From tmoravan@netcom.com Mon Dec 5 13:37:48 1994 Date: Mon, 5 Dec 1994 08:25:50 -0800 (PST) From: Tom Moravansky To: "Stewart S. Walker" Cc: analog Subject: Re: Roland MC-4 info > > I've got some questions concerning the MC-4. > > Apparently, it recieves roland sync data... (I learned this from Ric Miller's > previous posting). > There is a jack on the back switchable from sync in or out ala TR-808, etc. There is jacks on the front to handle external sync in (1/8" jack, but I think it is expecting a 24 ppq signal) and a cv -> tempo in jack. Outputs are 4 channels of cv, gate, mpx (another cv out), and soimething else that I can't remember (trigger?). Data is input either via typing in values (12 == c1, 24 == c2, etc) for cv and gate times, or through a cv/gate input. You can set the inputs to store cv+gate, cv only (defaulkts to 16th note gates) or gate rewrite to change the timing/tempo and leave the notes alone. > Can it record pitch bend (a la 303) or portamento? > I believe so. > Is the user-interface easy to use, or at least functional? > depends on what you mean. I find it harder than the ARP sequencers, a little harder than the CSQ-100/600 (more choices == more complexity), and easier than computer-based sequencers. The interface is numbers and a calculator-style keypad with a few additional functions tossed on. For it's time it was pretty complete and complex. Even now, it works very well. > How does it compare to the Korg SQ-10? > It's easier to type in quantized values than the SQ-10. :-) > Availability/Price? Ric and I picked up our MC-4's from the same store. They weren't cheap ($450 or so, I don't exactly remember). I've never seen another one for sale. However, talking to some folks in the UK they say they are easy to find over there. They've never found one for me though.... I'd love to get another. Oh - even though it's computer=based, it has no battery-backed memory. You have to dump your stuff out to cassette to save it before turning off the machine.