MFB-501 Pro: 80s analog drum computer revived with added samples
5,0 / 5,0 | 
The MFB-501 Pro revives the classic MFB-501 drum analog computer and fuses it with the 8 sample slots of the MFB-KULT and wraps it up in an oddly authentic beige enclosure.
MFB-501 Pro
The looks seem strange and dated to my modern eyes and not in that warm nostalgia-tinted way we often view vintage gear. Reminds me of something from Space 1999 but it is authentic so let’s move on.
The MFB-501 Pro has 8 analog sounds with 4 editable parameters for each one. MFB has added 8 sample slots and includes 128 samples taken from classic drum machines in the internal ROM. You can also import your own samples over USB provided they are under 1.5 seconds long.
The sequencer has 16 steps and features A/B parts that can be chained into songs. Each step can lock each of the available parameters. You can store up to 108 patterns and 9 songs. There’s a bit of shuffle mode and it can be clocked to external sources. You can also change the length and pitch of each step which pushes this machine beyond the role of being simply a drum computer.
It also responds to MIDI and can be used as a MIDI sound module.
The sampling side transforms this drum computer into a versatile little box of rhythm and much more. Check out the video below to be instantly impressed by the possibilities.
The MFB-501 Pro should be available now for the very reasonable price of €195.
More information
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2 responses to “MFB-501 Pro: 80s analog drum computer revived with added samples”
Can’t find a shop that sells them yet, anyone know?
Thomann have them in stock.
https://www.thomann.de/gb/mfb_501_pro.htm