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Average Price: $225
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Description
Step into a world where vintage meets versatility with the Roland TR-626 Rhythm Composer. Revered for its classic electronic drum sounds, this iconic drum machine has earned its place in music history, influencing genres from hip-hop to house. The TR-626 offers a wide array of percussion sounds that remain true to the original analog warmth, yet with the precision of digital control. It is the perfect tool for DJs and producers looking to incorporate retro flair into modern tracks.
The TR-626 features a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners, while offering enough depth to satisfy seasoned musicians. Its 12-pad setup provides intuitive control over a diverse selection of drum sounds, allowing for dynamic performances. With MIDI capability, the TR-626 can easily integrate into any modern setup, providing seamless synchronization with other gear. Whether you're crafting beats in the studio or performing live, this drum machine brings a touch of the past into the present with its unmistakable sound.
Key Features:
- Classic electronic drum sounds with digital precision
- 12 responsive drum pads for dynamic control
- MIDI compatibility for easy integration into modern setups
- Intuitive interface suitable for both beginners and professionals
- Versatile sound palette with a mix of percussion options
- Perfect for a wide range of musical styles, from hip-hop to electronic
- Vintage design with modern functionality
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | TR-626 Rhythm Composer |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Drum Machines |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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Does the Roland TR-626 Rhythm Composer have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Roland TR-626 features both MIDI input and output, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices for synchronized performances or studio setups.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland TR-626 offer?
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The Roland TR-626 provides 8 voices of polyphony, enabling users to create complex and layered drum patterns.
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Is the Roland TR-626 suitable for live performances?
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The Roland TR-626 is suitable for live performances due to its MIDI connectivity and versatile sound palette, making it a reliable choice for DJs and live electronic musicians.
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What type of sounds can I expect from the Roland TR-626?
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The Roland TR-626 offers a variety of digital drum sounds typical of 1980s drum machines, suitable for genres like synth-pop, electronic, and retro-inspired music.
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Can the Roland TR-626 be used with modern DAWs?
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Yes, with its MIDI I/O, the Roland TR-626 can be connected to modern DAWs, allowing it to be used as both a sound source and a sequencer in digital audio workstations.
Videos
Espen Kraft
Roland TR-626 - a tombstone made of plastic
Roland TR-626 - a tombstone made of plastic
Espen Kraft
Bad Gear - Roland TR-626
AudioPilz
Roland TR 626 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine - Specs and Test - This is Not a Tutorial
Jaime Estevez
Roland TR-626 demo
CHARLIEtheCAT
Reviews
PROS
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Vintage piece with a great 80's sound, ideal for retro music styles
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Simple and easy-to-use interface
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Contains classic mid-80's Roland sounds (e.g., conga, bongos)
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Multiple outputs are handy for adding effects to individual parts
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Responds well to effects, enhancing versatility
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Has unique Latin percussion sounds, broadening its musical range
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Affordable find for vintage gear enthusiasts
CONS
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Limited drum sounds and pattern capabilities
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Programming can be annoying and less intuitive compared to newer models
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Sound may be tamer compared to TR-707/TR-727 models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TR-626 Rhythm Composer.
Mods and upgrades
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Tablebeast's mod involves using a 25-pin Parallel D sub cable, typically used for printers, making it difficult to source for the TR-626.
Source
Features and functionality
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Tablebeast's modification connects to the address and data lines of the sample ROMs, offering a secure way for beginners to experiment with circuit bending.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Building a mod box requires a breadboard to test connections, with options for interfaces like switches, buttons, or a patch bay.
Source
Value and pricing
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Owners consider $200 a reasonable price for a professional mod box, noting its potential to increase the TR-626's value.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings
128
decent cheap drum machine
i got this one for 30 dollars at a pawn shop, by itself its alright but fed through overdrive or audio inputs on things like a microbrute it can become a completely different beast. would be 4 stars but i had to take one away because of how annoying it is to program. still, if you find this cheap i would get it
182
The 707/727 merged into a wedge-like device.
Contains the sounds of the TR-707/TR-727, though the 626 sound a bit tamer for some reason. It has a trigger out and individual outs. It is a useful addition if you want some of those classic mid-80's Roland sounds (conga, bongos, rimshot, etc) but don't want to buy a 707 and 727. The programming is easier than you would think, but again, it is no 707 in that department.
64
Great for circuit bending. multiple outputs. tunable samples. sequencing is just alright.
out of the box, might seem sort of drab but it responds to effects well and the multiple outputs are handy for adding effects to only one part (like snare or hats only), sequencing is ok but ive been using preset patterns and focusing more on tweaking sounds by circuit bending and adding effects etc. sounds GREAT through a decent compressor (wakes its sound up a lot.) lots of great low bit sounds can come from this if you have a soldering iron.
Artist usage
Add artist
On the list of equipment used to make Syro.
Vangelis has used a Roland TR-626, according to this book.
You can seet it in the bottom left at 3:36
In the mini-documentary "The Formula" by The FADER, Gus Dapperton is seen using the Roland TR-626 Rhythm Composer, showcasing its role in his creative process.
While the 707 in this video is a loaner the 626 Espen is demonstrating is his own.
In a studio tour featured on MusicRadar Tech's YouTube channel, Sharooz showcases his Roland TR-626 Rhythm Composer, highlighting its role in his music production setup.
"I was trying to programme breakbeats on a Roland TR-626 drum machine, running it through a cheap DOD distortion pedal to make it sound rougher."
Throughout the Sonic The Hedgehog soundtrack, various TR-626 sounds can be heard in the DAC channel. A TR-626 snare, for example, is used throughout the soundtrack, but it is pitched up. The sounds can also be heard in Masa's demo versions of the soundtrack.
In the VR Sessions live video of Agar Agar performing "Aquarium," Clara Cappagli is seen using the Roland TR-626 Rhythm Composer. The drum machine is positioned at the bottom right in the virtual reality view. Additionally, the back of the TR-626 is visible in other live performances, such as in another video on YouTube.
"I usually start with the drums and then add the bass", explains Leer. "The drum sounds can vary - lately I've been using a Roland TR626, but the sounds aren't particularly brilliant on that, so I supplement it with samples from the Akai. The way I write can vary from song to song. Sometimes the chords will all be there in my head, and I'll sit down at the keyboard and pick them out - building the rhythm around them. Other times I will just be looking for inspiration, so I'll start with a rhythm part and fiddle around until something starts happening. Then again, sometimes Claudia will give me the completed lyrics, and they'll trigger off a rhythmic or melodic idea."
Album Usage
The Roland TR-626 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 TR-626 Rhythm Composer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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