Roland MC-303 Groovebox Synthesizer / Sound Module and Sequencer

The Roland MC-303 Groovebox, released in 1996, is a combination synthesizer and sequencer. It is considered the first device to be called a “groovebox.” It was designed for DJs, home producers, and beginners in the genres of dance, techno, and house. Its exterior pays homage to the TB-303 bass machine and the TR drum machines. Technically, the MC-303 is a sample-based rompler. It offers 448 dance sounds, including 40 synth basses—such as emulations of the TB-303—35 synth leads, and 33 pads, as well as 12 drum kits featuring sounds from the TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines. It features an 8-track sequencer for creating custom patterns and is 16-part multitimbral. Programming can be done via real-time or step recording, with options such as shuffle and groove. The unit offers controls for resonant filters, LFO, envelope, and the effects reverb/delay and chorus/flanger. Real-time Phrase Sequence allows you to trigger musical phrases. A built-in arpeggiator offers 34 rhythm patterns.