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.

 

fr_z

Posted Yesterday

don't forget the king of the 808 beats!
the name is Egyptian Lover.

respect.

http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=oRZL43tym-M&feature=related

Bleurgh

Posted 133 days ago

I'm going to state a couple of negative things about this machine, for the pure fact that no one else has anything negative to say about it. There are no copy and paste functions, and to chain patterns together you have to play through the entire composition, counting bars as it plays and making sure you switch patterns at the right moment. These two things are a major pain in the arse if you want to program complex patterns.
On the other hand it does deserve a lot of the positive comments. I don't know why, but it really does sound better in the flesh than it does when it's sampled. Maybe it's partially to do with the tactile feel of programming it's little buttons and knobs. Even my brother, who is absolutely gung-ho on software emulators and thinks hardware is a waste of money, loves playing with this machine. It's just so cool and smooth!

planetplayer

Posted 174 days ago

Nice for composing and educational as pattern building and recording for me. Learning beats. Also great with Jupiters and Junos for making futuristic music.

mbv

Posted 185 days ago

& the prescription is: more cowbell!!

At any rate, no other drum machine can touch the 808 though they have tried & tried!!

THE ANALOG ROLAND ORCHESTRA

Posted 201 days ago

KRAFTWERK USED IT:

CHECK THE VIDEO: LOOK AT 1:11...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84 7Y_hGzvIU&feature=related

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