"The Oberheim DMX is a classic digital drum machine introduced in 1981 by Oberheim Electronics. It became one of the most iconic drum machines of the early 1980s, particularly influential in hip-hop, electro, and pop music
🔧 Key Features:
12-bit digital samples: The DMX used actual sampled drum sounds stored in EPROM chips, giving it a realistic, punchy character that distinguished it from analog drum machines like the Roland TR-808. Sounds: It included individual samples for kick, snare, hi-hats, toms, cymbals, claps, cowbell, etc. The samples could be swapped out using different EPROMs. 8-voice polyphony: You could play up to 8 drum sounds at once. Individual outputs: Each drum sound had its own output jack, allowing for separate processing and mixing. Swing and quantization: The DMX had adjustable swing, making its grooves feel more human. Tight MIDI sync and clocking: It could sync with other gear via MIDI (on later models), DIN sync, or analog clock pulses. Sequencing: Patterns and songs could be programmed in step or real-time mode, with memory for multiple patterns and songs.
🎧 Sound Character: Punchy and dry, with a distinctive ’80s sheen. The snare and clap are especially famous—used heavily in early rap and electro. It had a more realistic, “studio drummer” feel than analog machines, making it ideal for producers aiming for a more polished sound
This unit has a toggle and button on top and button which we are not sure of the function. Never used it."
"Yocto 2 Rhythm Composer, Roland TR-808 clone. Has all the classic analog sounds of the 808, and adds an additional Boss PC-2 based percussion voice, MIDI, stereo mix out and extra trigger out for triggering your synth’s sequencer - as well as many additional features in the UI, like being able to mute individual sounds.
This one has an extra kick drum decay mod, which means the kick can go super boomy if desired."
"OG Japanese Roland TR-808, fully converted to US voltage and recently serviced to original Roland factory procedure by Retro Pro Audio, with zero hours usage since service.
As bulletproof an 808 as you will find on Reverb today, with Start/Stop and Tap switches now rated to 50 million key presses.
Full servicing details:
Disassembled, visually inspected interior PCBs and wiring. Updated PSU: Converted unit from Japanese 100V to US 120V power. Removed existing transformer, replaced with new transformers. Replaced transformer wiring to PSU PCB. Replaced PSU capacitors with new. Replaced original power cord with new 3-prong grounded IEC power cord. Removed battery holder and cleaned. Replaced batteries. Removed Start/Stop button and Tap buttons. Replaced both with custom 3D-printed button/adapter PCB and mechanical Cherry MX key-switch assemblies for improved performance—each switch rated to 50 million key presses. No more having Start/Stop or Tap buttons fail on you during live performance or while banging the box in the studio. Diagnosed poor maraca sound quality to incorrect voltage level at noise generator. Identified root cause of voltage issue to dirty VR trimmer. Removed trimmer, cleaned and replaced. Adjusted trimmer to recommended level. Removed step switch board. Cleaned module. Four step switches were not triggering smoothly & consistently, Identified a broken step switch actuator, replaced with new. Replaced 4 poorly performing tact switches with new. Improved tactile feel of step switches by raising height of switch actuators. Tested step switch ribbon cable as working properly and cleaned the contacts. Calibrated unit to factory procedure. Cleaned all output & trigger jacks. This is an 808 ready to go the distance with you in the studio and on tour!"
"I got carried away checking out a couple of new modules from SCRAPCODE MODULAR: AXIOM and WONK. What started as a quick initial test and exploration, turned into this full 140bpm set with techno and psytrance vibes.
I'll play the set for a bit, then go over the entire rig, and explain what does what and how it all works together."
1. AXIOM - Euclidean Rhythm Generator - Product Overview
2. AXIOM - 9/8 Jam
3. AXIOM - Long Pattern
AXIOM is a Eurorack module based on the popular concept of the Euclidean Rhythm, where a defined number of HITS is evenly distributed throughout a sequence.
It allows two CV inputs for each if its four lanes – one for the number of HITS in each lane, and a second for either the number of STEPS in each sequence or for an OFFSET to its starting position.
Each sequence can be assigned a different length, causing the rhythms in each lane to move in and out of phase with one another. A pattern of up to 21,840 steps is possible before repeating if the right settings are chosen!*
An internal clock or external CV trigger can be used to progress the sequencer.
AXIOM is available as either a DIY Kit or as a fully assembled product.
For more information please visit www.scrapcode.co.uk
*Hint – use STEPS MODE and set the STEPS values to 13, 14, 15 and 16.
"An overview of the features of WONK by Scrapcode Modular."
00:00 Intro
00:17 Attack-Release Envelopes
00:38 Wonkification
01:21 Hold-Release Envelopes
01:53 Looping Mode
03:05 Jam with Axiom, Moog and 808
04:51 Outro
WONK is a four lane envelope generator with a twist!
Each lane shares the same Attack and Release controls, but these can be further modified by the Wonk parameter:
More Wonk will make the top envelopes longer and the bottom envelopes shorter.
Less Wonk will make the top envelopes shorter and the bottom envelopes longer.
WONK can run in Attack-Release, Hold-Release or Looping modes, and is available fully built or as a DIY kit.
Additional demos:
Ambient Filter Jam - Modular Eurorack Bleeps and Bloops using Doepfer Quad Poly Filter A-105-4
"A little ambient dawless jam exploring the Doepfer Quad Poly Filter (A-105-4) alongside modules from @scrapcodemodular, @behringer and @Dreadbox-synths.
"Single owner and stationary in studio for entire lifetime. The tempo knob is missing, but this can be purchased from spare part suppliers. Installed Kenton retrofit d-sub for MIDI control."
"A piece featuring the TR-808 and DD-6. The parameters and patterns of the TR-808 are manipulated in real-time. The sounds were recorded via individual outputs. The DD-6 is applied to the snare."
"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."
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."
"The legendary Roland TR80*8 up against the *Roland TR-8S and the Behringer RD-8 Looking only at the sounds - or listening to them! - do they come anywhere close?
The TR-8S uses Roland's ACB technology, which is the same as the TR-8, Roland Cloud plugins and the Boutique TR-08 - so this has you covered for all of those. I'm using the RD-8 Mk2 - you cna tell because its got the black buttons, Mk1 had white.
I've gone through all the sounds (forgot the maracas in the demo bit) and showed how they differ. Taking into consideration no 2 808s will be identical I think they both stand up very well to the orginal TR808.
"Wolvap Metal Distortion effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. It can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. Features three EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over a wide range of spectrum.
Wolvap Metal Distortion
This effects pedal is designed using analog circuitry and precision high-quality components. The METAL DISTORTION can produce a wide range of powerful sounds rich in harmonics to achieve distortion with high gain. It features three powerful EQ bands – LOW, MID, HI. The METAL DISTORTION allows you to adjust the sound of your instruments over an extremely broad spectrum.
Main features:
LOW control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the bass frequency range
MID control - provides up to 15dB of cut and boost in the middle frequency range
HI control - provides up to 10dB of cut and boost in the treble frequency range
"Following the Studio Tour Video I made last November, here is an update with recent acquisitions and changes to my workflow in my Studio.
Some highlights are the Moog Messenger, Arturia DrumBrute Impact 1984 Edition, Synido TempoPAD C16, Aly James Lab Vprom 3.0, Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro, Modartt Pianoteq 8 and some Franklin Audio Devices.
The biggest change is in my 2nd Studio where the B Team is kept. I have connected those synths to a Franklin Audio SS-6 Switchable Input Stereo DI which then sends audio to my Universal Audio Volt 476 interface connected to a Macbook Pro Laptop.
You can view the original Studio Tour Video here -"
"1981 Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer - Serial No. 124650
Here it is! What many would call the most famous drum machine of all time. The TR-808 is well known for being the driving force of the hip hop genre and many other electronic genres. It's wonderful set of analog sounds can be heard on countless records and are as popular in today's contemporary culture as ever.
This unit was just serviced and is in perfect working order. The drums all sound incredible, in particular the snare and clap on this model. Unit has a new start/stop and tap switch along with a replaced sequencer board from Syntaur.
Cosmetically it looks perfectly vintage in our opinion. The only real blemish is the white cap on the snare's 'snappy' knob is missing. Fantastic piece of gear all in all!"
"A minimalistic dub-techno piece built from the Roland TR-808, @SequentialLLC Prophet-10, @KORG_INC MS-20, and a noise box, where reverb- and delay-soaked harmonies float over a steady rhythm.
TR-808: Individual outs are used.
Kick: Sent through a BASS DRIVER DI and EQ’d for weight.
Clap: Runs into a MICROCOSM for delay.
Hi-hats & toms: Taken from the main outs and drenched in reverb via a @strymon blueSky.
Prophet-10: Plays simple chords and melodies. The signal first receives delay from a @BOSSinfoglobal DD-6, then deep reverb from a blueSky; additional filtering and reverb are applied later in the DAW.
MS-20: Handles the bass line, recorded through the BASS DRIVER for extra grit.
Noise box: Its output is boosted and modulated by @ChaseBlissAudio GENERATION LOSS MK II, then sent through the @HologramElectronics MICROCOSM for expansive reverb."
I just had my Roland JUNO-60 fixed, so grateful to have this great instrument back in my studio #howardjones #Roland #juno60 #keyboard #humanslib
2. Experimenting with my first Prophet 5 #prophet5 #howardjones #keyboard #synth
3. HoJo x Roland TR-808 drum machine
Revisiting the Roland TR-808 drum machine which used to be a very important part of my one man set up. Can’t believe it still works! #808 #howardjones #80smusic #Hideandseek #equality #boucerightback #alwaysaskingquestions
4. Revisiting the Moog Prodigy
5. Revisiting the Yamaha VL1 Version 2
Revisiting the Yamaha VL1 Version 2 with the breath piece. A very special and unique synth I used on the Perform album #keyboard #yamaha #Vlone #HowardJones
"Bringing you a beat made with the legendary Roland TR-808 — the real deal, no samples, no emulations. Just raw analog power.
All synth sounds come from the iconic Yamaha DX7 — smooth, gritty, and 100% hardware. Nothing virtual here.
This track, “Back Ups on the Way”, is for those moments when Shits hitting the Fan... but you keep pushing. Stay strong. Stay ready. Help is coming.
Much love and respect to everyone listening. 💥
#808 #dx7 #analoggear #hardwarebeat #retrofuture"
"A track built with the Roland TR-808, Buchla Music Easel, and @KORG_INC microKORG S—dub techno sculpted from delay-soaked synth lines and classic drum-machine rhythms.
TR-808: Kick is sent from the individual out through a SANSAMP Bass Driver before recording; all other sounds leave the main out, which runs into a Boss DD-6 for tempo-synced delay.
Music Easel: Generates soft-attack, long-release tones that feed into a @strymon NIGHTSKY for reverb and filter sweeps.
microKORG S: Plays a MIDI-sequenced phrase with its onboard delay, while additional notes are overdubbed live."
"This is a really nice one considering its age. No dents, scratches, or other damages. Recently serviced by the best analog service in the Netherlands. It has the pitch mod (using the fine potentiometer) and the Kenton MIDI kit installed on the sync port. The sync port can still be used for DIN sync, but can now also receive MIDI. Supports both MIDI sync and MIDI notes, now with velocity sensitivity as well! Compatible with other Roland drum machines—just plug in a MIDI cable and start playing. All original functions still operate as intended, and the modifications can be fully reversed if desired. No holes have been drilled. The power supply has been converted to 220 volts. All potentiometers and switches are new."
Sort of reminds me of 'Goodbye Horses' by Q Lazzarus. The Synthesizers.com Q173 Gate Math has been very underutilized, so it’s been moved, and this was the first time I used it on the Metasonix D-2000. ALM Pamela’s New Workout is driving the Q173, which is triggering the D-2000. The D-2000 mix output runs through the Intellijel Passive LPG, which is controlled by the MFB dual ADSR, which is driven by Pamela’s. A copy of the Intellijel LPG runs through the Peavey 1300 delay, panned left, with gates reverb from the Alesis MIDIVERB II. The bass drum is from the Birdkids Unicorn Boom, triggered by Pamela’s, and limited by the MXR 136. The high pitched 16th note claves that sound like crickets are from the DSP 808, modulated by the MFB dual ADSR. The snare is from the Roland TR-606, processed by the Ace Tone MP-4 spring reverb. The hi hat is also from the TR-606, processed by a reversed reverb from the MIDIVERB II. The synth line is the Synthetic Sound Labs 1660 audio out through two Zerosum Inertia 6550-99 oscillators through the STG muSonics Vanilla Envelope and the Oakley ADSR/VCA, with additional modulation from the CorSynth C102 VC LFO."
"The Oberheim DMX is a classic digital drum machine introduced in 1981 by Oberheim Electronics. It became one of the most iconic drum machines of the early 1980s, particularly influential in hip-hop, electro, and pop music
