Roland TR-8 Rhythm Performer Owner's Manual

Panel Descriptions

The TR-8 features various controls for pattern creation, performance, and sound editing. Key sections include:

• Mode Buttons: [TR-REC], [PTN SELECT], [INST PLAY], [INST REC], DRUM SELECT [KIT], [INST] for selecting recording modes, patterns, and instruments.
• Tempo Section: [TEMPO] knob, [SHUFFLE] knob, [FINE] knob, and [TAP] button for tempo control.
• ACCENT Section: For adding accents to steps.
• REVERB/DELAY Sections: [LEVEL], [TIME], [GATE], [FEEDBACK] knobs and [STEP] button for editing reverb and delay parameters.
• EXTERNAL IN Section: [LEVEL] knob and [SIDE CHAIN] knob, with a [STEP] button for adjusting external audio input.
• INST Edit Section: [TUNE], [DECAY], [ATTACK], [SNAPPY], [COMP] knobs and [LEVEL] fader for adjusting individual instrument tonal characteristics.
• INST Select Buttons: For selecting instruments during TR-REC or for tone editing.
• Scale Section: [SCALE] button to switch step scales (8th note triplet, 16th note triplet, 16th note, 32nd note).
• Pads [1]–[16]: Used for step recording, pattern selection, instrument playback, rolls, muting, and kit selection.
• Scatter Section: [SCATTER] knob, [DEPTH] button, and [ON] button for applying groove effects.
• Display/Tempo Section: Shows current tempo and allows adjustments.

INST-REC (Realtime Recording)

Create patterns by recording your performance on the pads in real time. This modifies the selected pattern.

1. Press the [INST REC] button (3).
2. Press the [START/STOP] button (6) to start recording.
3. Perform on the pads (14). Operations in the INST edit section (11) are not recorded.

Deleting a recorded instrument from the pattern:

• Deleting a specific region: During playback, hold down the [CLEAR] button (2). The selected instrument is deleted from the region of the pattern that plays while the button is held.
• Deleting all notes: Hold down the INST select button (12) of the instrument to delete and press the [CLEAR] (2) button.

Playing/Selecting/Controlling a Pattern

What is a “PATTERN”? The performance data recorded using TR-REC or INST-REC is called a “pattern.” The TR-8 has 16 patterns, with two variations (A/B) for each pattern.

Playing a pattern:

1. Press the [START/STOP] button (6).
2. Use scatter (15) or INST edit (11) to modify the sound.

Selecting a pattern:

1. Press the [PTN SELECT] button (3).
2. Use the pads (14) to select a pattern. The selected pad blinks and remains lit during playback. You can select a range by pushing two pads simultaneously for sequential playback.
3. Use the variation buttons (5) to select A or B. If both buttons [A] and [B] are lit, A and then B are played successively.

Generating a random pattern: This modifies the selected pattern.

1. Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button (3) and press the SCATTER [ON] button (15).
2. To save, press the [TR-REC] button (blinks).

Copying a pattern:

1. Press the [PTN SELECT] button (3). If a pattern is playing, stop it.
2. Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button (3) and use the pads (14) to specify the pattern to copy.
3. Press the pad to which you want to paste the pattern.

Copying a pattern for an individual instrument:

1. Switch patterns by pressing the pad for the pattern you want to copy.
2. Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button (3) and press the INST select button(s) (12) of the instrument(s) to copy.
3. When the instrument(s) are specified, press the [PTN SELECT] button (3).
4. Press the pad (14) to which you want to paste the pattern.

Deleting a pattern:

1. Press the [PTN SELECT] button (3).
2. Hold down the [CLEAR] button (2) and use the pads (14) to specify the pattern to delete.

Changing Kits/Instruments

What is a “KIT”? The 11 instruments are collectively called a “kit.” The TR-8 has 16 kits. The pattern plays the instruments of the currently selected kit.

Changing kits:

1. Press the DRUM SELECT [KIT] button (3).
2. Press a lit pad (14) to select a kit. The selected pad blinks.

Changing an instrument’s sound (tone): This modifies the selected kit.

1. Press the DRUM SELECT [INST] button (3).
2. Use the INST select buttons (12) to select the instrument whose tone you want to change.
3. Press a lit pad (14) to select its tone. The selected pad blinks.

Changing an instrument’s pan:

1. Hold down the INST select button (12) and turn the [TEMPO] knob. (Range: L64–0–R63)

Changing the type of reverb/delay/side chain:

1. Press the [STEP] button (8, 9, 10) and use the pads (14) to change the type of delay, reverb, or side chain.

Turning each instrument’s reverb/delay on/off:

1. Press the DRUM SELECT [KIT] button (3).
2. Hold down the [STEP] button (8, 9) and use the INST select buttons (12) to turn the setting on/off.

TR-REC (Step Recording)

Create patterns by specifying the steps at which each instrument will sound. You can play back the pattern while creating it. This modifies the selected pattern.

1. Press the [TR-REC] button (3).
2. Use the variation buttons to select either A or B. (If A and B play consecutively, hold [B] and press [A] to select A, or hold [A] and press [B] to select B.)
3. Use the [SCALE] button (13) to specify the scale.
4. Press one of the INST select buttons (12) to select the instrument to record.
5. Use the pads (14) to specify the steps at which the selected instrument will sound.
6. Repeat steps 3–4.

Specifying the length of the pattern (LAST STEP): Specify the number of steps the pattern will contain.

1. Hold down the [LAST STEP] button (4) and press a pad (14) to specify the last step. (Cannot specify LAST STEP if multiple patterns are selected.)

Specifying accents:

1. Press the [STEP] button (7).
2. Press the pads (14) for each step where you want to add an accent.
3. Use the [LEVEL] knob (7) to adjust the accent volume.

Applying reverb or delay:

1. Press the [STEP] button (8, 9).
2. Use the pads (14) to specify the steps where you want to apply reverb or delay.
3. Use knobs like [LEVEL] and [TIME] (8, 9) to adjust the parameters.

Deleting a recorded instrument from the pattern: Refer to “INST-REC”.

Controller Explanations

• [VOLUME] knob (1): Adjusts the output volume of the MIX OUT jacks (E) and PHONES jack (D). Does not affect ASSIGNABLE OUT jacks (F).
• [CLEAR] button (2): Erases recorded content for an instrument or deletes a pattern.
• Mode Buttons (3):
  • [TR-REC] button: Step-records a pattern.
  • [PTN SELECT] button: Selects a pattern.
  • [INST PLAY] button: Use pads (14) for real-time performance, even while a pattern plays. Hold [INST PLAY] and press pads [12]–[15] and [1]–[11] to sustain sound. Cancel Hold by pressing the selected pad without [INST PLAY].
  • [INST REC] button: Real-time records a pattern.
  • DRUM SELECT [KIT] button: Selects a kit.
  • DRUM SELECT [INST] button: Selects an instrument's sound (tone).
• [LAST STEP] button (4): Specifies the pattern length.
• Variation buttons [A][B] (5): Switches between pattern variations (A/B).
• [START/STOP] button (6): Plays/stops the pattern.
• ACCENT section (7): Adds accents to specified steps. [LEVEL] knob adjusts accent volume.
• REVERB section (8) / DELAY section (9): Edit reverb and delay parameters.
  • [LEVEL] knob: Volume of reverb/delay.
  • [TIME] knob: Length of reverb/delay.
  • [GATE] knob: Timing reverb is cut off (reverb only).
  • [FEEDBACK] knob: Delay repetitions (delay only).
  • [STEP] button: Use pads (14) to specify steps for reverb/delay application.
• EXTERNAL IN section (10): Adjusts sound input to EXTERNAL IN jacks (G).
  • [LEVEL] knob: Volume.
  • [SIDE CHAIN] knob: Adjusts audio input volume based on TR-8 pattern playback (greater effect to the right).
  • [STEP] button: Use pads (14) to specify steps for side chain volume adjustment.
• INST edit section (11): Adjusts the tonal character of instruments.
  • What is an “INST”? The TR-8 supports 11 different INST (instruments: BASS DRUM–RIDE CYMBAL) in a pattern. You can assign a desired sound (tone) to each instrument.
  • [TUNE] knob: Tuning (pitch).
  • [DECAY] knob: Length of decay.
  • [ATTACK] knob: Strength of attack (BASS DRUM only).
  • [SNAPPY] knob: Volume of snare (stretched wires) (SNARE DRUM only).
  • [COMP] knob: Amount of compressor effect (BASS DRUM and SNARE DRUM only).
  • [LEVEL] fader: Volume. (Some tones may not have all effects.)
• INST select button (12):
  • Mode Explanation: TR-REC selects instruments for TR-REC. DRUM SELECT-INST selects instruments for tone change.
• SCALE section (13): Switches step scales during TR-REC.
  • [SCALE] button: Choose one of four scales: 8th note triplet (3 steps/beat), 16th note triplet (6 steps/beat), 16th note (4 steps/beat), 32nd note (8 steps/beat).
• Pads [1]–[11](INST)/[12]–[15](ROLL)/[16](MUTE) (14):
  • Mode Explanation: TR-REC: Specify if the instrument sounds at each step. PTN SELECT: Select patterns 1–16. INST PLAY: Pads [1]–[11](INST) play instruments. Hold [12]–[15](ROLL) and press [1]–[11] for a roll; press multiple [12]–[15] pads for roll variations. Hold [INST PLAY] and press pads to sustain sound. INST REC: Pads record the corresponding instrument during real-time recording. DRUM SELECT KIT: Select kits 1–16. DRUM SELECT INST: Select instrument tones.
• SCATTER section (15): Applies a digital groove effect by exchanging steps, changing playback direction, or gate length. The effect applies from the second cycle of the loop.
  • [SCATTER] knob: Selects scatter type.
  • [DEPTH] button: [SCATTER] knob adjusts scatter depth when ON.
  • [ON] button: Enables scatter function.
• Display/TEMPO section (16, 17): Displays current tempo and allows adjustments.
  • [TEMPO] knob: Adjusts tempo.
  • [SHUFFLE] knob: Adjusts shuffle (bounce).
  • [FINE] knob: Fine tempo adjustments.
  • [TAP] button: Tap multiple times to set tempo.

Connecting Your Equipment

Important: To prevent malfunction, turn down the volume and turn off all units before making connections.

• DC IN jack (A): Connect the included AC adaptor. Use only the included adaptor.
• USB (B) port: Connect to a computer using a USB 2.0 cable for USB MIDI and USB audio data transfer. Install the USB driver before connecting. Download from Roland website: http://www.roland.com/support/
• Security slot (C): For Kensington locks. http://www.kensington.com/
• PHONES jack (D): Connect headphones. Outputs the same audio as MIX OUT jacks (E).
• MIX OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks (E): Connect to an amplifier or monitor speakers. Use L/MONO for monaural systems.
• ASSIGNABLE OUT (A, B) jacks (F): Output specified instruments. These instruments are not output from MIX OUT jacks (E). Reverb and delay are not applied.
• EXTERNAL IN (L, R) jacks (G): Connect an external audio source. Input sound is output from MIX OUT jacks (E). Scatter (15) can be applied to input sound. Use cables without resistors if input volume is low.
• MIDI (IN/OUT) jacks (H): For connecting MIDI devices.

Turning the Power On/Off

• [POWER] switch (I): Turns the unit on/off.
• Power-on order: TR-8 first, then connected system. Power-off order: Connected system first, then TR-8. Incorrect order may cause malfunctions or damage.
• The unit requires a few seconds after power-on to operate normally due to a protection circuit.
• Turn volume down before turning the unit on/off. Some sound may be heard during switching, which is normal.

Various Settings

Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset)

1. While holding down the [CLEAR] button, turn on the power. The display shows “rSt”; the [START/STOP] button blinks. Turn off power to cancel.
2. Press the [START/STOP] button to execute the reset.
3. When the display shows “CNP,” turn the TR-8’s power off, then on again.

System Settings

1. While holding down the [PTN SELECT] button, turn on the power. The [START/STOP] button blinks. Turn off power to exit without saving.
2. Use the [TEMPO] knob and pads to change settings:
   • MIDI channel: [TEMPO] knob selects OFF, C1–C16. Default is C10. ON (OMNI) receives all channels; MIDI transmit is channel 10.
   • MIDI clock source: [1] button. Lit (AUTO) synchronizes tempo to incoming MIDI clock (default). Unlit (INTERNAL) uses the unit's tempo. USB port takes priority if MIDI clock is received from both MIDI IN and USB.
   • MIDI through: [2] button. Lit (ON) retransmits received MIDI data from MIDI OUT (default). Unlit (OFF) does not retransmit.
   • BOOST mode: [3] button. Lit (ON) boosts MIX OUT jack level. Unlit (OFF) is standard.
   • EXTERNAL IN select: [4] button. Lit (STEREO) uses stereo input (default). Unlit (MONO) uses mono x 2.
   • ASSIGNABLE OUT A: Hold variation [A] button. If INST select button or EXTERNAL IN [STEP] button is lit, that instrument is output to ASSIGNABLE OUT A.
   • ASSIGNABLE OUT B: Hold variation [B] button. If INST select button or EXTERNAL IN [STEP] button is lit, that instrument is output to ASSIGNABLE OUT B.
   • Screen-saver: Hold [TAP] and turn [TEMPO] knob. Specifies time until screen saver appears. OFF disables it. Default is 5 min.
   • PROGRAMMING mode: [TR-REC] button. Lit (PAD) switches setting order: Strong -> Weak -> Off. Unlit (INST) enters a weak note by holding INST select button and pressing a pad (default).
   • EFFECT mode: [KIT] button. Lit (KIT) saves effect type per kit. Unlit (SYSTEM) uses the same effect type for all kits (default).
3. Press the [START/STOP] button to save settings. The TR-8 restarts.

Synchronizing/Recording with Other Devices

The TR-8 can receive MIDI Clock (F8), MIDI Start (FA), and MIDI Stop (FC) data to synchronize its tempo and playback.

• Synchronizing with a TB-3: Use a commercially available MIDI cable to connect the TR-8 and TB-3. Set TR-8 as master and TB-3 as slave.
• Synchronizing/recording with your computer DAW via USB: Connect the TR-8 to your computer with a USB 2.0 cable. Synchronize with your DAW via USB MIDI or record individual instruments via USB audio.

Main Specifications

• Model: Roland TR-8: RHYTHM PERFORMER
• Power Supply: AC adaptor
• Current Draw: 1000 mA
• Dimensions: 400 (W) x 260 (D) x 65 (H) mm / 15-3/4 (W) x 10-1/4 (D) x 2-9/16 (H) inches
• Weight: 1.9 kg / 4 lbs 4 oz
• Accessories: AC adaptor, Owner’s manual, Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY“
• Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice for product improvement.