TR-8

Rhythm Performer

AUTHENTIC TR-808 AND TR-909 EXPERIENCE IN A MODERN, PERFORMANCE-READY INSTRUMENT

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. Genre-defining sounds, classic effects, unprecedented live pattern manipulation, and solid, intuitive performance controls. It’s the TR…evolved.

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 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

TR EVOLVED

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

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 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 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

Try it…you’ll like it!

A FEW MORE THINGS

The TR-8 looks great and is designed to work seamlessly with other products in the AIRA series. In addition, you can connect the TR-8 to your computer via USB to send and receive both audio and MIDI data, including MIDI clock information for syncing with external devices and other AIRA units.

TR-8 VERSION 1.1 NEW FEATURES

BACKUP AND RESTORE

Manage your kit and pattern library with easy backup and restore over USB.

IMPROVED PLAYABILITY

Instrument Levels — Customize kits by adjusting the gain of each instrument to suit your individual style.
Better Rolls — Rolls are now easier to engage, offer more control, and sound better overall.
Scatter Latch On/Off — Alternate unlatched trigger mode engages only while “On” button is held down.
Scatter Cycle — Scatter will enable for one cycle and then automatically disengage.
Sync Reset — Get back in the groove by instantly starting a pattern from the top.

IMPROVED EDITING

Pattern Lock — Lock the contents of a pattern so you can experiment without losing your original groove.
Nonstop A/B Pattern Editing — Now you can edit both A and B parts of a pattern without stopping the sequencer.

IMPROVED MIDI

Modes — Local On/Off and MIDI Controller modes determine how MIDI data is sent and received.
Accent Velocity — MIDI velocity is variable by the accent setting.
Kit Select — Select kits using MIDI control change messages.
Scatter — Scatter On/Off, Type and Depth can be controlled via MIDI control change.
External Record — Record patterns in real-time from external MIDI devices.
MIDI Off — Disable sending of all MIDI messages.
Ignore Play/Stop — Toggle whether or not TR-8 responds to PLAY/STOP messages.
Effect Control — Control effects using MIDI control change messages.

Specs

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
Size and Weight
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.

- Every sound of the TR-707 and TR-727 Rhythm Composers, faithfully reproduced using the original PCM wave data and detailed models of the original circuitry.
- Analog Circuit Behavior captures the unmistakable sound of the original units – a result of lo-fi sampling and the behavior of the analog envelope and VCA circuitry design.
- Adds the unique flam and accent behaviors of the TR-909 and TR-707, with adjustable flam intensity and two levels of accent.
- Four entirely new TR-8 sounds including modified TR-909 kick, TR-909 snare and all new clap and snap sounds.
- Upgrades the TR-8 to have all the sounds and articulations of four iconic TR drum machines, plus all new sounds, in one performance-ready instrument.

*This expansion pack is compatible with ONLY the TR-8 and a TR-8 is required for use.

*This expansion pack is NOT compatible with any software synthesizer and is only usable with the TR-8.

*Please note that the "7X7 Drum Machine Expansion for TR-8" is valid for only one TR-8 unit. For additional TR-8 units you will need to purchase and download separately.

In oder to use 7X7-TR8 Drum Machine Expansion, you need access Roland Account Service, download the installation file and complete the activation process.

Please check the following operating conditions for compatible PC.

System Requirements (Mac OS)

-Operating System:Mac OS X 10.8.5 or later, Mac OS X 10.9.5 or later supported
-CPU:Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or better
-RAM:2 GB or more
-Hard Disk:100 MB or more
-Display/Colors:1024 x 768 dots or higher, 16.7 million colors or more
-Other:You'll need Internet connectivity to activate this software.
You'll need installation TR-8 driver.

System Requirements (Windows)

-Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 10, Microsoft® Windows® 7 SP1, Microsoft® Windows® 8/8.1
* Does not work with Windows® RT.
* Does not work with Windows® Phone.
* Does not work on virtual machines such as Hyper-V, Virtual PC, or Boot Camp.
-CPU:Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or better
-RAM:2 GB or more
-Hard Disk:100 MB or more
-Display/Colors:1024 x 768 dots or higher, 24 bits Full Color or more
-Other:You'll need Internet connectivity to activate this software.
You'll need Adobe Reader (available free of charge) in order to read the online help.
You'll need installation TR-8 driver.

* Although Roland has tested numerous configurations, and has determined that on average, a computer system similar to that described above will permit normal operation of the 7X7-TR8 Drum Machine Expansion,Roland cannot guarantee that a given computer can be used satisfactorily with the 7X7-TR8 Drum Machine Expansion based solely on the fact that it meets the above requirements.
This is because there are too many other variables that may influence the processing environment, including differences in motherboard design and the particular combination of other devices involved.
* All files and other material are copyrighted by the Roland Corporation.
* Any alteration, modification, duplication, distribution, or reproduction of this material is prohibited.
Additionally, Roland reserves the right to make changes to these programs and files without prior notice.
* In no event shall Roland Corporation be liable to end-users for any damages whatsoever, including but not limited to financial damages for loss of business profits or business information arising from the use of, or inability to use this product.
The foregoing provision is effective even if Roland Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages.