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Roland TR808 - How It Works, Who Uses It & Where You Can Buy One

The Roland TR-808 – The King of Electro!

When it was released in 1980, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer had musicians and audiences alike clamoring for more cowbell. Featuring percussive sounds produced through analog synthesis, the TR-808 was one of the earliest drum machines with programming capabilities.

This new technology allowed musicians to produce their own rhythms, which provided a much more interesting experience than simply selecting a backing beat from a menu of already-created patterns. 

Short for “Transistor Rhythm,” the TR-808 holds up to 32 patterns and can chain up to 768 measures. This expanded programming ability is helpful in producing demos of entire percussion tracks, including even breaks and rolls. From the punchily labeled dials lining the drum machine’s front panel, users have their choice of 16 acoustic percussion sounds including accent; claves; hand clap; snare; low/mid/high toms; rimshot; maracas; low/mid/high congas; cymbal; open hi-hat; closed hi-hat; and, of course, cowbell.

Each sound is equipped with independent volume controls and individual outputs, many of which can be edited to user specifications. For example, the bass drum and cymbal can be customized for tone and decay, the toms and congas can be tuned, the open hat has a decay feature, and the snare has one dial for the tone and a second to make each hit snappier.

Where Can I Buy A Roland TR-808?

An eye-catching machine, the TR-808 proudly displays a row of colorful keys labeled by step and basic rhythm number, their colors visually reminiscent of a Scoville heat scale. Other prominent features include master controls for volume and tempo; A/B variation switches; and a square, yellow tap button in the lower right-hand corner.

Although not equipped with MIDI synchronization, the TR-808 has the technology that preceded it – Roland’s DIN sync that connected other devices through its Digital Control Businterface. Three trigger outputs are also included to synchronize the 808’s beats with external equipment.

Despite a production run cut short due to lackluster sales and the inability to restock essential parts, the TR-808’s legacy has stood the test of time. Before becoming the drum machine used on more hit records than any other electronic rhythm composer, it suffered three years on the market playing second fiddle to Linn Electronics’ Linn LM-1 Drum Computer, which used sampled sounds.

From 1980 through 1983, fewer than 12,000 TR-808s were sold. Although initially criticized for its inability to mimic a real drum, the TR-808 struck a chord with digital music producers, garnering a cult following among those enamored of its futuristic sound, powerful bass tonality, and adaptability to service multiple genres.

In addition to its adoption by the dance and techno music community, it has become the digital heartbeat of R&B and hip-hop, the backbone of shimmery ‘80s pop tracks, and a poetic reference in modern chart-topping hits. With each reincarnation and every pasing musical generation, the TR-808 has finally and firmly entrenched itself in music production history. 

How Much Does A Roland TR-808 Cost?

If you’re lucky enough to find a Roland TR-808 for sale they’ll normally* range anywhere between £3,500 and £5,000

*prices generally seen on auction sites. If you see them cheaper, you may be on to a bargain.

Who Uses Or Used The Roland TR-808?

Famous and not so famous users of the SH-101 are: Aphex Twin, Richie Hawtin, Orbital, Squarepusher, Ceephax Acid Crew, DMX Krew, Rolando Simmons, EOD, Beathaven, Daft Punk, Mathew Jonson, Venetian Snares, DJ Muggs, Kanye West, Jamie XX, Dr Dre, Legowelt, A Guy Called Gerald, RZA, EL-P, Egyptian Lover, Jeff Mills and many, many more!

Alternatives To The Roland TR-808?

There are many different alternatives to the 808 whether as hardware, software, analog or digital. These are as follows: Roland Boutique TR-08, Roland Aira TR-8s, Behringer RD-8, 8raw8, Yocto Analog Drum Machine, emulators, samples and VST’s. We go through a review and comparison of the TR 808 and the Behringer RD-8 below.

However, when we compare it to the real thing it’s noticeable that the alternatives don’t quite stack up. They are a great option though for people with a lower budget.

Classic Roland TR-808 Videos, Tutorials & Demos

A playlist of videos showing you how to program a the TR-808, some famous 808 patterns and general ‘808 in action’ based videos. Some great tips in here so be sure to check them out!

All in all, loads to watch, listen and learn before getting your own!

Classic Roland TR-808 Tracks

Some classic 808 tracks from the last 20 years or so featuring: Drexciya – Andreaen Sand Dunes, Charanjit Singh – Raga Bhairav, der Zyklus – Elektronisches Zeitechno, The Other Peoples Place – Lifestyles of The Laptop Cafe, Mantronix – Needle To The Groove, Hashim – Al Naafiysh, Cybotron – Clear, The Other People Place – Sorrow & A Cup of Joe and A Guy Called Gerald – Voodoo Ray.

Other Roland Products?

The famous Roland synths, drum machines and effects include: SH 101, MC 202, TB 303, TR 606, TR 707, TR 808, TR 909, Juno 60RE-201 Space Echo.

What Are The Differences Between The Roland TR 808 & The Behringer RD-8

Below are the key differences between the Roland TR-808 and the Behringer RD-8:
Manufacturer and Design:
The TR-808 is the original Rhythm Composer designed by Roland. It is described as a unique and versatile analog rhythm device.
The RD-8 is manufactured by Behringer and is described as an “authentic recreation” of the “influential and highly sought after legendary analog drum machine”. It uses a “pure analog signal” and “legendary analog circuits with some additional pots for more parameters”. Essentially, the RD-8 aims to replicate the core sound and feel of the TR-808 while adding modern features.
Number of Sounds:
The TR-808 incorporates eleven distinct percussive sounds.
The RD-8 features 16 original drum sounds, specifically listing 11 distinct voices plus an Accent. It has 11 simultaneous voices available, or 12 including the global accent. While the names of the core voices are similar (e.g., Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Toms/Congas, Hats, Cymbal, Clap/Maracas, Rim Shot/Claves, Cowbell), the RD-8 includes slightly more tonal control options for some sounds.
Sequencer Capabilities and Pattern Length:
The TR-808 allows programming rhythms in sequences called patterns. Basic rhythm patterns can have up to 32 steps. Each measure is divided into a certain number of parts, called steps. A common setting is 16 steps for 4/4 time. Patterns can be programmed in two sections, the 1st PART and the 2nd PART, with steps determined by the PRE-SCALE setting.
The RD-8 features a “powerful 64-step drum sequencer”. Pattern length can be changed from 1 to 64 steps on a pattern-by-pattern basis. This offers significantly more steps per pattern than the TR-808’s basic 16 or 32-step configurations.
Memory and Storage:
The TR-808 features non-volatile memory that retains rhythm programs and track data. It relies on batteries for memory backup. It is possible to program a total of 32 rhythm patterns (16×2). Track memory can store up to 64 measures, and a total composition of up to 768 measures.
The RD-8 allows storage of up to 16 songs and 256 patterns. It also supports importing/exporting patterns and songs during playback, enabling “unlimited songs and patterns”. The RD-8 has dedicated SAVE, COPY, ERASE, and DUMP functions. It also has an Auto Save feature for patterns and song chains.
Arrangement and Song Features:
The TR-808 can arrange rhythm patterns into longer sequences called a “Rhythm Track”. This composition is done in COMPOSE mode.
The RD-8 also allows arrangement of patterns into “full songs”. It has a dedicated Pattern Mode for arranging patterns into songs and setting repeats and a Song Mode for chaining songs together for live sets and expanded compositions. A song can contain up to 16 patterns, with parameter settings like tempo, swing, filter, etc., stored per song. The RD-8 also has features like Auto Advance for songs.
Advanced Sequencer Features (RD-8 Specific):
The TR-808 offers basic step and tap programming, accent, tone, and decay controls for some sounds, and varying step lengths via PRE-SCALE.
The RD-8 sequencer includes many modern features not mentioned in the TR-808 source, such as Polymeter (setting different sequence lengths per drum track independently, up to 64 steps), Step Repeat, Note Repeat, Probability (adjusting how likely a programmed step is to play, per step/global), Flam (simulated double hit with adjustable width, per step/global), Random triggering (on selected voices/steps), Auto Fill, and adjustable Step Size (1/8 to 1/32). It also supports Real-Time Triggering and live Step-Overdubbing, and live recording/editing of the Analog Filter cutoff via automation. Parameters like Tempo, Swing, Probability, Flam, Mutes/Solos, etc., can have their preference set to be Global, Song, or Pattern-specific.
Connectivity:
Both machines have independent analog outputs for sounds. The RD-8 has 11 independent voice outputs.
Both have a main Mono/Master output.
Both have Trigger Outputs.
Both have Sync In/Out.
The RD-8 explicitly lists comprehensive MIDI In/Out/Thru (via 5-pin DIN) and USB implementation for synchronisation, DAW control, and data exchange. The TR-808 source shows MIDI connections in diagrams with other gear, but doesn’t list MIDI as a primary feature in its introduction or basic connections section.
The RD-8 has a dedicated Return input for processing external audio via its FX bus. The TR-808 source does not mention a similar input.
Integrated Effects (RD-8 Specific):
The TR-808 primarily offers sound shaping through Level, Tone, Decay, Snappy, and Offset controls for individual voices.
The RD-8 has an integrated FX bus featuring a Wave Designer (with Attack and Sustain controls) and a dual-mode Analog Filter (LPF/HPF with Cutoff and Resonance controls). Voices can be assigned to this FX bus.
Display and User Interface:
The TR-808 uses LEDs above its step buttons to indicate programming and playback position.
The RD-8 has a “high-visibility LED display” (7-segment, 4-character) that makes it “easy to verify program parameters” like tempo. It also uses the step button LEDs for programming and visual feedback. It has a “robust encoder for editing parameters”.
In summary, while the Behringer RD-8 is designed as an “authentic recreation” of the Roland TR-808’s core analog sound, it significantly expands upon the original’s features with a longer sequencer (64 steps vs 32 max for basic patterns), much larger memory capacity (256 patterns, 16 songs vs 32 patterns, 768 measures track), more comprehensive connectivity including USB and explicit MIDI Thru/connectivity options, integrated effects like the Wave Designer and Analog Filter, and a host of advanced sequencing capabilities such as Polymeter, Probability, Flam, Note Repeat, and Random functions. The RD-8 also incorporates modern workflow enhancements like an LED display and parameter-specific preferences