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Average Price: $399

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$150

$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 Clarence Clarity uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Clarence Clarity

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"literally will not use any other product. #Roland #707"

See how David Wise uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

David Wise

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

A photo of David Wise playing a Roland Alpha Juno shows a Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer next to him, confirming its use.

See how Luke Slater uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Luke Slater

Music Producer

S/D

...
Verified via Photo

Per this photo from a June 28, 2018 feature for Future Music Magazine, a TR-707 can be seen on the top shelf in the photo background.

See how Marshall Jefferson uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Marshall Jefferson

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Marshall Jefferson uses tr 707 in this photo

See how Groove Armada uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Groove Armada

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:58, Andy can be seen briefly with what seems to be a Roland TR 707

See how Jacques Greene uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Jacques Greene

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Drum sequencer hooked up to the Roland tt 303 at around 35 seconds

See how Arnaud Rebotini uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Arnaud Rebotini

Black Strobe

...
Verified via YouTube

Arnaud explains how to use it in the video (timecode 4'15'')

See how Lil Ugly Mane uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Lil Ugly Mane

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via Siccness Network

Noted to be owned by Ugly Mane in a now deleted Facebook post

i gotta tr707 and a keytar in the living room hooked up to a goofy midi rack. if the laptop doesnt get fixed and i have to resort to using them to drop an e.p, I WILL... AND YOU GUYS WILL BE TOTALLY FUCKED. CASIO DOG BARKING EVERYWHERE.

See how Jessy Lanza uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Jessy Lanza

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Iconic drum machine in the upper right corner!

J

Joel Niño, Jr

Bassist, Keyboardist

Twin Tribes

...
Verified via Dark Music Net

In this interview with Dark-Music.net , Twin Tribes state: "The gear we used is what gave us our sound aside from the hours of creating patches. Definitely the Roland JX-3P, Korg Poly 800, Roland TR-707, Roland JC 120 and the LinnDrum."

See how Marc Romboy uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Marc Romboy

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

On the picture you can see the Roland TR-707 under the TR-808.

See how Stephin Merritt uses Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

Stephin Merritt

Singer, Guitarist

The Magnetic Fields

...
Verified via Discogs

Stephin is credited using this equipment in the liner notes for 69 Love Songs.

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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dj_k9

dj_k9

Gear IQ 426

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primecandidate

primecandidate

Gear IQ 147

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bubbajones

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rflob

rflob

Gear IQ 128

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noisengineer

Gear IQ 196

architecturemusic

architecturemusic

Gear IQ 79

primecandidate

primecandidate

Gear IQ 147

primecandidate

primecandidate

Gear IQ 147

ln_stw

ln_stw

Gear IQ 102

Y

yeager101

Gear IQ 248

dkdivedude

dkdivedude

Gear IQ 199

5 alternative and related items for Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland AIRA TR-8S

$659.00 - $899.99

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

Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer

$347.50 - $453.99

newer similar sound

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

Roland TR-505

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