Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Drum Machine

Perform with Roland's classic drum machine sounds, plus add your own samples! The TR-8S gives you a redesigned sequencer, performance pad, multi-FX and more.

$749.98

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Roland TR-8 AIRA Rhythm Performer Drum Machine

No longer available at zZounds
Get the sound of the TR-808 and TR-909 in one drum machine! Build beats with the 32-step sequencer and TR-REC mode -- then add on-the-fly glitches and fills.

With the TR-8 AIRA Rhythm Performer Drum Machine, Roland has paid tribute to one of the greatest drum machines ever created -- the Roland TR-808. Inspired by the original Roland TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines -- instruments you've probably heard a lot more often than you realize -- the TR-8 and AIRA take this vintage drum machine and give it a modern facelift.

See what AIRA is all about in this video from Roland:


Eleven-Instrument Step Sequencer

The TR-8 is a fully programmable 11-channel sequencing drum machine. It has all the drums you need -- from the bass drum to the cymbals -- all modeled faithfully after the original 808 and 909 sounds we've been dancing to for decades. Up to 32 steps can be programmed in real time, and instruments can be added or removed on the fly. There's also a pattern randomization function and a pattern copy function, with room to store 16 user-programmed patterns, so you'll have no trouble diving right in and generating beats on the TR-8.

Analog Circuit Behavior Technology

Each AIRA unit is authentically crafted based on the original specifications of the '80s instrument which inspired it. Using DSPs and Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, Roland has painstakingly created an exact digital copy of the original analog circuits used in the TR-808 and TR-909, going so far as to model the behavior of the analog circuits themselves, allowing the TR-8 to function and sound just like its predecessors. The TR-8 delivers real 808 sounds in read more a modern unit!

Learn more about Analog Circuit Behavior technology:


Features:

- Roland TR-808-inspired drum machine
- Sounds modeled after original TR-808 and TR-909 sounds with Roland's ACB technology
- 16 drum kits with 11 instrument types
- Level, tune, attack, comp, and decay controls for bass drum
- Level, tune, snappy, comp, and decay controls for snare drum
- Level, tune, and decay controls for low tom, mid tom, high tom, rim shot, hand clap, closed hi-hat, open hi-hat, cymbal crash, and ride cymbal
- Real-time pattern creation with up to 32 steps
- 16 user patterns
- Authentic TR-REC behavior lets you turn instruments on or off on-the-fly
- Control up to four types of rolls or mute each instrument individually
- Large Tempo knob and Tap Tempo button and Fine and Shuffle adjustment knobs
- Accent intensity control knob
- Per-step reverb and delay effects with control knobs
- External input with volume control knob and built-in per-step Side Chain function for rhythmic ducking and gating effects
- Scatter function with reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, stutter, and more -- 10 different Scatter variations with adjustable depth
- Pattern copy and pattern randomization functions for each beat generation
- Tempo range: 40-300 beats per minutes
- Bright LEDs ensure visibility, even in dim environments
- Roland Analog Circuit Behavior Technology realistically models analog synths in a more affordable all-digital unit
- Two assignable 1/4-inch analog outputs
- 1/4-inch stereo external input
- 1/4-inch stereo headphone output
- Stereo or mono 1/4-inch master output
- MIDI in and out
- USB port
- Powered via included power supply
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- - User Drum Kits: 16
- - User Patterns: 16
- - Steps: per 1 measure 1--16 steps x 2 (Variation A/B)
- - Tempo: 40--300
- - Instruments & Controls:
- BASS DRUM: LEVEL, TUNE, ATTACK, COMP, DECAY, INST SELECT
- SNARE DRUM: LEVEL, TUNE, SNAPPY, COMP, DECAY, INST SELECT
- LOW TOM, MID TOM, HIGH TOM, RIM SHOT, HAND CLAP, CLOSED HIHAT, OPEN HIHAT, CRASH CYMBAL, RIDE CYMBAL: LEVEL, TUNE, DECAY, INST SELECT
- - Effects & Controls:
- ACCENT: LEVEL, STEP
- REVERB: LEVEL, TIME, GATE, STEP
- DELAY: LEVEL, TIME, FEEDBACK, STEP
- EXTERNAL IN: LEVEL, SIDE CHAIN, STEP
- - Mode: TR-REC, PATTERN SELECT, INST PLAY, INST REC, DRUM KIT SEL, DRUM INST SEL
- - Controllers:
- VOLUME knob
- SCATTER knob
- TEMPO knob
- FINE knob
- SHUFFLE knob
- PADS: 16
- MODE buttons: 6
- CLEAR button
- VARIATION buttons: A, B
- SCALE button
- LAST STEP button
- START/STOP button
- SCATTER ON button
- SCATTER DEPTH button
- TAP button
- - Display: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
- - Effects: REVERB, DELAY, SIDE CHAIN
- - Scatter Presets: 10
- - Nominal Input Level: -10 dBu
- - Input Impedance: 100 k ohms
- - Nominal Output Level: -10/+4 dBu (Selectable)
- - Output Impedance:
- MIX OUT, ASSIGNABLE OUT: 1 k ohm
- PHONES: 130 ohms
- - Connectors:
- PHONES jack: 1/4-inch stereo phone type
- MIX OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
- ASSIGNABLE OUT (A, B) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
- EXTERNAL IN (L, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
- USB port: USB type B (Audio, MIDI)
- DC IN jack
- - USB: Audio, MIDI
- - Power Supply: AC adaptor
- - Current Draw: 1000 mA
- - Dimensions: (W x D x H) 400 x 260 x 65 mm (15-3/4 x 10-1/4) x 2-9/16 inches)
- - Weight: 1.9 kg (4 lbs 4 oz)
- - Accessories: Owner's manual, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY", AC adaptor

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Roland TR-8 AIRA Rhythm Performer

The Roland TR-8 is a performance rhythm machine that melds the legendary sound and vibe of the TR-808 and TR-909 with features and functions for the modern age. Genre-defining sounds and classic effects, Unprecedented live pattern manipulation, Solid intuitive performance controls -- it's the TR evolved.

The Lineage

Unleashed upon an unsuspecting world in the 1980's, the TR-808 and TR-909 produce arguably the most influential drum sounds in modern music. Not only have they appeared on thousands of dance tracks over the course of three decades, but they have helped define the sound of entire musical genres. From Rap and House to Techno and Trance -- these two drum machines have left an indelible mark on the art and culture of music. Roll the drums.

The Sound

With the TR-8, Roland has obsessively analyzed and faithfully re-created every detail and nuance of the analog circuitry of these legendary rhythm machines. The boom and snap of the 808. The thud of the 909. The robotic click of an 808 rim shot or a classic 909 snare roll. It's all here. Not content with mere recreations however, they have enhanced these classic instruments with capabilities far beyond the original units. Tune and Decay knobs are now present on every instrument and the Bass and Snare drum modules have dedicated "Attack" and "Comp" knobs allowing for a great variety of tones - from subtle ambient percussion to pounding dance grooves. Per-step effects and the massively addictive "Scatter" function take things into fresh territory. With the authentic tone and character of the original units and with sound tweaking capabilities inspired by legions of users, the TR-8 breathes life into the sounds everyone knows and loves.

The Feel

Make no mistake -- the TR-8 is an instrument, carefully designed from the ground-up, to be played. Every control has a solid, predictable feel with each drum instrument having robust, "playable" faders. Numerous lighted knobs and RGB-lit buttons give real-time performance feedback and a striking appearance on stage. Pattern creation is creative and intuitive using an evolved version of the TR-REC method which originated in the TR-808 and eventually became the standard for electronic rhythm programing. Based on detailed analysis of the original TR-808, the TR-REC behavior has been faithfully modeled in the TR-8. But the TR-8 goes well beyond the original, allowing you to seamlessly switch between programming and performance modes and to introduce lots of groovy rhythmic variations - from subtle snare fills to total glitch meltdowns.

Features:

- Full reproduction of the original TR-808 and TR-909 rhythm machines based on original design spec sheets and detailed analog circuit analysis of various specimens including Roland's own pristine units
- Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology allows part-by-part analyses and faithful recreation of tonality and behavior including the smooth variations of tone that occur when you work the controls of each instrument
- Obsessive attention to detail - like reproducing the original TR's unique variations in tone that occur when multiple instruments are entered in accented steps
- Build dream kits made up of different instruments from the TR-808 and TR-909
- 16 stunning kits made up of 11 instrument types
- Control the intensity of the Accent function with a dedicated knob
- Per-step Gate Reverb and Delay effects with dedicated, real-time knobs
- Mix sources connected to the External Inputs
- Built-in Side Chain function creates rhythmic ducking and gating effects on External Inputs with per-step control
- Two assignable analog outputs and full parallel outputs via USB for total mixing flexibility

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (7 ratings)
Submitted July 8, 2016 by Chris Arias in San Diego, CA

"The TR8"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The TR-8 is a super smooth product. It really is very simple to learn and create beats. I never once touched the manual to this baby, its just so user friendly you can just focus on the music and the sound quality of your tr8. The slider knobs on the TR8 are amazing, feel reel smooth. It works with ableton great. I sync up my RC300 and make some sweet loops. people who are campaigning that its digital, need to realize we are in the digital age.

Musical Background:

12 years of music. Play Guitar and synth.

Musical Style:

Rock, Reggae, Ska, Pop Punk, Dance, Hip Hop, Funk
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