Roland MC-707 8-track Groovebox (2024)

Secondly, I'm a long time Groovebox owner. I've had the legenday MC-505 since it hit the market in the late 90's. They are workhorses, incrdible machines and the MC-707 is no different, it's in fact a lot better. I keep my MC-505 around because it is what it is, altthough dated in sound, often difficult to menu dive with, its the gold standard.

Inside the MC-707 are the legenday Roland drum and synth sounds as one would expect.

The evolution of the MC-707 workflow is to be commended. It's more like a revolution, Roland far surpases the TR style step and real-time sequencing and enters into something a lot like an Ableton clip/sceen paradigim and work flow. They've abandonded dificult, paper thin sequencing on their flagships like the JD-XA.

The workflow is fast, intutive, and very powerful. This is one Roland synth were the manual (which is never a Roland strong point can almost be avoided.) However one will want to have it on hand for a deeper dive into features, midi implimentation, & all the other amazing features in this box.

One remarkable aspect of the MC-707 is it's external signal processing. The MC-707's sampler uses 1/4" stereo input or tracks from itself. The live looper is almost Abelton-like in it's ability to set up a live performace sequenced with live looping clips and live signal processing tracks- is nothing short of mindblowing and it's all right there at ones finger tips and no more then one or two clicks away. This takes internal sound design to a new level. There's also the effects send and recieve loop for outboard effect chains. All of thes audio inputs and outputs can be routed quickly and assigned to knobs and sliders and stacked within the MC-707 effects chains.

Anther remoarable aspect of the MC-707 is it's ability to quickly assign and customize the Drum machies/pads/tracks. One can mix and match samples with pre made kits at will. It's get's even better and Ableton Drum Rack like with the ability to route the drum pads individually and stack effects, set send and return options, mute groups, and global effects. It's mind blowing, flexible and very fast to use.

Then there is the Zencore synth engine also found in the Jupiter X and Phantom workstations. Kudos to Roland for not hidding access to the 4 synth partials away and deep down in the menu system. It's all right there a few clicks away. A breath of fresh air compared to many of their synths. Many great otions and LFO step sequensing! There's also the Zenology app which allows users to design their own synth and drum patches on a desktop/laptop and import them into the MC-707.

There's also flawless DAW integration, send tracks from your DAW INTO the MC-707 or send tracks from the MC-707 into a DAW over USB. One's entire computer audio can also be routed in & out the 707 like a sound card & audio interface. Midi integration is fast and brilliant when interfacing with other synths and drum machines.

I'm really hard pressed to find a flaw in the MC-707 at this time. Make sure to upgrade to the latest OS (1.81 as of December 2022). Watch the (3) 1-hour videos Roland posted on the Roland Cloud Academy, watch the various reviews on YouTube.

Lastly, I was unsure how much I would like the MC-707 and almost went with an Akia or Electron box. I'm glad I didn't. The only thing missing is FM synthisis, although it's been added to the Phantom and TR-8s. Hopefully soon on the MC-707. One will still need Serum, Massive, Phase Plant, FM8, etc to make the unreal and gigantic bass and lead patches which are all the rage in EDM. I left out a look of great features which are all fast, intuitve and easy to use. Get one to find out.

Who is the MC-707 for?
Musicians
Artists
Recording Studios
Post Production Film and Video facilities
University level Media, Communications, & Music departments.
Live sound rienfocerment
Hobbiests