Roland MC-50

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$80.00

4.0 (7)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

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Roland MC-50mkII

$169.00

4.5 (2)

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Page last updated Jun 01, 2026

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$80.00 11 available Used

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Description

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The MC-50 is dedicated sequencer similar to the popular MC-500 series. It featured 40,000 note capacity, up to 8 songs, 8 phrase tracks, a 3.5" DS/DD disk drive, separate rhythm track and temp tracks, 32 channel MIDI and FSK sync. Sequences could be recorded in real-time or step-time. Songs can be linked and edited and quantized in Microscopic detail. Data is compatible with the MC-300 and MC-500 sequencers.

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	MC-50 MicroComposer
Finish	Black
Year	1990 - 1992
Made In	Japan
Categories	Sequencers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Roland MC-50?: The Roland MC-50 is a digital sequencer designed to record, edit, and playback MIDI data, making it ideal for composing and arranging music using MIDI-compatible instruments.
How much internal memory does the Roland MC-50 have?: The Roland MC-50 has an internal memory capacity of approximately 40,000 notes, allowing for extensive sequencing and composition without needing external storage.
Does the Roland MC-50 support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Roland MC-50 features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through ports, enabling it to connect with various MIDI-compatible devices for comprehensive sequencing capabilities.
Can the Roland MC-50 be used for live performances?: The Roland MC-50 is suitable for live performances due to its reliable sequencing capabilities and MIDI connectivity, allowing musicians to control multiple MIDI instruments in real-time.
Is the Roland MC-50 easy to use for beginners?: While the Roland MC-50 offers powerful sequencing features, it may have a learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with MIDI sequencing, but it's manageable with practice and patience.

Videos

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wingstone108

Roland MC-50 　　antique or vintage?　　My favorite thing

wingstone108

Roland MC-50 Tutorial: Basic Rhythm Step Sequencing

The MIDI Maniac (Roger)

Roland MC-50 With USB Hard Drive (Replace floppy with usb hardrive)

offworld network

Roland MC-50 - How to set it up (MIDI connections)

The MIDI Maniac (Roger)

Song made with Roland MC-50 - Hardwareonly - No DAW

The MIDI Maniac (Roger)

Roland MC-50 Tutorial: More Rhythm features in step+real time

The MIDI Maniac (Roger)

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MC-50.

Features and functionality

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The Roland MC-50 is favored for its straightforward multitrack recording workflow, especially appealing to keyboard players.
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Comparisons

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The MC-80 is considered a superior version of the MC-50/500 series with added storage, a larger screen, and more user-friendly editing capabilities.
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Use cases and applications

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The MC-50 is suitable for those looking for a simple, text-based interface without complex modern displays.
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User experience

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Owners of the MC-50 appreciate its reliability in live settings, but note that song loading times can be lengthy compared to modern devices.
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Software and compatibility

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Floppies in the MC-50 use an unusual format, unreadable by PC, prompting users to explore USB to MIDI cables for backups.
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Mods and upgrades

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The Gotek USB floppy emulator is a popular replacement for the MC-50's floppy drive, though setup can be challenging due to outdated information.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some users opt for 720K floppies from floppydisk.com due to compatibility, though consider this a temporary solution.
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Other

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Yamaha MDF-2 and MDF-3 MIDI data filers, using MS-DOS formatted floppies, are suggested as alternative backup solutions.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland MC50 & MC500

soundonsound.com

The Roland MC-50 is a durable and portable hardware sequencer that remains relevant in studios despite the dominance of computer-based sequencers. It offers fast operation with key-stroke programming, making it efficient for experienced users. However, it lacks modern graphical interfaces and can struggle with dense MIDI data. While it has limitations in SysEx handling, there are workarounds, and its ability to record system exclusive dumps is a plus. Some software bugs related to tape syncing hinder its functionality, necessitating updates. Overall, it remains a viable option for those who prefer hardware sequencing, but it may not satisfy users seeking advanced digital features.

neutral

Full Review

Roland MC50 Micro Composer (MT Jan 91)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland MC-50 Micro Composer is a well-crafted sequencer that succeeds in delivering a user-friendly, streamlined experience. With its quick startup time and intuitive interface, it caters to musicians seeking simplicity without sacrificing essential sequencing features. The MC-50's ergonomic design and lightweight build make it a practical choice for live performances. However, its limited memory capacity compared to the MC500 MkII and inadequate SysEx recording capabilities are notable drawbacks. Despite these limitations, the MC-50 offers robust editing features and unrivaled real-time track muting, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing immediacy and simplicity in their MIDI setup.

positive

Full Review