Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Drum Machine

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer

Dum Machine Built for stage. Powered by heritage. Designed to groove.

The TR-8S is Roland’s flagship drum machine—a live performance powerhouse born from the legendary TR-808, TR-909, TR-606 and more. Combining next-generation ACB modelling with sampling and real-time control, the TR-8S gives you an unstoppable rhythm engine that’s just as inspiring in the studio as it is explosive on stage.

FEATURES

• Authentic TR sounds from the 808, 909, 707, 606, and 727 with advanced circuit modeling
• Custom sample import and layering lets you create hybrid kits with your own sonic signature
• Built-in effects including delay, overdrive, reverb, filters and more—tailored for percussion
• Hands-on control with per-part and master FX knobs assignable to key parameters
• Advanced sequencing with sub-steps, flams, motion recording, and probability
• 16 RGB pads, intuitive layout, and crisp display for live control and kit building
• SD card slot for loading samples and backing up patterns
• Stereo outputs + assignable individual outs for pro routing options
• USB MIDI/Audio interface for seamless DAW integration

Perfect for live electronic artists, hybrid drummers, and producers who demand total control and iconic sound from one high-performance rhythm machine.

“The TR‑8S is ostensibly an evolution… a more capable and sophisticated instrument all round.” — Sound On Sound

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

User Memory:

• User Drum Kits: 128
• User Patterns: 128

Step Sequencer:

• Instrument Parts: 11 + 1 exclusive part for trigger out
• Steps per Variation: 16
• Variations per Pattern: 8 (A–H)
• Fill-in Patterns: 2 per pattern

Instrument Tones (Assignable to any part):

• ACB Tones:
  • Bass Drum: 11
  • Snare Drum: 8
  • Tom: 15
  • Rim Shot: 3
  • Hand Clap: 5
  • Hi-Hat: 8
  • Cymbal: 8
  • Percussion: 23
• FM Tones: 72
• Preset Samples: 300+ tones
• User Samples: WAV, AIFF (Imported via SD Card
  • Total Sample Time: ~600 sec (44.1kHz mono)
  • Max Length per File: ~180 sec

Effects:

• INST FX: THRU, HPF, LPF, BOOSTS, ISOLATOR, COMPRESSOR, DRIVE, CRUSHER, etc.
• REVERB: Ambi, Room, Hall 1/2, Plate, Mod, Ha-Dou
• DELAY: Standard, Pan, Tape Echo, Pitch Shift
• MASTER FX: Filters, Overdrive, Distortion, Fuzz, Phaser, Flanger, Vinyl Sim, and more
• Other FX: Side Chain (EXT IN), Scatter (Auto Fill In)

Display:

• Backlit LCD: 16 characters x 2 lines
• LED: 4-character, 7-segment

External Storage:

• SD Card (SDHC compatible) – for backups and importing samples

Connectors:

• Headphones: Stereo 1/4"
• Main Output: MIX OUT (L/MONO, R) – 1/4" TRS
• Assignable Outputs / Trigger Outs (1–6): 1/4"
• EXT IN (L/MONO, R): 1/4"
• Dedicated TRIGGER OUT: Mini phone type
• MIDI: In / Out
• USB Port: USB Type B (Audio + MIDI)
• Power Input: DC IN jack