Roland TR-08

The Roland TR-08 Drum Machine is an extremely detailed and faithful replica of the legendary TR-808, one of the most famous and influential drum machines. Thanks to Roland's Analogue Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology, the TR-08 sounds as vibrant 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 maximum precision.

The TR-08 adds some sophisticated and modern function, modernising the classic analogue synthesizer. The sequencer now has 16 sub-steps per step, allowing you to create detailed snare fills and nested, rolling hi-hats. In addition, there is a trigger output that can be selected per track for controlling further instruments. Another new feature is the ability to program or tap parts step by step in real time and switch between modes during the process. All parameters of the drum computer can send and receive MIDI control messages; also the transmission of audio and MIDI data via USB has been integrated.

Summary from Sound on Sound Magazine March 2018

The vintage 808 experience with all the mod cons.

On the face of it the TR-08 is a strict recreation of the original 808 captured in the super-desirable Boutique from factor. Sonically it captures the 808 magic. It also has exactly the same mode of operation and workflow, meaning a lot of head-scratching to get beyond basic pattern creation. It’s been a rewarding experience to really persevere with more instructable aspects of the 808, and I feel like it’s the first time I’ve fully understood it! The effort unlocks the instrument’s full capacity for dynamic and varied real-time performance.

Beneath the authentic exterior are many new enhancements. While the front-panel controls keep sounds within their original bounds, the digital menu extends the range with pitch, decay and compression. Mixing is boosted with mute and solo, pan control, and another gain stage, and sequencing goes high resolution with substeps.

But it’s the portability and modern integration that I find most appealing. The combination of battery power, instant sync, and extensive MIDI and audio over USB makes the TR-08 slot easily into anything from a backpack jam rig upwards and promises to keep the 808 alive for another generation.