The 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.
The Lineage
Unleashed upon an unsuspecting world in the 1980s, 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, they've helped define the sound of entire musical genres. From rap and house to techno and trance, the TR-808 and TR-909 have left an indelible mark on the art and culture of music. Roll the drums...
The Sound
In developing the TR-8, we've obsessively analyzed and faithfully recreated 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. But not content with mere recreations, we've enhanced these classic instruments with capabilities that go far beyond the original units.
Tune and Decay knobs are now present on every instrument, and the Bass Drum and Snare Drum have additional controls such as Attack, Snappy, and Comp. This allows for a wide variety of tones, from subtle ambient percussion to pounding dance grooves. Per-step effects and the massively addictive Scatter function take things into entirely new territory.
With the authentic tone and character of the original units and new sound-tweaking capabilities inspired by legions of users, the TR-8 breathes new life into the sounds we all know and love.
The Feel
Make no mistake-the TR-8 has been carefully designed from the ground up as an instrument to be played. Every control has a solid, predictable feel, with each drum instrument having robust, "playable" faders. Numerous lighted knobs and RGB buttons give both 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 programming. 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.
What is the Scatter
Scatter is a unique performance function that gives you detailed real-time control over variations in your patterns and any incoming external input signal.
Scatter can reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, stutter, and perform all manner of rhythmic variations from subtle to extreme, and all in perfect syncPick from 10 different types of Scatter and smoothly adjust the intensity-or "Scatter Depth"-with the large, comfortable dialSeamlessly switch between Scatter patterns and quickly toggle Scatter on/off for cool variations when and where you want them
CAPTURING THE ORIGINALS
Full reproduction of the classic TR-808 and TR-909 rhythm machines, based on original design spec sheets and detailed analog circuit analysis of many original TR machines, including Roland's own pristine unitsNewly developed 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 instrumentObsessive attention to detail, such as reproducing the original TR's unique variations in tone that occur when multiple instruments are entered in accented stepsAuthentic 16-step sequencer with faithful TR-REC behavior, including A and B pattern variations and the ability to play instruments and record to steps in real time
TR EVOLVED
16 stunning kits made up of 11 instrument types, including custom dream kits that use both TR-808 and TR-909 soundsLarge Tempo knob with Tap Tempo button and continuous Fine and Shuffle adjustment knobsControl the intensity of the Accent function with a dedicated knobPer-step reverb and delay effects with dedicated knobsMix sources connected to the External In jacks with built-in per-step Side Chain function for rhythmic ducking and gating effectsScatter lets you freak and tweak your grooves with real-time control and perfect sync7 segment, 4 character LED display and 16 per-step pads with bold, full-color LEDsReal-time pattern creation up to 32 steps with on-the-fly step count adjustmentRec/Play modes have been eliminated, enabling seamless switching between step input and real-time pattern making and performanceReal-time play of 4 different types of rolls (8th, 16th, VARI 1, VARI 2) and per-instrument mutesPattern copy and pattern randomization for rapid, spontaneous creativityTwo assignable analog outputs and full parallel outputs via USB for total mixing flexibility
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 and 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
Power Switch (Rear)
Display:
7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
Effects:
REVERB, DELAY, SIDE CHAIN
Scatter:
Types: 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:
1,000 mA
Accessories:
Owner's manual
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
AC adaptor
Dimensions:
Width: 400 mm, 15-3/4 inches
Depth: 260 mm, 10-1/4 inches
Height: 65 mm, 2-9/16 inches
Weight: 1.9 kg, 4 lbs. 4 oz.