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.

STD

January 19, 2011 @ 6:37 pm

I owned one from 2000-2009. It has vintage appeal, but it simply cannot hold up to todays machinery. It's sounds get old in about 10 minutes. I traded it in and (glady) got $170. They turned around and sold if for $325...WOW

lepumpernic

January 17, 2011 @ 1:52 pm

noisepop:

try to use NEW BATTERIES. Undermachine , there is a space where you can put batteries . These batteries are used to retain memory.

noisepop

January 13, 2011 @ 6:10 pm

Hi, I got a 707 a few days ago. I deleted the previous owner's patterns and created mine in step writing. The problem is that when I turn off the machine and turn it on again a couple of hours later, the patterns that I created disappeared and the previous owner's patterns appear again. Somebody could help me with this problem? There's a specific button to save your own patterns in the 707's memory? Thanks a lot.

tangentbot

January 7, 2011 @ 2:01 pm

I love this little drum machine! I run mine through Boss effects pedals and a Big Muff distortion to get really good, crunchy sounds. The kick, hihat and clap are great for old school hiphop stuff, too.

weekapaugrooven

December 13, 2010 @ 11:58 am

The 707 is definitely an underrated drum machine because of it's possibilities of circuit bending and pitch mods. Diabolical Devices mods a 707 every once in a while and puts it up for sale on ebay under ClassAelectronics. The mods that they do are positively fantastic and can make the instrument a crunchy distorted devil toy or a soundscaper's dream. I highly recommend the 707 for home-made mods as well (if you have the cash).
All in all, the individual outs, future upgrades, and (relatively) decent price make this drum machine pretty damn awesome.
It's not a 909, but it's not $2K+

Side note - the 707 was used extensively along with a drum set for beat layering live in the Happy Mondays.

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