The Roland MC-707 is a sophisticated 8-track groovebox that represents Roland's triumphant return to the groovebox market after a decade-long hiatus. Building upon the legacy of the original MC series that pioneered the groovebox concept, the MC-707 combines contemporary workflow concepts with Roland's renowned sound quality in a comprehensive "self-contained production platform."

Designed with a mixer-style layout reminiscent of the Aira range, the MC-707 features eight individual track faders with three dedicated knobs per track, providing hands-on control over your compositions. The spacious 426 x 263mm front panel houses a wealth of controls while maintaining an intuitive, accessible interface. A large graphical display shows the clip grid, displaying all drum patterns, note sequences, and audio clips organized under their parent tracks.

At its heart lies Roland's powerful ZEN-Core sound engine, the same technology found in the Fantom workstations and Jupiter X series synthesizers. Each track can function as a drum kit, synthesizer, or audio clip player/recorder, offering unprecedented versatility. The drum section features sample-based sounds with up to four layers per pad for velocity switching or layering, while the tone tracks provide access to over 3,000 preset sounds including classic Roland recreations and modern electronic music staples.

The MC-707's Project structure mimics Ableton Live's Session View but with its own unique twist, supporting up to 16 clips per track across 8 scenes. This allows for dynamic live performance and song arrangement. The innovative Scatter effect system provides real-time beat-repeat effects, glitches, and dramatic sonic transformations that can be applied to individual steps or triggered momentarily for fills and transitions.

For studio integration, the MC-707 excels with comprehensive connectivity including two MIDI outputs, stereo external inputs, send/return effects loop, assignable outputs, and full USB audio interface functionality supporting separate track streaming to your DAW. The device can serve multiple roles: standalone groovebox, multitimbral sound module, performance effects unit, or integrated studio hub.

The step sequencer supports up to 128 steps per clip with real-time and step recording, motion sequencing for parameter automation, and advanced editing features including transpose, shuffle, and sequence manipulation. Audio looper tracks can capture up to 8 bars of material with time-stretching and pitch-shifting capabilities, making it ideal for live loop capture and manipulation.

Performance features include comprehensive scene management, clip launching options, external synchronization, and the ability to sequence external hardware while capturing their audio returns. The device's strength lies in real-time performance and idea capture, though it's optimized for loop-based composition rather than linear song arrangement.

Technical Specifications

Sound Engine:

• ZEN-Core sound generator for Tone and Drum Kit tracks
• Maximum polyphony: 128 voices (ZEN-Core), 8 voices (Looper)
• Preset library: 3,000+ tones, 80+ drum kits

Tracks & Clips:

• 8 tracks total
• 128 clips (16 clips per track)
• Track types: Tone, Drum Kit, Looper (Audio Loop)
• Maximum sequence length: 128 steps per clip

Sampling Capabilities:

• User samples: 12 minutes mono / 6 minutes stereo total
• Supported formats: WAV 32-96 kHz/16-bit, 24-bit (mono/stereo)
• Looper samples: ~60 seconds total
• Looper formats: WAV 44.1 kHz/16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit, 32-bit float

Effects:

• Track Multi-Effects: 90 types
• Track EQ per track
• Chorus/Delay: 9 types
• Reverb: 7 types
• Master Effects: 90 types
• Master Compressor and EQ

Display & Interface:

• 256 x 80 dots graphic LCD with backlight
• 8 track faders with 3 knobs each
• 32 velocity-sensitive pads (2 rows of 16)
• 16 step sequence buttons
• 4 clickable encoders
• Data dial and cursor keys

Connectivity:

• Stereo 1/4" phone outputs (MIX OUT L/MONO, R)
• Stereo 1/4" assignable outputs
• Stereo 1/4" send/return jacks
• Stereo 1/4" external inputs (L/MONO/MIC, R)
• MIDI IN, OUT1, OUT2 connectors
• USB-B port (Audio/MIDI interface)
• 1/4" stereo headphone jack
• DC power input

Storage:

• SD Card slot (SDHC supported)
• Includes 8GB SD card

Power:

• AC adapter powered (2,000 mA draw)

Dimensions

• Dimensions: 426 x 263 x 60mm (16.8" x 10.4" x 2.4")
• Weight: 2.1 kg (4 lbs 11 oz)