Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $299
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Roland R-70 Human Rhythm Composer is a classic among drum machines, offering a perfect blend of versatility and advanced features that make it a favorite among DJs and producers. Known for its powerful sound engine, the R-70 delivers a wide variety of dynamic drum and percussion sounds, making it an essential tool for creating complex and rich rhythmic patterns. Its intuitive interface allows users to easily navigate through its extensive sound library, ensuring that both beginners and seasoned musicians can quickly find the sounds they need.
Equipped with built-in effects processing, the R-70 allows for on-the-fly adjustments, giving you the creative flexibility to tailor your beats to any style or genre. The unit's responsive pads and user-friendly sequencer provide a hands-on experience that encourages experimentation and creativity. With its ability to store and recall patterns, the R-70 is perfect for live performance and studio work alike.
The Roland R-70 is not just a drum machine; it's a comprehensive rhythm solution that brings together high-quality sound, ease of use, and advanced features, making it a staple in any musician's gear collection.
Key Features:
- Powerful sound engine with a wide variety of drum and percussion sounds
- Built-in effects processing for creative flexibility
- Intuitive interface with responsive pads and user-friendly sequencer
- Extensive sound library for diverse musical styles
- Pattern storage and recall for live performance and studio work
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | R-70 Human Rhythm Composer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1990s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Drum Machines |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 14 Voices |
FAQs
-
What type of sounds can I expect from the Roland R-70 Human Rhythm Composer?
-
The Roland R-70 offers a wide range of high-quality digital drum sounds, suitable for various genres. It features 14-voice polyphony, allowing for complex rhythm patterns and dynamic compositions.
-
Does the Roland R-70 support MIDI connectivity?
-
Yes, the Roland R-70 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, enabling easy integration with other MIDI-compatible gear and sequencers for expanded performance and recording options.
-
How does the Roland R-70 compare to other drum machines from the 1990s?
-
The Roland R-70 is known for its advanced sound engine and extensive editing capabilities, making it more versatile than many other drum machines from the 1990s. Its realistic drum sounds and programmable features make it a favorite among producers seeking vintage digital rhythm solutions.
-
Is the Roland R-70 suitable for live performances?
-
The Roland R-70 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build and versatile sound library. Its MIDI capabilities also allow it to be easily integrated into live setups with other equipment.
-
Can the Roland R-70 be used for creating complex rhythm patterns?
-
Yes, the Roland R-70 is designed for creating complex rhythm patterns, with 14-voice polyphony and extensive programmability, allowing for intricate and dynamic compositions.
Videos
Simon Guitar
Roland R70 Drum Machine Demo
Reviews
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"The studio was equipped with a 56-input Amek Mozart console with Rupert Neve modules, two Studer A800 Mk3 multitrack machines, Mac-based Pro Tools and a host of outboard gear, in addition to Akai S1100 and Kurzweil K2000 samplers; Prophet VS, Digidesign Turbosynth, ARP Odyssey, Oberheim Expander, Oberheim OBMx, Roland MKS80 and Minimoog synthesizers; Doepfer and Oberheim sequencers; a Mellotron MKIV polyphonic tape replay keyboard; a Roland R70 drum machine; and assorted Jackson and Gibson guitars."
"The Roland R-70 is a bit more 90s. We haven't used it that much yet - first album - but maybe it's going to come back. We've used crashes and little elements from it. This was one of my first drum machines. It was very cheap and it's very 90s."
Orbital is listed as using the Roland R-70 Human Rhythm Composer, according to their gear list on Hyperreal.
For Very they used: Korg M1Rs Akai S1000s Akai S3000s Roland S770 E-mu Systems Proteuses Oberheim Matrix 1000 Roland MKS80s Roland MKS50s PPG Waveterm Roland JD800 Roland Juno 106 Sequential Circuits Prophet V Roland R70 Fairlight CMI Macintosh running Notator Logic Dynaudio monitors This is according to Music Technology magazine (Dec 1993)
Here you can see Bas Bron (the group's producer) performing under his alter-ego Fatima Yamaha at a Boiler Room set. A Roland R-70 can be seen on the bottom-left side of this picture.
Per a March 15, 2013 press release hosted by the artist's label, Planet Mu:
The machine Kavain learnt to produce on was a display model of the Roland R-70, a drum machine which gave access to all previous Roland drum sounds and the ability to punch in rhythms on the fly, it’s the machine he still uses today.
In this late 2025 interview for YouTube channel Elevator Music, DJ Sluggo reveals that he was one of the Ghetto House pioneers to use the Roland R70 instead of the Boss DR-660. Both machines came out at roughly the same time, and mostly shared the same sounds and capabilities, but the R70 was full CD-quality at 44.1kHz, while the 660 was a bit grittier and downmarket at 32kHz.
Around 15:20 he states:
I had a mixer before I had the R70... which was one of my biggest machines...
In this 2017 with The Quietus, DJ Clent reveals one collaborator DJ Greedy's key tools of the trade:
Q: What was your setup when you first started producing?
DC: I didn’t have my own equipment. My first tracks were made at DJ Greedy’s house. He had a Roland R70 and a cheap DJ mixer with a push button sampler. We would make the beat in the R-70 and then record samples into the mixer. There was no midi, no sync. Now, everything is automated. It’s much easier.
Album Usage
The Roland R-70 Human Rhythm Composer has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland R-70 Human Rhythm Composer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Roland R-70 Human Rhythm Composer, curated by the Equipboard community.
$250.00
More Roland Drum Machines
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Drum Machines
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-