Roland Aira TR-8
Roland’s TR-8 is a performance-oriented drum machine that builds on the tradition of the classic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines with some upgraded features that make it more suitable for a modern production environment.
In creating the TR-8, Roland painstakingly replicated the circuitry of various parts of the original devices, while adding some welcome upgrades like Tune and Decay controls on every instrument, additional parameters on the Bass and Snare that allow for a wide variety of tones, and per-step effects combined with a Scatter function for expressive glitchiness.
The result is a sturdy device with intuitive pattern creation methods, separate performance and programming modes, and the ability to quickly and effortlessly integrate boundless rhythmic variations and glitching patterns.
Aira TR-8 Features
- Full reproduction of the classic TR-808 and TR-909 rhythm machines, based on original design spec sheets and detailed analog circuit analysis of many original TR machines, including Roland’s own pristine units
- Newly developed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology allows part-by-part analyses and faithful recreation of tonality and behavior, including the smooth variations of tone that occur when you work the controls of each instrument
- Obsessive attention to detail, such as reproducing the original TR’s unique variations in tone that occur when multiple instruments are entered in accented steps
- Authentic 16-step sequencer with faithful TR-REC behavior, including A and B pattern variations and the ability to play instruments and record to steps in real time
- 16 stunning kits made up of 11 instrument types, including custom dream kits that use both TR-808 and TR-909 sounds
- Large Tempo knob with Tap Tempo button and continuous Fine and Shuffle adjustment knobs
- Control the intensity of the Accent function with a dedicated knob
- Per-step reverb and delay effects with dedicated knobs
- Mix sources connected to the External In jacks with built-in per-step Side Chain function for rhythmic ducking and gating effects
- Scatter lets you freak and tweak your grooves with real-time control and perfect sync
- 7 segment, 4 character LED display and 16 per-step pads with bold, full-color LEDs
- Real-time pattern creation up to 32 steps with on-the-fly step count adjustment
- Rec/Play modes have been eliminated, enabling seamless switching between step input and real-time pattern making and performance
- Real-time play of 4 different types of rolls (8th, 16th, VARI 1, VARI 2) and per-instrument mutes
- Pattern copy and pattern randomization for rapid, spontaneous creativity
- Two assignable analog outputs and full parallel outputs via USB for total mixing flexibility
- User Drum Kits: 16
- User Patterns: 16
- Steps per 1 measure: 1 – 16 steps x 2 (Variation A/B)
- Tempo: 40 – 300
- Instruments & Controls: BASS DRUM: LEVEL, TUNE, ATTACK, COMP, DECAY, INST SELECT. SNARE DRUM: LEVEL, TUNE, SNAPPY, COMP, DECAY, INST SELECT
- LOW TOM, MID TOM, HIGH TOM, RIM SHOT, HAND CLAP, CLOSED HIHAT, OPEN HIHAT, CRASH CYMBAL, RIDE CYMBAL: LEVEL, TUNE, DECAY, INST SELECT
- Effects and Controls: ACCENT: LEVEL, STEP. REVERB: LEVEL, TIME, GATE, STEP. DELAY: LEVEL, TIME, FEEDBACK, STEP. EXTERNAL IN: LEVEL, SIDE CHAIN, STEP
- Mode: TR-REC, PATTERN SELECT, INST PLAY, INST REC, DRUM KIT SEL, DRUM INST SEL
- Controllers: VOLUME knob, SCATTER knob, TEMPO knob, FINE knob, SHUFFLE knob, PADS: 16, MODE buttons: 6, CLEAR button, VARIATION buttons: A, B,
- SCALE button, LAST STEP button, START/STOP button, SCATTER ON button, SCATTER DEPTH button, TAP button, Power Switch (Rear), Display, 7 segments,
- 4 characters , (LED), Effects, REVERB, DELAY, SIDE CHAIN
- Scatter Types: 10
- Nominal Input Level: -10 dBu
- Input Impedance: 100 k ohms
- Nominal Output Level: -10/+4 dBu (Selectable)
- Output Impedance: MIX OUT, ASSIGNABLE OUT: 1 k ohm
- PHONES: 130 ohms
- Connectors: PHONES jack: 1/4-inch stereo phone type, MIX OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type, ASSIGNABLE OUT (A, B) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type,
- EXTERNAL IN (L, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type, USB port: USB type B (Audio, MIDI), DC IN jack
- USB: Audio, MIDI
- Power Supply: AC adaptor
- Current Draw: 1,000 mA
- Accessories: Owner's manual, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY", AC adaptor
- Size and Weight: Width 400 mm 15-3/4 inches, Depth 260mm 10-1/4 inches, Height 65 mm 2-9/16 inches, Weight 1.9 kg 4 lbs. 4 oz.
Roland Aira TR-8 Rhythm Performer Reviews