TR-08
Rhythm
Composer
The
Legendary Boom and Sizzle of the Most Famous Drum Machine Ever
Made—Now in an Affordable and Modern Format
The
TR-08 is an obsessively detailed and faithful replica of the
legendary TR-808—easily the most famous and influential drum
machine ever made. After creating a monumental shift in the sound of
music, the “808” has continued to shape and define entire genres.
Beloved by musicians and producers the world over, it’s one of the
most revered and sought-after electronic musical instruments of all
time. The TR-08 brings the look, sound, and feel of the original
808—with stunning accuracy—to the Roland Boutique format. It
blends attention to detail and respect for legacy with modern
convenience and reliability.
Ultra-compact
recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine
Retains
the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-808
Hands-on
control including tone, level, tuning, and decay
Added
Compressor, Gain, Tune, and Pan for selected instruments
Programmable
via classic Step and Tap write modes
Sequencer
has 16 steps with 16 sub-steps for detailed patterns and rolls
Continue
playing beats even while switching between write modes
LED
display for easier navigation and fine control of tempo and shuffle
Ten
separate outputs via USB audio
Dedicated,
track-selectable trigger output for controlling external instruments
High-quality
construction with metal front panel
Highly
portable for mobile music making
Includes
DK-01 Boutique Dock for multiple-angle viewing
Battery-operated
(4 x AA) or USB powered
Built-in
powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
Compatible
with optional Roland Boutique accessories
The
Boom in the Room
The
TR-808 arrived in 1980 to an unsuspecting and somewhat bewildered
public. To many at the time, its purely analog sound and range of
tweakable parameters didn’t exactly deliver “traditional” drum
sounds. It wasn’t until adventurous musicians and producers got
their hands on the TR-808 and started tweaking those knobs that the
world would fully realize the sonic impact it would leave on music
forever. For the next three decades, the sizzling hi-hats and snappy
snare, the robotic, clicky rim shot, the unmistakable cowbell, and
yes, that booming bass drum, would be heard on many thousands of
tracks. Worldwide hits, underground classic, and entire genres were
spawned. Its influence is so deep that it’s been name-dropped in
famous tracks, had albums dedicated to it and bands named after it,
and even been the subject of a feature-length documentary film.
A
New Generation of 808
Time
has not diminished the TR-808’s influence. New genres continue to
make use of the 808, with some utilizing it as the main instrument
and defining sound of the style. Sure, you can use samples of a
TR-808, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing. The 808’s
user interface with its buttons, knobs, and switches, and the odd
quirks of how the sounds interact with each other—they’re all
vitally important to conjuring up that real 808 mojo. And you know it
when you hear it.
The
new TR-08 adds some thoughtful and modern touches to the classic
formula. The sequencer has 16 sub-steps per step, so you can create
detailed snare fills and intricate, rolling hi-hats. It also has a
track- selectable trigger out for working with other instruments like
the TB-03, SH-01A, or modular gear. An unobtrusive LED display
provides finer control of tempo and shuffle. You can step-program or
tap in your parts in real-time without stopping to change modes.
Everything sends and receives MIDI control messages and it even
supports audio and MIDI over USB.
Portable.
Affordable. Authentic.
Original
TR-808s are big and heavy, and their rarity makes them extremely
expensive and sought-after on the used market. Because of this, many
have resorted to 808 sample packs or hardware knockoffs. But there’s
something about the colors and controls and, of course, the sound of
a genuine TR-808 that brings home the sound of so many classic
tracks. The TR-08 accurately recreates the ingredients that make an
808 so special. The interface, while miniaturized, is 100% authentic.
The sound is vibrant and alive thanks to our proprietary Analog
Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. We use ACB to carefully recreate
all the details and quirks of the original hardware by modeling each
analog circuit, right down to the component level.
Not
only does the TR-08 look and sound the part, but it also has some
modern features and conveniences. With all this beat-making power, it
would be a shame to keep it shackled to the studio. After all,
inspiration can strike anywhere, and drum machines are fun to play
live. The TR-08 is literally small enough to take just about
anywhere. It’s ruggedly built with sturdy knobs, buttons, and
switches. It has several tilt options for easy viewing in various
live and studio scenarios. It can be a low-latency, portable audio
interface. It has a built-in speaker, and even runs on batteries for
when the beat absolutely
must go
on. With all this power and flexibility, you may be most surprised by
the TR-08’s affordable price, which puts the legendary 808 vibe
within reach of just about anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning the
iconic original.
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