Roland owner manual Main features and uses, Ways to use the MC-09

Main features and uses

Main features

4-part audio looper

The MC-09’s audio looper is like a small sampler designed for creating looped phrases. You can capture (record) an audio signal into each of the four parts.

You can also use the merge function to combine two or more parts, to create polyphonic loops.

*For each part, the maximum recording time is six seconds (approximately two measures at BPM = 80).

Process Patch function

The MC-09’s “Process Patch” function can remember and play back actions concerned with things such as the selection of a pattern (a sound together with a phrase), or the capture of an audio loop. For example, all the steps and settings involved in creating a loop can be saved as a Process Patch. The next time you turn on the power, you can load this to reproduce the same state as before.

This is a convenient way to store the procedure by which a loop was created, or to set up for a live performance.

A new Loop Control function

By recording Loop Control settings in the step sequencer, you can produce a wide range of variations from a single loop.

Save loops to memory card

Loops and patterns you create can be saved on a separately sold memory card.

Pitch playback

You can change the pitch of the loop playback. This lets you play the loop at pitches different from the original pitch.

Trigger playback

Parts you specify can be played back in sequence. This lets you create performances that are similar to what you would obtain by striking the pads of a sampler.

Divide times 16 playback

You can divide a loop into pieces, and then reassemble it and play it back. This lets you create new phrases that are completely different than the original loop.

DSP synthesizer

The MC-09 has a built-in synthesizer that gives you a wide range of sounds (tones) in categories such as Lead, Bass, and Rhythm, as well as four different effects (Filter, Isolator, Phaser, and Slicer).

A mode that simulates the vintage synthesizers often used in Techno styles has also been included.

(The MC-09 can also be used as a synthesizer module.)

16-step sequencer

Not only can you record the notes you input as performance data, but you can also spice up your performances by using the effect controller to cyclically change the effect settings, or by using loop control to change the way a loop is played back.

Audio input jacks (INPUT jacks)

Since the MC-09 provides INPUT jacks, you can combine the MC-09’s sounds with performances (audio signals) from another device such as a CD, MD, or keyboard.

•Capture (record) a performance from an external device, and loop it

•Mix an audio signal with the sounds of the MC-09

•Apply effects to an audio signal

Ways to use the MC-09

Here are some ways in which you can use the MC-09. Your creativity will take you even further!

As a DSP synthesizer

• Playing the MC-09 from the keyboard pads (p. 18)

• Playing the MC-09 from an external MIDI device used as

a master keyboard (p. 63)

Use sound-on-sound to create loops

Combine a performance from a CD or MD connected to the INPUT jacks with the sounds of the internal DSP sequencer

to create sound-on-sound (p. 32)

Use loops in a live performance

•	Record hip-hop or techno loops in each part, and use the
	step [1]–[4] buttons to play them	(p. 52)
•	Change the playback pitch	(p. 51)

•Divide a loop and change the playback order of the parts

....................................................................................... (p. 52)

Use the monophonic synthesizer to create polyphonic loops

•	Layer performances of the internal DSP synthesizer
	(Loop Merge) to create polyphonic loops	(p. 38)
•	Adjust the pan of each track to create 3D output...	(p. 36)

Use the MC-09 as an effects processor

•	Cyclically modifying the effect settings	(p. 45)
•	Applying effects to audio from a CD or MD	(p. 41)

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