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Roland TR-8 Rhythm Performer (Archived)

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Roland TR-8 Rhythm Performer
£459.00

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Quick overview

The Roland TR-8 rhythm performer is a drum machine based on two of the most popular drum machines ever created, the TR-808 and the TR-909. The new TR-8 features a wealth of professional features and performance-based controls allowing you to take the classic sounds of the 808 and 909 to whole new levels.

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The Roland TR-8 rhythm performer is a drum machine that is based on one of the most influential electronic instruments of all time and provides you with authentic TR-808 and TR-909 drum sounds inside of a contemporary, performance-ready machine that is intuitive and highly sought after. The TR-8 combines the classic sounds and vibes of the original 808 and 909 drum machines with plenty of functions and controls that have been brought to the 21st century. This rhythm performer provides you with genre-defining sounds, excellent classic effects, intuitive live pattern manipulation and solid performance controls.

Roland TR-8 Rhythm Performer

The original TR-808 and TR-909 machines were first introduced to the world in the 1980’s and quickly became the most sought-after rhythm composers ever and produced arguably the most dominant drum sounds in music having been used on thousands of dance tracks over three decades and has helped define entire musical genres. From hip hop and rap to techno and trance, the TR-808 and 909 machines have left an eclectic mark on the culture and art of electronic music.

When developing the TR-8, Roland obsessively analysed every subtle nuance and detail of the legendary rhythm composers and have worked relentlessly to reproduce the analogue circuitry of the original machines faithfully. You get given the massive boom of the 808 kick alongside the robotic snap of the 808 rim shot as well the thud of the 909 kick and, of course, the classic 909 snare roll; it’s all there right inside the unit. However, Roland wasn’t happy with simple re-creations and worked to enhance the classic instruments with capabilities that go far beyond the original machines.

There are now tune and decay controls available on each drum channel with additional controls for the bass and snare drums including attack, snap, and compression. These additions offer a wider variety of tones giving you the ability to create subtle ambient percussion to pounding dance grooves while per-step effects and the brand new scatter function lets you take things to entirely new levels. The TR-8 breathes new life into the original sounds that everyone loves and features the authentic tones and characters of the classic machines with brand new sound-tweaking abilities that have been inspired by legions of users.

The TR-8 has been carefully developed from the ground up to be played as an instrument; each control comes with a stable, predictable feel with every drum channel equipped with ultra-robust ‘playable’ faders while numerous backlit knobs and RGB buttons offer real-time performance feedback as well as a sleek, attractive look.

Creating patterns is a creative and intuitive process and makes use of an evolved TR-REC function which originated in the TR-808 and over time became a staple for electronic rhythm programming. The TR-8 goes above, and beyond the original and lets you seamlessly switch between programming and performance modes which allows you to introduce loads of groovy rhythmic variations such as subtle snare fills to total glitch meltdowns.

A brand new scatter function provides you with a unique performance function that offers detailed real-time control over variations in your patterns as well as any incoming external input signal. Scatter works to reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, stutter, and perform in all manners of rhythmic variation giving you subtle to extreme changes that will all be in perfect sync. You can pick from 10 different types of scatter and then adjust the ‘Scatter Depth’ with the large dial giving you a range of intensities. You can also seamlessly change between scattering patterns and turn scatter on/off for random variations whenever you need them.

The TR-8 looks and sounds excellent and has been designed to work seamlessly with other AIRA series instruments. You can also make use of the USB ports to connect the machine to your computer as well as receive both audio and MIDI data such as MIDI clock information for synchronising with external devices and AIRA units.

Roland TR-8 Rhythm Performer Key Features:

  • 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 units
  • Newly 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 instrument
  • Obsessive attention to detail, such as reproducing the original TR’s unique variations in tone that occur when multiple instruments are entered in accented steps
  • Authentic 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
  • 16 stunning kits made up of 11 instrument types, including custom dream kits that use both TR-808 and TR-909 sounds
  • Large Tempo knob with Tap Tempo button and continuous Fine and Shuffle adjustment knobs
  • Control the intensity of the Accent function with a dedicated knob
  • Per-step reverb and delay effects with dedicated knobs
  • Mix sources connected to the External In jacks with built-in per-step Side Chain function for rhythmic ducking and gating effects
  • Scatter lets you freak and tweak your grooves with real-time control and perfect sync
  • 7 segment, 4 character LED display and 16 per-step pads with bold, full-color LEDs
  • Real-time pattern creation up to 32 steps with on-the-fly step count adjustment
  • Rec/Play modes have been eliminated, enabling seamless switching between step input and real-time pattern making and performance
  • Real-time play of 4 different types of rolls (8th, 16th, VARI 1, VARI 2) and per-instrument mutes
  • Pattern copy and pattern randomization for rapid, spontaneous creativity
  • Two assignable analog outputs and full parallel outputs via USB for total mixing flexibility
  • Scatter can reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, stutter, and perform all manner of rhythmic variations from subtle to extreme, and all in perfect sync
  • Pick from 10 different types of Scatter and smoothly adjust the intensity—or “Scatter Depth”—with the large, comfortable dial
  • Seamlessly switch between Scatter patterns and quickly toggle Scatter on/off for cool variations when and where you want them

Roland TR-8 Rhythm Performer Technical Specifications:

  • User Drum Kits: 16
  • User Patterns: 16
  • Steps per 1 measure: 1 – 16 steps x 2 (Variation A/B)
  • Tempo: 40 – 300
  • Modes: TR-REC, PATTERN SELECT, INST PLAY, INST REC, DRUM KIT SEL, DRUM INST SEL
  • 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
  • USB: Audio, MIDI
  • Power Supply: AC adaptor
  • Current Draw: 1,000 mA
  • Accessories: Owner's manual, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY", AC adaptor

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

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)

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

Got a question or need assistance? Get in touch, we're happy to help.

02380 784500.

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