Roland Announces TR-8S Rhythm Performer - Next Generation Drum Machine

Los Angeles, CA, March 5, 2018 — Roland announces the TR-8S Rhythm Performer, an innovative new instrument that fuses Roland’s renowned rhythm machine legacy with modern sound design features tuned for live performance. 

The TR-8S is filled with the most iconic TR drum sounds of all time, plus an extensive selection of samples from Roland’s vast library. The instrument also supports both mono and stereo user samples, and comes packed with hands-on controls and production tools that make patterns move and groove. Dynamic and inspiring, the TR-8S takes the rhythm machine to a new level of creative power. 

Sound design with the TR-8S:

Sequencing with the TR-8S:

Included in the TR-8S is every sound from the most sought-after TR drum machines, with authentic recreations of the 808, 909, 707, 727, and 606, as well as several modified versions. Powered by Roland’s highly acclaimed ACB technology, each machine is a detailed, component-level model that sounds and behaves exactly like the original hardware.

While TR sounds are vital when producing drum tracks, mixing and layering sounds is key for crafting all-new signature sounds that stand out in today’s music scene. In addition to TR sounds, users can pull from the TR-8S’s preset samples or import their own sounds via the SD card slot, giving them the ability to build custom dream kits with limitless sound combinations. Instant-access controls are available to adjust decay, tuning, and many other sound parameters. 

The TR-8S also includes percussion-tuned effects for enhancing sounds with character, depth, and space. There’s a Master FX knob for processing the entire kit and a control knob for each channel, and both can be custom-configured with favorite effects parameters for sound shaping on the fly.

Roland’s famous "TR-REC" step sequencer has been at the heart of electronic music production for decades. In the TR-8S, it's been enhanced and modernized to be better than ever. Via the 16 TR-REC buttons and velocity-sensitive performance pad, users can develop intricate grooves and build detailed fills with velocity, accents, flams, and adjustable sub-steps.

The TR-8S sequencer is able to store 128 patterns, with eight variations and three fills contained in each. These patterns or variations can be triggered individually or chained together for evolving sequences. It’s also now possible to save the tempo and kit assignment (along with knob positions and effect settings) in patterns.

The TR-8S is equipped with connection options to seamlessly integrate with any setup. A stereo mix output is provided, plus six assignable audio outputs that allow individual drum sounds to be processed and mixed externally. There's also a dedicated trigger output with its own sequencer track, and the assignable outputs can be reconfigured to output trigger signals if desired. Stereo audio inputs are provided as well, enabling users to connect and mix external sound sources. The TR-8S also functions as a multi-channel USB audio/MIDI interface and supports AIRA Link for interfacing with other AIRA gear.    

Specs

User Drum Kit
128

User Patterns
128

Step Sequencer
11 instrument parts and 1 exclusive part for trigger out
16 steps per 1 variation
8 (A – H) variations per 1 pattern
2 Fill-in patterns per 1 pattern

INST tone
(Tone can be assigned to each 11 instrument parts freely.)
BASS DRUM: 11 ACB tones
SNARE DRUM: 8 ACB tones
TOM: 15 ACB tones
RIM SHOT: 3 ACB tones
HAND CLAP: 5 ACB tones
HI HAT: 8 ACB tones
CYMBAL: 8 ACB tones
PERCUSSION: 23 ACB tones
PRESET SAMPLE: 300 tones or greater
USER SAMPLE (imported form SD CARD for playback): Available format: WAV, AIFF
Total time for all samples: Approximately 600 sec (at 44.1 kHz, mono)
* The maximum length of a single audio file that can be imported is approximately 180 seconds (at 44.1 kHz).
Effects

INST FX: THRU, HPF, LPF, LPF/HPF, H BOOST, L BOOST, L/H BOOST, ISOLATOR, TRANSIENT, COMPRESSOR, DRIVE, COMP+DRV, CRUSHER
REVERB: AMBI, ROOM, HALL1, HALL2, PLATE, MOD
DELAY: DLY, PAN, TAPE ECHO
MASTER FX: HPF, LPF, LPF/HPF, H BOOST, L BOOST, L/H BOOST, ISOLATOR, TRANSIENT, TRANSIENT2, COMPRESSOR, DRIVE, OVERDRIVE, DISTORTION, FUZZ, CRUSHER, PHASER, FLANGER, SBF, NOISE
Other: SIDE CHAIN (for EXT IN), SCATTER (as one of AUTO FILL IN function)


External Storage
SD Card (SDHC supported) for backup/restore function and import sample data

Connectors
PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
MIX OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT (1 – 6) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
EXT IN (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
TRIGGER OUT jack: Miniature phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: USB type B (Audio, MIDI)
DC IN jack