The AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Performer from Roland combines the legendary sound, form, and function of the vintage TR-808 and TR-909 rhythm machines with cutting-edge performance and live pattern manipulation capabilities to create a modern-day classic well-suited for stage or studio. Roland developed the "Analog Circuit Behavior" (ACB) technology, which faithfully recreates the tonality and behavior of true-analog circuits. With ACB, every detail of these original machines is captured, including the variations in tone that occur when multiple instruments are entered in accented steps.
The TR-8 features 16 kits made up of 11 instruments spanning both the 808 and 909 sound set, and each sound has dedicated tone controls such as level, tune, decay, and more. The sounds can be step recorded or recorded in real-time to a 16-step sequencer with A/B pattern variations. Additional pattern variations are available through 4 roll types (8th, 16th, VARI 1, VARI 2) and the scatter function, which can reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, and stutter sounds in perfect synchronization.
The TR-8 features built-in delay and reverb effects, each offering the ability to be programmed into the sequencer per step. Additionally, the external input allows audio to pass through the TR-8 with the ability to sequence side-chain and gate effects. The USB port connects the TR-8 to a computer, offering both MIDI and audio capabilities, as well as saving and loading of kits and patterns. The TR-8 ships with an AC power adapter.
- Manage your kit and pattern library with easy backup and restore over USB
- Instrument Levels: Customize kits by adjusting the gain of each instrument to suit your individual style
- Better Rolls: Rolls are now easier to engage, offer more control, and sound better overall
- Scatter Latch On/Off: Alternate unlatched trigger mode engages only while “On” button is held down
- Scatter Cycle: Scatter will enable for one cycle and then automatically disengage
- Sync Reset: Get back in the groove by instantly starting a pattern from the top
- Pattern Lock: Lock the contents of a pattern so you can experiment without losing your original groove
- Nonstop A/B Pattern Editing: Now you can edit both A and B parts of a pattern without stopping the sequencer
- Modes: Local On/Off and MIDI controller modes determine how MIDI data is sent and received
- Accent Velocity: MIDI velocity is variable by the accent setting
- Kit Select: Select kits using MIDI control change messages
- Scatter: Scatter On/Off, Type and Depth can be controlled via MIDI control change
- External Record: Record patterns in real-time from external MIDI devices
- MIDI Off: Disable sending of all MIDI messages
- Ignore Play/Stop: Toggle how TR-8 responds to PLAY/STOP messages
- Effect Control: Control effects using MIDI control change messages
- Full reproduction of the classic TR-808 and TR-909 rhythm machines, based on original design spec sheets and detailed analog circuit analysis of many original TR machines, including Roland’s own units
- Newly developed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology allows part-by-part analysis and faithful recreation of tonality and behavior, including the smooth variations of tone that occur when you work the controls of each instrument
- Obsessive attention to detail, such as reproducing the original TR’s unique variations in tone that occur when multiple instruments are entered in accented steps
- Authentic 16-step sequencer with faithful TR-REC behavior, including A and B pattern variations and the ability to play instruments and record to steps in real time
- 16 stunning kits made up of 11 instrument types, including custom kits that use both TR-808 and TR-909 sounds
- Large tempo knob with tap-tempo button and continuous fine and shuffle adjustment knobs
- Control the intensity of the accent function with a dedicated knob
- Per-step reverb and delay effects with dedicated knobs
- Mix sources connected to the External In jacks with built-in per-step side-chain function for rhythmic ducking and gating effects
- Scatter lets you freak and tweak your grooves with real-time control and perfect sync
- 7 segment, 4 character LED display and 16 per-step pads with bold, full-color LEDs
- Real-time pattern creation up to 32 steps with on-the-fly step count adjustment
- Rec/Play modes have been eliminated, enabling seamless switching between step input and real-time pattern making and performance
- Real-time play of 4 different types of rolls (8th, 16th, VARI 1, VARI 2) and per-instrument mutes
- Pattern copy and pattern randomization for rapid, spontaneous creativity
- Two assignable analog outputs and full parallel outputs via USB for total mixing flexibility