Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer

The Roland TR-8S rhythm performer is a drum machine that has been based on one of the most influential drum machines ever made, the TR-808, and works to combine the best of Roland’s heritage with contemporary production techniques and professional sound design. The result is an advanced performance-based instrument that is unlike any other and allows you to build your drum kits from some of the most iconic drum sounds ever created as well as a plethora of the finest samples from Roland’s colossal library; or you can import your own custom samples to give your performances your own unique vibe. There is a whole host of hands-on controls and production-based tools that let you create patterns that move and evolve, why keep all of these great features confined to the studio? The TR-8S was made to be played live.

This drum machine features every sound from the most popular TR machines thanks to the detailed circuit models that have been inherited from the 606, 707, 727, 808, and 909 devices as well as several modified versions. The sounds aren’t sound-alike sample packs or recordings of original TR drum sounds; each machine has a detailed circuit model that sounds and behaves just like the original hardware. All of these sounds are available right at your fingertips and is ready to be used in your live performances and productions.The TR-8S is equipped with the most authentic collection of TR drum machine sounds and is also fitted with a powerful processor that makes use of the next-generation Analogue Circuit Behaviour technology with a whole new level of subtle nuances and in-depth details that gives you the classic Roland snap, boom, and sizzle. Now you can incorporate preset and custom samples into your performances giving you unique hybrid and layered drum kits; you can then enhance the samples with the specialised effects that work to inject professional sound design possibilities into the TR formula.

There are extensive effects that help make your drums stand out. Whether you need a delayed rim-shot, a distorted kick, filtered toms, and cymbals, or even the right amount of reverb on selected channels, the TR-8 features a tonne of the percussion-tuned effects that sound excellent no matter what you do with them.

Alongside a Master FX knob, each channel is fitted with a customisable CTRL control that puts these sound shaping effects directly at your fingertips. Whatever parameter you need direct access to can be assigned to the CTRL knob or Master FX knob and then saved within the kit, this gives you instant access to a multitude of parameters such as the kick attack, phase meter, distortion amount, and snap of the snare. Instrument and Master Effects with their precise settings can also be saved with each kit; this means your tracks are always performance-ready.

Programming patterns on the TR-8S is a natural and intuitive process thanks to the TR-REC step sequencer which has been the beating heart of countless electronic dance music tracks for decades, and now it has been enhanced and modernised making it better than ever before. You can program beats using the 16 TR-REC buttons or use the velocity-sensitive performance pad to play live, or record directly into the sequencer.

The advanced drum machine comes fitted with eight separate 6.5mm TRS jack outputs which allows you to process each individual drum sounds through external effects, or you can send the signals to separate channels in your mixer or DAW. This lets you take control of your sound and choose which instrument or group are assigned to which output. Whatever you decide you still get the big, punchy, and spacious sounds of the TR-8S thanks to the high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz digital to analogue converters. The unit also works as a multi-channel audio and MIDI interface that when connected to a computer or AIRA link host you can transfer MIDI and high-resolution audio over a single USB connection. Record each drum instrument to a different channel for individual recording and processing as well as automate parameter movements from your DAW by CC message; alternatively, you can sync the TR-8S to your computer or MX-1 mix performer for live performances or jam sessions.

There are dedicated trigger outputs alongside stereo audio inputs for connecting external sources and even has assignable outputs that can be used as additional triggers. This means you can control external instruments and mix them with the TR-8S’s internal sounds which help expand your creative potential. Each pattern also features a dedicated trigger track for accessing all different types of variations without the need use an instrument; rim-shots and triggered analogue basslines can all be accessed.