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Average Price: $850

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$601+

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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 Stock Aitken Waterman uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Stock Aitken Waterman

Music Producer

...
Verified via Muzines

They take turns behind the desk, Aitken laying a guide keyboard line down from a Roland D50, and Stock building a rhythm pattern with a Linn 9000 and a Roland TR727.

See how Larry Steinbachek uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Larry Steinbachek

Keyboardist

Bronski Beat

...
Verified via Muzines

"We have a Yamaha RX11 drum machine but I'm a bit disappointed with that. For a start the memory is a bit limited, and because a drum machine is used like a sketchpad, it's very frustrating if you can't get enough bars into it. We use a LinnDrum with standard chips - our producer has some alternative sound chips too - and a Roland TR707 and 727 which are really good. They're amazing for the money, and we've just got an Octapad (Roland's MIDI drum pad set) which allows you to record drum patterns through MIDI onto the QX1."

See how DJ White Shadow uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

DJ White Shadow

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

DJ White Shadow is seen selecting his Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer from storage in a photo shared on his Instagram.

See how Shawn Rudiman's uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Shawn Rudiman's

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In his studio, Shawn Rudiman uses the Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Wikimedia.

See how Mark Ayres uses Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

Mark Ayres

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

"Hah! Off the top of my head. Roland S-550 Sampler with loads of custom samples. Roland JX-3P, D-50, D-110, SH-101 synths and TR-707 and TR-727 drum machines. Yamaha DX7, TX81Z."

Explaining the synthesizers he used for Doctor Who.

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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