Vintage Synth Explorer

Roland • TR-808 Rhythm Composer

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, Jean Michel Jarre, Cocteau Twins, Marvin Gaye, Luke Vibert, LL Cool J, Ice Cube and Puff Daddy.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

rick d

Posted 23 days ago

@Big Chris, different strokes for different folks. What you think isn't wrong at all, but many others sure don't think it sounds utterly crap, especially considering the countless number of tunes this bad boy has been featured on.

dr. motte

Posted 27 days ago

also used by dr. motte

FOX

Posted 78 days ago

User also: Howard Jones

BIg Chris

Posted 93 days ago

Surely I'm not the only person who thinks that the TR-808 sounds utterly crap? One of the first drum machines I owned was a TR-606, with separate outputs added. I thought it sounded great, and had always believed it had the same sounds as the 808. I eventually bought an 808, but when I played it I was surprised to find that it sounded really thin and weedy compared to the 606. While the extra features for altering the sounds were a great feature, they did little to alleviate the fact that the sounds were fundamentally weak. I quite quickly sold the 808 and carried on using the 606. And before anyone says anything about US and European 808's sounding different, I've heard that claimed before and having heard an 808 that was imported from the US I can assure you they both sounded crap.

Nick Esposito

Posted 99 days ago

I actually think the claps are crispier than the snares. The cymbals are good too.
If Two Culture Clash used it on their song ". . . And Dance" then I love it!

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