About The Sequencer Section; About The Controller Section - Roland MC-808 Owner's Manual

An overview of the MC-808

About the sequencer section

A sequencer is a device that records performance data and plays
back the recorded performance data.
The MC-808 contains a sequencer that successively plays back
patterns and lets you change the way in which they play back. This
type of sequencer is called a "pattern sequencer."
Recording and playing back your
performance
The MC-808 contains 256 preset patterns. You can enjoy pattern
playback simply by playing back these patterns.
You can also create original patterns, either starting from a
preset pattern or completely from scratch.
Playing multiple parts simultaneously
The MC-808 can play back multiple sounds (patches)
simultaneously. For example, with a part structure such as
shown below, you can play drums, bass, piano, and guitar
simultaneously, giving you the capability of a band or similar
ensemble.
Part 1 Guitar
Part 2 Bass
Part 3 Piano
Part 10 Rhythm (drum) set
Editing the performance data
Unlike a cassette tape or MD (which records "sound"), a
sequencer records the "performance data." This means that you
can easily edit the performance data to create your own original
patterns.
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About the controller section

The controllers consist of the keyboard pads, the D Beam controller,
the panel knobs, and the faders. By operating these you can apply
various effects to the performance and to the sounds.
fig.02-017
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1. Keyboard pads
These perform the same function as the notes of a keyboard.
They are also used to play the RPS function (p. 50) and the
arpeggiator (p. 53). Normally, key 2 corresponds to C4.
2. D Beam controller
This controller lets you play or modify sounds by moving your
hand above it (p. 58).
3. Motorized faders
You can use the faders to control sound parameters (filter cutoff
frequency or resonance, LFO rate, etc.) in real time.
For details on operation, refer to "About the motorized
faders" (p. 23).
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