Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $426
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your rhythm with the Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer, a compact powerhouse that brings the iconic sounds of the legendary TR-606 Drumatix and more into the palm of your hand. Perfect for on-the-go producers, the TR-6S packs a punch with its six-track sequencer, allowing for intricate beats and patterns. This little dynamo bridges the gap between classic analog textures and modern digital flexibility, all while maintaining a budget-friendly stance in the realm of high-end drum machines. Whether you're crafting beats in a studio or performing live, the TR-6S ensures your creative flow is never interrupted.
Key Features:
- Six-track sequencer for complex rhythms and patterns
- Inspired by the legendary TR-606 Drumatix, blending classic and modern drum sounds
- Portable design, ideal for mobile producers and live performances
- Extensive sound library that includes iconic Roland drums and synth sounds
- Advanced editing capabilities for fine-tuning your beats
- Supports battery operation for making music on the move
- USB connectivity for easy integration with other gear and software
Product specs
| Type | Drum Machine with Sequencer |
| Pads | 16 x Sequencer Trigger Pads |
| Sounds | Preset Samples, FM Sound Engine, Analog Circuit Behavior Tones: TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707 |
| Kits | 128 x User Kits |
| Patterns | 128 x User Patterns |
| Sequencer | 16-steps per variation, 8 variations per pattern, 6 x instrument parts |
| Sampling | Sample Playback (WAV, AIFF) |
| Effects | Reverb, Delay, Compressor, Filters, Distortion, Fuzz, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Mod |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (L/mono,R) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/8" |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/USB |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Storage | SD/SDHC Card Slot |
| Power Source | USB bus powered / 4 x AA batteries |
| Height | 2.37" |
| Width | 8.81" |
| Depth | 5.18" |
| Weight | 1.56 lbs. |
FAQs
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What types of sounds can the Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer produce?
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The Roland TR-6S offers a variety of sounds, including preset samples and FM sound engine tones. It features authentic Analog Circuit Behavior tones from classic Roland drum machines like the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, and TR-707.
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How many tracks can the Roland TR-6S sequence simultaneously?
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The Roland TR-6S can sequence up to six instrument parts simultaneously, allowing for complex and dynamic rhythm compositions.
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Is the Roland TR-6S compatible with DAWs like Ableton Live?
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Yes, the Roland TR-6S can connect to DAWs such as Ableton Live via USB, enabling you to record and integrate its sounds into your digital audio projects.
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What are the power options for the Roland TR-6S?
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The Roland TR-6S can be powered via USB bus or with four AA batteries, offering flexibility for both studio and portable use.
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Can I use my own samples with the Roland TR-6S?
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Yes, the Roland TR-6S supports sample playback in WAV and AIFF formats, allowing you to incorporate your own sounds into your beats.
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Does the Roland TR-6S have built-in effects?
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The Roland TR-6S includes a range of built-in effects such as reverb, delay, compressor, filters, distortion, fuzz, phaser, flanger, and ring mod, enhancing your sound design possibilities.
Videos
loopop
Roland TR-6S vs TR-8S vs MC-101 // Review and full workflow tutorial
Roland TR-6S vs TR-8S vs MC-101 // Review and full workflow tutorial
loopop
Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer Overview
RolandChannel
Rolands new drum machine TR-6S! - Better than expected
Accurate Beats
Bad Gear - Roland TR-6S
AudioPilz
Roland TR-6S - a very honest review | Best Shortcuts + Everything you need to know
Captain Pikant
Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer Video Manual
Roland Cloud Academy
Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer
RolandChannel
![Video thumbnail for Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer [In-Depth Demo] by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments](https://img.youtube.com/vi/kGcdCovoN1g/mqdefault.jpg)
Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer [In-Depth Demo]
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Roland: TR-6S Rhythm Performer | Full Demo and Review
Happy Mag
Reviews
PROS
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Battery power enhances portability and usability off-grid
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Includes classic Roland drum machine sounds plus FM engine and samples
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Versatile; suitable for songwriting, performance, and studio setups
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Easy to program with various recording methods and quantization options
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Features mix faders for intuitive track mixing
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Compact design fits into small studio spaces or for on-the-go use
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Capable of sequencing entire songs with pattern variations
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USB and MIDI integration for easy DAW syncing
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Can import samples for expanded sound possibilities
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Offers a great price-to-performance ratio in its market segment
CONS
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Menu diving necessary for deeper editing and customization
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Loading samples via SD card can be tedious
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Some users may find the interface less intuitive for kit or instrument parameter adjustments
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Limited sound design capabilities compared to more comprehensive units
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer.
Features and functionality
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The TR-6S lacks baked-in vintage kits like CR78 or DR110; users must load samples, which can be a tedious process but offers good sound quality.
Source -
The TR-6S allows bass synthesis and sample loading, though note programming requires adjusting tuning parameters, which can be non-intuitive compared to traditional note entry.
Source -
The TR-6S includes FM synthesis, which the original TR-8 lacks, providing expanded sonic possibilities for users seeking diverse sound design options.
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The TR-6S is noted for its ability to perform as a percussion sound module when paired with an external sequencer, making it a versatile addition to a DAW or hardware setup.
Source
Comparisons
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Users suggest the Elektron Model:Samples as an alternative for vintage sounds, noting it's cheaper, larger, and has more knobs than the TR-6S.
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The Yamaha RX5 is praised for its vintage 12-bit sound and modern MIDI features, available for $300-$400, as an alternative to the TR-6S.
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The JD-Xi is recommended as a cost-effective alternative for hip hop production, offering both new and used options within a sub £400 budget.
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The TR-8 is highlighted as a performance instrument with no menu diving, offering immediate hands-on control, whereas the TR-6S is more suited for studio work with its extensive menu options.
Source
User experience
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Some owners find the TR-6S workflow fussy and the 6-track limit potentially restrictive, but it's compact and portable with battery power.
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Owners appreciate the TR-6S for its powerful sequencer and impactful ACB sounds, especially for recreating classic 808 drum kits.
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Owners mention the TR-8's design, which includes FX and classic 808/909 sounds, emphasizing its straightforward, enjoyable playability without needing to navigate menus.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Ideal for those wanting to explore beyond beginner equipment, offering room to grow or resell if not satisfied.
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Despite its strengths in techno and EBM, the TR-6S is less intuitive for hip hop production compared to an MPC, but still enjoyable and potent for its price.
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The TR-8 is preferred for live performances due to its intuitive interface and dedicated knobs, while the TR-6S is favored in studio settings for its compact size and additional sound capabilities.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 9 Ratings
131
Fantastic sound and fantastic value!
I’ve had many drum machines over the years but I got this one used for $275. I wasn’t expecting much but I have to say I am blown away by the sound and the functionality that’s packed into this little battery powered drum machine. This is one of the devices you can bring with you when you’re camping or on the bus and plug-in headphones and get to work programming beats. It sounds fantastic annd even better, you can use USB audio to split the instrument tracks for processing in your DAW if you’re into that. The limitations are all reasonable and do not detract from how capable this unit is it punches way above it class. Highly recommended.
100
Small footprint, big sound.
I bought the TR6s to use primarily as a sound module. I already have a Digitakt and a Rytm but wanted the ACB recreations of the classic Roland drum sounds that I could edit rather than rely on samples. It does not disappoint. The sound engine, sequencer and most features are the same as can be found in the units big brother, the TR8s. The sequencer is a modern version of the classic Roland X0X step sequencer, with some neat tricks like modern Elektron-esque per step modulation (albeit significantly more limited). There is also midi and audio over USB for easy DAW integration and the unit is battery powered so you can take it anywhere and jam. The main downsides are that the unit is fiddly, there is a fair bit of menu diving and limited hands on control, but for the size of the unit it’s unavoidable really. In my opinion, it can’t match it with the Elektron machines or even the TR8s, but all in all i’d recommend the TR6s if you’re after the sounds of of the classic Roland TR drum machines to fit on your desk or in your backpack or carry-on luggage. For the price it’s hard to beat.
1539
To upgrade or not to upgrade...
I got this to get some more Roland-y drum synth sounds to compliment my Elektron Digitone. It sounds really great, and the workflow honestly feels a little easier to comprehend than the Digi. Love the FM sounds on it as well and ability to import samples I imagine is going to open this thing up quite a bit (have not even touched it yet). I'm already considering upgrading to a TR-8S... Because my GAS is out of control lately... but I do like the more compact form factor, so we'll see!
820
Love it!
Great compact Drum machine! Little bro to the TR8S. I use it with my Roland MC101.
Artist usage
Add artist
at the bottom of this page, you can see Richard Devine created a pair of modular kits for the TR-6S and TR-8S that you can download.
In this Instagram post by goreshit, you can see the Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer. The description states it was used at The White Hotel, in Manchester.
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-6S Rhythm Performer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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