Roland MC-101 Groovebox Compact Music Production Workstation

The Roland MC-101 Groovebox is a powerful and portable music production workstation that brings the full capabilities of Roland’s ZEN-Core sound engine into a compact, battery-powered device. Designed for producers, performers, and beatmakers, the MC-101 allows you to create complete tracks anywhere with professional-grade sounds, sequencing, and effects. Whether you're sketching ideas on the go or performing live, the MC-101 delivers a streamlined workflow without sacrificing depth or flexibility.

With four versatile tracks supporting Tone, Drum Kit, and Looper functionality, the MC-101 enables you to build full arrangements using clips and patterns. Each track can host up to 16 clips, giving you a total of 64 clips per project for dynamic song construction. The built-in step sequencer supports up to 128 steps, providing detailed control over rhythms and melodies, while the looper track adds real-time audio capture with time stretch and pitch shift capabilities for creative manipulation.

Powered by Roland’s ZEN-Core sound engine, the MC-101 includes over 3,000 preset tones and more than 80 drum kits, along with support for importing custom samples via SD card. A comprehensive effects section—including multi-effects, EQ, chorus, delay, reverb, and mastering tools—ensures polished, professional sound design. With flexible connectivity, USB audio/MIDI support, and battery-powered portability, the MC-101 Groovebox is an all-in-one solution for modern music creation.

Key Features

• Compact groovebox powered by Roland ZEN-Core sound engine
• 4 tracks supporting Tone, Drum Kit, and Looper functionality
• 64 clips total (16 per track) for flexible song arrangement
• Over 3,000 preset tones and 80+ drum kits
• Step sequencer with up to 128 steps for detailed programming
• Looper track with time stretch and pitch shift capabilities
• Extensive effects including multi-effects, EQ, chorus, delay, and reverb
• SD card support for sample import and project storage
• USB audio/MIDI interface for seamless integration
• Portable design with battery or USB power options

Technical Specifications

Sound Generator: ZEN-Core (Tone, Drum Kit)
Track Type: Tone, Drum Kit, Looper (Audio Loop)
Maximum Polyphony: ZEN-Core: 128 voices (varies according to the sound generator load); LOOPER: 4 (varies according to the available number of Looper track)
Tracks: 4 tracks
Clips: 64 clips (16 clips per track)
*Clip Type: Tone, Drum Kit, Looper (Audio Loop), varies according to the track type
Tones: Preset Tone: 3,000 or greater; Preset Drum Kit: 80 or greater; User Sample (as Tone or Drum Kit): available via SD Card; Looper Sample: available via SD Card
*Available total time for User Sample: 12 minutes (mono), 6 minutes (stereo) at 44.1 kHz
*User Sample format: WAV 32–96 kHz / 16-bit, 24-bit (mono, stereo)
*Available total time for Looper Sample: Approx. 60 seconds (44.1 kHz)
*Looper Sample format: WAV 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit, 32-bit float (mono, stereo)
Effects: Track Multi-Effects: 90 types; Track EQ; Chorus/Delay: 9 types; Reverb: 7 types; Master Effects: 90 types; Master Compressor; Master EQ
Step Sequencer: Maximum 128 steps (available on Tone or Drum Kit track)
Looper: Time Stretch, Pitch Shift (available on Looper track)
Display: 16 characters, 2 lines LCD (with backlit)
External Storage: SD Card (SDHC supported) for Project and Audio Data
Connectors:
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: USB B type (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply: Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4; Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4; USB bus power
Current Draw: 500 mA
Expected Battery Life: Alkaline battery: Approx. 3 hours; Ni-MH battery: Approx. 4.5 hours
*This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.

Dimensions: 8-13/16" x 5-3/16" x 2-7/16"
Weight: 1 lb 9 oz

Use Cases

• Music production and track creation
• Live performance with clip-based sequencing
• Mobile music production setups
• Beat-making and arrangement workflows
• Studio composition and songwriting

What’s Included

• Owner’s Manual
• Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
• SD Card (pre-installed)
• SD Card Protector (pre-installed)