New TR-8S brings sampling to Roland's classic drum machines

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    Mon, Mar 5, 2018, 08:55
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  • It's out this month for $699.
  • New TR-8S brings sampling to Roland's classic drum machines image
  • Roland is releasing a new drum machine called the TR-8S. The new product builds on the company's TR-8, which kicked off Roland's renewed interest in one of its most influential creations, the TR-808 drum machine. While it contains circuit-modelled sounds from the 808, 909, 707, 727 and 606 drum machines, the TR-8S also allows you to load samples via an SD card, with controls for modulating the pitch, decay, start and end point and playback direction. The 16-step sequencer now features parameter locking, which lets you record and loop changes to the sound in real time. Eight individual outputs let you process each sound individually while a trigger output is on-board for sequencing external hardware. The TR-8S can store 128 patterns with eight variations and three fills each—it also functions as a multi-channel soundcard and MIDI interface. The effects have been tuned to suit percussion sounds and can be applied to individual channels or globally. Watch a promo video for the TR-8S.
    The Roland TR-8S is out his month for $699.
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