Roland TR-808 with MIDI Mod and Original Box

via this auction
"This Roland Tr-808 has built in Kenton Midi, including midi in, out and thru. It allows you to start the Tr-808 sequences externally along with triggering the Tr-808 sounds externally. It also lets you use the TR-808 and a midi to din sync converter, allowing you to start a tb-303, tr-909 or other din sync machine going through the midi from the Tr-808.

This Tr-808 also comes with all the original materials, including
ORIGINAL BOX
Original Quick Sheet Card
Original Manual
Original Introduction Manual."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland TR-808 WITH BUILT IN MIDI

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

via this auction
This is the one in this video.

"Roland TR-808 that has been professionally upgraded with an internal MIDI interface! No bulky ugly outboard MIDI interface box with a nasty wall wart power supply. The MIDI interface installed is simply tacked onto the circuit. There has been no invasive cutting of the circuit board, and if you want to, the MIDI interface can be easily removed and the drum machine can be set right back to stock condition. The MIDI instalation was completely non-destructive. Look at the pictures to see what the interface looks like. Included is the original switch with it's cable if you want to set it back to stock...

"This tr-808 sounds excellent, and with the built in MIDI interface it is easier than ever to sync up to a computer. I have been syncing it up to Ableton Live and it is rock solid, and sounds so good. The sync switch has been replaced with a three position switch, and all you have to do is set it to the middle position for MIDI to be implemented. It's very easy to turn MIDI on. With the MIDI interface you can start/stop the internal sequencer of the tr-808 from your computer sequencer, AND you can trigger all the individual sounds on a keyboard at the same time while it's running! You can also use the TR-808 as a sound module if you don't want to use it's built in sequencer. If you want to use the TR-808 in DIN sync mode all you have to do is simply switch it to input or output in the back. This is by far the best MIDI interface available for the TR-808, and it has been very well engineered. You can change the MIDI parameters through SYSEX commands, and it is easy to do. Included are all the MIDI manuals, a CD along with a MIDI cable that came with the kit...

MIDI kit link"

Pics of the inside below.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Announces the TR-8S Rhythm Performer - A TR-8 w/ Samples

Published on Mar 4, 2018

Roland has announced a new TR-8 with sample playback and sample import (no live sampling), available this month for $699 / €699 (with VAT). Note the included classic TR engines are still ACB modeled and not sample based. You can mix and match kits. Details follow.

Playlist:
Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer [Performance by Maika Loubté]
Roland TR-8S: Overview
Roland TR-8S: Sound Design
Roland TR-8S: Sequencing
Roland Aira TR-8S Sampler quick workflow with custom sample Demo by Sound Provider

"Introducing the Roland AIRA TR-8S: Rhythm Performer Meets Sound Designer.

The performance-tuned TR-8S combines stereo sample playback with iconic Roland TR- drum sounds and deep editing parameters to allow you to craft your dream drum kits. New sequencer, motion-recording, and increased variations, effects, and outputs are some of the features that have evolved the TR- drum machine to set a new standard in sound design and live performance."

"Born of the most famous and influential drum machines ever made, the TR-8S combines the best of its Roland heritage with modern production techniques and professional sound design.
The result? A forward-thinking, performance-tuned instrument unlike any other. Build your dream kit from the most iconic drum sounds of all time,
plus the finest selection of samples from our vast library—or import your own custom samples. Tap, tune, and tweak with hands-on controls and production tools that make your patterns move and groove. And why keep this kind of percussive power confined to the studio? The TR-8S was literally made to play live.

Design Kits with Authentic TR Drums,Sampled Sounds, and Effects

The TR-8S comes loaded with the largest, most authentic collection of TR drum machines available. The powerful new processor gives our next-generation ACB models a whole new level of detail and nuance, giving you that classic Roland boom, snap, and sizzle. And now you can incorporate preset and custom samples, creating unique hybrid and layered kits, and enhance them with specialized effects that inject professional sound design into the TR formula.

Transistor Rhythms

The TR-8S has every sound from the most sought-after TR drum machines, with detailed circuit-models of the 808, 606, 909, 707, 727, and even several modified versions. These are not sound-alike sample-packs or mere recordings of TR drum sounds. Each machine is a detailed, down-to-the-circuit-model that sounds and behaves exactly like the original hardware. All these sounds are yours, at your fingertips, and ready to use in your own productions and performances.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Roland TR-808: From Music Legends to the New Generation

Published on Aug 7, 2018 RolandChannel

"Originators, Producers and DJs including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Juan Atkins, Marley Marl, Nadus, and Shy Boogs all share personal memories and stories of the Roland TR-808 and what the 808 sound means to them."

2nd video: Thomas Dolby Remembers the Roland TR-808
"808 The Movie Executive Producer Alex Noyer reflects on making the critically acclaimed film which documents the musical and cultural impact of the Roland TR-808."

Adidas TR 808 Disturb the Peace - Free Roland TR-808 Sounds, Loops and Drum Kits

Published on May 5, 2017 SOUNDTRACK LOOPS

via http://neelyanddaughters.com/portfolio-posts/neely-air-mi-adidas-roland-tr-808/

"When given the opportunity to develop our custom concept/prototype for Mi Adidas, Neely & Daughters Chief Creative Officer Margo Neely popped and locked at the chance to create the TR-808 — inspired by the famous Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, break dance culture, and “808” (police code for “disturbing the peace.”) Not only do these kicks look fierce, but brace yourself: They actually. make. beats. The shoes are equipped with volume control and six different pre-programmed settings so you can recreate your favorite scenes from Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo in your mom and dad’s kitchen on a broke down cardboard box from Costco.


Download this free soundset here: https://soundtrackloops.com"

Roland Introduce DJ-505 Serato DJ Controller w/ Built in Kits

Published on Dec 15, 2017

"The Roland DJ-505 is a forward-thinking DJ controller that blends the advanced performance capabilities of Serato DJ with the legendary sounds and sequencing of Roland’s TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines. The DJ-505 gives you the tools to not only mix music as a DJ but also to create beats and rhythms on the fly that sync to your tracks, enabling the creation of unique transitions, live remixes, beefed-up classics, or your own original music."

"The Roland DJ-505 is a two-channel, four-deck Serato DJ controller that blends the advanced performance capabilities of Serato DJ with the legendary sounds and sequencing of Roland’s TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606* drum machines. The DJ-505 gives you the tools to move beyond mixing music to creating beats and rhythms on the fly that sync to your Serato DJ tracks, enabling the creation of unique transitions, live remixes, beefed-up classic tracks, or your own original music.

Like the flagship DJ-808 and compact DJ-202 controllers, the DJ-505 is a powerful and inspiring instrument that allows unparalleled flexibility to DJ, remix, and produce, empowering exciting new approaches to music performance. And with its standalone mixer functionality, narrow footprint, and Serato DVS upgrade path, the DJ-505 is an ideal controller to pair with turntables or CD players

Two channels and Deck Select for up to four decks
Large, low-latency platters optimized for scratching
Eight dedicated pad controls for Serato DJ with Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer, TR, Pattern, and Sampler modes
Built-in, fully editable drum kits from Roland’s legendary TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606*, realized with advanced ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology
TR kits contain eight sounds–Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Closed Hat, Open Hat, Tom, Rim, Clap, and Ride–that can be played on the performance pads and triggered from the sequencer
Shape TR drum sounds and Serato samples in real time with Level, Attack, Decay, and Tune knobs
Classic 16-step sequencer that can trigger either TR drum sounds or the Serato Sampler; new features include nudge (TR-S), step-roll, and instrument/sample mute
Unlocks Serato DJ and comes with a Serato Tool Kit license (includes Serato Pitch ‘n Time DJ, Serato Flip, and all Serato DJ FX packs)
Mixer can be used standalone via connection of multi-players or turntables to the line and phono inputs; Serato DVS Upgrade Ready
Balanced XLR outputs let you connect to a professional PA system; Booth Out plus separate 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch Phones outputs allow you to monitor your mixes
Mic input with gate, hi-pass, reverb, and echo FX
MIDI output to sync external devices with Serato DJ and the TR-S sequencer"

Drum Machine Legends iphone App

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
YouTube Published on May 22, 2012 by OneGloveApps

"To download Drum Machine Legends from iTunes go to:
Drum Machine Legends - One Glove Apps

or visit:
http://www.onegloveapps.com

Directed By: Bryan O'Connell

Music produced by Oligee using DML

Drum Machine Legends brings you six kits from the most legendary drum machines of all time. The Lin Drum, SP1200, TR 808, Obrhm DX, MPC 60 and the TR 707.

DML is easy to use for full production with sounds that One Glove Apps has handpicked and processed to get the most out of their original machines. Quantize your beats, mix, choose tempo and layer sounds from different kits. One Glove has also added some new original sounds for the sampler kits (MPC and SP1200). Save your beats, share, and email as wav files. It's simple to set your loop length, tempo and quantize your beats. Just open up Drum Machine Legends and begin producing now"

And the press release:

"Introducing Drum Machine Legends from One Glove Apps

Drum Machine Legends (DML) is a music production app that has 6 of the most legendary drum machines of all time.
The Roland TR 808, MPC 60, Linn Drum, Oberheim DX, Roland TR 707 and the SP 1200.

Choose a tempo, count in, quantize rate and loop length to begin producing beats now.
As well as giving you handpicked sounds from each legendary drum machine, we give you the look as well. Each kit you choose changes the skin of the app, allowing you to get the full experience of each machine!

Each sound has been handpicked and processed by music producer/DJ Oligee (of Oliver). We give you the best mixed sounds for each machine, and as well, One Glove has added some new original sounds to our sampler kits (The MPC 60 and SP 1200).

Our easy to use recording interface lets you start using DML right away!

Stay tuned for updates including version 1.1 that will include a sequencing function with copy, paste and delete capabilities."

Description

Drum Machine Legends brings you six kits from the most legendary drum machines of all time. The Lin Drum, SP1200, TR 808, Obrhm DX, MPC 60 and the TR 707.

DML is easy to use for full production with sounds that One Glove Apps has handpicked and processed to get the most out of their original machines. Quantize your beats, mix, choose tempo and layer sounds from different kits. One Glove has also added some new original sounds for the sampler kits (MPC and SP1200). Save your beats, share, and email as wav files. It's simple to set your loop length, tempo and quantize your beats. Just open up Drum Machine Legends and begin producing now!

Features
*12 touch pads
*6 drum kits (Lin Drum, SP 1200, Roland TR 808, Oberhm DX, MPC 60 and the Roland TR 707)
*Easy to use interface
*Quantizer with 1/4, 1/8, or 1/16 setting
*Mixer to adjust the levels of each pad
*Tempo adjust in real time
*Save/Open beats
*Share beats by emailing a wav file
*Custom high quality and processed sounds
*Metronome in record mode
*Count in 1 bar or 2 bars
*Interchangeable skins to correspond to each kit
*Set your loop length to 1, 2, 4, or 8 bars
*Sounds created by Producer/DJ Oligee.

iTunes:

Drum Machine Legends - One Glove Apps

iPads on eBay
iPod Touch on eBay

TR-808 MIDI Interface

Title link takes you there.

"The TR-808 MIDI retrofit enables your Roland TR-808 to be synchronized with other MIDI devices and work like polyphonic velocity sensitive MIDI drum expander. More over all original features of the TR-808 are not changed.

Features:

-Sequencer of TR-808 can be synchronized by internal tempo generator or by MIDI clock.
-Start / Stop (transport functions) can be controlled by panel button or by "Start", "Stop" and "Continue" MIDI transport commands or both ways simultaneously.
-Tone generators of TR-808 can be triggered by internal sequencer, by MIDI notes or both ways simultaneously.
-Response of tone generators to "Velocity" of Note-On MIDI commands is fully dynamic.
-79 MIDI notes (12 to 90) are acceptable. It can be assigned to each of them independently:
- any of TR-808 tone generator (or none generator)
- basic signal level and dynamic range (resolution up to 126 steps) of assigned tone generator
- CM/GM/GS/XG drum map is factory predefined.
- Number of MIDI channel for MIDI commands receiving is programmable by user, channel 10 is factory predefined.
- MIDI interface can be turned off, TR-808 then works exactly as without installed interface.
- Easy and non-destructive installation into TR-808.

Roland Launches Music Creation Platform 808303.studio

via Roland: "Roland Launches Music Creation Platform 808303.studio with the Design Museum in London Featuring Legendary TR-808 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine and TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer

In response to the global pandemic, museums have been forced to reimagine how visitors interact and engage. Now, Roland and Yuri Suzuki have teamed up with the Design Museum to create 808303.studio, a fun and educational music creation platform and online-learning experience.

The Design Museum is also currently showing its popular ‘Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers’ exhibition featuring Roland’s legendary TR-808 Rhythm Composer drum machine and TB-303 Bass Line synthesizer.

808303.studio
The 808303.studio, which features Roland’s innovative step sequencer interface, as well as emulating the sound of the original Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer drum machine and Roland TB-303 Bass Line bass synthesizer, is a professional-sounding online musical interface. The studio lets users record their masterpieces and allows sharing through social media or as a download. Acid House innovator ‘A Guy Called Gerald’ will also be on board to help visitors find their way around the platform and teach them how to program and play their own electronic dance music using 808303.studio.

‘Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers’ exhibition
The ‘Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers’ exhibition focuses on innovation in electronic instruments and key moments in the history of electronic subculture. Roland’s TR-808 Rhythm Composer drum machine and its TB-303 Bass Line synthesizer — arguably two of the most groundbreaking inventions in the history of electronic music – will be on display. The unique sounds, along with their interfaces and unique perspectives, will allow visitors to take unexpected and innovative approaches to making music.

Yuri Suzuki
Yuri Suzuki is a sound artist, designer and electronic musician that explores the realms of sound through art and people. His work can be seen in several international museums and has worked with the likes of Google and will.i.am. to bring his collaborations to life.

The Design Museum
Based in Kensington, London, the Design Museum covers product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design. In 2018, the museum was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award.

Roland
For nearly 50 years, Roland’s electronic musical instruments and multimedia products have fueled inspiration with trendsetting gear spanning from pianos, synthesizers, guitar products, and electronic percussion to DJ controllers, audio/video solutions and livestreaming products, providing modern software-based solutions and seamless creative workflows between hardware products, computers, and mobile devices.


Visitors are welcome to enjoy the 808303.studio and ‘Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers’ exhibition until February 14, 2021."

Roland TR-808 and Boss RDD-10 modulation bus effect

Published on Sep 18, 2015 dyLAB0303

"Roland TR-808 snare going into Boss RDD-10 delay effect - trigger out of TR-808 goes into modulation bus of RDD-10 to trigger the modulation in time with TR-808"

via Acidboxblues

"When is a delay effect not a delay ?
Well in the video I made I use the feedback and tone on my Boss RDD-10 to start it making lovely feedback noises and use the modulation to get the effects moving along. The Boss RDD-10 has a cv input for the modulation so you can send it all kinds of things. In this instance I’m using the trigger out of the Roland TR-808 to restart the modulation, this making a perfectly synced noisy synth effect.
Enjoy the noise."

Mrs.BassDrum, Mama Maraca, and Dr.Rimshot Clave

YouTube Uploaded by MrAcidMachine on Jul 30, 2011
MrAcidMachine on eBay (RSS)
"3 handmade analog drum boxes by Mr.AcidMachine.
Sorry about the poor sound quality from my camera.
Mrs.BassDrum is based on the TR-808 BassDrum with extra controls.
Mama Maraca is based on the TR-808 Maraca with extra controls.
Dr.Rimshot Clave is based on the TR-808 Rimshot/Clave.
Mrs.BassDrum and Mama Maraca sound pretty much the same as on the TR-808, while Dr.Rimshot Clave sounds a bit different, somewhere between the 808 and 909 Rimshot sounds, yet different and unique.
All 3 can be triggered by an external audio signal, drum pad, or voltage trigger.
All 3 can be powered by a 9 volt DC (negative center) adapter or a 9 volt battery. For sale on ebay tomorrow!! One day only!!"
MrAcidMachine on eBay (RSS)

via this auction
"Up for auction are 3 handmade analog drum boxes by Mr.AcidMachine!! Mrs.Bassdrum, Mama Maraca, and Dr.Rimshot Clave are all included in this auction. All 3 are based on the Roland TR-808 drum sounds. Mrs.Bassdrum and Mama Maraca can make traditional TR-808 sounds plus more with the additional knobs, while Dr.Rimshot Clave sounds somewhere between the TR-808 and TR-909 RimShot and the Clave has a unique tone. Fully analog circuitry folks!! Play on the pads, plug in an external drum pad, a trigger out from a drum machine, or any audio signal to the IN jack to trigger the sound. Enjoy!!

"Mrs.Bassdrum--->
KNOBS: SENS (Trigger Sensitivity), DECAY(can go longer than an 808!), TUNE(sets the pitch), ENV(Pitch Sweep), TONE(level of initial click), and LEVEL(Volume).
SWITCH: Turns the Env Knob on or off to standard 808 setting.
JACKS: Trigger Input (can be an audio signal, drum pad, or voltage trigger) and Audio Output."

"Mama Maraca--->
KNOBS: SENS (Trigger Sensitivity), DECAY(length of sound), NOISE(noise level), FILTER(from lower frequency to high), and LEVEL(Volume).
JACKS: Trigger Input (can be an audio signal, drum pad, or voltage trigger) and Audio Output."

"Dr.Rimshot Clave--->
KNOBS: SENS (Trigger Sensitivity), FILTER(from low frequency to high for the rimshot), TUNE A(sets the rimshot lower pitch), TUNEB(sets the rimshot higher pitch and the clave pitch), and LEVEL(Volume).
SWITCH: RS/CL (switches between the Rimshot and Clave sounds).
JACKS: Trigger Input (can be an audio signal, drum pad, or voltage trigger) and Audio Output.

Powered by a 9 volt battery or 9v DC adapter (negative center like most effect pedals).
Ships within 3 days after payment is received. Shipping insurance included."

808 Pro (TR-808 Clone - not just another Roland Aira TR-8) - Techno jam with Elektron Analog Four

Published on Mar 30, 2014 FKY Kai·1 video

"808 Pro(TR-808 Clone - not just another Roland Aira TR-8) -Techno live jam with Elektron Analog Four and 303 Pro(TB-303 Clone)

808 Pro was designed and hand built by a Chinese DIY synth fan - Puimen. It is not just another clone of Roland TR-808 or another AIRA like VA or vst in a box. It is purely a analog drum machine without providing any internal dsp effect, 909 mod and other unnecessary functions as for a analog synth fan. But it does provide a complete recreation the analog sound of Roland 808 drum machine. Except for the traditional midi and sequence functions, 808 Pro was added in with two digital controlled filter, of which the filter circuit (SSM2044) from famous Korg Mono/Poly. The stereo filter can be step sequential controlled in order to generate step filter stereo effect.

At this moment, Puimen is still testing and modifying 808 Pro. Now it is only engineer sample, no silkscreen, even knobs not fully attached. We hope the machine could be ready for oversea shipment from China in late 2014. Pricing is to be determined yet. But Puimen promised that the pricing should give most of synth fans a great surprise."

Note this is the first 808 Pro & Puimen post.

Roland TR-808 DIn Sync Test after fitting a retro kit

YouTube via AnalogSweden
"Testing Din Sync after fitting a retro kit to a Roland TR-808"

Roland TR-808 Midi Retro Fit

"Testing midi after fitting a retro kit to a Roland TR-808"

Egyptian Lover Builds a Beat Live on the Roland 808 | 1983 - 2012

How to use a Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer by The Egyptian Lover 1983

Published on Jul 30, 2012 flashmanboogie

Three vids of the Egyptian Lover and the TR-808 on 808 day!

"The Egyptian Lover demonstrates the Roland TR - 808 Drum Machine
("TR" initialism for Transistor Rhythm)
Breakin' n' Enterin' (U.S.-TV Cutscene 1983)"


Published on Sep 25, 2012 FACTmagazine

"So a while ago, we linked to a video that you all seemed to like very much.

It was from the extended TV version of 1983 documentary Breakin' n Enterin', and featured Egyptian Lover, one of the masters of the Roland-TR808 drum machine, giving a brief tutorial on how to use the box (filmed, we believe, around 1981). You can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqXayq... [embed above]

Now, given how popular FunkinEven's recent MPC tutorial for FACT TV also was, when we heard that the Egyptian Lover was in London this Summer, we asked if he was down to recreate the scene for 2012. Being a total gent, he was up for it, and built a beat live for us in his hotel room after performing at Blunted. Of course the speakers that we brought didn't work, so the Lover ended up plugging his 808 straight into the hotel alarm clock, which made it all even cooler.

Filmed by Kamil Dymek"

And one of the classic tracks that made everyone love the 808:

The Egyptian Lover - Egypt, Egypt

Uploaded on Feb 26, 2008

"One of 1984's finest. Born Greg Broussard, The Egyptian Lover started off doing his thing as a Los Angeles DJ doing parties at the LA Sports Arena, and later putting his stamp on the hip-hop/electro scene with this memorable song that I still play to this day!!!! You can see this brother performing and coming to a town near you. Man, I feel like breakdancing right damn now, but my arthritis won't let me LOL"

Roland TR 808 vs Aira TR8 by INHALT (HiQ)

Published on Mar 21, 2014 INHALTVIDEO·26 videos

"If you like what you hear and would like to hear more please like our page on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/INHALT.US
iTunes EP Available at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/inh...
Vinyl Available at:
http://www.darkentriesrecords.com/sto...

Here is a head to head comparison between our beloved Roland TR 808 and the brand new Roland Aira TR 8. I've used the TR 808 for close to 12 years on almost every production I've been involved with. I know the sound in and out. The AIRA is incredibly close to the original 808 but there are certain differences. Chiefly I cannot tune the AIRA to my 808 in terms of the cymbals and hi hats. The AIRA seems much higher in pitch. There are more minute differences that when stacked up definitely reveal what's a real analog workhorse and what is digital but all that aside, Roland have to be commended for this achievement. There are few digital instruments that sound as good as the Aira range and that have the kind of tactile user interface that's present here.

We recorded the 808 and the TR8 into Pro Tools HD at 96k/24 bit via a Precision 8 mic pre. Each sound was tracked independently and then general levels worked out in Pro Tools. There is no compression or EQ present here at all ... these are the machines completely dry. The video starts with non accented versions of the instruments and then moves to accented versions."

Roland Aira's on eBay

AIRA -- The evolution of the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Machine

Published on Jan 14, 2014 RolandChannel·828 videos

"Roland Engineers discuss the initial concept of the TR-808 which was conceived and built in 1980. Although it was designed to create 'backing tracks', creative musicians started to use the Rhythm Machine as an instrument and music changed forever. Now the evolution begins again."

Follow-up to this post.

Some discussion on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge & the MATRIXYSNTH Facebook Page

Update: image, price and details of AIRA:

CLICK FOR MORE »

ISLA Instruments Rhythm Imposer MK3 - Drum Machine

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Oct 29, 2015 ISLA Instruments

Demo starts at 4:35. This is the first ISLA Instruments post on MATRIXYSNTH.

via this auction

"This is a heavily modified version of the Alesis HR-16 drum machine from the late 80s/90s. I have developed my own custom PCB board to house all the modifications I carry out and to keep the design clean and robust.

I will also consider swaps/trades for gear that interests me, dead or alive.. ask me... :)

Most notable features added are:
Ability to quickly replace sound bank chips using the quick release sockets mounted to the top of the unit (compatible with any of the soundbanks I have in my other listings)
Full LTC1799 Pitch Modification, allowing you to change the overall pitch of the whole machine (can go SUUUUUPER slow (a snare can last around 7seconds) ) and also around 20% higher in pitch. It's also worth noting that all sounds can individually pitched/tuned also as standard. It makes for great turntable style slow downs etc.

Updatable STEREO DSP FX System, including Low and High Pass filters, Bitcrush, reverb, delays etc. Used in conjunction with the multiple outputs makes the machine super powerful. Endless fun or just use it to make the sounds a little dirtier..

Gorgeous solid walnut side panels really set the look of the machine off.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Releases Version 2.0 Update for the TR-8S Rhythm Performer - Including FM Synthesis

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Perfomer v2.0 Update: FM Synthesis, New INST FX & More


"The Roland TR-8S v2.0 Update adds a powerful FM sound engine that brings a whole universe of sonic textures to the modern drum machine classic. Unlock the power of FM with the new MORPH feature—an ultra-expressive macro control that lets you sweep through an array of tonal variations, wildly manipulating FM depth, ratio, and feedback…all with a simple twist of a knob.

Also, in the TR-8s v2.0 Update is a new RELOAD feature that lets you immediately jump back to your previous settings with a simple shortcut. Not only does this save time getting back to your initial sound, but you can use it as a performance feature for build-ups and transitions. RELOAD also works for PATTERNS, TRACKS, FADERS, and KNOBS too. After adding layers and layers of instruments to your pattern, jump back to your original saved pattern with a simple shortcut!

We've also added a few more INSTRUMENT FX in v2.0 to inspire your next drum sound designs. Add SATURATOR to give more warmth and drive to your drums or use SPREAD to give them a 3D feel. FREQ SHIFTER and RING MOD work perfectly with the TR-8S FM sound engine providing everything from smooth bell-like tones to harsh, clangorous noise depending on your mood."

Review: Roland TR-8S V2.0 // How does it compete? // 10 performance ideas and tricks (Roland TR8S)

loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:15 What’s new?
1:30 FM synths
2:50 How Morph works
4:20 Sound demos of FM drum synths and synths
10:40 Cowbell...
11:05 New effects
12:45 New shortcuts
14:25 OVERVIEW
17:50 Connectivity
18:40 Key features
19:50 Sequencing
20:20 Automation
21:25 Sample controls
23:15 IDEAS & TIPS
23:25 Mixer view
23:50 Gain vs faders
24:20 Send defaults
24:45 Weak & accent
24:55 Compressor
25:15 Tune melodies
25:50 FM sweet spots
26:10 Filter harsh FM
26:40 S&H LFO
27:40 Easy polyphony
28:35 Pros & cons
32:10 FM Jam

And the official press release:

"Free Firmware Update Offers Next-Level Enhancements That Make the TR-8S the Most Complete Drum Machine Ever

Los Angeles, CA, August 11, 2020 — Roland announces TR-8S Version 2.0, a powerful new firmware update for the flagship drum machine in the AIRA series. Carrying on the genre-defining legacy of legendary Roland drum machines like the TR-808 and TR-909, the forward-thinking TR-8S Rhythm Performer has been lauded by musicians, producers, and reviewers around the world. The free Version 2.0 update makes this already-powerful instrument the most complete drum machine ever, offering next-level enhancements like an FM synthesis engine with Morph control, expanded performance effects, and helpful reload functions to speed up workflow.

The TR-8S puts an unlimited creative palette at users’ fingertips with ACB recreations of historic TR drum machine sounds, a diverse range of onboard samples, mono/stereo sample import capability, and premium effects—all driven by the famous “TR REC” sequencer and a deep mixing interface built for real-time performance. Version 2.0 extends the possibilities even further, bringing a new dimension of sound creation to the iconic TR platform.

The newly added FM synthesis engine delivers an array of futuristic tone colors, including silvery metallic hits and other harmonically rich percussion sounds. Users can sweep through sonic variations with the ultra-expressive Morph control, wildly manipulating FM depth, ratio, and feedback with simple knob movements. FM sounds can be freely blended with classic TR sounds and custom samples, paving the way to never-before-heard grooves.

The TR-8S includes many percussion-tuned effects for enhancing individual sounds or entire kits with character, depth, and space. Version 2.0 adds Saturator, Freq Shift, Ring Mod, and Spread effects to the mix, which can be assigned to control knobs for shaping sounds on the fly.

Version 2.0 also adds many reload functions that restore pattern and kit elements to their stored states with quick actions, providing exciting new ways to manipulate beats while creating sounds and performing live.

To learn more about the TR-8S Version 2.0 update, visit Roland.com."

Roland TR-808 | The Best Drum Machine Ever Made?

video by Espen Kraft

"Roland TR-808 drum machine. A timeless classic that delivers again and again. As prices soar through the roof I find out if it's really worth it. Is it?

Well, I'm a converted man. Happened just now.

Here's my story... I've used the real TR-808 in the past, but never more than very briefly each time. I never had the chance to sit down with it, for an extended period of time.

Until now...

So, like so many others, I turned to samples of it (and I actually still have some samples I sampled from a real one many many years ago, based off a audio-file of all the drums in sequence) and I've been happy using that. I've also used some emulators and clones of it. Worked well too. In a mix, no one will know the difference. But then there is GETTING to that result, how much should you enjoy going towards the end goal? And how much can that trip alter the final outcome?

Having this now, at my disposal for a period of time, has made my appreciate it way much more, as an instrument. This thing is ALIVE and the sounds simply has that early 80s kind of "dull" sound to it that is just right. It's not hyped in the upper frequencies as all emulations and clones suffer from and it's just incredibly alive. It's hard to explain really.

Of course these drum sounds aren't suitable for everything and many songs requires something else entirely, but if I'm in need for the classic 800 sounds, I cannot begin to think of using something else than patterns written on the original itself. And that in itself poses a real challenge, since this 808 isn't mine! :P

I have to figure something out I guess.....

The track I use to start the video (after my intro) is of course "Sexual Healing", a classic 808 song. I've taken liberties with the patterns, again to showcase more on the 808.
The bass, piano, guitar (sampled) and strings are all sequenced live together with the 808 synced through the Doepfer MSY2 giving Din sync to the 808.
Everything is recorded live. The drums are then summed into the SSL SiX with a couple of SSL 611 EQs inserted. The SSL 611 EQs are set to give the 808 a real "oompf" and glossy high end. It's all then pumped through the SSL Bus compressor for final output.

The rest of the instruments/sounds are getting some of the same treatment as well, so these 3 minutes of sexual healing has gone through the whole Espen Kraft "full production" machinery really. ;-)"

Roland TR-808 Restoration by GOLT !

Roland TR-808 Restoration (Part 1) - Switches, pots and other replacement parts.

Published on Jan 1, 2016 GOLT !

"The first video in my TR-808 Restoration series. Covers step switches, Start and Tap switches, switch caps, pots, knobs, screws and everything else that can be replaced using aftermarket parts."

TR-808 Restoration (Part 2) - Power supply and electrical tests

Published on Jan 3, 2016 GOLT !

"The second video in my TR-808 Restoration Series. This one covers the power supply, transformers, electrical saftey test, supply board voltages and related things."