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Average Price: $649
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$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
Everything Is Right
As I browsed through the sleeve notes on Moby's albums I noticed that the gear lists documented in the 1995 release Everything Is Wrong are almost identical to his current setup. Could it really be possible that this successful musician had no spare cash to spend on new studio gear during the last four years?
"From Everything Is Wrong until now I've bought a vocoder and a new sampler and that's about it. On the one hand I'd love to get a bunch of new equipment, but on the other hand there's something to be said for working with equipment with which I'm comfortable. I'm thinking that at some point I will actually switch over and get a full Pro Tools setup and start doing things more in the computer, but for this record I didn't feel compelled to do that."
MOBY GEAR Apple Mac running Steinberg Cubase sequencer. Soundcraft Spirit 24:8:2 desk. Alesis ADAT digital multitracks.
SAMPLERS Akai S950. Akai S1000. Akai S3000. Akai S3200.
SYNTHS/KEYBOARDS Casio CZ101. Emu Proformance piano module. Oberheim Matrix 1000. Roland Juno 106. Roland Jupiter 6. Serge Modular Synth. Waldorf Pulse Plus. Yamaha SY22. Yamaha SY35. Yamaha SY85.
PROCESSORS Dbx 160XT Compressor. Eventide DSP4000. Soundlab Vocoder. Yamaha SPX900.
SEQUENCERS & DRUM MACHINES Roland TB303. Roland TR606. Roland TR909. Roland TR808.
OTHER EQUIPMENT Hafler Pro 5000 Power Amp. Technics 1200 turntables. Ibanez Electric Guitar. Fender Precision Bass.
"When I first got the 606 I carried it around and listened to it like a walkman, and over the course of a day I would gradually build and re-build a rhythm until it was satisfying to listen to on its own."
Roland TR-606 can be seen during Alessandro Cortini's "synth cave" tour. The item can be seen 10:58 into this video.
In this video at 1:41 the RZA talks about his past and different machines used throughout his career, including the 606.
at 4:58 the TR-606 can be seen on the left
A user-uploaded photo shows Mark Speer using a Roland TR-606 Drumatix during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Roland TR-606 is listed on the albums Maschinenstil and A Perfect Pain.
This picture shows cEvin Key performing live with Skinny Puppy on the VIVIsectVI tour in 1988. On top of the top keyboard on the right side of the picture you can see a Roland TR-606 drum machine.
In a 2007 feature by Computer Music, Venetian Snares is shown using the Roland TR-606 Drumatix, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Bensecret.
In this video at about 13 seconds you can see the Roland TR-606 Drumatrix.
Future Sound of London equipment list from the August 1992 issue of Music Technology Magazine:
Instruments
Akai S612 Sampler + MD280 Disk Drive Akai S900 Sampler Akai S1000 Sampler w/8Mb memory E-mu Proteus/1 w/Protologic board Jen SX1000 Synth Roland D110 Synth Module Roland JX3P Synth Roland MC202 Monosynth Roland MKS50 Synth Module + PG300 Programmer Roland TB303 Bass Synth Roland TR606 Drum Machine Yamaha DS55 Synth Yamaha TX81Z
Effects
Alesis Quadraverb (x2) Alesis MIDIverb II BBE 422A Sonic Maximiser Bel Electronics BD80 Digital Delay Drawmer DS201 Dual Gate Fostex 3070 Compressor/Limiter Ibanez DM1100 Digital Delay Korg DRV1000 Digital Reverb Yamaha SPX90 Multi effects Processor
Recording
Aiwa HDX1 DAT Recorder Atari 1040ST Computer w/C-lab Creator software Fostex B16 Multitrack Groove MC2V MIDI/CV Converter Korg KMS30 Sync Unit Nakamichi 480Z Cassette Deck Sony DTC1000ES DAT Recorder Soundtracs CM4400 Mixing Desk Technics SL1200 Mk2 Turntable Yamaha NS10M Monitors
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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