Check out the sample flipping tutorial: czcams.com/video/lkaIUKPYdsw/video.html Check out the beginner workflow tutorial: czcams.com/video/hvYyMPG5NxE/video.html Check out TeaBreakBeats for tips and tricks: czcams.com/channels/02pZPY2jjrpB3jMaiotpTw.html
Ooo I can actually help with one of the gripes: If you want more grit, add the "saturation" multi effect with the drive cranked up and boost the low end gain. I like it more than the distortion. Also you could run your patch through one of the emulated guitar amps or distortion+chorus combo with sightly less wet mix. There are also some built in 808 style bass drums that when you add a little fuzz, they just explode. I've even made odd black metal inspired industrial stuff using just the built in stuff with tweaks; blastbeats and all, because I'm weird. But it works...
GABE! Just bought my MC101 after many MANY views of your comparison. Me and the Roland rep talked about your vids my man you’re blowing up 😎 Keep doing your thing man!
There's one thing I'm not happy about the MC-101 and is it's way to handle external MIDI. My gripes are the following (for now, as in 1.6 fw): - In a drum track, the pads are not in order if played with a keyboard but they are grouped in a weird spaced 4 key groups across 3 octaves (that's bad when you are using a 2 octave keyboard like the microlab or the akai mpk mini) - The arpeggiator only works with the pads, not with a external keyboard - General lack of MIDI implemented functions (it's improving) The MC-101 is a good device, but that little things annoy me. Let's hope that Roland continue improving it (and release a sound editor that doesn't depend on Zenology pro).
Sustain Pedal for Midi controllers doesn't work. Whyyyyy? It's almost the perfect little workstation alternative for me, but that's such a huge oversight.
I'm glad you've finally fallen in love with the 101. It is my first and only Groovebox and I absolutely love it! Great video, as always, and some sick tunes scattered across it, I loved that bassy trap beat used in one of your segues.
I had a lot of buyers remorse for the 1st few hours. Now that I'm driving into it more I do see it's appeal. The 101 does have a toyish feel and for the price it should have audio in and sync in/out. The pads could be better for sure. The more I use the 101 the more I like it. Especially once I got it hooked up to my PC and Keylab pro setup for the midi channels. The USB audio in/out was a huge boost and so far flawless
How do the Midi Channels work? I'd like to select up to 4 synth sounds from a controller keytar using channel change +/- messages. Is that possible? As with the Integra-7
damn straight! It's been the best musical investment, especially during lockdown. It's not perfect but it has improved heaps to the point that I now love it to bits.
The main reason I may purchase the MC101 is the fact it's the cheapest way to get90% of Roland's current patches, which is why I don't understand your comment it doesn't have grit unless your saying Roland's digital gear doesn't have grit(whatever that means)I'm fairly sure if you ran it through some Moog pedals or a Sherman filter bank you'll get all the dirt one could ever want. That's why most of my money goes into efx processors .Like your channel, keep up the good work.
@Asante Carter very true!! It would’ve been nice to use its filter/fx but I also figured that the mc 101 in a set up wouldn’t be the brain/center piece of a set up. Leaving it open to be run through another piece of gears aux or just be it’s own thing
Thanks for your videos on this. It is a very powerful product for something so small. Learning the shortcuts is key and won’t be for everyone. The included sounds are excellent and it’s portability with a 10000mah powerbank should give 20hrs of use. My only real concern is that for a bit more the Roland MV-1 Verselab is better value, will also run from a power bank, although granted it is bigger and not as portable. The MC-101 would be great when travelling.
Another great video, cheers. I just bought my first groovebox, a Zoom ARQ AR-96 that I got for a good price secondhand and I'm really enjoying coming to terms with it. And I look forward to seeing if I can get it to do what the MC-101 and others do or at least how close I can get.
Maaan, I'm so tempted to get this as a little Xmas present for myself, especially since I've also been messing around with Roland Cloud during the free trial. Seems like a great little device to drop some ideas on, then follow up on a DAW if desired.
Why I like this thing is the polish. To quote Bo, "this thing has got the Roland sound." The circuit and electribe are by no means shoddy devices, but their engines are a lot more "niche" (the Circuit sounds very very clean and the Electribe almost sounds lofi in a way.) The 101 is a lot more balanced sound-wise IMO. It's workflow also feels the best for live sets out of the three. The Circuit requires a lot of pre-memorization and what not, the Electribe is not very streamlined, and I feel like the 101 just works the best for incorporating with DJ sets or what not.
I definitely agree that the polish and Roland sound are a great aspect of the 101, although I'd say the Circuit is actually better for gritty bass and wild FX, due to its wavetables, modulation, and monstrous distortion. And I still think the Circuit is by far the best for jamming. But the 101 has so much else going for it that it's starting to catch up!
I'd say that the mc101 is so much better than the circuit. The circuit is more for like a mess around jam and the mc101 more of a professional instrument and can make actual full songs. I speak from experience having owned both.
I agree with you about MC101 is a great piece of machinery. It is really useful as a device to use as an electronic notebook to put down some ideas for future songs
Yeah it's dope, and in my opinion, great for more than just laying down ideas. I've used it multiple times to make full and polished songs and beats, and it's one of the best small, self-contained devices for it imo.
I'm thinking of buying an mc101 and use it as a sound module for the Keystep Pro. The KSP is pretty much knob per function and has a very straight foward workflow with no menu diving at all. Have you tried something like that? Thanks for the video!
I recommend you swap the title and subtitle of videos that are titled like this one. I heard you mentioned this device in other videos so I wanted to come look for a review and I scrolled up and down the playlist for a while looking for a review of this device and had to click on this video before I realized it says long-term review at the very end of the title, off the screen. A big strength of your videos is that you're really the only CZcamsr who exhaustively compares all of these devices to one another so I can watch your videos and get consistent opinions and reviews across different devices without the influence of different creators workflows, genres, etc. Especially because grooveboxes are heavily influenced by the reviewer and if they value the daw-less workflow experience or if they see it as a gimmick, or if they're looking for a drum device or a complete replacement for their pc setup, etc. All of that interferes with the consistency of the groove box reviews, so your channel having an abundance of reviews from a single person with a consistent bias is super valuable. So, I really recommend that you try to put the word "review" at the front so people realize that you have all these reviews. If I had not watched the other video where you explicitly mentioned that you have a review for this device on your channel, I would have likely stopped looking for it if I was a random, new viewer. Don't restrict yourself by making these videos hard to find!
It’s a blinking Gert nightmare I’ve thrown it at the cat twice and banged it off my wall in front room thirty six times … it’s so hard to get used to and never factory resets even wen it does it suddenly plays a tune you made twenty years ago
So I am incredibly new to this whole scene. I have dabbled in garageband and various DAWs. I own a cheap midi controller and I recently bought an artiphon Orba to get my self into more. Well, it worked because I want to get a groovebox now and I really like everything about this 101 thing. My big question is, and this can be open to a different device around the same price point, can you assign different loops that you create to one button and arm and disarm them similar to what you can do on the ipad garageband? I want to be able to make a loop of drums then make another slightly different loop of drums then assing them to one single button that can be toggled off and on. While it is on the loop plays forever then if you hit another button that has an alternate drum loop in it, it would disarm the first one and play the other one. Then do the same thing with lead, arp and bass, etc. Is this possible at all or am I just talking non-sense? Again, very new and dumb with all this stuff. I don't want to spend more than 500 bucks seeing as how I am not a full time musician and can't really pour too much into a hobby like this. Should I just save up and get an ipad pro? Does a didfferent device do what I want. Can someone correct me on my terminology if I am using the wrong words?
whats Crazy Is Outside of the Colors, the Sp505 by Boss (Rolands subsidiary) had the Roland drum kits, and you could put your own sounds into the sound banks, they had a pitch shift function while albeit somewhat lofi however great for that. I actually learned how to fully create beats ( including Micro editing) plus 23 Roland effects, I kept that thing as a Mic pre amp just for its effects
Now these are less than 309 on the used market it's time to sell my circuit Edit , I have one now , it’s never going to replace my MPC , but it practically fits in my pocket , runs of batteries and sounds great, I’ve filled a 32 gb card with samples to use on it , the on board drums are no good for the type of music I make , it’s like a mini MPC once you get used to it
The Roland MC-101 is off course largely based on the MC-707 which is my target next device. The menu-diving is an example which works better on the MC-707.
I really wish I can find a local Roland repair shop (I’m surrounded in an area that doesn’t even know what an MC-101 is🙄) since I just got the TR-6s yesterday, and I’ve had a VT-4 for a while now....so I’ve got the whole family together. But my 4 year old accidentally did “something”(unknown) to it and now it won’t turn on. I loved my 101 since the moment I set my hands on it. I loved it’s workflow and portability...and when I was traveling for work in Dec’19/Jan/Feb, I made tracks in hotel rooms with ease. Now that I’ve upgraded my TR-8 to its MC-101 compatible little brother, I hope I can get my 101 fixed ASAP. I’ve seen some dope jams so far with the 6S&101..but no VT-4 yet
Jared L I haven’t opened it yet..just got it last night, but I’ve watched a lot of videos (and I’m in some Facebook groups) throughout October. I’m opening it this evening, and I’ve already got a couple creative ideas to incorporate it into my setup
Epic vid Gabe. I have had a mc101 for a year but hate the menu diving so don’t use it. I must find the time to learn it but it’s So much easier for me to write on iOS GR-16 or Cubasis or just fire up my old drum machines & synths. But it does sound amazing and is small so I’m going to have another go.
I already have a Roland TR-8S. I'm looking for something to hook up to that to sequence synth tracks. While three tracks dedicated to synths would most likely be enough for me, does the fourth track have be a drum track? Can I have four tracks dedicated to synths and maybe some samples from horror and sci-fi movies (I'm a big 80s industrial fan, Skinny Puppy, Frontline Assembly, Ministry, Revco...).
Excited for my Tr 6s. It was a toss-up between the 101 and the 6s, but I’m excited with what I got. Will you also be getting it/ making videos about it? (6s)
@@GabeMillerMusic get them emails out lol I was watching a couple of your videos of the 101 as I got the email that my tr6s is coming, so of course I was curious. Thanks for the reply! (which I also have a circuit and you’ve helped me navigate it a lot so thank you, appreciate your videos🙏🏻)
Hi Gabe, thanks for all of your videos and your honest reviews. I've watched many of them but I haven't found the answer to this question: which groovebox would you recommend for someone used to and comfortable with the flexibility and power of the DAW workflow, but wants something simple just to lay down ideas, have fun and get some additional inspiration outside of the DAW environment? It seems both the Roland and the Novation Circuit are fairly advanced and arguably capable of (almost) finalizing a song, but I'm actually intrigued with grooveboxes for the playfulness, jamming and idea generation, not because I have a need for polishing a song to perfection outside of my DAW. I think of it as a music inspiration notepad of sorts, and given that, these devices seem a bit overpriced and advanced (though the Novation Circuit Tracks still intrigues me). I'm not really interested in moving an idea from the groovebox to my DAW either, because I'd still prefer the control of building it from scratch in the DAW, so the ability to transfer via USB audio is something I don't think I'd use. Am I the wrong target audience for these devices? It seems they're a bit overpriced and over-featured for my needs (eg ability to connect to other hardware synths etc). My dream is to just have something that I can play around with and quickly try out new song ideas and get them polished enough to decide if the idea is worth moving forward with. I envision that I'd be using it in the couch, or bringing it over to a friend and jam in parallel with our regular DAW sessions to demonstrate ideas without grabbing the keyboard and mouse. What would you recommend for someone like me? 😊 Thanks!
PS. I think you would probably recommend the Novation Circuit for my needs, but I'm just looking to see if I've missed something even more straightforward and immediate, that is perhaps a little less expansive (eg no external synt support or advanced export functionality) while still keeping it really simple to sketch out ideas. I looked at the pocket operators for example, but they seem crazy fiddly and I'd probably just want to throw it in the trash after failing to figure it out. 😂🤬
If you can get your hands on a used original Novation Circuit, I think that would be exactly what you're looking for. If you don't mind a really weird setup and limited sounds, the Artiphon Orba might be worth looking into, as it has a built in looper and synth engine. But I think you'd get more mileage out of a Circuit.
@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks for your input! And just so I understand your own gradual preference towards the MC-101, is that because you're trying to get a bit farther in the groovebox before you finish the song in your DAW? It seems to me that the MC-101 is somewhere in between, it forces you to dive into menus etc to tweak things. At that point, why not just finish the song in the DAW much faster and with more flexibility? In your opinion, what exactly is it that you're gaining by going from a Circuit (Tracks) to an MC-101 that you couldn't get anyway from spending 10 minutes in the DAW to finalize a mix? Thanks!
@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks for the tip about the Orba. I researched it but it seems extremely limited, basically just a single 2-4 bar looper, not something that can be used to sketch out a proper song idea without a daw.
Running an MC-101 from the MPC is a far better experience than the ES2, but setup is a bit more straightforward on the electribe. Plus, you can just plug the 101 into the USB port on the Live and that'll power and control it. The sound engine on the Roland is (IMO) far better as are the effects possibilities.
@@Gainn do you have experience with the novation circuit also? I work mainly on the mpc one, which is great. However, it is more like a DAW, which I like because it gives you a lot more possibilities than your typical 'groovebox'. But that makes it less intuitiv. Sometimes, when I only have 20 minutes between work and family etc. I just don't want to get into it. So I am looking for a more limited but also more hands on groovebox, where I can lay down some ideas when I don't have much time, and than on the weekend take that further on the mpc. My price point would be 500€ so I was thinking about the mc101, electribe, and novation circuit. Can you recommend something? Advice would be much appreciated!
@@maxpeter4171 if you like to use pitched samples or want complex drum patterns the the roland is the best choice imo. I had an es2 for a little while and it was easy to use, but I didn't really gel with it - the emx/esx-1 are so much fun to play and I didn't get any of the same enjoyment from the 2. I have a circuit and really only use it as a drum machine. The simplicity can be inspiring, but having to rely on a computer to really do anything preset or sample related killed it for me as a sketchpad. The 101 will connect right in with your mpc and add a huge sonic palette to the mpc when you're home, and give you access to every function on the move. It's hard not to recommend it.
Korg Electribe 2 does have sample slicing and more patch editing features but it can't record unquantised which really surprised me whereas the mc101 can go off grid. There's also reports of note/polyphony drops in the E2. The 101 also has a better workflow and 128 note polyphony.
Can you use channel switch messages in a generic Midi Keytar to switch between tracks in the 101 and change the sound as you would be able to do in a Roland Sonic Cell sound module? I am looking for a portable Roland Integra 7 replacement.
I was referring to the Novation Circuit, another groovebox that I really like and have made a lot of videos on. I did a video comparing it to the MC-101 a while back if you want to learn more.
I got mine yesterday Gabe…I got it used for 300…I think I got a Circuit before you…it was my first groove box…but I think it sounds like a toy now and kind of did think that when I first got it…I have a JX-03 boutique also any suggestions on how to integrate it with the MC-101…JX has mini jacks…have a good day‼️
@@SonicVibe I think it’s mainly the bass and snare…I think I got it in Dec. 2016 it’s got some broken knobs did the whole spasm thing like Gabe talked about and yea I liked it it was my first groovebox but I liked the drums on the tr-08‼️
Is anybody else having this problem? Every time I do a new project, import a wave file on pad one (track one drum program) the sample fades to zero volume after triggered? I’ve tried changing the one shot settings , and etc. it just keeps happening I’m almost done with this piece of gear! Every time I play a sample it just slowly fades out like I’m turning the volume knob slowly down but I’m not
I'd try messing with the decay and release settings first, just crank them as high as they go and see if that helps. I showed something similar in a video I did on how to chop samples on the 101.
The sd card sample import is sounding good im definitely gonna get one of these now was gonna get the mpc one but this seems like it will fit all my needs four tracks but can bounce them all to one so thats cool....it doesn't have side chain ..but the roland t8 does that makes no sense
I'm not trying to sell anything. I didn't mention the specific price because it fluctuates, it's already come down on the used market from what Roland sold it for initially. I just don't want the video to age poorly months/a year from now.
@@GabeMillerMusic "At time of recording, you can expect to find one for around $450-$500." That's all it takes to set yourself apart from the rest of the privileged kids on here showing off a "relatively affordable" $2k controller they were paid to say nice things about.
can you create and play different parts (intro, verse, chorus) and select them at the moment you want to switch from one to another? Im a guitar player and im looking for something that helps me play songs in dj style but i need to be able to switch from different parts of a song.
I did a minimal techno jam video on the MC-101 a bit ago, that's definitely worth checking out. I also made some in my recent video about the random patch feature.
You play guitar? 6:12 You're right, the polished sound of the 101 is really unfortunate. It's too glossy modern overused cliche Roland EDM sounds with no character.
That's 1600 dollars of gear, compared to a $500 device. If you have that much money, get the MC-707 which is considered the most capable groovebox out there
@@gelatinous6915, true. I already have them and still getting to know their capabilities. I really like the workflow and sound design. They kinda have a DIY, experimental feel to them. Perhaps at some point I will go with Roland gear. I've had Roland gear in the past and enjoyed them.
@@tubeMonger If you already have a good groovebox workflow, I would honestly just say to get a System 1 and TR-8s/TR-6s for the best sounds and most power
Fair, I'd never say to discard a setup that's already working. I tend to prefer stuff that's totally self-contained and portable, but that's personal preference.
@Gelatinous, System 1 looks pretty cool! @@GabeMillerMusic I agree. It's a bit awkward to use a power bank + ripcord instead of just having the batteries inside the device. I enjoyed that with the Circuit which would be great with the 101 as well.
Absolutely no regrets getting the 101. For one thing, it was all I could afford at the time, and I'd much rather have a 101 than nothing at all. Plus, the 101's size makes it super easy to take places, which is important to me. And as a CZcamsr, I have an easy time recommending it because of its price (can't say the same for the 707 since that's harder for some people to afford or justify).
Check out the sample flipping tutorial: czcams.com/video/lkaIUKPYdsw/video.html
Check out the beginner workflow tutorial: czcams.com/video/hvYyMPG5NxE/video.html
Check out TeaBreakBeats for tips and tricks: czcams.com/channels/02pZPY2jjrpB3jMaiotpTw.html
Thanks for the shoutout! Appreciate it!
Hows this thing at sequencing external gear?
Ooo I can actually help with one of the gripes: If you want more grit, add the "saturation" multi effect with the drive cranked up and boost the low end gain. I like it more than the distortion. Also you could run your patch through one of the emulated guitar amps or distortion+chorus combo with sightly less wet mix. There are also some built in 808 style bass drums that when you add a little fuzz, they just explode. I've even made odd black metal inspired industrial stuff using just the built in stuff with tweaks; blastbeats and all, because I'm weird. But it works...
I'm weird too)
Black metal sweet...do some dungeon synth for interludes
@@leewightman8619 oh I do... I absolutely do 👹
GABE! Just bought my MC101 after many MANY views of your comparison. Me and the Roland rep talked about your vids my man you’re blowing up 😎 Keep doing your thing man!
Niceee, hopefully you enjoy it!
I just bought the Roland MC-101 second hand and just started scratching the surface. This is going to be an awesome journey learning this groovebox. 😊
I'd love to see a sample tutorial. How to make and import and implement a variety of samples.
I did one a couple of weeks ago!
czcams.com/video/lkaIUKPYdsw/video.html
There's one thing I'm not happy about the MC-101 and is it's way to handle external MIDI. My gripes are the following (for now, as in 1.6 fw):
- In a drum track, the pads are not in order if played with a keyboard but they are grouped in a weird spaced 4 key groups across 3 octaves (that's bad when you are using a 2 octave keyboard like the microlab or the akai mpk mini)
- The arpeggiator only works with the pads, not with a external keyboard
- General lack of MIDI implemented functions (it's improving)
The MC-101 is a good device, but that little things annoy me. Let's hope that Roland continue improving it (and release a sound editor that doesn't depend on Zenology pro).
Sustain Pedal for Midi controllers doesn't work. Whyyyyy? It's almost the perfect little workstation alternative for me, but that's such a huge oversight.
My MC-101 comes tomorrow! I am super stoked and loving all your video tutorials on it!
I'm glad you've finally fallen in love with the 101. It is my first and only Groovebox and I absolutely love it! Great video, as always, and some sick tunes scattered across it, I loved that bassy trap beat used in one of your segues.
I had a lot of buyers remorse for the 1st few hours. Now that I'm driving into it more I do see it's appeal. The 101 does have a toyish feel and for the price it should have audio in and sync in/out. The pads could be better for sure. The more I use the 101 the more I like it. Especially once I got it hooked up to my PC and Keylab pro setup for the midi channels. The USB audio in/out was a huge boost and so far flawless
How do the Midi Channels work? I'd like to select up to 4 synth sounds from a controller keytar using channel change +/- messages. Is that possible? As with the Integra-7
damn straight! It's been the best musical investment, especially during lockdown. It's not perfect but it has improved heaps to the point that I now love it to bits.
I produced a whole Vaporwave album during Lockdown with my MC-101. Sold my Synthstrom Deluge to grab my MC-101. MC-101 and a TR-6S is all you need ;-)
Kinda wish roland would make a MC101 meets sp404 style box
MV1
To start up the mc-101:
Press shift + note + scene + dial the jog 3 steps with your foot + hum the starwars theme 😂
The main reason I may purchase the MC101 is the fact it's the cheapest way to get90% of Roland's current patches, which is why I don't understand your comment it doesn't have grit unless your saying Roland's digital gear doesn't have grit(whatever that means)I'm fairly sure if you ran it through some Moog pedals or a Sherman filter bank you'll get all the dirt one could ever want. That's why most of my money goes into efx processors .Like your channel, keep up the good work.
The power of the audio over USB is probably the best part of it imo but I love your thoughts on it!!
@Asante Carter very true!! It would’ve been nice to use its filter/fx but I also figured that the mc 101 in a set up wouldn’t be the brain/center piece of a set up. Leaving it open to be run through another piece of gears aux or just be it’s own thing
@Asante Carter Very true!!! That hadn’t even crosses my mind
@@waistlineinc eh, calling it a “sampler” without the ability to record samples with a line is the bigger issue.
Thanks for your videos on this. It is a very powerful product for something so small. Learning the shortcuts is key and won’t be for everyone. The included sounds are excellent and it’s portability with a 10000mah powerbank should give 20hrs of use. My only real concern is that for a bit more the Roland MV-1 Verselab is better value, will also run from a power bank, although granted it is bigger and not as portable. The MC-101 would be great when travelling.
Another great video, cheers. I just bought my first groovebox, a Zoom ARQ AR-96 that I got for a good price secondhand and I'm really enjoying coming to terms with it. And I look forward to seeing if I can get it to do what the MC-101 and others do or at least how close I can get.
Maaan, I'm so tempted to get this as a little Xmas present for myself, especially since I've also been messing around with Roland Cloud during the free trial. Seems like a great little device to drop some ideas on, then follow up on a DAW if desired.
Why I like this thing is the polish. To quote Bo, "this thing has got the Roland sound." The circuit and electribe are by no means shoddy devices, but their engines are a lot more "niche" (the Circuit sounds very very clean and the Electribe almost sounds lofi in a way.) The 101 is a lot more balanced sound-wise IMO. It's workflow also feels the best for live sets out of the three. The Circuit requires a lot of pre-memorization and what not, the Electribe is not very streamlined, and I feel like the 101 just works the best for incorporating with DJ sets or what not.
I definitely agree that the polish and Roland sound are a great aspect of the 101, although I'd say the Circuit is actually better for gritty bass and wild FX, due to its wavetables, modulation, and monstrous distortion.
And I still think the Circuit is by far the best for jamming. But the 101 has so much else going for it that it's starting to catch up!
I'd say that the mc101 is so much better than the circuit. The circuit is more for like a mess around jam and the mc101 more of a professional instrument and can make actual full songs. I speak from experience having owned both.
I agree with you about MC101 is a great piece of machinery. It is really useful as a device to use as an electronic notebook to put down some ideas for future songs
Yeah it's dope, and in my opinion, great for more than just laying down ideas. I've used it multiple times to make full and polished songs and beats, and it's one of the best small, self-contained devices for it imo.
Quality upload as always my guy. I’d be interested to see what you can do with an OP-Z.
I'm thinking of buying an mc101 and use it as a sound module for the Keystep Pro. The KSP is pretty much knob per function and has a very straight foward workflow with no menu diving at all.
Have you tried something like that?
Thanks for the video!
I recommend you swap the title and subtitle of videos that are titled like this one. I heard you mentioned this device in other videos so I wanted to come look for a review and I scrolled up and down the playlist for a while looking for a review of this device and had to click on this video before I realized it says long-term review at the very end of the title, off the screen. A big strength of your videos is that you're really the only CZcamsr who exhaustively compares all of these devices to one another so I can watch your videos and get consistent opinions and reviews across different devices without the influence of different creators workflows, genres, etc. Especially because grooveboxes are heavily influenced by the reviewer and if they value the daw-less workflow experience or if they see it as a gimmick, or if they're looking for a drum device or a complete replacement for their pc setup, etc. All of that interferes with the consistency of the groove box reviews, so your channel having an abundance of reviews from a single person with a consistent bias is super valuable. So, I really recommend that you try to put the word "review" at the front so people realize that you have all these reviews. If I had not watched the other video where you explicitly mentioned that you have a review for this device on your channel, I would have likely stopped looking for it if I was a random, new viewer. Don't restrict yourself by making these videos hard to find!
...aaaand 1.7 update is out! you can resample to drum tracks with Clip Export- amazing!!
Yeah its going to be super powerful. Glad to see Roland is still committed to keeping the MC's updated
You put me on one and I have loved it since day one making beats on it so much fun
mc-101 + portable speaker with aux in + keystep + portable usb power bank = summer fun
Another great video! Thanks for continuing to make informative videos about the Mc 101!
We need to see some side chain compression and a song mode. If that happens, then it may just be the perfect machine!
Great vid! Love this little box 🔥
It’s a blinking Gert nightmare I’ve thrown it at the cat twice and banged it off my wall in front room thirty six times … it’s so hard to get used to and never factory resets even wen it does it suddenly plays a tune you made twenty years ago
Thanks for the review! Actually thinking on getting one as well
It's pretty good. One day I'll get one. There is small update to the MC101 etc.
So I am incredibly new to this whole scene. I have dabbled in garageband and various DAWs. I own a cheap midi controller and I recently bought an artiphon Orba to get my self into more. Well, it worked because I want to get a groovebox now and I really like everything about this 101 thing. My big question is, and this can be open to a different device around the same price point, can you assign different loops that you create to one button and arm and disarm them similar to what you can do on the ipad garageband? I want to be able to make a loop of drums then make another slightly different loop of drums then assing them to one single button that can be toggled off and on. While it is on the loop plays forever then if you hit another button that has an alternate drum loop in it, it would disarm the first one and play the other one. Then do the same thing with lead, arp and bass, etc. Is this possible at all or am I just talking non-sense? Again, very new and dumb with all this stuff. I don't want to spend more than 500 bucks seeing as how I am not a full time musician and can't really pour too much into a hobby like this. Should I just save up and get an ipad pro? Does a didfferent device do what I want. Can someone correct me on my terminology if I am using the wrong words?
Cal Poly ❤. Bronco Alum here.
Would it be possible to record the midi out? Wondering if that way would be possible to get individual tracks for the drums. Thanks
For live performance would you recommend the MC-101 or the Circuit?
whats Crazy Is Outside of the Colors, the Sp505 by Boss (Rolands subsidiary) had the Roland drum kits, and you could put your own sounds into the sound banks, they had a pitch shift function while albeit somewhat lofi however great for that. I actually learned how to fully create beats ( including Micro editing) plus 23 Roland effects, I kept that thing as a Mic pre amp just for its effects
What is better, the Electribe or the MC-101?
That no side chain hurts a bit lol
Now these are less than 309 on the used market it's time to sell my circuit
Edit , I have one now , it’s never going to replace my MPC , but it practically fits in my pocket , runs of batteries and sounds great, I’ve filled a 32 gb card with samples to use on it , the on board drums are no good for the type of music I make , it’s like a mini MPC once you get used to it
The Roland MC-101 is off course largely based on the MC-707 which is my target next device. The menu-diving is an example which works better on the MC-707.
The 707 is essentially Ableton in a box, really cool
I really wish I can find a local Roland repair shop (I’m surrounded in an area that doesn’t even know what an MC-101 is🙄) since I just got the TR-6s yesterday, and I’ve had a VT-4 for a while now....so I’ve got the whole family together. But my 4 year old accidentally did “something”(unknown) to it and now it won’t turn on. I loved my 101 since the moment I set my hands on it. I loved it’s workflow and portability...and when I was traveling for work in Dec’19/Jan/Feb, I made tracks in hotel rooms with ease. Now that I’ve upgraded my TR-8 to its MC-101 compatible little brother, I hope I can get my 101 fixed ASAP. I’ve seen some dope jams so far with the 6S&101..but no VT-4 yet
How’s the tr6s I’m interested in getting one!
Jared L I haven’t opened it yet..just got it last night, but I’ve watched a lot of videos (and I’m in some Facebook groups) throughout October. I’m opening it this evening, and I’ve already got a couple creative ideas to incorporate it into my setup
Got mine a week or so ago and really love it!
Epic vid Gabe. I have had a mc101 for a year but hate the menu diving so don’t use it. I must find the time to learn it but it’s
So much easier for me to write on iOS GR-16 or Cubasis or just fire up my old drum machines & synths. But it does sound amazing and is small so I’m going to have another go.
I love the lights
Dang Gabe now I’m sold
If money is not an issue which one would you pick? Thx.
Thank you!
such a good review.
I already have a Roland TR-8S. I'm looking for something to hook up to that to sequence synth tracks. While three tracks dedicated to synths would most likely be enough for me, does the fourth track have be a drum track? Can I have four tracks dedicated to synths and maybe some samples from horror and sci-fi movies (I'm a big 80s industrial fan, Skinny Puppy, Frontline Assembly, Ministry, Revco...).
Are you able to modulate individual samples? Assign an LFO to the pan/level/filter?
Excited for my Tr 6s. It was a toss-up between the 101 and the 6s, but I’m excited with what I got. Will you also be getting it/ making videos about it? (6s)
I don't currently have plans to get a TR 6S, but hopefully I can convince Roland to send me one at some point
@@GabeMillerMusic get them emails out lol I was watching a couple of your videos of the 101 as I got the email that my tr6s is coming, so of course I was curious. Thanks for the reply! (which I also have a circuit and you’ve helped me navigate it a lot so thank you, appreciate your videos🙏🏻)
Hi Gabe, thanks for all of your videos and your honest reviews. I've watched many of them but I haven't found the answer to this question: which groovebox would you recommend for someone used to and comfortable with the flexibility and power of the DAW workflow, but wants something simple just to lay down ideas, have fun and get some additional inspiration outside of the DAW environment? It seems both the Roland and the Novation Circuit are fairly advanced and arguably capable of (almost) finalizing a song, but I'm actually intrigued with grooveboxes for the playfulness, jamming and idea generation, not because I have a need for polishing a song to perfection outside of my DAW. I think of it as a music inspiration notepad of sorts, and given that, these devices seem a bit overpriced and advanced (though the Novation Circuit Tracks still intrigues me). I'm not really interested in moving an idea from the groovebox to my DAW either, because I'd still prefer the control of building it from scratch in the DAW, so the ability to transfer via USB audio is something I don't think I'd use. Am I the wrong target audience for these devices? It seems they're a bit overpriced and over-featured for my needs (eg ability to connect to other hardware synths etc). My dream is to just have something that I can play around with and quickly try out new song ideas and get them polished enough to decide if the idea is worth moving forward with. I envision that I'd be using it in the couch, or bringing it over to a friend and jam in parallel with our regular DAW sessions to demonstrate ideas without grabbing the keyboard and mouse. What would you recommend for someone like me? 😊 Thanks!
PS. I think you would probably recommend the Novation Circuit for my needs, but I'm just looking to see if I've missed something even more straightforward and immediate, that is perhaps a little less expansive (eg no external synt support or advanced export functionality) while still keeping it really simple to sketch out ideas. I looked at the pocket operators for example, but they seem crazy fiddly and I'd probably just want to throw it in the trash after failing to figure it out. 😂🤬
If you can get your hands on a used original Novation Circuit, I think that would be exactly what you're looking for. If you don't mind a really weird setup and limited sounds, the Artiphon Orba might be worth looking into, as it has a built in looper and synth engine. But I think you'd get more mileage out of a Circuit.
@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks for your input! And just so I understand your own gradual preference towards the MC-101, is that because you're trying to get a bit farther in the groovebox before you finish the song in your DAW? It seems to me that the MC-101 is somewhere in between, it forces you to dive into menus etc to tweak things. At that point, why not just finish the song in the DAW much faster and with more flexibility? In your opinion, what exactly is it that you're gaining by going from a Circuit (Tracks) to an MC-101 that you couldn't get anyway from spending 10 minutes in the DAW to finalize a mix? Thanks!
@@GabeMillerMusic Thanks for the tip about the Orba. I researched it but it seems extremely limited, basically just a single 2-4 bar looper, not something that can be used to sketch out a proper song idea without a daw.
I'm confused between this and the Korg Electribe 2 Sampler. I used to have a Roland MC-505 Groovebox in the past but now I'm into Akai MPC Live.
Running an MC-101 from the MPC is a far better experience than the ES2, but setup is a bit more straightforward on the electribe. Plus, you can just plug the 101 into the USB port on the Live and that'll power and control it.
The sound engine on the Roland is (IMO) far better as are the effects possibilities.
@@Gainn do you have experience with the novation circuit also? I work mainly on the mpc one, which is great. However, it is more like a DAW, which I like because it gives you a lot more possibilities than your typical 'groovebox'. But that makes it less intuitiv. Sometimes, when I only have 20 minutes between work and family etc. I just don't want to get into it. So I am looking for a more limited but also more hands on groovebox, where I can lay down some ideas when I don't have much time, and than on the weekend take that further on the mpc. My price point would be 500€ so I was thinking about the mc101, electribe, and novation circuit. Can you recommend something? Advice would be much appreciated!
@@maxpeter4171 if you like to use pitched samples or want complex drum patterns the the roland is the best choice imo. I had an es2 for a little while and it was easy to use, but I didn't really gel with it - the emx/esx-1 are so much fun to play and I didn't get any of the same enjoyment from the 2.
I have a circuit and really only use it as a drum machine. The simplicity can be inspiring, but having to rely on a computer to really do anything preset or sample related killed it for me as a sketchpad.
The 101 will connect right in with your mpc and add a huge sonic palette to the mpc when you're home, and give you access to every function on the move. It's hard not to recommend it.
@@Gainn this was very helpful. Thanks for taking the time. Have a nice day. I will go order a mc 101 now. :)
Korg Electribe 2 does have sample slicing and more patch editing features but it can't record unquantised which really surprised me whereas the mc101 can go off grid. There's also reports of note/polyphony drops in the E2. The 101 also has a better workflow and 128 note polyphony.
Analog patch is good even tho I can’t use it at the moment,,, hmmm. It’s their someware in the button clik world
Can you use channel switch messages in a generic Midi Keytar to switch between tracks in the 101 and change the sound as you would be able to do in a Roland Sonic Cell sound module?
I am looking for a portable Roland Integra 7 replacement.
Could you please tell how bad is it for finger drumming? comparing to OG circuit for example
It's really not bad, the pads are not velocity sensitive, and are a bit smaller and less responsive than the OG Circuit.
@@GabeMillerMusic thank you
Does this have midi out for sync purposes? Sorry for newb question
Hi Gabe. Nice vid. Is the song at 05:57 created by you or some factory stuff? I think I will also buy this little machine... Thanks
All of the music in this video is made by me :)
@@GabeMillerMusic Ok, really cool. Thanks. I'll give it a try ;-)
When you say you wouldn't use it to replace your circuit, can you elaborate? What does that circuit consist of?
I was referring to the Novation Circuit, another groovebox that I really like and have made a lot of videos on. I did a video comparing it to the MC-101 a while back if you want to learn more.
For once the Roland tiny screen is justified!
I got mine yesterday Gabe…I got it used for 300…I think I got a Circuit before you…it was my first groove box…but I think it sounds like a toy now and kind of did think that when I first got it…I have a JX-03 boutique also any suggestions on how to integrate it with the MC-101…JX has mini jacks…have a good day‼️
if you think the circuit sounds like a toy your not using it right
@@SonicVibe I think it’s mainly the bass and snare…I think I got it in Dec. 2016 it’s got some broken knobs did the whole spasm thing like Gabe talked about and yea I liked it it was my first groovebox but I liked the drums on the tr-08‼️
It *doesn't have sidechaining?!*
Is anybody else having this problem? Every time I do a new project, import a wave file on pad one (track one drum program) the sample fades to zero volume after triggered? I’ve tried changing the one shot settings , and etc. it just keeps happening I’m almost done with this piece of gear! Every time I play a sample it just slowly fades out like I’m turning the volume knob slowly down but I’m not
I'd try messing with the decay and release settings first, just crank them as high as they go and see if that helps. I showed something similar in a video I did on how to chop samples on the 101.
@@GabeMillerMusic ok I’ll try thanks
@@RadiumZ1 did it work?
@@nomandad2000 it seems to work and it doesn’t, it’s hard to wrap my head around:(
The sd card sample import is sounding good im definitely gonna get one of these now was gonna get the mpc one but this seems like it will fit all my needs four tracks but can bounce them all to one so thats cool....it doesn't have side chain ..but the roland t8 does that makes no sense
How would you compare this to the liven xfm
As an ex salesman, I always get suspicious when someone mentions price without saying what the price actually is.
I'm not trying to sell anything. I didn't mention the specific price because it fluctuates, it's already come down on the used market from what Roland sold it for initially. I just don't want the video to age poorly months/a year from now.
@@GabeMillerMusic "At time of recording, you can expect to find one for around $450-$500." That's all it takes to set yourself apart from the rest of the privileged kids on here showing off a "relatively affordable" $2k controller they were paid to say nice things about.
@@CorruptPianist its pretty standard to not mention pricing as like he said the market fluctuates.
can you create and play different parts (intro, verse, chorus) and select them at the moment you want to switch from one to another? Im a guitar player and im looking for something that helps me play songs in dj style but i need to be able to switch from different parts of a song.
Yep, you can switch between song sessions and have multiple patterns and even sounds change simultaneously.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks
It might sound good if it were played through an Elektron Analog Heat.
Gabe, If I already have a circuit is this redundant?
I don't think so, this has more features and a more polished sound, but the Circuit is still better for live stuff and incredibly fast beatmaking.
i know you gonna like it
Yeah at this point I'm all about it!
Did y'all say that there's a way to CHOP on the MC-101?
Yep! I did a whole video about it here:
czcams.com/video/lkaIUKPYdsw/video.html
Hey, is the circuit discontinued? I can’t find it anywhere !!!
New Circuits on the way
Does it play stereo samples in stereo? Disappointed the Circuit converts to mono.
Yep, it does.
Thank you for this review! How about making techno stuff?
I did a minimal techno jam video on the MC-101 a bit ago, that's definitely worth checking out. I also made some in my recent video about the random patch feature.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks man for reply, subscribed
This or the TR6s 🤔
Can I do jazz beats or jazz drums in the MC 101?
You can load your own midi files and samples into it so sure
they sound FAR better than the circuit
"learning to love the MC-101" is akin to "learning to love your supermodel girlfriend"..
lmao you're not wrong
Because she sometimes takes way too long in the bathroom when you just wanna go out and do something fun ;P
Are you from SLO?
Yep!
You play guitar? 6:12 You're right, the polished sound of the 101 is really unfortunate. It's too glossy modern overused cliche Roland EDM sounds with no character.
USB ..to ..DAW ..?? .. great info ..🤗
I'd like to try 101 out, but I think I will stick with Digitakt + Digitone duo.
That's 1600 dollars of gear, compared to a $500 device. If you have that much money, get the MC-707 which is considered the most capable groovebox out there
@@gelatinous6915, true.
I already have them and still getting to know their capabilities. I really like the workflow and sound design. They kinda have a DIY, experimental feel to them.
Perhaps at some point I will go with Roland gear. I've had Roland gear in the past and enjoyed them.
@@tubeMonger If you already have a good groovebox workflow, I would honestly just say to get a System 1 and TR-8s/TR-6s for the best sounds and most power
Fair, I'd never say to discard a setup that's already working. I tend to prefer stuff that's totally self-contained and portable, but that's personal preference.
@Gelatinous, System 1 looks pretty cool!
@@GabeMillerMusic I agree. It's a bit awkward to use a power bank + ripcord instead of just having the batteries inside the device. I enjoyed that with the Circuit which would be great with the 101 as well.
👍
"It does everything that you'd expect a groovebox to do". Really? I'd expect a groovebox to chain patterns in 2020. But I know it's asking too much...
One of the firmware updates actually *does* allow it to chain patterns! Although it's definitely more clunky than on the Novation Circuit.
Yeah for every clip you can select what the next played clip will be. It's not great, but it'll do.
if you say you'll put a link to something in the description then do it
Tbh I completely forgot to do that during the upload process. I've added a pinned comment with the links.
What a rude POS 🤣
you need a real SR-101 anything else are toys
Sell it and get an MC 707!
The difference between the looper and the sampler is looper is time-stretched.
video starts at 4:10
Sounds rubbish
1:48
You should have bought an mc-707.
Absolutely no regrets getting the 101. For one thing, it was all I could afford at the time, and I'd much rather have a 101 than nothing at all. Plus, the 101's size makes it super easy to take places, which is important to me. And as a CZcamsr, I have an easy time recommending it because of its price (can't say the same for the 707 since that's harder for some people to afford or justify).
dude i learned nothing
you must already know a lot then…
'you can lead a duck to water, but you can't make it drink'