Vintage Synth Explorer

Roland • TR-707 Rhythm Composer

A very underrated drum machine! It resembles the popular TR-909, and better yet, its hi-hat, cymbals, and clap sound almost identical to the TR-909! The TR-707 is a great source for cheap 909 samples. It has some other cool features too such as its Matrix display which clearly maps out your pattern for you in an easy to read display panel. It also features both MIDI in/out and DIN sync control - the best of both worlds. Why this unit even has individual outputs for each of its drum tones!

For programming, it features a shuffle and flam effect and its programming abilities are very impressive. But it does have its limitations, the only adjustment you can make to each drum tone is volume. And all of its other drum tones are boring (especially ride, kick and snare). It's used by Aphex Twin, Laurent Garnier, Squarepusher, Luke Vibert, Freddy Fresh, Phil Collins, Marshall Jefferson and Plastikman.

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A.P.C.

Posted 42 days ago

This was also used by MSTRKRFT (the cowbell).

factual35

Posted 148 days ago

great machine...front line assembly used it on their 1986 album total terror.

A. Hubert

Posted 182 days ago

Oops, my bad. The Linn Electronics LM-1 was effectively used by The Human League on the Dare album (thanks for correcting me Rob). But the LM-1 and the TR-707 do sound very similar. The TR-707 has a somewhat better user interface than the Linn though, with a graphical display.

JJ

Posted 191 days ago

does anyone know if this can be modified to output trigger signals from more than just the rimshot? the 606 can but can the 707?

Rob

Posted 209 days ago

I believe the Human League used a Linn Drum for the "Dare" album, not a 707, but KMFMD used it on "What Do You Know, Deutschland?" according to the reissue's liner notes.

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