The MC-09 PhraseLab is a creative tool for producing synth and drum loops - and emulating the TB-303. Combining an analog modeling synth, step sequencer, four-part audio looper, and effects processor, this instrument helps musicians develop loops with multiple variations. The MC-09 is a aimed at musicians, DJs and synth enthusiasts who work with audio phrases and want powerful analog-modeled synthesis at an affordable price.

• Tabletop synth/audio looper with onboard sequencing and effects


• Analog modeling monosynth creates realistic TB-303 -like basslines, synth-lines, and analog-type rhythm sounds


• 4-Track Audio looper with mixer to create loop variations


• Programmable step sequencer that emulates TB-303 sequencing (slides, accents, etc)


• Easy automatic looping using BPM and measures


• Loop Control function to get wild new phrases


• 4 built-in effects—Filter, Isolator, Phaser and Slicer—that can be manipulated with the Step Sequencer


• SmartMedia slot for pattern/audio storage; MIDI In/Out

It’s a Synth!
First and foremost, the MC-09 is a powerful modeling synthesizer designed in the tradition of Roland’s analog synths of the past. Using six control knobs, users can create a wide variety of monophonic synth and rhythm sounds which can be played via the MC-09’s pads and 32-step sequencer or MIDI. Even drum patterns can be programmed with Roland’s popular TR-REC method, first introduced on TR-Series Rhythm Composers. With the PhraseLab, there’s no need to hunt down vintage synths and drum machines—it’s all here!

It’s an Audio Looper!
But the PhraseLab is more than just a synth. It’s also an audio looper capable of playing back four monophonic phrases up to six seconds each (phrases can be taken from the internal synth or external sources). Best of all, looping is simple since the PhraseLab uses BPM and measures to automatically stop recording at the perfect point. Loops can be triggered with the step sequencer anywhere desired—even at different pitches. And with the Chop function, the MC-09 can automatically divide a loop into 16 “slices” for constructing new phrases.

It’s an Effects Processor!

Once the DSP synth has been freed up using the audio looper it’s time to add effects. Simply choose from one of the PhraseLab’s four high-quality algorithms: Filter, Isolator, Phaser and Slicer. Effects can be applied to any of the four audio loops or to live inputs, and can be controlled in real time via the knobs for more intuitive tweaking.