UPDATE: the "bring your own screen" functionality has now been released with version 1.03 - here's my brief coverage of its pros and cons: ruclips.net/video/74q7kCenEJ4/видео.html
I owned the MV1 for over 18 months. I wrote so many songs on it and it was so easy and fun. I then bought into the MPC live 2 thing. Sold the verselab, got frustrated with the mpc and lack of synths, sold the mpc and are now saving up to get the Verselab back. I love this thing. Small screen..not an issue, the mpc had a big screen but felt like an Apple ipad app.
What a brilliant comprehensive review, and so nice to hear it create a song in a style outside of those Roland themselves have been doing in their marketing
Btw...you get a one year subscription to roland cloud incl. Zenology pro if you register your zen core hardware- Even if bought secondhand...I did that with my mc 101. Personally, I think zenology pro should be free for hardware owners, but it‘s better than nothing;). And that‘s a deeeeep engine...
Overwhelming. MV-1 does so much. Coming from a hardened hardware user this looks fantastic. I don’t want to use a DAW as I already have huge screen time. There’s enough here to keep me extremely fascinated for years. Looks great & seems to be amazing value. So after watching this & Sonic Lab I bought one.
Have owned this for a bit. I also own a lot of the current market grooveboxes and hardware daws. Imo the MV-1 is a great backing track maker. 95 percent of my music doesn’t have a vocal. As a guitarist I use the vocal track for lead guitar (works great). I think the sounds in the box are some of my favorite. Imo it is much easier to get a great sounding mix quickly than most of my gear. Streaming the tracks into my daw is fantastic. I thought I’d hate the screen… but hasn’t really bugged me. Sure it is not my Mpc live in that regard, but it hasn’t been a big deal.
Aaaaa.... finally a guitarist commenting. I have a question that I can't figure out. Can you apply all the effects within the mv1 onto your guitar when you input it via the stereo 1/4" inputs? I plan on constructing songs and playing my guitar live along with the song and was just wondering if I can use all those great effects on my guitar in real time. Thanks in advance. 👊👍
@@eternalvernal1286have you found an answer? My mv1 is coming this weekend and i plan to use it similar to how you are. I will test it and let you know if you never found out
I love how spoiled we are for stand alone workstations now! 😭 It wasn't that long ago that I'd be hunting ebay comparing old MPCs I couldn't afford, or broken Roland MC-XXX wondering if I could repair them.
Excellent video, I think Roland made a very clever move with having the vocal track disconnected form the music sequences as singers come in just before bar 1 of a sequence.. also note if you want vocals around whilst constructing the music to say weave the music around a vocal you can load a vocal to a drum pad on a kit.
And that vocal "track" is actually 16 tracks 👍 and it's not just for vocals obviously as you could mic your amp or anything else. I still can't understand though if you can apply effects to an instrument that your inputting via the two inputs. Does anybody know if in real time I can apply say a boss compressor or a boss chorus while I'm playing my guitar to a song that I completed already? Thanks
@@eternalvernal1286 right! 23 tracks on a hardware unit is nuts to me! 12 mins in mono or 6 mins in stereo. This box can do a lot man and Roland can definitely compete with akai as far as extra sounds. This box is a steal and about to be mine soon. I was having a hard time between this and the mc707. That 8 track limit is rough to me lol.
This masterful review from the master himself, coped with the zealous hatred the unit attracts from the beat making bois has sealed the deal for me. Ordered :)
I think this could be a great tool for somebody playing a woodwind instrument, being able to record and arrange them into the vocal tracks could make it very easy to make arrangements
Roland designer: I can't wait to design this groove box to end all groove boxes, let me start building. Roland accountant: Good for you, but since you've used up your budget, we can only afford these two-line displays that were found in an 80's parts warehouse.
Roland designer: Ooohkayyy! Do we have another colours except green? Roland accountant: White... but then you have to go for only 8 potis and a crappy built in microfone.
The review definitely made the device look more interesting to me but I still think if you are looking for a DAW in a box the Force is going to serve you better. The sound of the effects on the MC/MV units are amazing that's for sure but at the price Roland is asking for that box I would buy a Force. If the release like an MV-8 or something like that with a larger screen and more opportunity to edit samples and instruments that would be interesting.
I can appreciate that someone took a Roland project and applied some human workflow and logical thought to it. It is not much like the MC-707 that had no pattern chain (initially) or other products that just leave you wondering why on earth. Certainly it is not ready for the pros yet given the display and limitations, but this is great as a sketch pad or for banging out rap or some other genres. But this indicates that Roland is considering humans and their use of the tool which is exciting and deserves respect.
@@cl1xor This is so frustrating. I got a System-1 M used, and they put a 2-character LED display on it... That is for browsing your banks and patches, plus some secret menu functions!.. It is absurd. I've left it sitting unused on a shelf because of that, even though it makes some really cool sounds. If I want to actually USE it, I'll need to tape a cheat sheet to it with my patches and names, and just pray that I never accidentally overwrite anything. I think I'll just sell it at a loss, honestly.
i just picked mine up, and right away began having an absolute blast. the only thing im griping on so far is the restart/lag time when switching between the main modes on the fly or re triggering patterns from the song mode. if it could seamlessly switch between sequence and section, and had a per pad mute shortcut on a kit track it would improve its performance ability a lot.
Hey Ziv, mine arrived today, really got a lot of this video and half way into my first track. I proudly joined your Patron, happy to support you. Your videos have helped me SO MUCH the last 2 years. Keep up the great work! ✌️🎹🎹🎶🎶🎶
I feel like loopop has become my only friend during this lockdown period not buying any of these gears cuz I'm jobless due to covid but after watching all these reviews I will certenely know what I would get once money starts to flow Thanks man you're pure gold
I can hear that the drums on the studio version sound better. I don't know if that was just a mix choice or a real difference in quality. I would lean towards the former without experience to the contrary. I hope people buy this. I'm looking forward to an MV-8 even though I like the mobility of the MV-1. I'd like more outputs to run it directly to a mixer/studio desk. Still this is a solid solution for mixing and finalizing in and out of the box.
I can definitely see this being a great creative ‘sketchpad’ rather than a replacement DAW for making professional productions. If the workflow is good, it could be a nice way to get ideas down quickly.
Just got one of these and so far it’s mostly love with a dash of significant hate. There are some really basic things that are not at all intuitive to figuring out. For instance, after loading a sample (non-looper), they just ring out ad-infinitum. Adjusting the decay and release obviously affect those parameters, but why isn’t “hold” one of the default system parameters? I don’t want every sample to ring out forever. I want samples to play only as long as I hold the key! Come on Roland. This is sample-playback 101.
Oh great timing. Incoming next week. But is just a songwriting machine, or is the quality good enough to use in production? Love the content, love the delivery. Keep it up and have the best of days sir.
Great review as usual, thanks for putting in the time 👍 I'm not keen on this workflow. Roland always seems a bit clunky by comparison to the competition, in my opinion. Scrolling menus is a huge inspiration killer. If they had a small screen onboard, like a cell phone or the like, this would have blown my mind.
Hardly , Roland have had this sort of setup for literal decades , is basically just their rompler tech. The sp16 sounded great but was really more if sampler player , although it does sample you can’t do much with it, and the effects were meh. Rolands effects are way better, but this groove box belongs in the 90s. That said I love my 707, but the tech outdated.
@@H4NDCRAFTED Zencore is a synthesis engine, not a ROMpler :) Anyhow, if you really want to try 21st sequencing, Polyend Tracker and Toraiz Squid are must haves (I own both). However, I like the immediacy of the workflow on the MV-1. Plus the ability to overlay my own voice, which isn't all that easy on my mixing console.
Lol... If that is the case then I definitely need to stay clear of the MV-1. Lioneer waxed me on that pre-order scam... the Lioneer SP-16 is great hardware ...but that is it. A disaster and still has improper note on note off and bad midi implementation. Funny how they released the Squid with the sequencing capabilities that were supposed to be implemented in the SP-16 depending on sales of the Squid (via Lioneer rep Matt) opposed to just simply finishing the SP-16. So after they talked me into buying an XDJ-RX which was dropped from compatibility with no warning...then purchased a Squid which I may add still doesn't work right w the SP-16 esp being the SP has better UI and should be a main... Was able to return that and got a Novation SLMKiii easily via Perfect Circuit... Anyhow.. Lioneer and Unsweetwater are straight up thieves all I can say... Do no support them. Do not trust them. And buy from Perfect Curcuit Zzounds or Amazon so you can get a return or exchange. I learned a huge $2700 lesson from Lioneer with my SP-16(sitting in box) & XDJ-RX useful but half done and discontinued cause DJ link is still a farce. Everyone hates on Behringer for making cheap synths,.. but should maybe use some of that energy to fight back against lying thieving corporations like Lioneer.
I think they are making the screen as needless as possible for a reason, it's hardware, true hands on instrument style hardware, not a tablet with knobs on like a lot of the new releases
There's no reason a hardware workflow can't have a decent display too - it just makes life easier. Roland keep taking the piss with inadequate displays - having used an MPC one, I could never go back to something so needlessly uncommunicative as this.
@@Paul_Y_T The entire point is learning the instrument, not needing a massive screen holding your hand, if you get the functionality on lock the workflow is twice as fast as menu diving, finger swiping and pointing tentatively at a finger smudged grubby screen, if you like a big screen stick to a tablet or pc, these instruments are for people trying to move away from that.
@@xn-triq7607 it's not about holding one's hand, it's about having the information - and in the case of the mpc, providing multiple different workflows as a result. I like being able to draw in automation, or at least *see* the automation I've entered via a knob, and I am a big fan of using list view to see/edit all the events in a track - sort of single channel tracker-style. I've put the time with plenty of roland gear in the past, and with other devices like the deluge - but the screen of the mpc has been a revelation *for me*. And your well-worn comment of stick to tablet/pc completely misses the point. A screen doesn't have to feel like using either if it is integrated well within a hardware environment (I use the buttons and knobs at least as often as the screen). In a way my post is aimed at the prejudiced me that held similar views to what you've posted - I just hope that if I saw it I might at least give the mpc more of a look than I had done previously.
The FACT IS,you can make a song,and LP,whatever,with the Roland MV-1.If YOU sit down,work with it,learn it,explore with it,and stop worrying about what it does NOT do/have,you will have success.That's pretty much the deal with MOST samplers since the Ensoniq EPS16+,Roland S770.Akai MPC4000 days..period..It pains me that grown folks,or supposed to be grown,start crying,nitpicking,and complaining every time something new/different comes out.It's a waste of time,and it's sad,that instead of taking charge,they take the easy road to cry.This makes me wanna break out some diapers,cribs,boxes of tissue,and baby bottles. I have a 7 year old grandson who was talking about taking his tools and fixing one of the ACs that stopped working in the house.When he was 6,I showed him how to use my professional level full frame camera,and in seconds,I gave it to him,and he was taking pictures.Point being,many children are curious,daring,experimental,if they have been encouraged to thnk for themselves,and explore.Sure,I understand we would love the gear with all the features WE want,yet if we are that hellbent on making music,we work with what we have.BOTTOM LINE..If you are so creeped out by some gear,you have three basic choices....1)CONTACT ROLAND,speak to them,and then get a JOB designing a sampler...2)MAKE YOUR OWN company and samplers,since you're such a damn expert..hehehehe,imagine that....3)Just work with it or buy something else.Any choice is better than CRYING,because CRYING makes it hard to see what you're doing and actually get some music created...WOW,that was pretty simple and didnt take a degree in engineering to figure out.. I just bought a synth that was not that popular,and if the screen was any smaller,they might as well not have one,and I love it.I wrote to Alesis,they got back to me,and hopefully they will end me the editor soon,so I can hook it up to an older computer,make music,and dig in deep.If not,i am thinking,i can mount a magnifying glass and see better,etc...
Yeah, ppl complain too much. If all the artists from the 70s, 80s, 90s complained as much, they wouldn't have made any of the music that ppl look up to now.
This thing is a beast! This is for us people that are wanting to get away from screens. Also, the clear button is the same as undo...not sure what folks are going on about. I love your gear reviews sir. Top notch as usual. peace
Thanks! Though how is clear like undo? If you had something and change it by mistake, clear won't get you back. For example if you clear a pattern by mistake.
@@loopop Ok, yes I see what you're saying on the undo function. That said, what would get changed that you couldn't just change back? Not likely to happen in most cases imho. Also, if you are in the habit of saving often then you have nothing to worry about. I have used all the Electribes and personally save often out of habit. Anyway, to each his/her own and use what works for you personally. Everyone seems to like bashing products for this or that. No one box is going to be perfect. If you know of one, I'm all ears...and eyes : ) peace
@@djantix1200 oh I’m not bashing this at all - just pointing out what it has and what it doesn’t. I agree frequent saves are a workaround, but I can tell you that undos are a way faster workflow for experimentation
@@loopop I'm not saying you were bashing. It's the viewers and commenters... You always give non-biased/fair reviews of all these products, which is why I like watching your content. Take Care.
Check out the Akai Force if this is something you are interested in. The main feature it is missing compared to this is comprehensive vocal production effects.Also Roland's time stretching algorithm might be better, if that is something you need. Otherwise, for the price, you are getting much, much more out of the Force.
@@tahiche. I honestly can't comment on that because it isn't something I have tried with my Force; I do vocals and other instruments as overdubs in my DAW right now, though I'd like to eventually move to only using the Force eventually. *Edit: I do make ENTIRE tracks on the Force, with only DIY mastering in my DAW. I just haven't recorded guitar, bass, etc on it yet. I know other people who do everything on the Force without complaint though (the Facebook group for the Force is a really great, kind, and helpful community, have made friends with lots of cool musicians). I definitely can't make any comparison to the Verselab. I can say that having a large touch screen like on the Force is going to be a big advantage for that kind of recording compared to the Verselab!
@@tahiche. it is more geared towards electronic music and hip hop imo. If you just want to record and mix your stuff, maybe look into the Tascam "portastudios", and similar products? I do complete songs except for vocals on the Force and LOVE it (despite some frustrating flaws). But I'm making 70/80s style electronic music, so take that into consideration.
@@KaosEngineering Yeah man! I'm more than 20 years into making music and I haven't ever been more inspired by a piece of gear. Making the best music of my life with it. Update 3.0.5 really made it amazing. Hopefully 0.7 takes it out of the stratosphere!
I am thinking with the XLR, phantom supply, vocal processing, this could be a vocalists dream machine, as long as they are just a vocalist and don't play an instrument.
interesting, but I think I prefer something like the deluge, which gives me a sort of unique intuitiveness a computer can't. this just seems much more like an actual daw, only worse.. but I might be very wrong!
Great review and example of what can be done with talent. I’ve been on the fence with all these Xencore machines. Having briefly owned an MC-101 I just wish Roland would improve the screens on them. The menu diving really gets me struggling to keep track of where I am!
Why would you pick this over any modern MPC is the real question. It's trying to compete with MPC but falls about 20 years short. The MC909 did all this stuff decades ago, with a bigger screen.
because it has all the roland fantom 2019 presets built in. i had the 909 that aint close to this. this can also do 808 octaves and hi hat rolls. mpc is great for sampling and using a sound module to sequence this is an mpc without the sampling power but with a sound module. not for you obviously but for me the best drum machine to make beats
The mv-1 is not really a product I‘m strongly interested in aquiring, but I remember the MV 8000 (?) being a really cool piece of gear for one thing in particular: It had a port for a computerscreen and for a mouse. - The Zenbeats-connection for this one here is a economically good solution but I‘d prefer the system of the predecessor (if you could make that connection). I‘m aware of changing interfaceconnections but having to rely on support for an app on a certain series of smartdevices instead of just keeping an old screen seems as well not as futureproof.
I pre-ordered and picked it up when it arrived to my local store. While it's not perfect (undo would really help, battery power and touchscreen would be great), I do love it for what it does for its price. I also have a maschine plus but I find this is far more intuitive than the plus (at least for myself) , with the tradeoff that to me the maschine looks and feels more premium (at a more premium cost) and sounds better to me.
It's interesting seeing the comments on this, it kinda seems like people don't get it. I've used the MC-101 a lot, and this just seems like a bigger version of that with more layers, pads, a song mode, and better recording capabilities. Given how good the 101 is, this seems like a no-brainer. But maybe that's also describing the MC-707. How would you say they compare?
I really don't think MC-101 and 707 are in the same category as this, and song mode isn't the main thing that makes them different. The entire workflow here is oriented toward making a song from start to finish, that plays without user interaction once it done, unlike the 101/707 which are more performance oriented, even if they ever get a pattern chaining song mode. It is indeed confusing because they share the same zen core engine, but really two different purposes IMHO
It feels like gear in the 80s and 90s was made to the limits of the technology. Now everything is made within the limits of a cost. I have a better screen on my D50 and 01w/fd than this has 30 odd years later. Editing one parameter at a time? Come on, Roland.
This is a big problem with Roland, Yamaha and all the big players. But especially Roland. I also hate when products are deliberately castrated so they don't compete with another product the company makes.
I think computers can do so much in terms of options and control, that hardware is usually aiming for the 'fun' or 'dawless jam' type market. That usually means fewer options in the box. In the 90s mpcs, grooveboxes and workstations were literally what people made all their music on, including power users. I actually agree with you though - even from a market segment point of view, loads of synth people are quite nerdy and into options galore (as the success of elektrons and deluge has demonstrated). I think they missed a trick with this, and even more on the mc101. That box with a decent screen and full editing on teh device could have been amazing; instead it's an overpriced preset player.
@@geecen The Akai Force is the closest thing to a complete DAWless solution on the market. It still needs some updates to it's arranger, more synths and better some better effects like a more transparent limiter, but it is pretty awesome.
@@inthefade FA-06 is a DAW in a keyboard, MC-707 is a DAW in a groovebox, let's call PC DAWs what they are: PC DAWs. Non-PC DAWs have always been around, like the MPC *digital audio workstations* that so many folks love and use. Anyway, the screen limitation is asinine. There's no reason for them to skimp out on the screen, today more than ever.
Oh My Gosh ... that song is absolutely fantastic! What an amazing voice! I can't believe that there's only this one song from Dana on Bandcamp! I want more!
Thank you for the thorough review. I watched to discover who this device was made for. Definitely rappers were in mind, and certainly fulfils much of their needs, already concluded this before I watched your video. Singer/songwriters, no, no audio track for acoustic guitar, maybe for piano singers, but would have to use internal piano, or sample in from a MIDI controlled piano...so, no. With sections only 8 measures long maximum, the song will have to be cut up and assembled from pieces into a song. Other than rap, maybe singers who don't play an instrument would benefit???
Sections can be up to 16 bars not 8. I don't think the track I made sounds like a rap track, but indeed with a 12 minute limit mono or 6 minute stereo you'll need to get a lot of MIDI layers in there
@@loopop I saw 128 steps and assumed at 1/16 it is 8 bars. Maybe you calculated at 1/8 divisions? Oh no, your song did not sound like a rap track, but because only a single audio vocal track, artists will not be able to play in an instrument like an acoustic guitar. This device outside of rap music is difficult for me to understand the target buyer.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Hi, you can get instrument mics with jacks that plug into the Mv-1-input. I used a Roland VSS recorder very similar in workflow. You can make any type of music. Even Paul McCartney has a video on RUclips saying you walk in studios these days play your part the engineer samples. He happy with that even though he has an analogue desk at home. I hope, I have convinced you some stores are doing 120 day trials I have viewed in Europe. Plus there are Chord modes in the MV-1box.
Thanks for the help. Your videos have been really helpful for me to decide if something is worth buying, and also to use as a tutorial when I get something new. I have a question. I am looking for a MIDI controller, to be used with a synth (Roland JP-08). I would like to program a single pad to trigger an entire chord. Can you think of a piece of hardware that can do that without having to use a computer in the mix?
Fantastically good review. At first, I thought there was only one bass track and two "instrument" tracks, because of the labeling. It is actually seven tracks instrumental (including drums), and sixteen vocal tracks merged.
I think this is a perfect alternative to the MPC One for folks who are more focused on songwriting and popular song structures but I just don't think this is really the box for electronic musicians.
Its all about the talent of the person using it. I know someone who could make a sick house track within a couple hours after touching it for the first time.
I wish they would add a Touch Screen like the MPC Live or MPC X. Also would took out the Mic function. Most people these days have an interface and PC where they record vocals.
What do you think? I got the 101 too but I miss the vocal track and it would be great with 8 channels. Keep both of you buy this one? This one does not really have any competition? The screen is a joke and the lights are not strong enough to be used outdoors and that’s one of the reason I want this one
The one feature this has that I wish the MPC had is the vocal tracks being separate from the sequences. I can get around the limitation when recording myself but if I was recording someone else sing or play I'd have to sync my multitracker or PC and record them to that.
you can bounce your sequence-chain/song to a single long sequence (in theory up 999 bars) , record a full continuous vocal track in the sampler section whilst that long sequence is playing (up to 20 mins in length) then add the vocal sample to an audio track in the long sequence where it can be split, and sections moved around, copied, edited etc. you could then continue to edit and work on your song in that long sequence - using other short sequences to create sections that you can insert into the long sequence if you wanted, or punching in and out in the audio track to add new audio. or you could create a new song from the short sequences and bounce that out to a new long sequence and use the vocal sample to move/copy vocal sections to fit.
@@Paul_Y_T thanks for the explanation Paul. I did have a try but I couldn't start the sample in sync which meant as soon as I stopped recording the sample was out of sync and I had to try to line it up. Is there a way to synchronize the start of the recording of the sample beside trying (in vain in my case) to hit Record accurately on a beat?
@@unclemick-synths I'd normally just crop the sample start from the first vocal element and move it along the timeline, but there is a kludge way to have the sample in sync with the song if your vocal doesn't start right straight away. Set the sampler's input to "resample l+r", (top left) so it starts recording the moment the song starts playing, press "play start" then immediately change the inputs to those of your vocal eg "input 1,2". Then when you stop the sampling, name it and click create, then click "sample edit" button, select the initial resampled song part with the start and end markers, go "process" and "silence" to get rid of it without affecting the sample length, the set the end marker back to the end of the sample, and that will just leave you the vocal sample that plays in sync with the song if you have the sample positioned from the start of the audio track.
Auld Unca Mick one last thing, I should have explained that the sampler workaround is only necessary if the bounced song/long sequence is more than 5 mins. If it's less, may as well just use an audio track which will obviously start recording in sync.
A hardware set aiming to challenge the DAW user should have built the display screen to at least the size of : Akai MPC ONE. 2 lines LCD display is disappointing. Bigger display would have help the user easily, though the MV-1 does have nice song/ seq features. This unit looks like a direct fight against the Akai Mpc One while being priced @ Usd$699 for both units.
There isn’t a single groovebox that’s gonna please everyone but there’s a few that come close... I think this in combination with my 1010 Blackbox would be an absolute killer production rig.
Splendid Loopop as always! And the song is sensational!!! Soo good !! Link to your friend, please !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I have not yet heard the original, but it can’t possibly be better than this.
very much appreciate this video although for a total complete absolute beginner it was a bit confusing at times & i feel some bits could use more explaining. but overall very helpful so thanks for posting :-)
Literally a few months after I bought a Deluge exactly for the Dawless DAW purpose. :-D THE WORLD SPINS TOO FAST! But so far the Deluge is great, so that's fine. I haven't learned it fully yet, thought.
I have a deluge also...I love it except I still can’t figure out how to build complete songs which is the whole point in getting it in the first place. I have it over a year but basically stopped playing with it the last few months and might just sell it. I just want a simple band a box I can create backing tracks for live original songs. But the learning curves on the gear I have tried has been too steep so far. I got an MPC live before the deluge and sold it immediately. It was way too confusing. But I don’t know if this is what I’m looking for or not.
100% agreed. I have a feeling consumers are gonna start regretting voting for the subscription models with their dollars more and more in the coming years. Look at the Vital VST synth for a subscription model that actually works. You make a couple of one-time payment tiers, and let people subscribe for extra benefits on top of the top paid tier. My main worry at the moment is for Native Instruments to go all in on the subscription model for Komplete now that they've been bought. I hope it's later than sooner so I can upgrade my Komplete 9 and beat them to the punch.
You are the Man Bro 👏💯👊💪🔥🔥🔥🙏. It doesn't matter if I'm actually looking into or learning about an instrument. Even if I have no interest in it. I'll watch it anyway. You video's are wicked my Man ✊👊💯. Mesmerizing. U could sale audio books 👏😎 You ain't just Top 5. You are the Billy Goat at this s#*t 👏🔥🔥🔥
@@cresshead Akai force has a full arranger with Ableton project support for loading and saving. Thats a big thing for a daw in a box imo. Roland's synths are super nice and I plan to get a mc-101 to use them.
@@raindrop8966 I have a Force, and I have to say that the arranger is not quite ready for showtime. Automation recording is a mess, for example. If they improve it in the 3.0.7 update, then I'd recommend it based on that. However, besides that and the lack of vocal processing (especially pitch correction), yeah the Force is 5x better. The synth engines aren't 100% imo, but they make lots of great sounds with some finessing. However, you can find plenty of free multi-sampled classic synths or make your own from VSTs or hardware, and I LOVE using keygroup programs like that. The sampling is generally really really good. As far as the arranger goes, I just arrange the whole song in Launch mode and hit the launch buttons sequentially while recording into my DAW. The arranger isn't really needed, imo. Also, once you go 8x8 pads, it is hard to go back to 4x4. You can buy an external controller with a 4x4 pad if you prefer that for performance, but for launching clips and "notes" mode, 8x8 wins every day.
I almost purchased one of these and a noob......since in my reserch it had the most for the money......after watching this it confirmed that it is one of the most capable for the money....but man it seems complicated! I dont think I could fig this out.....or could i??
How good do the loops sync? Did you do more than 2 bars? just wondering. Love to see a comparison to the AKAI box of a a similar price. I feel like the 707 missed for me. But this adds the playable option more on the mark potentially. Thanks for vid
Thanks! I honestly didn't review this from the perspective of a performance machine or looper - but more as a DAW replacement. I guess you could look at it like that but you'd be "wasting" the features in song mode
You use a professional recording from a professional studio and imported it into that groove box so of course is going to sound great I like to see you record your own vocals into it and see how great the preamp sound with a mic I just think it is very limited you can only use one vocal at a time you cannot stack your vocals that's why it needs more tracks to do background vocals you can only do one line vocals at a time as you place them in the song timeline you can't do background vocals and lead vocals at the same time so I will wait for version two when they have more tracks and more vocal tracks then it will be a awesome groove box that can compete with a computer daw.
Actually you can layer 16 vocal takes. To my ears the preamp sounds good and there are plenty of vocal processing options inside including compression, EQ and de-essing, not to mention other vocal "candy" effects. Unfortunately my vocals is not something you want to hear...
Has anyone used this in a live set, with a drum machine and maybe a mono synth and a sampler? I’m looking at getting this as it seems like it would fit my setup.
i have been loving the roland Aira stuff like the mc 707. but im sorry, how is this at all an enticing daw replacement? seems like a menu diving nightmare if you ask me.
What about midi capability? The device looks really good, but can it sequence other devices (or at least control the program channel of e.g. a Digitakt) and what would be the best way to record them together?
Great review, but.... just terrible product. It just seems so out of date already. You are not getting $700 of hardware at all. It's not like there isn't massive completion from Akai MPC/Force, Polyend, Native Instruments, Novation (new Circuit in 3 days)
I actually would have preferred it to be more expensive, as I would have with the MC 707.. And then make the build/design really nice... For it being a box that you really have connect with also visually and tactically I think they are very underwhelming.. I use a Tempest, which is much less powerful, but so much more pleasing to interact with
Great video, thanks!. I did suffer some serious anxiety as I watched the song parts running out and was afraid the song wouldn’t reach the end!. How is Verselab for guitars?. I assume you can use vocal tracks for other recorded instruments?. Eager to see the integration with Zenbeats.
Thanks! I assure you I suffered the same anxiety ;) I lucked out and it was exactly enough. However, if I needed more variety, there are a few hacks around this limitation, for example, sequencing clips at half speed, or indeed repeating sections and using vocal tracks for instruments. To your second question, yes you can use the vocal tracks for any audio, though there's no hi-z input so you'd need to run a guitar through an effect/DI or something to preserve its tone
I can see how this works for people from the "when I push this pad something happens" event management generation. Nothing wrong with that but far from the optimum for anybody who thinks like a musician or composer. Compared to do what Roland did with the VS series multitrack workstations 20 years ago it is very limited, which is already indicated by the home keyboard style labeling. So I "soldier" on with my VS2480 which allready offered a user dedicated, ultra stable, high power, hardware multitrack audio recording studio with all typical DAW style advantges such as big screen digital editing. It might not have the super high audio rates and unlimited trackcounts that are theoretically available today but it does everything a multitrack studio owner could dream of without any limitations in project length. This might grow with the anounced on-screen software but I fear it will stay convoluted for anybody else then the envisaged user group..
@@drew335 Hey, don't laugh! I still use them! :-) That VS2480 is my main production station but also a VS-880, which preceded it but I nowadays still use as a quick around the house mixer / headphone amp, and a VSR-880 , which is the main audio hub of my most important keyboard rig. Granted; I would probably own one less if they where still worth anything but it is a testament to their good build quality they are still all in good nick and that is not for a lack of use. The first real problem I encountered is that I had to clean the automated faders of the VS2480 a year ago because they would no longer acurately track the level automation commands. I wonder if any DAW plus the needed hardware and operating system will ever last that long!
I could use it, though the DAW is second-nature now. It would be great for threshing out quick ideas, for creating vocal melodies and polyphonic arrangements--if the need arises.
I did - really enjoyed making this track, but indeed, saved the project every little step of the way (20 saves in total...). Funny thing is I never used them, but just the thought of loosing something made me do it
@@loopop Well hopefully they add an undo function because this machine needs it. I can't think of a groovebox (out of all 14 I own over 20 years) that doesn't have that function.
This really reminds me of the original tb3, it was made for a very niche purpose that was cheesy and it failed on its own in the market proper, after that failure it was cheap and someone did something cool with it, it's like a deja vu before it happens. the sample limit con was spot on and without a battery, those limitations are nonsensical in the studio. Now, if it had a battery(a la mpc live), ya know that might change my attitude on it, if you are going to remove the daw, give me a reason to use it that beats being tethered to a power grid. Great review
UPDATE: the "bring your own screen" functionality has now been released with version 1.03 - here's my brief coverage of its pros and cons: ruclips.net/video/74q7kCenEJ4/видео.html
Now, that’s too cool. 👏👏
K
How about if you have tracks already done and you wish to load them into a bank for editing,is that possible?
I owned the MV1 for over 18 months. I wrote so many songs on it and it was so easy and fun. I then bought into the MPC live 2 thing. Sold the verselab, got frustrated with the mpc and lack of synths, sold the mpc and are now saving up to get the Verselab back. I love this thing. Small screen..not an issue, the mpc had a big screen but felt like an Apple ipad app.
What a brilliant comprehensive review, and so nice to hear it create a song in a style outside of those Roland themselves have been doing in their marketing
Once again, you can‘t tell unless YOU‘ve reviewed it - best gear reviews out there, period.
Btw...you get a one year subscription to roland cloud incl. Zenology pro if you register your zen core hardware- Even if bought secondhand...I did that with my mc 101. Personally, I think zenology pro should be free for hardware owners, but it‘s better than nothing;). And that‘s a deeeeep engine...
@@yuruharuto2915 🦉 Subscriptions suck. You're better off saving that money towards an Integra or Jupiter synth if you want those Roland sounds.
Overwhelming.
MV-1 does so much.
Coming from a hardened hardware user this looks fantastic. I don’t want to use a DAW as I already have huge screen time.
There’s enough here to keep me extremely fascinated for years.
Looks great & seems to be amazing value.
So after watching this & Sonic Lab I bought one.
Have owned this for a bit. I also own a lot of the current market grooveboxes and hardware daws. Imo the MV-1 is a great backing track maker. 95 percent of my music doesn’t have a vocal. As a guitarist I use the vocal track for lead guitar (works great). I think the sounds in the box are some of my favorite. Imo it is much easier to get a great sounding mix quickly than most of my gear. Streaming the tracks into my daw is fantastic. I thought I’d hate the screen… but hasn’t really bugged me. Sure it is not my Mpc live in that regard, but it hasn’t been a big deal.
Aaaaa.... finally a guitarist commenting. I have a question that I can't figure out. Can you apply all the effects within the mv1 onto your guitar when you input it via the stereo 1/4" inputs? I plan on constructing songs and playing my guitar live along with the song and was just wondering if I can use all those great effects on my guitar in real time. Thanks in advance. 👊👍
@@eternalvernal1286have you found an answer? My mv1 is coming this weekend and i plan to use it similar to how you are. I will test it and let you know if you never found out
@@eternalvernal1286 im not sure but i be surprised if you cant hear the effects in real time
how do you like the mv1 compared to the mpc? i have an mpc but i feel like the mv1 might be better for putting songs together quickly. thanks
Have them both and the MV-1 definitely lends itself better to composing full songs, I’ve been having a blast with it.
I love how spoiled we are for stand alone workstations now! 😭
It wasn't that long ago that I'd be hunting ebay comparing old MPCs I couldn't afford, or broken Roland MC-XXX wondering if I could repair them.
Excellent video, I think Roland made a very clever move with having the vocal track disconnected form the music sequences as singers come in just before bar 1 of a sequence.. also note if you want vocals around whilst constructing the music to say weave the music around a vocal you can load a vocal to a drum pad on a kit.
Exactly why you can’t finish a song on Maschine!
MV-1 is quietly clever imo.
@@davidholmes3776 the Clips update solved that issue quite a while ago.
And that vocal "track" is actually 16 tracks 👍 and it's not just for vocals obviously as you could mic your amp or anything else. I still can't understand though if you can apply effects to an instrument that your inputting via the two inputs. Does anybody know if in real time I can apply say a boss compressor or a boss chorus while I'm playing my guitar to a song that I completed already? Thanks
@@eternalvernal1286 right! 23 tracks on a hardware unit is nuts to me! 12 mins in mono or 6 mins in stereo. This box can do a lot man and Roland can definitely compete with akai as far as extra sounds. This box is a steal and about to be mine soon. I was having a hard time between this and the mc707. That 8 track limit is rough to me lol.
Your recreation of the song is well done and shows the Potential of the VerseLab. Thx to you and Dana!
This masterful review from the master himself, coped with the zealous hatred the unit attracts from the beat making bois has sealed the deal for me. Ordered :)
I'm thinking too..It's like the girl everyone talks about because they dont like her,yet she's the woman you end up happy with for 60 years...
Best gear reviews on RUclips by far! I will battle anyone who thinks otherwise lol
Rap battle?
@@gokugoma3258 rap battle, beat battle, battle royale, it don’t matter 😂
@@SwishStillPimp 👍🏽 I hear you, this thing is cool it remind me of one of their old groove boxes but with vocal capabilities
I drink otherwise
Who would think of battling on this matter : this is an ultimate fact ;)
I think this could be a great tool for somebody playing a woodwind instrument, being able to record and arrange them into the vocal tracks could make it very easy to make arrangements
Thats exactly my plan. I play flute in trip hop and synth stuff and all kinds of things. This looks like it can replace half my dawless setup ❤
I have one on pre-order. I've been waiting for this video from.you guys specifically. Thank you. You're my favorite channel for gear
Roland designer: I can't wait to design this groove box to end all groove boxes, let me start building.
Roland accountant: Good for you, but since you've used up your budget, we can only afford these two-line displays that were found in an 80's parts warehouse.
lol you guys will never let up on that
Roland has some nutty engineering😂
Roland designer: Ooohkayyy! Do we have another colours except green?
Roland accountant: White... but then you have to go for only 8 potis and a crappy built in microfone.
funny thing is that a bigger oled screen with graphics capability cost less.
Man, I’m so pissed because of this fact. Now I’d need an mpc too so what’s the point? I’ll just use MY COMPUTER GOD DAMNIT.
You are making that machine sound like gold, loopop
The review definitely made the device look more interesting to me but I still think if you are looking for a DAW in a box the Force is going to serve you better. The sound of the effects on the MC/MV units are amazing that's for sure but at the price Roland is asking for that box I would buy a Force. If the release like an MV-8 or something like that with a larger screen and more opportunity to edit samples and instruments that would be interesting.
Verselab is half the price of force 🤔
@@kimi625 and less than half the functionality 🤔
I can appreciate that someone took a Roland project and applied some human workflow and logical thought to it. It is not much like the MC-707 that had no pattern chain (initially) or other products that just leave you wondering why on earth. Certainly it is not ready for the pros yet given the display and limitations, but this is great as a sketch pad or for banging out rap or some other genres. But this indicates that Roland is considering humans and their use of the tool which is exciting and deserves respect.
The tiny screen is a deal-breaker for me. Tiny screens to be a Roland trademark now along with a lot of menu diving.
How on earth can you release such a 'premium' device in this day and age with such a screen. You can't even edit a waveform properly this way.
Ditto, even a phone size display would be much more interesting that the few knobs it would replace.
Akai had waveform editing in the 90s lmao
@@cl1xor This is so frustrating. I got a System-1 M used, and they put a 2-character LED display on it... That is for browsing your banks and patches, plus some secret menu functions!.. It is absurd.
I've left it sitting unused on a shelf because of that, even though it makes some really cool sounds. If I want to actually USE it, I'll need to tape a cheat sheet to it with my patches and names, and just pray that I never accidentally overwrite anything.
I think I'll just sell it at a loss, honestly.
@@bassc to make matters worse, the Mc-707 has got a proper display. Why not use that one??
i just picked mine up, and right away began having an absolute blast. the only thing im griping on so far is the restart/lag time when switching between the main modes on the fly or re triggering patterns from the song mode. if it could seamlessly switch between sequence and section, and had a per pad mute shortcut on a kit track it would improve its performance ability a lot.
I feel like this would be a good thing to take on holiday for those moments of inspiration..
When we can go on holiday again of course..
@Lucifer some people can, some people can't. location and situation cause variance in possibilities.
Dana has a wonderful future ahead of her.. What a voice (the music isn’t bad either;-) ) You Guys got to release an EP..
Hey Ziv, mine arrived today, really got a lot of this video and half way into my first track. I proudly joined your Patron, happy to support you. Your videos have helped me SO MUCH the last 2 years. Keep up the great work! ✌️🎹🎹🎶🎶🎶
Thanks so much for taking the time to write and joining - good luck with this!
Now that I think about it, the Roland MC-505 had an orange display that had the same number of lines and pixels, and that was in 1998.
That song at the end slaps, very inspiring!
radio...THIS IS THE WAY 😂
just snuck it in there.
Man, I keep coming back to this video. Thanks again Ziv for the awesome rundown.
I appreciate that the top half of the timestamps in the video make the shape of half of a near-perfect sine wave cycle
Wait til you figure out it's at 432hz
babe wake up, loopop uploaded a new video!
I’m up honeypoo
@@FernandoDCDuarte 😳
@@RizzlinHD the reply is coming from inside the house!
@@els1f 😰
You've helped me make educated decisions about nearly all of my most recent gear purchases. I've also become a patron. Thank you for your reviews.
My pleasure and awesome, thank you!
I feel like loopop has become my only friend during this lockdown period
not buying any of these gears cuz I'm jobless due to covid but after watching all these reviews I will certenely know what I would get once money starts to flow
Thanks man you're pure gold
Sorry to hear about your job and thank you for taking the time to write - it's my pleasure to be a friend.
I can hear that the drums on the studio version sound better. I don't know if that was just a mix choice or a real difference in quality. I would lean towards the former without experience to the contrary. I hope people buy this. I'm looking forward to an MV-8 even though I like the mobility of the MV-1. I'd like more outputs to run it directly to a mixer/studio desk. Still this is a solid solution for mixing and finalizing in and out of the box.
I'll be interested if a bigger version get released. Rocking the good old mv-8000 at the moment. Would not say no to a MV-9000!
First time this much comes for this little. I find it quite attractive as the perfect balcony studio.
I can definitely see this being a great creative ‘sketchpad’ rather than a replacement DAW for making professional productions. If the workflow is good, it could be a nice way to get ideas down quickly.
Just got one of these and so far it’s mostly love with a dash of significant hate. There are some really basic things that are not at all intuitive to figuring out. For instance, after loading a sample (non-looper), they just ring out ad-infinitum. Adjusting the decay and release obviously affect those parameters, but why isn’t “hold” one of the default system parameters? I don’t want every sample to ring out forever. I want samples to play only as long as I hold the key! Come on Roland. This is sample-playback 101.
Whoah it's cool you got the first model to review-you do good work!
That graphic in the intro of the wave forms is super cool
Oh great timing.
Incoming next week.
But is just a songwriting machine, or is the quality good enough to use in production?
Love the content, love the delivery.
Keep it up and have the best of days sir.
Great review as usual, thanks for putting in the time 👍
I'm not keen on this workflow. Roland always seems a bit clunky by comparison to the competition, in my opinion. Scrolling menus is a huge inspiration killer. If they had a small screen onboard, like a cell phone or the like, this would have blown my mind.
This connects to your cellphone /iPad
This is clearly “inspired” from the Toraiz SP-16; would you mind doing a review on that as well?
The whole Toraiz line is deadware at this point. I've got the Squid sequencer. Brilliant machine, but doomed to remain as it was launched.
Unfortunately nothing going on in that space. At that price point is probably better to consider the Maschine+
Hardly , Roland have had this sort of setup for literal decades , is basically just their rompler tech. The sp16 sounded great but was really more if sampler player , although it does sample you can’t do much with it, and the effects were meh. Rolands effects are way better, but this groove box belongs in the 90s. That said I love my 707, but the tech outdated.
@@H4NDCRAFTED Zencore is a synthesis engine, not a ROMpler :)
Anyhow, if you really want to try 21st sequencing, Polyend Tracker and Toraiz Squid are must haves (I own both). However, I like the immediacy of the workflow on the MV-1. Plus the ability to overlay my own voice, which isn't all that easy on my mixing console.
Lol... If that is the case then I definitely need to stay clear of the MV-1. Lioneer waxed me on that pre-order scam... the Lioneer SP-16 is great hardware ...but that is it. A disaster and still has improper note on note off and bad midi implementation. Funny how they released the Squid with the sequencing capabilities that were supposed to be implemented in the SP-16 depending on sales of the Squid (via Lioneer rep Matt) opposed to just simply finishing the SP-16. So after they talked me into buying an XDJ-RX which was dropped from compatibility with no warning...then purchased a Squid which I may add still doesn't work right w the SP-16 esp being the SP has better UI and should be a main... Was able to return that and got a Novation SLMKiii easily via Perfect Circuit... Anyhow.. Lioneer and Unsweetwater are straight up thieves all I can say... Do no support them. Do not trust them. And buy from Perfect Curcuit Zzounds or Amazon so you can get a return or exchange. I learned a huge $2700 lesson from Lioneer with my SP-16(sitting in box) & XDJ-RX useful but half done and discontinued cause DJ link is still a farce. Everyone hates on Behringer for making cheap synths,.. but should maybe use some of that energy to fight back against lying thieving corporations like Lioneer.
Hi there Your still one of the best Music Tec Reviews/lighting/camera/work information is very good excellent .
Roland really should put more effort in displays.
I think they are making the screen as needless as possible for a reason, it's hardware, true hands on instrument style hardware, not a tablet with knobs on like a lot of the new releases
@@xn-triq7607 I understand your conservative point of view but...nevermind.
There's no reason a hardware workflow can't have a decent display too - it just makes life easier. Roland keep taking the piss with inadequate displays - having used an MPC one, I could never go back to something so needlessly uncommunicative as this.
@@Paul_Y_T The entire point is learning the instrument, not needing a massive screen holding your hand, if you get the functionality on lock the workflow is twice as fast as menu diving, finger swiping and pointing tentatively at a finger smudged grubby screen, if you like a big screen stick to a tablet or pc, these instruments are for people trying to move away from that.
@@xn-triq7607 it's not about holding one's hand, it's about having the information - and in the case of the mpc, providing multiple different workflows as a result. I like being able to draw in automation, or at least *see* the automation I've entered via a knob, and I am a big fan of using list view to see/edit all the events in a track - sort of single channel tracker-style. I've put the time with plenty of roland gear in the past, and with other devices like the deluge - but the screen of the mpc has been a revelation *for me*. And your well-worn comment of stick to tablet/pc completely misses the point. A screen doesn't have to feel like using either if it is integrated well within a hardware environment (I use the buttons and knobs at least as often as the screen). In a way my post is aimed at the prejudiced me that held similar views to what you've posted - I just hope that if I saw it I might at least give the mpc more of a look than I had done previously.
The FACT IS,you can make a song,and LP,whatever,with the Roland MV-1.If YOU sit down,work with it,learn it,explore with it,and stop worrying about what it does NOT do/have,you will have success.That's pretty much the deal with MOST samplers since the Ensoniq EPS16+,Roland S770.Akai MPC4000 days..period..It pains me that grown folks,or supposed to be grown,start crying,nitpicking,and complaining every time something new/different comes out.It's a waste of time,and it's sad,that instead of taking charge,they take the easy road to cry.This makes me wanna break out some diapers,cribs,boxes of tissue,and baby bottles.
I have a 7 year old grandson who was talking about taking his tools and fixing one of the ACs that stopped working in the house.When he was 6,I showed him how to use my professional level full frame camera,and in seconds,I gave it to him,and he was taking pictures.Point being,many children are curious,daring,experimental,if they have been encouraged to thnk for themselves,and explore.Sure,I understand we would love the gear with all the features WE want,yet if we are that hellbent on making music,we work with what we have.BOTTOM LINE..If you are so creeped out by some gear,you have three basic choices....1)CONTACT ROLAND,speak to them,and then get a JOB designing a sampler...2)MAKE YOUR OWN company and samplers,since you're such a damn expert..hehehehe,imagine that....3)Just work with it or buy something else.Any choice is better than CRYING,because CRYING makes it hard to see what you're doing and actually get some music created...WOW,that was pretty simple and didnt take a degree in engineering to figure out..
I just bought a synth that was not that popular,and if the screen was any smaller,they might as well not have one,and I love it.I wrote to Alesis,they got back to me,and hopefully they will end me the editor soon,so I can hook it up to an older computer,make music,and dig in deep.If not,i am thinking,i can mount a magnifying glass and see better,etc...
Yeah, ppl complain too much. If all the artists from the 70s, 80s, 90s complained as much, they wouldn't have made any of the music that ppl look up to now.
This thing is a beast! This is for us people that are wanting to get away from screens. Also, the clear button is the same as undo...not sure what folks are going on about. I love your gear reviews sir. Top notch as usual. peace
Thanks! Though how is clear like undo? If you had something and change it by mistake, clear won't get you back. For example if you clear a pattern by mistake.
@@loopop Ok, yes I see what you're saying on the undo function. That said, what would get changed that you couldn't just change back? Not likely to happen in most cases imho. Also, if you are in the habit of saving often then you have nothing to worry about. I have used all the Electribes and personally save often out of habit. Anyway, to each his/her own and use what works for you personally. Everyone seems to like bashing products for this or that. No one box is going to be perfect. If you know of one, I'm all ears...and eyes : ) peace
@@djantix1200 oh I’m not bashing this at all - just pointing out what it has and what it doesn’t. I agree frequent saves are a workaround, but I can tell you that undos are a way faster workflow for experimentation
@@loopop I'm not saying you were bashing. It's the viewers and commenters...
You always give non-biased/fair reviews of all these products, which is why I like watching your content. Take Care.
🙌🏻🙏🏻
Check out the Akai Force if this is something you are interested in. The main feature it is missing compared to this is comprehensive vocal production effects.Also Roland's time stretching algorithm might be better, if that is something you need.
Otherwise, for the price, you are getting much, much more out of the Force.
+1 for Force
Recording guitars, bass and so on to make complete songs... is that better on the Force?
@@tahiche. I honestly can't comment on that because it isn't something I have tried with my Force; I do vocals and other instruments as overdubs in my DAW right now, though I'd like to eventually move to only using the Force eventually.
*Edit: I do make ENTIRE tracks on the Force, with only DIY mastering in my DAW. I just haven't recorded guitar, bass, etc on it yet.
I know other people who do everything on the Force without complaint though (the Facebook group for the Force is a really great, kind, and helpful community, have made friends with lots of cool musicians). I definitely can't make any comparison to the Verselab.
I can say that having a large touch screen like on the Force is going to be a big advantage for that kind of recording compared to the Verselab!
@@tahiche. it is more geared towards electronic music and hip hop imo. If you just want to record and mix your stuff, maybe look into the Tascam "portastudios", and similar products?
I do complete songs except for vocals on the Force and LOVE it (despite some frustrating flaws). But I'm making 70/80s style electronic music, so take that into consideration.
@@KaosEngineering Yeah man! I'm more than 20 years into making music and I haven't ever been more inspired by a piece of gear. Making the best music of my life with it. Update 3.0.5 really made it amazing. Hopefully 0.7 takes it out of the stratosphere!
I am thinking with the XLR, phantom supply, vocal processing, this could be a vocalists dream machine, as long as they are just a vocalist and don't play an instrument.
Love the design and concept. Thank you Roland! A Performance Sampler next please. 😁 Great review like allways! 🙏
Performance sampler? Like, the SP-404 mkii … ?!
Yes.
interesting, but I think I prefer something like the deluge, which gives me a sort of unique intuitiveness a computer can't.
this just seems much more like an actual daw, only worse.. but I might be very wrong!
Great review and example of what can be done with talent. I’ve been on the fence with all these Xencore machines. Having briefly owned an MC-101 I just wish Roland would improve the screens on them. The menu diving really gets me struggling to keep track of where I am!
Why would you pick this over any modern MPC is the real question. It's trying to compete with MPC but falls about 20 years short. The MC909 did all this stuff decades ago, with a bigger screen.
Agreed. Bloody awful
The MC-909 Is in my profile picture; I'm using the MPC more these days. But I see no reason why would someone choose the MV-1.
@@DoctorNemmo yep agreed.
Sampling looks like a right arduous task. The screen is dreadful. Daw replacement really?
because it has all the roland fantom 2019 presets built in. i had the 909 that aint close to this. this can also do 808 octaves and hi hat rolls. mpc is great for sampling and using a sound module to sequence this is an mpc without the sampling power but with a sound module. not for you obviously but for me the best drum machine to make beats
@@SubliminalThaKid it's interesting hearing others views. Gear is different things to different people
A minute and 20 seconds into this video and I am already committed to watch to the end.
That screen reminds me when I used a Roland D-10.
Seeing this makes me sentimental.
I was literally just thinking it reminds me of my ancient D-110 😀
We’ve come a long way. Not.
The mv-1 is not really a product I‘m strongly interested in aquiring, but I remember the MV 8000 (?) being a really cool piece of gear for one thing in particular: It had a port for a computerscreen and for a mouse. - The Zenbeats-connection for this one here is a economically good solution but I‘d prefer the system of the predecessor (if you could make that connection). I‘m aware of changing interfaceconnections but having to rely on support for an app on a certain series of smartdevices instead of just keeping an old screen seems as well not as futureproof.
I pre-ordered and picked it up when it arrived to my local store. While it's not perfect (undo would really help, battery power and touchscreen would be great), I do love it for what it does for its price. I also have a maschine plus but I find this is far more intuitive than the plus (at least for myself) , with the tradeoff that to me the maschine looks and feels more premium (at a more premium cost) and sounds better to me.
This and the MC range and the Force etc are very much mobile DAWs in a box... interesting though, and I'm a big fan of the Zencore
This looks like what I AM LOOKING for..... somewhat simple songwriting/recording device
It's interesting seeing the comments on this, it kinda seems like people don't get it. I've used the MC-101 a lot, and this just seems like a bigger version of that with more layers, pads, a song mode, and better recording capabilities. Given how good the 101 is, this seems like a no-brainer. But maybe that's also describing the MC-707. How would you say they compare?
I really don't think MC-101 and 707 are in the same category as this, and song mode isn't the main thing that makes them different. The entire workflow here is oriented toward making a song from start to finish, that plays without user interaction once it done, unlike the 101/707 which are more performance oriented, even if they ever get a pattern chaining song mode. It is indeed confusing because they share the same zen core engine, but really two different purposes IMHO
@@loopop Okay awesome, thanks! Having Zencore with a "hardware DAW" setup is pretty appealing, imo.
people get it ..
The old MV-8800 smoked this thing in every way. It's 2021 what's up with the mini crap screens like it's the 90's?
It feels like gear in the 80s and 90s was made to the limits of the technology. Now everything is made within the limits of a cost. I have a better screen on my D50 and 01w/fd than this has 30 odd years later. Editing one parameter at a time? Come on, Roland.
This is a big problem with Roland, Yamaha and all the big players. But especially Roland. I also hate when products are deliberately castrated so they don't compete with another product the company makes.
I think computers can do so much in terms of options and control, that hardware is usually aiming for the 'fun' or 'dawless jam' type market. That usually means fewer options in the box. In the 90s mpcs, grooveboxes and workstations were literally what people made all their music on, including power users. I actually agree with you though - even from a market segment point of view, loads of synth people are quite nerdy and into options galore (as the success of elektrons and deluge has demonstrated). I think they missed a trick with this, and even more on the mc101. That box with a decent screen and full editing on teh device could have been amazing; instead it's an overpriced preset player.
@@geecen The Akai Force is the closest thing to a complete DAWless solution on the market. It still needs some updates to it's arranger, more synths and better some better effects like a more transparent limiter, but it is pretty awesome.
@@geecen they forgot the D-Beam that's what it is!
@@inthefade FA-06 is a DAW in a keyboard, MC-707 is a DAW in a groovebox, let's call PC DAWs what they are: PC DAWs. Non-PC DAWs have always been around, like the MPC *digital audio workstations* that so many folks love and use.
Anyway, the screen limitation is asinine. There's no reason for them to skimp out on the screen, today more than ever.
Excellent Tutorial dear Loopop 🎉❤🌸🕊🙏🏻✨🌈
Oh My Gosh ... that song is absolutely fantastic! What an amazing voice! I can't believe that there's only this one song from Dana on Bandcamp! I want more!
Great they finally upgraded the MS-1.
Thank you for the thorough review. I watched to discover who this device was made for. Definitely rappers were in mind, and certainly fulfils much of their needs, already concluded this before I watched your video. Singer/songwriters, no, no audio track for acoustic guitar, maybe for piano singers, but would have to use internal piano, or sample in from a MIDI controlled piano...so, no. With sections only 8 measures long maximum, the song will have to be cut up and assembled from pieces into a song. Other than rap, maybe singers who don't play an instrument would benefit???
Sections can be up to 16 bars not 8. I don't think the track I made sounds like a rap track, but indeed with a 12 minute limit mono or 6 minute stereo you'll need to get a lot of MIDI layers in there
@@loopop I saw 128 steps and assumed at 1/16 it is 8 bars. Maybe you calculated at 1/8 divisions? Oh no, your song did not sound like a rap track, but because only a single audio vocal track, artists will not be able to play in an instrument like an acoustic guitar. This device outside of rap music is difficult for me to understand the target buyer.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Hi, you can get instrument mics with jacks that
plug into the Mv-1-input. I used a Roland VSS recorder very similar in workflow.
You can make any type of music. Even Paul McCartney has a video on RUclips saying you walk in studios these days play your part the engineer samples. He happy with that even though he has an analogue desk at home. I hope, I have convinced you some stores are doing 120 day trials I have viewed in Europe. Plus there are Chord modes in the MV-1box.
Nailed it as always, mr. Loopop.. Salute
The lady has a beautiful voice !!... love the Portishead (trip hop) vibe
I thought it was Passenger. Sounds male at times.
Thanks for the help. Your videos have been really helpful for me to decide if something is worth buying, and also to use as a tutorial when I get something new. I have a question. I am looking for a MIDI controller, to be used with a synth (Roland JP-08). I would like to program a single pad to trigger an entire chord. Can you think of a piece of hardware that can do that without having to use a computer in the mix?
You should try the Roland J-6 into the JP-08... cheap and awesome.
Best review system on the web.
Also, don’t usually care much about these things but good god is it ugly.
Fantastically good review. At first, I thought there was only one bass track and two "instrument" tracks, because of the labeling. It is actually seven tracks instrumental (including drums), and sixteen vocal tracks merged.
Thanks very much. Indeed there's more to this that meets the eye
I think this is a perfect alternative to the MPC One for folks who are more focused on songwriting and popular song structures but I just don't think this is really the box for electronic musicians.
Its all about the talent of the person using it. I know someone who could make a sick house track within a couple hours after touching it for the first time.
Looks great. I would consider this in addition to my Deluge.
I wish they would add a Touch Screen like the MPC Live or MPC X. Also would took out the Mic function. Most people these days have an interface and PC where they record vocals.
Want the Mic feature, sitting on a beach building a song.
This video helped me determine if it was worth the upgrade over the mc101 . Thank you loopop!!!
What do you think? I got the 101 too but I miss the vocal track and it would be great with 8 channels. Keep both of you buy this one? This one does not really have any competition? The screen is a joke and the lights are not strong enough to be used outdoors and that’s one of the reason I want this one
The one feature this has that I wish the MPC had is the vocal tracks being separate from the sequences. I can get around the limitation when recording myself but if I was recording someone else sing or play I'd have to sync my multitracker or PC and record them to that.
you can bounce your sequence-chain/song to a single long sequence (in theory up 999 bars) , record a full continuous vocal track in the sampler section whilst that long sequence is playing (up to 20 mins in length) then add the vocal sample to an audio track in the long sequence where it can be split, and sections moved around, copied, edited etc. you could then continue to edit and work on your song in that long sequence - using other short sequences to create sections that you can insert into the long sequence if you wanted, or punching in and out in the audio track to add new audio. or you could create a new song from the short sequences and bounce that out to a new long sequence and use the vocal sample to move/copy vocal sections to fit.
@@Paul_Y_T thanks for the explanation Paul. I did have a try but I couldn't start the sample in sync which meant as soon as I stopped recording the sample was out of sync and I had to try to line it up. Is there a way to synchronize the start of the recording of the sample beside trying (in vain in my case) to hit Record accurately on a beat?
@@unclemick-synths I'd normally just crop the sample start from the first vocal element and move it along the timeline, but there is a kludge way to have the sample in sync with the song if your vocal doesn't start right straight away. Set the sampler's input to "resample l+r", (top left) so it starts recording the moment the song starts playing, press "play start" then immediately change the inputs to those of your vocal eg "input 1,2". Then when you stop the sampling, name it and click create, then click "sample edit" button, select the initial resampled song part with the start and end markers, go "process" and "silence" to get rid of it without affecting the sample length, the set the end marker back to the end of the sample, and that will just leave you the vocal sample that plays in sync with the song if you have the sample positioned from the start of the audio track.
@@Paul_Y_T Thanks so much Paul for taking the time to answer this. I'll give all of those suggestions a try.
Auld Unca Mick one last thing, I should have explained that the sampler workaround is only necessary if the bounced song/long sequence is more than 5 mins. If it's less, may as well just use an audio track which will obviously start recording in sync.
A hardware set aiming to challenge the DAW user should have built the display screen to at least the size of : Akai MPC ONE.
2 lines LCD display is disappointing. Bigger display would have help the user easily, though the MV-1 does have nice song/ seq features. This unit looks like a direct fight against the Akai Mpc One while being priced @ Usd$699 for both units.
I wish it could link with an android tablet or ipad or touch screen for more visual feedback and touch control.
This is coming. Zenbeats app integration.
There isn’t a single groovebox that’s gonna please everyone but there’s a few that come close... I think this in combination with my 1010 Blackbox would be an absolute killer production rig.
I was thinking the same way...only with an MC-707 and a Blackbox...
Splendid Loopop as always! And the song is sensational!!! Soo good !! Link to your friend, please !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have not yet heard the original, but it can’t possibly be better than this.
Thanks! It's in the description!
At this price point, an iPad Pro/Air (along with a suitable DAW - Cubasis?) appears to be a more versatile choice.
Loopop is da best rapper 2021!!!
yes!!! we both know that's not true though
very much appreciate this video although for a total complete absolute beginner it was a bit confusing at times & i feel some bits could use more explaining. but overall very helpful so thanks for posting :-)
Literally a few months after I bought a Deluge exactly for the Dawless DAW purpose. :-D THE WORLD SPINS TOO FAST!
But so far the Deluge is great, so that's fine. I haven't learned it fully yet, thought.
I have a deluge also...I love it except I still can’t figure out how to build complete songs which is the whole point in getting it in the first place. I have it over a year but basically stopped playing with it the last few months and might just sell it. I just want a simple band a box I can create backing tracks for live original songs. But the learning curves on the gear I have tried has been too steep so far. I got an MPC live before the deluge and sold it immediately. It was way too confusing. But I don’t know if this is what I’m looking for or not.
@@almostmachines6414I’m looking for something similar to you
I hate the subscription cloud pay forever model, that is what they are trying to do get us to own nothing, but rent everything.
100% agreed. I have a feeling consumers are gonna start regretting voting for the subscription models with their dollars more and more in the coming years. Look at the Vital VST synth for a subscription model that actually works. You make a couple of one-time payment tiers, and let people subscribe for extra benefits on top of the top paid tier.
My main worry at the moment is for Native Instruments to go all in on the subscription model for Komplete now that they've been bought. I hope it's later than sooner so I can upgrade my Komplete 9 and beat them to the punch.
You are the Man Bro 👏💯👊💪🔥🔥🔥🙏.
It doesn't matter if I'm actually looking into or learning about an instrument. Even if I have no interest in it. I'll watch it anyway. You video's are wicked my Man ✊👊💯.
Mesmerizing. U could sale audio books 👏😎
You ain't just Top 5.
You are the Billy Goat at this s#*t 👏🔥🔥🔥
I feel like the akai force is a far better buy than this.
depends on what you require... vocal processing and superb synth engine - roland
cool sampler, clip based workflow - akai force
This unit is price at same rate with Akai Mpc one, its direct fight, the Force is at much higher price range.
@@jansenwilder1335 In the UK, the force is not alot more. Only around 150 more for some retailers. Makes the roland a much harder sell.
@@cresshead Akai force has a full arranger with Ableton project support for loading and saving. Thats a big thing for a daw in a box imo. Roland's synths are super nice and I plan to get a mc-101 to use them.
@@raindrop8966 I have a Force, and I have to say that the arranger is not quite ready for showtime. Automation recording is a mess, for example. If they improve it in the 3.0.7 update, then I'd recommend it based on that.
However, besides that and the lack of vocal processing (especially pitch correction), yeah the Force is 5x better. The synth engines aren't 100% imo, but they make lots of great sounds with some finessing. However, you can find plenty of free multi-sampled classic synths or make your own from VSTs or hardware, and I LOVE using keygroup programs like that. The sampling is generally really really good.
As far as the arranger goes, I just arrange the whole song in Launch mode and hit the launch buttons sequentially while recording into my DAW. The arranger isn't really needed, imo.
Also, once you go 8x8 pads, it is hard to go back to 4x4. You can buy an external controller with a 4x4 pad if you prefer that for performance, but for launching clips and "notes" mode, 8x8 wins every day.
I almost purchased one of these and a noob......since in my reserch it had the most for the money......after watching this it confirmed that it is one of the most capable for the money....but man it seems complicated! I dont think I could fig this out.....or could i??
How good do the loops sync? Did you do more than 2 bars? just wondering. Love to see a comparison to the AKAI box of a a similar price. I feel like the 707 missed for me. But this adds the playable option more on the mark potentially. Thanks for vid
Thanks! I honestly didn't review this from the perspective of a performance machine or looper - but more as a DAW replacement. I guess you could look at it like that but you'd be "wasting" the features in song mode
You use a professional recording from a professional studio and imported it into that groove box so of course is going to sound great I like to see you record your own vocals into it and see how great the preamp sound with a mic I just think it is very limited you can only use one vocal at a time you cannot stack your vocals that's why it needs more tracks to do background vocals you can only do one line vocals at a time as you place them in the song timeline you can't do background vocals and lead vocals at the same time so I will wait for version two when they have more tracks and more vocal tracks then it will be a awesome groove box that can compete with a computer daw.
Actually you can layer 16 vocal takes. To my ears the preamp sounds good and there are plenty of vocal processing options inside including compression, EQ and de-essing, not to mention other vocal "candy" effects. Unfortunately my vocals is not something you want to hear...
Has anyone used this in a live set, with a drum machine and maybe a mono synth and a sampler? I’m looking at getting this as it seems like it would fit my setup.
SI funciona perfectamente
i have been loving the roland Aira stuff like the mc 707. but im sorry, how is this at all an enticing daw replacement? seems like a menu diving nightmare if you ask me.
What about midi capability? The device looks really good, but can it sequence other devices (or at least control the program channel of e.g. a Digitakt) and what would be the best way to record them together?
yes it can but I've not tried it
Great review, but.... just terrible product. It just seems so out of date already. You are not getting $700 of hardware at all.
It's not like there isn't massive completion from Akai MPC/Force, Polyend, Native Instruments, Novation (new Circuit in 3 days)
I mean it is a full fledged sampler though and does vocals too. Nothing else really does that.. yeah I dunno about 700 dollars but
It's probably an experiment. If it's enough of a hit, we'll see a much improved MV-1S, I bet.
I actually would have preferred it to be more expensive, as I would have with the MC 707.. And then make the build/design really nice... For it being a box that you really have connect with also visually and tactically I think they are very underwhelming.. I use a Tempest, which is much less powerful, but so much more pleasing to interact with
Just more food for Bad Gear.
somehow all the bad gear always sounds good on his channel
@@loopop He is from Austria... you know, Mozart and stuff. *ducking violin sounds*
Great video, thanks!. I did suffer some serious anxiety as I watched the song parts running out and was afraid the song wouldn’t reach the end!.
How is Verselab for guitars?. I assume you can use vocal tracks for other recorded instruments?.
Eager to see the integration with Zenbeats.
Thanks! I assure you I suffered the same anxiety ;) I lucked out and it was exactly enough. However, if I needed more variety, there are a few hacks around this limitation, for example, sequencing clips at half speed, or indeed repeating sections and using vocal tracks for instruments.
To your second question, yes you can use the vocal tracks for any audio, though there's no hi-z input so you'd need to run a guitar through an effect/DI or something to preserve its tone
Probably for a specific audience. It would be cool to get a tape or cassette extension for that "analog" feel :P
Can you manually slice a sample? As in by ear or numerical start/end points (like the old MPC 60/3000)??
I actually never updated the OS since day one and yes I only chop and microchop like the mpc 60 3000 and sp 1200 the boom bap era
I can see how this works for people from the "when I push this pad something happens" event management generation. Nothing wrong with that but far from the optimum for anybody who thinks like a musician or composer. Compared to do what Roland did with the VS series multitrack workstations 20 years ago it is very limited, which is already indicated by the home keyboard style labeling. So I "soldier" on with my VS2480 which allready offered a user dedicated, ultra stable, high power, hardware multitrack audio recording studio with all typical DAW style advantges such as big screen digital editing. It might not have the super high audio rates and unlimited trackcounts that are theoretically available today but it does everything a multitrack studio owner could dream of without any limitations in project length. This might grow with the anounced on-screen software but I fear it will stay convoluted for anybody else then the envisaged user group..
I remember the VS Planet forum days. 😅
@@drew335 Hey, don't laugh! I still use them! :-) That VS2480 is my main production station but also a VS-880, which preceded it but I nowadays still use as a quick around the house mixer / headphone amp, and a VSR-880 , which is the main audio hub of my most important keyboard rig. Granted; I would probably own one less if they where still worth anything but it is a testament to their good build quality they are still all in good nick and that is not for a lack of use. The first real problem I encountered is that I had to clean the automated faders of the VS2480 a year ago because they would no longer acurately track the level automation commands. I wonder if any DAW plus the needed hardware and operating system will ever last that long!
Yooo . That rap verse was fireeeeeeee.lol..Thank you . good review as always .
I could use it, though the DAW is second-nature now. It would be great for threshing out quick ideas, for creating vocal melodies and polyphonic arrangements--if the need arises.
I bet you enjoyed reviewing this product.......... No undo button..... Fun times right?
I did - really enjoyed making this track, but indeed, saved the project every little step of the way (20 saves in total...). Funny thing is I never used them, but just the thought of loosing something made me do it
@@loopop Well hopefully they add an undo function because this machine needs it. I can't think of a groovebox (out of all 14 I own over 20 years) that doesn't have that function.
@@AveMcree well, the Electribe 2 didn’t had undo at launch so there is hope.
This really reminds me of the original tb3, it was made for a very niche purpose that was cheesy and it failed on its own in the market proper, after that failure it was cheap and someone did something cool with it, it's like a deja vu before it happens. the sample limit con was spot on and without a battery, those limitations are nonsensical in the studio. Now, if it had a battery(a la mpc live), ya know that might change my attitude on it, if you are going to remove the daw, give me a reason to use it that beats being tethered to a power grid. Great review