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Roland TR-606 Drumatix

Roland TR-606 Drumatix

^# 16

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$499.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (48)

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Roland Boutique TR-06

$275.00 - $1,059.00

5.0 (1)

Find out who is using Roland TR-606

12 community setups

38 wishlisted

157 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (10)

$499.00 28 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $649

High-end/Boutique

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Roland TR-606 Drumatix is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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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.

Videos

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RetroSound

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

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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

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The Quicksilver upgrade adds mute, roll functions, and a better sequencer, enhancing live use and memory capabilities.
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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.
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Features and functionality

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The TR-606 excels in live play, needing careful individual output level adjustments for optimal sound.
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The TR-606 offers real-time editing capabilities in step programming, setting it apart for users who want to program on the fly.
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Use cases and applications

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Known for its unique sound distortion through guitar amps, especially with added compression and reverb.
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The TR-606 is compared to a scaled-back TR-808, with sonic versatility across more styles, including electro, techno, and house.
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Comparisons

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

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 48 Ratings

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das_experiment

over 2 years ago

Incredible hi hats

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

https://youtu.be/jFIp3bw8iXM

Roles:

Music Producer

jordansynth

182

about 10 years ago

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.