Roland AIRA TR-8S

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$666.00 to $899.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (52)

4 Critic Reviews

5 Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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4.5 (32)

$899.99

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4.5 (15)

$899.99

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4.7 (389)

$899.99

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5.0 (38)

$792.91 19 available New

$440.00 25 available Used

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5.0 (7)

$899.99

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$749.99

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4.3 (4)

$899.99

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4.7 (232)

$666.00

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£678.00

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4.0 (1)

$899.99

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Average Price: $805

High-end/Boutique

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Roland AIRA TR-8S is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Roland AIRA TR-8S". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Roland AIRA TR-8S, a trailblazer amongst drum machines and sample players. Designed to usher in a new era of beat-making, this instrument combines the best of Roland's heritage with modern production techniques and sound design. This is not a mere sound-alike sample pack; the TR-8S features detailed circuit-models of the most iconic TR drum machines, including the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, and TR-707, providing sounds that are authentic and dynamic.

The TR-8S doesn't stop at vintage drum sounds. It expands your creative potential with its ability to import your own samples and layer them with the classic TR sounds. Tune, tweak, and layer drums to design unique kits, and utilize performance-focused features like Scatter FX and real-time rolls and retriggers for a dynamic live performance or studio production.

Moreover, the TR-8S boasts an intuitive step sequencer and sample player, offering a diverse range of sound manipulation possibilities. Make your patterns move and groove with hands-on controls and production tools, ensuring your drum tracks never sound stale or predictable.

Key Features:

Detailed circuit-models of iconic TR drum machines (TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707)
Ability to import your own audio files for customized sounds
Scatter FX, real-time rolls and retriggers, and 16 backlit per-step pads for enhanced performance
Intuitive step sequencer and sample player with A/B variations, fill in, and chain functions
Eight analog audio outputs, and MIDI in/out for connecting to synths, modules, and DAWs
Can function as a plug-and-play USB audio interface and as a MIDI controller
Allows you to program new pattern while the existing one loops for smoother live improvisation
Each pattern stores the kit, knob positions, effect settings, and tempo, for instant recall

Owner's manual

Roland AIRA TR-8S User Manual

Product specs

Type	Drum Machine/Step Sequencer with Sample import
Pads	1 x Velocity-sensitive Performance Pad, 16 x TR-REC Buttons
Sounds	TR drum machine collection, ACB drum modeling tones, 300 preset sample tones, User samples
Kits	128 user kits
Patterns	128 patterns, 8 variations per pattern
Sequencer	16 step sequencer, 11 instrument parts, 1 trigger out part
Sampling	Sample playback (WAV, AIFF)
Effects	Reverb, Delay, Compressor, Phaser, Flanger, Overdrive, Distortion, HPF, LPF
Analog Inputs	2 x 1/4" (line)
Analog Outputs	2 x 1/4" (mix out), 6 x 1/4" (assignable out/trigger out)
Headphones	1 x 1/4"
MIDI I/O	In/Out/USB
Other I/O	1 x 1/8" (trigger out)
USB	1 x Type B
Storage	SD/SDHC card slot (backup, restore, import)
Power Source	Roland PSD AC adapter power supply (included)
Height	2.31"
Width	16.12"
Depth	10.37"
Weight	4.68 lbs.

FAQs

Does the Roland AIRA TR-8S support sample playback?: Yes, the Roland AIRA TR-8S supports sample playback, allowing you to import WAV and AIFF files, which can be used alongside its built-in TR drum machine sounds and ACB drum modeling tones.
How many user kits can I save on the Roland TR-8S?: The Roland TR-8S allows you to save up to 128 user kits, giving you ample space to customize and store your unique drum setups.
What are the main effects available on the Roland TR-8S?: The Roland TR-8S offers a variety of effects, including reverb, delay, compressor, phaser, flanger, overdrive, distortion, high-pass filter (HPF), and low-pass filter (LPF).
Can the Roland TR-8S be integrated with a computer via USB?: Yes, the Roland TR-8S can be connected to a computer using a USB Type B connection, enabling MIDI communication and sample management.
Is the Roland TR-8S suitable for live performances?: Absolutely, the Roland TR-8S is designed for live performance with features like velocity-sensitive performance pads, a 16-step sequencer, and the ability to store and recall up to 128 patterns with 8 variations each.

Videos

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Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer [In-Depth Demo]

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Review: Roland TR-8S V2.0 // How does it compete? // 10 performance ideas and tricks (Roland TR8S)

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Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer

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Roland TR-8S: Sound Design

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Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Demo and Overview

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Roland AIRA TR-8S Rhythm Performer, performance 1 | Gear4music performance

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Roland TR-8S vs. Original Vintage TR-808 vs. TR-8: A Friendly Comparison

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New STEP LOOP Function for TR-8S

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Reviews

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PROS

Contains all classic Roland drum machine sounds
Ability to import and use custom samples
Eight separate outputs for flexible routing
Eight variations per pattern for advanced live performance
High-quality, tweakable effects
Integrates seamlessly with DAW via USB
Hot button for live drum pattern play
Works well with other gear via MIDI and external inputs
Rock-solid build quality
Excellent for both studio use and live performance

CONS

Lacks a song mode for arranging complete tracks
Complex MIDI output settings can be tedious to configure
Color scheme, particularly the bright green, is off-putting for some users
Instrument pad sensitivity could be improved
Parameter and value adjustments require pressing Enter frequently

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland AIRA TR-8S.

Features and functionality

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The TR-8S offers a range of pre-built kits modeled after iconic Roland drum machines, providing a comprehensive palette of sounds right out of the box.
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Variations and probability settings can creatively circumvent the one-bar limitation, offering organic pattern changes and dynamic fills in live settings.
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Sub-steps and ratchets can be played live by keeping the "sub" button active, allowing real-time performance fills without pre-programming.
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The TR-8S's step loop feature allows for on-the-fly fills or snare rushes by pressing one or multiple steps to create mini loops, enhancing live performance creativity.
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The TR-8S allows for deep sound design with the ability to load custom samples and manipulate them extensively using onboard FX and the TR Editor software.
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The TR-8S includes FM synthesis and motion recording, which significantly expands its creative potential and sound design capabilities beyond the classic drum sounds.
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Use cases and applications

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Drum fills on the TR-8S can be a "secret weapon" in live settings, providing a more organic feel and complementing other drum machines effectively.
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Owners have noted the TR-8S's ability to sequence basslines and accept program change commands, making it versatile for integrating with other MIDI instruments.
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The TR-8S is frequently used in DJ setups to enhance percussive elements and can be beatmatched manually or synced with software like Serato DJ.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's advisable to manage sample memory by creating multiple backups for different musical vibes, effectively organizing samples and kits by genre on a single SD card.
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Using the backup file from GOLAB can wipe preset patterns and kits, providing a fresh start while retaining drum sounds, ideal for streamlined workflow.
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User experience

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Owners recommend approaching the TR-8S with a performance mindset rather than a composition focus, emphasizing improvisation and dynamic switching of kits.
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Some users report that while the TR-8S performs flawlessly as a MIDI slave, it struggles to serve as a reliable MIDI clock master, which has not been resolved through firmware updates.
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Owners highlight the TR-8S as a fun and intuitive drum machine for live jamming, with its hands-on control and vibrant interface making it highly engaging.
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Build quality

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Despite a lightweight and plasticky feel, the TR-8S is noted for its sturdy construction, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
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Comparisons

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Users have pointed out that while the TR-8S excels in hands-on control and immediacy, devices like the Elektron RYTM offer more advanced synthesis and editing capabilities.
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The TR-8S is praised for its superior sound design compared to the DrumBrute Impact, offering more versatility despite the latter being an analog device.
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Mods and upgrades

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Customization via separate outputs allows for individual drum sounds to be routed through external effects, enhancing the mix and depth of live performances.
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Other

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Sampling via SD card is considered outdated; users wish for USB sample transfer akin to the V-Synth patch librarian functionality from the early 2000s.
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Software and compatibility

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Owners report MIDI timing issues when multitracking into DAWs like Ableton and Logic Pro, suggesting using separate MIDI and audio connections for better performance.
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Critic Reviews

Roland TR-8S

soundonsound.com

The Roland AIRA TR-8S shines as a modern update to its predecessor, offering a sophisticated blend of classic drum sounds and sample playback, making it a powerful live performance tool. Its enhanced performance features, such as multichannel USB audio and motion sequencing, add depth to its capabilities. However, the increased functionality sacrifices some of the original model's simplicity, and pattern launches are not as immediate as some might prefer. Overall, the TR-8S is a compelling choice for those seeking an intuitive, yet advanced, rhythm performer that looks great on stage and integrates seamlessly into digital setups.

positive

Full Review

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Roland's AIRA TR-8S is a triumphant update, blending vintage charm with modern versatility. It shines with enhanced sample capabilities and deeper sound shaping, making it a standout release. The addition of sample playback combined with Roland's renowned ACB tech delivers flexibility that was missing in its predecessor. However, while the effects are functional, they lack distinctive character, and the Auto-Fill mode may quickly feel repetitive. Despite these minor drawbacks, the TR-8S impresses with its robust build and adaptability, offering musicians a fun and intuitive experience. Overall, it's a comprehensive and exciting upgrade for any drum machine enthusiast.

positive

Full Review

Roland TR-8S Review

musictech.com

The Roland AIRA TR-8S impresses with its expanded versatility and performance capabilities. It captures the iconic sound of the 808 and 909 while adding modern flexibility through emulation of additional classic drum machines and the ability to load custom samples. The intuitive interface and enhanced effects make programming a breeze, catering to various genres beyond just dance music. Although the price tag is steep, the TR-8S offers a compelling package of features that make it a powerful and adaptable tool for live performances and studio work alike. However, if authentic vintage tones are your sole focus, more affordable alternatives like Roland's Boutique series might suffice.

positive

Full Review

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Roland AIRA TR-8S is a powerful update to its predecessor, blending Analog Circuit Behavior with a versatile sample library. It impresses with 128 patterns and dynamic effects, making polyrhythmic creations a breeze. While its comprehensive features justify the steep $699.99 price, the lack of true analog components may deter purists. Overall, it's a formidable contender in the drum machine arena, competing well with alternatives from Elektron and Arturia.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 52 Ratings

5 star

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mike_byrd

773

10 months ago

BRILLIANT WELL THOUGHT OUT DRUM MACHINE

This feature packed drum machine has all the TR series drum machines installed and has a easy learning curve to operate this behemoth. There are plenty of youtube tutorials available for more advanced use and windows 10 and above users have the option to use the free software editor for total control. With the ability to load samples this machine covers all the bases. Well worth the money, highly recommend 👌

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Dance music

From Gear Setup

monoriderz

156

almost 2 years ago

Roland 909, 808, 707, 606...

Prostě klasický Roland drum machine! Roland TR-8S je takový malý sen pro každého fanouška analogového zvuku. Ať už jste si oblíbili jakýkoliv model z minulosti - tady je máte všechny na jednom místě v kvalitě Roland. Zvukově je to stále nejblíž. Ano, není to originální 909 ani 808, ale řekněme si to narovinu - víte kolik stojí plně funkční originál? Nezapomeňte, že máte pouze dvě ledviny a prodat můžete jenom jednu :) A ani to by vám nestačilo! Je skvělé, že máte všechny zásadní parametry ihned pro ladění pod prsty. Navíc můžete využít i SW rozhraní v počítači, pokud v tom najdete výhodu nebo záměr. Pokud tedy hledáte některý model Rolandu, doporučuji nekupovat napodobeniny, klony a různé emulace, ale zamířit jednoznačně k výrobci. Tento nástroj mám v mém nahrávacím studiu Sunteem records.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Pop Electronica

jaxager

139

over 4 years ago

Blown Away

I am a noob. I just got my first synth (Novation Mininova) in December, 2020. I've bought a Korg Volca Drum and an IK Multimedia UNO Drum as my first drum machines.

Then I got the Roland TR-8S. OMG, this thing is so sweet. I am overjoyed with my purchase and I haven't even scratched the surface of this bad boy can do.

So, being a noob, it's hard for me to point out all the great stuff it does that someone more advanced would want to hear about. If you're new to electronic music, and you can afford it, get this as your drum machine. It does everything and sounds phenomenal. There isn't a lot of menu diving. That's a big deal to me, and I'm guessing most everyone else, unless you're masochistic. Being able to load your own samples is very nice too. I've been scouring horror and sci-fi movies to jack dialogue from. I love Skinny Puppy and other industrial acts like them. This drum machine is great for producing super unique and fat beats and loading your own samples into.

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Techno Electronica