Geared for live performance, the TR-8S combines stereo sample playback with the iconic Roland TR drum sounds, as well as deep editing parameters that let you create your dream drum kits.
Full description
Built on the most influential and celebrated drum machine ever, the TR-8S combines the best of Roland’s heritage with modern music production techniques and comprehensive sound design. The result? The most complete drum machine yet—a forward-thinking, performance-ready instrument like no other. Build your dream set from the most iconic drum sounds in history, otherworldly FM sounds, and the finest selection of samples from our vast library—or go further and import your own custom samples. Tap, tune, and tweak with hands-on controls and music production tools that make your patterns groove and move. And why limit this kind of percussion power to the studio?
The TR-8S was literally made for playing live.
< Section 1 >
Design kits with authentic TR and CR drums, FM sounds, sampled sounds and effects
The TR-8S is packed with the largest and most authentic collection of iconic Roland drum machines available. The powerful processor gives our next-generation ACB models a whole new level of detail and nuance with the classic boom, snap and sizzle. Expand your drums with a spectrum of futuristic and editable FM sounds, as well as preset and custom samples for unique hybrid and layered kits. Then give them an extra boost with specialized effects to bring professional sound design to your TR formula.
Transistor rhythms
The TR-8S features accurate reproductions of the TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, TR-707 and TR-727, along with several modified versions. You also get the CR-78 CompuRhythm, a direct predecessor to the TR-808, which has left its own indelible mark on pop classics from the 1980s onwards. These are not 'sound-alike' sample packs or mere recordings of TR drum sounds - each machine is a detailed, circuit-to-circuit model that sounds and behaves exactly like the original hardware. All of these sounds are yours, right at your fingertips and ready to use in your own productions and performances.
Otherworldly FM sounds
The FM sounds in the TR-8S are unlike anything you've heard this side of Mars. The Morph parameter is an expressive macro control that lets you sweep through a range of sonic variations, letting you manipulate FM depth, ratio, and feedback with the twist of a knob. You can also manually design six fully editable FM drum models, each with a unique parameter set to create sounds that are sure to push the sonic boundaries.
ACB meets samples
Today’s rhythm tracks require a diverse set of sounds and production techniques, and it’s harder than ever to sound truly unique. While authentic TR and CR sounds are important, layering your own mono or stereo samples, or drawing from the extensive built-in library, opens up a whole new world of possibilities, giving you access to modern styles and the ability to create your very own signature sound. As with ACB and FM sounds, you can manipulate samples with hands-on control of tuning, decay, start points, speed and direction. Create a kit entirely from samples. Create a kit entirely from samples or mix and match with TR sounds and create drum tracks that move across genres and command attention.
Dramatic effects
The right effects can make a drum track stand out with depth and spaciousness. Whether it’s delay on a rim shot, overdrive on a kick drum, filtering on toms and cymbals, or just the right amount of reverb on selected instruments, the TR-8S has great-sounding effects that are specially tuned for percussion. In addition to the Master FX knob, each channel has a customizable CTRL knob; so you always have powerful sound-making power at your fingertips. Attack on the kick drum, bite on the snare drum, phaser depth, amount of distortion — no matter what parameter you want quick and direct access to — it can be assigned to the knobs and saved with a kit. Both instrument and master effects, as well as their precise settings, are also saved with each kit, so your productions are always ready to perform.
< Section 2 >
Create evolving Patterns with probability, variations, fills and movement.
Building patterns on the TR-8S feels natural and intuitive, thanks to Roland’s “TR-REC” step sequencer, which has been the beating heart of electronic music production for decades. Now it’s been developed and modernized to be better than ever.
Fast, fluid and festive
You can program directly into the 16 TR-REC buttons or use the velocity-sensitive pads to play live or record directly into the sequencer. And you can seamlessly switch between playing or editing - and change your drum parts without disrupting your flow. Create intricate grooves and detailed fills using velocity, accents, flams and adjustable subdivisions for modern rolls and runs. Experiment with unusual polyrhythms and complex time signatures by adjusting the length or "last step" of each drum part.
Keep 'Em Guessing
Bring drum programming to life with a generous dose of probability. Set percentage values per step to give your beat an evolving unpredictability - simply hold a step and set the amount. Then adjust the master probability to even out the overall effect or uncover hidden notes waiting to be revealed. For additional flux, try the random kit or instrument functions to flip your sounds on the fly.
Variations on a theme
Keep things sharp and exciting, even during longer live sets. The TR-8S can store 128 patterns, each with eight variations and three types of fills. Patterns or variations can be triggered individually or chained into sequences. Copy patterns on the spot and even get ahead of beats and work on patterns that aren't currently playing. Each pattern can contain tempo and kit information, along with its knob positions and effects settings. This gives you instant recall of sounds and enough flexibility to play an entire set without ever repeating a bar the same way.
Fill out
Well-placed fills create exciting moments in a track or live set. Each pattern in the TR-8S can contain two fills, which you can customize or create from scratch. There’s also an adjustable “Scatter” fill, which will slice and edge a bar into short bursts of cool, controlled chaos. But sometimes your hands can be too busy to trigger each fill manually. That’s where Auto-Fill comes in. Automatic fills every 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 bars keep your hands free, but also add interesting dynamics to your performance.
In motion
Both instrument and master effects, along with their precise settings, are also stored with each kit, so your productions are always ready to perform. The TR-8S not only makes this possible in detail, it's also fast and fun. By locking parameters to steps or recording movements in patterns, you can achieve everything from subtle movements to dramatic tonal shifts. Automate classic 808 basslines, or go crazy with snare pitch, panning, effects... whatever you want. Recording movements is instant and effortless, and playback of the movements can be instantly enabled or disabled.
<Section 3>
At home in the studio, created for stage use
After the launch of the TR-8, we listened to feedback from dedicated fans and artists around the world - and that gave us a clear vision to make it even better, for both studio productions and live performance. We've packed these features requested by users - and more - into the TR-8S, while keeping the immediacy and fun factor of the original TR-8 completely intact.
Eight analog outputs
Like some of its famous siblings, the TR-8S features eight separate analog outputs, allowing you to process individual drum sounds with external effects or send them to separate channels in your mixer or DAW. Take control of your sound and decide which instruments or groups are sent to which outputs. And no matter what you choose, you know that the TR-8S sounds big, punchy, and spacious thanks to the high-resolution 24bit/96kHz digital-to-analog converters.
Trigger out, external in
The TR-8S features a dedicated trigger output as well as stereo audio inputs for external sources. And the assigned outputs can even be used as additional triggers. This allows you to control external instruments and mix them with the TR-8S's internal sounds, greatly expanding your creative possibilities in the studio and performance possibilities on stage. Each pattern has a dedicated trigger track, giving you access to all sorts of variations without the need for an instrument. Rim shots and triggered analog bass patterns? Yes, you can!
Audio and MIDI Interface
In addition to being the most powerful drum machine ever made, the TR-8S is also a complete multi-channel audio and MIDI interface. When you connect the TR-8S to a computer or AIRA Link host, you can transfer MIDI and high-resolution audio via a single USB cable. Record each drum instrument on its own channel for individual processing and recording, automate parameter movements from your DAW using CC messages, or sync the TR-8S to your computer or Roland MX-1 Mix Performer for live singing or late-night jam sessions.
Hardware meets software
Enhance your workflow with TR-EDITOR, a fluid computer-based editor and librarian for the TR-8S. Quickly design and edit patterns and kits with the intuitive graphical interface, which features a wide range of on-screen parameters and access to deeper FM editing. And with the large display, it’s easy to manage your entire library. Download TR-EDITOR for free today via Roland Cloud Manager, the software interface for Roland Cloud content.
< CTA Button >
TR EDITOR
Refined design with a modern touch
Aesthetic and ergonomic improvements are found throughout the TR-8S, giving it a timeless design that fits into any creative environment. The shape, colors, and overall feel have been refined - now more comprehensive, elegant, and inviting. RGB color faders and TR-REC buttons let you customize the brightness, glow, and color of each element. Not only does it look great, it also provides important visual feedback about what's playing, what's muted, which instruments are grouped, and so on. And then there's the lava lamp mode...
< Details>
Total Recall
A musician's life can be pretty unpredictable, with both tour mishaps and studio disasters, so it's nice to know that every kit, every pattern, and settings for literally everything can be backed up to an SD card. Just pop it into a fresh TR-8S and you're back to work.
Geared for live performance, the TR-8S combines stereo sample playback with the iconic Roland TR drum sounds, as well as deep editing parameters that let you create your dream drum kits.
Full description
Built on the most influential and celebrated drum machine ever, the TR-8S combines the best of Roland’s heritage with modern music production techniques and comprehensive sound design. The result? The most complete drum machine yet—a forward-thinking, performance-ready instrument like no other. Build your dream set from the most iconic drum sounds in history, otherworldly FM sounds, and the finest selection of samples from our vast library—or go further and import your own custom samples. Tap, tune, and tweak with hands-on controls and music production tools that make your patterns groove and move. And why limit this kind of percussion power to the studio?
The TR-8S was literally made for playing live.
< Section 1 >
Design kits with authentic TR and CR drums, FM sounds, sampled sounds and effects
The TR-8S is packed with the largest and most authentic collection of iconic Roland drum machines available. The powerful processor gives our next-generation ACB models a whole new level of detail and nuance with the classic boom, snap and sizzle. Expand your drums with a spectrum of futuristic and editable FM sounds, as well as preset and custom samples for unique hybrid and layered kits. Then give them an extra boost with specialized effects to bring professional sound design to your TR formula.
Transistor rhythms
The TR-8S features accurate reproductions of the TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, TR-707 and TR-727, along with several modified versions. You also get the CR-78 CompuRhythm, a direct predecessor to the TR-808, which has left its own indelible mark on pop classics from the 1980s onwards. These are not 'sound-alike' sample packs or mere recordings of TR drum sounds - each machine is a detailed, circuit-to-circuit model that sounds and behaves exactly like the original hardware. All of these sounds are yours, right at your fingertips and ready to use in your own productions and performances.
Otherworldly FM sounds
The FM sounds in the TR-8S are unlike anything you've heard this side of Mars. The Morph parameter is an expressive macro control that lets you sweep through a range of sonic variations, letting you manipulate FM depth, ratio, and feedback with the twist of a knob. You can also manually design six fully editable FM drum models, each with a unique parameter set to create sounds that are sure to push the sonic boundaries.
ACB meets samples
Today’s rhythm tracks require a diverse set of sounds and production techniques, and it’s harder than ever to sound truly unique. While authentic TR and CR sounds are important, layering your own mono or stereo samples, or drawing from the extensive built-in library, opens up a whole new world of possibilities, giving you access to modern styles and the ability to create your very own signature sound. As with ACB and FM sounds, you can manipulate samples with hands-on control of tuning, decay, start points, speed and direction. Create a kit entirely from samples. Create a kit entirely from samples or mix and match with TR sounds and create drum tracks that move across genres and command attention.
Dramatic effects
The right effects can make a drum track stand out with depth and spaciousness. Whether it’s delay on a rim shot, overdrive on a kick drum, filtering on toms and cymbals, or just the right amount of reverb on selected instruments, the TR-8S has great-sounding effects that are specially tuned for percussion. In addition to the Master FX knob, each channel has a customizable CTRL knob; so you always have powerful sound-making power at your fingertips. Attack on the kick drum, bite on the snare drum, phaser depth, amount of distortion — no matter what parameter you want quick and direct access to — it can be assigned to the knobs and saved with a kit. Both instrument and master effects, as well as their precise settings, are also saved with each kit, so your productions are always ready to perform.
< Section 2 >
Create evolving Patterns with probability, variations, fills and movement.
Building patterns on the TR-8S feels natural and intuitive, thanks to Roland’s “TR-REC” step sequencer, which has been the beating heart of electronic music production for decades. Now it’s been developed and modernized to be better than ever.
Fast, fluid and festive
You can program directly into the 16 TR-REC buttons or use the velocity-sensitive pads to play live or record directly into the sequencer. And you can seamlessly switch between playing or editing - and change your drum parts without disrupting your flow. Create intricate grooves and detailed fills using velocity, accents, flams and adjustable subdivisions for modern rolls and runs. Experiment with unusual polyrhythms and complex time signatures by adjusting the length or "last step" of each drum part.
Keep 'Em Guessing
Bring drum programming to life with a generous dose of probability. Set percentage values per step to give your beat an evolving unpredictability - simply hold a step and set the amount. Then adjust the master probability to even out the overall effect or uncover hidden notes waiting to be revealed. For additional flux, try the random kit or instrument functions to flip your sounds on the fly.
Variations on a theme
Keep things sharp and exciting, even during longer live sets. The TR-8S can store 128 patterns, each with eight variations and three types of fills. Patterns or variations can be triggered individually or chained into sequences. Copy patterns on the spot and even get ahead of beats and work on patterns that aren't currently playing. Each pattern can contain tempo and kit information, along with its knob positions and effects settings. This gives you instant recall of sounds and enough flexibility to play an entire set without ever repeating a bar the same way.
Fill out
Well-placed fills create exciting moments in a track or live set. Each pattern in the TR-8S can contain two fills, which you can customize or create from scratch. There’s also an adjustable “Scatter” fill, which will slice and edge a bar into short bursts of cool, controlled chaos. But sometimes your hands can be too busy to trigger each fill manually. That’s where Auto-Fill comes in. Automatic fills every 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 bars keep your hands free, but also add interesting dynamics to your performance.
In motion
Both instrument and master effects, along with their precise settings, are also stored with each kit, so your productions are always ready to perform. The TR-8S not only makes this possible in detail, it's also fast and fun. By locking parameters to steps or recording movements in patterns, you can achieve everything from subtle movements to dramatic tonal shifts. Automate classic 808 basslines, or go crazy with snare pitch, panning, effects... whatever you want. Recording movements is instant and effortless, and playback of the movements can be instantly enabled or disabled.
<Section 3>
At home in the studio, created for stage use
After the launch of the TR-8, we listened to feedback from dedicated fans and artists around the world - and that gave us a clear vision to make it even better, for both studio productions and live performance. We've packed these features requested by users - and more - into the TR-8S, while keeping the immediacy and fun factor of the original TR-8 completely intact.
Eight analog outputs
Like some of its famous siblings, the TR-8S features eight separate analog outputs, allowing you to process individual drum sounds with external effects or send them to separate channels in your mixer or DAW. Take control of your sound and decide which instruments or groups are sent to which outputs. And no matter what you choose, you know that the TR-8S sounds big, punchy, and spacious thanks to the high-resolution 24bit/96kHz digital-to-analog converters.
Trigger out, external in
The TR-8S features a dedicated trigger output as well as stereo audio inputs for external sources. And the assigned outputs can even be used as additional triggers. This allows you to control external instruments and mix them with the TR-8S's internal sounds, greatly expanding your creative possibilities in the studio and performance possibilities on stage. Each pattern has a dedicated trigger track, giving you access to all sorts of variations without the need for an instrument. Rim shots and triggered analog bass patterns? Yes, you can!
Audio and MIDI Interface
In addition to being the most powerful drum machine ever made, the TR-8S is also a complete multi-channel audio and MIDI interface. When you connect the TR-8S to a computer or AIRA Link host, you can transfer MIDI and high-resolution audio via a single USB cable. Record each drum instrument on its own channel for individual processing and recording, automate parameter movements from your DAW using CC messages, or sync the TR-8S to your computer or Roland MX-1 Mix Performer for live singing or late-night jam sessions.
Hardware meets software
Enhance your workflow with TR-EDITOR, a fluid computer-based editor and librarian for the TR-8S. Quickly design and edit patterns and kits with the intuitive graphical interface, which features a wide range of on-screen parameters and access to deeper FM editing. And with the large display, it’s easy to manage your entire library. Download TR-EDITOR for free today via Roland Cloud Manager, the software interface for Roland Cloud content.
< CTA Button >
TR EDITOR
Refined design with a modern touch
Aesthetic and ergonomic improvements are found throughout the TR-8S, giving it a timeless design that fits into any creative environment. The shape, colors, and overall feel have been refined - now more comprehensive, elegant, and inviting. RGB color faders and TR-REC buttons let you customize the brightness, glow, and color of each element. Not only does it look great, it also provides important visual feedback about what's playing, what's muted, which instruments are grouped, and so on. And then there's the lava lamp mode...
< Details>
Total Recall
A musician's life can be pretty unpredictable, with both tour mishaps and studio disasters, so it's nice to know that every kit, every pattern, and settings for literally everything can be backed up to an SD card. Just pop it into a fresh TR-8S and you're back to work.
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