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Roland MC-808 User Manual

Roland MC-808
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*04126212- 03*
As of May 1, 2007 (ROLAND)
Information
When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland
distributor in your country as shown below.
EGYPT
Al Fanny Trading Office
9, EBN Hagar Al Askalany
Street,
ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis,
Cairo 11341, EGYPT
TEL: 20-2-417-1828
REUNION
Maison FO - YAM Marcel
25 Rue Jules Hermann,
Chaudron - BP79 97 491
Ste Clotilde Cedex,
REUNION ISLAND
TEL: (0262) 218-429
SOUTH AFRICA
T.O.M.S. Sound & Music
(Pty)Ltd.
2 ASTRON ROAD DENVER
JOHANNESBURG ZA 2195,
SOUTH AFRICA
TEL: (011)417 3400
Paul Bothner(PTY)Ltd.
Royal Cape Park, Unit 24
Londonderry Road, Ottery 7800
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
TEL: (021) 799 4900
CHINA
Roland Shanghai Electronics
Co.,Ltd.
5F. No.1500 Pingliang Road
Shanghai 200090, CHINA
TEL: (021) 5580-0800
Roland Shanghai Electronics
Co.,Ltd.
(BEIJING OFFICE)
10F. No.18 3 Section Anhuaxili
Chaoyang District Beijing
100011 CHINA
TEL: (010) 6426-5050
HONG KONG
Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd.
Service Division
22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen
Wan, New Territories,
HONG KONG
TEL: 2415 0911
Parsons Music Ltd.
8th Floor, Railway Plaza, 39
Chatham Road South, T.S.T,
Kowloon, HONG KONG
TEL: 2333 1863
INDIA
Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd.
411, Nirman Kendra
Mahalaxmi Flats Compound
Off. Dr. Edwin Moses Road,
Mumbai-400011, INDIA
TEL: (022) 2493 9051
INDONESIA
PT Citra IntiRama
Jl. Cideng Timur No. 15J-15O
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
TEL: (021) 6324170
KOREA
Cosmos Corporation
1461-9, Seocho-Dong,
Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA
TEL: (02) 3486-8855
MALAYSIA
Roland Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.
45-1, Block C2, Jalan PJU 1/39,
Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling
Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA
TEL: (03) 7805-3263
VIET NAM
Suoi Nhac Company, Ltd
370 Cach Mang Thang Tam St.
Dist.3, Ho Chi Minh City,
VIET NAM
TEL: 9316540
PHILIPPINES
G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc.
339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue
Makati, Metro Manila 1200,
PHILIPPINES
TEL: (02) 899 9801
SINGAPORE
SWEE LEE MUSIC
COMPANY PTE. LTD.
150 Sims Drive,
SINGAPORE 387381
TEL: 6846-3676
TAIWAN
ROLAND TAIWAN
ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung
Shan N.Road Sec.2, Taipei,
TAIWAN, R.O.C.
TEL: (02) 2561 3339
THAILAND
Theera Music Co. , Ltd.
330 Soi Verng NakornKasem,
New Road, Sumpantawongse,
Bangkok 10100, THAILAND
TEL: (02) 224-8821
AUSTRALIA/
NEW ZEALAND
Roland Corporation
Australia Pty.,Ltd.
38 Campbell Avenue
Dee Why West. NSW 2099
AUSTRALIA
For Australia
Tel: (02) 9982 8266
For New Zealand
Tel: (09) 3098 715
ARGENTINA
Instrumentos Musicales S.A.
Av.Santa Fe 2055
(1123) Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
TEL: (011) 4508-2700
BARBADOS
A&B Music Supplies LTD
12 Webster Industrial Park
Wildey, St.Michael, Barbados
TEL: (246)430-1100
BRAZIL
Roland Brasil Ltda.
Rua San Jose, 780 Sala B
Parque Industrial San Jose
Cotia - Sao Paulo - SP, BRAZIL
TEL: (011) 4615 5666
CHILE
Comercial Fancy II S.A.
Rut.: 96.919.420-1
Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor
Santiago - Centro, CHILE
TEL: (02) 688-9540
COLOMBIA
Centro Musical Ltda.
Cra 43 B No 25 A 41 Bododega 9
Medellin, Colombia
TEL: (574)3812529
COSTA RICA
JUAN Bansbach Instrumentos
Musicales
Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado
10237,
San Jose, COSTA RICA
TEL: 258-0211
CURACAO
Zeelandia Music Center Inc.
Orionweg 30
Curacao, Netherland Antilles
TEL:(305)5926866
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Instrumentos Fernando Giraldez
Calle Proyecto Central No.3
Ens.La Esperilla
Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
TEL:(809) 683 0305
ECUADOR
Mas Musika
Rumichaca 822 y Zaruma
Guayaquil - Ecuador
TEL:(593-4)2302364
EL SALVADOR
OMNI MUSIC
75 Avenida Norte y Final
Alameda Juan Pablo II,
Edificio No.4010 San Salvador,
EL SALVADOR
TEL: 262-0788
GUATEMALA
Casa Instrumental
Calzada Roosevelt 34-01,zona 11
Ciudad de Guatemala
Guatemala
TEL:(502) 599-2888
HONDURAS
Almacen Pajaro Azul S.A. de C.V.
BO.Paz Barahona
3 Ave.11 Calle S.O
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
TEL: (504) 553-2029
MARTINIQUE
Musique & Son
Z.I.Les Mangle
97232 Le Lamantin
Martinique F.W.I.
TEL: 596 596 426860
Gigamusic SARL
10 Rte De La Folie
97200 Fort De France
Martinique F.W.I.
TEL: 596 596 715222
MEXICO
Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v.
Av. Toluca No. 323, Col. Olivar
de los Padres 01780 Mexico
D.F. MEXICO
TEL: (55) 5668-6699
NICARAGUA
Bansbach Instrumentos
Musicales Nicaragua
Altamira D'Este Calle Principal
de la Farmacia 5ta.Avenida
1 Cuadra al Lago.#503
Managua, Nicaragua
TEL: (505)277-2557
PANAMA
SUPRO MUNDIAL, S.A.
Boulevard Andrews, Albrook,
Panama City, REP. DE
PANAMA
TEL: 315-0101
PARAGUAY
Distribuidora De
Instrumentos Musicales
J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira
Asuncion PARAGUAY
TEL: (595) 21 492147
PERU
Audionet
Distribuciones Musicales SAC
Juan Fanning 530
Miraflores
Lima - Peru
TEL: (511) 4461388
TRINIDAD
AMR Ltd
Ground Floor
Maritime Plaza
Barataria Trinidad W.I.
TEL: (868) 638 6385
NORWAY
Roland Scandinavia Avd.
Kontor Norge
Lilleakerveien 2 Postboks 95
Lilleaker N-0216 Oslo
NORWAY
TEL: 2273 0074
POLAND
ROLAND POLSKA SP. Z O.O.
UL. Gibraltarska 4.
PL-03 664 Warszawa
POLAND
TEL: (022) 679 4419
PORTUGAL
Roland Iberia, S.L.
Portugal Office
Cais das Pedras, 8/9-1 Dto
4050-465, Porto, PORTUGAL
TEL: 22 608 00 60
ROMANIA
FBS LINES
Piata Libertatii 1,
535500 Gheorgheni,
ROMANIA
TEL: (266) 364 609
RUSSIA
MuTek
Dorozhnaya ul.3,korp.6
117 545 Moscow, RUSSIA
TEL: (095) 981-4967
SLOVAKIA
DAN Acoustic s.r.o.
Povazská 18.
SK - 940 01 Nové Zámky
TEL: (035) 6424 330
SPAIN
Roland Iberia, S.L.
Paseo García Faria, 33-35
08005 Barcelona SPAIN
TEL: 93 493 91 00
SWEDEN
Roland Scandinavia A/S
SWEDISH SALES OFFICE
Danvik Center 28, 2 tr.
S-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN
TEL: (0)8 702 00 20
SWITZERLAND
Roland (Switzerland) AG
Landstrasse 5, Postfach,
CH-4452 Itingen,
SWITZERLAND
TEL: (061) 927-8383
UKRAINE
EURHYTHMICS Ltd.
P.O.Box: 37-a.
Nedecey Str. 30
UA - 89600 Mukachevo,
UKRAINE
TEL: (03131) 414-40
UNITED KINGDOM
Roland (U.K.) Ltd.
Atlantic Close, Swansea
Enterprise Park, SWANSEA
SA7 9FJ,
UNITED KINGDOM
TEL: (01792) 702701
BAHRAIN
Moon Stores
No.1231&1249 Rumaytha
Building Road 3931, Manama
339 BAHRAIN
TEL: 17 813 942
IRAN
MOCO INC.
No.41 Nike St., Dr.Shariyati Ave.,
Roberoye Cerahe Mirdamad
Tehran, IRAN
TEL: (021) 285-4169
ISRAEL
Halilit P. Greenspoon & Sons
Ltd.
8 Retzif Ha'alia Hashnia St.
Tel-Aviv-Yafo ISRAEL
TEL: (03) 6823666
URUGUAY
Todo Musica S.A.
Francisco Acuna de Figueroa
1771
C.P.: 11.800
Montevideo, URUGUAY
TEL: (02) 924-2335
VENEZUELA
Instrumentos Musicales
Allegro,C.A.
Av.las industrias edf.Guitar
import
#7 zona Industrial de Turumo
Caracas, Venezuela
TEL: (212) 244-1122
AUSTRIA
Roland Elektronische
Musikinstrumente HmbH.
Austrian Office
Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 8,
A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA
TEL: (0512) 26 44 260
BELGIUM/FRANCE/
HOLLAND/
LUXEMBOURG
Roland Central Europe N.V.
Houtstraat 3, B-2260, Oevel
(Westerlo) BELGIUM
TEL: (014) 575811
CROATIA
ART-CENTAR
Degenova 3.
HR - 10000 Zagreb
TEL: (1) 466 8493
CZECH REP.
CZECH REPUBLIC
DISTRIBUTOR s.r.o
Voctárova 247/16
CZ - 180 00 PRAHA 8,
CZECH REP.
TEL: (2) 830 20270
DENMARK
Roland Scandinavia A/S
Nordhavnsvej 7, Postbox 880,
DK-2100 Copenhagen
DENMARK
TEL: 3916 6200
FINLAND
Roland Scandinavia As, Filial
Finland
Elannontie 5
FIN-01510 Vantaa, FINLAND
TEL: (0)9 68 24 020
GERMANY
Roland Elektronische
Musikinstrumente HmbH.
Oststrasse 96, 22844
Norderstedt, GERMANY
TEL: (040) 52 60090
GREECE/CYPRUS
STOLLAS S.A.
Music Sound Light
155, New National Road
Patras 26442, GREECE
TEL: 2610 435400
HUNGARY
Roland East Europe Ltd.
Warehouse Area ‘DEPO’ Pf.83
H-2046 Torokbalint,
HUNGARY
TEL: (23) 511011
IRELAND
Roland Ireland
G2 Calmount Park, Calmount
Avenue, Dublin 12
Republic of IRELAND
TEL: (01) 4294444
ITALY
Roland Italy S. p. A.
Viale delle Industrie 8,
20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY
TEL: (02) 937-78300
JORDAN
MUSIC HOUSE CO. LTD.
FREDDY FOR MUSIC
P. O. Box 922846
Amman 11192 JORDAN
TEL: (06) 5692696
KUWAIT
EASA HUSAIN AL-YOUSIFI
& SONS CO.
Abdullah Salem Street,
Safat, KUWAIT
TEL: 243-6399
LEBANON
Chahine S.A.L.
George Zeidan St., Chahine
Bldg., Achrafieh, P.O.Box: 16-
5857
Beirut, LEBANON
TEL: (01) 20-1441
OMAN
TALENTZ CENTRE L.L.C.
Malatan House No.1
Al Noor Street, Ruwi
SULTANATE OF OMAN
TEL: 2478 3443
QATAR
Al Emadi Co. (Badie Studio &
Stores)
P.O. Box 62, Doha, QATAR
TEL: 4423-554
SAUDI ARABIA
aDawliah Universal
Electronics APL
Corniche Road, Aldossary
Bldg., 1st Floor, Alkhobar,
31952 SAUDI ARABIA
P.O.Box 2154, Alkhobar 31952
SAUDI ARABIA
TEL: (03) 898 2081
SYRIA
Technical Light & Sound
Center
Rawda, Abdul Qader Jazairi St.
Bldg. No. 21, P.O.BOX 13520,
Damascus, SYRIA
TEL: (011) 223-5384
TURKEY
ZUHAL DIS TICARET A.S.
Galip Dede Cad. No.37
Beyoglu - Istanbul / TURKEY
TEL: (0212) 249 85 10
U.A.E.
Zak Electronics & Musical
Instruments Co. L.L.C.
Zabeel Road, Al Sherooq Bldg.,
No. 14, Ground Floor, Dubai,
U.A.E.
TEL: (04) 3360715
CANADA
Roland Canada Ltd.
(Head Office)
5480 Parkwood Way
Richmond B. C., V6V 2M4
CANADA
TEL: (604) 270 6626
Roland Canada Ltd.
(Toronto Office)
170 Admiral Boulevard
Mississauga On L5T 2N6
CANADA
TEL: (905) 362 9707
U. S. A.
Roland Corporation U.S.
5100 S. Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938,
U. S. A.
TEL: (323) 890 3700
ASIA
AFRICA
AUSTRALIA/
NEW ZEALAND
EUROPE
CENTRAL/LATIN
AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
NORTH AMERICA
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland MC-808 Sampling Groovebox.
201a
Convention used in this manual
Words enclosed in square brackets indicate buttons on the panel.
(p. **) indicates a reference page.
985
* The explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what should typically be shown by the
display. Note, however, that your unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g., includes
newer sounds), so what you actually see in the display may not always match what appears in the manual.
202
Copyright © 2006 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (pp. 10–13). These sections provide important information concerning the
proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good
grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The
manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Owner’s Manual
04126212 07-10-3N
Owner’s Manual

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Roland MC-808

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Roland MC-808 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Polyphony128 voices
Sampling Frequency44.1 kHz
Pads16 velocity-sensitive pads
SequencerYes
Sample Rate44.1 kHz
EffectsReverb, Chorus
Display240 x 64 dot graphic LCD
ConnectivityMIDI In/Out, USB
Audio Inputs2 x 1/4"
Audio Outputs4 x 1/4"
TypeGroovebox
Sound Engine Type(s)Sample-based synthesis
StorageCompactFlash
Power SupplyAC Adaptor
Sequencer Resolution480 ticks per quarter note

Summary

Main Features

Motorized Faders for Enhanced Playability

Real-time updated, touch-sensitive faders offer intuitive control and accurate feedback.

Using the Unit Safely

Power Supply Safety

Guidelines for safe electrical connection and operation of the power supply.

Safe Placement and Environment

Recommendations for positioning the unit to avoid damage and ensure proper function.

Repairs and Data Preservation

Advice on backing up data before repairs and Roland's liability.

Important Notes

Repairs and Data Loss Precautions

Warning about potential data loss during repairs and backup recommendations.

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel Overview

Detailed description of the MC-808's top panel controls and functions.

Rear Panel Overview

Description of the MC-808's rear panel connectors and ports.

Getting Ready

Making Connections

Guide to connecting the MC-808 to external audio systems and MIDI devices.

CompactFlash Card Handling

Instructions for inserting and removing the CompactFlash card.

Overview of the MC-808

About Motorized Faders

Explains the real-time control and automatic movement of the faders.

Saving Your Data

Importance of saving patterns, songs, samples, and settings to prevent data loss.

Basic Operation of the MC-808

Restoring Factory Settings (Factory Reset)

Procedure to reset the unit to its original factory default state.

2. Creating an Original Pattern

Selecting a Sound (Patch)

How to choose and assign patches to the sixteen parts of a pattern.

Creating Patterns with MC-808 Sounds (TR-REC)

Using TR-REC method to input rhythm notes precisely.

Entering Bass Parts with Step Recording

Using STEP REC to enter repeated notes for bass parts.

Realtime Recording with Arpeggio Function

Playing complex melodies in real time using chords and arpeggios.

Realtime Chord Playing with Chord Memory

Using Chord Memory to play complex chords with a single finger.

Realtime Keyboard Recording

Recording keyboard performances using an external MIDI keyboard.

Applying Effects to Individual Parts

Setting up output assignments and selecting MFX types for each part.

Adding Final Polish with Mastering

Applying stereo compression to the final output for consistent volume.

Creating Songs by Connecting Patterns

Linking patterns together to form songs and add variation.

Sampling Vocals with Song Accompaniment

Recording vocals with the MC-808's pattern playback using Solo Sampling.

3. Playing Patterns

Switching Patterns in Real Time

Changing patterns dynamically during playback.

Playing Patterns

Selecting and Playing Patterns

Step-by-step guide to choosing and playing patterns.

Muting Patterns and Parts

Techniques for muting entire patterns or specific parts.

Realtime Transpose During Playback

Shifting the pitch of patterns in real time using the dial or keyboard pads.

Playing Arpeggios with Chords (Arpeggiator)

Creating arpeggios by playing chords, using preset or custom styles.

Creating Custom Arpeggio Styles (Arpeggio Edit)

Editing notes and parameters to create unique arpeggio styles.

Playing Chords with Single Pads (Chord Memory)

Using Chord Memory to trigger specified chord forms with one pad.

Melodic Playback with External Input (Input Effect)

Using keyboard pads to play melodies from external audio sources.

Applying Effects

Compressor Settings

Adjusting compressor parameters to even out sound levels.

Multi-Effects (MFX) Configuration

Selecting and adjusting parameters for MFX1 and MFX2.

Mastering Setting Selection

Applying mastering settings for optimal audio output levels.

Creating an Original Pattern

Realtime Recording Procedure

Step-by-step guide to recording performances directly.

Recording Notes with Keyboard Pads (TR-REC)

Entering notes using TR-REC for precise rhythm programming.

Step Recording Procedure

Entering notes one at a time for step recording.

Editing Patterns (Pattern Edit)

Basic Pattern Editing Procedure

Step-by-step guide to accessing and executing pattern editing operations.

Transposing Pitch (TRANSPOSE)

Shifting the pitch of notes within a pattern.

Correcting Timing with Quantize

Aligning note timings using quantization or groove templates.

Detailed Pattern Editing with Microscope

Editing individual events like notes, program changes, and aftertouch.

Editing Recorded Events in Microscope

Modifying values of individual events and system exclusive messages.

Saving a Pattern

Procedure for naming and saving edited patterns to user memory or card.

Editing Patches (Patch Edit)

Selecting Patches

Guide to choosing patches from user or card banks.

Editing Patches with Motorized Faders

Using faders to adjust patch parameters in real time.

Saving Edited Patches

Procedure for naming and saving modified patches.

Editing Rhythm Sounds (Rhythm Edit)

Rhythm Editing Procedure

Steps for editing rhythm sets.

Saving Edited Rhythm Sets

Procedure for naming and saving modified rhythm sets.

Editing Samples (Sample Edit)

Selecting Sample Patches

Choosing samples from user or card memory for editing.

Setting Sample Start/End Points

Defining the playback region and loop points for samples.

Importing WAV/AIFF Audio Files (IMPORT)

Transferring audio files from computer to MC-808 via USB.

Saving Individual Samples

Naming and saving edited samples to memory or card.

Playing Songs

Playing a Song Sequence

Starting and stopping song playback.

Recording a Song Procedure

Inputting patterns sequentially to create a song.

Editing Setup Parameters During Recording

Adjusting pattern setup parameters per step without altering original patterns.

Editing Songs (Song Edit)

Editing individual steps within a song.

Editing Song Steps with the Song Mixer

Adjusting step parameters like level, pan, and tempo.

Saving Recorded Songs

Procedure for naming and saving created songs.

System Mode

How to Adjust System Function Settings

Navigating System mode to edit parameters.

Sequencer and MIDI Settings (SEQUENCER)

Configuring sync modes, arpeggio sync, RPS quantization, BPM lock, and song playback.

USB Mode Configuration (USB)

Selecting between Storage and MIDI modes for USB connection.

Backing Up User Data (User Backup)

Saving all user data to a CompactFlash card.

Restoring User Data (User Restore)

Restoring backed-up user data from CompactFlash to the unit.

Formatting CompactFlash Card (Card Format)

Preparing a CompactFlash card for use with the MC-808.

Performing Factory Reset (UTILITY)

Resetting the MC-808 to its factory default settings.

V-LINK

V-LINK Connection Examples

Diagrams and instructions for connecting V-LINK compatible devices.

Connecting the MC-808 to a Computer

Connecting via USB (USB Mode)

Explains USB modes and how to switch between them.

Switching Between Storage and MIDI Modes

Procedure to select the appropriate USB mode before connecting.

Transferring Files via USB Storage Mode

Guide to transferring WAV/AIFF files between MC-808 and computer.

Importing Audio Files (WAV/AIFF)

Importing audio files from computer into the MC-808.

Installing the USB MIDI Driver

Guide to installing the necessary driver for MIDI mode operation.

Using MC-808 Editor

Installing the MC-808 Editor Software

Instructions for installing the editor software on Windows and Macintosh.

MC-808 Editor System Requirements

System specifications for Windows and Mac OS required for the editor.

Appendices

Expanding the Memory

Information on expanding MC-808 memory with DIMM modules.

Precautions for Memory Expansion

Safety guidelines for handling internal components during installation.

Error Messages

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