SeriesRoland TR

(Originally written by tetripor/translated from Audiofanzine FR) Few connections but enough: - The Midi connector allows syncing with any sequencer and the trig output allows you to sync any old cv/gate device. It's not high-end but it's still ok. - Only one audio output but the unit has volume controls for each instrument. The sequencer is also extremely simple but very effective. A 5-year old kid could create a loop within a couple of minutes. The internal memory is a bit low: 32 patterns max. Although the device doesn't have any effects, you can hear some sort of auto-compression as soon as bass drum kicks in and that's what gives the device its groove, a slight pumping effect is audible on the hi-hat and cymbals with every beat: it grooves! The sound possibilities are nothing out of this world, they can't be edited, and you'll only get an aggressive sound if you add a multi-effects processor. With a cheap guitar distortion pedal you'll get a low-fi hardcore sound... UTILIZATION Because of the few editing possibilities on the unit, you'll rapidly go back to basic rhythm patterns with sixteenth note hit-hats, a straight kick and an ultra kitsch snare... The craziest will probably try to play zouk with the snare, but that's been done so many times before that's it's easier to use a sample rather than buying this device. I haven't read the 200-page user's manual, it's more complex than a TR user's manual! SOUNDS I used it for minimalist acid house and techno rhythms. It surely still has a place in a hardcore or hard-tech setup nowadays but it can't compete with a Jomox or a good sampler... The sound is a bit too metallic for trip-hop and the break-beat possibilities have been used a thousand times. A TR808 sounds much better. This device has a very cold and synthetic sound, which can only be used today for minimal easy-techno-kitsch. As a summary, it's a great product if you want the '87 sound but it's no good if you want to create a new techno sound... Toms sound awful and crash cymbals even worse... Once again, it's interesting with a distortion effect. External effects will help you discover its real potential. OVERALL OPINION I've been using it for 10 years for sentimental reasons rather than musical possibilities. Mine just broke and I will bring it to a service center again and again... Its secondhand price increased a lot... It's almost overestimated considering it's not a rare collector's item and you can find it easily on the web. But don't forget it's already 30 years old and a 606 that starts having problems won't reach the end of the year. If you want to spend your money on it, test it before buying it. Advise: I broke mine using a universal PSU so only use a Boss or Roland "authorized" PSU. Think about it before buying one without a PSU.

Easy to program, midi, roland old-school sync, and the typical roland sequencer that earned the TR its reputation. I now think the sequencer of the 808 is more "lively." It has a magical groove which isn't as present on the 909, except when play with the shuffle, which makes it more interesting. I have noticed, for example, that putting the TR 808 in sync out mode to start the 909 in sync in mode, the latter adopts the magical groove of the 808. I think it's due to the sync clock of the 808 being less stable, so the precision of the intervals, which ought to be a defect, turns out to be a good quality. But if you do it the other way around it doesn't work! USE There's no need for a manual, except for step-by-step editing. It has multiple separate outputs, three trig outs to trigger the sequencers and arpeggiators of your good old analog toys. Real-time processing of some instruments is great and it really alows you to "rebuild a song" with the same pattern by playing with the volumes, attacks, decay, tuning, etc... The external card slot is a great plus to save your songs/patterns, just like the MIDI, for those who use it. SOUND I can't say that all sounds are great. The snares are all right, but the ones on the 808 are better, and the same goes for the ride/crash. But it's THE KICK that can really make a difference in an electronic music production, even though the one of the 808 and 606 are pretty good, too. Some sounds of the 707 are similar to those of the 909, like the clap and hi--hat. I have always loved the 909, but I have a weakness for the 808, which has that "special something" that can't be defined and a more vintage sound. OVERALL OPINION I just got it, after having exchanged it for one of the two TB 303s I had. It was in a great condition (I checked the buttons, knobs, etc.). I wanted one ever since I started my TR collection in 1995. It currently sells for about 1200/2200 euros and it's very rare to come by. Like other vintage gear, it's an "investment.". Anyone who has one in a good condition in 15/20 years will make a fortune with it because it will be a 50-year old legend. That's why it's worth buying spare parts right now, so you can service and repair it. The current price is due to supply and demand, anything that's rare is expensive. And even if the TR 8 isn't bad at all, and even just as good for some sounds, it doesn't bear comparison with the 909. The latter has an incredible punch and everybody wants one. The same applies to other analog drum machines and synths (just take a look at the Jupiter 8, whose price has sky-rocketed to over 6000 euros, the same it cost new back in 1981!).

(Originally written by jerome6/translated from Audiofanzine FR) - Can the sound be edited? No and it's good so!! - Does the unit have an effects section? No and it's good so!! Separate outputs so external processing is not a problem. - Sequencer features: Amazing!!! I had heard about the reputation of TR sequencers but now I know firsthand what ll that talk is about ;) UTILIZATION - Is it easy to make settings? Yes, the user's manual explains everything. - Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive? I can't complain, I find it very clear. SOUNDS Do the presets fit your music style? No problem in my case: Acid, house, vintage electro, etc. OVERALL OPINION It's my first TR and I find this Roland product amazing. The sequencer is mind blowing and I can only imagine the possibilities with a 808 or a 909. I understand why other manufacturers can't compete with it. I can say now that I have mastered the unit and I know every function. After spending hours programming it I simply push the start button and I get fully programmed and edited beats out of the TR-707. I needed a long time to learn how to use it but it was worth it. It's true that the TR-707 enhances your creativity, but before you get to that point you must understand how it works otherwise you won't get too far. I bought it secondhand at an incredible price. Now that I've mastered it, I'm very happy with my purchase and I plan to buy another TR.