

Explains MIDI connectors, channels, and controlling the MC-303 with external MIDI devices.

External Synchronization and Data Transfer

Details synchronizing with external sequencers and saving/loading data via MIDI (Bulk Dump).

MC-303 Sound Module Operation

Describes using the MC-303 in Sound Module mode for controlling it with external MIDI sources.

Appendices and Support

Troubleshooting and Error Resolution

Provides solutions for common operational problems and explains error messages.

Factory Reset and Reference Lists

Details restoring factory settings and lists for tones, patterns, and MIDI implementation.

Indexes and Specifications

Includes topical index, specifications, and general index for quick reference.

Product Specifications and Features

MC-303 Hardware and Performance Specs

Lists key technical specifications including dimensions, weight, power, and control features.

Accessories and Options

Details included accessories and optional items available for the MC-303.

Additional Information

RPS Playback Timing Adjustment

Explains how to adjust the playback timing for RPS phrases, covering 16th note, quarter note, and measure settings.

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