Roland MC09 Phrase Lab Sample Looping Synth with EFX

Analog modeling synth, step sequencer, 4-part audio looper, and effects processor in one.

Overall User Ratings (based on 20 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    3.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(20) (see rating details)
Submitted May 6, 2003 by a customer from yahoo.com

"a great easy to use groove box"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I look forward to many good experiences with this product
Sound
The analog bass, and lead sounds are amazing, with a high range of sound modulation gives you thousands of sound possibilities. The sound variations are a bit hidden but once you know where they are its easy to work with. The drums are analog so they might as well have left them out, they do nothing for the sound.
Features
Many knobs for the tweaker in you, and a 4 part mixer for sampled loops. Step-Sequencing is *fairly* easy, and the sound capture function is nicely integrated (it cuts off automatically at the ends of measures for easier sampling) Many on board effects, and modulations.
Quality
well made, though the plastic shell looks fragile, could probly crack easily if dropped or hit at a gig.
Value
I got mine at clearance, for 56% off, so im very happy with my purchase, Im not sure if its worth the standard $350.00 but its still a great purchase.
Manufacturer Support
probly good, havent contacted anyone yet
The Wow Factor
The actual interface is very slick, with a great layout of controls, though it has a see-thru black out line casing that looks a bit sci-fi 80's so its half cheesy, and half cool looking

Musical Style:

Electronic
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Submitted November 12, 2004

"OLD SCHOOL SOUNDS, VERY BAD SEQUENCER,"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
All it needs is a longer sequencer and it would be perfect. A real sampler sould fix that problem but if you dont have one than i would recommend against it. 2 measures is just not enough to work with, but the sound is very good and old school.
Sound
For what you pay for the sound is excellent if your lookinbg for raw DSP synth and bass. It reminds me of the TB-303 in sound modulation. The sound when tweaked is so raw and analog i love it.This product definitly acheives the sound of an anolog synth, and sounds pretty good by itself. This machine would be great for live performence, eshpecially tweaking it live if you know what you are doing. In the studio it is a pretty powerful tool. "Tweak each waveform as much as you can to get best results"
Features
Again for what you pay for the features are pretty nice, which includes the DSP analog synth, loop sampler, fx processor, and drum sequencer. All of the features are satisfactory except the sequencer. its only 2 measures, which really sucks. really really sucks. You need a full blown sampler to unlock its full capabliltys. Its biult pretty sturdy but is fragile none the less, (as all beat machines usually are) and has this cool retro old school look to it.
Quality
This product is made pretty well with nice sturdy knobs and rubber buttons. Has an old school retro look to it which i like. Over all its biult pretty nice, just as long as you treat it with care im sure it will last, mine has.
Value
if you have a nice sampler at home, than i recommend this synth for budget studios, but its internal sequencer sucks (2 measures only! what were they thinking!)
The Wow Factor
It has this old school look and sound to it which caught my attention.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

down tempo chill, with a twist of trance
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