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Average Price: $399

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$601+

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Description

Delve into the retro world of rhythm with the Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer, a hidden treasure among drum machines. This compact but powerful machine offers an array of unique drum tones, and is famed for emulating the iconic bass, snare, and hi-hat sounds prevalent in the '80s, similar to its high-end sibling, the TR-909. Its affordability doesn't compromise its quality, making it a preferred choice of renowned artists from Phil Collins to Aphex Twin. With the TR-707, you're not just buying a drum machine, you're adding an era of sound to your gear.

Key Features:

  • Detailed Matrix display for intuitive operation
  • MIDI in/out for seamless integration with your setup
  • DIN sync capability for easy synchronization with other devices
  • Individual drum tone outputs for customized sound shaping
  • Replicates the snare, bass, and hi-hat sounds of the expensive TR-909
  • Loved by a range of artists from the '80s to today.

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model TR-707 Rhythm Composer
Finish White
Year 1985
Made In Japan
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony 10 Voices

FAQs

What type of sounds can I expect from the Roland TR-707?

The Roland TR-707 offers classic digital drum sounds that are iconic in early house and electronic music, featuring a full range of percussion sounds including distinct kicks, snares, hi-hats, and toms.

Does the Roland TR-707 have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the Roland TR-707 includes MIDI Input and Output, allowing it to be integrated with other MIDI-compatible gear for synchronized performance and sequencing.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland TR-707 support?

The Roland TR-707 supports 10 voices of polyphony, enabling multiple drum sounds to be played simultaneously for complex rhythm patterns.

Is the Roland TR-707 suitable for live performances?

The Roland TR-707 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its intuitive interface, reliable MIDI synchronization, and classic drum sounds that are favored in electronic and house music genres.

Can the Roland TR-707 be used for genres outside of electronic music?

While the TR-707 is renowned for its use in electronic and house music, its versatile drum sounds can be adapted for various genres, including pop and rock, depending on the creative approach of the user.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer by RetroSound

Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for The Roland TR707 Drum Machine by Doctor Mix

The Roland TR707 Drum Machine

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for ROLAND TR-707 Vintage Drum Machine 1985 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

ROLAND TR-707 Vintage Drum Machine 1985 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer (1985) by RetroSound

Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer (1985)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-707: Is It Worth It? by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Roland TR-707: Is It Worth It?

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer by tiergrinder

Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

tiergrinder

tiergrinder

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique, classic sound that rocks clubs

  • Individual outputs for each instrument enhance sound possibilities

  • Intuitive small faders for on-the-fly adjustments

  • Iconic in early house music history

  • Warm and deep sound quality compared to newer models

  • Volume slider for every drum sound, great for live performance

  • Extremely lightweight, ideal for gigging

  • Iconic 1985 design aesthetic

  • Excellent sequencer for programming rhythms

CONS

  • Cardboard-like sound quality may not suit all tastes

  • Some users may find its sound limited compared to other drum machines

  • Primarily used for handclaps by some, indicating limited appeal

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer.

Features and functionality

  • The TR-707's interface, including the individual voice volume sliders and grid programming, offers a unique user experience despite its sample playback limitations.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing the HKA Designs mod chip in the TR-707 adds the drum sounds of the 808, 909, 727, LinnDrum, LM-1, and DMX.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The TR-8S contains all TR-707 sounds and features an enhanced sequencer, offering more sound tweaking options than the original TR-707.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • TR-707 and 727 prices have significantly increased in recent years, with units previously sold for as low as $90 for both in 2014.

    Source

Other

  • The TR-707's sound is tied to its EPROM-based sample playback, with limitations in MIDI implementation, making it less versatile than modern alternatives.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 61 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jordansynth

A great drum machine for live shows.

A very unique take on the digital drum machine. Cuts through a mix pretty well, has a volume slider for every drum sound and is extremely lightweight. All of these factors make the 707 the quintessential digital drum machine for live performances.

ethicals

A Classic

We loved its sound before even knowing what the hell it was lol

rothhandlestudios

Love the handclaps

Sadly enough I use this mostyly for the handclaps as I have other machines that I prefer for bass drums etc.

Genres:
modulaire

The Roland.

The Roland TR-707 is better. Has 8 outputs, left and right and oh yes, it looks from 1985. :)

summedanddot

it's a good machone does his work

the 707 is a wonderfull machine full of good sounds and an awsome sequenzer

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

A picture of Speed Dealer Moms gear before their canceled performance on the 26th April 2009. This is John's setup. Speed Dealer Moms is the side project of John Frusciante and Aaron Funk.

See how Kevin Parker uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In a post on Instagram by Tame Impala, Kevin Parker is shown with two Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composers, highlighting their use in his setup for "One More Year."

See how Daft Punk uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Enmore Audio

Daft Punk utilized the Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer in the recording of their album Homework, as detailed in an Enmore Audio article listing their gear, notably on the track High Fidelity (Claps, Snare, Hats & Crashes) and Harder Better Faster Stronger (Claps)

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Thejoshmail

"J...

Roland 808, 707, 606. I didn't have my 909 yet. There are also sequences from my predominantly Analogue Systems and Cwejman modular setup. We kept it really simple with the drum machines mostly using the one we used when first working on the song.

J..."

See how Wes Borland uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Wes Borland

Singer, Guitarist

Limp Bizkit

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post you can spot the TR707 on the bed

See how Martin L. Gore uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via reverb.com

Sold on Reverb.com in 2019 for charity.

This Roland TR707 Drum Machine is from the private collection of Martin Gore, founding member of Depeche Mode.

Built with a detailed Matrix display, MIDI in/out, DIN syn capability and individual drum tone outputs, the Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer is an overlooked gem of a drum machine. Frequently said to capture many of the snare, bass, and hi-hat sounds of its more expensive brother, the TR-909, the TR-707 encapsulates the quintessence of '80s drum programming without crushing your wallet.

Used by artists ranging from Phil Collins to Aphex Twin, this drum machine could be the next sleeper hit for your electronic setup.

SN: 506100. I can't believe I'm holding this right now. Pretty clean 707 all things considered. No power supply.

All items in The Official Martin Gore of Depeche Mode Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity from Martin Gore.

See how Boys Noize uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Dog Blood

...
Verified via Musicradar

"This is my beloved 707. It’s a custom made one from Diabolical, from the States. What they did is that for every single instrument - bass drum, snare, toms - they put different filters in, bit crush, and pitch as well. This one I sync to the 303. I've used it on a couple of tracks already, like my acid track '1010'. It's called actually '1010' because 707 and 303 added together. It's cool, like especially on snare and toms, it sounds really cool with that effect."

See how Squarepusher uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via YouTube

This 1996 interview offers a pretty close look at Tom Jenkinson's "full time residential studio", as he refers to it. At 2:00 into this video, his Roland TR-707 can be spotted at the background with what appears to be a Roland Memory Cartridge present on the 707's respective slot.

This particular piece of gear already visually appeared in his work previously. Tom also released a record under the alias "Chaos A.D". The album is named "Buzz Caner", and features a pretty curious cover (link: http://quimby.gnus.org/circus/jukebox.php?image=display.jpg&group=Chaos%20A.D.&album=Buzz%20Caner). At the top left portion of it, there is a photograph of a guy (presumably Tom) tweaking a Roland TB-303. In this photograph, the 707 can also be spotted, along with what possibly is a 101 behind it.

See how Robin Guthrie uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

Used in the Cocteau Twins EPs Aikea Guinea, Tiny Dynamine and Echoes In A Shallow Bay.

See how Mk.gee uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Mk.gee

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

As you can see in this screenshot a tr-707. In the livestream that this is from he said he used it a lot on "museum of contradiction"

See how Moby uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Moby

Music Producer

Vatican Commandos

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen at 4:15 in the video

See how BT uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

BT

Music Producer

BT and Tommy Stinson

...
Verified via The Hollywood Reporter

BT still adores his heavily modified Roland TR-707, the Roland TR-505, the Roland 505 and the Boss DR-550 MkII. "Anything with that many switches has to sound good," he says with a laugh.

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-707 Rhythm Composer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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Gear IQ 199

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similar sound high-end alternative

Has the TR-707, TR-727, TR-808, & TR-909 emulation built-in. Also used the similar TR style step sequencing

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