Roland An Overview of the MC-909, Basic structure of the MC, Sound generator section

An Overview of the MC-909

Basic structure of the MC- 909

This section provides an overview of the sequencer section, sound generator section, controller section, and sampler section, which make up the main parts of the MC-909.

Rhythm set
		the
A rhythm set assigns a separate instrumental sound to each
		Overview of MC-909
note of the keyboard. These instrumental sounds are not played
as a scale. The MC-909 provides 64 preset rhythm sets.
(Example)
		An
fig.0-04
SNARE CLAP	HI-HAT

fig.0-03.e

Sequencer

Section

PLAY

Sampling

Sampler

Section

Sound Generator Section

B3
KICK	RIM TOM	CYMBAL

Tones

Tones are the raw materials of sound that are combined to create a patch. The MC-909 provides 693 different waveforms, and two waveforms can be assigned to each tone. (Waveforms

Recording Velocity Pad Play

Controller (Velocity Pad, Knob, etc.)

The sound generator section

This is the section that actually generates the sound. It produces sounds in response to data received from the MC-909’s Controller or Sequencer sections. You can also play the sound generator by sending it performance data from an external MIDI device.

Since the sound generator section of the MC-909 is able to play up to 64 notes simultaneously, it can easily handle multiple parts.

Song

Two or more patterns connected in the order of playback are called a song.

In one song, you can register up to 50 patterns in the desired order of playback.

Pattern

A pattern is 1–998 measures of performance data consisting of sounds (patches or rhythm sets) for up to 16 parts.

The MC-909 provides 215 different preset patterns.

Part

A part corresponds to a single musician in a band or orchestra. Since the MC-909 has sixteen parts, you can use sixteen different patches or rhythm sets to play as many as sixteen performances simultaneously.

Patch

A patch corresponds to a single instrument such as a piano or guitar. A patch consists of up to four “tones.” The MC-909 provides 800 different patches, and you can enjoy an enormous variety of sounds simply by choosing from these patches.

can be assigned in stereo; one for L and one for R.)

You can install separately sold wave expansion boards (SRX series) to add more waveforms, and sounds that you sample can also be used as waveforms.

Effects

Effects let you apply a variety of special effects to patches or rhythm sets. You can use four effects simultaneously: compressor (an effect that makes the sound more consistent), reverb (which adds reverberation), and two multi-effects (each selectable from 47 types such as equalizer, overdrive, and delay).

The sequencer section

A sequencer is a device that records musical performance data, and can play back the performance data that was recorded.

The MC-909 is a sequencer that plays back patterns and adds changes to the playback method. This type of sequencer is referred to as a pattern sequencer.

Recording/playing a performance

The MC-909 comes with 215 previously prepared patterns

(preset patterns). These preset patterns can be played back easily.

You can also create your own original patterns, either by modifying preset patterns or by creating a pattern from scratch.

Simultaneous playback of multiple parts

The MC-909 is able to play multiple sounds (patches) simultaneously. For example, with the following part configuration, you can simultaneously play drums, bass, piano and guitar; and the resulting performance will sound like a band.

Part 1	Guitar
Part 2	Bass
Part 3	Piano
Part 10	Rhythm (Drum) Set

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