Roland MC-4: The 1981 Music Computer

A look at the Roland MicroComposer / MC-4 from 1981.

In 1977 Roland introduced the first ever microprocessor controlled digital sequencer, which was the MC-8 designed by Ralph Dyck. The MC-4 was the successor and was one of Roland's few CV/Gate digital sequencers before they moved over to MIDI shortly after.

Both when it was new and many years after it was seemingly obsolete, numerous artists swore by it and they're now sought after. In the video we explore why.

With thanks to Pea Hicks for the MC-8 footage and images.

0:00 Intro Jam
0:41 Origin of the MC series
2:54 Interlude
3:31 Demonstration of how it works
10:20 The end result
10:47 Summary of the experience
12:09 Others ways to program
13:16 Experiments & explorations
19:03 MC-4b etc
19:39 Who used it, when and why?

Links:
MC-8 History: https://rolandmc8.wordpress.com/
Vince Clarke MC-4: http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/vin...
YMO MC-4:    • Yellow Magic Orchestra in the studio  
Chris Carter: https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/...
Landscape MC-4: http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/bur...
Thomas Dolby MC-4: https://fb.watch/beBq4hp7W5/
Hard Corps MC-4:    • HARD CORPS - Je Suis Passée live on T...  
Toto MC-4: https://www.musicradar.com/news/toto-...
AFX (Richard D James) MC-4:    • AFX - Analord 1 (w. Bonus Tracks)  

Roland's latest MC units:
https://www.roland.com/uk/products/mc...
https://www.roland.com/uk/products/mc...