The Roland MC-808 represented in 2007 a bold move in the legendary Roland Groovebox dynasty, delivering a powerful combination of sampling capabilities, synthesis, and sequencing in a transportable, performance-oriented package. Building upon the foundation established by the groundbreaking MC-909, the MC-808 offers enhanced polyphony, expanded memory capacity, and innovative motorized faders at a more accessible price point.

Key Features & Design Philosophy

Live Performance Focus: The MC-808 embodies the core Groovebox concept of spontaneous, loop-based electronic music creation with extensive real-time control capabilities. Every aspect of its design prioritizes live performance functionality, from the backlit buttons and bright blue parameter matrix display to the large LED readouts showing tempo and pattern information.

Motorized Faders: Eight touch-sensitive motorized faders serve as the primary real-time controls, automatically adjusting to reflect current parameter values when switching between control modes. These faders can control volume/pan settings or individual synth parameters for each of the 16 parts, ensuring seamless live manipulation without parameter jumps.

Advanced Sound Generation: The heart of the MC-808 features a 128-note polyphonic synthesis and sampling engine - double the polyphony of its predecessor. The sound architecture includes 896 melodic patches and 128 rhythm sets, built from 622 purpose-designed waveforms. Melodic patches utilize up to four tones, each comprising two waveforms, while rhythm sets accommodate up to 16 drum/percussion sounds.

Comprehensive Effects Processing: Two multi-effects processors provide 47 effect types each, including filters, modulation, chorus, lo-fi processing, delays, distortion, and amp simulation. Additional processing includes dual compressors (input and mastering multi-band) and dedicated reverb, with extensive control over effect/part mixing.

Sampling Capabilities

The MC-808 offers professional sampling functionality with fixed 44.1kHz/16-bit resolution supporting WAV and AIFF formats. Base memory of 4MB (45 seconds mono) can expand to 516MB using PC100/PC133 RAM, providing up to 97 minutes of mono sampling time. Five sampling modes include external input sampling and various resampling options from internal generators with or without effects.

Advanced editing features include truncate, loop, time-stretch, and the innovative "chop" function for slicing rhythm loops. Samples can be instantly assigned to current patterns, enabling rapid signature loop development.

Sequencing & Programming

The 16-track sequencer supports patterns of 1-999 measures with up to 16 parts each. Four programming modes accommodate different workflow preferences:

• Real-time recording for natural performance capture
• Step programming for precise note placement
• Tempo mode for tempo changes and mute automation
• TR mode for classic drum machine-style programming

Enhanced creative tools include a 128-style programmable arpeggiator, chord trigger function, and RPS (Roland Phrase Synthesis) for triggering additional pattern layers. Fader movements can be recorded as automation data within patterns.

Computer Integration

USB connectivity enables seamless integration with Mac and Windows computers for file transfer and visual parameter editing. The bundled editor software provides graphical interfaces for detailed sound editing, sample waveform manipulation, and comprehensive parameter access, making complex programming tasks more intuitive than hardware-only operation.

Contemporary Sound Design

The MC-808's preset library reflects cutting-edge electronic music styles including techno, trance, R&B, drum & bass, and ambient dub. Sounds were commissioned from contemporary DJs and producers across the US, Europe, and Japan, ensuring relevance to modern underground electronic music genres.

Build Quality & Connectivity

Housed in a lightweight yet robust plastic chassis with aluminum front panel, the MC-808 balances portability with durability. Comprehensive connectivity includes main stereo outputs, two direct outputs, stereo inputs (with mic preamp on left/mono input), MIDI In/Out, headphones, USB, and Compact Flash slot (up to 1GB) for additional pattern and sample storage.

Performance Integration

Advanced performance features include D-Beam controller for hands-free parameter manipulation, V-Link compatibility for video control integration, and the ability to store 256 patterns and 50 songs in memory. The interface design prioritizes immediate access to essential performance parameters while maintaining deep editing capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Sound Generation

• Maximum Polyphony: 128 notes (shared with sampling)
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz (fixed)
• Resolution: 16-bit
• Parts: 16 (Main) + 16 (RPS)
• Waveforms: 622
• Patches: 896 user patches, 1024 card patches
• Rhythm Sets: 256 user (pre-load 128), 256 card

Sampling System

• Data Format: 16-bit linear (WAV/AIFF)
• Maximum Polyphony: Shared with sound generator
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz (fixed)
• Maximum Sampling Time:
  • Base memory (4MB): 47 sec mono / 23.5 sec stereo (approx.)
  • Expanded memory (516MB): 102 min mono / 51 min stereo (approx.)
• Sample Storage: 2000 user, 2000 card

Sequencer

• Parts: 16 + Tempo/Mute Control
• Resolution: 480 ticks per quarter note
• Tempo Range: 5-300 BPM
• Maximum Note Storage: 1,300,000 notes (approx.)
• Recordable Measures: 1-998
• Patterns: 800 user, 800 card
• Recording Methods: Realtime, TR-REC, Step
• Songs: 50
• Arpeggio Styles: 128
• Chord Memory: 128
• RPS Sets: 50
• Pattern Sets: 50

Effects System

• Reverb: 1 type
• Compressor: 1 type
• Multi-effects (MFX): 2 processors (47 types each)
• Pitch Shifter: 1 type (for external input)
• Mastering Section: 3-band compressor (1 type)

Memory & Storage

• Expansion Slot: 1 slot for sampling memory (DIMM)
• RAM Specifications: 168-pin, 100MHz (PC100 CL=2), 133MHz (PC133 CL=3)
• Voltage: 3.3V
• Capacity: 128MB, 256MB, 512MB
• Board Height: 38mm or less
• External Memory: CompactFlash (1 slot, max 1GB, 3.3V)

Display & Controls

• Main Display: 20×2 character LCD with backlight
• Pattern Number Display: 7-segment 3-character × 2 LED
• BPM Display: 7-segment 4-character LED
• Control Elements:
  • Output Volume: 1 knob
  • Input Volume: 1 knob
  • Motorized Faders: 8 (60mm)
  • D-Beam Controller: 1

Connectivity

• Audio Outputs:
  • MIX OUTPUT L/MONO, R (1/4" jacks)
  • DIRECT OUTPUT L, R (1/4" jacks)
• Audio Inputs: L/MONO/MIC, R (1/4" jacks)
• Headphones: 1/4" stereo jack
• MIDI: IN, OUT connectors
• USB: Type B connector (MIDI, Mass Storage Class)
• DC Input: 12V jack

Physical Specifications

• Power Supply: DC 12V (AC adaptor)
• Current Draw: 1500mA
• Dimensions: 431(W) × 327(D) × 104(H) mm / 17(W) × 12-7/8(D) × 4-1/8(H) inches
• Weight: 3.4kg / 7lbs 8oz

Included Accessories

• Owner's Manual
• Sound & Parameter List
• AC Adaptor
• CD-ROM (Editor Software, USB MIDI Driver)

V-LINK Function

Enhanced V-LINK functionality allows synchronization with compatible video equipment for audio-visual performances, enabling image switching and effect control via the MC-808's interface.