Roland EF-303 Groove Effects

å Roland EF-303 Groove Effects


Roland EF-303 Groove Effects
by Denny Fongheiser
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As a drummer-percussionist spending most of my time in the studio, I am always looking for new sounds to affect the "groove" in certain stylistic ways. I'm a strong believer that the groove consists of equal portions of the musical part, the feel with which it is played, the sound character and "vibe". The feel of any groove can be drastically changed by adding EQ, compression or any other effects. I wanted to check out the Roland EF-303 unit because it uniquely synchronizes all its effects to the tempo of your music.

The 303 is loaded with both DJ and studio effects that use a total of 16 effect algorithms including: filters, isolator, flanger, phaser, delay, reverb, pitch shift, slicer, compressor, lo-fi, ring modulator, phaser, voice, synth, synth bass, and synth rhythm. The effects are controlled in real time by using four, dual-purpose parameter knobs called: Rate/Low, CutOff/Mid, Reso/High, and Effects Balance. In addition, there are 16 faders, MIDI, and a DJ-ready Grab switch for immediate live performance interaction.

The Step Modulator sequencer, first made popular in the SP-808 GrooveSampler, emulates an analog sequencer with up to 16 stepped events. Useful for DJs, the step sequencer is used with the built-in DSP synthesizer to create bass lines, leads and arpeggios. Also included is an automatic BPM counter for easy, auto synchronization.

Analog controls include: input level knob with peak overload LED, effect output level control and headphone volume control for previewing effect treatments on phones. All connections on the back panel are RCA jacks with stereo ins and outs, inputs for mics, phono, and a trio of MIDI jacks.

After I powered up the 303, I dove right in! I wanted to see how easy or difficult this was going to be. With a couple of glances at the manual, I was good to go with the basics and able to get around it pretty well. I first processed a track from a CD using the 303 as a DJ re-mix tool. It was great fun so I started tweaking my own custom loops! The auto BPM detector wasn't perfect but came close enough and it was easy to fine adjust (like an offset), with the handy tempo shift up and down buttons.

I really enjoyed effect controlling with the Hi, Mid and Low knobs...helping me get inside the groove. Also cool was being able to select the beat (note value) for which the effect is triggered. Going through each of the effects, I was able to create some new great feeling and sounding grooves. Since the EF-303 will transmit and receive MIDI Clocks, it chase-locked to my sequencer. I fed a two-bar drum loop into the 303 and selected the Slicer+Pan setting. I used the Step Modulator to slice out the snare hits on beats two and four so that I could add a different snare sound. This concoction worked so well that it ended being my main loop! Using "Sync Type set to eighth notes" and one of the 303's filter settings, I was able to create a deep low end pulse underneath this new main loop.

With all of these choices, the important part becomes knowing when you've got something good and then moving on. I'd find myself groovin' on an effect and all of a sudden it was an hour later! You need to make choices with this mesmerizing box.

A real-time creative experience, the EF-303 is a great way to liven up your existing loop library. A new mainstay at my studio, the EF-303 sells for $595 MSRP. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, 323-890-3700 or Web to: www.rolandus.com

Denny Fongheiser is a drummer/percussionist living in L.A. He has recorded and toured extensively for the past 15 years with credits that include: Tracy Chapman, Counting Crows, Seal, Heart and John Paul Jones. Check out: www.fongheiser.com

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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