Using Effects on the Roland MC505

Effects can significantly change a sound or a whole groove. The same pattern can be made to sound very different when an effect is applied. The MC-505 has 3 separate effects processors that can be assigned to any Part or rhythm instrument. These effects are an important part of creating an interesting and satisfying pattern or song. The effects in the MC-505 include:

Fig. 1
Effects Section and
Effects Select button

* Reverb – 6 types
* Delay – 2 types
* Insert – 23 effects
The Insert effects range from common effects such as overdrive and flanger, to unique effects such as Lo-Fi, Phonograph, Radio Tuning, and Slicer. Use the following procedure to add some record noise to one of your grooves:

0. Hold EFFECTS SELECT (the [*] button) and press CARD/*EFX so it is lit.
1. Continue to hold EFFECTS SELECT, and use the VALUE dial to select “PHONO.”
2. Press EFFECT SELECT to light the EFX OUTPUT LEVEL indicator.
3. Rotate the EFX knob all the way clockwise.
4. Press TEMPO/MIXER then press MIXER SELECT to light the EFX/OUT indicator.
5. Use the mixer sliders to turn on/off the phonograph effect for the desired Parts.
6. Press PLAY. Hold EFFECTS SELECT and use the VALUE dial to select different effects.

Note: If you want to adjust the parameters of the currently selected effect, press EFFECTS SELECT to cycle through the CTRL 1, 2, and 3 parameters and use the EFX knob to change the settings.

These new effects settings can be saved in a pattern. Use the following procedure:

0. Press PNT/SONG.
1. Press WRITE and use the VALUE dial to select the desired destination pattern.
2. Press ENTER twice.

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