Roland Introduces New TR-08 & Four Voice Polyphonic SH-01A Boutique Series

Here they are. Full details via Roland below.

Playlist:
Roland Boutique TR-08 & SH-01A with Mathew Jonson
One Take with Roland Boutique TR-08 & SH-01A: Mathew Jonson
Roland Boutique TR-08 Rhythm Composer
Hands on with Roland SH-01A, TR-08 - cdmtv
Introducing The Roland Boutique Series TR-08 and SH-01A | Reverb.com
Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer | Reverb Demo Video
Roland SH-01A Bass Line Synthesizer | Reverb Demo Video
Update: New video added: Roland SH-01A Boutique Synthesizer QUICK DEMO

TR-08 details via Roland

"The TR-08 brings the look, sound, and feel of the original 808 — with stunning accuracy — to the Roland Boutique format. From the instantly-recognizable red-orange-yellow-white markings, the shape of the sequencer buttons, switches and knobs are details that have been painstakingly reproduced to match the iconic recreation of sounds. Along with the aesthetic touches, the TR-08 contains new features like 16 sub-steps for fast rolls, independent trigger out track, compression/gain/tune for instruments and a selectable modified “long decay” bass drum for more boom and resonance.

The TR-808 arrived in 1980 to an unsuspecting and somewhat bewildered public. To many at the time, its purely analog sound and range of tweakable parameters didn’t exactly deliver “traditional” drum sounds. It wasn’t until adventurous musicians and producers got their hands on the TR-808 and started tweaking those knobs that the world would fully realize the sonic impact it would leave on music forever. For the next three decades, the sizzling hi-hats and snappy snare, the robotic, clicky rim shot, the unmistakable cowbell, and yes, that booming bass drum, would be heard on many thousands of tracks. Worldwide hits, underground classic, and entire genres were spawned. Its influence is so deep that it’s been name-dropped in famous tracks, had albums dedicated to it and bands named after it, and even been the subject of a feature-length documentary film.

Time has not diminished the TR-808’s influence. New genres continue to make use of the 808, with some utilizing it as the main instrument and defining sound of the style. Sure, you can use samples of a TR-808, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing. The 808’s user interface with its buttons, knobs, and switches, and the odd quirks of how the sounds interact with each other—they’re all vitally important to conjuring up that real 808 mojo. And you know it when you hear it.

The new TR-08 adds some thoughtful and modern touches to the classic formula. The sequencer has 16 sub-steps per step, so you can create detailed snare fills and intricate, rolling hi-hats. It also has a track-selectable trigger out for working with other instruments like the TB-03, SH-01A, or modular gear. An unobtrusive LED display provides finer control of tempo and shuffle. You can step-program or tap in your parts in real-time without stopping to change modes. Everything sends and receives MIDI control messages and it even supports audio and MIDI over USB."

Ultra-compact recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine
Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-808
Hands-on control including tone, level, tuning, and decay
Added Compressor, Gain, Tune, and Pan for selected instruments
Programmable via classic Step and Tap write modes
Sequencer has 16 steps with 16 sub-steps for detailed patterns and rolls
Continue playing beats even while switching between write modes
LED display for easier navigation and fine control of tempo and shuffle
Ten separate outputs via USB audio
Dedicated, track-selectable trigger output for controlling external instruments
High-quality construction with metal front panel
Highly portable for mobile music making
Includes DK-01 Boutique Dock for multiple-angle viewing
Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
Compatible with optional Roland Boutique accessories"


SH-01A details via Roland:

"The SH-01A is a meticulous reproduction of the original — in both aesthetics and sound. Inspired design details include the same slider cap design, silver sequencer buttons, metal lever switches and limited-edition red and blue versions. The sounds of the SH-101 have been recreated with the acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior technology —a solid, sonic foundation for a slew of new features including a four-voice POLYPHONIC and CHORD mode, 64 preset synth patches, 64 sequencer patterns and more.

Original SH-101s are becoming increasingly rare, making them ever more expensive on the used market. Because of this, many have resorted to sample packs, hardware knockoffs, or software plug-ins loosely inspired by the SH-101. The SH-01A accurately recreates what makes the original so special, and the interface, while more compact, is 100% authentic.

The sound is vibrant and alive thanks to our proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. We use ACB to carefully recreate all the details and quirks of the original hardware by modeling each analog circuit, right down to the component level. Face-to-face consultation with the original designers and relentless research beyond the original schematics provides meticulously recreated oscillator, filter, and envelope behavior—a perfect foundation to build upon for a new generation of “101” fans.

An Inspired, Iconic Sequencer Revisited

One of the most creative features of the original SH-101 was its 100-note step sequencer. Press Load, add sequential notes with legato and rests, and press Play. Easy. Designed to inspire through simplicity, the SH-101 sequencer has been the source of countless bass lines and lead melodies on legendary dance tracks. But the limitation of playing one sequence back at a time has been resolved with the SH-01A. Now you can save and access 64 sequence patterns, perfect for any performance situation. Recall any pattern at any time, and use the iconic sequencer to control your modular rig, hardware synthesizers, and software plugins via CV/Gate, MIDI, and USB. Let the SH-01A be the heart of your electronic instrument setup, on stage or in the studio.

Did You Say Polyphonic?

The SH-101 found its power in a huge monophonic voice for a wide variety of sounds. The SH-01A now has four huge voices, allowing for more modes to expand upon the original’s sound palette. On top of the classic Mono mode, you can stack the four voices in Unison mode to add some punch to your bass and lead lines. Chord mode layers any four notes, and can be shifted up and down in semi-tone intervals. Poly mode allows for four notes to be played simultaneously, making the famous monosynth now capable of pads and chords.

Sounds of the classic SH-101 synthesizer via ACB tech, including bass, lead, noise, and sound effects

New Unison, Chord, and four-voice Polyphonic modes expand on the original’s iconic sound palette
Built-in sequencer with 64 patterns available to save and recall

Easy performance arpeggiator with three playback modes, note hold, and three-way transpose switch
CV/Gate output for controlling modular or vintage gear
Multiple sync options including internal and external MIDI, MIDI via USB, LFO clock, and trigger input
64 writeable preset patches for increased performance capabilities
Selectable advanced LFO with new waveforms and extended range of clock rate
Sends and receives MIDI control change messages via traditional MIDI jacks or USB
High-quality construction with metal front panel
Highly portable for mobile music making
Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
Compatible with the K-25m Keyboard Unit and other optional Roland Boutique accessories
Available in limited-edition red and blue colors like the original SH-101"