Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer: A User's Guide
This guide provides detailed information on operating the Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer, a faithful recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine.
Introduction
The Roland TR-08 is a meticulously crafted replica of the iconic TR-808 Rhythm Composer, celebrated as one of the most influential drum machines in music history. This guide, created by Sunshine Jones, serves as a companion to the official documentation, aiming to inspire users and provide a deeper understanding of the TR-08's capabilities.
The TR-08 utilizes Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology to accurately reproduce the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-808. It offers modern conveniences while respecting the legacy of the classic instrument.
For correspondence with the author, visit: http://sunshine-jones.com
Front and Back Panel Layout
The TR-08 features a comprehensive control panel designed for intuitive operation. Key sections include:
- Display/Tempo: Shows current tempo and allows tempo adjustment.
- Bank/Tempo/Shuffle: Controls tempo, bank selection, and shuffle amount.
- Mode Switch/Select Switch/Clear Button: Manages operation modes (Pattern Clear, Pattern Write, Manual Play, Play, Compose), instrument selection, and clearing data.
- Instrument Controls: Individual knobs for Level, Tone, Tuning, Decay, and Snappy for each instrument.
- Step Sequencer Buttons: [1]-[16] buttons for step input, pattern selection, and intro/fill-in programming.
- Start/Stop Button: Controls playback of patterns and sequences.
- Tap Button: Used for intro/fill-in input and other functions.
- Menu/Sub Step Button: Accesses menu mode for advanced settings and sub-step programming.
- Trigger Out Jack: Outputs a trigger pulse for controlling external devices.
- Phones Jack: For connecting headphones.
- Output Jack: Main audio output.
- Mix In Jack: Audio input for mixing external sources.
- Micro USB Port: For USB audio/MIDI connection to a computer.
- MIDI Connection (MIDI OUT, MIDI IN): For synchronization and control with other MIDI devices.
- Power Switch: Turns the unit on and off.
- Volume Knob: Adjusts the master volume.
Front Panel Diagram: Depicts the layout of all controls including Tempo Dial, Mode Switch, Instrument Level/Tone/Tuning/Decay knobs, Step Sequencer buttons, Start/Stop, Tap, and Menu buttons.
Back Panel Diagram: Illustrates the Power Switch, Volume Knob, Micro USB Port, Phones, Output, Mix In jacks, and MIDI OUT/IN ports.
Core Features and Operation
Playing a Rhythm Pattern
Patterns can be played by selecting the PATTERN PLAY mode, choosing a basic rhythm pattern using the [1]-[12] buttons, and pressing START/STOP. The BASIC-VARIATION switch allows alternating between patterns A and B.
Tempo and Shuffle
Tempo is adjusted using the TEMPO dial or FINE knob. Shuffle can be adjusted via the BANK/TEMPO/SHUFFLE button.
Intros and Fill-ins
Intros can be added before a pattern plays by selecting an INTRO/FILL IN button and pressing TAP. Fill-ins can be manually inserted using the TAP button or set to occur automatically at specified intervals using the measure selector.
Pattern Writing (Step Recording)
Patterns are created using step recording. This involves selecting a position (A or B), setting the PRE-SCALE (division of a beat), and then using the STEP NO [1]-[16] buttons to program instrument hits. The process can be repeated for different instruments.
Tap Write (Realtime Recording)
Patterns can also be recorded in real-time by tapping the TAP button at the desired timing for each instrument. An instrument can be used as a metronome during this process.
Muting and Soloing Instruments
Instruments can be muted or soloed by holding the BANK/TEMPO/SHUFFLE button and pressing the TRIGGER OUT button, then using other buttons to select the desired instrument and action (mute/solo).
Copying Patterns
Patterns can be copied between variations (A-B) or between different patterns using specific button combinations involving TAP and START/STOP.
Composing Rhythm Tracks
Rhythm tracks are composed by chaining together multiple rhythm patterns. This is done in COMPOSE mode, where patterns are selected and sequenced measure by measure.
Editing Rhythm Tracks
Measures within a composed track can be moved, copied, inserted, or deleted using combinations of the TAP, START/STOP, and VALUE controls.
Menu Mode and Advanced Settings
The MENU button provides access to advanced settings:
- COMP (Compression): Adjusts compression level for BD and SD.
- GAIN: Adjusts gain for selected instruments.
- TUNE: Adjusts pitch for toms and congas.
- DECAY: Adjusts decay length for various instruments.
- PAN: Adjusts stereo panning for each instrument.
- BD TYPE: Selects Bass Drum type (Normal, Long Decay).
- HIHAT LINK: Links Tune and Level settings for Open and Closed Hi-Hats.
- MIDI CHANNEL: Sets the MIDI transmit/receive channel.
- MIDI CLOCK SOURCE: Selects between internal or external MIDI clock synchronization.
- AUTO OFF: Configures automatic power-off settings.
- LED DEMO: Sets the time until the LED demo mode is activated.
- COMPOSE MODE: Selects between TR-808 style (DRUM) and TR-909 style (STEP) composition modes.
- TRACK PARAM: Automatically recalls tempo/shuffle settings when a track is selected.
- LEVEL CURVE: Specifies the curve for the LEVEL knob.
- USB MIX OUT: Configures individual instrument output via USB MIX.
- PARALLEL OUT: Splits the OUTPUT jack signal for parallel output.
Tempo/Shuffle Storage
Tempo and shuffle settings can be stored to and recalled from tracks. Storing is done in COMPOSE mode by holding BANK/TEMPO/SHUFFLE and long-pressing TAP. Recalling is done by holding BANK/TEMPO/SHUFFLE and pressing TAP in PLAY or COMPOSE mode.
Memory and Backup/Restore
The TR-08 has 16 banks with 16 patterns each. Patterns can be up to 32 steps long using A and B sections.
Backup/Restore
Backup: Connect the TR-08 via USB, hold START/STOP, and turn on the power. Copy backup files from the "TR-08" drive to your computer.
Restore: Copy backup files from your computer into the "RESTORE" folder on the "TR-08" drive, then press TAP.
Factory Reset
To reset to factory settings, hold the [2] button and turn on the power, then press the [TAP] button.
MIDI Specifications
The TR-08 supports MIDI communication for control and synchronization. It transmits and recognizes various MIDI messages including Note Number, Velocity, Control Change, Program Change, and System Real Time messages.
Instrument Note Numbers
A table lists the MIDI note numbers assigned to each instrument (e.g., Bass Drum: 36, Snare Drum: 38).
Control Change List
A detailed list outlines the Control Change messages used for parameters like TUNE, TONE, DECAY, LEVEL, and ACCENT for various instruments.
Pattern Memo
The Pattern Memo section provides blank grids that visually represent the TR-08's step sequencer, allowing users to manually document their programmed patterns.
