Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $399
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Budget
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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
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What type of sounds can I expect from the Roland TR-707?
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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.
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Does the Roland TR-707 have MIDI capabilities?
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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.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland TR-707 support?
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The Roland TR-707 supports 10 voices of polyphony, enabling multiple drum sounds to be played simultaneously for complex rhythm patterns.
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Is the Roland TR-707 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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Can the Roland TR-707 be used for genres outside of electronic music?
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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.
Videos
RetroSound
Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer
Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer
RetroSound
The Roland TR707 Drum Machine
Doctor Mix
ROLAND TR-707 Vintage Drum Machine 1985 | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer (1985)
RetroSound
Roland TR-707: Is It Worth It?
Alamo Music Sound Lab
Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer
tiergrinder
Reviews
PROS
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Unique, classic sound that rocks clubs
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Individual outputs for each instrument enhance sound possibilities
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Intuitive small faders for on-the-fly adjustments
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Iconic in early house music history
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Warm and deep sound quality compared to newer models
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Volume slider for every drum sound, great for live performance
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Extremely lightweight, ideal for gigging
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Iconic 1985 design aesthetic
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Excellent sequencer for programming rhythms
CONS
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Cardboard-like sound quality may not suit all tastes
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Some users may find its sound limited compared to other drum machines
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 61 Ratings
182
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.
88
A Classic
We loved its sound before even knowing what the hell it was lol
1963
Love the handclaps
Sadly enough I use this mostyly for the handclaps as I have other machines that I prefer for bass drums etc.
278
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
Barely Alive uses a Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer, as seen in a photo on their official Facebook page.
Sweet Trip mentioned to a fan that they used a 707
This track, along with Spastik, and a later track called Spaz (which was more 707 driven), were cases of me just trying to see how much I could drive people's mental state and physical states.
Daniel Avery's Roland TR-707 can be seen in this Instagram picture.
Nick Taylor asks Ceephax in this article from Smart Shanghai “OK some nerdy gear questions. How much kit you bringing over to Shanghai? Is it not a huge pain in the arse to travel with all that stuff?” To which Ceephax replies “I'm bringing my flotilla of Roland hardware TR-707, TR-909, SH-101, TB-303, and my Ensoniq SQ-80.”
@torqueland: All scratch! Arturia Mini V and some TR-707 samples if I recall correctly
Konietzko gets the process rolling in a “little room full of stuff,” relying on drum machines like the Roland TR 909 and 707, samplers such as the Kurzweil 2000, E-mu Emix 20 and Prophet 202, a StudioVision Pro MIDI sequencer and Pro Tools running on a Mac 9600.
According to this tweet, Derakh is also using the Roland TR-707.
Per Music Tech, May 1992:
Instead he ended up buying a Roland Juno 6 synth and TR707 drum machine in late '84 and recorded 'Mysteries of Love', his first track under the name Mr Fingers
Included in this list of Martyn's Roland gear.
Album Usage
The Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer has been featured on the following albums:
Dispara
La Texana (2025)
Niños
La Texana (2025)
¿Hoy a qué vamos a jugar?
La Texana (2025)
la casa que cae
La Texana (2025)
Marea
La Texana (2024)
El Sol
La Texana (2024)
Terco
La Texana (2024)
![Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer as heard on Need You Tonight (Mendelsohn Extended Mix) [2024 Remaster] by INXS (2024)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/14864/need-you-tonight-mendelsohn-extended-mix-2024-remaster.jpg)
Need You Tonight (Mendelsohn Extended Mix) [2024 Remaster]
INXS (2024)
Un día como hoy
La Texana (2023)
Morro
La Texana (2023)
Trataré
La Texana (2022)
Siempre me cuesta regresar
La Texana (2021)
Resiste
La Texana (2021)
Voy a darte todo
La Texana (2021)
Lejos de tu corazón
La Texana (2021)
El Ciego
La Texana (2021)
No me quites tu calor
La Texana (2021)
A Museum Of Contradiction
Mk.gee (2020)
Grenade (2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (2019)
Hypno Seq EP
Martin Roth (2018)
Spiral
Todd Terje (2013)
1010 / Yeah
Boys Noize (2010)
Invaders Must Die
The Prodigy & The Prodigy (2009)
Discovery
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields (1999)
Homework
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)
Satan, Bugs Bunny, And Me…
The Cassandra Complex (1989)
Doctor Who: Ghost Light (Original Television Soundtrack)
Mark Ayres & Keff McCulloch (1989)
Theomania
The Cassandra Complex (1987)
Hello America (2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (1986)
Aikea-Guinea
Cocteau Twins (1985)
Echoes In A Shallow Bay
Cocteau Twins (1985)
Tiny Dynamine
Cocteau Twins (1985)
Racer-X (Remastered)
Big Black (1984)
Bulldozer (Remastered)
Big Black (1983)
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.
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Community setups
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