Roland TR-8S

206

Start 360°

Drum Machine

With extended functionality
ACB technology plus stereo sample import and playback
300 Preloaded samples
SD Card slot to import your own mono and stereo samples (WAV, or AIFF)
Mixing and layering sounds
Drum tracks can consist of pure sample kits, TR sounds, or a mixture of both
Percussion tuned effects like delay, reverb, overdrive and filters
Real-time pattern creation with up to 32 steps
128 kits
128 patterns, each with eight variations and three different types of fills
8 Analog outputs
Trigger track per pattern
Multi-channel audio and MIDI interface
Headphone output: 6.3 mm
6.3mm (L/Mono, R) Mix Out
6x 6.3 mm Assignable Out
6.3 mm (L, R) input for external sources
Trigger output: 3.5mm
USB port type B (audio, MIDI)
Dimensions: 409 x 263 x 58 mm
Weight: 2.1 kg
Includes power supply
Suitable optional case: Art.459612 (not included)

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since March 2018

Item number 434284

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Display Yes

Pads 16

Fader(s) 11

Effects Yes

Sampling Function Yes

Storage Medium SD/SDHC Card

MIDI interface 1x In, 1x Out

USB Yes

Number of analog outputs 8

Headphone Output Yes

Extras USB Audio

$585

The shipping costs are calculated on the checkout page.

Sales Rank

in Groove Boxes

Bundles & offers

Roland TR-8S Bag Bundle

$639

The ultimate tool for beatmakers

The Roland TR-8S continues the legacy of Roland's iconic TR drum machines, incorporating sounds from the legendary 808, 909, 606, 707, and 727 - all of which have played a pivotal role in music production. These classic sounds, combined with a linear, backlit sequencer, have defined entire genres. The TR-8S blends these legendary elements with modern features, including sample import, automation of effects, and dynamic groove functions, meeting the demands of today's producers. The TR-8S sound engine faithfully emulates the original Roland models, preserving their distinctive character, while offering significantly more control over sound design. Genre-appropriate effects can be applied dynamically and the customisable colour-lit faders enhance visual feedback, making it an intuitive and immersive instrument for live performances. The programming process is so intuitive that beats can be modified in real time during performances or even created from scratch on the fly.

Remarkable sonic possibilities

The TR-8S sound engine utilises multiple sound generation methods. The core engine features ACB (Analogue Circuit Behaviour) technology, which accurately reproduces the behaviour of analogue percussion circuits, replicating the nuances of vintage drum machines. The unit also includes a selection of PCM-based sounds from other legendary Roland instruments like the SRX expansion cards. Samples can be imported in WAV or AIFF for further versatility. The ACB-generated sounds offer deeper editing options than their original hardware counterparts and, like samples, can be freely rearranged into new drum kits. Beats can be programmed using the backlit sequencer or recorded live, with seamless transitions between playback and recording modes. Each sequence features two user-assignable fills, triggered manually or automatically, adding variation and movement to the beat. The main pattern can be dynamically altered using the stutter effect which introduces rhythmic shifts and glitch-like accents. The TR-8S also has an independent trigger output for seamless synchronisation with external analogue synths or drum machines.

Beatmaking and performance

A DAW is not always the best solution for every producer. Many electronic musicians, particularly those producing EDM, prefer hardware setups for both studio and live performance, as they allow for direct, hands-on control over sounds for a more immersive and spontaneous creative process. Similarly, Hip-Hop and R&B producers - who primarily build beats in the studio - often combine drum machines with sample-based production. The TR-8S offers a suite of vintage Roland drum machine sounds, but with modern enhancements such as expanded editing, real-time automation, and deep integration with external gear. Its expansive connectivity, including 10 audio outputs, a multichannel USB interface for recording and streaming, and full MIDI implementation, allows seamless integration with DAW setups, external rigs, and hybrid hardware setups. Whether used as a standalone groovebox or as part of a larger production system, the TR-8S offers extensive creative possibilities while remaining highly intuitive.

About Roland

Roland was founded in 1972 in Osaka, Japan, and has been designing and building electronic musical instruments ever since. During its successful history, Roland has launched many ground-breaking instruments, from legendary drum machines such as the TR-808 and the TR-909 to synthesizer classics like Jupiter-8, SH-101 and the iconic TB-303. Besides synthesizers, Roland's workstations and electric pianos are also very popular. Equally well-known is Roland’s subsidiary Boss, under whose brand name it designs and sells principally guitar pedals and effects units. Under the Roland Professional A/V label, the company additionally develops and distributes professional equipment for virtually every branch of audio and video production – from home studios through to commercial applications.

The rhythmic centre of a setup

The TR-8S is more than just a drum machine - it is a full-fledged control hub for beatmaking. While its primary function is to play drum and sample sounds, it can also integrate loops and longer musical phrases. Users can create basslines, backing tracks, and even atmospheric textures, all of which can be manipulated in real time via parameter adjustments and automation. The TR-8S prioritises spontaneity: Its faders, dedicated mute/solo buttons, and triggerable effects provide seamless hands-on control. Fills and effects can be triggered on the fly, making the TR-8S ideal for developing musical ideas, jamming in the studio, or performing live. Unlike its predecessors, the TR-8S includes a motion sequencer with step automation, allowing complex and evolving rhythm patterns to be programmed.

In the spotlight: Analogue Circuit Behaviour (ACB)

Vintage analogue drum machines naturally exhibit slight variations in sound due to component tolerances, ageing, and fluctuations in temperature. While traditional virtual-analogue technologies can emulate the basic characteristics of analogue drum sounds - such as kicks, snares, and hi-hats - they often lack the subtle inconsistencies that give vintage machines their organic and dynamic quality. This is where Roland's ACB technology shines. By modelling the analogue circuitry at a component level, ACB captures these imperfections, such as minute pitch variations, decay fluctuations, and component interactions. These details contribute to the authentic, expressive character of the beats, enhancing their dynamic and organic quality. The TR-8S builds on this concept by combining ACB synthesis with expanded sequencing capabilities, user sample import, and deeper sound-shaping tools. This ensures that it remains a powerful and forward-thinking drum machine, suited to both modern producers and live performers.

206 Customer ratings

5 156 Customers 4 42 Customers 3 6 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 2 Customers

4.7 / 5

handling

features

sound

quality

Review guidelines

118 Reviews

Thougth I bought a drum machine but it's a complete studio

RobSteijger 10.10.2020

Operating:
I needed a couple of days to get a grip of the TR-8S, simply because you can do SO much with it, but now (3 weeks later) I can do anything I want with it.
I'd recommend downloading some extra patterns from learn how to program the effects etc. (I LOVE the liquid D&B ones!)
The one point of improvement (hence the 4 stars) would be seperat knobs for parameter and value, so you wouldn't have to press Enter all the time for switching between.

Features:
With Motion and Coarse control you can even program simple melodies using the included synth and bass patches! And I love to fact that I can hook up my Minilogue and use the TR-8S effects on it as well!
This 'drum machine' is a complete studio!

Sound:
The included sounds are great and completely tweakable. Haven't tried the v2.0 included FM-synth yet, I'm still on v1.13. Awesome that you can upload samples. Some of the effects could do with less parameters (the compressor and drive f.i.) but I guess all those tweakable frequency's etc. are necessary for live usage?

Build:
Roland robust, as usual.

Thanks to Thomann by the way for the smooth delivery (and that they're cool with the fact that I've retoured at least 3 other machines before buying this one, which is a stayer).

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

Do you believe this rating to be inaccurate or unacceptable for some reason? Please give us the reason for your assessment in the following text box and – if possible – your e-mail address for further questions.

Waited a year before writing this

Chri5-HT 28.12.2019

and the verdict is: it's an extremely capable drum machine that can find a home in any electronic setup *(what I use it for). It's clearly designed for both studio use and performance.

Configurability is definitely it's biggest strength.
-It plays well with other hardware, the assignable outs and external inputs are great to have.
-Being able to bring audio/MIDI into a DAW is good. For example, I can split the audio into Kick, Snare, and a mix of everything else on another channel. Makes side-chaining in the DAW much easier.

OK, so lets talk about the sound.
-The ACB instruments are pretty great, watch some videos and decide with your own ears. I reach for them by default.
-It's nice to have sample import but it requires a bit of preparation. I don't use them often.
-The FX are good for the most part. Delay and reverb are much improved from the TR-8. Sometimes I find the distortion just too digital for a kick, and the bitcrush also (the reverb one on the TR-8 rocked); they're both good on Snares tho.
Overall the sound is great
The quality is grand. Hard plastic but feels nice. Much improved aesthetic.
A+ drum machine.

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

TR8S

sean82 17.01.2022

a diverse drum machine that gives a nice hands on live feel !

i done a lot of research before purchasing this drum machines as i really wanted something with a nice hands on feel , channels for each individual instrument etc ... something I could just reach out and grab with out any (much) menu diving ....
Roland have only recently just came out with TR8S editor software so its now even a better time to buy !!

I use the TR8S alongside an Octatrack by Elektron and they pair up quite well .....

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

Top sounds

ZuzDCruz 27.06.2021

Very nice drum machine with lots of features. I use it in my home studio, sometimes to record performances or just to make beats in Cubase, through usb-midi or directly to audio interface stereo inputs 3/4. I also use it live without computer and i am satisfied with results. Sound quality is very good, there are plenty of presets already installed and you can make your own preaty easily. Handling is little hard at first, you will need some time to learn all key commands and menu diving. Build quality is good and knobs are well made too, no wobling and moving, sliders are good too. Instrument pad could be a little more sensitive, so i dont need to press it so hard and more responsive. I am satisfied with purchase, its my first drum machine so i dont have much reference to compare, but like most Roland products it is very good product. Price is maybe a little to high, but it is worth it.

handling

features

sound

quality

Report

Read all reviews

Roland TR-8S

Drum Machine