Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer Review

Bruce Aisher reviews the Roland TR-08, a compact digital recreation of the classic TR-808 drum machine.

Contact: Roland
Tel: 01792 702701
Web: www.roland.co.uk

Key Features

Small-footprint digital recreation of the classic TR-808 drum machine.
Hands-on control over many parameters.
Enhanced selection of tune, level, and decay settings.
Programmable via classic 808 Step and Tap modes.
Four outputs via USB audio.
Trigger output for controlling external instruments equipped with trigger input.
Battery-operated or USB powered.
Built-in powered mini-speaker.

The Roland Boutique series continues to release diminutive digital clones of past glories, all sharing the same footprint and aiming to recreate the sound, look, and interactivity of the originals. The TR-08 Rhythm Composer is the latest in this line, representing Roland's analogue-to-digital distillation process.

The original TR-808 was a significant instrument in the development of electronic music technology during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its use of integrated circuits, computer processing, and digital memory allowed for the creation of a drum machine capable of multi-pattern rhythm tracks and timbral adjustments, with options for syncing to other gear.

While the TR-808 employed electronic sound generation techniques from the 1960s, its use in classic tracks earned it a revered status. Recreating the 'magic' of the 808, whether in analogue or digital clones, is a complex task. Component differences meant that even original 808 units sounded slightly different from the factory. Roland made design tweaks to the 808 over its production run, and components age over time, further altering the sound. The TR-08 offers front panel controls for sound adjustment, but internal modifications are limited.

In testing, the TR-08 showed favourable impressions, with noticeable differences in the pitch and timbre of the hats and cymbal compared to a mid-run TR-808. The core of the 808's sound lies in its Schmitt Trigger oscillators and their filter and pitch tunings. The TR-08 exhibits a measurable brightness and some differences in the pitches of certain sounds.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Decent 808 sonics and programming system, now with added swing.
Less noisy than the original 808, and can go entirely digital via USB.
Front panel trigger is separately programmable from other sounds.

Cons

More affordable than a secondhand 808, but not especially cheap for a digital box.
More detailed sound editing would be welcome.
Additional outputs are only available via USB when connected to a computer, requiring another audio driver and DAW.

Beyond its DSP-driven sound engine, the TR-08 is a 21st-century machine. Its programming system is similar to the original but includes features like sub-step beats, random patterns, and swing. A four-character LED display aids in parameter selection and editing. Compression can be applied to the Kick and Snare, and Tuning and Decay are available for some sounds, including a long decay Kick for Miami Bass styles. Panning and routing are handled via analogue stereo out and USB audio channels. MIDI support is robust, allowing for sending and receiving CC messages and triggering sound slots remotely.

The TR-08 can use MIDI via both USB and DIN. For outputs beyond stereo/dual mono, a digital connection via USB is required.

808 vs. TR-08 Sonic Differences

Kick: Pretty close, though amplitude envelopes followed subtly different curves.
Snare: Cannot be retuned on the TR-08. Original unit was a few semitones higher, but otherwise largely similar.
Toms: TR-08 had more bite and a slightly more pronounced noise component.
Congas: The TR-08 Mid Conga had more pronounced harmonic content.
Rim Shot / Clave / Maracas: All broadly similar, perhaps due to their simplicity.
Clap: Noticeably different shapes, with the 808 exhibiting more flam.
Cowbell: 808 was fuller; the TR-08 sound was almost compressed with a pronounced attack.
Hi Hats / Cymbal: Tuning the TR-08 changes filter frequency, but not underlying harmonics.

While the TR-08 is enjoyable, the reviewer notes that pre-configured sonic variants, custom artist settings, or extra 'modding' tools would be beneficial. The ability to use the Accent trigger pulse as a sound source is also mentioned as a missed opportunity.

Regarding pricing, the TR-08 sits just above the £300 mark, which is considered high for a digital recreation compared to an analogue groovebox. However, for those seeking a hardware 808 clone, the TR-08 is recommended for consideration.

Alternatives

Roland TR-8

£429. The first of Roland's beatbox resurrection machines, offering sounds from the 909, 808, 707, 727, and 606. (www.roland.com)

D16 Nepheton

£99. A plugin offering ample tweakage for modded 808-style sounds. (d16.pl)

Roland TR-808 (used)

From £3,000. The original unit, with the caveat that all units sound different. (ebay.co.uk)

FM Verdict

A decent-sounding digital resurrection of a classic beatbox, although extra outs and more adjustable sonics would be a welcome addition to this new model.

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