Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Drum Machine

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Drum Machine

The Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer is a programmable drum machine built around 11 instrument parts, an additional dedicated trigger-out part, ACB drum tones, FM sounds, preset samples, and user-imported audio. Its 16-step sequencer supports eight variations and two fill-in patterns per pattern, giving performers and producers a flexible platform for creating evolving rhythm arrangements.

With 128 user drum kits and 128 user patterns, the TR-8S provides extensive space for building performance-ready setups. Individual instrument parts can freely use compatible tones, including bass drums, snares, toms, percussion, FM sounds, and samples. Producers who need a drum machine with sample import can load WAV and AIFF files from an SD card, while electronic performers can create patterns with multiple variations and dedicated fills.

Integrated processing expands the TR-8S beyond basic drum sequencing. Instrument effects include filtering, transient processing, compression, drive, crushing, and isolation, while dedicated reverb and delay sections cover ambience, modulation, tape-style echo, and pitch shifting. Master effects provide additional filtering, distortion, modulation, noise, vinyl simulation, and dynamics processing. External audio can use side-chain processing, and Scatter is available as part of the Auto Fill-In functionality. MIDI, USB audio and MIDI, assignable outputs, external inputs, and trigger connections support integration with studio, live, and electronic instrument setups.

Key Features

• 128 user drum kits and 128 user patterns provide extensive storage for customized rhythm setups
• 16-step sequencing includes eight A-H variations and two fill-in patterns for each pattern
• 11 freely assignable instrument parts support ACB tones, FM tones, preset samples, and imported user samples
• User sample playback supports WAV and AIFF files imported from an SD card
• Instrument, reverb, delay, master, side-chain, and Scatter effects provide extensive sound-shaping options
• Six assignable output/trigger connections support flexible routing with external equipment
• MIDI and USB audio/MIDI connectivity simplify integration with computers and electronic music hardware
• SDHC-compatible storage supports backup, restore, and user sample import functions

Technical Specifications

• User Drum Kits: 128
• User Patterns: 128
• Step Sequencer: 11 instrument parts plus 1 dedicated trigger-out part
• Steps: 16 steps per variation
• Variations: 8 variations (A-H) per pattern
• Fill-In Patterns: 2 per pattern
• Instrument Tone Assignment: Compatible tones can be freely assigned to each of the 11 instrument parts
• Bass Drum: 11 ACB tones
• Snare Drum: 8 ACB tones
• Tom: 15 ACB tones
• Rim Shot: 3 ACB tones
• Hand Clap: 5 ACB tones
• Hi-Hat: 8 ACB tones
• Cymbal: 8 ACB tones
• Percussion: 23 ACB tones
• FM: 72 tones
• Preset Samples: 300 tones or greater
• User Sample Formats: WAV and AIFF imported from SD card for playback
• Total User Sample Time: Approximately 600 seconds at 44.1 kHz mono
• Maximum Single Imported Audio File Length: Approximately 180 seconds at 44.1 kHz
• Instrument Effects: THRU, HPF, LPF, LPF/HPF, H BOOST, L BOOST, L/H BOOST, ISOLATOR, TRANSIENT, COMPRESSOR, DRIVE, COMP+DRV, CRUSHER
• Reverb Effects: AMBI, ROOM, HALL1, HALL2, PLATE, MOD, HA-DOU
• Delay Effects: DLY, PAN, TAPE ECHO, PITCH SHIFT
• Master Effects: HPF, LPF, LPF/HPF, H BOOST, L BOOST, L/H BOOST, ISOLATOR, TRANSIENT, TRANSIENT2, COMPRESSOR, DRIVE, OVERDRIVE, DISTORTION, FUZZ, CRUSHER, PHASER, FLANGER, SBF, NOISE, FATTENER, VINYL SIM
• Additional Effects: SIDE CHAIN for EXT IN and SCATTER as an Auto Fill-In function
• Main Display: 16-character, 2-line backlit LCD
• Secondary Display: 7-segment, 4-character LED
• External Storage: SD card with SDHC support for backup, restore, and sample-data import
• Headphone Output: Stereo 1/4-inch phone jack
• Mix Outputs: L/MONO and R 1/4-inch TRS phone jacks
• Assignable Output/Trigger Outputs: Six 1/4-inch phone jacks
• External Inputs: L/MONO and R 1/4-inch phone jacks
• Trigger Output: Miniature phone jack
• MIDI: MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connectors
• USB: USB Type-B with audio and MIDI support
• Power Input: DC IN jack
• Power Supply: AC adapter
• Current Draw: 2,000 mA
• Width: 16.1 inches
• Depth: 10.4 inches
• Height: 2.3 inches
• Weight: 4.7 lb

What's Included

• AC adapter
• Owner's manual
• "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" leaflet