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Description

Dive into the world of electronic percussion with the Roland Octapad Pad-8, a pioneering piece of gear that has become a staple for drummers and percussionists seeking versatility and performance. Originally launched in the 1980s, the Octapad Pad-8 remains a timeless tool, renowned for its intuitive design and reliability. This electronic drum pad offers a unique, user-friendly interface that appeals to both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians.

The Roland Octapad Pad-8 is engineered with eight responsive pads, providing a dynamic range of expression and control. The robust construction ensures durability, making it ideal for both studio sessions and live performances. Each pad is designed to be sensitive to your touch, allowing for nuanced performances that are sure to impress.

The Octapad Pad-8’s versatility is further enhanced by its compatibility with a wide array of sound modules and MIDI devices. This allows musicians to customize their setup and explore an expansive universe of sounds and musical possibilities. Whether you're using it as a standalone device or integrating it into a larger system, this electronic pad offers unparalleled flexibility.

Key Features:

  • Eight responsive and durable pads for dynamic performance
  • Seamless integration with MIDI devices and sound modules
  • User-friendly interface suitable for musicians of all levels
  • Reliable construction ideal for both studio and live use
  • Timeless design that remains a staple in electronic percussion

Explore the endless possibilities with the Roland Octapad Pad-8 and take your percussion skills to new heights.

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model Pad-8 Octapad
Finish White
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Percussion Pad Controllers

FAQs

What sounds can I trigger with the Roland Octapad Pad-8?

The Roland Octapad Pad-8 allows you to trigger a variety of electronic percussion sounds, making it versatile for different musical styles and performances.

Is the Roland Octapad Pad-8 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland Octapad Pad-8 is designed for live performances, offering reliable pad sensitivity and a wide range of sounds to enhance your stage setup.

How many pads does the Roland Octapad Pad-8 have?

The Roland Octapad Pad-8 features eight touch-sensitive pads, allowing for dynamic and expressive playing.

Can the Roland Octapad Pad-8 be used with other drum kits?

Yes, the Roland Octapad Pad-8 can be integrated with other electronic or acoustic drum kits, providing additional sound options and flexibility.

Does the Roland Octapad Pad-8 require an external power source?

Yes, the Roland Octapad Pad-8 requires an external power source to operate, ensuring consistent performance during use.

Electric Denim Studios

Electric Denim Studios

Roland Octapad Pad 8 Review & Tutorial

Video thumbnail for Roland Octapad Pad 8 Review & Tutorial by Electric Denim Studios

Roland Octapad Pad 8 Review & Tutorial

Electric Denim Studios

Electric Denim Studios

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Roland Octapad Pad-8 lacks onboard sound, necessitating external sound sources for functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It can trigger synth notes or control devices like the Volca Drum via MIDI.

    Source
  • Compatible with devices like the SP404sx for sample playback, offering diverse application possibilities.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Integration with DAWs allows triggering drum samples, expanding its usage beyond traditional drum machines.

    Source
  • An Edrum brain with MIDI input can convert the Pad-8 into a compact electronic drum kit.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland PAD8 Octapad (EMM Feb 86)

muzines.co.uk

Roland's PAD8 Octapad is an innovative MIDI percussion controller that offers percussionists new expressive possibilities without breaking the bank. With touch-sensitive pads and dynamic control, it enables musicians to trigger a variety of MIDI instruments, not just drums. Its robust design and clever out-of-phase switching prevent false triggering, making performance seamless. While the memory for patch presets feels limited, and the program change function is somewhat cumbersome, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise versatile and inspiring tool. The Octapad opens new creative doors, making it a hit for drummers and synth enthusiasts alike.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phil Collins uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Phil Collins

Singer, Drummer

Genesis

...
Verified via Muzines

This article mentions Phil Collins using a Roland Octapad.

See how Roger Meddows Taylor uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Roger Meddows Taylor

Singer, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via Queenconcerts

This article talks about what gear Queen used during The Magic Tour.

See how Röyksopp uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Röyksopp

Music Producer

Röyksopp

...
Verified via YouTube

you can see Svein drumming on an Octapad Pad-8 and Pad-80 thoughout this video (8 is the right one from Svein and 80 the left one the way the back is laid out gives it away)

See how Mike Rutherford uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Mike Rutherford

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Muzines

This Roland Newslink article mentions Mike Rutherford being an Octapad user as well as Phil Collins, using sticks to program rhythm machines and lines.

See how Stephen Morris uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Stephen Morris

Drummer, Keyboardist

Joy Division

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video from 1985, Morris has an Octapad-8 mounted above his hi-hat. A clear shot is available at the 4:10 mark when a stage light sweeps across the device's face, reveealing the "Octapad" logo in the upper-right (distinguishing it from other iterations that would follow).

See how Jan Hammer uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Jan Hammer

Keyboardist

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Muzines

"A lot of the drum parts are played in via a Roland Octapad so that I have the sensation of hitting something. I'll set up my old kit in the new studio and get back to hitting skins again."

See how George Michael uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

George Michael

Singer

WHAM!

...
Verified via Gmforever

According to this Musician magazine article, George Michael used a Roland Octapad on the Faith album.

See how Pat Mastelotto uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Pat Mastelotto

Drummer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Chalkhills

Mastelotto isn't shy with electronics. He used "a fair amount of samples" for composite snare sounds, including three alone for "King for a Day," played on a Roland Octopad, and the overtone of "a very ringy Ludwig similar to a tube-lug snare" sampled on an Akai S900. The drummer and his tech Paul Mitchell bent the samples with a warp function "to a note that sounded good" for each track. Tabourine-shaker, congas, tablas and other oriental percussion came from Casio FZ-1 samplers. A Yamaha RX5 drum machine crops up on the fade of "Hold Me My Daddy"; elsewhere Mastelotto used an MX8 MIDI patch bay to increase the velocity of a LinnDrum fed into a Yamaha QX2 program. An old Simmons SD55's kicks and snares are on "Chalkhills and Children" and "Poor Skeleton Steps Out." There's a Pearl SC-40 on "Cynical Days" -- "similar to a tambourine but more of a bongo" -- and "Garden of Earthly Delights," "for a low kick that bends up like a tabla." "Garden" also employs a Roland TR727 drum loop. And Mastelotto still uses sticks: Pro-Mark 5Bs or 909s, "butt-end."

See how Will Calhoun uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Will Calhoun

Drummer

Living Colour

...
Verified via Instagram

In this Instagram video showing their performance on SNL, Will can be seen with a Roland Octapad Pad-8.

See how Michael Hoenig uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Michael Hoenig

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Photo

Picture from his studio in 1987

See how Darren Partington uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Darren Partington

Drummer, Music Producer

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

When Darren's not cajoling the crowd and telling them how "absolutely fuckin' marvellous" they are, he drops in samples and plays ambient fills with a collection of records and a couple of Technics SL1200s. He also reinforces the rhythm track with congas, timbale and a Roland Octapad triggering an Alesis SR16 and S1000.

See how Larry Steinbachek uses Roland Octapad Pad-8

Larry Steinbachek

Keyboardist

Bronski Beat

...
Verified via Muzines

"We have a Yamaha RX11 drum machine but I'm a bit disappointed with that. For a start the memory is a bit limited, and because a drum machine is used like a sketchpad, it's very frustrating if you can't get enough bars into it. We use a LinnDrum with standard chips - our producer has some alternative sound chips too - and a Roland TR707 and 727 which are really good. They're amazing for the money, and we've just got an Octapad (Roland's MIDI drum pad set) which allows you to record drum patterns through MIDI onto the QX1."

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland Octapad Pad-8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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