Anyone used the Roland MC-303 groovebox?
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Posted on Apr 22, 2003 12:29 pm
Crystal Cris
Member Since: Jun 18, 2002
I'm asking this, because when I go playing "live" on stage, I need hardware which plays back beats, bassline etc. so I can play synths and control the mixer (MIDI also needed). Usually I do this with computer, which has cubase playing the project file. BUT computer can crash, so it would be nice to have a not so crashable device doing the job..
I saw an ad from used mc-303 and I'd like to figure out is it suitable for my needs..
Also other gear recommendations to do the task are accepted!
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juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 22, 2003 03:04 pm Look into Akai's MPC Range - the MPC2000XL is a superb device for what you are doing and you should be able to pick one up pretty cheap second hand.
The MC-303 is a (very) simple groovebox and you'll probably find it quite limiting on stage.
jues.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 22, 2003 11:36 pm I tottally agree with jues on this. I have tweaked with an MC-303 and they are fun, but that is about it. They have great sounds and all but are really not something to do what you are asking it to do. The Akai gear is a bit more money, but is much more suited to the task you are asking of the gear. I have sued them in the studio and would have no fear of taking them on stage at all. jues uses them as well onstage and from what I can tell of his talk of them, he thinks highly of them. and if Im not mistaken is purchasing another to add to his arsenal.
VikkiMember
Since: Sep 22, 2002
Apr 23, 2003 12:01 pm Hi
Just wondering if there is anything out there that i could use on stage to playback audio tracks recorded on my computer but also run midi progs alongside the audio, for driving vocal harmony machine and also a midi light show. Would any of the Akai range or other make do this sort of thing?
Many Thanks
Vikki(u.k)
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 23, 2003 06:45 pm Vikki.
The MPC Range does audio and midi sequencing - it is basically a sequencer (like logic, cubase, protools, etc) in a box that will not break or crash - hecnce why they are VERY useful on stage.
Akai currently have 4 MPC's in their range:
The MPC60 is the original and has a very limited amount of sample memory (I think it's about a meg max) but can handle immense amounts of midi - thus it could be combined with a sampler (like an S1000 etc) for vocal work - or combined with a MIDI synth module for backings.
The MPC3000 and MPC2000XL are very similar and are a step up from the MPC60, featuring more RAM (up to 32Mb on the 2000XL) and upgradable storage devices (the 2000XL can be modified to run on Zip Discs or External SCSI hard discs / CD-Rom Drives). This could easily be used for backing vocals and also any MIDI programming you desire.
The MPC4000 (which is the one I just bought for £1,599!) features an internal hard disc and up to 512Mb of Ram - as a result it can handle anything that you throw at it - it is just like having a copy of Cubase on Stage - again, like the other MPC's it can handle as much MIDI as you want.
So, if you are just after MIDI sequqncing and maybe some sampled drums, go for an MPC60 (which you should be able to pick up relativly cheaply) - or, if you need more sample time without purchasing an additional sampler - look into the MPC2000XL.
Anymore questions?
jues.
VikkiMember
Since: Sep 22, 2002
Apr 24, 2003 03:44 am Hi Jues
Sounds like something that will do what i'm looking for. O.K. so if i built up an audio backing track on Sonar and then added harmony information and midi lighting info, could i just take the Akai on stage wire it all up and hey presto backing track, midi light, harmony. Can you store any songs in the Akai, just one more thing can you use it with a start stop footswitch.
The reason i wanted to go with audio is that i can't seem to make any sensible acoustic or electric guitar backing on midi, the midi guitar parts never sound right to me, but i play a lot of country(not everyones cup of tea i know)so the instruments have to sound realistic. Using an old Roland MC 500 sequencer at the moment, but looking to upgrade.
Any more info would be greatly appreciated.
Best Regards
Vikki(u.k)
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 24, 2003 12:07 pm Hey Vikki.
Well, the Akai MPC2000XL can have 32megs of ram - which is enough for about 3 minutes of stereo 44.1Khz 16bit audio (CD Quality) - you can obviously get more time out of it by either using a mono backing track or sampling at a lower sample rate. The MPC2000XL can run off zip disks, so it only take s a minute or so to load the 32megs off of the disk meaning that you can get somone to load the next backing track whilst the current one is finishing :)
Songs can indeed be stored in the Akai, all audio and midi information, no problems
And yes, you can control the start / stop via a midi footswitch.
jonnny.
VikkiMember
Since: Sep 22, 2002
Apr 24, 2003 01:50 pm Hi
Thanks, did go down to one of the larger music shops in Manchester and they had the 4000 in stock, by gum nice machine. It seems to do all that i need and more, i think with the hard drive you gould hold an entire show on the drive. I did notice they have the new T.C electronics vocal harmoniser as well, anyone heard any reports about this new model?
Well better get my computer system up and running first, i've got Sonar 2.2xl on order but its not arrived yet, it goes on and on!
Thanks for your help, i'll go and dig in my piggy bank and see if there's anything left!
Regards
Vikki
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 24, 2003 06:45 pm Feel free to ask any questions regarding the MPC Range if you decide to purchase one...
jues.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 24, 2003 11:08 pm The TC Harmonizer is a very nice unit. It has a pretty good rep so far. I have only toyed with one for a brief time. I will say the the Eventide Ultra Harmonizer is a bit better unit and a bit more predictable in the long run, but it is also a bit higher priced as well. But for the money, if I were to put one in here, I think my vote would be for the TC Electronics unit.
