About the MV-8800 Workshop Series, About This Booklet

About the MV-8800 Workshop Series

Roland’s MV-8800 Production Studio is packed with features for making music. It’s a heavy-duty sampler that can do all sorts of things with sounds you sample or import. Its sequencer has 136 MIDI tracks for MIDI sequencing and playing back audio, and its set of editing tools is deep. It’s a great box for performing—using its pads or an attached MIDI keyboard—and, of course, it can even burn a CD of your final master mix.

Each MV-8800 Workshop Series booklet focuses on one MV-8800 topic, and is intended as a companion to your MV-8800 Owner’s Manuals.

About This Booklet

In the MV-8800, it all starts with the “project.”The project is where you create everything and where you keep everything you need for a song or album. This booklet explains projects and tells you how to create one.

The Buttons, the LCD, or a VGA?

With the MV-8800, you can work on the built-in color LCD or on an optional VGA monitor. You can use the MV-8800’s front-panel controls, or a mouse on your VGA screen. No matter how you like to work, there’s an easy way to get things done.

Probably the best idea is to work primarily with a mouse on a VGA, using the MV-8800’s buttons to quickly get in and out of MV-8800 screens. The procedures in this booklet typically assume you’ll be working this way.

If you’re not, don’t worry, because the VGA windows and LCD screens are essentially the same. There are clickable VGA icons for all of the MV-8800’s buttons. You can also press an onscreen button by clicking your mouse or by pressing an F button on the MV-8800. The main difference has to do with how you deal with settings—or “parameters”—and how you select objects.

	If you’re using a mouse:		If you’re using the MV-8800’s buttons:
Left click		Right click
Left click		Right click

Scroll

wheel

You select parameters and objects with	You select parameters and objects with
a left click. You change the selected	the 3, 4, 5, and 6CURSOR buttons.
parameter’s value by turning the scroll	Change a selected parameter’s value by
wheel. You can display an object’s menu by	turning the VALUE dial or by pressing DEC
right-clicking the object.	and INC.

Understanding the Symbols in This Booklet

Throughout this booklet, you’ll come across information that deserves special attention—that’s the reason it’s labeled with one of the following symbols.

A note is something that adds information about the topic at hand.

A tip offers suggestions for using the feature being discussed.

Warnings contain important information that can help you avoid possible damage to your equipment, your data, or yourself.

MV-8800 specifications

The Roland MV-8800 is a powerful music production studio that has garnered a reputation for its versatility and advanced features, making it a favorite among producers and musicians. Released as a standalone music workstation, the MV-8800 combines sampling, sequencing, and effects processing in a robust and intuitive platform.

One of the standout features of the MV-8800 is its 24-bit sampling capability, which allows users to capture audio with high fidelity. The unit supports a variety of sample rates and formats, making it easy to import and manipulate your favorite sounds. With its onboard 80GB hard drive, users have ample storage for samples, projects, and custom sounds.

The MV-8800 boasts a comprehensive sequencer that can handle up to 128 tracks, providing immense flexibility for multitrack recording and arrangements. Its intuitive interface includes a large LCD screen and a variety of knobs and buttons that facilitate quick navigation and editing. The unit also supports MIDI input and output, allowing it to interface seamlessly with other MIDI devices and software.

In addition to sampling and sequencing, the MV-8800 features an extensive range of built-in effects, including reverb, delay, and compression. These effects can be applied to individual tracks or the overall mix, allowing for in-depth sound design and finishing touches. The unit also supports real-time effects manipulation, enabling musicians to tweak their sounds dynamically during performances or sessions.

The MV-8800's unique Pad Matrix is another highlight, featuring 16 velocity-sensitive pads that are perfect for beat-making and triggering samples. Musicians can assign sounds to each pad and easily create intricate rhythms or melodic lines. This hands-on approach to music production makes the MV-8800 an innovative tool for live performances as well as studio work.

Moreover, the MV-8800 is equipped with advanced audio editing capabilities. Users can slice, rearrange, and process audio samples directly on the device, which streamlines the creative workflow. This feature is particularly beneficial for producers who rely on sampling to create original compositions.

Overall, the Roland MV-8800 combines cutting-edge technologies with a user-friendly design, making it an indispensable tool for both aspiring and experienced music producers. Its ability to integrate with various workflows, along with its powerful sampling and sequencing capabilities, solidifies its status as a standout piece of equipment in the realm of music production. Whether used in a home studio or on stage, the MV-8800 offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression.