Roland TR-808

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Roland TR-808

Roland

TR-808

4.8 Expert Rating

Product Info

Brand: Roland
Model: TR-808
Category: Drum Machine
Price: $159.39

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

Product Description

  • The Boom
  • Snap
  • and Sizzle of the Most Famous Drum Machine Ever An authentic 808 for your DAW The TR-808 Software Synthesizer is a detailed replica of the legendary TR-808—one of the most revered and sought-after electronic music instruments of all time. The plug-in version offers the sound and behavior of the original plus new features that virtually modify the hardware for more sound choices and faster
  • more fluid programming.  “It’s almost impossible to imagine the modern musical landscape without the distinctive sounds of the Roland TR-808 drum machine.”—Rolling Stone   A Legend in the Making  In 1980
  • the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer was released as a quick and easy songwriting tool for musicians. At the time
  • the high cost of memory drove Roland engineers to use analog synthesis instead of samples for its sounds. Through a series of happy accidents
  • they utilized unique transistors
  • creating a one-of-a-kind sound that set the 808 in its own sonic universe. However
  • it didn’t exactly deliver “traditional” or "realistic" drum sounds
  • to it being dismissed by many at the time
  • with only about 12
  • 000 units ever made.   The Thing That Goes Boom  Once a few adventurous musicians and producers got their hands on the TR-808 and started tweaking those knobs
  • the world began to (literally) feel the impact it would leave on music forever. For decades since
  • the sizzling hi-hats and snappy snare
  • the clicky rim shot
  • the unmistakable cowbell
  • and yes—that booming bass drum—have been heard on worldwide hits and underground classics. That 8 Oh 8  Increasingly revered by musicians and producers around the globe
  • the TR-808’s influence only continues to grow. New musical genres make heavy use of the 808 sound
  • with some utilizing it as the main instrument and defining sound of the style. Its influence is so deep that it’s been name-dropped in famous songs
  • had albums dedicated to it
  • had bands named after it
  • and even been the subject of a feature-length documentary film. For some younger music fans
  • the 808 is no oddity—it’s simply “what drums sound like.”    Plug In Your Own TR-808  Original TR-808 units sell for huge sums on the used market
  • and its sound is often imitated with sample-packs and knockoffs. But the 808 is a complex beast and far more than the sum of its parts. Using their proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior technology
  • Roland have painstakingly recreated the original analog circuits that are the essence of the TR-808’s sound. Their TR-808 plug-in sounds identical to the original—with all its nuance and detail—while adding some groundbreaking new features. Tuning and decay on each instrument and the ability to overdrive the internal circuitry update the 808 for modern sounds  The classic 808 step sequencer expands with lanes for each sound
  • so you can program faster and more fluidly  Each pattern has eight variations for evolving sequences that keep things interesting  Drag and drop audio or MIDI patterns directly from the 808 into a project  Adjustable flams
  • sub-steps
  • and soft hits create detailed fills and ratcheted sequences  Each instrument has its own “last step” and shuffle settings so you can play with timing
  • experiment with complex meters
  • and dial in just the right groove   Hardware Integration  Our TR-808 software instrument integrates seamlessly with our TR-8S Rhythm Performer and TR-08 Roland Boutique hardware. Transfer TR-8S patterns directly into the TR-808 plug-in or create beats on the go and send them back to the hardware. Or you can use the TR-8S or TR-08 for direct hands-on control of the plug-in.  Features Authentic recreation of the legendary Roland TR-808 with full Analog Circuit Behavior modeling Tuning
  • decay
  • and internal overdrive for modern sound design options Expanded step sequencer with dedicated lanes for each drum sound Eight variations per pattern for evolving and dynamic sequences Drag-and-drop audio or MIDI patterns directly into your DAW Adjustable flams
  • sub-steps
  • and soft hits for detailed fills and ratcheted sequences Per-instrument last step and shuffle settings for complex rhythms and grooves Seamless integration with TR-8S and TR-08 hardware for hands-on control and pattern transfer <iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/409231977&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe> System Requirements Operating System: Windows: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11.  macOS: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.  Other: An internet connection is required for installing and activating Roland Cloud software.  A compatible DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or plugin host that supports VST
  • or AAX formats.  For certain products like the SYSTEM-8
  • specific drivers may be needed. 

Additional Information

About the Roland TR-808

Discover the distinctive sound and feel of the Roland TR-808, a standout choice among Drum Machine.

Why Choose the Roland TR-808?

  • Authentic Roland craftsmanship and design
  • Versatile sound suitable for multiple musical genres
  • Professional build quality and reliable performance
  • Part of Roland's respected Drum Machine lineup

Compare & Explore

Browse our complete selection of Roland instruments or explore other Drum Machine options. Use our comparison tools to find the perfect match for your musical style and budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Roland TR-808 stands out for its exceptional Roland craftsmanship and innovative design.
Yes! With its affordable price point and quality construction, it's perfect for learning drum machine.
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