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Average Price: $649
High-end/Boutique
$150
$601+
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Description
Embrace the power of vintage with the Roland TR-606 Drumatix, an analog drum machine that stands as a beacon in the world of electronic music gear. This hidden gem boasts all analog drum voices and the unique ability to switch between pattern edit and play modes without halting the sequencer - a feature you won't find on an 808 or a 909. With a bass that adds depth without overpowering the mix and high hats that deliver a sharp, metallic cut, the TR-606 carves its own niche in the sonic landscape. If the allure of the past isn't your thing, consider the Roland TR-8 drum machine with optional 7X7 expansion pack. It brings digitally synthesized 606, 707, and 727 samples to the TR-8's base 808 and 909 soundset.
Key Features:
- All analog drum voices
- Seamless transition between pattern edit and play modes
- Two trigger outs for sequencing analog gear
- Balanced bass and sharp, metallic high hats
- Optional expansion pack for digitally synthesized 606, 707, and 727 samples on the Roland TR-8 drum machine
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | TR-606 Drumatix |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Drum Machines |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Polyphony | 7 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Roland TR-606 Drumatix?
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The Roland TR-606 Drumatix delivers iconic analog drum sounds, characterized by punchy kicks, snappy snares, and crisp hi-hats, making it ideal for electronic and industrial music genres.
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Is the Roland TR-606 Drumatix suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the TR-606 Drumatix is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its intuitive interface and robust build, allowing musicians to easily program and manipulate drum patterns on the fly.
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How does the Roland TR-606 Drumatix integrate with modern setups?
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The TR-606 Drumatix integrates seamlessly with modern setups through its compatibility with TR-8S and TR-06, allowing pattern transfers and control via plug-ins for enhanced versatility.
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Can the Roland TR-606 Drumatix be used with other drum machines?
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Yes, the TR-606 Drumatix can be used alongside other drum machines, providing a unique analog sound that complements digital and hybrid setups.
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Does the Roland TR-606 Drumatix offer any sound customization?
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The TR-606 Drumatix features Analog Circuit Behavior technology, allowing users to customize sounds with tuning, decay, and overdrive for a personalized sonic experience.
Videos
RetroSound
Roland TR-606 "Drumatix" Analog Drum Machine (1982)
Roland TR-606 "Drumatix" Analog Drum Machine (1982)
RetroSound
ROLAND TR-606 Analog Drum Machine 1982 DRUMATIX RHYTHM COMPOSER | HQ DEMO
AnalogAudio1
Funky Vintage: Roland TR-606 Drumatix Analog Drum Machine
Reverb
Roland TR-606 Drumatix
tiergrinder
Shawn Rudiman and the Roland TR-606 Drumatix Drum Machine (with Roland Boutique TR-06 Performance)
RolandChannel
Reviews
PROS
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Unique vintage analog character and vibe
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Easy to program, vibrant live performance tool
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Allows editing pattern sequences without stopping sequencer
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Distinct sizzle on hi-hats, bright cymbals, punchy bass, bouncy toms
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Simple step sequencer and play mode for easy jamming
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Portable with useful trigger and SYNC out/in ports
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Can be creatively integrated with other gear (e.g., Korg Monologue)
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Authentic organic analog sound, distinct from TR-808
CONS
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Requires multiple C size batteries for operation
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High hats can sound harsh; drums can't be tuned
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Plastic feel to casing and buttons, cheap construction feel
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Not MIDI-compatible without modifications or extra steps
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Snare and hats may sound too sharp/white noisy for some
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TR-606 Drumatix.
Mods and upgrades
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The Quicksilver upgrade adds mute, roll functions, and a better sequencer, enhancing live use and memory capabilities.
Source -
The Future Retro Swynx is recommended for syncing the TR-606 to a MIDI clock and adding swing functionality.
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Replacing the CPU with a Quicksilver upgrade is recommended for users who frequently use the TR-606, offering enhanced functionality and reliability.
Source
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
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Retains memory only with C cell batteries, even when using an AC adapter.
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Cleaning contacts and switches with silicone contact cleaner can resolve run/stop button issues and improve performance without needing to open the unit.
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Inspecting the PCB for cracks, lifted solder pads, or broken traces around the DIN sync socket is crucial, as these are common failure points in older Roland gear.
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Ribbon cables connecting the switch board to the main board can corrode or break, causing connection issues; cleaning or replacing these can restore functionality.
Source
Value and pricing
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Despite its limitations, the TR-606 is described as a keeper for its distinct sound, while the TR-707 is seen as an overpriced sample player.
Source
User experience
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Units may suffer from intermittent playback due to a misaligned sync input/output switch, a known issue with Roland products from this era.
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Some owners report that even without batteries, patterns might temporarily save due to residual charge in the CMOS, but this is unreliable for long-term storage.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 48 Ratings
Incredible hi hats
Here's a nice demo of the Roland TR-606:
https://youtu.be/jFIp3bw8iXM
182
Another useful Roland analog drum machine.
Very portable, two trigger outs (and SYNC out/in), nice sound, if a bit too sharp/white noisy sounding. With some EQ/slight distortion, it is extremely viable in a mix. Snare and hats are classic. Sounds nothing like the 808.
424
The little sister...
I have the 808 too and I can say that TR606 is the little sister. Still aggressive and authentic organic analog sound.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the Premier Guitar article "John Frusciante: War and Peace," it is mentioned that John Frusciante uses the Roland TR-606 Drumatix. This drum machine was notably used during his performance at "Rock Am Ring" in Germany.
In this photo, Daft Punk is seen with a Roland TR-606 Drumatix as a part of their old live set up.
in the 4th post on this page, the Drumatix can be seen in the image
Trent Reznor utilized the Roland TR-606 Drumatix in the creation of the song "Closer," as confirmed by an article on Roland's website authored by Joseph Schafer titled "Sound Behind the Song: 'Closer' by Nine Inch Nails."
Prince used a Roland TR-606 on the song Velvet Kitty Kat from the Purple Rain Deluxe edition.
"J...
Roland 808, 707, 606. I didn't have my 909 yet. There are also sequences from my predominantly Analogue Systems and Cwejman modular setup. We kept it really simple with the drum machines mostly using the one we used when first working on the song.
J..."
Dr. Dre used the Roland TR-606 Drumatix to recreate and layer drum sounds for his album The Chronic. He combined original samples with drum machine sounds, particularly from the TR-606 and TR-808, to achieve a punchier, more dynamic drum sound. This technique is especially evident in "Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang," where Dr. Dre is credited as the producer and responsible for drum programming.
In this Youtube video 0:22, Justice (Gaspard Auge) using Roland TR-606 Drumatix
Boys Noize posts a pic of his TR-606, given to him by a fan.
The Chemical Brothers are mentioned as users of the Roland TR-606 Drumatix in an article by Beathaven on Earboners, highlighting its significance in classic and vintage drum machines.
Sean Booth talks about the first gear he and Rob Brown used in this November 1997 interview with Sound On Sound magazine.
"The first stuff we had was a [Roland TR] 606, a [Casio] SK1 and SK5, then a Boss delay unit. Then we got our [Roland MC] 202, a Tascam 244 4-track and a Juno 106. It's grown so slowly that we're totally au fait with it all. But you can't forget, especially with the amount of software that we've got now, that it's very easy to get into a specific way of working and to forget what it's like to use an analogue synth, to have to deal with 40 controllers at once, for instance."
This 1996 interview offers a pretty close look at Tom Jenkinson's "full time residential studio", as he refers to it. At 1:32 into this video, his Roland TR-606 is shown with what appears to be a custom Squarepusher sticker on it.
Album Usage
The Roland TR-606 Drumatix has been featured on the following albums:
Dispara
La Texana (2025)
¿Hoy a qué vamos a jugar?
La Texana (2025)
la casa que cae
La Texana (2025)
Someday Has Begun, Pt. 1
Dr. Dre & Stevie Wonder & H.E.R. (2025)
To Jupiter and Back
Kebu (2020)
ESTO NO TIENE NADA QUE VER CON eduardo
Ed Maverick (2020)
Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)
A Flock of Seagulls (2019)
A Perfect Pain
Genesis P-Orridge & Merzbow (2018)
Labyrinths
Daedelus (2016)
Passion
Para One (2012)
Permalight
Rogue Wave (2010)
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?
Moby (1999)
Maschinenstil
Merzbow (1998)
Everything Is Wrong
Moby (1995)
Namlook III (Aliens In My Suitcase)
Namlook & Pete Namlook (1994)
The Chronic
Dr. Dre (1992)
Ninety
808 State (1989)
Purple Rain
Prince & Prince (1984)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics & Dave Stewart & Annie Lennox (1983)
Dazzle Ships
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1983)
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 TR-606 Drumatix, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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