Roland - Aira TR-8S Rhythm Performer

The Roland TR-8S v2.0 drum machine combines the power of FM synthesis with Roland's cult drum sounds and stereo samples in a single instrument.

The TR8S FM tone generator makes it easy to manage the complexity of FM synthesis with just a few key parameters, giving you access to a complete world of sounds, timbres and textures with a simple twist of the new MORPH macro controller.

The Roland TR 8S Rhythm Performer combines analogue circuit modelling and sample support for greater sonic versatility than ever before. Create your own custom kits and patterns with any combination of ACB drum sounds and your own samples imported from the SD card.

Building on the success of the TR 8, the Roland AIRA TR-8S Rhythm Performer combines the legendary sound, form and function of the TR-808, 606, 909, 707 and 727 with cutting-edge performance and live pattern manipulation capabilities to create a modern classic, well-suited for stage and studio.

Build your dream kit on this drum machine with built-in drum sounds, or play and layer Roland's vast collection of stereo samples to create original sounds never heard before. Plus, the SD card slot lets you import your own samples.

Roland has developed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, which faithfully recreates the tone and behavior of real analog circuits. With ACB, all the details of these original machines are captured, including the tonal variations that occur when multiple instruments are programmed in stages.

The TR 8S electronic rhythm machine has 128 user kits made up of 11 instruments, each with its own tone. What's more, each tone has several variations and each tone can be freely assigned to one of the 11 instrument slots.

Each channel offers tuning, decay and a custom assignable control knob, putting all the power of sound shaping at your fingertips. You can program on the 16 TR-REC buttons or use the velocity-sensitive performance pad to play live or record into the TR-8S sequencer.

You can switch seamlessly between playback and editing, allowing you to reshape your drum parts without ever interrupting your flow. Each of the 128 patterns can store eight variations and three fill types. Patterns and variations can be played or chained in any order, and the auto-fill function automatically plays a fill every 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 bars.

Sounds can be recorded in steps or in real time in a 16-step sequencer with eight pattern variations (A-H). The TR-8S drum machine offers the option of programming locks in the step sequencer or recording movements in patterns to create subtle movements or dramatic key changes.

You can automate bass drum tuning, snare pitch, panning, effects or create melodies and bass lines. Video recording is simple to use and video playback can be switched on or off instantly.

The Roland TR-8S has eight versatile outputs, which are freely assignable to any sound or group of sounds. In addition, the external input allows audio to pass through the TR-8S with the ability to sequence side-chain and grid effects. The USB port connects the TR-8S to a computer, offering both MIDI and audio functions. The Roland AIRA TR-8S is supplied with an AC adapter.