Roland TR-08

The legendary pressure and crackle of the most famous drum machine of all time - now in a modern and affordable format

The TR-08 is an extremely detailed and faithful recreation of the legendary TR-808 - the most famous and influential drum machine of all time. The 808 has monumentally changed the sound of music and defined entire genres. Loved by musicians and producers around the world, the TR-808 is one of the most coveted electronic musical instruments ever. With the TR-08, Roland transports the look, sound and feel of the original 808 into its own boutique format with impressive care. The TR-08 combines attention to detail and respect for the original with modern ease of use and maximum reliability.

And it goes boom ...

When the TR-808 was released in 1980, nobody was prepared for such a device. Many voices were raised complaining that its completely analogue sound and adjustable parameters did not offer a traditional drum sound. This only changed when countless bold musicians and producers began experimenting with the TR-808's controls. Only now did it become clear that the drum machine and its sounds would change music forever. Over the next three decades, the crackling hi-hats and crisp snares, the robotic, clicking rim shot, the unmistakable cowbell and, of course, the pumping bass drum characterised countless tracks. This is how worldwide hits, underground classics and entire genres were born. The influence of the TR-808 was so enormous that its name was immortalised in many famous tracks and entire albums and even bands were named after it. A feature-length documentary film was even made about the 808.

A new 808 generation

Over the years and decades, the TR-808 has not lost its influence. Even today, the 808 is still used in newly emerging genres, sometimes even as the central instrument whose sound determines the style. Of course, there are now endless samples of the TR-808, but nothing comes close to the original. Both the user interface of the 808 with its buttons, knobs and switches and the sometimes strange way in which the sounds interact with each other characterise the lively sound and character of the hardware original. When you hear it, you'll know what we mean.

The new TR-08 adds some thoughtful and modern features to the classic. For example, the sequencer now has 16 sub-steps per step, allowing you to create detailed snare fills and nested, rolling hi-hats. There is also a selectable trigger output per track for controlling other instruments such as the TB-03, the SH-01A or modular equipment. The clear LED display allows you to set the tempo and shuffle more precisely. From now on, you can programme or tap in your parts step by step in real time and switch between modes in the process. All parameters can send and receive MIDI control messages, and the transmission of audio and MIDI data via USB has also been integrated.

Portable. Affordable. Authentic.

The original TR-808 was large and heavy and, as a coveted collector's item, is only available on the second-hand market at high prices. For this reason, many users used 808 sample packs or hardware replicas. Nevertheless, the original control surface with its colours and knobs and, of course, the authentic sound of the TR-808 have a magic of their own that made the sound of countless track classics unmistakable. The TR-08 reproduces these defining elements of the 808 in an authentic way. The minimised user interface is 100% identical to the original. Thanks to the proprietary Analogue Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, the sound of the TR-08 is as lively and dynamic as the original. By modelling every analogue circuit down to the individual components, ACB technology reproduces all the details and characteristics of the original hardware with the utmost precision.

In addition, the TR-08 not only matches the sound and look of the original, but also offers users several modern features and benefits: Equipped with comprehensive beat-making power, it would be a shame to lock the TR-08 up in the studio. After all, inspiration can strike you anywhere and at any time. Plus, playing a drum machine live is enormous fun. The TR-08 is literally compact enough to take anywhere. The robust construction has extremely stable knobs, buttons and switches. Thanks to various tilt options, you always have a perfect view of your instrument in different live and studio situations. The TR-08 can also be used as a mobile audio interface with low latency. It has integrated speakers and can even be used in battery mode if the beat must not be interrupted under any circumstances. With all this power and flexibility, you'll be surprised at how affordable the TR-08 is and how easy it is to get that legendary 808 vibe you've only dreamed of.