The TR-808 is a classic drum machine that used analog synthesis to create its sounds. The sounds have a very thin and pure quality and aren't grungy like it's successor the TR-909. In fact, the 808 has become the signature beatbox used in most R&B and hip-hop as well as a lot of dance and techno music. Booming bass kicks, crispy snares and that annoying cowbell sound made famous during the 80's are all part of the 808 and its famous sound.

Its 16 drum sounds include the famous boomy low kick, snappy snares, low/mid/hi toms, low/mid/hi congas, rimshot, claves, hand clap, maracas, cowbell, cymbal, open hihat, closed hihat and accent. All of the sounds can be edited and/or tuned and have individual outputs. Unfortunately it is not MIDI equipped but it does use Roland's DIN Sync.

The TR-808 was OK in its time. It just didn't sound like real drums. When the Linn Drum machines appeared, the 808 seemed doomed. But its unique sound and analog allure have found it a long-lasting home in many forms of music. Clearly the 808 has been one of the more important and famous drum machines in the history of music, spawning imitators (ReBirth, DrumStation) and band names (808 State). Famous users include Orbital, Überzone, Download, Aphex Twin, 808 State, BT, Bomb The Bass, Sense Datum, The Prodigy, Josh Wink, Faithless, Skinny Puppy, Bushflange, Jimi Tenor, A Guy Called Gerald, Eat Static, Dr. Dre, Jimmy Edgar, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Freddy Fresh, Richie Hawtin, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre, Cocteau Twins, Marvin Gaye, Luke Vibert, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, the Beastie Boys, Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), and Puff Daddy.

39 VISITOR COMMENTS

Armando

November 17, 2011 @ 10:35 pm

You forgot Kanye West!

bobby h.

August 23, 2011 @ 10:54 pm

Phil Collins used the TR-808 in his solo work significantly between the mid-80s and early 90s. Many of his ballads, including hits like 'One More Night', 'Do You Remember' and 'Can't Turn Back The Years' use the 808 sound. Genesis also used it on their 'We Can't Dance' album, including 'Hold On My Heart'.

Ianski

August 19, 2011 @ 5:46 pm

Good drum machine, very Roland (obviously) and super cool looking. I bet it looks even nicer next to a JP8. I didn't keep it very long after my mad impulse purchase buy though. Was and is too expensive and I really prefer the 909. Triggering my modular synth's sequencer with the accent out was good fun though!

KitKat

August 10, 2011 @ 12:58 pm

Used by *cough* Cybotron *cough*.

Edward H.

June 11, 2011 @ 6:51 pm

I remember I used this in the mid-80's. Maybe the sounds are a little bit too classic, but the sequencer is amazing. Too bad I can't find one in good condition nowadays. I only found some drum samples from 808 at: http://synthpacks.com

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