Vintage Synth Explorer

Roland • TR-606 Drumatix

A cool little box! So primitive and cute! The 606 was the percussion side-kick to the TB-303. It even looks like the 303. It stores up to 32 patterns and 8 songs. The 606 allows switching between Pattern Play and Write mode while running - making the 606 the only drumcomputer in the X0X series that can be edited while performing and switching patterns. It is also possible to link up to 4 consecutive patterns in Pattern Play mode. There is only a mono audio output, however there are mods from Kenton Electronics and Analog Solutions that will add individual outputs for each drum tone.

The 606 has seven analog drum sounds which are simple, yet great! Kick, Snare, 2 toms, open hat, closed hat, cymbal, accent. The hi-hats are a very tinny electronic sound and its toms are great for soft tribal patterns. These seven sounds alone are still quite popular today, and the 606 has been used by Überzone, Cirrus, Sneaker Pimps, Download, Aphex Twin, Astral Projection, Nine Inch Nails, Mr. Oizo, Jimi Tenor, Kid 606, OMD, Moby, Freddy Fresh, Autechre, Luke Vibert, and Union Jack.

For control, the 606 can receive or transmit DINSync for synchronization with other TR and TB family instruments. There are also two trig-outs on the unit, which make it very valuable as a pattern-programmable dual-channel trigger sequencer. It's often used for this by various people (Jimi Tenor) to 'drive' other sequencers and the like.

Modifications:

Editable Drum Tones! - Analog Solutions external modification adds tuning for all drum tones, snap and decay for the snare drum, decay for the cymbals and a sweep effect for the toms.

Individual Outs! - Analog Solutions adds 5 individual outputs for cymbals, kick, snare, toms and hi-hats.

Synhouse MIDIJACK DINSYNC - Adds a MIDI jack so the 606 can be sync'd to external MIDI triggers and tempo sources.

VISITOR COMMENTS

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Zack

Posted 38 days ago

TR-606 for sale
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ?ViewItem&item=260490997077&_trk parms=tab%3DSelling

James

Posted 97 days ago

Some guy is selling this and a MC-505 together on eBay I think should bid on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie wItem&Item=260461757481&Category =38069&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3D I%26otn%3D2

Hell of a deal

MetaL*

Posted 104 days ago

Craigslist if you want to sell local.

shawn

Posted 117 days ago

i have a TR-606 i want to sell. where's the best place to sell one other than Ebay?

Blacklight

Posted 133 days ago

I found a malfunctioning TR-606 in the local "Goodwill" store for $3. Took it home, found that the idiot previous owner had left the batteries in it and they had leaked all over the inside. After a half hour of cleaning, and soldering a single new wire over a corroded contact, the thing is good as new. I swear. Some people just don't know what they have in their basements. This thing is a LOT of fun to play with and Big Black used it ! How cool is that ?

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