Roland TR-626 vs. TR-707 | Which one should you get?

Espen Kraft

"Two classic drum machines from Roland. They both have their pros and cons.

The 626 can be upgraded with new EPROM chips to have different samples, but I'd still want the original ones present as these are very usable in themselves too.

The 626 has lots of percussion sounds and 30 drum sounds in total. The 707 has 15 sounds in total and virtually no percussion sounds.

Both have individual outs, but the 707 has the mixer on top for quick mixing of the sounds on the fly. The 626 has the ability to tune the drums +/- 7 steps, the 707 does not.

The 707 has the grid/matrix LCD for easy pattern programming, the 626 has less visual clues to give when it come to the more tiny LCD where you can only see one drum sound at a time.

Personally I feel the 707 has a more 'produced and ready' sounding kick and snare, but the 626 can easily be EQ'ed and compressed to sound thick and punchy. You might feel differently. ;-)

Huge thanks to Anders Jensen for loaning me his 707 for this video!"