Good sound. Easy to use. Simplistic. Great for life sets.

I was eying different dedicated drum machines, I can use in my live performances for a while. As a friend offered me to buy his used expanded TR-8 for a "friendship deal", I wasn't able not resist and bought it, yesterday.

Last night, I spent a few house making beats with it. I also watched some TR-8 videos showing its capabilities and some tricks before and after I bought it. So, I think i know what I am talking about, even though I own this machine just for one day.

The expanded TR-8 seems to replicate the sound of the original 808, 909, 707 and 727 drum machines very well. Delay and reverb can be added individually. The user interface is very simple and most of the functions are hands on. Though, there is some functionality, you can only access by pressing certain buttons in order or at the same time. The simplicity makes programming the TR-8 quite easy, but it also has its drawbacks. For instance your pattern length is limited to 16, or when you use the A and B pattern 2 x 16 steps. For some, the limited number of output jacks is an issue. Since I do not want to haul a huge mixer to a gig, I can live with this.

I personally plan to use my TR-8 only for live performances. I think it is a great tool to create drum loops on the fly and change them quickly. The built in sidechain is something I am really excited about. I am looking forward to experience the increased clarity and energy, when I add it to my setup.

The TR-8 can be used in music production, also. It even has a built-in audio interface. However, the plugins and samples I have on my fingertips are way superior for my workflow.

Also, the TR-8 can be used as a midi controller. There are videos about that.

Regarding built quality. The unit I've got has no issues. I like the knobs and slider. I still have to test all ports, but nothing feels wobbly. Though, you should treat the ports with care. I've bought a used Aira TD-3, where the USB port was loose.

On Ebay the average price for a used TR-8 without expansions is currently between $300 to $350. I personally think this is overpriced, when looking at the sonic capabilities. The 7x7 expansion, which Roland sells for $100, doesn't add much more to it. It's sad, that Roland did not load-up the TR-8 with the 7x7 and all kind of extra sounds from the beginning. This machine would have been a shining star!

It's limitations justify only three stars, but the good sound quality, the sidechain capabilities and the accessible interface just lift it up to four.

Great

If you want the classic Roland drum sounds this is a great way to get them, though Roland's new upgrade, the TR-8S is more versatile with its sampling. I bought this when I was buying all the Aira gear as I thought I would buy into that range and way of producing music but I never was able to really come to grips with it. But for old school step sequencer drum programming this unit is great and it has access to the sounds of several classic Roland drum machines. I find that this kind of drum programming is not something I love but although I don't use this as much as I should I am glad I have it and plan to try and incorporate it into my rig now that I have the Novation SL MKIII which can control it.

It's great, but...

I love this drum machine ... for the most part. You can go online to any number of sites and find out about how closely the sound resembles the original 808 and 909 and read reviews of the interface and capabilities. As I say, on the whole I love it; I've given it a rating of 4/5 after all. I'm just going to point out a couple of things I don't like about it though:

1. The lights are crazy insane bright. Seriously. It's like the mothership from Close Encounters flew right up to your face. I really find it quite distracting and annoying. But maybe that's just me.

2. You don't get flam unless you buy the 7x7 expansion. This should have been a stock feature.

TR-X0X

Great classic sounds. Years after launch, can be found second hand with good prices. Roland stopped selling the 7x7 Expansion in July 2020 (probably was competing with TR-8S sales), so if you want those extra sounds, need to find a TR-8 with the extension already activated. The expansion worth it.

Great sounds and hands on control

I ordered the TR-8 as a pre-order and had to wait a few weeks, but was lucky to get it as one of the first people in the UK. The sounds are great and even for digital sounds it is a superb remake of the original TR-808 en TR-909. Now with the 7x7 expansion it has become even better and I can't wait to see what other expansions will be added in the near future.

Revolutionary

For those of us not lucky enough to have ever owned an 808, a 909, a 707, or a 727... and who knows what other Gems Roland will unleash and let us fill our TR8's with, this is just ... IT! Sure, people complain and compare and complain and compare, but what's the point? We simply cannot all get original 808 and 909 machines. Cost and the sheer number of them surviving out there isn't enough to satisfy the need of the collective. This was an act of generosity from Roland. It's changed my music forever.

Superb drum synth, for live and studio usage

The TR8 is awesome and the sounds are great. Can be used in a DJ Set as well for some extra 'live' performances. Most of the built-in reverbs don't really sound great, two are good in my opinion. However, that's just a minor comment to this genius device.

Ok, this is not the real thing, but sounds great.

and now with 1 machine you have 808 + 909 + 707 + 606 + effects + insert and sidechain. Long slider, solid build. Just perfect for us!

Great

Excellent piece of drum and rhythm machine. Use it in nearly all my productions. Combining the sounds from the TR-8 in combination with the soundcard was a bit challenging, but eventually managed that. Great and intuitive piece of gear.

Easy to use and good sounding emulation of the real TR's.

Good sounding drummachine and very easy to use. What matter it that it is not analog? As long as it sound good, right? Can replicate the real TR's very well.