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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KitKat

Posted 23 days ago

Samples just don't do the real machines justice. Unfortunately thanks to this bull [beep] computer age people think you can just sample your way through everything.

Sigmund Friendly

Posted 42 days ago

I don't see why people still buy stuff like this.It was lovely for the age,I respect their impact and everything,but the price for these antiques should discourage most people.You can get the exact same samples of the 707,808,and 909 on the electribe EMX,with the exception of the 808 cowbell sound which i think was just them being meanies..

Tryptamine

Posted 47 days ago

Crappy sampled sounds I say. Yeah the programming interface is similar to the 909, but if you are looking for real 909 sounds i recommend you either get one or use a computer. At least look at vids on youtube before you buy it. I bought mine and was very disappointed with the sounds. The midi functionality is also very limited and you cannot for example control another drum sound module via midi in pattern mode. This makes it an almost useless performance tool.

KitKat

Posted 71 days ago

I disagree with the sounds being boring. If I had to fault it I would say the Open HH is a little too "noisy" and not as crisp as the 909's. Then again the 909's HH are analogue so it's not really afair comparision.

Oh and I agree with Rusuden on the toms. The toms are lovely! :)

Json

Posted 142 days ago

I'm pretty sure MSTRKRFT uses it in Heartbreaker.

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