Updated July 31, 2018

The newest drum machine from Roland has been released, the TR-8S Rhythm Performer. Combining their iconic drum machines with modern production techniques and professional sound design, Roland is saying the TR-8S was literally made to play live. Let’s check it out:

Beats and Samples

The TR-8S, updated from its predecessor, the TR-8, comes loaded with authentic Roland TR drum machines like the 808, 606, 909, 707 and 727. You can either use some of Roland’s most iconic drum sounds, choose from a vast library of sounds exclusive to the TR-8S, or import your own custom samples.

Performance-Tuned

Roland says they’ve taken valuable feedback from TR-8 fans and artists to make the machine better for both studio production and live performance. Eight analog outputs, a dedicated trigger output, and stereo audio inputs let you control external instruments and expand the creative possibilities.

And this is all while adding powerful sound-editing and performance-focused abilities.You can program on the 16 TR-REC buttons or use the velocity-sensitive performance pad to play live, or record into the sequencer. The TR-8S has a modern layout and the ability to save knob settings and FX settings with a kit (up to 128 kits).

Audio and MIDI interface

To make this drum machine even more powerful, the TR-8S is a complete multi-channel audio and MIDI interface. When you connect the TR-8S to a computer or AIRA Link host, you can transfer MIDI and high-resolution audio over a single USB cable.

To learn more about the TR-8S, visit the Roland website. Available for purchase later this month, the TR-8S will be priced around $700.

Let us know if you’re excited about this new drum machine. Do you want one of these for your home studio? Leave us a comment below.