Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $399
Standard/Professional
$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
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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
A quote from Andrew Farriss, from Mix Online article:
“I used a Roland 707 drum machine to program the groove for what became ‘Need You Tonight,’” he says. “What’s on the record is pretty much exactly what I put into the drum machine. What I also tracked from memory was the guitar riff, the bass part—which I played on a keyboard bass—and there was a rhythm guitar part that never actually ended up on the record. There was something about it that sounded right in my head, so that’s why I made the cassette recording of it: ‘I don’t know what this thing is, but there’s something in it.’”
In this video she mentions all her drum gear. The DMX is mentioned at 5:47
As seen in the drum machine shelves photos of this MusicTech article.
FewJar utilizes the Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer in their song "Two Orbits," as demonstrated in the YouTube video by Marti Fischer titled "Yay, Polygenre! | Wie geht eigentlich Fewjar?"
In a studio tour video by MusicRadar Tech, Sharooz showcases his Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer.
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skudge_elias_landbergA house dog! #house #dog #roland #tr707 #outside #onthestreet #layingdown #sunnyday #summertime #2015
9 Dec. 2016 – Live set up We can see the ROLAND TR-707 on the left of the laptop
As seen in "Palmbomen II - Cindy Savalas & Samuel Aboah Live bij 3voor12 Radio" video on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWLcXQs1RL4
The BBC Radiophonic Workshop is mentioned using the Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer in their diary, as documented by Whitefiles.
You can see his Roland TR-707 to the right of him in the 2nd picture of this interview.
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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