Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $649

High-end/Boutique

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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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

What type of sound can I expect from the Roland TR-606 Drumatix?

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.

Is the Roland TR-606 Drumatix suitable for live performances?

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.

How does the Roland TR-606 Drumatix integrate with modern setups?

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.

Can the Roland TR-606 Drumatix be used with other drum machines?

Yes, the TR-606 Drumatix can be used alongside other drum machines, providing a unique analog sound that complements digital and hybrid setups.

Does the Roland TR-606 Drumatix offer any sound customization?

The TR-606 Drumatix features Analog Circuit Behavior technology, allowing users to customize sounds with tuning, decay, and overdrive for a personalized sonic experience.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Roland TR-606 "Drumatix" Analog Drum Machine (1982)

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-606 "Drumatix" Analog Drum Machine (1982) by RetroSound

Roland TR-606 "Drumatix" Analog Drum Machine (1982)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for ROLAND TR-606 Analog Drum Machine 1982 DRUMATIX RHYTHM COMPOSER | HQ DEMO by AnalogAudio1

ROLAND TR-606 Analog Drum Machine 1982 DRUMATIX RHYTHM COMPOSER | HQ DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Funky Vintage: Roland TR-606 Drumatix Analog Drum Machine by Reverb

Funky Vintage: Roland TR-606 Drumatix Analog Drum Machine

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-606 Drumatix by tiergrinder

Roland TR-606 Drumatix

tiergrinder

tiergrinder

Video thumbnail for Shawn Rudiman and the Roland TR-606 Drumatix Drum Machine (with Roland Boutique TR-06 Performance) by RolandChannel

Shawn Rudiman and the Roland TR-606 Drumatix Drum Machine (with Roland Boutique TR-06 Performance)

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique vintage analog character and vibe

  • Easy to program, vibrant live performance tool

  • Allows editing pattern sequences without stopping sequencer

  • Distinct sizzle on hi-hats, bright cymbals, punchy bass, bouncy toms

  • Simple step sequencer and play mode for easy jamming

  • Portable with useful trigger and SYNC out/in ports

  • Can be creatively integrated with other gear (e.g., Korg Monologue)

  • Authentic organic analog sound, distinct from TR-808

CONS

  • Requires multiple C size batteries for operation

  • High hats can sound harsh; drums can't be tuned

  • Plastic feel to casing and buttons, cheap construction feel

  • Not MIDI-compatible without modifications or extra steps

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • The TR-606 excels in live play, needing careful individual output level adjustments for optimal sound.

    Source
  • The TR-606 offers real-time editing capabilities in step programming, setting it apart for users who want to program on the fly.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its unique sound distortion through guitar amps, especially with added compression and reverb.

    Source
  • The TR-606 is compared to a scaled-back TR-808, with sonic versatility across more styles, including electro, techno, and house.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Many prefer the TR-606's hi-hats over the TR-808, citing their electro-style sound as a highlight.

    Source
  • The TR-606 is favored for its crisp kicks and snappy snare, making it suitable for IDM, while the TR-707 is more aligned with house music styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Retains memory only with C cell batteries, even when using an AC adapter.

    Source
  • Cleaning contacts and switches with silicone contact cleaner can resolve run/stop button issues and improve performance without needing to open the unit.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • 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

  • Units may suffer from intermittent playback due to a misaligned sync input/output switch, a known issue with Roland products from this era.

    Source
  • 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
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 48 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
D

Incredible hi hats

Here's a nice demo of the Roland TR-606:

https://youtu.be/jFIp3bw8iXM

jordansynth

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.

L

Maximum On Minimalism

Nothing but love for this 303 intended sidekick.

federicovaona

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
See how Tiga uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Tiga

Music Producer

ZZT

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 1:14 into this video.

See how Gareth Jones (producer) uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Gareth Jones (producer)

Music Producer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Futurestyle

Roland TR-606 is included in the list of Gareth Jones' gear.

See how Amir Derakh uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

...
Verified via Twitter

According to this tweet, Derakh is using the Roland TR-606 Drumatix.

See how Kathleen Hanna uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Kathleen Hanna

Singer, Guitarist

Le Tigre

...
Verified via guitarworld

"Well, a lot of that record was made with a bunch of old drum machines from the '70s that plug into the wall and I don’t know the names of them. But definitely the Roland Drumatix drum machine was a huge part of making that record. " Kathleen Hanna said in an interview with Guitarworld.com

See how Paul Humphreys uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Paul Humphreys

Keyboardist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Sweetwater

Paul Humphreys of OMD used the Roland TR-606 Drumatix, as noted in the liner notes of their album "Dazzle Ships," according to a description on Sweetwater.

See how Dave Rowntree uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Dave Rowntree

Drummer

Blur

...
Verified via YouTube

Dave Rowntree, the drummer for Blur, is confirmed to use the Roland TR-606 Drumatix as seen in the official music video for "On Your Own" where he can be observed operating the drum machine at the 0:43 mark. Furthermore, his use of the TR-606 is also acknowledged in the Wikipedia article dedicated to the instrument.

See how Martyn Ware uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Martyn Ware

Keyboardist

The Human League

...
Verified via kitmonsters.com

Included in this list of Martyn's Roland gear.

See how Larry Heard uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Larry Heard

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Muzines

As cited in the gear list of this May '92 feature in Music Tech magazine

See how Para One uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Para One

Composer, Music Producer

TTC

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 1:42, Para One of L'Atelier and TTC shows his studio, including a Roland TR-606, for the process of making his second album 'Passion'.

See how David A. Stewart uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

David A. Stewart

Singer, Guitarist

Eurythmics

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mentioned by Stewart in this Sound on Sound "Classic Tracks" interview about "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)".

On the same trip, in a hotel room in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Stewart began playing around with EDP’s Wasp synthesizer, accidentally stumbling upon the future, more electronic direction that he and Lennox were to pursue as Eurythmics. “I could actually get some interesting things happening,” he says. “Y’know, like, sequenced little sort of random hold patterns that sounded very exciting to us, even though it was just coming out of the plastic speaker in a crappy hotel room in Wagga Wagga. We weren’t even writing songs, I was just messing about on it.”

(...) Soon after, Lennox travelled to her native Scotland to visit her parents, leaving Stewart with time alone to further his experiments with the Wasp, pairing it with EDP’s matching proto?sequencer the Spider, and a TEAC 144 Portastudio. “I kind of voraciously learned how to use that really quickly,” he says of the latter, “and I realised it was little miracle. I had done things before, even before I met Annie actually, where I’d managed to get my hands on a Revox tape recorder, and I’d bounce things in a really crappy way, back and forth, and make a kind of montage of stuff.

“But with this Portastudio and the Wasp and the Spider sequencer, and then the [Roland TR?606] Drumatix, in one way or another I managed to manipulate the drums and the sequenced keyboard together. Then I was able to choose which sections I’d sequenced and sort of fly them over and bounce them. So I’m recording on track one with the sequencer, but then I’d sort of send it to track three or four and then I could switch it in and out when I didn’t want it. I could drop in if I wanted to change to a different chord or note or sequence. So I kinda built a track, kept bouncing back and forth. Some of them became the actual tracks on the Sweet Dreams album.”

See how Jody Wisternoff uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Jody Wisternoff

Music Producer

Way Out West

...
Verified via Photo

A Roland TR-606 is pictured in a list of Jody's gear, on his official website.

See how Ian Pooley uses Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Ian Pooley

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Slices Tech Talk, Electronic Beats TV looks to delve into the heart of Ian Pooley's Berlin studio

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland TR-606 Drumatix, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
ln_stw

ln_stw

Gear IQ 102

mokkamonkey

mokkamonkey

Gear IQ 270

msh3005_records

msh3005_records

Gear IQ 396

mokkamonkey

mokkamonkey

Gear IQ 270

renierra

renierra

Gear IQ 440

mokkamonkey

mokkamonkey

Gear IQ 270

bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

A

alex1234

Gear IQ 65

renierra

renierra

Gear IQ 440

ln_stw

ln_stw

Gear IQ 102

tancredec

tancredec

Gear IQ 153

bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

4 alternative and related items for Roland TR-606 Drumatix, curated by the Equipboard community.

Behringer RD-6

$125.50 - $149.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

Fairly close clone with modern connectivity

Cyclone Analogic Drum Drone TT-606

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

This is a clone of the TR-606, using modern manufacturing techniques to deliver true analog voices at a reasonable price point.

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