"Welcome to the world of breaking down the digital world! Yes, in our music production world, we are proud to record on 24bit and 192kHz to provide pristine audio for music lovers. BUT... as we are, we are keen on crushing things as well, which means that LoFi audio quality is not a side effect of cheap Chinese child toys, but has become a creative tool in today's music creation and post-audio productions! Who could have thought of that in the 80ties when everybody screamed for 16bit instead of 8bit! Yes, humans are creative and many years later the ‘LoFi’ sound sculpting became an art of its own.
Well, LowSane adapts to this creative process and adds some additional creative options like the ‘Disrupt Sphere’ to this world of crushing down the digital bits!
It offers in the audio route a Distortion module, Band Pass / Notch Filter, Lo-Fi section, Hi and low Pass Filters, and a Noise Gate.
These parameters can be controlled by the ‘Disrupt Sphere’, and additionally there is also an Audio Follower which again can control the 'Disrupt Sphere' or any of the other parameters.
Last but not least there is a 2-slot modulation matrix in which you can connect again parameters, or use MIDI to control parameters and also the ‘Disrupt Sphere’. With LowSane you get your bits and pieces together going LoFi!"
"The TR-8S and TR-6S Rhythm Performers continue their sonic evolution with TR-8S v3.0 and TR-6S v2.0 updates. These free upgrades add new instruments and features to the Rhythm Performers, including the legendary Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm and TR-808 Chromatic Bass. Plus, the TR-EDITOR gets a refresh with compact mode for smaller displays.
In this video, you’ll learn about the new enhancements added with the TR-8S v3.0 and TR-6S v2.0 updates:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 CompuRhythm CR-78 ACB Model
05:26 TR-808 Chromatic Bass
The original CR-78 CompuRhythm was launched in 1978 as the first mass-produced programmable rhythm machine. Now, the TR captures that magic with pristine ACB CR sounds, including 14 instruments and original preset patterns, as well as updated advanced patterns to pepper your beats with CR-78 zest. Plus, discover an array of new parameter controls to push the CR-78 into new sonic dimensions.
Tuned 808 basslines are a staple in genres like trap, hip-hop, electro, and other styles of electronic music. The new 808 Chromatic Bass instrument allows you to use motion recording to tune basslines with legit 808 bass sounds directly from the TR-8S and TR-6S—no DAW required.
"NEW FIRMWARE for the TR8S gives us an ACB model of the classic CR-78 in addition to a tuneable 808 kick. Use CTRL to tune by semitones for super easy 808 subs.
The CR78 tones are all tweak able, with decay and tuning plus attack on the kick, snappy on the snare and a metallic clang on the hats.
We also have the original CR78 rhythms... Bossa Nova here we come... :)"
And the press release:
"Free Updates Add an ACB Model of the Classic CR-78 CompuRhythm Drum Machine and a New TR-808 Chromatic Bass Instrument
Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 12, 2023 — Roland announces significant system updates for the popular TR-8S and TR-6S Rhythm Performer products. Available as free downloads, TR-8S Version 3.0 and TR-6S Version 2.0 feature an authentic ACB model of the CR-78 CompuRhythm—an influential Roland rhythm machine from the late 1970s—plus a new TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument for creating basslines. The companion TR-EDITOR app has also been updated with a compact UI option for more efficient operation on smaller displays.
The TR-8S and TR-6S carry on the long-running legacy of Roland rhythm machines, bringing legendary sounds together with the latest technologies and a host of fresh performance tools for today’s musicians, producers, and DJs. These powerful instruments feature authentic models of important TR products from the company’s history, including the TR-808, TR-909, TR-707, TR-727, and TR-606. With the addition of the CR-78 CompuRhythm, the TR-8S and TR-6S now offer the most complete collection of classic Roland rhythm machines available in hardware form.
TR drum machines have driven music culture for decades, forming the backbone of hip-hop, pop, and electronic styles and defining the sound of multiple genres and subgenres. Introduced in 1978, the CR-78 was a direct predecessor of the TR-808 and the first mass-produced programmable rhythm machine. Its distinctive sound has left its own indelible footprint on pop classics from the 1980s and beyond, and it remains highly sought-after in the vintage marketplace.
Brought to life with Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, the CR-78 model offers every sound and nearly all preset patterns from the original analog hardware. It also includes new patterns and advanced sound design capabilities made possible with the modern ACB approach.
Along with the CR-78, the TR-8S and TR-6S updates add a newly developed TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument. The sound of the TR-808 bass drum revolutionized popular music with its deep, rich sub-bass and punchy quality. Clever producers began using samples of this revered instrument to play the sound chromatically, creating a new hybrid voice that fills the role of both kick drum and bass. The TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument puts this ability at the user’s fingertips, allowing them to create tuned basslines with the versatile TR-808 bass drum in the TR-8S and TR-6S.
The free TR-EDITOR for macOS and Windows significantly enhances the workflow of the TR-8S and TR-6S, providing an easy-to-use graphical interface with expanded visual controls and organizational tools. The latest version includes a compact UI option that frees up screen space for using the editor along with other applications on small computer displays.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland TR-8S and TR-6S are available now for $749.99 and $399.99, respectively, in the U.S. The Roland TR-8S, TR-6S, and TR-EDITOR updates are available now for free."
Roger Arrick, the founder of Synthesizers.com, wrote a history of his business. It's a fascinating look at the inception of one of the first modular makers of the new gaurd. You can find the full the full article on his website here. The following are just a few excerpts. I included an interesting bit on an almost stolen system.
"I recently got the ADDAC Vintage Clip, and have been playing with it as an
end of chain drum mix treatment. I have a few other simple stereo distortions and filters and figured I'd listen to them as a group and see which I liked best in the role of 'final drum effect.'
It's not so much a fair comparison as...just a comparison. There are lots of
other modules that could probably serve this purpose just as well, but these are what I have and wanted to listen to. So there you go.
YMMV.
Drums are an SSF Ultra Kick, Prok SN, Prok HH, and WMD Chimera. Sequencer is an Iron Ether Pithoprakta.
"A little 'play test' using my Yamaha WX7 wind controller. Sorry the first segment is in mono, a cable got unplugged. The last portion has the room noise, because the rep wanted to hear it through the speakers (he liked the sounds)."
"Jamsession with the Waldorf Kyra synthesizer and an Elektron Digitakt.
All sounds are from the Kyra. The Digitakt is used as 8 track Midi sequencer with some controllers.
Live recording with mastering.
"TR-909 sounds on the TR-8s, and some analog modeled
goodies to join in with some various Lexicon racks.
As this was undeveloped and very last-minute, I'm marking
it as WIP - many more things I had planned to do... such is
life :-)"
"I have played recognizable, but short pieces of bands/singers that have used the CS80. There is so much more than Vangelis :-) Who will be the first to guess them all"
