Roland TR-8S

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Roland TR-8S

Roland

TR-8S

4.6 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 434284
Brand: Roland
Model: TR-8S
Category: Groove Boxes
Price: $735.90

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

The TR-8S is a fantastic groove machine – a real sweet spot for producers wanting that classic Roland feel with modern flexibility. Its ACB engine really captures the character of the originals, and the sampling capabilities open up a world of creative possibilities. Perfect for electronic musicians, hip-hop producers, or anyone looking for a portable and powerful beat-making solution.

Product Description

  • Roland TR-8S
  • Drum Machine
  • With extended functionality
  • ACB technology plus stereo sample import and playback
  • 300 Preloaded samples
  • SD Card slot to import your own mono and stereo samples (WAV
  • or AIFF)
  • Mixing and layering sounds
  • Drum tracks can consist of pure sample kits
  • TR sounds
  • or a mixture of both
  • Percussion tuned effects like delay
  • reverb
  • overdrive and filters
  • Real-time pattern creation with up to 32 steps
  • 128 kits
  • 128 patterns
  • each with eight variations and three different types of fills
  • 8 Analog outputs
  • Trigger track per pattern
  • Multi-channel audio and MIDI interface
  • Headphone output: 6.3 mm
  • 6.3mm (L/Mono
  • R) Mix Out
  • 6x 6.3 mm Assignable Out
  • 6.3 mm (L
  • R) input for external sources
  • Trigger output: 3.5mm
  • USB port type B (audio
  • MIDI)
  • Dimensions: 409 x 263 x 58 mm
  • Weight: 2.1 kg
  • Includes power supply
  • Suitable optional case: Art.#459612# (not included)
PROS
  • • ACB engine nails classic Roland drum sounds
  • • Flexible sampling allows for custom sound design
  • • Comprehensive connectivity for studio and live use
  • • Intuitive sequencer fosters rapid beat creation
CONS
  • • Plastic build feels less robust than higher-end gear
  • • Limited polyphony restricts complex layering possibilities
  • • Workflow can be overwhelming for absolute beginners

Product Video

Key Features

Tracks 16 drum tracks, each supporting TR sounds, samples, or a mix
Sounds Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) recreates classic TR sounds; 300 preloaded samples; user-importable WAV/AIFF samples
Sequencer 32-step real-time pattern creation with 128 patterns, 128 kits, and variations/fills
Effects Delay, reverb, overdrive, filters – per track processing and master effects
Sampling Stereo sample import and playback via SD card; mono/stereo WAV/AIFF support
Connections 8 analog outputs, stereo mix out, assignable outs, trigger output, USB audio/MIDI interface, 3.5mm trigger out
Weight Approximately 8.2 lbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

ACB recreates the *behavior* of the original analog circuitry, providing a more nuanced and responsive feel than straight samples, but it’s still an emulation, not the real thing.
While you can import samples, the TR-8S is primarily a drum machine; longer samples are best suited for shorter loops and percussive hits, not full tracks.
It requires Roland drivers for full functionality, including multi-channel audio and MIDI, though basic MIDI functionality is class-compliant.

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