8 tracks is plenty, that doesn't limit your abilities because you can record 16 midi channels into each track. Of course since there are 2 outs and finite memory - these are the things that will limit your use on this machine. You can hear the machine physically slowing down if you pump it full of tracks and/or automation's. (ya, it can record all types of midi data too, filter control, program change etc.) Best sequencer for the price IMO.
Sh yes, the MC 500. Nice to see this being used again, still useful. I started out with older Roland MSQ 700, and finally, this one. Thinking of grabbing one again, even though can probably do more 'stuff' in software on PC. Mometheless, you can crreate some interesting grooves with this, and the step sequencer is still handy. Anyway, neat to see someone putting it to use. And also, no reason it can't be used, via midi, alongside software, even as a mnualy sequneced step timed arppegiator.
How do you loop a sequence?i am just got one and am slowing learning how to use.i recorded a sequence the sequnce plays but then it plays blank space after like a tape recording.so i need to loop the sequnce so it plays over and over.can you help me?
It's not jog wheel. It was called Alpha dial. Alpha dials was big thing for Roland, and soon copied by Casio, Yamaha, and I think even Wavestation had one :)
Thanks for your tutorial, very handy! Would you consider it useful as a midi looping device within a live set? Or just for recording/sequencing within a production envoirement? It seems like it's pretty easy and fast in use and I like the "hands on" workflow. Also they sell very cheap online. On the other hand, I guess it wasn't designed for a live electronica situation and it is pretty out dated. Is it possible to program/edit or re-record while the sequencer keeps playing without having to stop it to make any changes? Thanks!
you definitely know your way around that thing. a couple of q's - can you jump between patterns whilst playing? and can you load midi files from an external source?
It's all preference! Personally, I enjoy sequencing with a DAW more, but these little utilitarian boxes have a solid workflow that might make you more productive. At that low of a cost, try it!
You don't have to sequence in loop mode right? I mean, you could sequence your entire song out from beginning to end in real-time recording? (Have different parts come in/out as per the song)?
aRp.L0rD.1985 Yes, but there aren't really "parts," just tracks. If you want something to repeat (like a pattern in a DAW), you have to copy/paste measures.
good video thanks, does it allow for real-time recording? so the it plays one track and you can record another one and another one, or 'overwrite' the first one? and not stopping?
Hey hey! thanks for very informative video. I guess i shoud replace my broken MMT-8 with this one. Can you describe, how difficult is to make that microscopic editing - move some notes or note ends? Does it have "punch in" mode - its when you start recording in playing mode without a stopping the machine? Can you mute/unmute tracks in realtime mode? And who makes that weird cat sounds during the video?)
You need MC-500 mkII model with Super-MRC software disk. The standard software on the machine is MRC 500. You can upgrade using a PC floppy disk drive and load the downloaded software upgrade onto a blank 2HD disk with a sticker covering the square corner hole, to emulate the disk as a 2DD, in case you can't find the 2DD disks. Once the software is loaded onto the machine, it uses four tracks as 8 tracks with a shift button pushed simultanously upon tracks 5-8. The same works with 'R' rhythm track, which turns into a 'T' tempo automation track with the shift.
Hi, can you please explain (like I'm 5) how to connect the sequencer to a synth (in my case a Roland JX-3P)? I'm MIDI illiterate. Questions: Should I be plugging the MIDI out from the synth to the IN of the sequencer? Should be plugging them prior to turning the synth and sequencer on? Should I be connecting my speakers (or headphones) to the output of the synth or the sequencer in order to hear whats being recorded? Should I hear the recording through the small sequencer speaker? tx bud
Are you joking? How do you think is the sequencer supposed to produce any sound, since the sound is generated - of course - by the synth while the sequencer is simply a tool to sequence the synth? If you play the synth yourself instead of having it sequenced by a sequencer, would you connect yourself to the speakers then?? The only communication going on between the sequencer and the synth is not audio, it's midi! That's metadata. The audio still comes from the synth, of course.
I have the same Mountain Dew pants! Nice!
*Something important!Maybe will help you about looping.SHIFT+PLAY repeats your measure!
I have one MC 500mk II, looks as new. I bought in 1990 I guess. I still use it. It´s good to see this.
just picked one up at value village for $4. nice video :)
Good demo, thanks. I'm getting a MC-500 MK2 soon, hope it will work ! :)
well it’s been 7 years…..we’re still waiting to know if it works or not 🤨
8 tracks is plenty, that doesn't limit your abilities because you can record 16 midi channels into each track. Of course since there are 2 outs and finite memory - these are the things that will limit your use on this machine. You can hear the machine physically slowing down if you pump it full of tracks and/or automation's. (ya, it can record all types of midi data too, filter control, program change etc.) Best sequencer for the price IMO.
DUDE, random. You have the exact same two synthesizers I have, displayed in this video. And I have an MC-500 too. You are my crazy synth twin!!
yeah but do you have the same keyboard stand as him 🤔
Sh yes, the MC 500. Nice to see this being used again, still useful. I started out with older Roland MSQ 700, and finally, this one. Thinking of grabbing one again, even though can probably do more 'stuff' in software on PC. Mometheless, you can crreate some interesting grooves with this, and the step sequencer is still handy. Anyway, neat to see someone putting it to use. And also, no reason it can't be used, via midi, alongside software, even as a mnualy sequneced step timed arppegiator.
Oh my god heh, just stumbled on this while I'm looking for MC-500 demos. What's up dude!
Sorry I'm late.. This video was very helpful thank you fella, very well done hope your still jamin not sure about the trousers.. Rave kecks eh peace
How do you loop a sequence?i am just got one and am slowing learning how to use.i recorded a sequence the sequnce plays but then it plays blank space after like a tape recording.so i need to loop the sequnce so it plays over and over.can you help me?
Shift + Play
@@synthead so record a 5 note sequence and hit shift and play and it will loop that sample?
@@jasonmcgary Yep!
So midi output from the mc 500 goes to midi in on the synth so u can send recorded cc control changes to the synth? Thanx
❤
It's not jog wheel. It was called Alpha dial. Alpha dials was big thing for Roland, and soon copied by Casio, Yamaha, and I think even Wavestation had one :)
Steve Porcaro from Toto used one in the 80's.
What's the point of using this when you have endless DAWs? does it do anything special?
Thanks for your tutorial, very handy! Would you consider it useful as a midi looping device within a live set? Or just for recording/sequencing within a production envoirement? It seems like it's pretty easy and fast in use and I like the "hands on" workflow. Also they sell very cheap online. On the other hand, I guess it wasn't designed for a live electronica situation and it is pretty out dated. Is it possible to program/edit or re-record while the sequencer keeps playing without having to stop it to make any changes? Thanks!
you definitely know your way around that thing.
a couple of q's - can you jump between patterns whilst playing? and can you load midi files from an external source?
Pretty cool i have this unit but with flat keys not the thick keyboard buttons.
then it’s not the same unit 🤨
@@jessihawkins9116 you're right it's the 300
@@WestGrimTV yeah but you just said it was this unit but then you tried to make it sound like yours was special or something….why? 🤨
Every time I try to edit, like quantize or delete tracks, it loads a sub-system that takes 15 sec. Any help so it doesn’t load every time ?
Is it still worth buying? It's really cheap (second hand) it's 50 bucks here in italy
It's all preference! Personally, I enjoy sequencing with a DAW more, but these little utilitarian boxes have a solid workflow that might make you more productive. At that low of a cost, try it!
@@synthead thx for your reply, could you tell me what daw do u use? personally I use logic but I'm not to enthusiast about the sequencer
@@matteobusatto9758 I use FL Studio :) Use whatever is best for your workflow, though!
is that the parrot speaking in the background near the end of a video?
Yup!
You don't have to sequence in loop mode right? I mean, you could sequence your entire song out from beginning to end in real-time recording? (Have different parts come in/out as per the song)?
aRp.L0rD.1985 Yes, but there aren't really "parts," just tracks. If you want something to repeat (like a pattern in a DAW), you have to copy/paste measures.
So is it possible to create a phrase and repeat that phrase to build out song structure?
I think, as soon as you get into the workflow, it will be faster than using a mouse..
good video
thanks, does it allow for real-time recording? so the it plays one track and you can record another one and another one, or 'overwrite' the first one? and not stopping?
Hey hey!
thanks for very informative video. I guess i shoud replace my broken MMT-8 with this one.
Can you describe, how difficult is to make that microscopic editing - move some notes or note ends? Does it have "punch in" mode - its when you start recording in playing mode without a stopping the machine? Can you mute/unmute tracks in realtime mode?
And who makes that weird cat sounds during the video?)
so that’s what this thing is. I thought it was an old calculator and threw it away. 😕
Wow thank you! I mean, it seems so simple now, but... hmmmmm
Hi great Video, Can you tell me what is required to upgrade to 8 tracks?
You need MC-500 mkII model with Super-MRC software disk. The standard software on the machine is MRC 500. You can upgrade using a PC floppy disk drive and load the downloaded software upgrade onto a blank 2HD disk with a sticker covering the square corner hole, to emulate the disk as a 2DD, in case you can't find the 2DD disks. Once the software is loaded onto the machine, it uses four tracks as 8 tracks with a shift button pushed simultanously upon tracks 5-8. The same works with 'R' rhythm track, which turns into a 'T' tempo automation track with the shift.
i recently picked one of these up and im having trouble with the operating system. can u help me?
Can you loop a sequence on this thing?
Can you loop a sequence on this mc?
you can, but it's real pain in the ass
Yup! Shift + Play
no it is not possible
@@jessihawkins9116 I was able to do it with a trick, but I ended up selling the thing lol too much of a pain to use honestly
PRO TOOLS
Athlete's foot?
How do you sequence multiple voices at the same time by using the same instrument?
You can sequence multiple patches on the same instrument if the synth is multitimbral.
Thanks, thats what I thought just needed to confirm!
Do you have the super mrc-system in your mc 500 or just the basic mrc-system?
OH MY GOD. PARROT.
cooool
Mc-500 mk 2
What are you using as a midi sound module?
I have one that I don't want anymore. Who wants it? Let me know by responding to this
Do you still have it? lol
Is your cat making those noises?🤔
HARDWARE ;)
Could you hook up a linn lm-1 drum computer to this ????or a dmx....what about a yamaha keyboard????
no it is not possible
Hi,
can you please explain (like I'm 5) how to connect the sequencer to a synth (in my case a Roland JX-3P)? I'm MIDI illiterate.
Questions:
Should I be plugging the MIDI out from the synth to the IN of the sequencer?
Should be plugging them prior to turning the synth and sequencer on?
Should I be connecting my speakers (or headphones) to the output of the synth or the sequencer in order to hear whats being recorded?
Should I hear the recording through the small sequencer speaker?
tx bud
Are you joking? How do you think is the sequencer supposed to produce any sound, since the sound is generated - of course - by the synth while the sequencer is simply a tool to sequence the synth? If you play the synth yourself instead of having it sequenced by a sequencer, would you connect yourself to the speakers then?? The only communication going on between the sequencer and the synth is not audio, it's midi! That's metadata. The audio still comes from the synth, of course.
@@donpirlayou mean the audio isn’t recorded to the floppy on this? 😲
Nice toe nails. hehe
what about drums can it sample?
No, it only records MIDI.
@@synthead awhat do you do with the floppy disk then
@@Josh-jo2om Save MIDI data!
@@synthead okay just to make sure its like an extra sampler thats easier to use caus it focusing on non multiple things
PEANUT BUTTER WOLF???
@mixedwoodplain I want it. Shoot me a pm when you read this.
Sorry, but I don't use anything that's coming from Microsoft.
this dude has toe polish on?
good video though about MC-500