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Description

Step back into the golden era of digital percussion with the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer. This legendary drum machine, originally released in 1985, is revered for its Latin percussion sounds and intuitive step sequencer—a staple in the arsenal of producers seeking that vintage flair. The TR-727 is a digital powerhouse that harnesses 8-bit samples, producing the gritty and punchy tones that have become iconic in electronic music.

Whether you're a producer yearning for the authentic character of early digital devices or a modern musician seeking unique percussive elements, the TR-727 delivers. Its 15 original sounds provide a rhythmic palette that can be expanded with advanced sound-shaping options, allowing you to craft distinct beats that stand out in any genre. The Analog Circuit Behavior technology ensures a meticulous recreation of the original machine's sonic nuances, offering you both nostalgia and innovation in one package.

The TR-727's interface mimics the classic hardware design, making it easy to navigate and integrate into contemporary setups. It’s perfect for those who want to blend the past and present, offering seamless integration with modern DAWs. Embark on a rhythmic journey that bridges vintage vibes with today's production capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Faithful reproduction of the iconic TR-727, featuring Latin percussion sounds
  • 8-bit sample playback for authentic early-digital sound
  • Intuitive step sequencer with advanced editing options
  • Analog Circuit Behavior technology for precise sound modeling
  • Seamless integration into modern DAWs with VST3, AU, and AAX compatibility
  • User interface that replicates the original hardware design
  • Perfect for producers and musicians seeking unique percussive elements

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model TR-727 Latin Rhythm Composer
Finish Grey
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony 10 Voices

FAQs

What type of sounds does the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer produce?

The Roland TR-727 is known for its Latin percussion sounds, featuring 15 authentic tones that include congas, bongos, timbales, and more, perfectly suited for genres like tribal, pop, and techno.

Is the Roland TR-727 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the TR-727 is equipped with a powerful sequencer, allowing you to create and manipulate patterns in real-time, making it a great choice for live performances.

How does the Roland TR-727 integrate with modern setups?

The TR-727 features MIDI input and output, allowing it to easily integrate with modern MIDI-based setups and synchronize with other gear.

Can I customize the sounds on the Roland TR-727?

Yes, the TR-727 allows you to tune, adjust decay, gain, and sample rate of its sounds, providing flexibility to tailor the percussion to your specific needs.

How many voices can the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer handle simultaneously?

The Roland TR-727 is capable of 10-voice polyphony, allowing multiple percussion sounds to be played simultaneously.

VintageSynth2013

VintageSynth2013

Roland TR727 demo

Video thumbnail for Roland TR727 demo by VintageSynth2013

Roland TR727 demo

VintageSynth2013

VintageSynth2013

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-727 - the factory demo track by SynthMania

Roland TR-727 - the factory demo track

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-707 and Roland TR-727 demo by Stefan Gubatz | Dirtbox Jams | Acid Gubi

Roland TR-707 and Roland TR-727 demo

Stefan Gubatz | Dirtbox Jams | Acid Gubi

Stefan Gubatz | Dirtbox Jams | Acid Gubi

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine by Alanda DeYoung-Krause

Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine

Alanda DeYoung-Krause

Alanda DeYoung-Krause

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer with DP-2 Pedal Switch by Busby Antiques

Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer with DP-2 Pedal Switch

Busby Antiques

Busby Antiques

Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jesse_cian_fawcett

Love the sounds in this thing

Great latin/tribal digital sampled drum machine, though the memory cartridges have gotten ridiculously expensive now. Separate outs for each sound are nice if you have the mixer channels.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

On the left, top of the rack. One in the foreground is a 707. One in the background is a 727, visible by it's blue trim. Also guilty for the latin percussion throughout the performance.

See how Aphex Twin uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

The Tuss

...
Verified via Photo

On the Syro album packaging, there is a list that shows us WHAT gear was used, WHERE it was used and in WHICH song of the album it was used. On the left side of this list, one can see written upside-down "TR727", which refers to the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer, a close brother to the 707 (almost a clone) but with different sounds and colors.

See how Martin L. Gore uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via reverb.com

Sold on Reverb.com in 2019 for charity.

This Roland TR727 Latin Drum Machine is from the private collection of Martin Gore, founding member of Depeche Mode.

SN: 562494. Undeniably cool. 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-727 Rhythm Composer

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Dog Blood

...
Verified via Equipboard

it's next to the 707 on top of the MicroKorg

See how Robin Guthrie uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

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

See how Vince Clarke uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Muzines

The live Erasure set-up - excluding the human beings - runs to an Oberheim Xpander module, a Yamaha TX rack with three modules (equivalent to DX9s in a small box, reckons Vince), a Sequential Pro-One synth, plus two Casios, the CZ1000 and CZ101, all driven by a BBC computer using the almost universally praised UMI-2B MIDI sequencer. A Yamaha RX11 and Roland TR727 (latin) supply the drums.

See how Jeff Mills uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Jeff Mills

Music Producer, DJ

The Paradox

...
Verified via Mixmag

Per this MixMag feature for 909 Day, 2018:

At first, my main drum machine was not the Roland TR-909. It was the Akai R-15, and I moved to a TR-707 next, because that was more affordable at the time. And then to the 727, because percussion was really happening at a certain point. I didn’t get my hands on a 909 until 1986. It was for a band that I was connected to but the music was not techno—it was an industrial band. So I needed a machine with robust sounds, pipes and all types of really strong sounds—and that was my first contact with the 909.

See how cEvin Key uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from March 23, 2021

See how Mathew Jonson uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from his My Studio feature for Attack Magazine, Mathew Jonson's 727 is visible.

See how Derrick May uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Derrick May

Composer, Music Producer

Derrick May & Carl Craig

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1990 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Ceephax Acid Crew uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Ceephax Acid Crew

Music Producer

Tom Jenkinson & Friends

...
Verified via YouTube

This YouTube video eventually shows some old pictures of Andy Jenkinson's studio at 2:48. The Roland TR-727 can be seen next to the Roland SH-101.

See how Étienne de Crécy uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Étienne de Crécy

Music Producer, DJ

Motorbass

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, the TR-727 can be seen.

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-727 Rhythm Composer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

maarten_van_der_vleuten

maarten_van_der_vleuten

Gear IQ 109

bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

robert_pierson

robert_pierson

Gear IQ 435

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similar sound high-end alternative

TR-8S ships with the 727's sample set onboard, and features a similar, but far more capable, sequencer.

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