Roland MC-101 Groovebox

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$444.00 to $571.99

5.0 (8)

5 Critic Reviews

4 Reviews

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Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

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4.5 (11)

$571.99

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4.5 (5)

$571.99

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4.4 (376)

$571.99 New

$499.90 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (12)

$491.22 22 available New

$340.00 16 available Used

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5.0 (4)

$571.99

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4.5 (4)

$571.99

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5.0 (3)

$571.99

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4.4 (31)

$444.00

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£415.00

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Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Roland MC-101 Groovebox". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash your musical creativity with the Roland MC-101 Groovebox, a compact powerhouse that combines professional-grade sounds and effects with unmatched portability. Designed for musicians and producers on the go, this groovebox offers a ZEN-Core sound engine that delivers a remarkable range of tones, from classic Roland sounds to contemporary beats. With its four-track sequencer, you can layer sounds, create intricate patterns, and bring your musical ideas to life anytime, anywhere.

Perfect for both beginners and seasoned producers, the MC-101 Groovebox features intuitive clip-based sequencing and 16 RGB pads that make it easy to compose, trigger, and manipulate clips. Whether you’re crafting beats in your bedroom or performing live sets in a club, the MC-101 provides endless creative possibilities. Import your own samples and loops, or harness the power of its 3,000 preset sounds and 80 drum kits to inspire your next track.

The MC-101 Groovebox isn't just about sounds—it's about control. With 90 types of multi-effects processing, including mastering effects, you can refine and polish your tracks to perfection. And thanks to its USB audio/MIDI interface, you can seamlessly integrate it with your DAW for recording and further production.

Key Features:

ZEN-Core sound generator with up to 128 voices
4-track sequencer with up to 128 steps
16 clips per sequencer track
3,000 preset sounds and 80 drum kits
User sample and loop import via SD card
90 types of multi-effects and mastering effects
Integrated USB audio/MIDI interface
Battery operation for up to 5 hours (4 x AA batteries included)

Owner's manual

Roland MC-101 Groovebox User Manual

Product specs

Type	Beat Production Sampler with Sequencer
Internal Sound Engine	ZEN-Core Drum Tones/Kits
Screen	LCD Display
Pads	16 x Performance Pads
Sounds	TR-808, TR909, Juno-106, SH-101
Presets	3,000 Tones, 80 Drum Kits
Polyphony	128 Voices (varies by sound generator load)
Sequencer	64-step Sequencer, 4-track, 16 clips per track
Looper	4 Voice Polyphony, Time Stretch, Pitch Shift
Sampling	Sample Playback/Import, WAV (up to 24-bit/96kHz)
Effects	Multi-effects, Track EQ, 9 x Chorus/Delay, 7 x Reverb, 90 x Master Effects, Master Compressor, Master EQ
Analog Outputs	2 x 1/4" (L/mono, R)
Headphones	1 x 1/8"
MIDI I/O	In/Out/USB
USB	1 x Type B
Storage	SD/SDHC Card Slot
Power Source	USB bus powered / 4 x AA batteries (Ni-MH, Alkaline)
Height	2.43"
Width	8.81"
Depth	5.18"
Weight	1 lb. 9 oz.

FAQs

How many tracks can be sequenced on the Roland MC-101 Groovebox?: The Roland MC-101 Groovebox features a four-track sequencer, allowing you to create and layer drum, bass, and synthesizer patterns for a complete musical arrangement.
Is the Roland MC-101 Groovebox suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland MC-101 is designed for portability and live performance, with intuitive controls and high-quality sounds that make it ideal for creating and performing electronic music on the go.
Can I import my own samples into the Roland MC-101 Groovebox?: Yes, the MC-101 allows you to import your own samples via an SD card, giving you the flexibility to customize your sound library and incorporate unique elements into your music.
Does the Roland MC-101 Groovebox have built-in effects?: The MC-101 includes a range of professional-quality effects, such as reverb, delay, and modulation, which can be applied to individual tracks or the overall mix to enhance your sound.
What is the power source for the Roland MC-101 Groovebox?: The Roland MC-101 can be powered by four AA batteries or an optional AC adapter, providing flexibility for both portable use and studio setups.

Videos

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RolandChannel

Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX for Beatmakers and Mobile Producers

RolandChannel

ROLAND MC101 IN-DEPTH REVIEW

BoBeats

Roland MC-101 Demo : Groovebox, Drum Machine, & More !

Perfect Circuit

Roland MC101 vs. MC707 // Review, pros & cons (MC-101 vs MC-707)

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Bad Gear - Roland MC-101

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What Makes the Roland MC-101 Unique in 2022

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Roland MC-101 | Techno/House (No Talking)

DJ LAB

Roland MC-101 Tips - Presets i (Drums, Bass, Keys, Brass, Pads, Strings)

M C 8 4

The Roland MC-101 is Actually Awesome (long term review)

Gabe Miller Music

Roland MC-101 | Play (sounds demo)

Whentherushcomes

FIVE MINUTES WITH : Roland MC-101 Zen Core Groovebox

sonicstate

Roland MC-101 | Everything You Need To Know

Sam Ash Music

Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX - Jack Bowles

Roland Australasia

my first Roland MC-101 set

audiodake

ROLAND MC-101 GROOVEBOX | Overview Demo

moogaudio

Reviews

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PROS

Frequent firmware updates greatly enhance functionality
Intuitive and easy to learn for beginners
Highly portable and lightweight
Versatile sequencing capabilities with clip-based approach
Extensive sound library, including classic Roland sounds
Effective as both a standalone and MIDI sequencer
Good battery life, can be powered via USB power bank
Onboard effects and motion sequencing add depth to sounds
Compatible with Roland Cloud for additional sounds
Supports sample importing for extended creativity

CONS

Initial price increase noted by early adopters
Some users find the build quality feels cheap
Extensive menu diving required for deeper sound design
Limited to 4 tracks, may feel restrictive to some users
No MIDI program change or seamless project switching for live performance
Reported quality control issues with some units
Learning curve for mastering shortcuts and shift commands
Some users find the sample stretch algorithms could be improved
Interface complexity can be overwhelming for users accustomed to simpler units
The one-octave keyboard and sequence input can feel limited

Critic Reviews

Roland MC-101 review: Beats, bass and batteries

engadget.com

The Roland MC-101 Groovebox is a compact powerhouse, offering portability and a robust sound library that caters to modern music production. While it excels in flexibility and user-friendly track creation, it falls short with battery life and a somewhat limited headphone output. The learning curve can be daunting at first, but with practice, its intuitive design shines through. Overall, for those seeking a versatile, on-the-go production tool, the MC-101 is a compelling choice, despite its minor drawbacks.

positive

Full Review

Roland MC-101 - Attack Magazine

attackmagazine.com

The Roland MC-101 Groovebox is a compact powerhouse that delivers iconic Roland sounds and solid sequencing capabilities, making it an inspiring tool for music creation. However, its plastic build and limited sound-sculpting options may deter some users. Menu diving can be tedious, and while its 3,500 preset sounds and four-channel sequencing provide depth, the interface's small pads and complex effects assignment might frustrate less dexterous musicians. Ultimately, the MC-101 shines in portability and creativity but comes with compromises that could limit its appeal to more serious producers.

neutral

Full Review

Roland MC-101 & MC-707

soundonsound.com

Roland's MC-101 Groovebox delivers impressive portability and a user-friendly interface, making it an appealing choice for mobile music production. Its compact design and battery operation allow for creativity on the go, while its powerful features echo the functionality of larger devices. However, the limited track count and reliance on a menu-based system can hamper workflow for those accustomed to more intuitive controls. The absence of a visual clip grid makes navigating settings tedious. Overall, the MC-101 is a solid entry into the groovebox market, particularly for those prioritizing portability over extensive hands-on control.

positive

Full Review

Roland MC-101 & MC-707

soundonsound.com

The Roland MC-101 Groovebox packs a punch with its portable build and extensive sound library, including classic Roland tones and a robust drum machine. However, its non-velocity-sensitive pads and clumsy patch-saving system can frustrate users looking for seamless workflow. While it offers impressive sound-shaping capabilities and a performance-friendly interface, the lack of an arpeggiator and undo function, alongside cumbersome sample management, might deter some. Ideal for those who value portability and classic Roland sounds, but the workflow quirks could be a deal-breaker for others.

neutral

Full Review

REVIEW: ROLAND MC707 & MC101 GROOVEBOX - Australian Musician Magazine

australianmusician.com.au

Roland's MC-101 Groovebox is a compact powerhouse, packing impressive sound quality into a portable, battery-powered design. While it only offers four channels, its ability to store multiple clips per channel allows for complex compositions with smart planning. The larger, simpler display is a plus for usability, despite concessions made for size and portability. Ideal for on-the-go musicians or as a sketch pad, this little box delivers professional sound in a travel-friendly package.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

jaxager

139

over 4 years ago

Pleasantly Surprised

I just got this little guy about two weeks ago. I really wanted a groovebox and was torn between this and the Novation Circuits Tracks. All in all, I am very happy with my purchase.

I make mostly electro and industrial type stuff. It works very well for both genres. I was initially concerned with there being only four tracks. This has not proven to be an issue, however.

From what I understand, 101 is basically a 707 in a more condensed package. And, being so, they had to make as much of the limited real estate on this tiny box. So there is a lot of menu diving. I have been using it nearly everyday I got for numerous hours a day. I work in an automotive plant, have my own office, and only deal with emergencies. So I have a lot of free time to fart around with this thing. In the less than two weeks since I've bought I have become pretty proficient with the menu diving. I can now load samples, tweak sounds, and lay down tracks and beats fairly quickly now.

I would have given it 5 stars but there still appear to be some bugs in the software. I get that this is to be expected. Unfortunately one of the bugs is pretty big. There are times where a track's audio will completely go out. And I think I've gotten proficient enough that I can tell whether it is user error or the machine is acting wonky. The only way I've found to fix this particular issue is to reboot the device. I also think that,for 500 bucks,they should've included external audio in jacks in the I\O. This thing could benefit from side chaining.

All in all I would recommend this groovebox to anyone looking for one. The Circuit Tracks is a hundred bucks cheaper and is supposed to be easier to get the hang of operating. But Roland has a lot to offer with the Zen Core engine and using it with the Roland Cloud Manager. There's a ton of free sample packs to choose from and the sound packs have some very groovy offerings.

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Techno Electronica

mike916

1072

over 2 years ago

The best compact sound module you can buy!

For $500 you get 4000 classic Roland presets, plus drum kits, pretty easy to use, only downfall to me was the limitation of 4 tracks but that could easily fixed by using with a DAW or an additional sequencer..

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Hip Hop Alternative hip hop East Coast hip hop

From Gear Setup

theveiledcreature

534

over 5 years ago

Tons of functionality in a small box

Tons of classic Roland sounds, import your own samples if you want on the included SD card. 4 track MIDI sequencer. MIDI I/O, as well as stereo outputs. Onboard effects. Easy to understand sequencer, with pattern sequence as well. Scatter function is fun to play live. Battery powered for portability. Just an incredible little box.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Ambient Experimental

r0cket_fuel

126

5 years ago over 5 years ago

i agree

pkennethk

26711

5 years ago over 5 years ago

@theveiledcreature, anything you'd change about this box, or is it pretty much perfect?

theveiledcreature

534

5 years ago over 5 years ago

@pkennethk I think it would be nice if it could be plugged in instead of having to run on batteries. I also think it could have been just a little bit bigger while still being small enough to be portable. The small pads aren't ideal for trying to play or record beats live instead of sequencing them. But these are very small complaints.

pkennethk

26711

5 years ago over 5 years ago

If those are the only gripes, then they did a hell of a job on this one. cheers!

theveiledcreature

534

5 years ago over 5 years ago

@pkennethk actually, according to a video I just watched it can be usb powered instead of battery, which I didn't know. Will be trying this out later...