Happy 202 day

 Happy 202 day

 

Arguably, the worlds first groove box .. 

This came out in 1983

Its a evolved form of TB-303. Programming is just as cryptic.

(Apparently, the programming is like a MC-4)

 

The sync is like you will find on a Tb 303. It's DIN Sync (sync 24) not MIDI sync.

A cool feature of the 202 is that it has 2 sequencers... or rather, its sequencer can play back two separate sequences simultaneously. 

One of the sequencers controls the internal synth. The other can control external synths.

There are two corresponding sets of CV/Gate connectors on the rear of the unit. This allow for connecting the 2 sequences to external synthesizers.

 

 

It's controls are much like the SH 101. The VCO, VCF, VCA, LFO, envelope and mixer sections

are really similar. It does however lack noise, a choice of LFO waveshapes and the modulation/pitch bend controls. In it's favour, there is a delay on the LFO.

 

You can also control the synth with Roland's standard CV/gate  that happens to work well with Eurorack systems.

 

 There is a voltage-controlled oscillator with simultaneous saw and square/pulse-width waveforms.

The Sub-Oscillator is a square/pulse wave. This is always one or 2 octaves below the main VCO.

(a square wave one octave down, and narrow pulse‑widths one or two octaves down)

The filter is a 24db resonant low pass. 

 

All this may sound limited by today's standards, but less is more.

 

If you can be bothered to learn how to program it the old fashioned way, it can be lots of fun.

The sequencer has slide & accents just like a 303 so you can get 303ish patterns and basslines,  I find it easy to control with a Midi to CV converter. The sequencer can store 2600 notes but remember that batteries must be fitted to preserve the sequences!

The MC202 sounds very similar to the SH101, as the circuits are almost identical,

though I think the 101 sonically wins for me. The 202 (and 101) are really good for acid baselines.

... and a whole lot cheaper to buy. If you are trying to emulate a 303, remember to not use any control of the 202 that a 303 doesnt have. For example, don't use the LFO, sub oscillator, or pulse width. A 303 only has square or saw waves and never both at the same time.. The 202 can mix both ... so don't use this.

The 303's envelope is super simple. There is no sustain control.

So just keep sustain to zero on the 202 & keep modulation of  the envelope to a min. On the 303, there is only a decay control. So on the 202 make sure the release & decay times are the same.