Roland TR- 606
Drumatix Computer Controlled (1981)

 

Famous and portable analog machine with same TB-303 design

TR Transistor Rhythm are considered cult machines around the world.

DRUM MACHINE main panel features 21 push button, 2 selector knobs and 8 knobs.

Back panel terminal connectors:
- mono signal ouput
- headphones
- start pedalswitch input
- din sync at 24 PPQ resolution
- switchtab master / slave
- 2 trigger outputs (tom 1 and tom 2).


Power supply is external 9V with negative center PSU.

 

TECH main core CPU NEC D650C-128 (MASK ROM) manages 5 channels each with dedicated volume mixer section. Voiceboard generate 7 instruments: kick, snare, tom (x2), cymbal and open/close hh.

(ABOVE) click to magnify 606 knobs

EDIT INTERFACE quite simple with some keystroke, just select and instrument from knob selector and push play. Voilà.

 

 

SEQUENCER is based on classic Roland step mode recording or realtime using the tap button. Default signature is set to 16 steps, but the scale selector can modify to wished value.

A few edit functions: cancel, patterns chaining and special accent that can be applied to a whole step but not to an individual sound.

SYNC internal tempo set from 40 to 300 BPM or It is possible to slave the machine using the sync 24 (like tb-303 or mc-202). Another useful synchronisation way is the trigger: simlpy fill the 606 TOM steps and plug it to some synth arpeggiators or simple sequencer like Elka Synthex or Roland Sh-101

 

MEMORY:
- 32 patterns
- 7 songs.
There is absolutely no way to backup your songs or patterns.

HINT: When switched off the machine retains the memory if 4 C-size batteries are fitted, and when RUN led begins to flash, it is time to get fresh new batteries! just remember that it is wise to remove them after a long period just to avoid acid leaks.

 

 

MAINTENANCE If buying a second hand just watch out for the famous ALPS buttons that may need some replacement, but pay attention to cheap replacement parts.

- click above to zoom IN -

 

 

MODIFICATION the 606 can be easily modded here's some of my works, trying to keep the original aspect as close as possible:

	Midi modification with velocity, OUT was unnecessary for our needs.
	Separate outputs with micro-jacks
	high luminosity LEDs Blows- in-the -dark your eyes!
	Some other custom works: pic 1-2 : thebeast.co.uk pic 3: stereoping.com pic4: customsynth.co.uk

 

RELATED MODELS:

	Roland Aira TR-08 special pricey plugins adds tr606 sounds- not analog.
	Cyclone Drum Drone TT-606 a clone like Bass bot with ugly design
	Acidlab Drumatix analog clone VIDEO

 

VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION there are some free and commercial samples set or vst emulation:

	name	price	demo
	- BPB Cassette 606  -wavealchemy	free sample packs
	-VST planet -Marvin VST Tromine	free VST	N/A

 

AUDIO DEMO

	simple pattern
	demo by Nico
	Commercial with Akai Ax-80
	Sanxion demo with Roland Alpha Juno

VIDEO SELECTION How to program with TB-303, TR-808 and TR-909 a lot of of modifications here!

 

 

big pic 606

MANUAL

original brochure

original brochure

original ad

artwork-dope

sweet 606 cat :)

custom 606
(Unkown source)

modded 606
(Unkown source)

Roland TR-606 FOR SALE CHECK OUT EBAY OFFERS