Behringer RD-9 [User Review] Rhythm Designer Analog Drum Machine

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio and Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2021

Today I am giving a user review of the new Behringer RD-9 Analog Drum Machine.
The RD-9 is an affordable re-issue of the Roland TR-909 all-analog circuitry.
With some updated functionality.
This is not another typical audio comparison video, nor tutorial.
How does it sound?
Whats the design, construction quality and workflow like?
Do I like the features?
How does it compare to other analog drum machines currently available?
I'll break it all down for you right here, right now.

0:00 Introduction
0:42 Build Quality + Connections Overview
2:52 Sounds + Features Overview
6:25 Other Similar Drum Machines
7:25 Summary of Final Thoughts

Recorded direct to Tascam DR-05."

Roland Juno 6 Analogue Synthesizer Demo Doodle - No Talking!

video by T O N E L A B

"In this demo we take a look at a classic analogue synth from 1982... The Roland Juno 6, a rich sounding, yet basic synth.. a very modest single oscillator one may agree. 6-note polyphony, no MIDI, no USB (well.. it IS from 1982!), no saving of sounds.. you're lucky you get 61 keys with it! ..however, there is an External Clock-input... which provides the on-board 'Arpeggiator' with a single note 'trigger' from an external device such as the Roland TR-808 or TR-909... or, alternatively.. something more modern like a MultiClock from E-RM.

This demo was taken from the end of my full Juno 6 tutorial here: [below]

Index:
0:00 Noodle-oh-uno
3:10 Doodle-Dos
6:25 ThreeJ
11:34 Juno that?"

Learn how to use a Roland Juno 6 Synthesizer + synth demo noodling

video by T O N E L A B

"In this demo we take a look at a classic analogue synth from 1982... The Roland Juno 6, a rich sounding, yet basic synth.. a very modest single oscillator one may agree. 6-note polyphony, no MIDI, no USB (well.. it IS from 1982!), no saving of sounds.. you're lucky you get 61 keys with it! ..however, there is an External Clock-input... which provides the on-board 'Arpeggiator' with a single note 'trigger' from an external device such as the Roland TR-808 or TR-909... or, alternatively.. something more modern like a MultiClock from E-RM.

First half of this demo is a virtual 'walk-thru' of the features.. or 'view-torial' if you prefer?! ...then the 2nd half is some 'noodling' around with the Valhalla Shimmer Reverb for added 'drama'.. which gives the Juno 6 a very 'Blade Runner' esque... frothy sound and feel."

Behringer's RD9 TR-909 Clone Finally Ships

This one was a long time coming. You could have picked up a prototype back in July of 2020 here.

"RD-9 is now finally shipping. We're sorry that it has taken much longer than we had anticipated but Covid plus the current global supply chain challenges didn't make it easier.

Compared to the earlier version, the RD-9 has been completely redesigned with many new features added. We're very proud of the RD-9 and can't wait to hear all your feedback.

We also like to thank the many wonderful beta testers who helped us with valuable feature suggestions and to ensure the product is now in perfect shape.

Please be aware that it'll take some time to fill the huge backorders we have on hand. Thank you for all your patience and support."

Lets create trance like we're back in the 90's (Yamaha CS1x,TR-909,Dexed, SH-101,JV-1080,Korg M1)

video by Estuera

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child, and by extension the other Estuera posts featured on the site. :)

"The first part of a series were I'll have some fun creating a track that's typical for a specific time frame. In part one I'll create a trance track as you would have heard them in the clubs in the late 90's.

In the video I'm using my old battle scarred Yamaha CS1x, Dexed, Super 7, the Roland SH-101, JV-1080 and TR-909 plugins and last but not least the Korg M1.

Chapters
0:00​ Intro
0:20​ Creating the track
7:47​ The finished track"

And one with only the CS1x:

More late 90's trance with the Yamaha CS1x
"There are many blue 90's synths, but this one is mine. Lets see what the CS1x can still do and create a full late 90's trance track using this synth as only sound source.

It may not be a Roland JP8000 or a Novation Supernova but this blue beauty still deserves a spot in my studio in 2021 !

Chapters:

0:00​ Intro
1:32​ Lead
2:30​ "Strynx"
3:23​ Beats and Bassline
5:25​ Arpeggios
6:16​ Pads
8:49​ The finished track"

Korg M1: Beyond the presets

video by Estuera

"The Korg M1 is famous for its classic piano, organ and pad presets. But there's way more to this synth than these sounds. In this video I'll give an overview of the synthesis possibilities and show of some brand new patches I created that are ready to be used in new productions."

Lets create M1 house like we're back in the 90's (Korg M1)
video by Estuera

"I'm in the process of patching up an old Korg M1 I recently acquired. What better way to test drive than creating some classic house using the famous piano and organ patches. I even threw in some of its drums.

Next to the Korg M1 I used the Roland cloud TR-909. The Arturia DX7 and Stage V and some old school vocal samples.

Chapters
0:00​ Intro
0:32​ Creating the track
6:42​ The finished track"

TR-909 vs RE-909 EP1 - Sunshine Jones' 909

autoy

"I will be comparing in a series of videos my RE-909 build to various TR-909 machines. Thanks to Sunshine Jones for providing a few patterns to serve as a benchmark."

DinSync RE-909 posts

International House of Baguettes - A Supercritical Neutron Flux Piece

Supercritical Synthesizers

"We’re working on the yellow and green bank of characters (which can be used for the user downloadable characters in the future) to be released as a firmware update. We’re creating characters that aren’t that classic/traditional or go really overboard. One of these ideas was this phaser-y character which can be used in stereo.

This character was inspired by Jean-Michel Jarre and his Eminent 310 sounds with the EHX Small Stone phaser. JMJ is one of our biggest heroes and a huge influence on the Supercritical sound.

The stereo control is heavily featured in this one. The zero point of the stereo control was moved in the middle in the later stages of development. Thankfully so! It can be used in many ways: tuning the oscillator cores, doing stereo tremolo stuff and here, doing this sweeping stereo phaser-like animation. In some characters we might make it do something very weird. Let’s see.

The pad is done with the DCO, the drums are 909 samples and the bass is from Logic Retro Synth. Of course we have to do some cheesy sidechaining because why not!

- Heikki | SC"

Yesss it's Alive !!! 🤪 The RE-909 Replica of TR909 #RE909 #TR909 #Replica #Drummachine #Electronics

Danny

"Yesss it's Alive !!! 🤪 The RE-909 , now waiting for the knobs and case .... 😁 thx to all who has made this project possible !
#RE909 #TR909 #Replica #Drummachine #Electronics #DIY #Dinsync"

The Dinsync RE-909 was first shared on the site back in June.

Roland TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"I have decided to sell my last pieces of vintage gear, 303, 808 and 909.Here is a perfect condition TB303.It has been retrofired with the QS303 CPU which is imo the best non sound altering mod you can have :

Total midi control, USB, live programming and more ...

I've also replaced all red leds by blue ones (they're supposed to reduce the noise floor compared to red ones)
Included is a black Roland faux-leather bag !

I am selling it with an assortment of spare parts :All the potentiometers, one knob, red leds, 2 complete switchboards, the original CPU and so on !"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Fact Live: Paranoid London

FACTmagazine

"The third in our new series of live sessions filmed behind closed doors by Fact at 180 The Strand is a cathartic set of raw acid house and techno from Paranoid London, the hardware-heavy project of Quinn Whalley and Gerardo Delgado.

When Paranoid London first emerged in 2007, their music provided a gritty counterpoint to the European minimal sounds and disco edits that proliferated at the time, and their vinyl-only releases gained them underground success at a time when the format was in decline.

In the 13 years since, the project has been host to a rotating cast of guest vocalists, including A Certain Ratio’s Simon Topping, Arthur Baker, Josh Caffe and the late trans activist and DJ, Bubbles Bubblesynski. On this performance they’re joined by regular collaborator Mutado Pintado with visuals by Bob Jaroc.

Classic drum machines and synths such as the Roland TR-808, TR-909 and SH-101 lie at the heart of their setup, with acid lines provided by the Cyclone Analogic TT-303 Bass Bot. Effects come from a host of cheap Korg Monotron Delay units, which slather vocals and synths in a grimy echo.

Paranoid London’s latest album, 2019’s PL, is available now. You can find the rest of their catalogue, including their ongoing series of edits, at Bandcamp."

Patch Notes: Minimal Violence

FACTmagazine

"Minimal Violence are Ash Luk and Lida P, a Vancouver duo who make raw, hardware-based techno with shades of industrial and ’90s trance. Since emerging in 2015 they’ve appeared on labels such as Technicolour, Lobster Theremin and Berlin institution Tresor, which this year released the first in a three-part EP series.

On this episode of Patch Notes, Ash offers an early preview of Minimal Violence’s new live direction with a solo live set from their studio. 'What I’m using here is mostly what we would use for our live set with a few additions,' Ash says.

'MPC1000 at the helm of everything, sequencing the kick, breaks, synths and other sounds. The MPC is the key point of construction for moving from track to track in the set, it allows for the flexibility of bringing different parts in and out but still provides some structure as to different pre-selected segments available per section.

'The 707, 606 and 909 are all synced via the MPC but programmed externally so allow for some more fluidity throughout the live sets. The Moog DFAM is a new addition to add more texture to employ in parts to flow when moving from track to track. Additionally the DFAM is sending out a VCA to the modular to rhythmically change the texture and pan of the effects.

'For external effects we have our modular setup on one send and the OTO BIM delay on the other. We’re only starting to tap into the world of modular I but want to continue integrating it into the live setup, the focus is on employing the modular setup to process external signals to create and modulate otherwise unimaginable effects that bring in their own creative flow to the mix.

Phase Two of their three-EP series is planned to drop before the end of year on Tresor. Phase One is available now and you can find the rest of their catalogue on Bandcamp.

https://soundcloud.com/minimalviolence
https://tresorberlin.bandcamp.com
https://minimalviolence.bandcamp.com"

QUASIMIDI TECHNOX

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

via this auction

"The Technox was something of a follow-up to Quasimidi's first rack-mountable synth, the "MASS" engine Quasar. The Quasar was a do-it-all multitimbral unit that was quite powerful, but had a rather lacking overall sound. The single-unit-high silver-clad Technox is a vast improvement based upon the Raven engine, though it's still a mid-90s ROMpler and so playing many sounds at the highest or lowest octaves brings out tell-tale artifacts.

But what are those sounds? Well the phrase "techno rave electronic" on the fascia would probably hint at what one would find, and indeed the presets are utterly 90's techno, rave, IDM, electronica goodness from every pore. Lots of pretty solid basses, rave leads, hooverish sounds, acid squeals, spacey pads and some great drum kits. The latter includes full sets of TR-808, 909 and 606 hits. There are 512 presets, which for a 1995 synth wasn't bad!

Whereas the Quasar excelled at providing a ton of bread-and-butter sounds, the Technox is oriented towards dance musicians. To this end, a sequencer is also included which can address up to 16 MIDI parts. Each part has its own level, pan and effects send, and much more besides. There's a lot of good stuff here for darker and ambient genres!

There's stereo outs, full MIDI In/Out/Thru and a foot switch jack. The Technox's greatest asset, ultimately, is its 16-part multitimbrality. Channel 10 is fixed to addressing drums, but the other 15 channels can go where you want.

There's a ton of good sounds in the Technox, and it is still very useable in many electronic music genres. They're not easy to find but definitely worth a listen!

The 512 sounds are divided into 4 banks."

Roland Juno 6 analogue synth demo with Arpeggiator & Chorus

Damo's Demos

"In this demo we take a look at a classic piece of nostalgia from 1982... The Roland Juno 6, a rich sounding, yet basic synth.. a very modest single oscillator one may agree. 6-note polyphony, no MIDI, no USB (well it IS from '82!), no saving of sounds.. you're lucky you get 61 keys with it! ..however, there is an External Clock-input... which provides the on-board 'Arpeggiator' with a single note 'trigger' from an external device such as the Roland TR-808 or TR-909... or, alternatively.. something more modern like a MultiClock from E-RM.

First half of this demo is a virtual 'walk-thru' of the features.. or 'view-torial' if you prefer?! ...then the 2nd half is some 'noodling' around with the Valhalla Shimmer Reverb for added 'drama'.. which gives the Juno 6 a very 'Blade Runner' esque... frothy sound and feel.

Short-cut index:
16:25 Skip to the noodle

Shout outs:
Michael 'Mixa' O'Connell for soothing my 'flat-liner' vocal track
Tom Blachford for lighting and camera tricks & tips"

Classic Roland Synthesizer: JX-3P and PG200 Demonstration with Roland Jupiter 8 Filter

Electric Cafe

Lots of recognizable riffs in this one. See how many you can recognize. There's no mention of the Jupiter-8 filter. I was curious so I looked it up. See below.

"This video showcases the often overlooked Roland JX-3P classic synthesizer from 1983. It was the first Roland synthesizer to leave the factory with MIDI installed and for quite a lot of money you could buy the PG200 to make sounds more conveniently. With a TR-808, TR-909 hooked up to the onboard sequencer you could make some classic techno, house, trance or any other style of electronic music. The JX-03 Boutique copy was supposed to replace the original for those who didn't want the larger older unit but the sounds are not exactly the same and only four note polyphony it is more limited. The 3P may not have the raw power of the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 but it does have a sound that's definitely professional and powerful enough on any track. Moog, Oberheim, ARP, and other synthesizer manufacturers might have the bottom end you need for some music but the JX-3P is a very underrated machine."

RE the Jupiter-8 filter via Wikipedia: "The VCF was based on the custom Roland IR3109 IC (also used in the filter circuits of the Jupiter-6, later Jupiter-4 and Promars units, MKS-80 rev 4, Juno-6/Juno-60/Juno-106, SH-101, MC-202, JX-3P and packaged in the 80017a chip used in the Juno-106 and MKS-30, among others)."

Interesting. They all sound significantly different though... I owned most of these and the JX-3P seemed to have the most unique sound of the lot. It just has a different character about it.

Two New Roland TR-909 Clones

It looks like two new TR-909 clones are in the works. First we have the RE-909 from Din Sync:

View this post on Instagram

Ok you have to see it first and here we have the RE-909

A post shared by Paul Barker (@dinsync) on Jun 4, 2020 at 12:01pm PDT

Next we have the SR-909 from Steda Electronics. Note this is the first post to feature Steda.

View this post on Instagram

909 replica prototype Step Mode test #hardwaresequencer #tr909 #tr9090 #909 #synthdiy #diysynthesizers #diysynthesizer #909kick #notnava #electronicmusic #electronicdrums #drummachine #technomachines #housebeats #vintagedrummachine #classicdrummachine #re303

A post shared by Steda Electronics (@stedaelectronics) on Mar 17, 2020 at 10:27am PDT

d

View this post on Instagram

909 sequencer board is ready for testing. More news soon! #hardwaresequencer #tr909 #tr9090 #909 #synthdiy #diysynthesizers #diysynthesizer #909kick #notnava #electronicmusic #electronicdrums #drummachine #technomachines #housebeats #vintagedrummachine #classicdrummachine

A post shared by Steda Electronics (@stedaelectronics) on Feb 8, 2020 at 2:02am PST

New Limited Edition BLUEPRINT Poster from SYNTH EVOLUTION

You might remember the original poster from SYNTH EVOLUTION posted back in 2018.

Oli of SYNTH EVOLUTION, wrote in to let us know he has a new edition of the poster. Details:

"It’s a silk-screened print on high grade paper in the brand new colour of blueprint blue. I’ve only made 30 hand-numbered prints and they really are gorgeous and a joy to look at! All the facts about 99 of the best synths of 20th century, designed to be a talking point for any studio or home.

At a limited price for £30 ($36) till Sun 19th, now’s the time to grab one!"

More details and buy online at www.synthevolution.net"

"Synth Evolution are proud to announce the launch of this gorgeous, updated, ‘blueprint blue’ edition of Synths Greatest Hits.

For a limited time, you could own one of thirty limited edition, hand numbered, prints. Silkscreened onto high quality 270gsm paper, this is a treat for the eyes as well as the synth-obsessed brain!

The poster is an intricately researched and painstakingly designed A1 poster featuring exactly 99 of the most iconic, important and interesting synths of the 20th century.

Featuring the same illustration style as the original A0 Synth Evolution poster, it now includes a selection of drum machines such as the Roland TR-808, TR-909, LinnDrum and samplers such as the NED Synclavier II, Fairlight CMI, Akai S1000 and Ensoniq Mirage.

Each synth is accompanied by a short description explaining it’s importance - for example how the Arp 2600 was used for the voice of R2D2, or that the Eminent 310 was the string sound used by Jean-Michel Jarre on Equinoxe I. Not only that, but the synthesis type is indicated, along with maximum polyphony and numbers of oscillators per voice.

All-in-all, it is a cornucopia of information and connections, guaranteed to keep any synth fan occupied for hours, and will provide a fascinating talking point for the studio or home.

A1 Blue poster with white print 54.9 x 84.1cms (23.4” x 33.1”) on 270gsm paper

A Limited edition of 30 - once they’re gone, they’re gone!"

An Update on Behringer's Upcoming RD-909 - Roland TR-909 Clone

"RD-9 Update from Uli.

Hi everyone, we like to give you some feedback related to the RD-9. Since the launch of our RD-8, we listened to you and spent quite some time to further improve the unit, which resulted in multiple firmware releases.

We're now putting our focus on the RD-9, which shares much of the same firmware. We have also taken the opportunity to completely review the hardware to ensure we do everything we can to ship a high quality product.

We don't have a shipping date for now, but we're making good progress as we're fully focusing on the RD-9. As soon as we have more updates, we'll let you know.

Thank you for your patience and support.

Uli"

Roland Introduces New MC-101 & MC-707 Groveboxes

Published on Sep 5, 2019 RolandChannel

Playlist:
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX for Live Electronic Music Producers and Production
Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX for Beatmakers and Mobile Producers
Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX: Overview
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Overview
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Performance
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Production
Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX: Sound

ROLAND MC707 User Videos


Playlist:
ROLAND MC707 IN-DEPTH REVIEW - BoBeats
Roland MC-707: Unboxing & Playing - Doctor Mix
Roland MC707 Groovebox - Hands On - Future Music Magazine
Roland MC707 Groovebox | Roland 1909 Launches - sonicstate
1st test with the Drum Machine part of the Roland MC 707 - Sound Provider


"The Roland MC-707 GROOVEBOX has everything electronic music producers need to create a song or perform a live set without a computer. The MC-707 is armed with an eight-track sequencer optimized for fluid production, our latest deep synthesis engine, a powerful sampler, massive effects palette and 16 ultra-sensitive pads for playing or sequencing drum parts, melodic basslines, or polyphonic chord progressions.

The MC-707’s eight-track sequencer is made for today's electronic-focused music styles and ever-evolving subgenres. The TR-REC step sequencer is just like those found on classic Roland drum machines, perfect for building rhythm parts quickly. There are also 16 ultra-sensitive pads for playing or sequencing drum parts, melodic basslines, or polyphonic chord progressions.

The MC-707 features our latest sound engine, which fuses virtual analog and modern PCM. It’s flexible, powerful, and lets you dig deep into its sonic capabilities. It has the sounds of legendary Roland rhythm machines and synthesizers that are the foundation of electronic music—including the TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, JUNO-106, and SH-101. But the MC-707 also looks forward, with modern digital and hybrid sounds perfect for creating future classics—today.

In addition to its deep synthesis engine, the MC-707 has a powerful sampler with on-the-fly recording that synchronizes to your project's tempo and works as an updateable and expandable platform that never gets stale. Keep things fresh with new loops, one-shots, phrases, and synth sounds—all available online."


"The Roland MC-101 GROOVEBOX combines premium-quality synthesizer and drum sounds, samples, patterns and effects in a compact four-track sequencer that’s go-everywhere portable. Create whenever, and wherever, inspiration strikes with this pocket production studio and add performance-ready tracks to your DAWless or compact synthesizer setup.

The MC-101 has a four-track sequencer optimized for beatmakers, producers and mobile music makers creating today's electronic and dance-oriented music. You can use the 16 ultra-sensitive RGB pads to create drum, bass, and synthesizer patterns and create your own original music. It's your musical playground, where you can freely combine loops and one-shots with melodic phrases including your own imported audio recordings and MIDI sequences. Compose and trigger clips, rearrange, re-sample, record your knob movements, and more.

On top of that, add the Roland sounds that have defined electronic and dance genres for over forty years. Legendary instruments like the TR-808, TR-909, JUNO-106 and SH-101 are all here, ready to replicate classic sounds or be combined, tweaked, and processed into entirely new sounds.

With the MC-101's massive effects palette, your music sounds polished and fully-produced. Each track has independent effects processors with a huge number of variations. The lush chorus brings depth to pads and other synth sounds. Delays and reverbs create evocative spaces and add movement to delicate sequences. Overdrive, distortion, and amp simulation add grit and intensity to synths, guitars, drums and more. You can also run your entire mix through master effects like filters, bit-crushers and a master bus compressor that glues it all together with punch and clarity."

Recording Dark Techno Clap through Roland Re-201 Space Echo Tape delay.

Published on Aug 26, 2019 Sound Provider

"In this video Leonard de Leonard is recording a clap through his vintage Roland Re 201 Space Echo Analog Tape delay during the mix of one of his future Techno release for is duo with La Fraicheur.
The original clap have already a lot of reverb , even if he add even more with the Spring reverb of the Space Echo.
Feel free to check Sound Provider website if you want more info about Mix / Mastering service or our soundbank https://www.sound-provider.eu"

Simmons SDSV on top, but the sample is actually coming form a heavily processed Roland TR-909.

New Analog Mafia RC-808 from Roland's "Mid-O Series" Developers and the "Failed" Roland TR-808

Published on Aug 8, 2019 藤本健

Update: demo above spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

This post is a bit of a doozy so bear with me. :)

First we have a new software model of the TR-808 from the original developers of the 808:

"The RC-808 'Re-Create the 808' emulates the original TR-808 sound with analog manner synthesis. As the name implies, it is with respect to the original 808 sounds which is a criterion for sound synthesis as a vintage. Starting from this criterion, explore the multiverse of sounds, stretch out your vectors, to find out new criterion of your own. Yes, it can take you to the new sonic worlds that are completely different and yet so close and familiar to you.
Hence it is not a drum machine but is a drum synthesizer. No samples nor effects processing are being used, just genuine synthesis only, all in analog manner.

The sound source employs DCO which is in this case Down Chirp Oscillator, combined with a noise source that outputs various kinds of noises including metallic noises. There is also a infinite point wave shaper, a variable filter bank, infinite point envelope generators etc. With maximum 8 partials per voice, it allows sound designing in subtractive synthesis manner which is familiar to all and yet still with vast space beckoning to be discovered.
Thanks to this flexible architecture, all instruments can have Open and Close variations just like Hi-Hats or cymbal choke performance. Coupled with piano-roll sequencer utility this brings new expressions with gate time programming, that you don’t see on a drum sequencer..."

You can download the Windows version here. A Mac version is coming.

Second, the following is some info on the people behind the RC-808 (pictured above) via Vector808:

"We the Analog Mafia, lead by Tadao Kikumoto, is the original R&D staffs who developed the Mid-O Series from Roland Corporation. We would like to express full gratitude and respect to all the people who were in Roland, and supported us at that time.

In above photo, from left to right, we the Analog Mafia are:
Jun-ichi Kadoya: Roland 1977 - 1983, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is a programmer
Hisanori Matsuoka: Roland 1979 - 1995, Mid-O Series software / hardware engineer, still is an engineer
Kyokazu Fujiwara: Roland 1978 - 1981, Mid-O Series sound source, now a general manager of a software maker
Tadao Kikumoto: Roland 1977 - 2009, Mid-O and V-Series R&D, now Silent Street Music concept maker and promotion
Yoshiro O-e: Roland 1978 - 1988, System-700 and Mid-O Series R&D, now operating a chemical company

Also are:
Hiro Nakamura: Roland 1975 - 2000, CR-68, CR-78, TR-808 sound sources, engineer
Atsushi Hoshiai: Roland 1982 - present, sampling for TR-909, engineer

We all are still analog manias ;)

Because we are independent from Roland Corporation, they nor we can not answer to any kind of inquiries about us and our deliverables including this website. Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation for everything.

Tadao Kikumoto is currently also working busy on another equally innovative project, called SSM - Silent Street Music. It is multi-channel concurrent streaming and listening technology that allows zapping through multiple music or lecture sources instantly. Join us on its exclusive introduction website (at the moment the website is only in Japanese language)"

Third, vector808 has a fascinating historical account covering the development of the Roland TR-808 starting with the x0x series, or as the original Roland developers referred to them, "The Mid-O" series. The following are three excerpts followed by a link to the full article. Note how they perceived the TR-808 was a failure compared to the LinnDrum in the second excerpt.

One:

"The Beginning
In 1983, a number of instruments were released with MIDI, the standard that I was involved in. After the tough times with all the difficulties of development, Roland launched the TR-909 the successor model of TR-808. Yamaha made debut of the ground breaking DX7, a serious digital synthesizer and again with MIDI. It was the opening of the new chapter in the electronic musical instruments, the dawn of full digital synthesis.

Roland then was still a new emerging enterprise, and did not have enough resources to pursue digital technology. To combat the situation, the Fundamental Research and Development Department was established."

Two:

"To meet the low target price, I employed oscillation technique of pulse wave modulating the simple T-network bandpass filter. By short circuiting the resistors in the T-type network for the certain initial duration with transistors, it was possible to raise the frequency. This allowed us to enforce the attack sound compared with conventional rhythm boxes.

But the initial reputation of the 808 was nothing but crippled as it was compared with the Linn products. Furthermore, the sound had insufficient impact or punch at the beginning, which resulted to have pronounced fundamental frequency 60 Hz. But then again, it was this prominent fundamental which attracted the attention of later time hip-hop and EDM artists, and they gave a name to it as “Deep Decay”. This led to the rediscovery of Mid-O Series. The long decay sound was made possible by decay parameter that I added to show at least as a sign or as an evidence of the 808 being a synthesizer. Even inside the company this was regarded as going too far, but later it became one of vital identities of the 808.“

Three:

"If you liken it in the picture art world, the TR-808 sounds are simple line drawings and illustrations so to speak. It puts more weight on showing essence simply rather than realistic photography. The traditional painting of Japan known as Ukiyo-e is a pictorial method and manner that is primarily made of outlines derived from specification of printing and paints. This manner has its own limits, and hence is a vector of criterion. Katsushika-Hokusai, famous for his Mr Fuji pictures, created The Great Wave off Kanagawa（神奈川南沖浪浦 Kanagawa Minami Oki Nami Ura）. In that piece of work, he threw off the photographic details into abstraction that boldly enhanced the great waves by outlines, and made contrast with a pointed Mt Fuji. This manner derived from its own limits is something impossible with realistic paintings that put priorities on details.
The inventor of the bass drum must have done trial and errors like enlarging the diameter or making the membrane thicker to produce fat low sound. Large portion of the beater strike energy to the skin however must have been consumed by uneven fractional vibration or parasite vibrations, resulting unwanted muddy sound. Also, the drummer spends a long time doing a lot of work on damping with blankets and else in order to suppress the unnecessary resonance with the body or with other drums. But once adequately used, this dirt will become important part of the sound, its identity, reality, and criterion.

The TR-808 bass drum was without the reality of the drums but was like an enhanced great wave depicted in the Hokusai’s picture. It is with abstraction of the details, but then again, also with dynamic and ideal low sound. It lacks with the attack impact and the release decay of sampling drum reality, but the artists chose its ideality."

You can find the full article here: https://vector808.jimdofree.com/home/episodes-of-the-mid-o-series/.

P.S. Not sure if the brand is Analog Mafia, vector808 or both. Giving this post both labels below.