808 Day 2025: Roland Celebrates 45 Years of Rhythm Culture

video upload by RolandChannel

"A TR-808 beat so raw it stopped gangsters in their tracks."

"Check the debut of The Rhythm Creators series, featuring @ThEgyptianLover's first meeting with the drum machine that changed everything. Animated by Vaughn Taormina."



Press release follows:

Los Angeles, CA, August 7, 2025 — Roland Corporation celebrates the 45th anniversary of its iconic TR-808 Rhythm Composer today. Since its debut in 1980, the TR-808, commonly known as “the 808,” has shaped the creation of musical genres from hip-hop to techno, trap, and beyond. Its unmistakable sound has powered decades of iconic tracks, from smash hits like Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love” to a sea of underground techno, electro, and hip-hop anthems. TR drum machines have laid the musical pulse for generations, fueling global rhythm culture through the hands of producers, DJs, and creative visionaries who continue to push its legacy in new directions.

To celebrate this 808 Day, Roland will unveil a series of special releases—including a limited-edition sneaker collaboration with New Balance—and global events that pay tribute to the 808’s enduring legacy and cultural impact.

Rhythm Creators
As part of the celebration, Roland is launching The Rhythm Creators, an eight-part animated video series highlighting untold stories from artists shaped by the legacy of its most iconic rhythm machines—the TR-808 and its influential successor, the TR-909. Each episode blends humor, reverence, and nostalgia, and features stylized animation by Detroit artist Vaughn Taormina and narration from the artists themselves.

Episode one premieres today with Egyptian Lover, with new installments featuring Prince Paul, Fatboy Slim, Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B, and other trailblazing artists dropping throughout August and into September.

New Balance Collaboration
Roland and iconic footwear brand New Balance have relaunched the special edition Tiago Lemos NM808 x Roland sneaker. This collaboration exemplifies the 808’s impact on music and culture, showcasing the unique intersection of skateboarding, hip-hop, and fashion.

To further celebrate this collaboration, Roland and New Balance are hosting Atlanta’s creative community for an exclusive industry mixer dedicated to the 808’s legacy in the birthplace of trap music.

The mixer will be hosted at SESSIONS Atlanta, the iconic studio run by legendary producer Tricky Stewart. Highlights will include private Roland product demonstrations, live performances by Sonny Digital and Mix Master David, as well as an appearance by the popular BackTrack podcast host Don Cannon. Guests will also check out the Tiago Lemos NM808 x Roland sneakers in person.

The Tiago Lemos NM808 x Roland sneakers will be available starting on August 8 at 10:00 a.m. EDT for $114.99 on newbalance.com.

Roland Retail Celebrations: Tokyo and London
In Tokyo, Roland is teaming up with iconic streetwear brand XLARGE for a special 808 Day launch celebration at the Roland and XLARGE stores in the fashionable Harajuku District. The event will include live techno sets from REMO-CON, Yebisu303, and Ken Plus Ichiro, as well as an exclusive first look at the limited-edition XLARGE x 808 capsule collection, available for purchase in-store. The collection includes graphic t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories that fuse

XLARGE’s signature streetwear aesthetic with Roland’s iconic 808 design language. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to see the original TR-808 machine on display as part of the evening’s festivities.

Roland Store London is also hosting an in-store celebration today, presenting further opportunities for guests to purchase the XLARGE x 808 capsule collection in-person and online from around the world. In addition, the event includes live sets by DJ Complexion to keep guests moving for an upbeat, energized celebration.

Roland Cloud
A founding member of the Los Angeles rap scene, hip-hop legend Arabian Prince, best known for tracks like “Panic Zone” and “Situation Hot,” is coming to Roland Cloud users worldwide. The TR-808 Arabian Prince sound pack allows users to utilize his classic patterns and sequences like never before via a Roland Cloud Pro or Ultimate membership or Lifetime Key purchase.

Also, until 9/09 (September 9th), the TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer is available for only $49—an authentic option for easily accessing the classic 808 sound within DAWs."

TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer | FLASH SALE!

video upload by Roland Cloud

Play Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush on Stylophone

video upload by Stylophone

"ON THIS DAY: KATE BUSH ‘RUNNING UP THAT HILL (A DEAL WITH GOD)’

Released on this day, 40 years ago on August 5th 1985, Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) was more than a lead single - it was a seismic moment in art-pop history.

The track opened her Hounds of Love album, blending analog synths with raw emotion and poetic intensity. It’s now hailed as a masterpiece of experimental pop and has found a new generation of fans thanks to Stranger Things.

Critics praised Bush’s boundary-pushing production and storytelling, with Hounds of Love now considered one of the greatest albums of the 1980s.

‪@KateBushMusic‬

#katebush #runningupthathill #houndsoflove #strangerthings #stylophone"

Melancholy Jam 8/3/2025 Oberheim TEO-5 Stylophone CPM DS -2 Walrus Audio Slöer

video upload by I Love Cats and Synths

"A slow melancholy jam on a couple of my favorite analog synths and effects units. Oberheim TEO-5 with Walrus Audio Slöer Ambient Reverb, and Stylophone CPM DS-2 drone synth with Korg NTS-1 pulling effects duty.

Recorded live on a Zoom H6."

Melbourne Instruments - Delia. All sound, no talking. 50 FREE Custom Patches. Download link included

video upload by How To Synth

"Such an amazing synthesizer, with a deep mod matrix. I’m in love.
I made 50 custom patches for you all for FREEEEEE.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S1rS..."

VHIKK X by Forge TME - Why modular will always be real and digital music will not.

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"Modular synths are more than tools, they're reality itself.
This video explores why digital music can never truly be real, and why analog gear remains the only way to feel sound at the source.

The world is in transit, like it or not.
Music evolved from the stage into the box, from real media to streams, and now from streams into learning models, weights, and rewards.
We can endlessly debate whether AI is OK or not, but we can’t put the demons back into their bottles.

It’s a non-religious blessing to patch a real machine with real voltage.
Every sound I make is Karma: cause and effect, wrapped in a false sense of choice and control.
I love it. It’s a sanctuary.

And the VHIKK?
Everything I say about it will only give you GAS.
It’s one of the finest modules Eurorack has to offer, and currently my #1 module.
So maybe don’t watch this video if you’re on a tight budget.
Or… maybe watch it very carefully.
Because you might just build the ultimate tiny case with it.

All you need is VHIKK and Pam Pro.
Don’t forget power, but you won’t even need an output module.
VHIKK X can run on USB power.
Build a tiny wooden case. Maybe I will too.

We modular people are still a niche.
A tiny community moving upstream and uphill — while the world flows downward.
And it’s an honor to be part of it."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

It All Started With An Acoustic Bass Emulation

video upload by EZBOT

"There is something about having both the Digitone II and the Digitakt II together on the tables. Both can do so much but together they can pretty much do anything. The Digitone II is perfect for anything melodic related, chords, basses (even acoustic basses), leads, and percussion too of course. The Digitakt II is the chameleon, it can be anything and do most anything. The power of this sampler is astounding and the workflow is near perfect. In today's episode we make some down-tempo house and show off just how chill these two machines can work together. LED MIDI cables from my shop: https://www.modbang.com/modbang-shop/...

Download my Octatrack Performance Templates here: https://ko-fi.com/s/c71520e99c and here / ezbot

PERFORMANCE OVERLAY MAGNETS: https://www.modbang.com/modbang-shop?...

I love to teach! Step up your game with 1 on 1 lessons: https://www.ezbot.live/" → Get 10% Modbang cables with code: EZBOT23
→ Get 10% off your first Modbang Riser with code: RISER23

This Rare 90s FX unit turns anything into surreal ambience

video upload by Thought-Forms

"Nobody talks about the Roland RSP-550, but they should. It rivals the Ensoniq DP/4, slaps the Alesis Quadraverb around, and can be had for under $400. Let me show you why I love this 1U rack mount effects unit from 1991...the perfect dedicated FX unit to run synths & sound effects through. Dream like delays, phasers, and modulated effects"

@0:00 WTF is the RSP-550?
@0:55 How it works
@2:50 TF-Sonic Portal (Multi 3)
@2:59 Rich St. Chorus (Stereo Chorus)
@3:32 TF-Space Echo (Mod. Dly/Rev)
@4:44 TF-Shimmer (Mod. Reverb)
@5:11 TF-Space EP (Space Chorus)
@5:33 TF-Alien Harmony (Quad Pitch Shifter)
@5:47 TF-Hydro (Multi 4)
@6:08 TF- Dub Spaced 2 (Mod. Dly/Rev)
@6:31 TF-Dub Spaced (Mod. Dly/Rev)
@6:56 TF-Ambi Star (Mod. Dly/Rev)
@8:23 TF-Cosmic Swirl (Multi 3)
@9:00 TF-Ghost Verb (Mod. Reverb)
@9:43 TF-Space EP (Space Chorus)
@10:04 TF-Dub Spaced 2 (Mod. Dly/Rev)
@10:35 Shimmer Space (Mod. Reverb)
@11:04 Black Hole (Mod. Reverb)
@11:38 TF-Deep Phase (Multi Phaser)
@11:57 TF-Liquid (Multi Phaser)
@12:18 TF-Ping Pong (Tempo Delay)
@12:52 TF-Space Echo 2 (Tempo Delay)
@13:13 Why the Delays rule. 120% Feedback!!!
@13:36 Control Assign for real-time modulation
@15:00 Closing Thoughts

Linn LM-1 LinnDrum Computer SN 00035 Built In Roger Linn's Home

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"RARE piece of Linn Drum LM-1 history. This machine has been updated by the one and only Bruce Forat from Forat Electronics. Bruce is THE repairman for these machines and he has this one cleaned up oh so nice.

Debuting in 1980, these first LM-1 were $5,000 then! During my research, I found that Roger Linn created the first 35 of the machines in a room in his house.This gem is #00035 meaning this was the last one built by Roger before mass production!

This comes with a custom made dust cover and I'm guessing an original manual in a cool shade of Chevy Chase pool blue 80s folder! It will be shipped in a SKB 24x24 case built like a tank.

I've held onto this machine for 25 years and had Bruce tweak it along the way. Now it's time for me to purchase a vehicle so I hope someone else can love it as much as I have. I had Bruce to add the exact signature Prince clap sound as heard on the Purple Rain album. I can also give the winner Bruce's contact information as he is a tremendous resource."

Additional resources: Linn LM-1 page on Culture Wikia

Roger Linn on Sessiondays

CLICK FOR MORE »

More Oberheim Teo-5 Synthesizer love. Sound Design then Jazzy Jazz Music.

video upload by James Dyson

"More Oberheim Teo-5 Synthesizer love. and Jazzy feelings later in the stream.
Sounds from scratch... I got the itch then I got my Jazz on."

Love when something that looks completely alien ends up sounding like a real, playable instrument.

video upload by Luca Longobardi

"First spin with the Koma Elektronik Chromaplane."

Official Demo - Microkorg 2 Soundset by Jexus

video upload by Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

"Thoughts & info: https://sounds-for-synths.com/korg-mi...

I did not use any external FX in the demo, no layers, no loopers, etc. All the delays and reverbs are part of the Microkorg-2 engine. My presets are single-timbre so you don’t lose your 8-voice polyphony. The presets come as computer files in “mk2prog” format. Just load them into the Microkorg-2 by using its flash drive feature (boot your Microkorg-2 in “disk mode”, and when it appears as a new disk drive you can just open / explore it and copy + paste the files). You will have the freedom to import my presets into Bank CLASSIC or MODERN or FUTURE or USER on your Microkorg 2."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Why To Love The Prophet 5 / 10

video upload by Devin Belanger

"Get the Miles Away Custom Patches for Prophet 5 & 10: https://shop.milesawayofficial.com

Stream my new song 'F*** It, I'm Alright' with SABAI: https://links.milesawayofficial.com

Is the Sequential Prophet 5/10 the greatest synth ever made? The vintage Prophet 5 and the modern reissue Prophet 10 are famous synths that shaped synthesizers in music —but are they still worth it today? Review, deep dive, walkthrough, tips and tricks and more.

0:00 - intro, what makes the Prophet 5 special
1:06 - original demo song
2:40 - one huge caveat about the Prophet
3:45 - demo jam with reverb and chorus FX
4:52 - using the Prophet 10 on my original music
5:55 - vintage jam, dry with no FX
6:58 - the argument for why the Prophet is the GOAT
7:38 - ambient jam with Nightverb
9:21 - panel walkthrough, oscillators
11:50 - my favourite tip for the waveforms
12:57 - the famous polymod section
14:06 - analog fm sound design
15:43 - vintage knob & my biggest complaint
17:13 - why polymod is so versatile and great & LFO mode
19:04 - saving a happy accident patch we discovered
20:05 - what makes the LFO special
22:09 - the best tip for making lofi patches
25:01 - comparing the difference btween the filters
27:06 - resonance bass compensation feature
27:42 - the philosophy of no menu diving
29:16 - poly unison mode
30:37 - pros and cons, is it worth the price?"

Walking in a Hypnotic Dream (recording studio video production)

video upload by Davide Micheli

"This song tells the story of a journey taken by two people who love each other and say to each other, 'you whisper my way, you whisper my way, you whisper my way, you move my borders.' The two travelers sometimes dream of going to desert and no time places. In these places, the imagination and the soul can free itself from the burdens of everyday life.

The song was also produced with vintage analog synthesizers to give it an 80s funk feel."

In order of appearance:

Crumar Bit 99
Roland Jupiter-X
Artruia Matrixbrute
Korg Prologue
Elka Rhapsody
Moog Minimoog XL

Introducing Soundtoys 5.5 & SpaceBlender!

video upload by soundtoys

"The Soundtoys V5.5 bundle has arrived, and there’s a lot to cover! From the new SpaceBlender experimental reverb in Effect Rack to resizable plug-in interfaces, our latest upgrade offers both enhanced creative possibilities and an improved user experience. This video walks you through the new features and shows off a handful of the 67 inspiring presets we’ve added to Effect Rack. Save 50% on bundle purchases and upgrades through August 5.

Learn more about resizable UIs: https://www.soundtoys.com/resizable-u..."

0:00 - Introducing Soundtoys 5.5
0:17 - The Soundtoys 5.5 Bundle
0:43 - SpaceBlender in Effect Rack
1:46 - New Presets in Effect Rack
2:41 - Resizable User Interfaces
3:05 - Upgrading from 5.3
3:26 - Thank You

Introducing Soundtoys SpaceBlender

video upload by soundtoys

"Meet SpaceBlender, a new imaginary space machine from Soundtoys. It's an experimental reverb that create shapes, textures, and tones that don’t exist in the natural world.

In this video, we’ll walk you through SpaceBlender’s interface and demonstrate some cool ways to get started with the plug-in. From ambient soundscapes to reverse gated verbs, from skittering delays to wild pitch shifting– this deceptively simple plug-in has much to offer.

Learn more at www.soundtoys.com/product/spaceblender/

0:00 - Introduction
1:46 - Time Display
3:25 - Warp Button
4:28 - Color Knob
4:54 - Texture Knob
5:16 - Mod Knob
5:43 - Mix Knob
6:30 - Freeze Button
7:08 - Preset Management"

Press release follows:


Soundtoys Releases Version 5.5 Bundle Featuring SpaceBlender, New Presets, and Resizable GUIs

July 22, 2025 (BURLINGTON, VT): Soundtoys is proud to announce the release of Soundtoys 5.5, a major update to its flagship effects bundle. The update introduces the new SpaceBlender plug-in, a suite of new factory presets, and resizable user interfaces across the collection of Soundtoys plug-ins.

In the Soundtoys V5.5 bundle, the new SpaceBlender experimental reverb integrates seamlessly into Effect Rack, giving users powerful possibilities to create multi-effect chains. This update adds a wide selection of 67 curated presets that showcase the creative potential of the full suite.

Effect Rack plug-in owners can now add SpaceBlender to Effect Rack by purchasing a SpaceBlender license and downloading the latest Effect Rack installer in their Soundtoys user account.

"Our latest plug-in, SpaceBlender, lets users explore experimental spaces and ambient effects in a fun, but musical way," said Ken Bogdanowicz, CEO and founder of Soundtoys.

"But when you drop SpaceBlender into Effect Rack, it opens up a whole new world – like using Tremolator to add pulsing rhythms to SpaceBlender’s long ambient swells, creating out-of-this-world psychedelic spaces with FilterFreak and PhaseMistress, or adding analog vibes with EchoBoy, Decapitator, and Radiator. Sound designers, producers, mixers, or anyone looking to push their sound in new directions will love this."

Soundtoys users who want to update their plug-ins with resizable UIs can do so (for free) to the V5 products they already own by downloading the installers from the My Products tab in their Soundtoys user accounts.

Soundtoys 5.5 bundle is available now at an introductory price of $599 $299, with 50% off upgrades for existing users. The Soundtoys 5.5 Academic bundle includes the same updates and is priced at $299 $149 for qualified students and educators.

The release of V5.5 also kicks off the Soundtoys Summer Sale, offering up to 75% off individual plug-ins for a limited time – including Little AlterBoy $99 $49, Decapitator $199 $69, and the creative standard, EchoBoy $199 $69. More deals are available at www.soundtoys.com. Intro and sale prices end August 5.

Current version 5 plug-in owners can unlock resizable UIs with the free 5.5 update, available now in Soundtoys user accounts. Log in to upgrade to the full Soundtoys 5.5 bundle.

Learn more and download the update at soundtoys.com.

CLICK FOR MORE »

PlayFader PlayMates - Elektron Syntakt ⚡️ fragments and moments of firmware testing

video upload by Play All Day

"I was using the @elektron Syntakt to test some firmware updates and it was too much fun not to share. This isn't a whole performance, just some selected clips from a longer 30 minute exploration.

Connected with just one MIDI TRS to 5-pin cable, I’m controlling tracks 2 & 5 with Channels A & B of PlayFader. Syntakt is only sequencing the drums, the rest is PlayFader… including the master clock, Syntakt is the slave 😏

I don’t think I’ve had as much fun with an Electron box before!

It’s endlessly creative and inspiring to actually play the Syntakt rather than just program a sequence and press start…

I’m not a Syntakt expert by any means though, and I’m not really that good at making techno either, but it when in Rome… had to be done.

One other cool aspect of this setup is that you can also record everything you’re doing on PlayFader into the Elecktron sequencer!!! 👊💥I don’t show it here but it is very simple, just press record and you’re capturing grooves on the fly, ready for editing, playing and even storing them into new patterns!

Love and Patches
Play All Day"

Oberheim OB-X8 - SM Lush Analog Keys

video upload by Scott McAuley Sounds

"Patches will be available at https://www.orano.co.uk/shop or http://www.synthsounds.co.uk
**Reverb Used is Specular Tempus**

This Patch named "SM Lush Analog Keys" will be included in Explorations Volume 2, this one really shows how rich and full the OB-X8 can sound. Sometimes Less is more, and this patch keeps things simple but just lovely and not achievable on every synth with such depth. This is exactly why I love this synth so much!"

"Healing" - A Liven Evoke Jam 7/21/2025 #synth #432hz #sonicware #meditationmusic

video upload by I Love Cats and Synths

"My first original jam with the Sonicware Liven Evoke synth. Since I'm going through an emotional and spiritual healing process myself, I decided to call this 'Healing'."

The Sequential Take 5 module is great !

video upload by Yuki The Synth Dragon

0:00 rambles and rants
3:40 encoder bug
6:30 init patch combo !
8:38 actual sounds and patch making and why I love the take 5

"Video on the teo 5 vs ob6 from ‪@StarskyCarr‬ • My Head's About to Explode! // OB-6 vs TEO-5 [posted here]

Viewer that replcated the take 5 bug on the keyboard version:
‪@ilovecatsandsynths9702‬" [some videos posted here]

Octave Plateau Voyetra Eight Synthesizer FULLY RESTORED

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

Additional Tone Tweakers Listings

"Like nearly all the high end vintage analog synths we sell, this item has been METICULOUSLY disassembled, cleaned inside and out, FULLY serviced by professionals who’ve been servicing and selling vintage synths for more than the last 3 decades, and systematically tested multiple times over a long period to ensure it’s working exactly as it should. No BS. No ebay surprises. We’re perfectionists and don’t cut corners. Although this instrument came to us in relatively good shape, we want our items to be better than the rest and invested *many* hours of tech time plus parts costs to fully overhaul this unit so it would be clean, working like new again and as reliable as possible for its next owner. This was a serious investment of time, love, and money, and was definitely worth the effort and is of course reflected in the higher than usual price. If you’re looking for a great sounding example of this model that works just like it should without needing to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in tech fees and waiting from weeks to years, this one should make you very happy.

We’re happy to announce we’ve got another meticulously refurbished Voyetra Eight with keyboard ready for sale. This unit took us approximately 76 hours of skilled vintage synth tech time plus parts costs to get it up to our high standards.

This work included not just getting everything working perfectly, but also applying custom modifications to make tuning better than it was when it left the factory, as well as taking future-proofing measures that other sellers don’t do, but that will hopefully keep this one running well a lot longer than lesser examples you may find.

After 76+ hours of restoration by our very experienced V8 expert and our focus on perfection rather than cost, you won't find a better one."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sonicware LIVEN Evoke Unboxing and Demo 7/18/2025

video upload by I Love Cats and Synths

"Unboxing and trying out the new Sonicware LIVEN Evoke Acoustronic Synthesizer. Bella helps out with the unboxing too. 🥰

00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Unboxing
01:22 - Bella reveals what it is!
03:33 - Bella inspects the box!
05:52 - Demonstration"