Roland MC-505 Groovebox

^# 24

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$300.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (31)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Roland MC-505

6 community setups

16 wishlisted

77 saved

Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$300.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $300

Budget/Beginner

$399

$900+

Price Tier

In the Production & Groove category, Roland MC-505 Groovebox is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Get ready to expand your creativity with the Roland MC-505 Groovebox. This all-encompassing music production tool is a musician's dream, offering built-in synth and drum samples, a resonant filter, and a sequencer. The unit also boasts MIDI functionality for seamless integration into your existing setup. Its onboard effects provide the finishing touch to your compositions, making this Groovebox a compact powerhouse for music production.

Key Features:

All-in-one music production tool
Built-in synth and drum samples
Resonant filter and sequencer
Onboard effects
MIDI functionality

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	MC-505 Groovebox
Finish	Gray
Year	1998 - 2002
Made In	Japan
Categories	Grooveboxes
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony	64 Voices

FAQs

What are the main features of the Roland MC-505 Groovebox?: The Roland MC-505 Groovebox features a 64-voice polyphony, onboard effects, an 8-part sequencer, and multiple audio outputs. It is designed for creating and performing electronic music with a wide array of sounds and patterns.
Is the Roland MC-505 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland MC-505 is well-suited for live performances. It offers real-time control over sounds and sequences, making it ideal for DJs and electronic music producers who perform live.
Can the Roland MC-505 Groovebox be integrated with other MIDI devices?: Yes, the MC-505 features MIDI input and output, allowing it to be easily integrated with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded musical setups.
What type of audio outputs does the Roland MC-505 have?: The Roland MC-505 Groovebox includes six audio outputs: Mix Left & Right, Direct 1 Left & Right, and Direct 2 Left & Right, providing versatile routing options for studio or live use.
How does the sound engine of the Roland MC-505 compare to other grooveboxes?: The Roland MC-505 offers a diverse sound engine with 64-voice polyphony, providing a rich palette of sounds suitable for various electronic music styles, distinguishing it from other grooveboxes with fewer voices or sound options.

Videos

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Perfect Circuit

Roland MC 505 Promo Video (1998)

Perfect Circuit

Roland MC-505 Groovebox Demo

Synthetech

Gear Talk: Roland MC-505 - Best Groovebox ever made?

LousyFacelift

Bad Gear - The Last Real MC

AudioPilz

Roland MC-505 Percussive Techno

tiergrinder

Roland MC-505 Groovebox (House Music Edition)

Berlin House Music

Roland MC-505 Groovebox Video Users Manual (1998) [HD]

DrHouse

Reviews

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PROS

Deep synth architecture with extensive sound design capabilities
Includes iconic sounds from CR78, TR-606, 707, 727, 808, and 909 drum machines
8-track sequencer with intuitive workflow and function controls
Durable build, with easy-to-repair design and replaceable LCD screens
Can act as a standalone composition tool or sequencer for external gear
Direct outputs allow for creative signal routing and effects application
Compact design fits in small spaces despite its extensive features
Offers a unique blend of classic and digital sounds for versatile music production

CONS

Initial sound and pattern library perceived as dated
Steep learning curve requires time and effort to master
Large physical size might be cumbersome for some setups
Certain components (pots & faders) feel cheap and may need replacement
Relies on outdated 5v SmartMedia storage, which is rare and expensive
Manual is lengthy and necessary to unlock the device’s full potential
Some units may suffer from pitch issues or other quality control problems

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MC-505 Groovebox.

Features and functionality

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The MC-505 includes a Megamix feature, allowing live pulling of tracks from other patterns while the sequencer runs.
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The MC-505 sequencer supports up to 8 MIDI channels, capable of recording polyphony without significant lag, but struggles with extensive automation data.
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The MC-505's user interface allows access to all controls from the front panel, leveraging SHIFT and FUNC keys for multifunctional controls, enhancing live tweaking capabilities.
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The quantizer allows users to record unquantized sequences and then apply slight quantization, a feature often missing in newer gear.
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Use cases and applications

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Users report it excels in atmospheric experimental synth looping with dual ADSRs and LFO modulating pitch, filter, and amp in real time.
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The MC-505 is best used in conjunction with other instruments and outboard gear rather than as a standalone unit.
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Comparisons

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The MC-505's synth engine is based on the JV rack units, offering 4 layers of ROMs, allowing independent modulation and control.
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The MC-505 is described as having a "2000s flavor," making it challenging to achieve modern sounds without embracing its retro character.
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The MC-505 is described as having a superior arpeggiator compared to other grooveboxes from its era.
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Value and pricing

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Owners suggest a price range of £150-£200, or under £100 if the screen or encoders are faulty.
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Software and compatibility

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The MC-505 can effectively control Ableton Live, offering control over 8 MIDI channels, enhancing its versatility.
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Setup and maintenance

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The MC-505 struggles with saving to outdated 3.3V smart media cards, with no full system backup possible over sysex, posing significant challenges for data management.
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It's recommended to replace the original LCD display with an LED one due to common pixel death issues.
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User experience

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Owners note a slight lag during saving processes, but not during playback, suggesting aging may affect performance differently across units.
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Owners advise against using factory presets, recommending users immediately switch to the user bank for better sound quality.
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Mods and upgrades

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The internal reverb is often criticized, suggesting the use of external reverb pedals for improved sound.
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Critic Reviews

Roland MC505

soundonsound.com

The Roland MC-505 Groovebox is a feature-rich music production tool that excels in hands-on, spontaneous creativity, making it a standout for electronic music enthusiasts. With a robust build, 64-voice polyphony, and a versatile sequencer, it offers an impressive array of sounds and effects. The D-Beam controller adds a unique touch for live performances, and the editing capabilities surpass its predecessor, the MC-303. However, the steep price and occasional sluggish response might deter some. Despite these drawbacks, the MC-505 is a solid choice for those seeking a comprehensive groovebox with a nostalgic yet practical interface.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 31 Ratings

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1 star

spleentaste

1151

over 8 years ago

all Roland in one Box

for the price, you have all Roland (TB303 / TR808 / TR909 / JD800 / Junos, etc) in on box !! very complete it can be used as a groove machine by itself, or as a slave just for the sounds...and very compact then can feets in a small area...

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

exposuretherapy

over 10 years ago

Don't hate. It's a beast.

If you have some time to sit down and study the manual, this is a really fun piece of gear. People hate on the digital sound, but I really love it. Watch out for bad LCD screen (easily replaced cheap on Ebay.)

monophonk

210

over 8 years ago

My first music machine / groovebox

The Roland MC-505 - my first music machine / groovebox back in the days 1997

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic

sebastiaan_kouwets

265

about 11 years ago

Fun piece of equipment

This device has some cool sounds and features but the quality isn't that good.. Got a pitch problem at the moment.. Hope it's just a knob that I'll have to replace