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.

Jagular

February 17, 2009 @ 11:13 pm

Very In your face with all the samples. I haven't actually tried out a 909/808 so can't compare, although Kick1 plus Snare1 combination sounds real tight. Editing real easy, only fluke is lack of real-time switching between pattern and step/tap. Surprisingly light weighted, and mine misses tempos if casing is pressed on hard.

NYC

December 26, 2008 @ 7:31 pm

It's ok, it only sends out MIDI note messages in song mode, so forget about WRITING beats with this sync'd up to anything. I found this issue made it useless as a controller for a Drumstation or even soft synths, which is why i originally got it, since the sounds are so-so. You can beef it up if you run the individual outs through a mixer and add compression, but at that point you've spent enough money to get something better. Having said that, if you can get it cheap enough it can be a lot of fun.

Martin

December 2, 2008 @ 6:18 pm

I have to say I love this drum machine...local shop had it cheap and I couldn't resist not buying a piece of roland history seeing as it was fully boxed like new. I honestly don't regret it! I like the sequencer and the trig out that I can use with my JX-3P, it also has a roland DYN SYNC out which means you can sync your tb-303, tr-606 or mc-202 if you have them and lets not forget the sounds cos these are classics! Strange as it may be I find the hardware has more body sound wise than the samples I had of the net that I used to have in my MPC.
I use it to make deep house mainly...if you into that sort of sound check my 707 out in action http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kBf2ydIonBA

raytrace

October 3, 2008 @ 12:24 pm

I recently acquired one of these and I think it's great. Very electronic sounds and the sequencer window is great. Plus for my money it is the best looking drum machine ever - like a more futuristic 909 :p.

Rusuden

September 11, 2008 @ 9:36 am

Can you jack? Well, this machine can.... LOVE the "basket ball slammin on the court" bass drum. Not as fat as the 909, or not as booming as the 808... but this BD has a home in the music world and it sounds great. Awesome HHs, rim ... AND cowbell!! Also... I prefer the Toms on this machine (even though they are samples) to the ones on the 909. Am I crazy? maybe... Just like em better... This machine is a great master clock for an acid set up. Also good for sending out a click for sequencers found on the 101... or csq.

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