Roland TR-808
Rhythm Composer (1980)

Transistor Rhythm 808 maybe the most famous drum machine in the world along with the Roland TR-909. Created by the Japanese dreamteam: Makoto Murio, Matsuoka and Nakamura.

 

DRUM MACHINE main panel features 2 buttons, 18 tactile buttons, 8 switches, 6 encoders and 27 knobs.


Back panel terminal connectors:
- 1 master out low impedance
- 1 master out high impedance
- 11 individual outputs
- 3 trigger outputs (generates +5V pulses)
- pedalswitch input start/stop
- pedalswitch input for fill in

VOICE main core based on a 4-bits microcontroller UPD650C-085 special custom Roland (version 0.85) manages 11 analog channels with individual gain mix.
The voice board generates 16 analog percussions which 8 of them are circuit-shared.

SOUNDS the percussion sounds can be edited with serveral parameters :

Kick - tone tunes the pitch - decay set the relative lenght Snare - tone tunes the pitch - snappy sets the amount of white noise Low tom / Low conga - tuning sets the pitch Mid tom / Mid conga - tuning sets the pitch High tom / High conga - tuning sets the pitch

Claves / Rimshot - no controls Maracas / Claps - no controls Cowbell - no controls Cymbal - tone - decay lenght Open hihat - decay Closed hihat - no controls

 

 

SEQUENCER there are 2 ways to enter rhythm patterns:
- real-time: select an instruments, start the machine and hit TAP button.
- step mode: start and push one of the 16 switches steps
Each part is split in A-B segment and the step number adjustable up to 16 x 2 parts then patterns are chained to make a whole SONG.
SYNC internal frequency clock range from 33 to 300 BPM or external sync (5-DINS) at 24 PPQ compliant with other machines like Roland TR-606, MC-202 or TB-303.

 

 

 

QUICK PROGRAMMING GUIDE

Stop the rhythm with the START/STOP button. Set the MODE selector to PATTERN CLEAR. Select either the A or B Mode (VARIATION) and create a pattern with the STEP buttons Press the CLEAR button Set the MODE selector to PATTERN WRITE 1st PART. Press the START/STOP button Choose the PRE-SCALE Press the CLEAR button (you have now memorized the scaling) While pressing the CLEAR button, press the key for steps. Choose the instrument with the INSTRUMENT/TRACK selector Press the steps that are to be programmed Program the other instrument sounds and ACCENT by repeating steps (9) and (10) Press the START/STOP button when programming has been completed.

 

MEMORY
- 64 patterns
- 768 measures
Memory system works with 1.5V batteries in the latch.

 

MODIFICATION there are many possible modification for this cult machine, some tonals some with enanced features. Here's my personal MOD:
- Midi fitted Midi IN with velocities and Midi OUT for controlling other units
- sync to an external Midi clock.
- rackmounted case -now sold-

gallery:

RELATED MODELS:

	Roland Aira TR-08 digital version of both 808 and 909 with enhanced features and new design. AUDIO TEST: TR-8 VS TR-808 PAGE
	Studio electronics "HARVEY" a smart rackmount operation by SE. They did a lot of similar job with other machine like P5 (prophet5) or OBIE rack.
	Clones: - ACIDLAB MIAMI devastating kick VIDEO - YOCTO 808 a clone in kit VIDEO - NOVATION DRUM STATION rackmount digital emulation - MFB 522 handheld

 

VST PLUGIN & SAMPLED there are some free and commercial samples set, app and VST:

	name	price	demo
	- trash audio -wave alchemy -deephouseamsterdam-goldbaby	free samples	N/A
	samplephonic	commercial VST PLUGIN
	boom 808	commercial (APP for IOS)

 

AUDIO DEMO

	pattern rhythm
	jam
	groovy
	pattern 2
	cowbell special :)

VIDEO CLIP SELECTION with volca bass sync DEMO with Juno-60 synth

 

ROLAND TR808 MANUAL

SERVICE MANUAL SCHEMATICS

TR-808 THE MOVIE THE TRAILER

Sexual Healing

Beastie Boys Brass Monkey

original brochure

original brochure

original brochure

Roland TR-808 FOR SALE CHECK OUT EBAY OFFERS