Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer

The Roland TR-08 is a detailed and highly faithful replica of the legendary TR-808, the most famous and influential drum machine ever created. The 808 created a monumental shift in the sound of music and still to this day has continued to define and shape entire genres and is loved by musicians and producers all over the globe and is one of the most sought-after electronic instruments of all time. The TR-08 provides you with the look, sound, and feel of the original 808 drum machine with fantastic accuracy and blends attention to detail and respect for the legendary rhythm composer with a whole host of new modern features and functions.

Not even time has been able to diminish the influence of the TR-808, genres to this day still utilise the instrument helping define the style of the sound. You could use TR-808 drum sample packs to achieve that sound, but there isn’t any other instrument that can come close to the real thing. The user interface with buttons, knobs, switches, and the quirky way the sounds interact are all vital to producing the authentic 808 sound.The original TR-808 arrived in 1980 and featured a purely analogue sound with a range of settings and controls to tweak; however, it didn’t really produce traditional sounding drums. It wasn’t until adventurous producers and musicians took hold of the 808 and started playing with the controls that it became the most influential drum machines. Even three decades after its original release you can still hear the classic 808 drum sounds on thousands of tracks; it helped birth worldwide hits, underground classics, and entire genres.

The new TR-08 rhythm composer is equipped with some thoughtful and modern improvements giving the classic formula a contemporary twist. The sequencer features 16 steps with 16 sub-steps per step which allows you to make highly detailed snare fills and intricate rolling hi-hats and also has a track selectable trigger output so you can work with other instruments like the TB-03, SH-01A, and even modular gear. The addition of a LED display gives you better control over the tempo and shuffle features, and you can also step program or tap in new parts in real time without the need to stop the track. For getting the sounds of the drum machine into your computer, the TR-08 can send and receive MIDI control messages and can even support over audio and MIDI data over USB.

The TR-08 accurately reproduces the ingredients that make the 808 such a unique instrument and also features a miniature 100% authentic interface. Thanks to the addition of Analogue Circuit Behaviour technology you get a vibrant sound that carefully creates all the details and quirks of the original TR-808 by modeling each analogue circuit right down to the component level.

This drum machine is compact enough to slip into your rucksack easily and has been built with rugged knobs, buttons, and switches that are designed to withstand the rigors of every day on-stage use and also has several tilt options so you can easily view it in various live performances and studio situations. The TR-08 can be used as a low-latency, high-quality, super-portable audio interface and even has a built-in speaker and can run on batteries. With all this power and versatility you’d probably be surprised by the TR-08’s wallet-friendly price tag and places the legendary 808 sound directly into your hands.