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Average Price: $230

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$601+

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Description

Dive into the rhythmic world of electronic music with the Roland TR 626, a classic drum machine that continues to inspire DJs and producers alike. Originally released during the heyday of analog gear, this versatile machine is renowned for its authentic drum sounds and straightforward user interface. Perfect for both studio use and live performances, the TR 626 is a testament to Roland's legacy in music technology.

The TR 626 offers a wide array of preset patterns and sounds that range from classic kicks and snares to hi-hats and percussion, making it a reliable companion for crafting beats across various genres. Its intuitive design allows users to effortlessly program and tweak beats, while the built-in MIDI capabilities ensure seamless integration with other gear in your setup. The programmable memory is a standout feature, allowing users to store and recall custom patterns with ease.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or an aspiring beatmaker, the TR 626's combination of vintage charm and modern functionality makes it an essential tool for any music creator looking to add depth and character to their tracks.

Key Features:

  • 30 preset drum sounds including kicks, snares, and cymbals
  • 48 preset rhythm patterns with space to create and store custom patterns
  • MIDI In/Out for integration with other MIDI-capable devices
  • Adjustable tempo and swing for creative beat manipulation
  • Compact design ideal for both studio and live performance settings

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

What type of sounds can I expect from the Roland TR-626?

The Roland TR-626 offers 30 PCM drum and percussion sounds, providing a range of classic digital drum machine tones suitable for various music genres.

Does the Roland TR-626 have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the Roland TR-626 is equipped with MIDI Input and Output, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible gear for synchronization and control.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland TR-626 support?

The Roland TR-626 supports 8-note polyphony, enabling the layering of multiple drum sounds for more complex rhythm patterns.

Is the Roland TR-626 suitable for live performances?

With its separate voice outputs and MIDI connectivity, the Roland TR-626 is well-suited for live performances, offering flexibility in sound routing and synchronization with other equipment.

What distinguishes the Roland TR-626 from the TR-505?

The TR-626 improves upon the TR-505 by offering separate voice outputs and additional features like more drum sounds, 8-note polyphony, and enhanced MIDI control, making it a more versatile drum machine.

snolan1990

snolan1990

Roland TR-626 Demo

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-626 Demo by snolan1990

Roland TR-626 Demo

snolan1990

snolan1990

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-626 - a tombstone made of plastic by Espen Kraft

Roland TR-626 - a tombstone made of plastic

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Roland TR-626 by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Roland TR-626

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-626 vs. TR-707 | Which one should you get? by Espen Kraft

Roland TR-626 vs. TR-707 | Which one should you get?

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Roland TR -626 drum machine - Friday fun by CHARLIEtheCAT

Roland TR -626 drum machine - Friday fun

CHARLIEtheCAT

CHARLIEtheCAT

Video thumbnail for Roland TR 626 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine - Specs and Test - This is Not a Tutorial by Jaime Estevez

Roland TR 626 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine - Specs and Test - This is Not a Tutorial

Jaime Estevez

Jaime Estevez

Reviews

PROS

  • Vintage 80's sound perfect for synth-based music

  • Simple and easy-to-use interface enhances creativity

  • Great for demoing and writing synth-based tracks

  • Offers unique Latin percussion instruments

  • Ideal for genres like Hip Hop, Techno, and Latin-infused music

CONS

  • Limited drum sounds and pattern capabilities

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TR 626.

Features and functionality

  • The TR-626 features individual outs for each drum sound, allowing flexible routing and separate EQing of drum elements.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The HKA Design mod allows integration of Linn, DMX, 707, 808, and 909 sounds into the TR-626 with the installation of a modular ROM board.

    Source
  • Users recommend exploring the use of ferrite beads on cables to mitigate interference and improve signal clarity when connecting the TR-626 to modern recording setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The TR-626 is particularly suited for rock and industrial genres, providing a punchy and authentic drum sound ideal for experimental music.

    Source
  • The TR-626 can function as a MIDI sequencer, useful for triggering bass synth arpeggios in dark wave music.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the TR-626 for its realistic drum samples compared to more electronic-sounding modern drum machines.

    Source
  • Long-term users have resorted to using aluminum foil in the battery compartment to maintain functionality after extensive use.

    Source
  • Some owners have experienced electrical hum issues when using third-party adapters, particularly those not originally designed for the TR-626, highlighting the importance of matching adapter specs precisely.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Modding the TR-626 with the HKA Design requires soldering skills, specifically involving ROM removal and expansion board installation.

    Source
  • Replacing the internal battery allows pattern preservation without a memory card, crucial for maintaining creations after power-off.

    Source
  • Owners report using TRS balanced connections and ensuring good grounding to reduce 60Hz hum from older units, suggesting potential capacitor issues in vintage TR-626s.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners suggest syncing the TR-626 with Logic as a master clock via MIDI to create arpeggios.

    Source
  • It's suggested to use a DI unit with ground lift for better integration with modern audio interfaces, reducing electrical noise when sampling.

    Source

Comparisons

  • For those interested in analog drum sounds but restricted by budget, the BOSS DR-110 is recommended as a more affordable alternative to the TR-626.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland TR626

soundonsound.com

The Roland TR-626 emerges as a hidden gem in the drum machine landscape, offering remarkable value for those seeking nostalgic '80s sounds without breaking the bank. Its sleek, portable design, coupled with the surprising inclusion of eight individual outputs, makes it a versatile choice for vintage enthusiasts. However, while its sound quality is commendably clean and punchy, the limited 30-sound palette and lack of velocity-sensitive pads might not satisfy modern producers accustomed to more expansive libraries. Overall, the TR-626 is a solid, budget-friendly choice for those looking to infuse classic drum machine vibes into their music.

positive

Roland TR626 (SOS Nov 87)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland TR-626 impresses as a competent and fun drum machine, offering 30 PCM sounds, 8-note polyphony, and extensive MIDI capabilities. It excels in programmability with separate voice outputs, making it a great tool for both beginners and seasoned musicians. However, it falls short with fixed sound outputs and a lack of tempo storage in songs. Despite these minor drawbacks, its affordability and high-quality samples make it an attractive choice for those seeking an efficient rhythm composer. Avoid it if you're not ready to spend the enticing £350 price tag.

positive

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sinkingfeeling

sinkingfeeling

Gear IQ 299

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