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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
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What type of sounds does the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer produce?
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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.
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Is the Roland TR-727 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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How does the Roland TR-727 integrate with modern setups?
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The TR-727 features MIDI input and output, allowing it to easily integrate with modern MIDI-based setups and synchronize with other gear.
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Can I customize the sounds on the Roland TR-727?
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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.
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How many voices can the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer handle simultaneously?
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The Roland TR-727 is capable of 10-voice polyphony, allowing multiple percussion sounds to be played simultaneously.
Videos
VintageSynth2013
Roland TR727 demo
Reviews
Artist usage
Add artist
He says, "Gerald: I’m totally using analogue. 303, 101, 202, 727, 909… Analogue’s kind of what the kids enjoy these days anyway. "
In this Slices Tech Talk, Electronic Beats TV looks to delve into the heart of Ian Pooley's Berlin studio
In a video titled "Jody Wisternoff Studio Jam with Future Music" by MusicRadar Tech, Jody Wisternoff can be seen with a Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer next to his mixer, indicating its use in his studio setup.
In a 1991 interview featured in Muzines' "Deep Vibrations," Mark Bell discusses his use of the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer, highlighting its essential role in providing dedicated Latin percussion sounds during that era.
In a video interview with Telerama, Arnaud Rebotini demonstrates the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer in his studio, noting its ease of use for creating patterns.
Mastelotto isn't shy with electronics. He used "a fair amount of samples" for composite snare sounds, including three alone for "King for a Day," played on a Roland Octopad, and the overtone of "a very ringy Ludwig similar to a tube-lug snare" sampled on an Akai S900. The drummer and his tech Paul Mitchell bent the samples with a warp function "to a note that sounded good" for each track. Tabourine-shaker, congas, tablas and other oriental percussion came from Casio FZ-1 samplers. A Yamaha RX5 drum machine crops up on the fade of "Hold Me My Daddy"; elsewhere Mastelotto used an MX8 MIDI patch bay to increase the velocity of a LinnDrum fed into a Yamaha QX2 program. An old Simmons SD55's kicks and snares are on "Chalkhills and Children" and "Poor Skeleton Steps Out." There's a Pearl SC-40 on "Cynical Days" -- "similar to a tambourine but more of a bongo" -- and "Garden of Earthly Delights," "for a low kick that bends up like a tabla." "Garden" also employs a Roland TR727 drum loop. And Mastelotto still uses sticks: Pro-Mark 5Bs or 909s, "butt-end."
Orgue Electronique uses the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer, a staple in Chicago House music, as highlighted on Sternstudio's website. This drum machine, often paired with the TR-707, offers 64 patterns, 998 bars, and versatile features like step edit, trigger output, and MIDI sync. It's renowned for its distinct sounds, including punchy bass drums and gritty hi-hats. The TR-727 adds 15 additional percussion sounds, ideal for achieving a 'latino style' groove. While it provides individual outputs for control, its volume sliders offer sufficient flexibility for most users.
Album Usage
The Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer has been featured on the following albums:
Syro
Aphex Twin (2014)
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields (1999)
Doctor Who: Ghost Light (Original Television Soundtrack)
Mark Ayres & Keff McCulloch (1989)
Tiny Dynamine
Cocteau Twins (1985)
Echoes In A Shallow Bay
Cocteau Twins (1985)
Three of a Perfect Pair
King Crimson (1984)
Beat
King Crimson (1982)
Discipline
King Crimson (1981)
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 yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer, curated by the Equipboard community.
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TR-8S ships with the 727's sample set onboard, and features a similar, but far more capable, sequencer.
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